Life's Loves: March Favourites

It’s been another busy month in my life - as always! The last few weekends have been filled with plane and train journeys aplenty, with a luxury weekend in London (staying at Artist Residence, brunching at Source in Battersea and enjoying afternoon tea on a London bus), a long weekend in Hamburg (numerous posts to follow), a Mother’s Day trip home and a luxurious ESPA facial. I feel like I haven’t really had a moment to breathe, but it’s the kind of busyness I relish, seeing loved ones and experiencing exciting new things.

Naturally, a few of these experiences will crop up in this month’s favourites, and some others will be items I’ve picked up along the way which I have fallen in love with!

As always, the names always link to relevant sites so you can view (and maybe order) a few of these things for yourself. I hope this might introduce you to a few new favourites too.

Beauty 
 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude medium coverage foundation and primer

I’ve religiously stuck to an old favourite for foundation for years and years. My trusty Bourjois Healthy Mix lasted well, but at the end of February I felt the need to try something new, and picked up a pair of Rimmel’s new offerings in a Boots 2 for £10 offer (which meant that, technically, one of these bottles only cost me £3!).

I like to review products after I’ve had a good chance to try them, and I’m sure I’ll be writing a more in-depth piece later this month / next month. However, I’ve loved using these two so far. I opted for the lighter coverage foundation as I’m not a fan of covering my skin in a thick layer of warpaint every single day, but it makes a nice change from my usual daily BB cream. I’m very pleased with the colour, texture and coverage, and am actually enjoying using it - which doesn’t happen much!

  

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Fanfare

At the very beginning of the month I attended the Instyle Best Beauty Buys event at my local John Lewis. The £10 ticket to the event could be put towards a purchase that evening, and so I couldn’t resist adding to my steadily growing MAC lipstick collection - after all, it only technically cost me £5!

I wanted a more neutral colour to wear on a more daily basis than my bright Ruby Woo and Rhianna Viva Glam shades. After a little bit of pondering, I plumped for Fanfare - a lovely simple pink shade which doesn’t stand out too much, but gives my lips a beautiful tint and shine. I’ve worn this beauty a lot and it’s even suitable for the office.

ESPA

I recently told you about my luxurious ESPA facial experience with Jo at John Lewis in Southampton, and since then I have been using the samples I was given on a very regular basis. ESPA products really are an indulgent treat for a high-street beauty buyer like myself, but it really does make a difference as my skin feels divine after using them. I’m yet to work out which I really love, but I’m sure I’ll be sharing them when I know!

Yves Saint Laurent Light Creator Serum

This is possibly one of the most indulgent products I own. I was also gifted this in my goody bag at the Instyle Best Beauty Buys event! I'll be completely honest - I wasn't entirely sure what to do with this product at first, but after a little research I began applying it as a base, and loved the feel of it on my skin. This serum has been formulated to create a radiant and even-toned base for your face, reflecting light and correcting uneven skin tone and dark circles. It feels a little strange applying something shimmer, especially when you're just heading to the office, but this has become a firm favourite and I'm enjoying using something a little special. I'm not certain it's doing exactly what it promises, but it's fun to use and smells lovely.

Jewellery

&Other Stories Rings

I’d never heard of & Other Stories until my friend introduced me to the store in Hamburg. Now I’m aware of the store it’s popping up all over Instagram - which is always the way! I hear there’s a store in London, so I’ll be popping in next time I’m nearby as I have utterly fallen in love with all of their products!

I’m trying to expand my somewhat paltry jewellery collection and am enjoying wearing more rings, so I couldn’t resist picking up a couple to take back as a memento of my long weekend in Germany. I fell for a delicate rose gold / bronze single link ring with a simple detail, and a 'dark silver' ring which is perfect to wear on my thumb. I’ve been wearing both nonstop - though the thumb ring is a little big and I have nearly lost it a few times! I’d love to pick up some more of their pieces.

Food & Drink

Mettricks, Southampton

I’ve been meaning to visit Mettricks in Southampton for months after hearing fellow local blogger Annie Writes Beauty  raving about it! I love a local coffee shop, and finally popped in after my ESPA facial with my housemate. I tried my first ever London Fog there - along with a cheeky slab of delicious brownie - and it was such a lovely place to while away a few hours. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was so relaxed. There were students in there working on projects and friends catching up over coffee - and let me tell you, London Fog is a firm favourite of mine now. I’ll be back for more soon, Mettricks!

