Tuesday

December Round Up

Hello,
          it seems we are at the end of the year once again. The year of the Gathering is over. A new day dawns, a new year begins. A fresh start full of hopeful - OKAY, enough with the philosophical jabber, (I get enough of that in poetry). Let's see what posts I managed to blog this month.
What I read in December
  • The Clever One
  • Geek Girl
  • Allegiant
  • City Of Bones
  • Midwinterblood (well I'm reading it at the moment.... what on earth is going on?!?!?)

What I plan to read next month...(or in 2014: it's a long list)
  • The 5th Wave
  • Will Grayson, Will Grayson,
  • The knife of Never Letting Go
  • United We Spy  ( I think I might the whole series from start to finish)
  • Wicked
  • The Hobbit
  • Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
  • Wuthering Heights
  • Emma (again)
  • Catcher in the Rye
  • Witch & Wizard
  • Stormbreaker
                ...... that's all the books I currently have at home tbr. Then there's the other list of the books I do not own but would love to read. But there's just too many to type...

Whimsical thoughts
My lovely aunt (in-law) was kind enough to get me and my sister tickets for Wicked in Dublin!!! I was supposed to go with my two cousins and my aunt but due to an accident that left my cousin in hospital for three days, she could not make and therefore neither could my aunt. So I bribed my uncle to drive us all the way to Dublin where we collected my other cousin and got to see the magnificent WICKED!!!AAAAGGGGHHHH!.... (.... yes I really really like Wicked)
It was BRILLIANT!. Though I admit the Defying Gravity was better in the West End but in fact I thought the second half was outstanding and nearly outdid the version in the West End.
My study plans have gone out the window despite my award winning lists and colour co-ordinated plans. Ah well. It's not like the Leaving Cert is that important..... oh wait...

Blogging Resolutions
My new years resolutions are generally the same as last years.
1. Always reply to comments. I do this anyways but I think it is important to put it in. It irritates me when bloggers don't reply. I feel like they've just ignored my input. Even a simple thanks would be fine.
2.Keep Up to date with posts. I try to aim for at least one post a week. I know I've been inconsistent for a few months now but my internet is absolutely rubbish. Apparently I've managed to live in the 2% of the country that are not set up for broadband! Just my luck.
3. Read other blogs more frequently. Again with the internet. It just takes ages for one simple blog to load, and then most of the time when I finally press publish,  the comment disappears and tells me my internet is not connected!
4. Develop a more steady readership. Actually develop any kind of readerships. I'm fairly sure that the only page views I get are from my self. Just one or two more comments would be much appreciated
5. Stop whining and sounding like a horrible teenager on my blog. (I've just reread the whole page)
6. Have an overall more impressive blog particularly with content. I've gotten quite boring with old age.

So I'm going to shut up now and go watch iron man.
Happy New Year
(I will be more upbeat tomorrow)
Marian ^_^  x

Monday

The Christmas Wish List

This year my Christmas Wish List entails the following:
  • DVDs such as Now you see me and Iron Man 3. I saw Now you see me last summer in the Cinema. It was brilliant but I think the surprise of the plot is gone once I 've seen it. As for Iron Man, well, I love superhero films. And Iron Man definitely tops the list.
  • Doesn't the Kitchen Aid look dreamy? If only it wasn't 500 Euro!
  • Those brown boots are calling to me. I found it on pinterest but can't find them in any shop...
  • The Killers CD has managed to wade its way on to my list this year. I also wouldn't mind other CDs like The Coronas, Birdy, Little Green Cars, The Beejees, Lana Del Ray etc.
  • I just can't wait for these books. Wonder, 1984, The Snow Child, Eleanor and Park, Ketchup Clouds, Midwinterblood. I spent a whole day a few weeks ago zooming around book blogs to see what ones could go on the list. I was mostly on A Day Dreamer's World, Feed Me Books Now, It was Lovely Reading you, My crazy Bookish World, A Super Sunny Spot and a recent blog I found The Book Stop.
  • If you hadn't realised this already, Terry's Chocolate Orange is my favourite chocolate!
  • Christmas Socks
  • I bought this for a friend but I would really like one as well. It's an earing holder.
  • From Santa I shall *hopefully* get this spectacular Canon Camera. I love photography and now I'll finally have the megapixels for it!
  • This is such a cosy dressing gown from Dunnes Stores. It's perfect for winter, chillaxing by the fire with a cup of tea and a great book.
I'm not sure how many of these I will actually get but a girl can dream.
Merry Christmas!
Marian ^_^ x

Wednesday

Allegiant

This third instalment tin the Divergent trilogy was much anticipated. Ever since I met Tris back in Abnegation, I have grown very attached to the story and its characters. Allegiant, which I expected to be fast-paced, tear jerking and altogether mind boggling, was surprisingly none of the above. Instead I thought it was cautious realistic yet fascinating and poignant.


Allegiant (Divergent, #3)The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

  But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
.
If you haven't been living under a rock for the last year, then you will know about the Divergent trilogy and how phenomenal it has become. So when Allegiant (finally) hit the shelves with a very unexpected ending, you can imagine how angry some people may have become. Fortunately, I had stayed clear of any Allegiant related blog posts/ tweets etc. etc. Therefore when I read it, I had no what was about to happen.

Tris has become one of my favourite Heroines. Veronica Roth developed her character incredibly well. Tris displayed great qualities but like any other human in the world she had her flaws. And I loved her because of that. She was a girl in Divergent, but a woman in Allegiant. I think she is one of the best fictional role models out there. Although her last decision I would recommend.....

Speaking of the ending, that caused quite a stir. I've heard people say they hate it, while others admire Veronica Roth for going with her gut. When I finished I was sort of in a daze. You see, when the Tris episode happened, I didn't realised what was actually happening. I never thought that could possibly happen. It just couldn't. I was certain that when she saw her mother that it was only a dream. It took me a few days to come to terms with the ending but I have finally formed an opinion on it.
Though I was not satisfied with the ending, I think any other way would have killed the trilogy. Imagine a happily ever after? I don't think I could have ever forgiven Veronica Roth if that were to happen. And it was not possible to have such a happy ending because of what the world entailed and after all their suffering. Instead,I respect the ending.

