In My Life
Desperate Search for Something
Has it ever happened to you that you carefully packed something away and then couldn’t find it anymore? I did precisely that with the quick release plate for my camera. Before I left for Europe I removed it from my DSLR since I didn’t take along my tripod. Then when I returned home I wanted to take a few book photos but the plate was nowhere to be found.
I spent an entire day sorting through all my things. Dejected, I thought I would have to buy a replacement. In the end I found it nicely tucked away in my desk drawer. Meanwhile, my shelves and drawers have never been more organised than they are now. Aside from the agitation over a lost day, I’m relieved that my belongings finally have their proper places after moving house earlier this year.
Food
This week I also got back into the kitchen at home to experiment. I was in the mood for dessert and only found the ingredients for panna cotta. Rather than whipping up vanilla panna cotta, I decided to substitute with caramel and with rum. Both turned out really well. Caramel panna cotta especially turned out well since I vastly prefer it to the vanilla version. There’s just something about creamy caramel.
Besides panna cotta, I also got started on an espresso chocolate cake. Too bad I only realized when I wanted to prepare the frosting that I’ve run out of coffee. I’ll have to stock up in the coming days. At least that gives me more time to decide if I should go with mascarpone or buttercream frosting.
Book Haul
A review copy of The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman arrived in the mail, courtesy of Pansing Books. The plot sounded pretty intriguing when I read the synopsis. What I didn’t know is that it’s touted as Cassandra Clare meets Jane Austen. All the more reason to finally read my copies of City of Bones as well as Pride and Prejudice.
Guest Contribution
Feminism is a topic as important as ever. That’s why I contributed my thoughts on it at Word Contessa.
On the Blog
Blog Posts
At Elaine’s request, I put together a list of 20 library hacks. They’re specific to Singapore but still a useful resource for many other public libraries around the world. I also started my recap of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2015. There’s lots of photos to be found!
Regular features went live this week too:
Book Review
After sitting on my review of Falling into Place by Amy Zhang, I managed to gather my thoughts and posted it. This book broke me in a way no other books has before. I wasn’t a fan of the narrative perspective but otherwise, this book stabbed me right in the heart and poured out all the emotions.
Around the Blogosphere
Books
- Ana @ Read Me Away deconstructed opposing groups in science fiction.
- Chiara guest posted at Chasing Faerytales in defence of Fan Fiction.
Genre
- Crini @ All About Books compiled a long list of books according to her favourite topics in science fiction.
- Rinn @ Rinn Reads explained steampunk and noted a few relevant titles.
- Jaz @ Fiction in Fiction in Fiction outlined her favourite genre — high fantasy — and added some book recommendations.
- Kaitlin @ Reading is My Treasure analysed what makes a contemporary book stand out.
Readers’ Lives
- Laura @ Scribbles & Wanderlust talked about book buying habits.
- Cyra @ Rattle the Pages contemplated preorders.
- Aila @ Happy Indulgence contemplated marking books — yes or no?
- Laura @ Boats against the Current discussed how does reading change you?
- Kaitlin @ Reading is My Treasure realized that sometimes sequels spark her interest in book one.
- Jen @ J(en)’adore considered how college has changed her reading habits.
- Beth @ Fuelled by Fiction summed up how she picks her next book to read.
- Taylor @ Charming Reads gave tips on balancing reading and college.
Blogging
- Alexandra @ Twirling Pages noted five things she wishes she had known before she began blogging.
- Aentee @ Read at Midnight reflected on who she blogs for.
- Amanda @ Nellie and Co. explained how creating a cohesive design kickstarted her brand.
- Lisa @ Becca @ Lost in Lit mulled over new blog designs: yay or nay?
- Beck @ Pretty Deadly Blog learnt a few lessons from blogging.
- Leigh @ Little Book Star discussed her blogging schedule.
- Ashley @ Nose Graze declared, Give me your whole blog post or I’m unsubscribing.
Reviewing
- Jasmine @ Jasmine Pearl Reads shared basic tips about ARCs.
Social Media
- Jessica @ Bookish Serendipity gave 4 tips to promote your blog meaningfully.
- Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense weighed in on Twitter buzz and the aim to hype upcoming releases.
Miscellaneous
- Georgie @ What Georgie Did designed a beautiful printable for The Raven Cycle.
- Cee @ The Novel Hermit launched the 2015 YA Book Cover Choice Awards!
- Chantelle @ Oh, the Stories You’ll Know shared what feminism means to her.
- Inge @ Bookshelf Reflections went against the grain: How to fake being productive.
- Will @ Willa’s Ramblings is making it a habit to wake up at 6 a.m.
This happened to me just the other day, I bought an eyeliner on sale and I came back to work and couldn’t find it anywhere! I have no idea what happened to it, but I’m glad I ended up getting it replaced cos I went back to the store. Thanks for sharing our post Jo!
That’s so nice of them to replace your eyeliner! And I gladly shared your post :)
That panna cotta looks amazing! I love panna cotta, but I don’t think I’ve ever had caramel panna cotta. Might have to hunt some down! Also, yay for an organized room with everything in its proper place ;)
You could look into making your own panna cotta. It’s not that difficult! And yes, it’s so much easier to find things now :)
Would you like to come organize my shelves now? :P
The panna cotta looks delicious! (The caramel one, at least. I personally don’t care for the taste of rum.) I answered “marscarpone” in your Twitter poll, but now I’m thinking buttercream might be better. I can see why you’re struggling with the decision, haha.
I loved reading everyone’s thoughts about feminism on Nuzaifa’s blog. That was a great post.
Hahaha. I should get down to blog-organising. I’ve almost a year’s worth of posts to format. As you already know, I ended up mixing butter and mascarpone :D
I’m happy you’ve found that plate back! I don’t drink/use alcohol, but that dessert looks and sounds delicious :D
Thank you, Mel! :) And the caramel panna cotta doesn’t contain any alcohol. Haha. I made rum panna cotta separately ;)