Fashion & Fitness

Karrimor Running Shoes

In my bid to run faster and better for my looming 10km, I splashed out on some proper footwear to replace my five-year-old trainers which wouldn’t look out of place in my Year 9 P.E. classes. After a little guidance from staff at my local Sports Direct, I plumped for a pair from Karrimor. They’re bright pink and black and are made almost entirely of reflective material - and are lighter than air! Pink isn’t usually my colour, but they seem to make running more exciting. So far they’ve been a joy to use and have made it easier to run further. I also managed to get them reduced from £80 to just under £40 (though I think they're even cheaper now!) so it really was an investment. I’m looking forward to using these even after my run is over.

Books

To the Letter, by Simon Garfield

I'm not one for non-fiction books. Upon visits to Waterstones, or my local independent bookstore, I am drawn towards novels and cook books. However, I was gifted this book for my birthday last year, and it's really satisfied my inner academic! I've always been one for education and interesting facts, and this book really does the trick. Although I've only read a few chapters so far, I am keen to finish it. Garfield's book recounts the history of correspondence, and is written in a truly engaging way - it's not stuffy at all. A must-read for any keen letter-writers or collectors of interesting facts! I'll look forward to reviewing this once I've finished it.

What have been your favourites over the last month? I'd love to hear your thoughts on my top picks - have you ever used any of them? Let me know in the comments!

Sweets for your sweet: Valentine's Day 2015

I truly believe that you should never just confine love to just one day - or, in other words, your loved ones should know how you feel about them 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Valentine's day isn't about over the top, romantic gestures for me - rather, my heart can be won by little tokens of meaningful affection - a small card with a heartfelt note, a cute cupcake, or homecooked food. Words and gestures should say it all - no need for extravagant floral arrangements, decadent diamonds or - as I've seen before on social media - ipads and holidays - though each to their own! Meaningful romantic gestures can take on a variety of forms dependent on the couple, of course!

Yes, more often than not, words and small tokens are the best ways to show love in my opinion. For me, Valentine's Day is often marked simply by adding a hint of pink or red to the day's outfit, and enjoying some quality time with someone special.

Valentine's Day shouldn't be confined to loved-up couples either - love is felt for friends and family and even for yourself, so it's the perfect opportunity to spoil someone special in your life, be they your other half, friend, housemate or relative...don't confine it to romantic relationships.

In light of my thoughts, here are a selection of bits and pieces which I will be making use of this Valentines. I was lucky enough to be gifted a little box of edible Valentine's Day treats from Marks and Spencer* - so I've decided to pair them up with a few of my personal love-themed favourites which I will wear and use on Saturday. No trips to see Fifty Shades of Grey for me!

As usual, I only blog about things I really like - and believe me, these edible gifts are pure heaven.

Guys and gals, if you're trying to woo your beloved and you're stuck for ideas, head over to M&S - they have the perfect little treats to spoil your lad or lass without going over the top.

Firstly there are their 'Love Bugs' - delicious little chocolate domes filled with oozing caramel. Then they've created 'Nuts About You'...'caramelised peanuts smothered in milk chocolate with crispy butterscotch pieces'. Wow...these are some very naughty little bites of heaven! 

'Lovers Heart' is an adorable pack of two chocolate biscuits coated in vanilla fondant and raspberry pieces - and really is made to be shared over a cup of tea - my idea of bliss. However, if you or your sweetheart are not fans of chocolate, then 'Hook Line and Sinker' is for you - an assortment of jelly sweets to tickle the taste buds. A lovely idea from M&S to cater for those who can't (or won't!) be indulging in chocolate.

These M&S treats are perfect to be shared, or indulged in alone! You'll be tempted to keep it all for yourself, just as I am... I'm very much an advocate for self-love, so why not treat yourself to a packet or two?

This Valentine's Day I'll be enjoying my M&S goodies with a few other love themed delights:

I'll be painting my nails in Rimmel London's 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Rose Libertine.

My lips will be painted in Revlon's Colourburst Matte Balm in Elusive.

