Tea

(Original draft date: 05.28.12 3:15 PM)

In which I'll tell you about that time I got so obsess with tea. As I was roaming around I dunno which one to buy and what I also didn't know is that there would be so many different kinds available so I bought them all to try after reading all these wonderful labels and I've always wanted to drink earl grey or green tea but I prefer the Jasmine or any type berry tea turned out I love everything about it! 

Yes! TJMAXX I can't believe it myself :O
these teas got amazing benefits and it's so good!

I knew there would come a time I'd appreciate tea just like strawberry dunno why for some reason I didn't like them before haha perhaps I'm getting old as it's often associated with that haha but I like such change as it's geared towards the healthy side.What about you? are there certain things you didn't like before that you like/love now? tell me in the comments below ^_^

Stardust (Movie Review)

Duration: 127 minutes
Release Date: August 10, 2007
Genre: Adventure,Family,Fantasy
About Stardust:
A town called Wall and beyond the wall lies a magical land.Tristan Thorn journeys beyond the wall to retrieve a fallen star that will change his life forever! (more)
Directed by
Matthew Vaughn
Writing credits (Screenplay)
Jane Goldman
Matthew Vaughn
Novel by:Neil Gaiman

Click this link>>For the List of Cast & Crew

My Review and Rating:

OMG! I love this movie so much and I'm so glad I watched it after I finished the book.So many wonderful moments that made me laugh,cry,tears of joy T_T I appreciated it more because I've read the book mayhaps.

One of my favorite characters in this film is Captain Shakespeare,Robert De Niro did a phenomenal job he made me laugh so hard!

and  he's so nice,very nurturing in a fatherly way.

I also love Ian McKellen's voice over as the narrator.The Guard at the wall was so kick ass even though he's  old I thought he would be out smarted the second time around  he did such a great job that scene was so cool! The wicked witches sisters they're quite scary but they definitely got me going with the story as well as the stormborn brothers their legacy and quest they're brilliant!Yvaine and Tristan they're so perfect actually their character grew in to me over time along with the story.Although there's quite a bit of variations from the book I think it's still so awesome! especially about the babylon candle wh:OA! and the ending :D

Overall I gave it all the stars in the world! heck the entire universe! XD

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Source: Library
Category: Audiobook,Fantasy,Science Fiction,Adult
Format: Audiobook
Duration: 5 hours 40+ minutes
Language: English
Published November 28th 2006 by HarperAudio
ISBN:0061336238 (ISBN13: 9780061336232)
About the book: (from Goodreads)
Young Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria—even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. But beyond that old stone wall, Tristran learns, lies Faerie—where nothing, not even a fallen star, is what he imagined.(more)

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars

(Tristran & Little Hairy Man talking about Victoria and his quest to find the falling star so this would the little man would do)"I'd tell her to go shove her face in the pig pen and go out and find another one or kiss you without asking for the earth" ~Little Hairy Man

"Love I hope you choke on it!" -Star

I love it when Neil Gaiman read his own work!with a bonus interview content wow!

Tristran's so nice and lucky!the story's quite confusing at first for there's a lot of characters and different storylines anyway,it all merged perfectly well I like the concept,lots of funny,unexpected and magical moments plus such a fine ending.

Sidenote: it's quite funny how I rated it as 4 out of 5 considering a star had fallen (no pun intended) but such rating was because I really liked it.And I'll try to check out the movie asap once I found a copy.^^,

Phoenix (Black City, #2) by Elizabeth Richards

Category: Young Adult,Dystopia,Paranormal
Format: ARC,Paperback
Page Count: 368
Language: English
Published:June 4th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile
ISBN:0399159444 (ISBN13: 9780399159442)
About the book:(from Goodreads)
Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.(more)

My Review: 3 out of 5 stars

I received an ARC from Penguin Group (7/22/2013) even though it was published June 2013 I like it (less pressure I guess haha!)

I haven't read black city and yet I read this book on a whim it was alright. The flashbacks on this one was pretty good I don't feel left out although I must admit I think I'm missing some happenings on the first one I must get on with it one of these days along with the last one..soon mayhaps...