One thing that could have been better produced was the two POVs. Tris and Tobias blended together. Although it was refreshing to get an insight into Tobias' mind, I couldn't distinguish between them.

I loved the reason for the factions. I had not been expecting that! I thought that when they left the city that the outer world would no longer exist or something like that. It was brilliant how Veronica Roth came up with it. Had she know all along? Or were there other options she was thinking of?

Altogether, this is a brilliant trilogy. Allegiant was not what I expected but it is respectable.





Happy Reading!
Marian ^_^

Sunday

Makin a List - checkin it twice!

I'm sure I am not the only one who will admit to list making as part of their top three hobbies. And I don't mean it comes in second or third place either. There's just something about writing each task down on paper, making sure they are in a neat order with a perfectly square check box adjacent or even a thick black marker at hand for crossing things off. It's simply delightful to have all the "to-dos" written down. Despite none of it being actually completed, I still feel so relieved.
However I have been told that this obsession with list-making is more like a malady rather than a hobby. The common symptoms of LMS (List making syndrome) include:
  • a pencil case neatly packed with assorted coloured pens, rulers, erasers, parers and sticky notes.
  • enjoyment of making colour-coordinated study tables.
  • Never sticking to the plan: to study.
  • Taking time each day to write a list of what to do that day. (usually includes time)
  • Allocating time on the list for list-making.
  • Making a list of lists
  • neatly folding the lists or sticking them with blue-tack to the wall.
  • Crossing things off on the list is like a child getting bags of chocolate. The happiness cannot be described in words.
So do you suffer from LMS?
 I don't think it's a bad thing, necessarily.  For one thing I am exceptionally organised.....Well I plan to be organised anyhoo. I admit I fulfil each of those symptoms but I am also proud to say that I like to make lists. My name is Marian and I am a listoholic!

Wednesday

A Christmas Chocolate Cottage Cake

 
 
On a wintery cold Saturday afternoon, whilst sitting by the dancing fire, a sudden thought drifted to mind. "I should bake a cake!"
And so it was, I baked a cake. A chocolate cottage cake to be exact.
Now I know that everyone who is anyone knows how to make a chocolate cake, so let me save myself the bother and just show you the pictures I took after.
I used chocolate fudge icing for the roof and a kitkat as the chimney. To give a snowing effect I dusted the cake with icing sugar.. The windows and door turned out a bit clumsy, so I do apologise. Maybe I could make a themed cottage cake for each season....

 


Happy baking!
And a merry Christmas
Marian x

Friday

To get you in that Christmas Spirit

Here are a few of the BEST Christmas ads - ever!

1. Obviously the Coca Cola ad has to be included. It is the most iconic advertisement I have ever seen. In fact, those trucks announce Christmas has arrived


2. Kellogs provided the timeless Cornflake ad. It's such a heartwarming and sweet ad. You just have to love it .... Ho ho ho..... *clasps hands to heart in adoration and glee*



3. After that, I really like the Budweiser ad. You know the one with the horses and snow...


Now and again I see a few new (particularly good)Christmas ads, but they never last long. "Under the tree at spar" is pretty cool as is TKMaxx --> well don't they always have fun ads.

Merry Christmas ^_^
Marian x

Wednesday

The Clever One

The Clever One




Title: The Clever One
Author: Helena Close
Pages: 314
Gifted Teenager Maeve Horan is an outsider in her own family. She is the clever one: studious, hard-working, and destined for good things. When her sister has a baby with Big, an abusive small-time criminal, she fears the worst for the child's upbringing.
While Maeve's mother is content to go along with the charade of happy families, her brother Cian seems too busy trying to figure out his sexual orientation to care. Frustrated, Maeve decides to take drastic action alone to remedy the situation.
But sometimes people can be too clever for their own good. Her plan goes badly awry, with disastrous consequences. In the aftermath, Maeve struggles to come to terms with  the fallout - and guilt.

My thoughts: Overall, it was a rather good book. As it is set in Ireland I could relate to a lot of things. Based around the stereotype that Limerick is the thug city of Ireland, expect a lot of bad language and horror situations. I like the main character Maeve. She's smart but stuck in a family who don't appreciate her. Yet she thinks she knows what is right. I found that irritating because it was blatently obvious she was in the wrong! I wasn't too happy with the ending either, because it's not the happy ever after I expected. This book is realistic, almost blunt, about life. In the end there is hope but not perfection.

The Cover: based on this cover in the picture it looks like a light-hearted read. Like one of those Marian Keyes books or Maeve Binchy's.  Suitable for adults and the more mature of teenagers, the cover is fine. It's realistic, just like the story inside.

The Movie: There is no film version, from what I can gather. I think it would make a good movie. It has that frustrating element that keeps you awake. There's also a lot of suspense towards the end. It even has the love drama, peer pressure, teenage situations, death and family. I'd like the cast to stay Irish. So maybe actors from Love/Hate would fit in well!

Recommendations: For fifteen and up. It is an interesting book but it won't keep you on the edge of your seat. I give this book 3.5 stars.

Happy Reading!
Marian x



Sunday

The Classic Christmas Cake

Let's get one thing straight, I don't like Christmas Cake. Never have, never will. It's full of dry fruit and almonds. Neither of which I would eat voluntarily. So you may be asking yourself "Why would I make a Christmas cake then?".
Well,
....I actually haven't the faintest idea.
This isn't the first time I've made a Christmas cake. But it is the same recipe I've always used. According to people who like Christmas cake and have eaten my version, apparently it is "delectable" and "mmm" and "can I have the recipe?" So don't take my family's word for it, try it yourself.
 
