Unboxing: LitJoy Magical Edition Year 7.1!

A day before Christmas, I received an early Christmas present; my LitJoy crate. I ordered it back in September and have been anticipating it ever since. It's a part of their famous Magical Edition-collection where each box represents a book in the Harry Potter series. This is year 7 part one – and the next box is ready for pre-order in April.

See my unboxing of their previous box here or visit their website here.

All in all, I enjoyed this box immensely. LitJoy has a beautiful way of curating magical items that showcases their deep knowledge of the Harry Potter universe and books. This isn't just a box of random licensed items; it's a box curated by fans for fans. And it makes all the difference. 

This box in particular was beautiful – but perhaps I prefered LitJoy's earlier boxes. This may just be down to personal taste, but it may also be because the seventh book isn't as well-defined in its artefacts as the rest of the series. I'm not sure ... 

In the end, the box still shines. LitJoy will always be the best Harry Potter subscription around and I cannot wait for the next box. 

One can never get too many mugs. I certainly can't. And so I was excited when LitJoy revealed that there would be a tin mug in this box. It turned out to be one of my favourite items – and one of my new favourite mugs too! It depicts such a huge part of the seventh Harry Potter book under the headline of "Worst camping trip ever!". The book can't be summed up better than that. 

The first thing that greeted me when I opened the box was a fluffy blanket adorned with a wizarding map. The blanket is incredibly soft and is the perfect companion to lazy reading days, but it's also a beautiful homage to the all traveling that happens in the seventh Harry Potter novel.

Every Harry Potter location can be found on the blanket; from the Shell Cottage to the Burrow, the Durmstrang ship to Platform 9 3/4, Godric's Hollow to Malfoy Manor and so on ... It's so cleverly done – and so snuggly too!

The masterpiece of this box is this replica of Hermione's handbag. Sadly, it has not expansion charm, but it's perfect for storing jewelry and small trinkets.

To me, there's nothing more relaxing than listening to a podcast and doing a jigsaw puzzle. I loved doing jigsaw puzzles as a child and lately I've rediscovered the joy of doing something so purely devoid of digital distractions. So imagine my joy when I found a Godric's Hollow-themed puzzle in this crate. It was only 250 pieces so it was quickly done – but a fun break nevertheless with beautiful artwork too.

When I opened the box I was hit by a strange scent of pine. Not nessecarily a pleasant scent, but a scent that can evoke forgotten memories and transport you to the deep forests of your childhood.
Cleverly enough, the candle is designed to represent the deluminator and the unlocking mechanism mimics this to perfection. I'm not sure that I'll ever light this candle as the scent is a bit hard-hitting as it is, but I do love the idea.

LitJoy always include magnetic bookmarks in their magical crates that represents various scenes from the books. The bookmarks are always humourous, and so I couldn't help but giggle at the morbid, yet horrifying, cartoon version of Umbridge's door – complete with Moody's eye attached.

I gasped when I saw this book. Albus Dumbledore is my favourite character and there's nothing I'd love more than to know more about him, his mysterious past and his many secrets. If Rita Skeeter's bestseller really existed, I would have read it long ago. As it is, this lined notebook is a wonderful replacement – and along with the mug, it's my favourite item in this box. It's gorgeously made, decorated with glitter and wonderful end pages.

For some reason, I've always been confused by pins. There's so many beautifully designed ones out there, but I'm never sure what I should do with them as I do not wear them. They always puzzle me though I do appreciate their beauty.
This pin represents the golden snitch from Dumbledore's will – complete with the engraving "I Open at the Close" and the pin can be slided open to reveal the resurrection stone. A fun way to display an iconic scene.

This box was delivered to me the day before Christmas. And so, it seemed perfect that a tiny and fluffy Hedwig ornament was to be found within it. I really do think she's the cutest thing ever!

I must admit, I giggled a bit when I saw this pen. The sword of Godric Gryffindor floats up to the doe patronus whenever you turn the pen – exactly like the pens that were so popular in the 90's. 

In every box LitJoy includes a few playing cards themed around the Harry Potter characters. I particularly adore the depiction of Hermione on this – she looks radiating! 

This booksleeve is made for protecting books on the loose in your bag. And not only is it made in good quality; it's very beautiful too, designed to resemble the famous book Hermione inherits from Dumbledore. I'll definitely use and treasure this. 

