Weekly Round-Up | 28.09.20 - 04.10.20

 Hey my lovelies, hope you're all well. Just thought I would jump on here and have a little catch-up with you and share with you what I have been up to recently. Make sure you grab a cuppa and some biscuits and get yourselves cosy whilst we catch-up :).

Book Reel for NewGrad Instagram Account

Last week I had the pleasure of creating an Instagram reel dedicated to all of my favourite books for an account called NewGrad (@newgraduate). NewGrad is an online forum/blog dedicated to all things students and graduates. Founded in 2017 by Olivia, a Law graduate from the University of Sheffield, the online forum aims to be a place for students and graduates to go if they wish to learn more about life after studying, whether that be regarding graduate careers, travelling, mental health or anything else to do with graduate life. As a recent graduate myself, trying to navigate this new world all whilst during a pandemic, I have found their blog and Instagram incredibly helpful. Just hearing other graduates stories about their journeys has helped me feel less alone and anxious about the current climate of the job market. If you are a recent graduate yourself, or even if you're a current student who wants to be a part of an awesome online community, make sure to give them a follow on Instagram (@newgraduate), or you can visit their online blog HERE. Likewise, if you feel you have a story you wish to share with the NewGrad community or want the opportunity to write for them, you can send an email to hello@newgrad.co.uk or drop them a DM on Instagram and they'll get back to you asap. Their Instagram is nearly at 5k followers so it would be great if you could check them out, and maybe give my book reel a like and comment whilst you're there. 

October Bookstagram Photo Challenge

I have decided that through the month of October (the best month of the year, may I add) to take part in an October Bookstagram photo challenge, where I post an autumnal themed, bookish photo to my Instagram account every day. When this post goes live, I will be on day 9 of the challenge, and I am honestly having the best time. I am using a mixture of book prompts from @octobermoonblog and @emilyintheweb, two of my favourite bookstagrammers! There were so many amazing challenges to pick from, so if you do want to take part (you can start whenever during the month, and don't have to post every day if you don't want to), then head over to my Instagram where I have created a highlight ('Book Challenges') of all my favourite ones that I came across. Also, if you fancy seeing some super autumnal content on your feed over the next month, then make sure to give my Instagram a follow @faithtrustandlotsofbooks where I'm providing all of the autumnal, cosy vibes!

Job Searching/Applying

For me, September was filled to the brim of job searching and applying. I have now lost count of the amount of jobs I have applied for, CV's I have edited and cover letters that have been drafted, and to be quite honest am ready to pull my hair out. I've had a few successes, a few let downs, so it's safe to say it has not been an easy ride. If you're also searching for a job during the current climate, then I'm sending you a huge *virtual* hug because let me tell you now it is not easy. I have my fingers, toes, eyelashes, eyebrow hairs crossed that something comes from one of the interviews I have had, and I'm wishing you all the same as well <3. 

October #tbr - Spooky Season

Now seasonal reading is never really something I have delved into, what with the last three years of reading being dictated by what modules I had picked and assessments I was writing, so this year I have decided to go all out for October and create a spooky season #tbr ('To Be Read') list! I wish to completely submerge myself in the autumnal atmosphere, and read some books that have been on my #tbr shelf for years but I have never gotten around to reading them. The books on my list are:

✨ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

✨ The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

✨ One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

✨ 'Goblin Market' by Christina Rossetti 

I am now a couple of books in and am loving this spooky season reading! Are you reading seasonally this month? I would love to know if you are, and if so, what books are on your #tbr list this month.

So there we go guys, that's what I have been up to lately. Let me know down below what you have been up to, or feel free to drop me an email/message on my socials if you're feeling particularly down about the job searching at the minute. Would be lovely to have a chat and make sure you're not feeling alone in this situation, because I promise you there are, unfortunately, so many people in the same boat. Sending you all lots of well wishes and I'll see you next week for another blog post. Lots of love xoxo