February Favourites

FEBRUARY FAVOURITES!!!

Elastoplast hydrocolloid blister band aids

I don't have any blisters but I have been lurking on the skincareaddict subreddit and they suggest using hydrocolloid band aids for pimples. They do work but only on pimples that have come to head ie pimples that have the white little tip. It's much better than squeezing your pimple. Squeezing is a terrible (albeit extremely satisfying) thing to do. Don't squeeze!!!! 

So yes, I do recommend this if you're suffering from breakouts especially hormonal ones. 

QV moisturising day cream

I'm a big advocate of applying sunscreen daily if you're leaving the house. Australia has one of the thinnest ozone layer!!! If that doesn't scare you then I don't know what will. 

Before using this sunscreen, I used to use the Olay complete defence moisturising lotion (SPF 30+) but I think that kinda broke my skin out which was weird because I was using it for a good two/three years. So, then I tried a few other sunscreens, mainly Neutrogena ones, and they broke me out as well. Stumbled upon this at the chemist and it was on sale so into my basket it went. So far so good!! Hasn't broken me out yet which is a huge plus point. It is very greasy, has a slight white cast typical of sunscreens and that familiar sunscreen smell. On the plus side, it's SPF 30 and is definitely moisturising!

PS, I try to use at least SPF 30 during summer and SPF 15 in the winter. 

Muji plain notebook

Every year, I get a notebook that becomes my dumping ground for pretty much everything; to-do-lists, random ideas, scraps of paper, anything really. Last year I got a cheapo one from Woolies. It was Picadilly brand if I remember correctly. I really loved it! Pretty good quality for the price but I left it in the trolley at Woolies (lol). I was going to buy the same notebook from Woolies but they don't stock the Picadilly notebooks anymore :( 

I just got this plain one from Muji. I'm really happy with it so far! The paper is super smooth like every other paper product from Muji and I like the ribbon bookmark. I would have preferred if the ribbon was a bit thicker but oh well, it works fine just as it is. I don't like notebooks with fancy designs, just a plain solid cover will do for me. If you're in the market for a plain notebook then have a look at Muji. 

The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb

Okay, this one is a slight cheat. I just finished the third book in the series (City of Dragons) and I love all three books so far. I've rated all three 5 stars on goodreads!!! I really really love them. When I finished reading the first book (Dragon Keeper), I just lied on my bed and gave a long satisfied sigh clutching the book close to my chest. It's amazing! It has dragons, sailing, love, adventures and so much more. Highly, highly recommend!!!

I'm so excited to read more of Hobb's works because according people on the internet, the rain wild chronicles isn't even her best work. 

Food goals

Yup, it's that time again. I'm on school holidays. So, I've got plenty of free time. These are my food goals ie food that I want to make while I have ample time to do so.

Chinese baked goods can be tedious. Well, at least all the ones that I love tend to be really labour intensive. For example, Ang Ku Kueh. You have to make the skin, the filling, then assemble and steam.  It's a whole day affair, trust me.

                                          1. Pineapple buns

Have you ever had pineapple buns? Their name is a little misleading as they contain no pineapple. They are named so because they kinda look like a pineapple. 

This is a sweat bread topped with a buttery goodness layer on top then baked until it gets all lovely. It's amazing. I love it. 

Bread takes such a long time to make though and I'm a a really impatient person but now I have the time to work on ....waiting...

Recipes that I plan to follow:

from bakericious, christine's recipes, thewoksoflife

2. Custard buns

Another bun....can you tell I love bread? These aren't your western custard but a salted egg yolk custard. A hallmark of a good custard bun is when you tear into it, the yummy ooey gooey custard should just ooze right out. 

I've been trying so hard to find the best custard buns in Melbourne but they've all been disappointing. Nothing compares to the custard buns I had at this restaurant celebrating my grandma's 80th birthday. It was an 8+ course meal (I lost count after 8) and they ended it with these custard buns. It was a bun...I was tempted but I was so full, I couldn't even move...but thank the lord I had one....amazing...I then proceeded to have two more. #yolo

The recipes I plan on following: lirongs, chinasichuanfood, jessicagavin, theinformalchef.

3. Tiramisu 

 Who does not love tiramisu? It's creamy cake goodness. 

I always use this recipe. Trust me, this is a solid recipe. I'm always showering in comments after I make this. However, I do substitute the rum for Kahlua because that's what I have in my house. 

I braced the crazy Costco crowd to get Mascarpone because they are so much cheaper there than at Coles or Woolies. Hey, all for saving a little $$$. 