I'll be smelling divinely of Nina by Nina Ricci.

My lashes will be coated with my current favourite, Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascara.

I'll be reading Love Letters of the Great War by Mandy Kirkby and Helen Dunmore,

and burning Bayliss & Harding's Jojoba Silk and Almond Oil candle.

Last year I also wrote a little advice about falling in love with yourself. It is so important to make sure that you put yourself first often and satisfy your own needs, showing the same affection to your own soul as you do for others. This is another important thing to remember this Valentine's Day, and another excuse to treat yourself!

Happy Valentine's Day one and all - and remember, everyone has a valentine - just be sure to love yourself first.

*As usual, these treats were provided for me by Marks & Spencer, but all views are my own. The other products mentioned are all my own, and were purchased myself.

Life's Loves: January Favourites

Last year I documented my favourite items every month in my creatively named 'Monthly Favourites' series - a concept which is seen on hundreds of blogs and YouTube channels.

I loved the idea of keeping track of my favourite products - I'm not much of a beauty blogger, but I love to shout about the things I do find that are great quality - be they cosmetics, food or books!

I want to continue doing this but, for 2015, I fancied a bit of a face lift. I'd like to broaden my views each month and take a look at everything that has captured my heart for the previous thirty days; products, yes, but also music, films, other people's blog posts and ideas which have made me think a little harder.

So without further ado, here's everything that has captured my heart during the first month of 2015.

Beauty

Le Couvent des Minimes - Cologne of the Morning

Just before Christmas I was lucky enough to win a selection of beauty products from Le Couvent des Minimes on the lovely Zoe Newlove's blog. My prize arrived mere days before Christmas with a gorgeous stocking and, my, the contents were superb. I'm hoping to do another post detailing the products in more detail, but I have fallen in love with this natural company. My favourite for the last month has to be the Cologne of the Morning, which is gorgeously fresh and the perfect spring-time scent. Keep your eyes out for another post on this brand soon.

Rimmel London - Kate Matte Lipstick 107

Ah, a cult blogger beauty classic. This little beauty is literally on everyone's lips. I've been wearing this lipstick a lot this winter - the perfect deep wine shade, flattering and very long lasting. I'll probably still be wearing it throughout spring when lighter shades should be adopted.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara

I choose my mascara very wisely, and when I saw this recommended by many bloggers and friends on Instagram and Twitter I knew I had to try it out - especially since it was on offer when I hunted it down! It works like a dream, makes my lashes look longer and separates them wonderfully. I also love the packaging - one of the main turn-offs for me is garish, bright or tacky packaging.

Weleda - Skin Food & Almond Soothing Facial Oil

These two have been saving my skin throughout the winter and really are utterly fantastic - and completely natural! I plan to write a full post on these gems later this month but for now I'll just say that my skin has never felt so good - Weleda are well and truly on the radar for me now.

Jewellery:

Beadin' Nora Rose Gold Necklace - Notonthehighstreet.com

This gorgeous necklace was a present from my parents at Christmas - it's so delicate and understated and I get so many compliments when I wear it. I do really think I need to check out Notonthehighstreet.com more! Rose gold is just beautiful too.

Books:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

After receiving this book from my (not-so) Secret Santa at work, I was excited to finally see what all the fuss was about! It took me a few weeks to finish, but this book made me want to go to bed early just so that I could read some more. Watch out for a spoiler-free book review coming soon!

TV:

Hannibal

Ok, this is a bit cheeky - this is my housemate's new DVD set, and I've only been watching them with her - but it's an absolutely brilliant TV show. It's the perfect combination of crime, mild horror and  thriller, with an excellent cast. It's gory at times, but this is made bearable through the pure imagination and intricacy of the stories - I find it fascinating that people come up with ideas like these! I'm looking forward to finishing the first series and recommend it to any box-set junkies out there.

Food & Drink:

Ebb & Flow, Southampton

I loved my lunch date at Ebb & Flow, a new restaurant / bar in Southampton's city centre a few weeks ago. I am already planning my next visit to test their cocktails.

The Corner House, Winchester

The Corner House cafe in Winchester is a little gem tucked away from the main high street, and was recommended to me by a close friend. I went last week and it's already one of my favourite eateries in the city. It's cosy, with delicious food, an impressive cake selection and a lovely atmosphere. I can't wait to go back - and as usual, you can read my review!