I love the burning feather cover of this sequel. The character names and places are mediocre it feels like a rip off from other novels,quite ironic and funny as I try to compare them.It has that holocaust element into it as well.The map is like the U.S with variations. I saw a few typos I hope they're able to spot and correct it before publishing.

and WHAT THE FRAGG?!everything happened so fast!a bit predictable..still pretty much interesting the guessing game kept me going and I managed to guess right who will rat who (sometimes) and yet I'm greatly amused more of surprised really in the end.

Love,Mystery,Rebellion,Chaos,Death,More Questions,answers, stories/confessions told and began unfold! I saw the pattern. (it still makes me think is this really truly young adult?)

Confessions of a Murder Suspect (Confessions #1) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Source: Library
Category: Audiobook,Fiction,

Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories

Format: Audiobook (unabridged)
Duration: 5 hours 40 minutes
Language: English
Published September 24th 2012 (Hachette Audio)

ISBN: 1619691965

About the book: (from Goodreads)

On the night Malcolm and Maud Angel are murdered, Tandy Angel knows just three things: 1) She was the last person to see herparents alive. 2) The police have no suspects besides Tandy and her three siblings. 3) She can't trust anyone-maybe not even herself.(more)

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars

"How true Daddy's words were when he said: all children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands. "~Anne Frank

Emma Galvin's voice perfect for this book! calm and suiting.This is my first exposure to James Patterson & Maxine Paetro's work(s).

I liked how the story draws you in and will make you think that the entire thing is so complicated but truth to be told plain simple in the end.It has that Romeo and Juliet vibe into it yet full of mysteries to be unfold/discovered.Being inside Tandy's head and confided by her confessions,stories,emotions and truths/lies (even she's not sure about),the unknowns I truly felt that I'm there with her,I made a new dear friend.Although the police are portrayed mediocre I was hoping there would be more action to think the Angel Family is like one of the top out there.I'm quite proud to the Angel's family progress as to being humans I sympathize to what happened to them,empathize and try to seek some justice or even a sense of redemption to all of them.To wake up in a drone life,being conscious and free..I wish them all the best and would like to offer them my prayers and sincere condolence.

I'm looking forward to the sequel so many things yet to be told!so many holes to patch,people to search and talk to.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: And Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Source: Library

Category: Audiobook,Classic
Format: Audiobook
Duration: 3 hours  3minutes
Language: English
Published March 1st 2007 by Blackstone Audiobooks

ISBN:0786160454 (ISBN13: 9780786160457)
About the book: (from Goodreads)

In 1860 Benjamin Button is born an old man and mysteriously begins aging backward.(more)
     Also includes Babylon Revisited and The Bridal Party

My Review: Overall 3.5  out of 5 stars

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- 4 out of 5 stars
         Funny,charming and odd indeed!

Other stories: 3 out of 5 stars
         Nostalgic,sad and oblivion.

Nameday

My gap year is almost over NOOOoooooo YEessss ugh D:

To be honest I really don't know what to do during my nameday haha!

Plan A: was the mix...
Plan B: Since I used my cupcake mix for my dad's nameday for thy marvelous marble cake and cool whip plus that red frosting that just didn't hold much due to the cool whip mania.Still on the go for my mom's hot & spicy (she went for regular) spaghetti and pic. with her.She made some local filipino delicacies such as egg pie,pichi-pichi,kutchinta.My dad grilled ribs and I bought snickers ice cream cake which is just like a massive snicker ice cream bar!the played an old chinese game with a beloved guest that ate most of our time besides eating in between breaks haha! all went well.It was fun!

 anyway,here's a video from Emilie of New Gloom I like her concept which made me think of some of my accomplishments in life if there's any haha!.Early 20's is awesome! I'll always looking forward every single day enjoying each moment...make it count!

Thanks Google!

22

Enough said! haha! XD

I still love Taylor Swift no matter what other people say although her defense mechanism song writing skills seems on repeat it works haha! Yey for creativity!

I love love love her fearless and Speak now album and bits of her new Red album.

