tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78223744994110331912024-03-13T16:46:15.890-07:00Vanillian DynamicsFrom Books to Style, my mind craves knowledge. My blog is my world of imagination you can join!itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-30823034495269178632017-12-02T21:07:00.001-08:002017-12-02T21:07:54.021-08:00Vanillian Diet #6: Vegetarian WellingtonsHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
<br />
And yes, you read it right. I really mean <i>vegetarian</i> wellingtons. I know you have heard of the famous Gordon Ramsay beef wellingtons and such but I am no eater of beef, but at the same time I do feel like there can be creative ways to display wellingtons.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Beef Wellington is a preparation of filet steak coated with pâté and duxelles, which is then wrapped in puff pastry and baked. So to make it vegetarian, I have done some clever substitutions. </span></span><br />
I do want to highlight I am not much of a genius and this recipe was inspired by looking through endless photos of portobellos on pintrest. I have always loved british food but I do find it very difficult to obtain or enjoy the cuisine where I live. So, today I will be sharing to you my recipe for these gorgeous portobello wellingtons with a balsamic stuffing and avocado pate.<br />
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To mimic the filet steak, I decided to use the caps of Portobellos mushrooms. They are large mushrooms with an intense meaty and umami flavour. And all I do is to scoop out the gills of the mushrooms till it becomes a delicate shell and to cook the scooped out mushroom in some herbs and balsamic vinegar to make my version of a duxelle.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lafujimama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Portobello-Mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="425" src="https://www.lafujimama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Portobello-Mushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To mimic the traditional pate served inside the delicate puff pastry, I decided to mashing some avocados and mixing it with simple seasonings to give the creamy and luscious texture.<br />
And for the puff pastry, you can always use the shop brought one or if you are up for the challenge and have an entire day free, you can make your own. Unfortunately, where I live I really could not find pre made puff pastry and I barely had time, so I decided to cheat my way by making some shortcrust pastry. This is NOT the traditional way but I was okay with it considering the fact I switched up almost everything in the original recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9QS9Kckw4/WU806saJNII/AAAAAAAAC4E/XYlCyeSJ7FAG4zbXdK0uLNV0ixbn12AFACLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9QS9Kckw4/WU806saJNII/AAAAAAAAC4E/XYlCyeSJ7FAG4zbXdK0uLNV0ixbn12AFACLcBGAs/s640/SAM_1430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87mFwWgNHyQ/WU809C7socI/AAAAAAAAC4I/vfi5Q68FbgMpZHO59MnvehNEOE_9qu11ACLcBGAs/s1600/SAM_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87mFwWgNHyQ/WU809C7socI/AAAAAAAAC4I/vfi5Q68FbgMpZHO59MnvehNEOE_9qu11ACLcBGAs/s640/SAM_1431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients Required:</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For Shortcrust Pastry:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. 2.5 cups plain/all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. 0.5 cup butter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Approx. 1/3 cup cold water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For Avocado Pate:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. 2 avocados</span><br />
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2. Salt and pepper<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. 1.5 tsp ginger powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For balsamic filling:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. scooped out 'gills' from 3 portobello mushrooms ; minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. 1 medium onion; diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. 2 cloves of garlic ; diced </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. 4 sprigs of spring onion ; sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. fresh/dried parsley [I used dried, but its better to use fresh]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Procedure</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Make the shortcrust pastry by rubbing cold cubes of butter into the flour until a breadcrumb consistency is formed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Add salt to the dry mix and make a well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Add cold water little by little and form the dough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Chill the dough in the fridge for atleast 30 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Vanillan Tip: If you have premade puff pastry, you can skip these steps and use the pastry instead.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. To make the filling: Add some olive oil onto a pan and fry the diced onions and garlics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Fry the onions and garlics until they are soft and add the scooped out gills from the portebello mushrooms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. Fry till fragrant and add balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and the parsley.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8. Fry for 3 minutes and add the spring onions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9. turn off the heat and cover the filling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10. To make the pate; scoop out avocados</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">11. Add the ginger powder, salt and pepper to the scooped avocados</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">12. Mash the scooped avocados into a smooth consistency</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">13. Assemble the wellington by rolling the pastry to cover the portobello. Spread the avocado pate in the interior of the portobello. Add the filling into the portobello until its full</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">14. Add the portobello on the pastry and cover it (I did it unsuccessfully haha)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">15. Bake at 180 degree Celsius for 22 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">16. Slice and serve</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you guys like this recipe and give it a try. I'm so sorry it took me so long to release this recipe. Until the next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!</span><br />
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-65407449266582848182017-11-21T00:30:00.000-08:002017-11-21T00:34:37.254-08:00'Justice League' English Movie Review + RatingHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla here.<br />
<br />
Its been too long and now I have finally been freed from my GCSEs. I feel that life is a bit too surreal. I truly am worried for my results (which will be released next year) but for now I am going to enjoy all the time I have.<br />
So last week Justice League the movie was released and I got the chance to watch it on the opening day itself. A lot of debate erupted on whether the movie was good or not. But here is my opinion.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Concept</span></h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The idea of batman wanting to create a group of superheroes and save the world from evil is pretty cliche.. but its still nice. Given that I have been a batman fan for the longest time, I enjoyed how batman was the brains and tried to tie together different superheroes (who have their own agendas and issues) into a team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">However, I felt it took too much time trying to get off the drama between the different heroes just to come together and go against another cliche villain that is uber strong but can be dealt with only by superman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">This then brings me to another issue with the concept issue I saw. The movie had this dependence on Superman. Yes, he is powerful and everything but I felt that they should put more effort in trying to show the teamwork and development of other lesser known heroes like Cyborg and Aquaman. Almost 40% of the movie was depending on the resurrection of Superman, trying to calm him and talking about him only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Thus, the concept of the movie was not that bad.. but not that good as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Pace</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The pace was quite an issue. Once again I felt that unimportant parts of the plot was slowed down and emphasized on more than tho more important and climatic parts of the movie. Given that there will be a part 2 for the movie, I just hope there will be more content and at a more mediocre pace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Cast Choice</span></div>
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There is nothing generally wrong with the cast choice. Batman and wonder woman were well picked. On a side note, I hope I was not the only one who felt that Henry Cavill (Superman) looked awfully alot like Christian Grey from the fifty shades of grey franchise.</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Genre</span></div>
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Genre was also a bit wonky. There was way too much CGI effects that were used and the plotline kneeled towards a chickflick-drama more than action or even thriller. The science fiction part of the movie was still well delivered.</div>
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I feel like the next movie and Zack Snyder should have worked harder on the film concept.</div>
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Overall, the movie is still well enjoyable if you are not one to be a superfan of DC. If you take the superhero world very seriously, you might be met with disappointment. I hope you guys liked my review.</div>
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Until the next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!</div>
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Find me!:<br />
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla</div>
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-19308463575259625282017-06-22T20:10:00.002-07:002017-06-22T20:10:35.362-07:002017 Mid year CatchupHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
<br />
So.. I have gone missing from my log for about 6 months. And I do understand that there may be a bit of confusion of what had happened to me.<br />
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Well, I do want to firstly clarify that I am in my education years now. 2017 is a crucial year for me to concentrate and to make sure my examinations are well written. I am very glad for the support I have been given and I am proud to say that I have now added my official blog page on facebook and instagram! So do check it out and follow!<br />
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I will put up a blog post or two for this year but do not expect it to be of regular timings. But once my examinations finish (in November) I will be posting more often on all my social media platforms. SO do stay tuned and keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla</div>
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Instagram: @vanilliandynamicss [please show love and follow!]</div>
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Wattpad: @itsmevanilla</div>
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-8986827890100321682016-12-09T05:20:00.002-08:002018-04-12T05:54:58.408-07:00Vanilla round the globe #1: Sichuan, China!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here,<br />
<br />
It is December and the winter season is brewing in, if you want any winter posts do comment and I'll get to them. But then, I wanted to post about my trip to Sichuan, China. Not lie-ing, this was the furthest I have ever traveled from my homeland. I was very excited as I was with my besties and the trip did not disappoint! I will be posting about the beautiful places we visited, my attire and the amazing food we had. Of course, about the souvenirs bought.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyaa_H2qnaE/WEoxvvN8S0I/AAAAAAAACoI/epzZd5T_GLMw8uNV0dyDpKt6Ny5CLePEQCLcB/s1600/20161110_121122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyaa_H2qnaE/WEoxvvN8S0I/AAAAAAAACoI/epzZd5T_GLMw8uNV0dyDpKt6Ny5CLePEQCLcB/s640/20161110_121122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">On the way to Sichuan Earthquake Ruins from Chengdu</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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On the first day, we came from the airport, exhausted but managed to make way to the Sichuan Earthquake Ruins which commemorated the lives of people who died in the Sichuan Earthquake in 2009. The tour guide I had spoke only Chinese (and I could not speak Chinese obviously) so I had to get my friend to translate it for me all throughout the trip [except at times he was kind enough to speak in broken english for me]. I learnt a lot from the mini trip as well as found out a nice railway at the back where I took this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIqaAkklnQ/WEoy96YGD5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/e4N1tjlz5_QTqdRebmMJiYJYAMHiw7lvgCLcB/s1600/20161110_103223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DIqaAkklnQ/WEoy96YGD5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/e4N1tjlz5_QTqdRebmMJiYJYAMHiw7lvgCLcB/s640/20161110_103223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">The beautiful railway at the back which still works but it too beautiful to not take a photo </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">and risk my life for it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Attire: Jacket: Ralph Lauren (similiar <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=108122146&origkw=hoodie&sr=1&kw=hoodie&parentPage=search">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Jeans: Robinsons</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Bag: Adidas (similiar <a href="http://shop.adidas.com.sg/nga-backpack-2-4056564680574.html?a=214_63084">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Gloves: Macy's (Get <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/isotoner-womens-softshell-smartouch-gloves?ID=2949474&CategoryID=26846#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D111%26ruleId%3D78%26slotId%3D14%26kws%3Dgloves">here</a>)</span></div>