4. The Imploding Honey Custard Cake

This recipe is from ladyandpups. Doesn't the photograph of this cake look amazing??? Honestly, the photography on that blog is spectacular. Every image just increases my desire to make said food. 

As of now, I have not tried any of their recipes but they are all sitting in my bookmark folder waiting for me to get off my lazy ass. 

What do you like to do during the holidays? Do you bake, sew, knit? Or maybe you travel? Tell me in the comments!

Thoughts: Isla and the Happily Ever After

 My thoughts as I was reading through Isla and the Happily Ever After.

SPOILERS ARE EVERYWHERE. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

·         “Three years of desire rip through my body and burst from my lips" *insert laughing crying emoji*

·         “You know my name. You can pronounce my name” Everyone I know can pronounce Isla? No I take that back my sister just came in the room and said ee-la and the happily ever after. *facepalm*

·         Why is her face not puffy from removing her wisdom tooth??? Brochure says that it should be puffy for up to a week. I mean not always, but is Isla one of those non puffers? Sure.

·         She's going to blame her actions on the meds. PS: she did blame her meds

·         Why would her parents let her out alone in Manhattan in her loopy state?

·         Oh okay, she snuck out. How did she sneak out in her loopy state?

·         Kurt. I smell a love triangle.  (post reading revision: Woops there were no love triangles….kinda…)

·         I can never remember American schooling system. What is a sophomore??? Is that the middle one?!? Then what is middle school?!?! Americans, help me!!!

·         I've never seen someone's [fashion] style described as vanilla ever.

·         Okay Kurt is autistic. I guess it's a nice representation but why do movies and books only ever show those on the high functioning end of the spectrum. Autistics individuals are never really the love interest though. Maybe this will change here? (post reading revision: No it did not. Are autistic individuals just good enough for friends and not lovers? )

·         Isla, sorry to break it to you, you're not real but damn I wish my crush liked me back. Wait no, I don't want to commit to a relationship. I TAKE MY WISH BACK.

·         Falling in love on the first date? Is that possible? Or am I just a love cynic?

·         I wish I was six one like Josh.

·         Also, is Josh like a relegated hot guy name?? Are all Josh hot? Are you a Josh?? If you are, call me.

·         Okay Isla is a stalker. But who blames her. I’m sure we’ve all searched up our crush on google before. But not all of our crush’s dad is on Wikipedia.

·         I'm sorry. I apologise. I'm sorry I was so skeptical at the start. It's just love stories, they have so many opportunities for disappointment. But twelve chapters in and I'm enjoying this book…… so far, sorry sorry no more being skeptical.

·         They're not in university. They're still in school. Why did this just sink in? I read the other two books. They're younger than me. I'm so old. Gawdddd

·         They're together...halfway through the book….what horrors awaits me next...it's only half of the book….

·         Josh’s birthday is on October 24thh!!! Woo 3 days after mine!!! But, how does Isla afford an original paitingg zomg.

·         Don't break school rules. Why kids whyyyyy

·         “These small moments are actually miracles”. That's a nice thought.

·         See kids breaking the rules is never a good idea. Listen to Grandma Christine

·         Gosh, “guilty as hell” is a nice line. Just imagine it being used in a movie.

Scene 1

The stark bright white light from the single pendant light hanging in the middle of the ceiling reflects off the large metal. Three chairs surround the table, two on one side and one alone. A single figure occupies the lone chair, her back is hunched and her long black hair drapes over her face - hiding her face.

A police officer walks in, he's in a button down and khaki slacks. He sits in one of the two chairs. He places a file on the table, the edges of a few paper peek out. He smells like cigarettes and coffee.

He rests his hands on the metal table. On his right hand, a gold metal ring sits on his ring finger. His knuckles are bruised and there's dirt underneath his fingernails.

Brooke:

[Clears throat]

So, do you have anything to say?

The figure remains silent.

Brooke:

Look, we have the evidence. Believe it Missy, you are looking at a life sentence.

M:

[Leans in to Brooke and whispers]

Oh really, then what are we doing here...talking. If you do have the evidence, as you claim you do, then lock me up because...

[She suddenly jerks her face backwards, her hair falls back revealing her face. She stares directly into the Brooke’s eyes]

…I'm guilty as hell.

Explosions go off at the right side of the room. Brooke, caught unaware, lurches away from the direction of the explosion. The sounds of helicopter wings beating can be heard. Shouts from men in a foreign language. Another explosion. More confused shouting. Screams.