She's nice,such a sweet heart,lovely lady,no reports of mischiefs,I think she's a great role model unlike other female child actors/singers whose career downfall consumed them anyway Change for the better I always say :D

30 days reading challenge #30dayread

Hey guys! what's up? ^^,

I recently participated in a readathon as seen here.I think I'm on a reading slump/funk whatever you'd like to call it that's why I've decided to give it a go.My Goal is to read at least 5-50 pages a day.Here are the books I finished reading.

1. The Ocean at the end of the lane by Neil Gaiman

2. Magic Tree House book 5: Night of the Ninja

3.Magic Tree House book 4: Pirates Past Noon

4. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

5. Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood

6. Maus by Art Spiegelman

7.Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

8. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (Book 2 of the Percy Jackson series)

9.1984 by George Orwell

10. A Feast for Crows by George R.R Martin (Book 4 of A Song of Ice and Fire series)

11. Before Watchmen: Minutemen/Silk Spectre by Darwyn Cooke

12. Before Watchmen: Ozymandias/Crimson Corsair by Len Wein

13. Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

14. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: And Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald

15. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

As you can see they're all from different genres which is good as I like variety.Though most likely I head on the graphic novel section whenever I'm on such phase.So yeah...I need to make a video about Reading Slump (soon).

Before Watchmen: Ozymandias/Crimson Corsair by Len Wein

Source: Netgalley
Category: Graphic Novel
Format: Ebook
Page Count: 256
Language: English
Published July 2nd 2013 by DC Comics
ISBN:1401238955 (ISBN13: 9781401238957)
About the book:

Back stories of now iconic characters Ozymandias & Crimson Corsair

from Goodreads:

Discover what happened before WATCHMEN. The team of legendary writer Len Wein and acclaimed artist Jae Lee--in his first DC Comics' work in nearly a decade--delve into the mind of the smartest man in the world: Ozymandias. How does one go from the son of immigrant parents to becoming the world's smartest man? Adrian Veidt begins his journey, both spiritual and physical, that will one day make him one of the most pivotal players in the world-changing events of WATCHMEN(more)

My Review:

"All a man reaps is that which he sows" ~ Crimson Corsair

Ozymandias is truly such a kick ass character beginning til the very end and clever too.Somebody that could match the comedian and even more it's crazy!I love his story especially his rags to riches journey and be better.

Crimson Corsair, I got this pirates of the caribbean feel all over again.I like the story quite interesting some are hella scary and few that bore me so I took my time to totally get into as it is in some sorta grim effect.It drags mann...there's also blank pages I'm not sure if there's something suppose to be in there but oh well I carry on everything that happened to Gordon Mcclachlan feels,looks and sounds like a continuous loop of gruesome nightmare.N'Tunga's she's an admirable character.And then....what the heck did just happened?

There's also a brief story of another character in which I wouldn't name coz I'd like it to be some sorta bonus story I wasn't expecting..I felt kinda bad for him being stuck in that situation although I kinda knew it and he saw it coming then I recalled Edna Mode (The Incredibles movie) once said "NO CAPES!"

Overall,I like how every character got his shot of glory in their story I'll give Ozymandias 4.5 stars,Crimson Corsair 3.5 stars and the bonus story 3 stars out of 5 stars.Average score of 3.7 stars not bad at all ^^,

Vicious by V.E Scwab

Source: Netgalley
Category: Fiction,Adult,Fantasy
Format: Ebook,Preview Excerpt/sampler (109 pages)
Page Count: 368
Language: English
Expected publication: September 24th 2013 by Tor

ISBN: 0765335344 (ISBN13: 9780765335340)
About the book: (from Goodreads)
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.(more)

My Review:

"You must make time for that which matters for that which defines you: your passion, your progress, your pen. Take it up, and write your own story.” ~Eli (p. 9-10)

"I want to believe that there’s more. That we could be more. Hell, we could be heroes." ~Victor (p. 51 & 86)

I haven't finished the book yet only at p.109 which is the end of the sampler and from that I can say Victoria Schwab got something really good brewing in here.I'd like to read and know more about it like how will the story end?.As for the characters well they're really an interesting,realistic and believeable bunch.I can relate to them their dreams,hopes,aspirations,emotions etc. their relationship with each other is quite fascinating. It's all about the law of attraction.The plot looks and sounds so convincing it made me correlate some of my life experiences and I hope other folks WON'T do something crazy after reading this heck it made me thought about how Extra Ordinary people and things are.