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The next place we visited was the next day. we went to do some fun opera mask painting then toured San Xing Dui Museum. The museum showed a lot of beautiful parts of Sichuan culture. This was my most favorite place from the tour.<br />
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We managed to have some time to go souvenir shopping, and right after that had a magical moment. The scenery outside the museum was explicit and breathtaking. Like I was not kidding and I really felt mystified (and took many many photos).</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">One of the breath taking picture I took outside of the museum, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">which </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">displayed the beauty and elegance China was able to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">One of the most breathtaking photos and sight I have captured in China. This can </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">be found right outside the museum.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">The greenery and the fog during the pre-winter season had a beautiful effect</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">on the evergreen trees found between the towers located.</span></div>
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After a delicious lunch, we proceeded with some educational visits and cultural immersion to be more knowledgeable in Sichuan Culture. On the fourth day, we went to the Giant Panda research center as well the very famous mask changing show of Sichuan.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">We had the opportunity to have a sight of adorable</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">pandas </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">chowing on bamboos.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Visited the famous Sichusn Chinese Opera and </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Face Changing show</span></div>
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This was accompanied by a visit to Wu Hou Shrine on the final day, where I saw a beautifully decorated garden cum memorial to the famous Chinese Poet; Zhuge Liang.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">One of the beautiful sights I have visited at the shrine</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">which featured Zhuge Liang's house</span></div>
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Our last stop was to the National Sichuan Museum.. I learnt so much from the museum and saw many good artifacts as well an amazing aztec-designed notebook. as well as artifacts about the various types of people living there such as Buddhists and Tibetans. I realized a lot of the paintings were similar to Indian culture.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">This was one of the portraits available that shows a Buddhist adorned with </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">various scarves and jewelry, similar to Indian gods such as Lord Shiva</span></div>
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There was more to the museum that I enjoyed. The main part was the AMAZING views I had throughout the tour and learnt so much about Chinese culture and food (which was very enjoyable).</div>
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I do hope you like this post as it was very different from my usual posts as well as the fact that 2016 is coming to the end and I wanted to end the year in a bit of an unique manner (and compensate for the missing posts and late timings!). Comment for the support and hope this blog gets better soon!</div>
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Until the next post, keep your ice cream cones dripping!</div>
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Don't be a stranger!:</div>
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla</div>
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Instagram: @itsmeevanilla</div>
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Wattpad: @<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/ItsmeVanilla">itsmevanilla</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">FYI; I was not sponsored for any of these products (or tours) k.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All images are subjected to copyright. They are my images and I have taken the effort to photograph it on my own. Any breach or stealing of my photos will face the wrath of the law</span></div>
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-87895793832837205462016-11-14T23:52:00.003-08:002016-11-14T23:56:00.278-08:00Vanillian Diet #5: Eggless Blueberry StrudelsHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Its been a rough year in general. I've never been away from home so many times and have a stressful education year. It has been atleast 2 days since my trip to China and just before that a gruesome physical camp so I decided to get off my butt and post. I've also realized how much my recipes (especially eggless ones) are trending and enjoyed by you guys so I decided to get another eggless recipe for you peeps to enjoys!<br />
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Lately, I've been able to bake more often and came up with many tasty creations. Let me know in the comments which ones you want me to create and I'll be up to it! I will keep continuing to try my best when it comes to posting more often as I am still getting adjusted to the whole education routine. <i> </i>I've just been through a bad time but yet determined to post and let you guys have more insight to my (not exactly famous) baking experiments and definitely be trying to post my trip to Sichuan, China as well as my new year reading list plus literary round up of 2016 (The end is here already!)<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ingredients Required:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #e06666;">For shortcrust pastry:</span><br />
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1.5 cup butter<br />
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3 cups flour (a.p)<br />
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Salt<br />
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0.75 cup sugar<br />
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Milk (for brushing)<br />
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Cold Water (as required)<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">For Filling:</span><br />
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2 cups blueberries<br />
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1 Orange's juice<br />
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1 tsp confectioner's sugar (aka powdered sugar or icing sugar)<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br />Paraphernalia/ Ingredients required:</span></h3>
Rolling pin<br />
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Silicon brush<br />
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Knife<br />
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2 bowls<br />
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Cling wrap<br />
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Your hands (tough huh?)<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Procedure:</span></h3>
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1. Make the shortcrust pastry by mixing the dry ingredients together.<br />
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2. Cut the cold butter into cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients until it reaches a breadcrumb consistency.<br />
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3. Make a well in the middle and slowly add in cold water and mixing it into the dry ingredients.<br />
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4. Using your hands, bring together the ingredients until a dough is formed.<br />
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5. Wrap it into cling film and chill it for 15 to 30 minutes.<br />
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6. While the dough is chilling, make the filling by slicing the blueberries into halves.<br />
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7. <u>Maserate</u> the berries in sugar and orange juice {A form of marinating. Just add the ingredients and let it have some time to sit and infuse the flavors.}<br />
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8. Once the dough is cold and chilled, roll out bit by bit and form into a rectangle.<br />
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9. You can fill it like a normal strudel and brush with milk on top before baking it or you can <u>braid</u> it [as pictured above]<br />
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10. Let it bake at 180 d.c for 20 minutes or until it is well cooked. [Vanilla Note: You can dust with icing sugar on top after it is cooked]<br />
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To braid the strudel: After you rolled the dough into a rectangle, use your knife and slowly slit the sides of the rectangle horizontally, leaving a gap in the middle to put in your filling.<br />
Fill the middle aisle with the blueberries and use the long strands from the side over to a criss cross formation on the strudel and repeat until you reach the end.<br />
Twist the end to break off excess dough and make sure to do it fast if not the dough becomes sticky.<br />
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So guys hope you enjoy this recipient and do share photos that tag me if you ever made or recreated them. I have posted for this November (yay let out the confetti!) and I will keep on trying to post and plan more for you guys. This year has been great and terrible at the same time. We have also reached some cool records on this blog and hopefully it will continue.<br />
Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!<br />
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Don't be a stranger!:<br />
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla<br />
Instagram (request to follow please!): @itsmeevanilla<br />
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Wattpad username: @<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/ItsmeVanilla">itsmevanilla</a></div>
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-79179175829946927602016-10-13T05:30:00.001-07:002016-10-13T05:30:17.638-07:00Winter Reading List 2016!! (#3)Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Daaaammmnnn, its been long. I do have to say when it comes to exams, everyone forget time flies. I am extremely happy as my final exam is finished today, which means I can live freely like it is the 4th of July.<br />
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So, I have actually made a target for reading 15 books this year on goodreads app (an amazing app in my opinion). You might wonder <i>whaaat?15 books only, what are you, a jock?</i><br />
But please do understand that I am not (nor will ever) be a jock but the fact I have important examinations this and next year (My O's!!) So I already knew it is difficult for me to dedicate my time into reading. (though now with my EOY over, I can read so much more! DO tell me if you guys want a New Year reading list or something!). You can consider this to be my annual well-known November and Winter Reading list which I posted darn late but now I am a month early. Hooray? It also made me realize that today marks officially 3 YEARS of VD!! Holy Figs on a stick! I am extremely proud for where we have come today (though it is still a very boring and always-late updated blog). I don;t really take this as seriously so yeah... but anyways, this is the compilation of the rare times I have managed to cheekily slipped in a book or two in midst of studying.<br />
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1st Book: City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende<br />
Adventure/ Fantasy<br />
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The fantasy queen is back at it again! I have always made fantasy an important part of my life. Like no joke. If you have seen my wattpad (link at the bottom of the post), I started out and still do write and create fantasy books throughout my pastime. I have enjoyed the genre growing up.<br />
So, I was very hyped when I heard about this book and it did not disappoint me!! It talks about a boy travelling with his grandmother t the Amazon due to a dramatic turn of events that is very emotional and I loved it. He goes on an adventure, meeting a girl from the local village and shares his similarities with her. Both of them go to discover not only the Amazon Forest but also about themselves. They see a side of the jungle no one can and the book brings about some of the most important and serious messages through a simple tale of a complex world. This book does not only have random characters flying and stuff (the stereotype people tend to have about fantasy) but instead the writer is able to describe a world of magic and discovery through the eyes of a young boy as well as put in enough detailing to make it seem you are there.<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you are an avid fan of either genres, this is a MUST for you to read.<br />
3 ice cream cones out of 5<br />
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2nd Book: 7th Heaven by James Patterson<br />
Mystery/Thriller<br />