Daylight streams into the room. Brooke looks up. He sees the wall on the right side of the room has a hole in it. He sees M walking towards the light. More men shouting.

-end scene 1-

I'm sorry my imagination kinda took over there. I love movies and I'm no screenwriter.

·         

Is that blood on page 273. What?!?!?!?!?

·         

OMG more blood!!! What is this? Did someone's nose bleed? Why is it only on the bottom half of the book? I'm beyond creeped out.

·         Kurt’s parents are Mr and Mrs Bacon. AHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

·         She [Isla] just changes her mind like that? Crying her way through Christmas and suddenly it's the new years and she's running to kismet???

·         Awww man I need a happy ending. I love happy endings. God give me a happy ending. I read this book to get a happy ending and I better get a happy ending or I'll cry.

·         Omg I never want to share my favourite things with anyone...what if we break up and every time I think about my ____insert favourite thing here___ it'll be tinged with the sadness of a failed relationship or whatever. That sounds terrible.

·         I feel you Isla. Ugh. No.

·         I hope Josh does not have hypothermia. I don't think lavender is a good colour on him.

·         Yay happy ending!!!

·         Stephanie Perkins is really pretty.

·        The end. It's 12:30am. I’m going to bed. Note to self: don’t start reading books at 10pm. 

REVIEW: Isla and the happily ever after

Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)

Author: Stephanie Perkins 

Published: 2014

goodreads 

Isla has had a crush on Josh since freshman year. This year, Josh notices her but is their relationship meant to be?

Stephanie Perkins is great at writing fun, easy to read contemporary romances. I finished Isla and the happily ever after in about one evening. It's a short read. Nothing extraordinary but good if you need something to fill a boring evening in. 

I'm not going to lie, the story is fairly predictable. You can always guess where it's going. However, something that set Isla apart from other YA romance novels is that Perkins explores what happens after a two people get together.

If you've read Anna and the French Kiss or Lola and the Boy Next Door, the writing style is not a huge departure from the two books. Personally, I believe that Perkins writing has improved. The description in this book is far superior to Anna. Maybe this is just me but sometimes in Anna and the French Kiss, Anna's descriptions of things/people around her make her seem really vapid? Here, Perkins has really done her research for this book. I'm excited to see how Perkins's writing flourishes!

The two main characters are Isla (duh) and Josh. Both these characters are explored well enough. I would say pretty much the whole book centers around these two characters, so if you hate the characters then there' a higher probability of you disliking the book. Lucky for me, I really enjoyed Isla and Josh! 

Out of Perkins's three protagonist, I find Isla the most relatable. Anna, I found her kind of vapid and bland. (sorry!) Lola was way too over the top for me. Isla is more of your average girl. She's reserved and has no clue what she should be doing in her future. Josh is also more my type of guy. Etienne was just way too charismatic for me. Ha ha. Warning, Josh has that brooding artist persona going on. 

As I've said, Perkins is darn good at writing romance stories. She somehow always manages to get the readers to yearn for the two characters to get together. There was still conflict that the relationship has to go through, but it wasn't soap opera level problems, more realistic in my opinion. The resolution of the conflict at the end was very rushed, I feel like one more chapter would have helped. 

The two main characters are developed enough. However, the supporting characters remain cardboard cutouts throughout the book. Side characters are barely given any time in the story which would explain their lack of character development. I don't even get why certain characters were included. The story would have been fine without yet one more two-dimensional character. 

So, if you enjoyed the two previous books, then you've probably already read this one . If you've been hesitating because you were disappointed with Lola and the boy next door (like me) then give this book a try as I believe that it's much better than Lola. Also, Anna and Etienne are featured much more in this book than in Lola. 

Unfinished series

Penryn & the end of days 

Only the last book left. I do enjoy the series but I can't seem to muster up to motivation to finish the last book. I keep putting it off in favour of other books. I was going to read it last week but then I decided to re-read Persuasion. I 100% did not regret me decision, I will always always recommend reading Persuasion.

Jenna Fox chronicles

Why have I not finished this series?? I own all the books and really enjoyed the first one. What is wrong with me. 

Earthsea cycle 

I only have the last book, the other wind, left!!! Yay!!!

The Raven Cycle

again, only the last book left. Do you notice a pattern? *wink*

The 5th Wave

the last book is the only one left. However, I'm not sure if I'll pick this one up because the first two was really underwhelming in my opinion. 

The Lies of Locke Lamora

I've only read the first one. I loved it so I really have no idea why I haven't read the rest in the series. 