I like the character development so far they're beginning to grow on me,the pacing of the story just right not too fast or slow the flasbacks helps although I'd like to see some dates on the entries instead of 2 days ago,last night part indicator of present/past moments to get hold of things better.And more character description on what they look like also more details about their geographical location.

Anyway, at the moment I'll give this bit of a sampler 4 out of 5 stars.

I'm looking forward to the release date or an ARC mayhaps XD

1984 by George Orwell

Source: Library
Category: Audiobook,Classic,Fiction
Format: Audiobook (unabridged)
Duration: 10.5 hours
Language: English
Published: April 12, 2007 by Blackstone Audio
About 1984: (from Goodreads)
Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell's chilling prophecy about the future. It presents a startling and haunting vision of the world, so powerful that it is completely convincing from start to finish.(more)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Big brother is watching you!

Which reminds me of the reality show full of tasks and rewards that turns ordinary folks into instant celebrities coming out of the house way back in the day.

It took me awhile to get into it. I'm really grateful I got hold of the audio book.This is such a classic!it's really good and I love how it somewhat reflects what's happening nowadays or so we don't really know(unaware of),no power to,us being such a drone...it scares me! truly very enlightening!

I highly recommend it! whether you are reading it for school,for the first time,for fun/pleasure or simply would like to check it out go ahead and also give the audio book a shot especially if you find yourself stuck and don't want to read the book/if you're quite bored haha! I like the audio book Simon' Prebble's voice was Ok although I think Frank Muller's Narration was great as well more youthful and vibrant I think.

If ever you can't find or grab a copy of 1984 I'd like to share with you a site with an archived I found through google wherein you can tune in for free over there.Enjoy!

Before Watchmen: Minutemen/Silk Spectre by Darwyn Cooke

Source: Netgalley
Category: Graphic Novel
Format: Ebook,Graphic novel
Page Count: 288
Language: English
Published July 2nd 2013 by DC Comics (first published June 2013)
ISBN: 1401238920 (ISBN13: 9781401238926)
About the book:

Back stories of now iconic characters : Minutemen & Silk Spectre

from Goodreads:

The Minutemen were assembled to fight against a world that have more and more rapidly begun to spin out of control.
SILK SPECTRE takes an introspective look at the WATCHMEN feature player's struggles with her overbearing superhero mother and her scattered path toward taking the mantle of the Silk Spectre.Takes a very different perspective at the world of BEFORE WATCHMEN.(more)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

"There are all kinds of sane ways to help you community that don't involve a mask and short pants" ~Nite Owl (Mason Hollis)

"You see a problem fix it!" ~Mason Hollis

I'm so freakin excited about this! this is one of my most anticipated graphic novel release.

I love the colors,how they're illustrated and the panels looks so beautiful and absolutely brilliant!some are drawn in a way you can see the big picture in small panel/chunks.

Dr. Manhattan

The stories told in a memoir sort of fashion,back and forth,lots of flashbacks here and there truly enlightened me how the group Minutemen was formed and the next generation of crimebusters.It cleared up a lot of things for me especially when it comes to watchmen.This made me want to pick up Watchmen and read it all over again.

I like how detailed every panel looks. Byron Lewis's story panels the way it's illustrated that moment he looks down in the building was absolutely fantastic and breathtaking!I felt that I'm there with him.I didn't like Dollar Bill his exposure is so commercialize! and Sally she's so overly dramatic (sometimes) although I'm really proud of Laurie Jane (her daughter),her story line during the woozy hipster era are so colorful and amazing it captured that high feel effect well.I love Ursula,she's so kick ass!her jump scenes greatly executed, truly an avenging angel!her story's so amazing,touching,traumatic and tragic but alas! Justice! best served cold pwahaha! I quite understand the comedian better I mean he's an interesting character alright.I somewhat agree with the other characters about Mason Hollis just want to lighten his load although without it there would be no story,prequel,enlightenment,before anything really..so I'm really glad in some ways I knew what happened.Thank you!