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I think I might just make a combined review of the whole woman murder club series one day. If you have seen my blog at least once in your life, you will be aware of 2 things; I love food and I love James Patterson's works more than any writer. 7th Heaven is the 7th book in James Patterson's WMC Series which you can know more about via my previous posts and <a href="http://itsmevanilla.blogspot.sg/2014/11/thriller-addictions-1.html">here</a>.<br />
This book is about a series of fires that get solved alongside another case Detective Lindsay Boxer has to deal with. And throughout the series (f you have read it), they don't only touch about the mystery and action part of finding the killer and blah blah but it also tugs on your pathos by having Lindsay's personal life involved. So this book does have a fair share of drama. I kind of enjoyed this book more that the 6th target and I am pumped for the next book which is the 8th confession. A little secret: I have never finished a single book series till date. I know.. I'm pathetic but it is true. I tend to lose interest in series quite fast due to the fact the turn of events is just unlikely and absurd or it loses the magic it once had. My hope is that I would be able to finish WMC as my first series but I'm not so sure now.<br />
7th Heaven is another really good book by James Patterson and I believe you should check it out.<br />
2.5 ice cream cones out of 5<br />
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3rd Book; Snow White Read-Handed by Maia Chance<br />
Historical Fiction/ Fantasy(sort of)<br />
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I heard so much about this book on pintrest which hyped up my interest. I also searched for this book for more than a month or so in which I came across it in my local library in June-July. The synopsis of the book was very promising, talking about a mystery twist in a classical fairytale. However, the writing style and the main character was just out of sync as well as the fact that the story progresses very slow, making it uninteresting and boring to read. I quit about a few chapters into the book as the whole characters are confusing which made me both disappointed and upset.<br />
1 ice cream cone out of 5<br />
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4th Book: Digital Fortress by Dan Brown<br />
Mystery/ Thriller<br />
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Obviously, when you (or I) hear Dan Brown, we squeal. It has been quite obvious that I have been a big fan of Dan Brown ever since the Da Vinci Code era, so upon finding this book, I was beyond excited as well as heard many positive responses from my friends (whom I have turned into Dan Brown fans as well).<br />
But however, when I read the book, I was initially upset that the main character was not Robert Langdon and that it is a woman ( not being sexist) It is not that I don't like female leads but in mystery and action books, it is more difficult to write in their perspective and handle situations without looking like either a sexist or feminist. The book was rather bizarre and I just hated some of the main characters as they are explained and crafted in a way very unappealing. Midway the book (or more), I gave up because it was really boring and the writing style was rather messy.<br />
No joke, this is the most disappointing book from Dan Brown I have ever read and obviously this is my personal opinion.<br />
1.5 ice cream cones out of 5<br />
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So this is my Winter aka November and December reading list for 2016. I do apologize not all of the books in this series are really good books to read and I have yet to reach my goal of 15 books this year. I have purchased another Dan Brown book and am crossing my fingers this is not terrible if not I would be writing a rant post soon.<br />
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Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!<br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-32271976532435585462016-07-27T03:35:00.005-07:002016-07-27T03:37:01.500-07:00Vanillian Diet #4: Eggless Cheesy Pinwheels!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Its not been too long as I decided to abandon my homework to write this post. A lot has been happening and I am extremely grateful for you all.<br />
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If you have not followed me on Snapchat yet (username is at the end of this post), I have recently hit more than a 1000 page views for VD which is crazy! I am really happy that people from different regions of the countries are looking at my blog and hopefully enjoying it. I do urge you guys to not be a stranger and follow me on social media sites if you want to know how I look like and please do subscribe and comment.<br />
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I do not even want to continue on explaining my posts' timings because honestly I am a busy woman and I have so many other things that always grabs me. Even though at this point I have so much to do I do not want to have zero posts for this month so definitely I will be trying to do something about it. If you guys really want me to speed up, please comment because it does make me happy and I will put in more effort.<br />
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Onto the real deal. I love cheese. Everybody loves cheese in general. So my original plan was to make some pizza pinwheels which failed terribly because I had no pizza sauce. I decided it was awesome to just have cheese because CHEESE! *remembers fond memories with cheese*<br />
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This is once again a super easy, eggless and vegetarian friendly recipe. If you want to make it vegan, feel free to substitute the butter with coconut oil and the cheese with any vegan cheese.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ingredients Required:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For Flavored Pastry:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. 1.25 cups plain/all purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. 0.5 cup butter [Vegan: Coconut oil]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder and dried parsley flakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Approx. 1/3 cup cold water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the Filling:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. CHEESE (you can never go wrong with chees) [substitute for vegan cheese if going vegan]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Black Olives (chopped and pitted)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Paraphernalia/ Equipment Required:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Large bowls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Rolling pin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Oven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Cling wrap</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. A surface to roll on (that sounds hilarious but yeah..)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Refrigerator (huh? you might say)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVQCgWhX8V0/V5iOQSgQCjI/AAAAAAAACX4/my_qX8QgXbUuJJzprNz1TJmAZ7AvB9qCACEw/s1600/SAM_1384%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVQCgWhX8V0/V5iOQSgQCjI/AAAAAAAACX4/my_qX8QgXbUuJJzprNz1TJmAZ7AvB9qCACEw/s640/SAM_1384%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Procedure:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. For the puff pastry, rub in salted butter (or coconut oil with a pinch of salt) into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs consistency</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Add in the spices and dried parsley flakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Mix the dry mixture slowly while adding in the cold water and kneading it into a dough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Once it barely forms into a ball of dough, smoothen into a disc and wrap tightly in cling foil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Once chilled, roll it into 0.5cm thickness and slab over all that delicious cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. Press the cheese into the dough if needed. (Vanilla Note: Remember to work fast as the longer you take with the dough, the stickier and more difficult the dough gets as the butter will start melting.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">8. Add in olives or any other vegetable (or even cured deli meat) if you want and start rolling it like a log/ cinnamon roll or whatever you want to imagine as.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">9.Slice into 1.5cm slices and place flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.</span></div>
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10. Bake at 180 d.c for 10 minutes</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqt6cF154Oo/V5iOSmta_cI/AAAAAAAACX8/oQr7iN6E-2kkU8Jr9yo9VZ1WW_cP6Lx-gCEw/s1600/SAM_1385%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uqt6cF154Oo/V5iOSmta_cI/AAAAAAAACX8/oQr7iN6E-2kkU8Jr9yo9VZ1WW_cP6Lx-gCEw/s320/SAM_1385%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you guys enjoy making (and eating it)! See, once you read the instructions, you realize it is extremely easy to make them! Like seriously, even a person using the oven for the first time can do it, You can make it a group project and do it with friends or your children! Please comment and pin this post to voice out yourselves! Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!</span></div>
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla<br />
Instagram (request to follow please!): @itsmeevanilla<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br />
Wattpad username: @<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/ItsmeVanilla">itsmevanilla</a><br />
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-70172769303422729862016-06-26T05:38:00.000-07:002016-07-06T06:58:58.581-07:00Vanilla for thought #3: Tea flavors to try!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here,<br />
<br />
About two months back, I was an EDM freak and now it has died down though I still listen and enjoy EDM. I realized this is a nice sort of series to update you guys on my up-to-date obsessions with random things consumers like me will have.<br />
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This month, I have been back in the obsession towards teas. It is not that I have just started to drink tea or something but I have been back to drinking tea, in huge amounts. This might have been due to the fact that at the first week of June, I got an extremely bad sore throat after a course that required alot of smelling. My brain was overwhelmed by the smells and the top notes reached my throat, irritating my skin. I have a sore throat and bad cold now as well but not too strong.<br />
I've ended up with a big, and I mean BIG box of tea packs inside and quite hilariously have even more tea packs lying around everywhere in my house.<br />
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I decided to show you guys some of my most favorite tea flavors although I personally enjoyed every tea flavor I have ever tried in my life. If you are a tea freak like me or a coffee addict (also me) wanting to step out of your comfort zone, do try out these flavors to get yourself hooked.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: normal;">English Breakfast Tea</span></span></h3>
This is my most favorite flavor of tea. The depth of flavor and the intensity if the brew was what captivated me to teas and food. The fist sip is heavenly and till this date, nothing can be more comforting than a cup of English Breakfast with a good book in an air-conditioned room during the summer. The beauty and taste of this tea is really nice as it has an earthy and slightly acidic undertone to complement the more fragrant and delicious taste of the tea.<br />
Its a mix of blends from Assam and Kenya and best known to eat with an english breakfast (which I don't really do but I should try sometime!) I've grown up loving this tea and flavor so I do highly recommend this tea.<br />
For me, I usually drink handmade brews when outside or this Twinings's Tea, which is obviously my most favorite tea brand of all time.<br />
<img height="243" src="https://www.twinings.co.uk/TwiningsUKI/media/product/SEBLC0614-100/1-SEBLC0614-100-F09005.png" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Product featured: Get <a href="https://www.twiningsmoment.com/singapore/exploreourtea.php">Here</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: normal;">Earl Grey Tea</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So from the first flavor I introduced which is my most favorite, one can tell I am into very strong tea blends. I really enjoy strong tea flavors but if you are looking for a more lighter and heartier tea to genuinely drink during tea time with a Victoria sponge cake, this is it.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Early Grey has a very light, fresh and slightly minty flavor. It is extremely aromatic and has a weird office-vibe to it. The taste is refreshing in a formal way and it gives you a nice breath. If you are also planning to have some tea bags in your office, Earl Grey is the one.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> <img height="320" src="https://www.twinings.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Early-Grey-Tea_4.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Product Featured: Get <a href="https://www.twiningsmoment.com/singapore/exploreourtea.php">Here</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: normal;">Darjeeling Tea</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This is another amazing flavor to try. It is slightly similar with earl grey as it is also another very light and aromatic tea that is absolutely delicious with some gingerbread cookies or even some funfetti cookies which you can make <a href="http://itsmevanilla.blogspot.sg/2016/03/vanillian-diet-2-funfetti-cookies-recipe.html">here</a>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">It is originated from tea fields of Darjeeling, India and also has a slight star anise aftertaste. It will also be suitable as a tea to serve during high teas and get togethers with friends.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <img height="320" src="https://www.twinings.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Darjeeling-Tea_21.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal;">Product Featured: Get <a href="https://www.twiningsmoment.com/singapore/exploreourtea.php" style="color: #ea9999;">Here</a></span></span></div>