Chococo Cherry and Amaretti Clusters

Chococo is a local chocolate company - which makes this even better as I love finding smaller, local and fresh companies to support! I always try and pick up a couple of gifts for others when I visit their Winchester store, but this time I bought a little something for myself. These are little bites of heaven -  the flavours combine perfectly. Because they use 67% dark chocolate, they relieve my chocolate craving but mean I don't need to eat the whole packet to feel satisfied! A true treat - I can't wait to try more of their products.

Recipes:

Spanish Scrambled Eggs

You may have already seen my recipe post this month inspired by the Happy Egg Co.'s January Tastemaker's challenge. I can't wait to whip up this tasty breakfast treat again!

LOVE Life chickpea and butternut squash curry, by Waitrose

 I recently made this recipe from the Waitrose website and couldn't believe how easy, simple and tasty it was! It's very healthy too. I can't recommend it enough! Fortunately I made enough for my freezer, but I shall definitely be making this again.

Online:

Little Miss Katy: Happy Monday

One of my favourite bloggers, Katy's weekly posts are a true pick-me-up on the most hated day of the week. I love catching up on what she's been up to, but also getting inspired - it's important to stay positive and focus on the good things life throws at you, regardless how day your bad is.

Being Erica: It's all about the #newyearnewme nonsense

In the month where our news feeds and offices are full of talk of resolutions, I loved Erica's honest, refreshing and thoughtful post. When so many of us pledge to be healthy (guilty as charged!) it's important to set more realistic - and often, more valuable - goals. The resolutions she's made mean much more than stopping at one glass of white on a Friday because 'myfitnesspal will go nuts'. There's more to life than calorie counting and smoothie-making.

What have you loved this month? Share your thoughts in the comments - or leave links to new things I might enjoy!

July Favourites

I'd just like to start off by apologising for the miserable lack of posts on SWB last month. I've been pretty busy, and life has just taken over - as it quite rightly should. I've also been feeling a little distant from the idea of blogging, and putting my life out there online (something that I hope to write about in the coming weeks). However, I've been brewing many ideas and have plenty of posts drafted and ready to publish, so hopefully August will be much more fruitful, regardless of my concerns!

Now, onto my monthly favourites. This month, of course, my favourites have been mostly based around the lovely summer weather. I haven't been shopping very much, but I've still managed to pick up a few star items, and there are some really exciting and different bits and pieces in this month's post which I will be elaborating on over the next few weeks!

John Green, Paper Towns

After falling in love with John Green's novel The Fault in our Stars (and bawling my eyes out watching the film adaptation) I couldn't wait to try one of his other books. I bought this at my local independent bookstore to support them while they were going through a little funding crisis. It's a fantastic book and definitely one of my new favourites. Paper Towns tells the story of a mysterious, enigmatic, creative young lady and a straight-laced, routine-focused boy. It's a coming-of-age adventure that commands your attention and can make you consider life's bigger questions. I've got my eye on Looking for Alaska next!

Pimm's Blackberry & Elderflower

Summer just isn't summer without Pimm's, and after weeks of sunshine I finally got round to trying some of their limited edition Blackberry and Elderflower. I think Elderflower is just divine, and couldn't wait to have some. It's delicious - perhaps not all it's hyped up to be if I'm being honest (and you can't really have it with the standard fruit and mint) but it is very very tasty and I will definitely be having some again.

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara in Blackest Black & Soft Smudge Pencil Eye Kohl in Grey

I picked these up when I rushed into Boots to replace my Soap & Glory mascara in a makeup emergency; the mascara was cheap and newly released,  and there was an offer on - so I grabbed them both and hoped for the best! I've been very pleasantly surprised though - the Falsifeye HD mascara is amazing, and such a bargain, and the grey eye kohl makes a brilliant change from my usual black eyeliner. I'll be writing more on these very soon, since I really am completely converted.

Warehouse Sunglasses

I picked these up at the end of June and have been wearing all through the past month. Although they're a little different to my usual style, I think they're lovely and quirky without being too 'out there'. The only little issue is that the arms are quite loose already, but otherwise they do the trick and keep the sun out of my eyes, while looking good. I think these are in the sale now, so there might be limited availability, but it's definitely worth checking them out online if you're looking for a pair of good high-street sunglasses.