Ingredients
350g Currants
350g sultanas
350g raisins
100g mixed peel
100g glace cherries
50g chopped apricots
100g ground almonds
50g grated apple
Grated rind of a lemon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp mixed spice
225g butter
225g brown sugar
6 eggs
250g plain flour
5 fl oz whiskey
 
Method
1. Prepare a tin (about 9 in circle) with brown paper (lots of it!)
2. In a large bowl put the dried fruits, nuts, apple, lemon rind and spices. Pour over half the whiskey and cover the bowl with a tea towel, leaving over night.
3. Next day, Cream buter and sugar. Add beaten eggs and then fold in flour. Combine both mixtures (the fruit one with flour).
4. Spoon into tin leaving a little hollow in the centre.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 140*C for 3 and a half hours. Cover the cake with brown paper for the last 90 minutes.
6. Cool cake in tin for 24 hours.
7. Prod cake with skewer and pour over rest of whiskey. Wrap cake in greaseproof paper until needed or to be iced.
 
Icing
I covered the cake with smooth apricot jam and then put a thin layer of almond icing on.
After that, I rolled out icing and placed that on the cake. Using the leftovers, I dyed some green and made holly to decorate.
As a last touch, I made some red butter cream icing and piped that around the cake. I also stuck a few snowmen on top.
 


 
 

Then you're free to stare at it proudly or shudder at the thought of eating it. ^_^
Happy Christmas!
Marian x

Thursday

The Host

The Host (The Host, #1)Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Number of pages: 638
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded hosts, and most of humanity has succumbed.
Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But she did not expect that Melanie would refuse to relinquish possession of her mind.
Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man she loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

My thoughts: A few trees could certainly have been spared. That story could have well fit into half the actual amount. The middle part just dragged on. For pages on end , nothing seemed to happen. At first I was drawn into this unusual world and a tad curious about the aliens. I began to lose interest quickly though. Also the characters Melanie, Wanderer and Ian drove me insane. I could stand of any them. It doesn't really help a book when the characters (especially the protagonist or protagonists in this case) irritate the reader so much that they feel like pulling out the pages just to get rid of them. However, I did like the overall idea. The ending was fairly good too. It's just a pity it didn't all work.

Movie Version: I haven't seen it but I do hope it is better than the book.


Wanderer played by Saoirse Ronan
 
I give this book two stars. Mainly for being unappealing and the descriptions weren't great.

Happy Reading!
Marian x

October Round Up

So it appears my last Round Up (an oddly my first) was last June. The again I did not have much to "round up" about in those summer months. Nevertheless here is the latest....

What I blogged
  • My welcome post, announcing the new blog name and why I chose "The Flying Key"
  • Shortly after that I went to Switzerland on a physics trip (well only about 10% was actually physics. What can I say, a girl has got to shop)
  • I was overwhelmed by the Christmas Spirit that had been growing since June and so naturally I blogged (well more like ranted)
  • I baked a Hedgehog cake!! Twas scrumptious.
  • My pumpkin Harry featured. I also just bought two more (Ron and Hermione - to complete the collection). To spice things up this Halloween I carved an owl. Any ideas for the other two?

What I read
  • The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Not great, I'll admit.
  • Looking For Alaska by John Green. Well, I'm technically not finished. I just started the "after" part. I cried as much as I did with TFiOS. Actually I'm still bawling...

What I plan to read
  • The Clever One by Helena Close. Recommended by a friend.
  • Geek Girl
  • Allegient - did I mention I got it? AAAAGHHHHH! Cannot wait to read it!!!!!!
  • Wicked
  • The 5th Wave
  • 1984 (as a result of Ruby's fabulous post)
Other Whimsical Ideas

hmmm.... well at a fancy dress I was a minion. Even though I have never seen Despicable Me. Doesn't make sense, I know. I painted my nails to look like ladybugs today. Are they called Ladybugs or Ladybirds? Anyhoo I've started doing a lot of artwork. Yesterday I sketched The Mad Hatter (the Johnny Depp version of course!).  I am now super excited for Christmas!! The decorations are everywhere! How long now till the Cocoa-Cola add?!! I also think I use the word "well" too much...

Happy Halloween!
Marian x


Tuesday

Pumpkins and Minions and Pie (oh my!)

So that great gust of a storm and the often roars of thunder do create a nice atmosphere to coincide with Halloween. It certainly sounds like a ghost (or a whole army of them) are camping outside my window whilst I shiver in my bed and try to block out the flashes of lightning. Besides all that scary business, I actually do enjoy Halloween.
I'm one of those people who get far too excited over festivals and novelty days so as usual Last Saturday,I pondered, in the shop, over which lucky pumpkin would experience my mad carving skills this year.
Meet Harry: the chosen one

Somehow all our pumpkins have been following a Harry Potter theme. Last year we had George, Fred was before that ....etc.
I think next year we might have Charles. It also fits in with the Royal Family. (well, besides Fred)
I just love the Royal Family.
Anyhoo, to change things up a bit I carved an owl (I think I'll call her Hedwig)
 
I know it doesn't look great in that picture. It looks absolutely ghastly. But the final thing, all lit up, looks fairly good.
 
Result!
However my attempts to make a pumpkin pie failed, dramatically.
 
This year, for a fancy dress, I was a minion! The funny thing is, I've never actually seen Despicable Me.....
 
Happy Halloween
Marian x




Sunday

Hedgehog Cake

 
Because of my love for hedgehogs and cake, I made .............. a Hedgehog cake! Very original don't you think? ^_^
I'm really surprised how well it turned out. Usually all my big plans go horribly wrong. Well, I guess this wasn't a very big plan, just a sandwich (tin) size.
So if you want to make this, here's the recipe:
 
Ingredients
For Cake
120g plain flour
125g margarine
125g caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 tspn of baking powder
1tspn vanilla essence
 
For icing
25g Bournville Cocoa (or any other dark choc cocoa)
60ml Boiling water
175g butter
300g icing sugar
 
to decorate
3 packs of Chocolate buttons
1 pack of White Chocolate buttons
Or maybe some smarties
it's up to you - go crazy
 
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180* C (350*F). Line two sandwich tins.
2. Cream sugar and margerine of cake mix together.
3. Add eggs and vanilla essence and combine.
4. Sift in flour and raising agent.
5. Spread equally between tins and bake for 30 minutes.
 