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This is all I have for you guys! I apologize for it to be very short but I came back from a very physically strenuous and scary camp. I even ended up getting body pains and bled my knees . This will be my last post for the month and I obviously have a lot of homework to do yet ended up writing for you lovelies! Please bear with me for the next few months and you can always follow me on my social media platforms! Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping! (I do apologize if there are typos I am having a major headache as I type this!) </div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla<br />
Instagram (request to follow please!): @itsmeevanilla<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br />
Wattpad username: @<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/ItsmeVanilla">itsmevanilla</a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /></span>itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-59204724153419648742016-06-09T18:56:00.005-07:002016-06-09T18:56:33.387-07:00My Summer Reading List of 2016Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
<br />
I am extremely happy to be posting on time! However, this may not last for so long as I am known to mysteriously disappear and come back with no legitimate reason. So I am crossing my fingers I can at least update twice this month or even thrice as I cannot guarantee posts July on wards. I already have tones of events this June and it has been quiet hectic already. Back to the post, I'm here once again with another bookworm post!<br />
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This summer, I have compiled some books that I thoroughly enjoyed and would want to recommend to grab your hands on this summer. If you are bored for the summer and would want to engage in some bookworm action or as a bookworm you suffer from one of a bookworm's nightmare and that is being completely unsure what to read, don't fret as Vanilla's got your back! These books for once vary in genre and do not all have the same genre.<br />
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No. 1: Scat by Carl Hiassen<br />
Fiction/Thriller<br />
I was totally obsessed with this book back in February when I first picked it. It was a really engaging and fun book. This story is about two students who are in the class of an infamous Biology teacher named Ms Starch. There were nasty rumors spread around about her and she has a background very few were aware of. One day, a notorious boy by the name of Smoke agitates her until an incident occurs. Soon enough, the kids go on an excursion to a swamp to get caught in a sudden fire. People doubted Smoke to set it as Ms Starch goes missing. So, both these students (Nick and Marta) must uncover the reasoning behind the strange happenings and find out whether Ms Starch is alive. Though most students were happy of her not returning, the substitute teacher proves to be a wacko of some sort. Its quiet funny and very nice. It once again gives us an eye opener on certain global issues of this world in a fun and understandable way. Definitely 3 out of 5 ice cream cones despite being a bit cliche.<br />
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No. 2: Inferno by Dan Brown<br />
Mystery/Thriller<br />
I know, I know I am completely late to the Inferno party but I cannot help it. I featured The Da Vinci Code in my top 5 of 2015 but I could not find Inferno then. I was searching for Inferno since 2014 but only found it this year at a book fair with the hardback edition. The bookworm inside me emerged and I got it.<br />
I am very happy that it was worth the buy and has re-read value in my opinion. Once again Dan Brown has done his homework about the deep cultural and symbolic meanings of the beautiful city of Florence ( and a bit of Istanbul). Professor Robert Langdon from Harvard is once again in hot water as he gets chased by radicals who follow tranhumanism and finds himself in a hospital, shot in the head and unaware of what had happened. As he tries to understand what led him to Italy, he encounters many issues and gets hunted down.<br />
Da Vinci Code was focused on the works and everything about Leonardo Da Vinci. However, Inferno focuses mainly on Dante Alighieri and if you do not know him; you will be well aware on almost everything about him by the end of the book. Solid 2.5 out of 5 as the some parts of the ending was upsetting and not too interesting.<br />
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No. 3: The 6th Target by James Patterson<br />
Mystery/Thriller<br />
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I hope that by now, I do not need to emphasize on my love and admiration on James Patterson and his works. He has been one of the first and most inspiring authors I was exposed to when I started reading YA. Once again, this shows how difficult it was for me to get his books of the Woman's murder club series. One of my first posts was about 4th of July, the 4th book in the series. Yet now I'm only at the 6th book in the series as it was difficult to get hold of it in my local library.<br />
Lindsay Boxer has to face a killer and kidnapper at the same time. A shooter suddenly comes abroad on a cruise and shoots 6 people, one of them being her closest friends. As the fight for justice on the crazy shooter is held within the hands of law, she also needs to face kidnappers who kidnap children and their nanny's, killing off the nanny and not asking for ransom of the children.<br />
As Lindsay struggles with the crazy happenings around town, she also needs to sort out her personal problems with her former lover as well as deal with mysterious cases of death in her friend, Cindy's apartment.<br />
Alot of thing occur in this book and it is quite messy to be honest. Yet James Patterson is able to harmonize them though the book gets a boring here and there, the messiness is very evident throughout the book until the ending, where everything is actually properly sorted out with a cliffhanger to end with. Sadly, this gets a 1.5 out of 5 ice cream cones :(. [Its still a great summer read if you ask me!]<br />
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No. 4: Remembrance by Meg Cabot<br />
Romace/Paranormal<br />
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The weirdest genre combination if you ask me. However, I have not completed the book and therefore will not rate it. There are 2 reasons to it. Firstly, I had almost no time with my busy schedule (Add me on snapchat @itsmevanilla to know more about my life this June!!) and secondly, the book just weirder and more complex as I read it. I would not exactly say it is a bad book. I was just confused as it was a part of a series I have never read so I had no clue of the information and plot of the preceding books.<br />
Some women loves a ghost and she is getting engaged with him. She reunites with some other guy she used to be close with and finds out about him wanting to sell her old house (the one the ghost died in). Its quiet confusing as I explain. But it is not too bad as it has some humor and sarcasm to it. It is a great pick for the summer if you are feeling adventurous to try out something new.<br />
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So that's all I have for my summer reading list. Not a lot I agree but I promise to pick up some new books this sunday. I do hope you guys subscribe to my blog (the box is at the top right hand corner) and you get to follow me on my journey of life and such!! Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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Snapchat: @itsmevanilla<br />
Instagram (request to follow please!): @itsmeevanilla<br />
Wattpad username: @<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/ItsmeVanilla">itsmevanilla</a><br />
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-10548936473364162882016-05-20T18:43:00.001-07:002016-05-30T17:29:41.513-07:00Vanillian Diet #3: Substitutions for baking ingredientsHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Very recently, I have been beyond obsessed with cooking and baking new things. New food is like new books to me thus I have been baking for only about 7 months. However, we all now that we can never always have all the ingredients they state in the recipe and get a bit too lazy to bother buying them. So, I have decided to share with you guys some substitutions I use whenever I bake.<br />
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Flours:<br />
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Self- Raising flour = All Purpose flour + baking powder<br />
For One cup of APF, 1 or even half tablespoon of baking powder is more than enough. I have very recently run out of Self-raising flour and wanted to finish up this huge packet of all-purpose flour I had via this method.<br />
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Bread Flour = All-purpose flour<br />
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I do not buy bread flour so I always end up using all purpose flour (its actually plain) for my pizzas and bagels. Actually, they do turn out fine!<br />
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Eggs:<br />
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This is one of the most frequently asked questions for me. Many people always eat my food up, then realizing what they ate was completely vegetarian and no egg! They would always ask me what is the substitute I add. I used this same substitute a lot of times while cooking for my pure veggie mom. There are a couple of ways to substitute egg into bakes and pastries.<br />
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Most recommended: 1 egg = ground flax seeds + water<br />
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This is the secret. Substitute 1/3 tbsp of ground flax seeds (Just put some flax seeds into the blender and blend into a slightly rustic powder) and mix it 3 tbsp of water and let it for about 20 seconds to set. It will work flawlessly and it will also give a flawless look like it was baked with eggs!<br />
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You can also try: 2 eggs = banana<br />
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This may sound a bit funny or strange but if you want to make any eggless fruit cake or muffins, bananas are a very good substitute for eggs. It gives a fruity rye flavour and also has a natural rising agent in it. 1/2 a banana for each egg is more than enough.<br />
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Vanilla:<br />
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Vanilla beans = vanilla extract = vanilla essence<br />
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I wouldn't suggest you to substitute beans as they give the best smell and flavour. Vanilla essence is the least recommended as it is not real vanilla. Vanilla paste and water is quiet deep in flavour so you need to be careful if you want to use them.<br />
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This is all I have for you for this post. I do hope that you guys are enjoying my blog so far. Do tell me if you want any specific type of post or such. Also, if you do like what you see, I suggest subscribing to my blog!! There is a search box to the right hand corner where you can enter your email to be a part of the ice-cream family!! I do hope you guys will subscribe as there will be more posts in the future! So until next time, do keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-20844876493869057872016-05-10T05:50:00.004-07:002016-05-10T18:53:18.111-07:00April/May product Favorites!! Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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I am so happy because I am a free bird! (till the end of the week only sadly) but finally after a month of studies I finally have a gap to post for you guys!! I do apologize to not bring any books in this post but that is mainly because I am in the midst of a summer booklist for you guys!! I am so stoked for the next month as I may have the time to post 2 times instead. Also, to compensate for the loss of a post in April, I will definitely post twice this month!! (I'll try, no promises).<br />
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As last month I was swamped by a lot of studies and projects, I realized I did not have time to read a lot, but also my skin condition was getting worse from the stress. So I started buying and loving three products I want to feature in this post. These are my beauty-skincare faves and I'll try linking them or something similar if I can.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1. Nivea Facial Wash Gel</span><br />
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I have been insanely IN LOVE with this product. It is more of a exfoliater and it does so well in its job. I have oily skin and it is not really meant for my skin type but the thing was that I have been having less than 6 hours sleep for a few nights and I wake up to find very dried and chapped skin, I even felt alot of paain i some areas due to broken skin. I started using this product last month and I realized my skin being more moist for longer periods of time, being more lighter and also more healthier. So I have to give this a cone up (See what I did there ;) )<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Product Featured: Get <a href="http://www.international.boots.com/en/NIVEA-Daily-Essentials-Refreshing-Facial-Wash-Gel-150ml_1277188/">Here</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">2. Layer'r Vanilla Scented Body Splash</span><br />