Miss Peregrine's Pecualiar Children

Only the last one to go! I'm really bad at reading the last book as you can tell. 

Anna and the French Kiss series

Guess which book I haven't read? Yup, you guessed it the last one. Isla and the happily ever after is the one I'm talking about. 

Don Tillman series

Don is a very lovable character. Goodreads does not seem to indicate that there's a third book in the series but I'm sure there will be one. Come on Graeme Simsion!!!

The Chronicles of Ixia series

The first book blew me away. I love love love it. Second book fell short of my expectations. Because of that, I haven't had the motivation to read the third book but I know I need to get on it. I just love the world and the characters. 

Mara Dyer Series

The first two books were very 'eh' to me. Might or might not finish this series. We shall see. 

Top Three Resolutions I Have For 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at TheBrokeandBrookish

1. Read 12 books!

This goal is a lot less than what I usually set for myself. I set myself 50 books last year (2015) and the year before (2014), 35 books in 2013 and 100 books in 2012! But this year is going to be a busy one for me. It's the last year of my bachelor plus all the stress of applying for post-grad. *fingers crossed* wish me luck!

2. Finish unfinished series

I started compiling a list and realised just how many series I have left hanging. I'm putting that list in another blog post. Will link that here once that's done!

3. Finish reading the bible 

I've read the bible when I was younger, like 10 years old or so but I really did not understand it all. I was reading it really for the sake of finishing it. So yeah, I'm giving it another go.

Those are all my bookish resolutions. I'm not really one for setting a thousand resolutions, just a few is enough. Baby steps guys, baby steps... What are your resolutions, both bookish and non-bookish? Happy New Year everybody! Hope you all have a wonderful 2016!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For 2016

I'm changing it form 'first half of 2016' to the entire 2016. I was struggling to find books (& movies) that are being released in the early half of 2016. I'm also including movies!

1. The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
The conclusion to the Raven Cycle series. There are certain things that I know will happen in this book that I'm not ready to read. One) Gansey and Blue making out. Okay this one is a more I-wish-it-will-happen. Two) Gansey's death. Three) How everyone will react to his death.

2. The winds of winter by GRR Martin
Now this one does not even have a set publish date. But from most accounts, GRR Martin wants to release it before the 6th season of the HBO TV adaptation. So, hopefully it'll be out around April 2016 *fingers crossed*

3. Fantastic Beast and where to find them
I'm so excited for this movie. When there were news that they planned to make this into a movie, my friend and I freaked out. We. Freaked. Out. And when the teaser trailer came out. OMG. It looks amazing. I'm very excited for it. In case you miss the trailer: here it is. It didn't receive a whole lot of attention cause another Star Wars trailer was released the day before.

4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 
Speaking of Star Wars, there's apparently news that there will be a new Star Wars movie every year till whenever. This is the one planned for next year and I'm really really excited for it. The Force Awakens that was just released is amazing. If you haven't seen it, go and watch it!!! It's really good. Rogue One is suppose to fill the gap between the Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It follows a band of Rebels as steal plans for the Death Star.

5. Bridget Jones's Baby
More Colin Firth? Why, yes please.

6. One would think deep by Claire Zorn
I just finished The Protected by Claire Zorn and it was an amzing contemporary read. I'm so excited for what else Claire Zorn can offer!!! Plus, she's an Australian author! #supportthemaussies

Vivian apple vs. the World by Katie Coyle; a review (of sorts)

Okay, so I just found this sitting in my notes app on my phone. I read it at the start of the year. Here we go:

My thoughts right after finishing Vivian Apple Vs. the World

• Who renames them self Gallifrey?!?!? Like the planet. Okay. Sure Mr. Planet. 
• Harper and Vivian are #friendgoals
• Also, how amazingly strong is Harper. 
• It's 100% totally plausible that people would do some crazy sh*t in the name of God. I'm also 100% terrified.
• OMG Goliath is so comical
• Is the author a socialist? or just very anti capitalism?
• I'm not ecstatic that everything boils down to this one giant evil corporation. 
• Some crazy ass fanatic Christian would have murdered Fick because of his interpretation of the bible. 
• why is the ending so ?????
• Probably going to be a sequel
• I'm probably not going to read it 

In short, the premise of the book is promising. However, the execution leaves something more to be desired. It's very unique though. I haven't come across a story like this one in the YA dystopian genre yet which is impressive considering there's so many recycled plots in said genre. 