6. When the cake has cooled make icing.
7. Dissolve cocoa in the boiling water to make a paste. Let cool.
8. Cream butter and icing sugar together until light.
9. Combine the butter mix and chocolate paste.
10.  Sandwich the two cake layers together with a little icing and carve shape of hedgehog (like an egg cut vertically)
11. Pipe the icing over the cake from the back to the nose (pointy bit) and smoothen the face.
12. Stick buttons in icing to resemble bristles.
13. Make the nose and eyes with white buttons or smarties.
14. Boast to everyone about you mad baking skills.
 
Enjoy!
Marian x



Thursday

Is it too early to be excited for Christmas?

If you said not at all, well then, great. Because I've been totally in the festive mood sense June! It's not that I'm a Holy Joe or anything, I just love the leading up to and atmosphere that comes with Christmas.
For me, this really begins to start a little while after we get back to school. Say end of September/ early October. Especially as last week, when I was in Switzerland, there was a wonderful nip in the air. I could see my misty breath rise into the violet night sky. I got to wear my knitted jumper, warm coat, wooly hat, snuggy scarf and mitten gloves. My cheeks tinged red and I say I could have stayed there forever.
Even now, at the height of Autumn, the crunch and colour of the fallen leaves make me smile. It's perfect weather for a bit of photography (if I had the proper equipment - *cough* *cough* it's on the wishlist) My instagramming will be on the rise shortly, as soon as I can find a free wifi zone. (you've no idea of the torture the countryside is)
And let us not forget Halloween! Not a major event on my calendar. If only I had a few dozen 5 year olds that would willingly let me make their costume. That would be a truly brilliant Halloween! Personally, I hate scary movies. They absolutely terrify me! Although I'm nearly always willing to give the ol' dvd a try, I usually have to change the channel or run screaming out of the room within the first five minutes.
But anyhoo, back to my focal pint:
It is 68 days until Christmas!!!!!
Does that sentence alone not make you want to shriek and jump around, singing Christmas carols? Agh, I'm so excited already! I need to Christmas shopping,.... where's my bag?.....

Happy early Christmas everyone!
Marian ^_^ x

(Dear Srcuges, *clears throat* l.e.a.v.e.)

Monday

When in Switzerland

doppler effect | Tumblr

Bonjour!
A word I used quite a bit last week. You may or may not have known that I study physics for the oncoming Leaving Cert --I think it's called A Levels in Britain. I really enjoy physics although I don't understand half of it. The perks of being a physics student includes totally getting the jokes on Big Bang Theory and also getting to visit CERN!

So that's exactly where I went last week. My class headed off to Dublin on Wednesday night to catch a flight to Geneva, Switzerland. Alas, it was raining for the most of Thursday but we had come prepared. We stayed in the youth hostel. That was brilliant, the breakfast was fairly good and the rooms were safe and comfortable. The spiral staircase looked pretty cool from the 4th floor. On the last night my hat was dropped from the top to the bottom. Some English dude tried it on....

Anyhoo I had a great time. I really wished it would snow, but we did get to see some on the mountains ( I'm not sure if they're the Alps). The place was absolutely gorgeous and the art in that city was astounding! I mean the doorknobs! WOW! Like they were some beautiful door handles! =)

 
Obviously the main purpose of our trip was to visit CERN. The Large Hadron Collider is 100m under Geneva but not in use at the moment since the leek in 2008. Ultimately they are sending two particles with opposite charge in opposite directions through a magnetic field for high speeds in order to collide them together. This creates the same type of setting there was during the big bang and so new particles that were around millions of years ago can be recreated. If you have seen Angels and Deamons there is a lot of this type of physics going on. But it is totally exaggerated!!! You cannot hold 3grams of antimatter in a container for that length of time without blowing up. And anyway its nearly impossible to create that amount of antimatter!!
 
I f you do not understand any of the above physicsy stuff, I do apologise and I will refrain form any further out burst of science....
 
We also visited the Red Cross Museum and the League of Nations. I loved the Red Cross tour. That place is amazing and what they do is even better. I found the UN a bit boring but the artwork kept me entertained. In one room, the roof was incredible. It was like being in a rainbow cave (*scroll up*).
 
Overall I would love to go back to Switzerland. The people are nice, the money is cool, the shops are expensive and the chocolate is yummy!
 
Marian

Sunday

Welcome

Hi there! Welcome to the newly named blog: "The Flying Key". After being away so much during the summer, I neglected my blog and other blogs with it. So to get back into the swing of things, I made a new url and name!
A fresh start so to speak.
I have also made a new header *scrolls up and nods head vigorously*. I actually drew it and scanned it on. Pity it looks like a 5 year olds scribble, left out in the rain after the dog ate it and spat it back out. But twill have to do!
I'm still on twitter, goodreads and all those other sites that I tend to become addicted to for weeks on end.
Bloglovin - (please follow, new blog means no followers ,so if you don't mind..)
Twitter
goodreads
instagram
pinterest
weheartit
*you can find the links on the sidebar*

If you're wondering how I chose the name, there are a number of reasons.
First of all there's the Harry Potter aspect of it all.
Flying is like defying gravity, therefore Wicked is inolved.
And the Flying Dutchman = pirates = Johnny Depp = future 3rd husband

And I just like keys....

So there you have it
Until next time...
Marian

Tuesday

Dear bloggers....

.... I have, on the spur of the moment, decide to rename/ re-URL and redecorate my blog. This could of course go all downhill and I will probably regret it but what's life without being spontaneous.
So my blog url for now shall be the-vintage-key.blogspot.com
My other options are
the enchanted key
the long lost key
the forgotten key
my wicked wonderland (already taken)

I'd like to hear what you think so please do not hesitate to tell me they're rubbish.
And I'm also going to try new designs. Not sure how it's gona go, so you'll have to excuse the mess.
For now, goodbye.
x

Sunday

A Pile of Books

bohemian hellhole

Because I am a very lazy person (well not always, just today) I am too tired to dive in to my memory and fish out my thoughts and opinions to review my recent reads, so instead I have compiled this list of the books I have at hand to read.