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One of the sweetest scents I've ever smelt. Its not sickly sweet but very very vanilla scented. So if you don't like me or my blogs, this scent ain't for you (jk). But it does have a heavy scent so it is advisable for those who want to have a sweet aftermath of their ootds. I brought this about a few months ago when I was travelling overseas, this became my go-to sort of scent for every outing now.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdemIv0c_34/VzKQVqaPzgI/AAAAAAAACWo/gqMseYWKAHc_5RE3eUZmcWd0A6LdN0wkgCLcB/s1600/SAM_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdemIv0c_34/VzKQVqaPzgI/AAAAAAAACWo/gqMseYWKAHc_5RE3eUZmcWd0A6LdN0wkgCLcB/s400/SAM_1377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #999999;">Product Featured: Get <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Layerr-Wottagirl-Spray-Vanilla-Twist/dp/B00J59NFD6">Here</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">3. Inecto Body Scrub (Coconut)</span><br />
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I freaking love this scrub like so much. It not only give you baby smooth skin, it also smells AMAZING! I freaking love the natural products used to make this as well as the salt/coconut pieces(?) used in the abrasion process.<br />
When I binge on a lot of homework, I realized I was not really taking care of my skin, So I usually resort to bodycare products to enhance my looks than make up because sometimes I feel make up is just like a sort of blanket over something broken, so I'd rather repair the broken thing than embellish it with pretty quilts.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KO5N6VvCbI/VzKQTq5ZlcI/AAAAAAAACWk/FvQnvPDaL08AcIKN5UizagYaajZeTRX3ACKgB/s1600/SAM_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KO5N6VvCbI/VzKQTq5ZlcI/AAAAAAAACWk/FvQnvPDaL08AcIKN5UizagYaajZeTRX3ACKgB/s400/SAM_1370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Product Featured: Get <a href="http://www.inecto.co.uk/products/naturals-coconut/coconut-body-scrub">Here</a></span></div>
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So Here guy is my product favorites for the first two months, I do apologize (I have lost count the number of times I've said this though) and thank you once again for reading my blog! Even if you don't subscribe or even comment or leave a review of the post, it makes me happy there are people out there who bother taking a look! You may or may not be a first timer, but everyone is appreciated:)! So do stay tuned and keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">FYI:: I was not sponsored for any of these products k.</span><br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-28368005218558826262016-03-01T05:11:00.003-08:002016-03-01T05:11:30.739-08:00Vanillian Diet #2: Funfetti Cookies RecipeHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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It has been like so long! At least I managed to get this up as I promised a month later and wasted no time upon getting some space to do my own things. Things are heating up and I feel that the pace of my posts may be haywire. But I will definitely no give up on this blog! SO do stay tuned to more posts and activities on VD.<br />
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Getting back to this post, I decided to take a look what you guys enjoy the most on my blog and I found out that my most viewed post was none other than my egg-less chocolate cake recipe! It was followed by my book reviews and lists! I do want to take the time to say a loud thank you to those who enjoy my blog and want to know more tasty creations of mine. I have become very obsessed ( I will not even use the word enjoy or 'have the passion') with baking,cooking and food in general. So I was delighted on knowing you guys enjoy some of the things I do.<br />
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For today, I decided to show you guys one of my most favorite pastry and a very popular flavor in the UK. Together, it is an amazing flavor. I do hope you guys enjoy it!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients Required:</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 1/4 cup all purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">55g butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup sprinkles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tbsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 egg (you can use flax mix if going vegan or veggie)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp vanilla seeds (You know I will use this)</span></li>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Paraphernalia/Equipment Required:</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Electric whisker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 large bowls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sieve (optional)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Knife (to scrape vanilla seeds unless you use telekinesis)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Measuring Cups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oven</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Silicon brush </span></li>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Procedure:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.Add your butter into a large bowl and whisk with your electric whisker until light and fluffy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.Add sugar into your mix and continue whisking.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.Scrape vanilla seeds from a fresh vanilla pod and add to the mix along with the egg.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4.Whisk until smooth and thick batter is formed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5.In another bowl, add all the dry ingredients</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and sift them if you like.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6.A</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dd it into the wet mixture and use a spatula to fold in the ingredients until well combined.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7.Add your sprinkles into the mixture and continue mixing. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8.Flour your hands and squeeze golf ball sizes of dough and roll them into a smooth ball.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9.Using your silicon brush, brush oil onto your baking tray to avoid sticking.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10.Place the balls onto the baking tray and use a glass to press them into a flat cookie.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11.Bake at 180-200 d.c until golden brown.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12.Serve hot and savor</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the soft gooy-iness inside.</span></div>
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I do hope you guys will enjoy this super yummy treat as much as I do and yes, I feel very proud to have achieved an improvement in my photography skills (especially foodography). Do comment if you want any specific recipes and most probably I will be posting again this month. Until then, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-90962450784354875422016-02-04T03:27:00.001-08:002016-02-04T03:27:52.058-08:00Vanilla for thought #2: EDM Obsessions and some track picks!!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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So, as you know, sometime next month I'll be releasing the character analysis of one of the main protagonists in my Book: Hamster Rush (Which you can read<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/17069747-hamster-rush"> here</a>). I am super excited to be working on few more things to kick start the year and juggle with my academic life. The posts would not be often and I highly doubt I will be posting anymore this month but chill! I have few super cool things in store and you will get to see it!<br />
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Lately, I have been in a EDM- Fangirl mood. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is a whole group of music made from electrical instruments and stuff. House, D&B and Trap are the current favorites though other sub-genres do follow behind closely. Since I have not been educated on this and had to do so the hard way, I thought it would be easier to give you guys a breakdown. But do feel free to comment below if you think I may be wring because I am human too and thus I may not have the most accurate information.<br />
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EDM is a style of music generated long ago and has many genres under it. These genres have multiple sub genres, sometimes hybrid subgenres as well. These genres can be mixed and matched, which makes EDM very fun and easy-going. Other than basic rules for production, EDM is a very free and versatile genre to play around with. If you are already into EDM or starting to come out of the rock you live under, I have found some great tracks to listen to and you might too!!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">1. Strangers </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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Genre/Subgenre: Trap Music<br />
Artists: Veorra<br />
Rating: 3.5 out 5 ice cream cones<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">2. Speechless</span><br />
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Genre/Subgenre: Chill Music<br />
Artists: Candyland (ft. RKCB)<br />
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 ice cream cones<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">3. Dystopia</span><br />
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Genre/Subgenre: Chill Music<br />
Artists: Polarheart<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 Ice cream cones<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">4. Painting Greys</span><br />
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Genre/Subgenre: Brass + Electronic music<br />
Artists: Babbit<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 ice cream cones<br />
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So do feel free to leave in the comments below of any songs you would like to recommend me!!<br />
Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-44771599267724653782016-01-18T05:27:00.000-08:002016-01-18T05:27:31.379-08:00Top 5 picks of 2015: The literary Round-upHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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And happy late new year! I know you must be wondering where was I since November and I can guarantee it was not easy! Life and reality is really very harsh on me for the next 2 years. Crucial education years are here but I will not give up easily! So chill guys. I hope your 2015 was great because mine was. However, for this blog, it may not be the best but I have to say we have made improvements in posting timings plus audience. This blog may not have gone far but I know that patience is a virtue and that we will succeed.<br />
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The coming 2 years may not be a very active years for me, but I guess I will try as much as I can. Additionally, I will be pointing out that the next post will be about my book; Hamster Rush's character analysis. I would like to point out clues and in between the lines references. This will cover the whole summary of the character's backstory. Without any further ado, lets take a look back into the previous year and list some great books (in no particular order) you can read for your new year resolution or you just want to read a little books as possible. It can even help for those trying to get the habit of reading.<br />
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Book 1:<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="color: #e06666;">Fool Moon</span></b></span> by Jim Butcher<br />
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This book is the second book out of the famous Dresden Files Series. If you are new to the blog, you can scroll through my previous posts on how much I have talked about this series. It has been one of the most interesting fantasy series I have ever encountered right next to my most absolute favorite fantasy series (Maximum Ride: you can find more about it <a href="http://itsmevanilla.blogspot.sg/2014/11/book-series-to-get-addicted-to-this.html">here</a>). This series talks about a wizard with a screwed up life. Oversexed vampires, blood thirsty werewolves and hungry ghosts are only a part of his job. He also has a mysterious past that is only given little information about every book. So far, I have read the first 3 books and looking out for the 4th one. So if you want to start on fantasy genres, I highly recommend this series.<br />
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Book 2: <b style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Tatiana </b>by Martin Cruz Smith<br />
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I have updated my previous post about this book. You can refer to the previous post about this book if unsure. This came into my top 5 for 2015 as it has a really different theme and writing style. The subtle hints of darker topics have a nice sense to it. For the rating, you can refer it to the previous post as well. If you are interested in Crime fiction, this is a great pick.<br />
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Book 3: <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>The Da Vinci Code</b></span><b style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"> </b>by Dan Brown<br />
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You would most probably be living under a rock if you have not heard about this book. In case you have not, I would highly recommend you would try to buy the book as soon as possible. Funny I did not encourage borrowing from the local library but it is mainly because it is extremely difficult to find it as it will be loaned out almost all the time. I know I am reading this a bit too late but it was by pure luck I have came across the book in my local library and took no hesitation to grab it. It is about a Harvard professor and symbologist (Robert Langdon) who is obsessed with works of The Renaissance and comes across a rather bizarre death or a museum curator and goes on a journey (with his grand daughter) and realize that they have landed themselves in between a fight between two cults or groups with different views on Jesus Christ.<br />
