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.

• Christmas Cake Recipe
• The Clever One - book review
• My Favourite Christmas Ads.
• Cottage Cake Recipe
• Why I like to make Lists
• Allegiant book review ....... :o
• My Christmas wish list

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

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

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.

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 ^_^

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!

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

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

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

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