1. The 5th Wave - I can't wait to read this after seeing the unreal reviews on other blogs.
2. The Hobbit - haven't seen or read anything to do with The Lord of the Rings so I'm not sure what to expect...
3. Wicked - it's an actual book. I had no idea that the unbelievable show had a readable form. When I saw it in a bookstore I started jumping up and down like crazy and speaking/squealing at a very high pitch to my apathetic sister.
4. The Time Travellers Wife - I've tried so many times to read this but I can never get into it...
5. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - saw the movie: amazing. Aisling gave this to me (an the next books)
6. Salem Falls - I enjoy Jodie Picoult books
7. Harvesting the Heart
8.The 10th Circle
9. The Catcher in the Rye - I've been told it is disappointing.
10. Pride and Prejudice - I adore these eras in books and movies!

Any opinions on these books? Or suggest any I should (or need to) read?
x

Life in the Gaeltacht

In theory, Irish college is boarding school for three weeks during the summer, speaking a different language with peers you've never met, in a place you probably have never been. No phones, computers, tvs or ENGLISH! Sounds a bit like a concentration camp.....? But in reality, it's a bit of craic. .... that means fun in Irish for non-Irish speakers....

At 17, I was a bit old for the colaiste I picked, but thankfully there were four other 16 year olds (Hi Muireann, Kate, Kate and Darragh). I stayed in a dormitory, girls upstairs, boys down. Everyday we were forced to get up at 7:30 and have breakfast at 8:30. We walked to school up a huge HUGE HUGE HUGE (I can't stress enough how huge it was) So so Huge hill. We had class until 1:00, eat lunch, had music and played sport for  2 hours. This was followed by our treck back down to the House: Tir na nOg-----> cool name right?
We jumped off a  pier/cliff into the sea where it felt like a thousand knives were piercing you.
At night we had to walk back up that bizzarely steep mountain for a ceili (irish dancing) and then back again at 11. After the course you'd be correct to say I was exhausted!!!

The best time I'd say to go to Irish College is before the JC. Bring a few friends too and involve everyone in whatever activity it is.

I really loved learning new songs and dances. Miley Cyrus's Hoe Down was a polpular choice (p.s. what has gotten into her.??!) But most of all I became obsessed with Mulan. (especially this song, it's infectious)



Slan!
x

Friday

Bye Bye Summer!

Hi everyone! Long time no see. I'm finally home and the summer is ending...! You'd think that would make me sad, no more sleeping till 1 or 2, not being able to do whatever whenever, not as much time for reading (actually that one does make me quite sad).... yet I'm happy to be going back to school. I love the feeling of a fresh start. Those new shiny copies and crystal clean erasers are simply delightful. And getting my time table is absolutely thrilling! I can't wait to colour co-ordinate different tables for my locker, diary, wall and then form a study plan I know I will never use. It may sound weird and nerdy but I know I'm not the only one. Right? RIGHT!?
So I know you're all probably dying to hear all the deets and gos from my fabulous hols (just nod and smile guys, nod and smile...). Well, where do I begin...? Okay, so I think the last time it looked like I was alive on the internet was around the time I was in Sligo visiting my cousins. That was a fun week. I did a lot of shopping and beach walking. I much prefer beaches in Ireland than abroad. Take Spain for instance, that sand during the day can get so hot it will burn worse than the sun. I have the blisters to prove it too! I know Irish beaches can be cold, but the sand is so smooth and I love how my heart races when I run into the freezing water. The dogs couldn't come to the beach this year though. Molly is getting too old, she even finds it difficult getting around the house. And then there was this rare feature in the sky called the sun that had me lying on the grass most of the time; reading.
After that, I went to Irish college. I had to get a ferry there and spend two weeks speaking a language I barely know with people I didn't know at all. Sound horrific right? That's what I thought before, but boy was it fun! Or should I say a bit of craic! I'll do a whole post about that soon.
Then I went to Spain, again, for the 6th time, in the exact same place, doing the exact same thing... Only difference was that we drove to Gibralter for a day. That was cool. You know they accept euro AND sterling there! I didn't actually get to go up on the rock itself. It was supposedly over 40*C at the top. I'll be back sometime in the future to see if that's true.
And now I'm home. Just in time for school on Tuesday.
Bye Bye Summer!
x

Saturday

Would You Rather ~ Harry Potter!

This uber cool tag I found on Francoise's blog is completely Harry Potter themed. And if that wasn't the cherry on top, I don't know what is!
Would you rather go to prom with Harry, Ron or Draco?
All three are totally different and yet I love all three equally. Harry is really small so sorry but he's out. I'll probably be wearing heels so.... I adore Ron, he's so funny and cute. Then Draco is the more misunderstood guy and has got this whole bad boy thing going on, you know him being a Death  Eater and all. Then again, Ron may show up in that hideous outfit he wore to the Yule Ball, which shouldn't really affect my choices but does because this such a close call. I choose Draco!
Would you rather be sorted into Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?
I am in Ravenclaw (well according to the quiz), but I really wouldn't mind which House. Preferably Gryffindor or Ravenclaw though.
Would you rather explore the Forbidden Forest or the Halls of Hogwarts?
Halls of Hogwarts hands down! I mean, that castle must be incredible. I could find the one-eyed witch passageway, discover the room of requirement or even dine in the Great Hall. Besides that forest is full of centaurs and spiders and wolves. Oh My!
Would you rather enroll in Potions, Charms, Divination or Defence Against The Dark Arts?
Defence against the Dark Arts would be unreal. I like the idea of charms too. But who's a preferable teacher; Snape/ Lupin/ Mad Eye or Flitwick?
Would you rather buy an owl, cat, rat or toad? 
I absolutely adore owls! So yeah, I'd pick an owl.
Would you rather have in possession: the elder wand, resurrection stone, or the cloak of invisibility?
Cloak of invisibility seems the wisest choice.
Would you rather be tutored by Luna Lovegood or Hermione Granger?
Eh, Hermione, obviously. She is the Genius!
Would you rather (in the final battle) fight against Nagini (the snake) or Bellatrix?
I'd enjoy a good ol' duel against Bella, I think. Then I could slaughter her for killing Sirius!!!
Would you rather fight a basilisk or a dragon?
Dragon, probably cause it's a mythical creature.
Would you rather be a part of the Malfoy family or Weasley family?
Weasleys! Best family ever. Life with twins could never be boring.
Would you rather have a butterbeer or pumpkin juice?
Butterbeer.... I've had my fair share of pumpkin juice. I think Harry's reaction to skelegro would be adequate.
Would you rather fly on a broomstick, Hagrid's motorbike or Buckbeak?
Oooh! Tough question. Either Buckbeak or broom. Probably broom, that way I could play quiddich.
Would you rather have a conversation with Daniel Radcliffe or J.K. Rowling?
The answer to that is impossible. Rowling created it all but Daniel is my Harry, yet not Harry. Both, I fear, would disappoint me. They say you should never meet your heroes....