Despite many people criticized its religious and scientific inaccuracies, it is an amazing, eye opening and wonderful book. If you are planning on reading just one book this year; this is it. I am not joking on that.<br />
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Book 4: <b style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Stargirl </b>by Jerry Spinelli<br />
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This book; although being one my most absolute top favorites, has not been featured in any of my posts before. This book and the sequel made me cry. No joke. It is an amazing book about self discovery and confidence of being unique to oneself. It talks about a guy by the name of Leo, who meets with a rather bizarre girl by the name of stargirl. She literally named herself stargirl (her real name is Susan if I remember) because she felt that her personality suits the name of Stargirl and that her real name was too boring. People get skeptical about her but soon fall for her raw authenticity of truly being herself. She dances in the rain, plays instruments during recess and keeps a happy wagon, oblivious to the opinion of the public. It really shows how under the weight of the public eye, the relationship of Leo and Susan will take a twist of its own. Spoiler: The ending is very sad.<br />
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Book 5: <b style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Max </b>by James Patterson<br />
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Its not exactly a part of the Maximum Ride series but can only be understood after reading all the books in the School's out series. James Patterson decided to release this book after public pressure to have more Maximum Ride. The ending of the former series ('Saving the World and other extreme sports) was clearly not enough for most fans (including me) and were thoroughly delighted by the release of individual character books to continue the series informally. The next book: Fang saddened me because it was sad. But however, it is not a book you want to miss!<br />
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So, this is it. A roundup to my literacy adventure last year. Lets hope this year goes great and look out for the next update of Hamster Rush!! Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-37526311355526294392015-11-15T03:36:00.001-08:002016-01-18T05:31:32.704-08:00Books for November (and winter) #2Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here,<br />
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Quite a while back, I came across the Goodreads app and got obsessed. The ability to look out for book reviews and scan a book to see its reception was mind blowing. Given that I finally (thank god) had time to head to the library, I picked some reads for October and November. The library is like a paradise to a bookworm(me) like how a shopping mall is to a woman(also me).<br />
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Unfortunately, I have not yet read all the books but am super excited to. The books I have picked up are of different types of genres, which is queer because usually I borrow this whole stockpile of books of one genre per visit to the library. Do take a look at what might interest you.<br />
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1st Book: The Manny by Holly Peterson<br />
Romance<br />
This book is basically about a rich married woman falling in love with a 'manny' (male nanny) as she suffers trying to fit in with her husband's rich and chic society. Coming from the downtown, Peter Bailey was the only one who understood how she felt. I enjoyed this book from the starting it had a very unique format of writing as well as plot. However, as the book reached to the end, all the events start to become illogical and annoying in my pinion. The turn of events were sudden and unexplained, which angered me thus I actually dislike this book given that I have already read it. This book will sadly get only 1.5 ice cream cones out of 5.<br />
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2nd Book: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher<br />
Fantasy/Thriller<br />
This is the third book of the Dresden Files Series which I had already talked about in another blogpost you can find<a href="http://itsmevanilla.blogspot.sg/2015/06/books-for-summer-1-series-books.html"> here</a>. So I would take it as I do not need to explain about the series but instead explain about the book itself. This time round, Dresden got himself stuck inbetween crazy and let loose ghosts, controlled by someone who is wishing death upon Dresden as Dresden becomes helpless against this mysterious force he cannot find. To his surprise, someone he knows comes back into the picture, ready to get their revenge finally. I am still reading this book and so far I did not really enjoy the beginning but it became much much better and the turn of events are amazing as usual. You know the classic Jim Butcher. 2 ice cream cones out of 5.<br />
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3rd Book: Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith<br />
Mystery/Thriller<br />
Given that I have not yet read the book, I am unable to give a rating or opinion but able to give you reasons why I am excited to read it and why I chose it. According to some research I have done, Tatiana is only a novel in a series of books named after the fictional detective starred, Arkady Renko. He is a well known russian detective who solved tons of homicide cases. The synopsis of the book talk about how the death of a young and rising reporter named Tatiana fell to her death from the sixth floor the same day a millionaire got shot to death. Despite the deaths were not considered to be connected, Arkandy thinks otherwise and realizes there is much more to Tatiana's past. I picked this book as the way of how two deaths connect together by their past really intrigued me. The language and hook was well written. As well as the fact I would want to explore the style of writing in this book. 2.5 ice cream cones out of 5.<br />
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4th Book: Another thing to fall by Laura Lippman<br />
Action<br />
I honestly do not know much about this book other than it being a part of another series named after the heroine, Tess Monaghen. She is apparently also another detective. In this book, she was hired as a bodygaurd for an actress and suddenly many things start to all apart. I became interested in this book as the synopsis told on how the client is not whom she is said to be. Given that it is a detective fiction and action talking about dirty politics, why wouldn't it attract my attention. 1.5 ice cream cones out of 5.<br />
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So, this is it. My list of books I had bought to satisfy myself for the winter. I was supposed to post this blog at the start of this month but got carried away so I do apologize if this ends up at the ending of november instead. Also, I realized, my previous posts' pictures keep getting removed. I do apologize once again and I will try my best to fix the problem. If you know how to fix it, do let me know. Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!<br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-82055268474812925512015-10-25T19:04:00.003-07:002015-11-17T21:41:12.533-08:00DIY Fall/Autumn themed Paper Storage/ Organizer!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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I'm on time plus this is (kinda) my first Festive and DIY post! Very recently I made some super delicious Egg Tacos and had an empty taco kit box. Instead of throwing it away I decided to make use of it to make my own little storage with it and trending it with Fall (though winter is really near!). It does not last that long, so at the end of the season, it would be kinda shredded so you can make other things the next season with space left! Additionally, I have some super EXCITING news!! I have very recently made my own topic on QuizUp called Hamster Rush! Yes, now you can test how much you know my book by playing the topic and leveling up; just log in to Quizup.com and search 'Hamster Rush'. I do hope you guys try it!<br />
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Back to the topic, I decided to make this DIY using the old taco kit and cut off a side to open it up as well using orange colored paper and cutouts using the side I had cut out (instead of a new card-stock paper being environmentally friendly) which are shaped like autumn leaves (though they are bad because I fail art *sad face*)<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Paraphernalia/ Items Required:</span></h4>
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Pardon the bad quality photograph (I have no idea how it happened!)<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How To:</span></span></h4>
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<li>Cut your unused on one side to reveal it (refer to picture)</li>
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2. Take your orange colored paper and start measuring its sides and cut them out</div>
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3. Use the side you have cut out to make autumn leaf cutouts (You can use any design you like and as many as you like, but I preferred only 2)</div>
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4. Use the cutouts as a guide to outline on your pieces of orange paper.</div>
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5. Use your pens to trace out the outline and color them with dark or light orange colors using the color pencils.</div>
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6. If desired, draw veins on them</div>
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7. Glue the the papers to the box.</div>
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Hope you liked this idea for my fall posts! I do still apologize for bad posting times but I will be trying my best and yes that is my peach scented candle right there. You can always switch it up for different seasons (like for winter, use blue paper and snowflake cutouts instead.) DO comment and read Hamster Rush as well till next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!</div>
itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-55847362510878126812015-10-16T02:25:00.002-07:002015-10-16T02:25:52.674-07:00Vanilla for thought #1: 5 Ways to get InspirationHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here,<br />
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To smell of freedom is finally smelt by me and I have used it as a chance to watch as much TMNT and play as much Hearthstone as possible but that does not mean I would ever forget what I have grown up with; books. Often, when I write, people ask me how am I able to get such creative ideas, given that I specialize in fantasy writing.<br />
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Honestly, most ideas of mine come from my dreams, things my unconscious self reveal to me only when the darkness envelopes the sky (so poetic). But I felt that for this post, I would share with you guys some things you can try if you ever run out of creative juice or just in the mood to write your essay so that you can once again feel addicted to come back to the keyboard again.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try something new</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It can be anything; food, clothing or even movies! I usually do this by trying new books or touching genres I usually do not opt for. I even cook new cuisine of food I usually do not given that I am a hermit crab who does not really communicate with the world outside. However weird it may sound, trust me it is much better than listening to music. Listening to music kind of distracts you and get you further away from your goal. Listen to music only when you need emotional comfort.</span><br />
This will give you ideas and experiences you have never had or you want to try out if you are a curious person. Do not let the voice inside you be ignored and go for it if you want to really try and get out of your comfort zone.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Play new and known games</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As weird as it sounds, it really helps you to give you ideas, usually inspired or given from the game plots or the game formats. It usually gives me many ideas of the elements I can instill in my current books. I have not much to say about this other than please do not get addicted to the game and forget all about your books or essays (like me).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read Poetry</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Poetry is a beautiful form of art that has been existing for a long time (since the </span>Renaissance). It has the ability to express raw emotions and feelings in a manner so concealed that it feels like an open secret. So if you ever want to taste some darkness or get inspiration (especially for horror books), read up some Edgar Allan Poe and Sylvia Path. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> Other genres can always go and find other amazing poets. It also helps if you need help for literature essays.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surf the internet</span><br />
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This is very simple, Go on the internet and start surfing for very random facts or find out about recent global news. Not only does that help you in your General Paper (GP) if you are taking one, it may help you really research gain knowledge that you can apply to new formats or your existing books. A new books facts and learning does not kill. Some helpful topics can be about aquatic life and its impact on the world as well as dangerous games people used to play i the past.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do crosswords and word searches</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only does it boosts you general knowledge, you can use it as a challenge to use the words you have found into a short story. Experiment whatever you want and do not ever stop no matter what people tell you. Have fun with all the knowledge you have and to be a writer, the most important thing is to have the passion of learning about everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a bit of ideas and inspiration for you guys and I am still working on more things for you guys! Additionally, I have recently uploaded the next chapter of Hamster Rush! Please do read and tell me what you think! Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!</span><br />