Sleek Makeup Gel Effect Lacquer in Waikiki

I received Sleek Makeup's Gel Lacquer in Waikiki in my goody bag for Cosmopolitan's Superblogger Masterclass at the end of June (I never reviewed the event, sadly!) . The colour is not one I thought I would buy, personally, but it's perfect for summer and is really not as bright as I expected, which makes it very wearable and the perfect summer shade. It even makes me look like I have a slight tan, which is always a plus! I'll definitely be wearing this throughout the remaining summer months (and beyond!)

Next Point Shoes in Rose Gold

Well...these rose gold stilettos from Next aren't my usual style. They're metallic, eye catching...and very pointy. However, I casually entered Next's weekly 'Shoe of the Week' competition on Twitter...and won them! It was a huge surprise and really made my week. I was a bit worried I wouldn't like them but as soon as I received them in the post I completely fell in love. They're very elegant and put me out of my fashion comfort zone (which is what I need to do more!) . They looked perfect with a dress I wore to a friend's wedding, as they're fairly neutral with a twist! I'd love to write about them more actually - so watch this space.

Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection Ultra Radiance, SPF 30

Another treat from the Cosmo Masterclass gift bag. This Hawaiian Tropic sun lotion is the perfect size to carry in my handbag, and it smells delicious - not the usual clammy sun-cream scent! It also has a little shimmer, to enhance your tan (not that I have one...). Simple, but effective - a definite summer staple!

This bookmark doesn't have a name or title - I bought it in a very cute little independent nick-knack store when I visited the seaside and fell in love. I'm really trying to inspire and motivate myself more at the moment, and adore the little mottoes found on Pinterest and blogs like this. I thought this saying was perfect and, since I read so much, I see it every day. It reminds me to push myself and work hard for the life I want to live. Isn't it cute?


What have you been loving this last month?

What's On My Bookshelf - Non-Fiction

I've been a bookworm for as long as I can remember - even before I learnt to read, I devoured picture books like my life depended on it. I pored over images as a toddler; my parents had a sack of old cards, which they would tip out and would leave me with for hours. Bedtime was never the same without a book.

Most of my younger life was spent with my head between pages; I missed out on the views when we went on family road-trips to Italy, Switzerland and Germany, all because I was reading one of ten books I'd take away for twelve days (which, by the way, would all be read by my return). I'd carry my books everywhere.

It's safe to say that my bookshelf has always been groaning under the weight of my book. I usually buy and read fiction, escaping to other worlds and letting my imagination run riot. This has only increased since I finished my studies last summer. Recently, however, I've acquired a few more non-fiction gems which I think are all worth sharing; from motivational messages, to recipes for pancakes.

Thanks to a few generous friends and a couple of vouchers, my collection has grown - and I thought it would be worth sharing some of these with you all. So here are just a few of my favourites.

A Lifetime of Secrets - Frank Warren

I remember reading my first ever Postsecret book one lunchtime in my sixth-form common room and becoming completely enthralled with the outpourings on each page. It wasn't until I met my boyfriend in my first year at university that I began to read the Postecret site on a weekly basis. If you're unfamiliar with Postsecret, it's a scheme created and run by an American man by the name of Frank Warren, who receives millions of postcards a year. Each of these postcards contains someone's secret; be it funny, sad, illegal, heartbreaking or shocking. This theoretically allows the sender to share their secret and to, hopefully, release it - particularly poignant for those with a burden. Frank updates the wonderful Postsecret blog weekly, and has released a number of books too. This was given to me by my boyfriend for Christmas one year, and I have another on my shelf too. I love browsing through these books, feeling emotional over the lives of others and sometimes even relating to them. I even went to see Frank speak in London about Postsecret a couple of years ago which was an incredible experience. This is the perfect book to take out and read if you feel the need for perspective, or an emotional release - kind of like watching a sad film to make you cry.  I really love Postsecret and I also love that I have its physical counterpart sitting on my shelf.