Luna is the best. Her imagination, her creativity, her carefree nature mixed with her odd ability to always say the most profound things in the oddest way possible. She of course plays an important part in the seventh Harry Potter book and so it only made sense to see her represented through these colorful socks – complete with dirigible plums and all! 

Paper replicas are always fun. Especially when they're goldfoiled. And so, I absolutely love this copper-adorned invitation to Bill and Fleur's wedding. Completely with a wax-sealed gold envelope and all! 

"Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure". One of my favourite quotes from one of my favourite characters. And so, this pillowcase should hit home for me but I'm very conflicted about it. Something about the colours and the artwork just feels off to me. And even though the quote fits well with the seventh book, I still feel like a quote from Half-Blood Prince seems out of place in this box.

Into the library: Reading recommendations for Ravenclaws

I imagine Ravenclaw Tower to be filled with books. Ancient and long-forgotten library books that have never been returned to their rightful place; poetry books with underlined phrases and faint annotations; spell books with vivid illustrations; leather-bound muggle books filled with fairy tales and entire worlds; classics by the likes of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Homer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dostoevsky; stacks and piles of well-loved children's books and of course notebooks decorated with drawings and filled with short stories, never quite finished.

I imagine Ravenclaw Tower to be a place where books wander off to. A place where no one questions the presence of a new book, seemingly appearing from thin air. And a place, where every paperback and torn piece of parchment is treasured.

So, in true Ravenclaw fashion, here's a bunch of book recommendations that I imagine would have a rightful place in Ravenclaw Tower. 

"Emily of New Moon" by L. M. Montgomery. Everyone knows and loves Anne Shirley. But few know of Montgomery's other heroine, the introverted, poetic and thoughtful Emily Byrd Starr. 

On the surface, Emily of New Moon is very similar to Anne of Green Gables. Both books are about orphaned girls, living with stern mother figures and growing up in the beautiful Canadian landscapes. Both are dreamers, pursuing the magic that hides in plain sight. And both are utterly charming tales. But the overall tone and portrayal of the two characters differs; resulting in two book series that feels worlds apart.

The Emily trilogy is more melancholic, more nostalgic than the Anne series. And Emily is the very definition of Ravenclaw to me; imaginative, full of wonder and striving uncompromising toward her dream of becoming a writer. This was the first book series I ever loved; years before I read Harry Potter.

"The Luminaries" by Eleanor Catton. The Luminaries is not a light read. Not only is it over 800 pages long, it's also based on a dark time in history and follows more than twelve characters, all moving through the pages with their own motives, heartbreaks and secrets. 

Using a complex and dazzling structure, each main character represents a zodiac sign, while the supporting characters represents a planet. Every chapters begins with a moon chart in which the reader can see which zodiac signs will collide – and thereby interpret which characters will meet. Furthermore, the book is divided into twelve parts, each part half the length as the one before. Every word is counted and weighed, resulting in an incredible plot structure, the likes of which I've never seen before. The book is as rich and detailed as the starry night sky and the combination of history and astrology is a thing of beauty. 

"Northanger Abbey" by Jane Austen. Jane Austen was undoubtedly a Ravenclaw. Her books as well as her remaining letters ooze with intelligence and wit. While her novels can be enjoyed as beautiful love stories, they're also filled with satirical comments on wealth, manners and the 1800's  general view on women.

Northanger Abbey is a tale of the young Catherine Morland who reads so many Gothic novels, that her imagination runs wild. She sees tragic love stories and ghosts everywhere she turns and cannot help turning even the most mundane happenings into dramatic scenes of horror. Catherine's imagination is tested thoroughly as she visits the handsome Mr. Tilney and his sister in their old and stately home; Northanger Abbey. Not only does Jane Austen set up a wonderful love story; she also crafts a satirical comment on how a book can colour your life – and your perception of the world.

"The Starless Sea" by Erin Morgenstern. I finished this book last week, and it still haunts me. Erin Morgenstern's words lingers in the air, like heavy perfume escaped from a precious crystal bottle.

The Starless Sea is a tale of a boy who opens a book and finds a door into a world he thought he had lost forever. A world of underground libraries, myths, ghosts, stories written on torn pages and people with ever-changing faces and names. A world of wonder, danger, adventure and love. And most of all; a world of ever-growing, ever-expanding stories.