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itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-9251664230479742482015-09-08T19:58:00.001-07:002015-09-08T19:58:39.010-07:00My Wattpad Must-read Romance BooksHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Well, finally I am here. I will not be posting till mid October (includes my wattpad books too), so I apologize in advance. I am not a regular blogger (You can tell right?) but recently I have been caught up in my addiction for gaming. Correction: Hearthstone Gaming. So I have been playing Hearthstone very frequently (until they come in my dreams) for a while and that requires me to go online. You all are well aware of my participation in wattpad, an online book community and I had time to compile romance books (which I have also been slightly more interested in these days next to fantasy). If you want, I might also make a reading list of all the fantasy books I am reading these days.<br />
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For this post. I would encourage you guys to sign up to Wattpad because amazing writing talents can be spotted, These are some Romance books I have been into in the past or currently obsessed with on wattpad (do not worry these books are all free). Also, for the next few chapter of my book, <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/17069747-hamster-rush">Hamster Rush</a>, I will be making them only available to my followers, so do make sure to follow my account, <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/ItsmeVanilla">ItsmeVanilla. </a><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Wattpad Romance Must-Reads</span><br />
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Book 1: She's in love with a Geek by notjustarandomgirl<br />
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Amazing book though not completed, Talks about the reversal of cliche nerd likes popular girl. Its a 2.5 ice cream cones.<br />
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Book 2: Quirky Romantic Queries About Love by demonicblackcat<br />
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This books is a sequel to a hilarious and romantic book, The quirky tale of April Hale, You can read from the point of view of a girl suffering from Asperger's. Super touching and uncompleted, 2 ice cream cones.<br />
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Book 3: The Heartbreak Chronicles by fallzswimmer<br />
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A great cliche book on the members of a popular boyband, The Heartbreakers falling in love. Very emotional as well and is a compilation of 4 books in which only 1 has been completed and the other is halfway going on. 2.5 ice cream cones.<br />
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Book 4: Cupid Calling Cupid by mikaelaney<br />
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A great writer and friend of mine. This book stirs up many emotions as well as slightly cliche but with a writer's twist in it. Super well written and highly recommended to be read. A completed book with 2.5 ice cream cones.<br />
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Book 5: The Cell Phone Swap by Donotmicrowave<br />
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This book is one of those rare books with so many twists and turns as well as events and drama running all over the place. The content is a sort of organized mess. Amazing writing style and talks about how not every relationship is perfect to form or handle. A completed book with 2.5 ice cream cones.<br />
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There are so many books all over wattpad, but sometimes there are books that get high rankings in genres despite being poorly written, badly displayed and just a pain to read and it is important not to judge a book by its reads or votes because sometimes there are books (and writers) out there who deserve way more followers than others because they simply bother putting in more effort to write and give their heart into their books.<br />
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You can always find out how much effort a writer puts in their work by reading (but that is also very subjective). Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-58945825496896415262015-08-22T22:54:00.002-07:002015-08-22T22:54:56.032-07:00Vanillan Diet #1: Eggless Chocolate-Vanilla Cake RecipeHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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Even if I ever went into cooking, nothing sweet can be done without using the very ingredient my name bears and is derived from. Chocolate is one of my loved flavors but Vanilla is the champion of everything ever known (pun intended, narcissism not intended). I decided to find and improvise my very own EGGLESS chocolate-vanilla cake, something not too sweet because I am stingy with the sugar. So this is the first post of my Vanillian Diet Recipes, a diet every Vanillian should follow.<br />
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<li>Self Raising Flour: 1 cup</li>
<li>Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3 tbsp</li>
<li>Vanilla Extract/ Essence: 1-2 tbsp [Note: Try to use Extract instead as Essence is not real vanilla, once again pun not intended]</li>
<li>Salt: For seasoning</li>
<li>Hot water: 1/2 cup</li>
<li>Milk: 1/2 cup</li>
<li>Hazelnuts (Optional): about 10, quartered</li>
<li>Sugar: 1/2 cup (for not too sweet) or 3/4 cup (mild sweetness)</li>
<li>Oil: 3tbsp [Note: Any oil will do, try avoiding either olive or avocado oil)</li>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Paraphernalia/Apparatus required:</span></h4>
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<li>Mixing bowls</li>
<li>Balloon Whisk</li>
<li>Cake tin</li>
<li>Measuring spoons (Duh)</li>
<li>Oven (Just incase you forget)</li>
<li>Fork</li>
<li>Big spoon</li>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Process:</span></h4>
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<li>Mix dry ingredients (Flour, cocoa powder,sugar, salt and nuts) together in a mixing bowl.</li>
<li>Mix the wet ingredients (Vanilla Extract, oil, water and milk) into another mixing bowl.</li>
<li>Then, add both the dry and wet ingredients. Stire well with a balloon whisk until it forms a smooth batter.</li>
<li>Preheat the oven to 180<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">C </span></li>
<li>Simply, grease a cake tin with oil or butter.</li>
<li>Add the batter into the cake tin. [Note: The nuts may rise up, if possible try to push it down if you want nuts embedded into your cake]</li>
<li>Place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until poke in a fork in and it comes out clean.</li>
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Well, I am extremely sorry for the ditch but life has been tough. Till the next post, keep your ice cream cones dripping! (P.S Do try it and tell me any improvements or how you like this recipe)itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-81995495079000328262015-07-12T00:59:00.003-07:002015-07-12T01:02:39.607-07:00'Bahubali' Telugu Film Review + RatingHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
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See? I can write and post in decent gaps too! I am very excited for this month as I am participating in a variety if events as well as gathering some more content for future posts. I felt kinda disappointed scrolling down my blog for 2 reasons: One, I am seriously lacking posts. and Two: This was supposed to be a blog more directed to literary arts.. sadly there is a lack there too.<br />
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Argue all you want: But I believe that movies is an integral part of literary arts as it requires lines, symbolism, meanings to craft a beautiful story in a visual treat in the form of reality. So, usually people watch movies for entertainment, pass time and stuff. But I actually watch movies to, of course enjoy and get entertained, but also to get inspiration for new books, book ideas, so on and so forth. I asses and break down the movie to see if there is another meaning behind the screens, locked away hoping to be found. I have found so much watching this Telugu film (also dubbed in Hindi and Tamil) which was told to be the most expensive Indian Film of all time.<br />
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Interesting, isn't it?<br />
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Before I go down to the reviews and opinions of the movie, I wanted to explain that the film title, ('Bahubali') is actually inspired from an ancient folklore of the same name. Whenever you think of India, I am sure in your memories there will be an iconic statue that looks similar to Egyptian ones, yup, he is Bahubali. An extremely brave warrior who has fought proudly for his country. This movie remake took us back to the classics but also with its own slips and flaws.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Concept</span><br />
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The idea of remaking folklore never was a good thing with me. Personally, I feel that such movies ought to be mundane and unoriginal due to the fact every folktale has a special magic of its own that has let it be passed through the ages of time, but S.S Rajamouli (The director) managed to give this movie its own authentication that it set the standards for folklore movie adaptions pretty high. Though the movie is just the first part, I feel that the way most scenes were crafted were very well thought and has a very munificent use of literary devices to give it flair and elegance.<br />
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Speeches with repetition, lines with hyperbole and the contrasting use of imagery and similes in the songs were very well written. The twists set made the plot more engaging. The movie opening as well as ending were the stars of the show because they really knocked the figs out of people.<br />
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However, on the flip side there were many cray-cray logic flying like the leaves of trees during the autumn season. The way science and logic works here is unbelievably illogical. Like if the logic that works in the movie works in real life, folks we better leave.<br />
The protagonist has been trying to climb this waterfall where he believes he came from and he falls and does not die <i>all the time from almost any bloody height</i>! He supernaturally has abnormal strength, speed, aiming skills and fighting abilities despite <i>growing up in an underdeveloped village for his entire life</i>! Way more eccentric logic occurred in the move that I desired to puke blood.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Pace</span><br />
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I personally felt that the pace was not as bad until midway the movie, no interesting scene change ways like the tamil movie 'I' (You can read its review <a href="http://itsmevanilla.blogspot.sg/2015/02/i-tamil-movie-review-rating.html">here</a>) and the war part that comes at the ending where the main character (Shivu) finds out about his real identity from this group of masked men who has been trying to save their queen. One of them recites the story, which ended up to be this kind of long winded up string of words that stretched for the remaining half of the movie (I'm not kidding). Gosh how can one have such memory plus air to knock off so much content in HD description?!<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Cast Choice</span><br />
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Man, do not get me started here. Tamannaah and Anushka did fine but Prabhas though! He really does not fit himself in here at all. Its like this sort of movies is completely not his standard or type to give the changing audience a base or reason to see this movie. I was definitely disappointed with the casting but one can improve... one day.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Genre</span><br />
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The genre of thriller, historical fiction and romance sounds weird but works very well here. The romance scenes filled with the main characters was sweet, cheesy but also pretty illogical because the heroine has to be a part of the masked men group and a really bad assassin...like she cannot even recognize a guy with abnormal superman plus wolverine powers behind her.<br />
It give quiet some thrilling action (I mean like one hour of the movie was war, what you expect) and the whole idea of this is a fantasy to me.<br />
Like can this movie be rated supernatural or fantasy for having Shivu falling from the rainfall and saving himself by exactly shooting an arrow onto a twig branch and letting <i>his weight</i> rest on it like it won't bloody nap! 'Ello!?! Do you see logic here?<br />
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Generally, it is worth a movie to be watching once they start telecasting it on the TV networks because your trip to the cinema theaters is a waste. But still worth the watch if you don't mind illogical movies. Like in the movie, logic is a virgin, because they ain't doing it. This movie will go for a 2.5 ice cream cones for me. That is lenient already.<br />
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Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-1052442698161156772015-06-23T06:28:00.003-07:002015-07-12T01:00:30.551-07:00'Minions' English Movie Review + RatingHey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
<br />
Yay! I'm on time and gave a decent gap in my posting for once! I got caught up on.. stuff. But going back on point, the highly anticipated 'Minions' was finally out on 10th July (19th in my country) and it perked up the money. To me, I have thoroughly enjoyed the movie given that it contained more action and visual than dialogues. The movie really lived up to its humor effect although there were particular issues that made the movie unappealing to watch.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Concept </span><br />