That was fun!
x

*P.S. I'm really sorry that I'm not commenting on all your wonderful blogs. I'm visiting my cousins and rarely the computer is available to me. I've tried commenting on some blogs using the ipad, but the message just gets wiped when I try to reply. So as soon as I'm home I will have a bit of spare time to catch up. Then it's off to Irish College - eek!*

Sunday

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault in Our StarsThe Fault in Our Stars is the first John Green book I have read. And I can assure you it won't be the last. The day after I finished it, I marched into easons and searched frantically for John Green's books. Then I had to decide from which to choose. So now, Paper Towns is waiting patiently upon my bookshelf to be read. They're beginning to remind me of an army, the books I mean, lined up like that. Gallant soldiers preparing for battle.

Anyway, TFioS is remarkable. I read it in one day. Basically it's about cancer infused Hazel meeting formally cancer infused Augustus Waters at support Group and this great friendship that evolves from it. But nothing about this story is basic. First of all this book is so realistic I started to think Hazel and Gus were real people. Like how did John Green do it? How can a simple blue paperback be so compelling? I was totally astounded when the book just suddenly finished that I had to take a few hours to tell the difference between reality and what I just read. When I had turned the last page, I was expecting more but there was nothing. Then I thought I was missing the last page and almost started crying, mainly because I was still an emotional wreck after that unmentionable incident that tore me up, pulled out my heart, bashed my head against a wall, stuck my heart back in and let all the emotions and pain hit me like a steaming hot iron!
AAAAGGGHHHHH!!! JOHN GREEN IF I EVER GET MY HANDS ON YOU-------!!!!!
adajkjabfjbvfuiwbinsbhfuihbivbhUIVBJdsvdjbgny.....!

*comes back sometime later with a bit more self control (and two puffy eyes)*
okay, where was I? Ah, yes, the ending. It wasn't completely abrupt but it was definitely not very resolved. It reminded me of that book Hazel read, the book that was pretty much at the heart of this one. I loved how Hazel found out the true meaning eventually, it was so heart wrenching how the writer wanted his daughter to live through her teens if only through a book. That part started up the water works again.
When I see it in the cinema, I'll probably go through this traumatic experience again. Shailene Woodley is cast as Hazel. I can definitely see her as Hazel. I knew before I read it so I had her pictured as Hazel the whole time.  Apparently she's Tris too, I only started that last night, but I cannot for the life of me see her as Tris. No. Just no.
As for Gus (my fictional boyfriend), Ansle Elgort shall play--- what? NO. That is not how I imagined Gus! AGH! NO please no. Well, okay, he's not too bad. Some of those google images are just not Gussy enough. Actually he looks like a totally different person in some. Okay, I won't worry about it, I'll just wait for the movie.
 
                              Speaking of Gus, isn't he just the greatest book boyfriend ever?! I mean even as a character on his own, I just love him. At first I was a bit like "ugh, god, not another one of these ultra cool, incredibly sexy, so perfect in a very annoying way type of male lead. And then I fell madly in love. I can't explain it, you'll just have to read the book, if you already haven't.
 
*I'm starting to like that Gus in the picture*
 
What more can I say, other than proclaim the book's excellence and  terrorise you with comments about Gus and his amazingness until you read it. The Fault in Our Stars, deserved every star that it gets. And five just isn't good enough.
x
 
 
 

Thursday

Originality

It is something I seem to lack of. And yet, is one of the most admirable traits, in my opinion. Without uniqueness everyone would blend together until you couldn't tell any individual apart. What kind of world would that be? Imagine reading the same general post on every blog, everyone having the exact same opinion and absolutely nothing different. Being different is what this world strives on. Do you think Lady Gaga is famous for wearing a fish tank on her head because everyone else does? I think not. Being different is good, mostly.
Part of blogging is about being different, but specifically being original, just being yourself. For a while I've tried out different things on my blog. Except nearly all of these posts were pick pocketed from other blogs. I worry too much about whether people read my blog or don't like what they read. I've tried too hard to make this blog great like so many other blogs and while doing so I seem to have lost me. My blog's originality needs to resurface, if it were ever there before.
So I have decided to write about what ever I feel like. Instead of attempting to review books in that horrible format of what I liked, what I disliked, I think I'll just type as I think and see what gibberish I come out with.
However there is no point bringing the blog back to me if I do not know who I am. I always enjoy listening to people with strong opinions and contemplating whether or not I agree with them. But I've only come to realise that I have never formed an opinion by myself on any topic. I only agree or disagree with what people say but never come up with an opinion on my own. Tragic really.
So from now on, I am going to debate ideas in my head and waffle away on my blog. And tough if you don't like it! I may sound harsh or hopefully make complete sense, but that is my opinion.
x

Sunday

June Round Up

June is already over and it only feels like yesterday that summer began. That's a whole month of holidays gone in a blink. It was a really busy month, I must say. I had to take a few days out after the stress of those hideous exams (shudders), I spent that by lying on the grass reading under the wonderful (yet rare) sun. In the blogging world, however, I had a lot more time to read lots of cool posts and try and find unique blogs. On the book side of things, I only read four books! I mean, how is that possible! (shakes in head disbelief). They were four very good books though.