Told through a hazy dream-like blur, this is a book for readers. People who have lost themselves in a book and never found themselves again – or perhaps only found themselves when reunited with pages and ink. 

"Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. Reading this book felt like reading a historical document about real people and real magic. Filled with footnotes so long, they often take over an entire pages, this book is a brilliant new take on what fantasy can be.

Clarke tells a story of two gentlemen who consider themselves practical magicians in a version of England where theory has replaced the practice of magic. At first, the two title characters are comrades, then rivals and soon enemies. Their arrogance knows no boundaries and they gladly move rivers and rearrange entire countries with no regards to people or nature, in order to simply prove a point – everything set against a backdrop of the industrial revolution. 

Not only is the book witty and enthralling, it also makes you feel like you're reading a biography of the history of magic in England. It is beautifully done and makes comparisons to Charles Dickens seem unavoidable. I've never seen anything quite like it – and I'm sure this book would belong in the Hogwarts library until it was kidnapped by a Ravenclaw student, hungry for reading material.

The fandom clothing of my dreams: Black Milk

I love clothes with subtle hint of the fandoms I adore. I love dark blue dresses with a hint of Ravenclaw magic or light fabric with patterns of stars and galaxies. I love anything that isn't too obvious or too loud; little signs that only fellow witches and wizards will recognise.

And that's why I adore Black Milk Clothing; an Australian clothing company specialising in fandom clothing, often with Gothic undertones. Their designs are beautiful – a little pricey definitely, but well worth their costs and I've been loving adding a few pieces to my wardrobe. They're actually among my most treasured possessions.

Take for instance this kimono, this dress – or this perfectly contemporary Ravenclaw suspender dress they recently released. Everything's so beautiful and well-thought out. And I'm always dreaming of more of their items to add to my wardrobe ... 

If you're considering ordering from them, be aware though: They ship from Australia, and in Denmark at least, that equals a pretty substantial import duty. I always use my country's official guidelines to figure out what the fee will be and try to take it into consideration before ordering. That way there's no ugly surprises.

The beginning of autumn ...

There's something magical about the last summer days of the year. As August drifts by, the days become increasingly more precious; each sunny day a little weaker than its predecessor, the minutes of sunlight slowly shrinking in. There's a certain impulsiveness hanging in the air, an uncertain wondering as to which summer's day will be the last.

In Denmark we have a word for these days of expectations and uncertainty; we call it sensommer.

This year, the last day of summer turned out to be the last day of August. It was a beautiful day and I spent it walking barelegged through the forest, no winds nor cloud in sight. The sun was unbearably hot and there was no hint or warning that it would be the last summer day of the year. There never is.

The moment, the calendar changed to September, the winds changed. The endlessly blue sky that had ruled only the day before shifted into a never-ending shade of grey, stretching as far as the weather forecasts could predict. I went for a walk and needed a scarf, I saw chestnuts falling from trees and felt a certain crispness in the air. And I knew we were in the early autumn where the sun and the grey skies would occasionally battle; only for the sun to withdraw and hide. Until next year ... 

Now we're in the middle of September, and the days are slowly getting shorter. I light scented candles and drink tea, wear chunky scarfs and knitted jumpers. I suddenly have an urge to grab every unread book on my bookshelf and read for days. I want board the Hogwarts Express or disappear into Gothic tales of ghosts and haunted mansions. I want to dream of enchanted castles and forgotten times. I want to open books and live inside of them. I want to go exploring and get lost.

At this time of the year, the apples taste better, the air is crispier and my home seems cosier. And as the leaves slowly turns deep red, golden and brown, and the days becomes shorter and less bright, I fall in love with this season all over again.

 

Unboxing: LitJoy Magical Edition Year 6!

This is a review/unboxing of LitJoy's Magical Edition year 6; an amazing subscription box based on the Harry Potter series. This one revolves around Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Beware: spoilers ahead!

I've never known what to think about subscription boxes. While I've never been able to resist the pull of a magic surprise, I've also been hesistant. Worried that a subscription box with items I haven't chosen for myself wouldn't measure up to the money spent; and worried that I'd be taking part of creating unnessecary waste, buying items I don't really need.