I definitely highly recommend reading this before watchmen especially if you're already a big fan of the series or if you simply want to check it out and have an awesome read.

Booktube-a-thon/Read-a-thon!

This Read-A-Thon will be taking place from July 15-21!

CHALLENGES:

1) read an average of 300 pages a day

2) read a book with over 500 pages

3) re-read one book

4) finish a series/trilogy

5) read a book that's been on your shelf forever

6) listen to an audiobook

7) read a classic

Watch Ariel's video for more info!

Watch Liz,get pump and be like a pro.

Florida ventures!

Last year, we went on to this flea market at St. Petersburg,Tampa, FL (I'm glad I wrote a title about it way back as I forgot where haha) so we could see for ourselves what it's like over there.The place was so freakin HUGE! sorry I only managed to salvaged these three shots haha! It was a sunny day felt like eighty degrees fahrenheit.

it's near the boat docks it looks so fancy out there!

We ate lots of food one of which is this Magic Pop it's made out of rice stuff I don't know but it doesn't have any flavor nor taste perhaps a pinch of salt? haha it's so bland I have no idea.It's so weird too this is perhaps one of the most intriguing,noisy thing ever made there as it pops in this waffle like maker hence Magic Pop XD

Aunt Finy bought me a Desert Rose plant it's so beautiful! it also comes along with a mini note card full of instructions how to take care of it and how big it could get,it's very much self supporting it could go  on for days,weeks or months even with little-no water that's so freakin amazing!The trunk is almost like the ones on a bug's life and my mom's always trimming,planning to make it into a bonsai haha!

What else hmm...I remember eating some pickles,on the very last minute bargain of hotdogs two for a dollar (PROTIP: if you got some down time watch out for last minute bargains a.k.a closing time) then I made a run for it for a pint of freshly squeezed orange juice at a very affordable price.Their juicer looks very interesting indeed like factory like clockwork transparent round about mechanism haha such description I know I'll try to document better next time haha!

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Category: Classic, Science Fiction,Dystopia
Format: audiobook by tantor media
Page Count: about 179
Language: English
Published: 2010 (unabridged)

Duration: 5 hrs. 30 mins.
ISBN 10: 1400118182 / ISBN 13: 9781400118182

About the book: (from tantor)
A classic novel about censorship and defiance is as resonant today.(more)


My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

"Don't face the problem...BURN IT!" ~Captain Beatty

"To everything there is a season, a time to break down and build up, a time to keep silent and speak" ~Guy Montag

I tuned into tantor audiobooks for this one. I love it! (I'm into audiobooks these days)it's actually a great way to get into things and I love Stephen Hoye's voice (the narrator).

This is one of those books I've always wanted to read all I knew about it is that it's set in a time where they burn books and the temperature 451 degrees Fahrenheit is thy burning point.

And so I was greatly intrigued,shocked and surprised about everything!People brainwashed living the unthinkable drone life.

I like Guy his awakening sometimes remind me of myself.Reality checks are good. Clarisse,17 & crazy (no not really) she's a very interesting character indeed..she made me laugh and wonder with all her questions about life and the world.Mildred (Guy's wife) so annoying! the scene with her friends was so funny it made me want to chase them out myself! haha that's so cray! (they're so ugh).Anyway,I learned a lot from Granger he basically said what I needed and would like to know(so many great things he said I'd like to quote).His words of wisdom is definitely overflowing,very enlightening,stays with you & life changing!

I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Masks

I went to Pier Imports way back. I love going and exploring that place they got tons of unique items all over the world! and I found these cool looking masks all of it are Made in Italy! 

W:Ow! I've always wanted to own one of these. Each piece are hand painted (I think) definitely one of the top things on the list to buy perhaps one day ;))

BEHOLD!

The Fool's Mask

quite princessy and fancy

I love this one! it looks so prince charming like

well I got to try some on at some point haha! I have no idea where I'm looking at XD