Blog of the Week: Besotted with Books

So summer is nearly upon us, which means putting your feet up (if you're a student like me) for a few months and hopefully flying off to somewhere hot and exotic for a bit of sightseeing and travelling. Or if you'd rather, sun, sex and Sambuca if you're into that.

But if you're more cultured, like myself, then you'll waste no time checking out the local tourist spots and rich heritage on your holiday, as well as cramming any spare time with a good read.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week is fantastic. You see, I'm one of those people that just grabs any old book on offer from Waterstones (usually when they're on 3 for 2) which looks interesting. A quick read of the blurb, a scan of the front cover and I'm done. Well, so long as it fits nicely into the action/ adventure/ crime category.

Besotted by Books however has helped me expand my own personal library. Featuring a mix of reviews, news and opinion on all things books, the blog has a refreshing yet comprehensive line up of books.

Appealing to the Adult/ YA age groups, the blog is run by Natalie Frampton, a fond friend of mine and former colleague, who juggles her busy family life and work on top of running the blog.

Natalie is often my number one source for all things books, and I am forever bumping into her in Waterstones (I would put money on the fact that she is the Alton branch's number one customer!) Her knowledge in her field is evident, just ask some of her 240 odd followers on her blog!

What I like most about her blog is that she combines different online elements to form a really unique, professional blog. Her YouTube videos are fantastic, and she really interacts well with her followers. She is an avid user of Twitter too, so has all the bases covered.

A recent review of hers led me to buying 'A Night to Remember', the book based on the tales of passengers on the Titanic. Struggling to choose which Titanic novel to pick, I read the review and asked Natalie herself for her advise. Eventually, after three nights of little sleep, I had finished the book and was over-the-moon with a new addition to add to my book shelf. The book was fantastic, and no doubt I, like many others who follow her blog, owe Natalie a big thank you.

You can find her blog here: Besotted with Books
You can also follow Natalie on Twitter: @NatFrampton

Picture Courtesy of Besotted with Books

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Midomi

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Blog of the Week: Midomi

This week's Blog of the Week, a website dedicated to finding that annoying tune that is stuck in your head, is not really a blog, but still deserves its accolade as 'the jourknow's' Blog of the Week.

Today, after hopelessly failing to find a song which has been in my head for the last month, I stumbled upon this fantastic website that was featured in an article on how to find that song that just will not disappear from your mind.

We all have experienced it right? That annoying moment when you are humming a tune, but have no idea as to who sang it, and what the lyrics are. I could remember certain words, but after several failed attempts on searches of both Google and YouTube, I had near enough given up.

But then, as if by magic, Midomi appeared. It offers a unique service where, with the use of a microphone, you can hum to the tune that is stuck in your head, and Midomi will find the song you're looking for. Not only does it allow you to search for the song, but you can then socialise and connect with other people.

It gives you a competent collection of songs, albums and artists, rivalling all other sites that focus on the same 'query by humming' search. It took a little while to find the one I was after, but a few failed attempts later, I eventually found the song I was looking for. And now I have the song downloaded onto my ipod, freeing up space in my head for something else of little importance.

You can use Midomi on your computer, or you can download their popular app onto your Iphone or Android mobile. It's completely free, and easy to use. Just make sure you hum clearly and loudly. The more of the tune you know, the better the result will be. I attempted to sing some of the words, only to find I was totally off the mark. Oh, and you might want to sing in the privacy of your own bedroom, to save further embarrassment!

So the next time you struggle to find that Barbra Streisand song, only to find out it's actually Maria McKee and 'Show me Heaven' (as it was in my case), use Midomi, and put your mind at rest.

Picture Courtesy of Midomi

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Blog of the Week: Tasha on TV

It is a necessity in the winter, if not all year round, to stay in on a weekend, curl up on the sofa and watch the latest tv shows, flicking through various channels until you find the one that is perfect for you. But it can be monotonous, frustrating and rather tiresome, to the point where you just give up and settle for a DVD.

Which is why this week's Blog of the Week is so helpful at picking the choice that is right for you. Tasha on TV offers a review of many of the UK's top reality TV formats, currently including Dancing on Ice and Let's Dance for Sport Relief, to favourites like Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn.

Natasha, who writes the blog, is a self-confessed telly-holic, with an array of knowledge ranging from the nations favourite soap operas, to the newest television dramas. Often opinionated, her posts not only inform, but entertain too. As a fellow blogger, and friend, her blog never fails to inspire me.

Accompanying her blog, is her fabulous Twitter account, where she tweets regularly, usually as she watches the programme. Boasting a following of over 1,500 - she is followed by celebrities including Phillip Schofield and many of the Strictly professional dancers - she offers a unique opportunity for television fans to catch up and communicate about their favourite shows, giving Harry Hill a run for his money!

So if you want to find out the latest on anything TV, whether it be the latest news or whether you just fancy slating the most recent episode of Dancing on Ice, Tasha on TV is for you.

 You can read her blog by following the link: Tasha on TV. You can also follow Natasha on Twitter: @tashalouise6 or @tashaontv

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Blog of the Week: Moda de la Mode

With London Fashion Week seeing the world's numerous fashion designers, journalists and models descending on the capital, it seems fitting that this week's Blog of the Week should be dedicated to a fashion blog.

And what a fashion blog it is. Moda de la Mode, created and written by aspiring fashion journalist and personal friend Grace Molan, is an online fashion bible that covers a mixture of features on women's and men's fashion, as well as interviews with stars of the fashion world and helpful tips on essential styles and outfits.

Like my most recent Blog post, which you can find linked below, Grace uses a mix of writing and photos to capture the attention of the audience, often using step by step guides on tips to form an outfit, or detailed description on new collections.

The blog has an arrange of features, including my personal favourite, Menswear Mondays, where every Monday post is dedicated to a post on Men's fashion.

If you want to know the latest on high street must-have's or designer collections, Moda de la Mode is your place to go. Updated regularly, with a professional look and boasting over 200 followers, it really is a unique and diverse blog in an over-crowded market.

Link to Moda de la Mode blog: http://modadelamode.blogspot.com/
You can follow Moda de la Mode on twitter: @Modadelamode

Pictures Courtesy of Grace and Moda de la Mode

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Blog of the Week: Catastrophic Findings