But after watching earlier unboxings of LitJoy's Magical Editions, my hesitance disappeared. Their boxes are beautifully curated, filled to the brim with wonders and enchantments. They're worth their price. 

My box arrived at the end of last week. And it didn't disappoint at all. 

The attention to detail in every item is incredible. This is clearly a box made for fans by other fans. Not only is this Slytherin locket perfectly book accurate; it also came with a tiny note by R.A.B. I absolutely adored it.

Like many items in this book, the locket is a LitJoy exclusive. 

When I opened the box I was met by a tiny flicker of pink. Packed in a gorgeous box was a fluffy pygmy puff in a pink cage. It looked exactly like something from the bright shelves of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes; and it even came with a colourful certificate of adoption. And while I do already own a pygmy puff, this is nothing alike. I'm happy to adopt yet another pink fluffball! The pygmy puff is a LitJoy exclusive. 

The box also contained another pink item. Something that scented the air with notes of roses and orange blossoms; an Amortentia candle made by Say Anything Studio. I love the fact that it isn't just a  decorative potion bottle, but an useful item. With a gorgeous smell at that. 

Carefully wrapped in an anonymous brown box, I found this item. A tiny music box with carefully carved illustrations of soaring phoenixes and a lid with an unforgettable quote. I turned the silvery handle and heard a tune that almost made me cry; the soft sound of nostalgia and iconic movie moments. It was so beautifully done. And perhaps my favourite item of them all.

Beautifully carved art by Maggie Rose.

Every subscription box comes with pins; and I have no idea of what to do with them. I'm not a pin collector though there's quite a few wonderful ones. In this box there was a Pensive pin by Dust & Pages. Though I consider it a bit useless, it's very beautiful. The middle spins and everything!

LitJoy also delighted their subscribers with a phone stand in the shape of Gaunt's ring with the resurrection stone glinting in the middle. This is such a creative and fun idea, though I almost can't bring myself to use it ... The phone stand is a LitJoy exclusive.

I giggled when I opened yet another brown box and saw this tiny shot glass. Designed in the shape of a butterbeer mug and with a very cute engraving of Aragog, this is such a fun item. A perfect way to remember the great spider by. The shotglas is designed by Catarina Book Designs.

Another item I fell absolutely in love with is this book sleve. With a detailed, purple-toned illustration of the Room of Requirement, it was an instant favourite – and my first book sleeve too. Now I have the perfect way to protect my books. The book sleeve is designed by Yessi Draws.

Ever since I was a child I've wanted an overflowing bookcase that opens up to a hidden room; empty book covers hiding old mysteries, and secret notes stuck in-between pages. There's something oddly poetic about using other people's stories to cover up your own ... 

And so, I gasped when I saw this hollow book designed by Holly Dunn. And when I opened the book up I was greeted by the unmistaken glimmer of Felix Felicis. Or, at least an interpretation of it. The idea is simple, but the presentation is stunning. Especially as the potion bottle comes with a stand for display purposes. 

The potion bottle and stand are LitJoy exclusives. 

Just when I thought the box was empty, more items showed up. Including this silver envelope with an invitation to Slughorn's Christmas Party! It's one of my absolute favourite items and looks like something straight out of the books. I almost feel like framing it. 

The Christmas Party invitation is a  LitJoy exclusive. 

On the photo beneath you can see a beautiful collection of trading cards. They're always included in LitJoy boxes, and while they may not be strictly useful they're certainly beautiful. I especially adore  Gabriella Bujdosó's untraditional take on Slughorn.

The box also contained a wooden bookmark designed by Nan Fe; an oddly alluring depiction of Bellatrix Lestrange. It's art on a bookmark.

One can never get too many tote bags, right? This colourful tote bag shows off products from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes on one side and Fred and George on another side. It's so detailed and in a lovely leathery material. It's designed by Melody Howe.

As seen on the photo below, there were more bookmarks in the books. These three are magnetic bookmarks and they're LitJoy exclusives. I absolutely adore the Slughorn one – and I love that Lavender Brown is represented as well. 

Lastly, the box contained a beautiful print by Rob Bruno. It's a portrait of Dumbledore; looking strangely peaceful and completely accurate. I love this milder depiction of Dumbledore, showing his gentleness instead of the movie's fierceness. 

The spoiler card is quite photogenic and is presented as a security folder on how to avoid Death Eaters. Could it be any more magical?