I'm terrible

I'm really bad at managing blogging and uni. When there's uni, I just completely neglect my blog whereas when I don't have uni (ie I'm on holidays), I remember my poor abandoned blog. I really really want to try to make consistent posts. Initially, when I decided to start blogging again, I had very unrealistic expectations. I thought I could do two posts a week but that's just not going to happen if I'm being honest. So, I'll aim lower this time with at least one post every fortnight.

Another change that will be happening is that this is not going to be a dedicated book blog anymore. I'll still primarily talk about books as that is my one true love (i'm so sad, i know) but I'll sprinkle in some other cool (in my humble opinion) things as well like maybe my sewing projects, baking, my life, etc. The etc. is added to add an element of mystery, so now you're hooked and you're gonna want to keep on visiting this blog. Boom. Presto. Blog magic.

To get into the hang of blogging again, I'll start with a simple post. I'll catch you guys up on what I've been doing for the past 8 months or so. I'm looking through Carousel to remind myself what I have done....what is this terrible memory of mine.

I am done with second year!!! *pops confetti* There were lots of notes made, lots of studying and an insane amount of chocolate consumed.

I started journalling again. I mean, I have always journalled but in the past few years they weren't as 'artistic', they were just entries with huge chunks of paragraphs. Before, I used to do a lot of doodling and drawing and painting. I made more of a conscious effort to include more drawings/art in my journal. Mainly, I was inspired by the painting class I took in the summer and thejournalclub.tumblr.com.

I read books and visited bookstores. The two bookstore pictured are City Basement Books near Flinders and Book Book at Brunswick.

Many hours were spent on the train. I like taking the train. Yeah, sometimes during rush hour it gets so packed and it's really uncomfortable to be sandwiched between two sweaty men but I enjoy observing the myriad of characters I see on the train. I love telling train stories. If you have any train related stories, please share them ASAP!!!

I also learned how to use the sewing machine!!! And I made things!!! I'm proud of myself!!! I also realised that I love going to the fabric store. Who knew looking at fabrics could bring me such joy?!?! Did I ever envision myself as someone who would love going to fabric stores? No, I did not. But do I regret loving fabric stores? Heck no!!! (my my wallet does though).

I went to the National Gallery with my friends. Art was seen and immersed in. Felt inadequate at the display of such beautiful things, questioned my own ability to create such things. Ultimately, art made me feel lots of things.

Top Ten Characters You'd Like To Check In With

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted over at TheBrokeandtheBrookish!

1. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

I just want to know everything about their little family. Is their your house messy or neat? Do their children fight among themselves? What do they do after dinner? What do they talk about during dinner? 

If I remember correctly, Ron runs the joke shop with George. I want to see Ron working, his tongue giving a little click whenever Hugo slips something into his pockets. 

I want to see Hermione at her job, working for the rights of non-human magical creatures. I want to see if Hermione changes her tactics when she deals with the underprivileged because let's be honest -when she was still in Hogwarts her tactics with SPEW were a mess. She kept imposing her idea of what's 'right' without taking into account what the house elves felt. Remember how the house elves stopped cleaning the Gryffindor common room because of Hermione? Yeah..I hope she learns. 

But still, I love both Ron and Hermione to death and would love to see their life post-Hogwarts!

2. Susan from Narnia

The great injustice that is Susan not being able to return to Narnia. So yeah, I want to check in with Susan.

3. Amy and Nick from Gone Girl

Again, I just want to see these two twisted people living their twisted life. And how they deal with bring an innocent baby into their twisted life. 

4. Holden Caulfied from The Catcher in the Rye

How's Holden holding up? Is he doing well? Is he still a patron of strange motels? Does he still watch little kids on the carousel? Is 'phony' still his favourite word? Does he still feel distant from his parents? Is he eating enough? 

5. The boy and his Grandmother from The Witches

If I remember correctly, we left the Boy as a mice with his Grandmother as witch hunters. Doesn't that sound amazing? I just want to follow this duo, an old lady and mouse, hunting witches around the whole world. How crazily amazing is that? 

I'm only doing 5 because in most of them I had two characters as one. What characters would you like to have a little peek into their life post-book?

March

 Left: I got a new coat! Sadly, it's still too warm in Melbourne to wear it. :( Come quick winter!!!

 Middle: this is my favourite pair of socks. I love the colour. It reminds me of rust.

 Right: egg themed nails for easter! 

I also saw some crazily amazing and simultaneously unreal clouds. Honestly, this looks like that opening scene from The Lion King.

How has your March been?

Anyway, Happy Easter!!! Hope you all have a great April!




Also, new Sansa excerpt!!!! Technically happened in April but who cares? New Sansa chapter!!!!