The Night Circus was therefore my first review. I'm not sure if I got it across thoroughly through that post but you HAVE TO READ IT!

The Characters come to Life followed soon after because I kept thinking what actors should play whom in different books.

I decided to do a meme of Top Ten Beach Reads. That was kinda boring.

Inspiration Board was my crafty post of the month and was so much fun making it!

The Da Vinci Code was the only other book I reviewed. I love to read I'm just not very good at reviewing them....

I did a Birthday Haul because it was (obviously) my birthday....

And that haul happened to be posted whilst I was parading around London. Had a brilliant time there. All I've done since is watch wicked videos and stalk cast members on twitter.

The interview of this month was with the lovely Cat.

And that's it for June, see you in July... I mean tomorrow.
x

Friday

Interview #6

Hi Cat a warm welcome to my humble abode.
Thank you for having me! It's an honour to be here. ^_^

You've been blogging for a long while now, tell me, what is it about blogging that made you stick with it?
It's a mixture of things. I think the main reason is simply because I love blogging and it's became a normal part of my life over the years. It does sometimes feel like a chore if I'm running low on ideas but I always get my passion back as soon as I've had a little time away. I think because I've been at it a good chunk of my life I would miss it a crazy amount if I stopped. Also, I get amazing feedback from readers and a lot of support which keeps me motivated.

You've very cleverly named you're blog "Through a Cat's Eyes", but if you had to choose any other title what would it be?
Oh wow, I have no idea! My blog started out as "What I've done today" (lame, I know) so I guess if I hadn't thought of "Through a Cat's Eyes" it would still be called that.

Imagine this, you're stuck on an island, completely deserted when you find a tea pot washed in with the waves. It happens to be a genie lantern, he grants you one wish for any object you may fancy (but you cannot wish for more wishes). What is the wish?
Awesome question :D We got asked a similar question in my primary school year book when I left and as far as I remember I said I would wish for a kettle.... Somehow I think my answer has changed since then. :P Now I think I would wish for a phone with unlimited call time and texts so I could keep in contact with my friends and family until I get off the island. I wouldn't go insane if I had someone to talk to.

In your opinion what makes a great blogger?
Someone who is completely individual and true to themselves; someone who doesn't conform and try to become popular by doing what they think is "right" , someone who doesn't really care what people think of their blog. I think that these things just come with time because I find that some new bloggers think that there is some sort of formula that makes a good blogger, but there really isn't. It's all about being yourself. :)

Besides blogging what are your hobbies?
I'm obsessed with paying ukulele.... I have a pink uke called Gus and he is quite literally the love of my life.  I also play piano (my keyboard is called Fletcher and my piano is called Margo...)  but I kinda go through phases of playing a lot then not playing at all for a while. Of course I also love reading and watching films but the weather's been picking it up a bit recently so I've been spending more time out with my friends :D It's quite sad but I'd say I spend most of my time watching YouTube videos, I found YouTube in 2009 and got sucked in. I still haven't found my way out of that black hole. O_O

You are given the chance to design one room in The Night Circus (have you read the book?) , using all of your creativity, uniqueness and magic, describe this tent in the circus. Remember there are no limits.
I haven't actually read The Night Circus I'm afraid..... :(

What are your aspirations for the future?
Questions like this scare the hell out of me because I quite literally have no idea. Emma Blackery recently made a video saying that it's okay not to have an ambition and not to know what you want out of life, which made me feel a lot better, but I'm still feeling rubbish about not knowing where I'm headed.  :( if money was no issue then I would happily spend my life renovating houses and old derelict buildings, along with designing houses for my friends and family.... I'd love to be an interior designer but at the same time I have a real interest in politics. .... I'm so confused >_<

Thanks Cat!
Thank you for having me! :D

x

Tuesday

Loose in London

I still don't understand how our parents could let 4 teenagers on their own for five days in one of the biggest cities in the world! For months now, I have been saving every penny and sacrificing  my social life to afford this holiday. But it was TOTALLY WORTH IT! I mean, wow....... London is HUGE! And there are people from every culture there.  We landed last Tuesday in Heathrow, after a very exciting morning,  our flight had an emergency landing so that wasn't a great omen. We stayed in an apartment that was mega modern but really tiny. My feet hurt so much after walking regent street and oxford down to covent garden. According to Dawn I had tumer-like extra toe that was indeed a very nasty blister. We were the best tourists London ever had.
 
 
Here are my favourite places we visited:
Wicked
WickedThis is the best musical I have EVER SEEN. I would classify it as a must do before I die. I am obsessed with Wicked, my most played tracks on my ipod are all Wicked. As far as I know it was the awesome Louise Dearman and Gina Beck that played Elphaba and Glinda last Thursday the 20th of June (if anyone can confirm this, please do?). I was completely dazzled by their performance and I can't express how brilliant this show is. Wicked is completely enchantingly deadly.
London Eye
This was a nice way to see the city. It is really slow and cold but the view from the pods are just breath taking. The queue wasn't that long (well an hour...). Next time I come to London (oh yes, I will be back!) I don't think I'll visit it again. It's more of a been there done that. But if it's your first time visiting you just have to go on the London Eye.
Bus Tour
This was actually really fun. We got to sit on an open roof bus (which is always going to make my day). This is where I probably took the most pictures. I got to pass J.K Rowling's house among other famous peoples and saw really expensive cars. We passed Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Madam Tussauds and even had a free river cruise.  It was also great to finally sit down!
Madam Tussauds
The queue for this was unbearably long! I think we were standing in line for almost 2 hours just to buy tickets. And we were in a rush to have dinner as well as see Wicked, so we pretty much ran through it, pushing people out of the way to get pictures. There's one of me and Ghandi (please ignore any sunburn you may see.... who knew you could get burnt in London?!) Some wax figures were very fake while others were startlingly real. My favourite of course is Emma Watson, the Beatles and the royal family tied in second place. The scream place inside there is cool too. I  screamed the whole way as we walked around while clinging onto Noreen. It is not actually that scary but the man beforehand giving out the rules terrified me. Make sure to have a lot of time here for full enjoyment.
M & M's World
This is exactly what it is. It is M&M's World. It is dazzling! The smell of the chocolate wafting from that shop.... We visited there everyday! It's just so colourful. It reminds me of Willy Wonka's factory with giant M&Ms instead of oompaloompas.
Summing it all up, London is WICKED! It was an incredible experience for a mere 17 year old. I came away with a new obsession, a sun burn, an oxford university jumper and 2 pounds. By the way, sterling is theee most confusing currency ever! Why on earth are some coins bigger that higher values. It just doesn't make any sense!......
Oh and may I also say, why are British boys so good looking????!!!!
 