Humans of New York - Brandon Stanton

Another blog, another book. My copy of Brandon Stanton's Humans of New York is very new, as I only ordered it last week! I haven't been following HONY for as long as I have been following Postsecret, but it's already one of my favourite projects out there. There's a website (linked above!) but I also follow him on Twitter and Instagram to get instant updates on photos. Brandon travels around New York, capturing life and statements from his subjects, and sharing them with the world. Through his work we get to see all of life; so many different characters, moments, concepts and opinions. There's a great interview with Stanton over at Mashable if you want to find out more. This book will look great on my future coffee table; again, it's wonderful to browse through and can be great inspiration. It can even offer a little advice or perspective. It's gorgeous to look at too.

My Future Listography - All I Hope to Do in Lists

I love making lists. Life seems so much more manageable when you have everything noted down in order of importance. Crossing things off gives a sense of achievement, and seeing exciting things building up can lift hopes for the future. When I saw this book, I new I had to buy it. Its pages are empty aside from some (often obscure) titles, urging you to make plans for the future, setting yourself goals. From moments I don't want to forget, to TV shows I want to watch (Orange is the New Black, anyone?) this book means that I can not only plan my ideal future but, once I'm older, look back and smile. Buying this means I now have something very different on my bookshelves and I love it! I haven't put pen to page yet - I almost don't want to ruin it (almost) but I plan to sit down one day with a cup of sweet tea and consider what I want to get out of life.

Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World - Mark Williams and Danny Penman 

This book has been sitting on my shelf for months and sadly (and ironically!) I just haven't had a moment to sit down and take it all in yet. I stumbled across this book and immediately bought it. It's had great online reviews and covers everything, including meditation. It even has a CD in the back to guide you through the meditative process. Anxiety is a big problem, as I discussed in my Mental Health Awareness Week post, and books like this are becoming ever more popular - for good reason. Finding peace is often hard when we are on the go all the time; I myself find it very hard to switch off and put life in perspective. I am always worrying, planning and I rarely take time out. I am hoping this book will really help me to calm, gain perspective and have a real relish for life. I think an evening reading this in a bubble bath needs to be planned! I hope to write a complete review of this once I've finished it, so watch this space.

Very British Problems - Rob Temple

And now for something a little more lighthearted. Have you ever found yourself wandering down a street, then suddenly realise you've gone the wrong way? There are people everywhere, and you don't want to look a fool...so you pretend to answer the phone, look as though you've been told some very serious news, and rush back as if you're on a mission in order to inconspicuously retrace your steps. No? Just me then...This book details those little awkward habits we British folk have. It's a brilliant book to flick through for a giggle and perfect for passing around friends on a sunny afternoon. I like to read it and see which problems I relate to.

Love Letters of the Great War - Mandy Kirkby

For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep fascination with the First and Second World Wars; the sorrow, the great loss, the ins-and-outs of rations, entertainment, and everyday life...the list could go on. If a book is based in wartime Britain, or a film centres around romance in the 1940s, I'm there. I happened upon this book in a store in Cambridge one sunny Sunday and stood reading it for far too long. The stories it details are wide and varied; from lengthy, eloquent love letters of devotion to little ditties of fleeting romances, it captures the relationships of men on the front and the women they loved. A heartbreaking but brilliant collection; this will be a long-term favourite of mine, and will take pride of place next to my wartime poetry books.

Let's Do Brunch - Good Housekeeping

If you want to win me over, you just need one little word; Brunch. Whether it's pancakes with berries, Eggs Benedict or a fruity smoothie treat, I consider brunch to be the best meal of them all - the king of meals - and will drop everything for the chance to merge Breakfast and Lunch together. When I saw this book in Urban Outfitters I just had to buy it; it contains a wide range of simple but varied recipes, healthy and indulgent, and all easy to follow. I haven't tested it out yet but I have plans to put it to good use this weekend. I don't own many recipe books but this will be my go-to brunch guide for a very, very long time.

Carpe Diem - Make the Most of Life

I'll end this post with a little miniature gem which sits on my shelf, ready to help me in my grey moments. I bought this on a whim - it looked adorable. The yellow colour brightens up my bookshelf and emulates the sunshine this tiny text contains. Inside, you'll find short quotes to motivate, inspire and reassure. Not the most intellectual of books, but certainly one to keep close at hand when life gets a little tough.

Are you a fan of non-Fiction? What books do you have on your coffee table?