"Wicked!"
x

Thursday

Birthday Haul

So I've turned 17, an age that still seems so old. Am I more mature?
maybe...
Any way, here's all my little prezzies!
 
1. Cards, a must have on birthdays.
2. My yummy chocolate cake. Thanks Dad!
3. Munch, featuring my two favourites Terry's and Moro
4.DVDs, Hanna and Les Miserables.
5 A personalised card from my oldest friend Aisling (Hi Aisling *waves violently at screen*). You can see a picture of me and her somewhere there, guess who's me...
6. A bag, came all the way from Santa Ponza.
7. Money, in this incredibly strange currency called sterling. So guess where I'm headed...
8. A birthday is not complete without a book, The 5th Wave.
9. A floral bag that came in the post, it was a complete surprise that made me dance madly around my bedroom with excitement.
 
Thanks for all the presents (even though none of ye read my blog... besides Aisling..)
x
 
 
 

Sunday

The Da Vinci Code

Title: The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown

Pages: 589



Synopsis
A quest almost as old as time itself
An object thought lost forever
A deadly race to possess it
The Louvre, Paris: the elderly curator of the museum had been violently murdered in the Grand Gallery. Harvard professor Robert Langdon is summoned to decipher the baffling codes which the police find alongside the body. As he and a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to find a trail that leads to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci - and suggests the answer to an age-old mystery that stretches deep into the vault of history.
Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the Labyrinthine code and quickly assemble the pieces of the puzzle, a stunning historical truth will be lost forever...

My thoughts
My first initial reaction as I read it went something like this "Ugh, another predictable crime plot... zzzz". Even though the first 3 or 400 pages were supposed to be full of suspense as Robert and Sophie uncovered thrilling secrets and riddles, I just didn't like it. This was probably because I have seen the movie and already knew about The Last Supper Painting .... However, I was totally stunned when Leigh- um, I won't tell what happens, but that twist totally shocked me. And just when I was recovering from said twist, another incredibly surprising twist unfolds!

The Cover
I like that the red makes it very eye-catching and stands out on my book shelf, but it is very overpowering. The variety of font creates this messy effect that just makes me shake my head and tut. The picture of the Louvre and crptex is very useful for visualising in my mind but that's as far as the positives go for the cover.

Would I recommend it?
hmm... yes. The story is very cleverly crafted. Everything just fits together nicely. I like the resolution ending, but I doubt I'd read another book by Dan Brown. His writing skill just doesn't appeal to me.

 
Happy Reading!
x

Wednesday

Inspiration Board DIY


 
Yesterday, I was busy making this really cute and unique inspiration poster. I recently took everything down off my walls, so they were looking a little bare and I thought they needed more of a personal touch rather than all the celebrities posters that made it impossible to find the door. I'm not quite finished yet, but I was really excited about this craft idea that I just had to blog about it.
 
All you need
a notice board or even an A3 sheet of paper
Glue
Lots of pretty pictures, all the same size
Cut-outs from magazines that inspire you
(and if you're using a notice board, maybe some thumbtacks)
 

 
I printed off pictures from weheartit and then glued them on to create side borders. At either end, I scribbled "Inspiration" and "Board", I made a dashed line to spate the words from the centre, also making a stitched look.
Then I filled the centre with lots of little bits and bobs that I really like. In the corner, I drew a bookshelf and have so far placed a few books (drawings and pictures) on it.
You can fill this space with anything you like. Some quotes are a really good idea.
This board can be themed as well. For instance, if you're having trouble with the (seriously annoying) question "What are you planning to do with you're life?", then forget money and college, just picture what you would like to do, be or see and find those pictures/ write them out and then stick them on the board!

It's as easy as crumb pie!
Enjoy!
x

Tuesday

Top Ten Beach reads

I've enjoyed reading the is meme on a lot of blogs recently so I've decided to give it a go. It is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish
 
This week the theme is:
Top Ten Beach reads.
 
1. The summer I turned pretty is a very summery book. It is set in a beach house where Belly stays every holiday. There is fun, sun and a bit of romance too.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
2. And you might as well read the next in the series:It's not Summer without you. There's a bit of a twist in this one and Bely has to face the choice of which brother is right for her?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. To finish of the trilogy, read We'll always have summer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Amy and Roger's epic detour is a fun book that made me desperately want to find a car and just drive. A road trip is now on my to-do list but first I need to learn to drive..
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Water for Elephants is an incredible story that will you keep gripped. I adore this book and believe everyone should read it!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. The Last Song will make you break down in tears, probably not what you want whilst on the beach surrounded by people, but It is worth wile reading.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. Dear John is another good read for the summer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8. P.S. I love you, is an easy read. It has some funny moments and is feel-good book.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. The Gallagher Girl series is quick paced and addictive. It's a great way to pass the time sunbathing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Lastly why not read the classic Emma?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enjoy reading on the beach or by the pool, but don't let your books get wet, speaking from experience it is not very amusing...
x