The director Pierre Coffin really worked up the concept of the movie (which is about Minions searching for a new master). The way he portrayed the journey and troubles of the minions was commendable but what really spoiled the show was the fact that before the movie was released many (or most) of the good parts were ruined by the many 'teasers' released by the team on social media. When you watch the original movie, you see many of the same parts and already the humor is ruined for you because you know what is happening and you ruin it by telling it to your friend of family member who accompanied you. So not cool.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Pace</span><br />
The pace was actually well balanced. Halfway the movie, they started to control and swap scenes between the main and side-joining story to meet into one. Though the main part started to become more serious, the side-joining part gave comic relief. I was impressed but knew that it definitely not Pierre's best. He really could have given care to the timing of the scene transition and the sort-of cliffhanger-y ending didn't help either.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Cast Choice</span><br />
Sandra Bullock was an excellent choice for the voicing of Scarlet Overkill and Pierre my boy decided to use auto-tune (its a joke) for the three minions. I support and really like and support the cast choice given that it is a bit budget-y for even him.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Genre</span><br />
Humor it is supposed to serve, humor it did serve. But the movie supposed to be directed to children but the content is more adult directed, like working for villains, bad things are acceptable and that easy. I feel it should have a better direction it was working on and most of the time in the movie, almost every character is talking the minion language with no bloody english subtitles. It is fun at first then later a bit frustrating.<br />
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The genre kind of mix into the journey of finding a model (though not a good one) and I enjoyed how there were not too many characters (or minions to be exact) to focus on. 3 is a good number as it gives more ease for the director to give individual focus on each protagonist.<br />
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Overall, it is amusing, alluring, action packed and a film worth watching atleast twice. I would give it 3 ice cream cones out of 5 but could have pushed by point 5. Sad it could not.<br />
Watch the movie if you can but also if your above like 11, then yeah.<br />
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Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!<br />
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<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-498009207672180692015-06-10T05:03:00.002-07:002015-06-10T05:05:30.003-07:00Books for the Summer #1 (Series Books)Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla Here.<br />
<br />
I am terribly sorry for such a <i>loooong </i>delay because of examinations. I know that Summer has already started. Then why am I yet not active? Well, apparently, I got a intense back pain that I had to lie in bed for 2 days straight then followed by fever that got me hospitalized for 5 days. Hmph. Thats why even Hamster Rush is not updated and I recovered this morning only.<br />
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Getting back to the main thing, I have 2 series that I feel will keep you busy for the rest of the summer holidays while I am trying to sort my life together. They are absolute page turners and you will thoroughly enjoy them. These are Fantasy- Humor books and if you are not a fan of them, you will be once you try them. Summer is to break some giggles and these books, they really can.<br />
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Enjoy :)<br />
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No 1: The Dresden Files [ 15 books currently ]<br />
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I only read the first one because I could not find the second one in my local library yet I really am thrilled to read the second one. It is about a hilarious character named Harry (Copperfield) Dresden who is a Private Investigator but also a wizard. So he is like more of a Wizard P.I. Puzzling cases come to him with various side characters that will be present throughout the series as of I've heard that will really pester him and test him to his limits.<br />
This book really shows through a mind of an innocent person (in the first book atleast) trying to prove himself innocent to people who have never trusted him. Slowly, the darkness of his past becomes more and more revealed to the reader (very catchy and gets you to the edge of your seat). His life becomes more and more funny as it goes by and reveal you to a world of vampires, wizards and how when ordinary people try to attain magic, they can die and cause others to die.<br />
I really do not want to spoil it for you. This is a winner to me so I have easily given a 3.5 ice cream cones. GO check it out if you can!<br />
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(First Book: Storm Front)<br />
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No 2: Skulduggery Pleasant [ 9 books in total ]<br />
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So far from how much I have read, Stephanie (the main character.. kinda) actually is very whiny but soon the story gets more interesting as you see Skulduggery's warm character captivate your heart.<br />
This story revolves around <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">the adventures of Skulduggery Pleasant, who </span></span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">apparently</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> is a dead person cum skeleton, and a teenage girl, Stephanie Edgley (Valkyrie Cain), along with other side characters.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After her uncle Gordon,s death, she finds his friend, Skulduggery, who reveals to her the shocking truth that her uncle had been murdered. From there, they embark to seek revenge through this world of magic and necromancy.</span><br />
It is quite funny but more of a self exploration themed book about how Stephanie aka Valkyrie tries to save the world from harm of dark. Yes, it is a typical dark vs light book, but not a downright boring and monotonous one. (Its captivating and really gives you some ideas on how skeletons work). So anytime you just don't get how skeletons walk or what is necromancy, check it out. I would give it 2,5 ice cream cones though.<br />
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(First book: Skulduggery Pleasant)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So anytime you need inspiration for fantasy or humor writing, or even wonder where you can find vampires, check out these books. Buy or loan them. Explore a bit this summer. I'll be back with more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until then, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-17809779943802612002015-04-13T00:56:00.000-07:002015-04-13T02:39:27.313-07:00Apps to download in your phone!Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla here.<br />
<br />
I know it has been really really really (times a hundred thousand) since people even know I'm alive and near electronic devices. I just don't have the time. I 'm so sorry that I let demeaning stuff like exams, friends and issues to get to me so easily. I have even launched myself into more busy things like joining a Nanowrimo project ( you can check it out here: http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/varsh45/novels/keeping-up-with-the-eminems/stats) as well as check out my latest book; keeping up with the eminems in wattpad now! Though so far its only 2 chapters *sad face*<br />
So, I have been working on <i>various</i> projects and posts to share with you guys like recipes and amazing lifestyle posts. You guys can comment down what type of posts you want me to post or try out and get back to you. [Sneak peek: I am even trying in some homemade scented candles recipies for you!]. Now to get back on this post and finish my apology letter, I thought that it would be great to recommend some interesting applications to download in your phone.<br />
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I really don't know about you guys, but I am a person who is pretty frequent in phone changing because they get old or I lose them. So when I do get a new phone, it becomes, extremely difficult to search for those apps and download them. I won't go to simple applications like youtube and facebook. These are less 'common' from the trend i have been observing.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Games</span><br />
1. Word Buzz:<br />
Trust me when I say its addictive. This application not only makes your brain run like its a fitness test, but also helps to train may aspects of our brain, like our reflexes and vocabulary. (Whatever, Vocab is a part of the brain k). There are about 100 levels currently, but seriously, try to get all three jars for every level, then you will get its thrill. ( 2.5 ice cream cones)<br />
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2. Can you escape / Can you escape 2<br />
I have finished both and they really have made Sherlock Holmes interesting for me. It is great for those seeking thrill and adventure. But at the same good/bad news, no murder. This is highly recommended. (3 ice cream cones)<br />
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3. Words with friends<br />
This might be really really fun if both you and your friend has the app (its ok if you dont have friends like me), You cant play scrabble-style word building game with other players and actually enhance your knowledge for once. Finally, you can achieve something in life (or something extra for all you know). Another alternative would be guess the emoji ( 2.5 ice cream cones)<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Lifestyle</span><br />
1. Vine<br />
Bruh! This is one of the best applications of all time. Its so hilarious and lifts you mood instantly in bad days. People like Lele Pons, Bach King and Destrorm are a must-follow accounts! They have many relatable jokes about many things. You can post your own vines and it is less complicated than youtube (though even I myself is trying to use it properly.) (3.5 ice cream cones)<br />
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2. Mp3 music downloader<br />
I know how much this means to many people: free music. But I prefer the Mpr Music downloader that looks like the apple store itunes than spotify, it just does not work with me. So I gave you an amazing music downloadng app that does not need any sort of data (yes, the name is that and the logo looks like how I described it), hope you are satisfied now. ( 2.3 ice cream cones)<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Phone Features</span><br />
1. Compass<br />
Stupid or not, this by far is really helpful if you can relate. I dont need to elaborate on this thing. But it is worth the memory space in your phone. ( 2 ice cream cones)<br />
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2. Idioms and phrases<br />
It may sound primary school, but it is really helpful for essays and letter writing. It is more of like a honest cheat code (oxymoron intended). Just type in exactly what it says in the title, and you'll find yourself going into an A for english in school. You can praise me later. (2 ice cream cones)<br />
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3. QR code reader<br />
Do I need to explain this too? It is super helpful when travelling given that in the internet age having this in your phone give a comfortable lean way than copying things. (1.7 ice cream cones)<br />
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4. Sketch Guru<br />
I really enjoy this app. Being a person who enjoys editing photos and memories, I find this app really useful as the different types of sketch, paint and mediums available to edit your photo. Now you do not ever need to fret on looking good or goofy in our profile pictures. ( 2 ice cream cones)<br />
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Umm.. that is it folks and do please leave a comment for what type of posts you want. I would like to recommend more but your phone memory will die by then. So for, you can also say how you find this apps and recommend me some. Until then keep you Vanilla ice creams dripping!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">No payment was involved for this post. No sponsors k.</span><br />
<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-30263709762166964972015-02-06T18:18:00.002-08:002015-04-13T00:18:03.551-07:00'I' Tamil Movie Review + RatingHey guys!<br />
Vanilla here<br />
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Did I just change my name in a span of I-really-dont-know? New year, new name. But seeing the title you would have been quiet baffled. MOVIE REVIEWS?? Da ham sandwich going one. and better, A TAMIL MOVIE? I guess it would be a cryptex.. but I watched it with subtitles and it is officially the best tamil movie I have ever watched though. And for me personally, Shanker (the director of the movie) did an excellent job of creating this movie.<br />
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I would be reviewing this movie based on the factors of : Concept, Pace, Cast choice and Genre Expectations. If you are not an Indian, its totally fine. Like I said I watched t with subtitles.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Concept</span><br />
The concept of the movie was by far my most favorite. It was well diagnosed (haha.. love my own lame puns) with the story and how technology was invited into it. My mum would call it 'Hi-tech' and stuff but to me it is more of like the showcase of how far hate and jealousy in a human can go. I dont want to reveal too much of the story honestly, but I can say that he actually not only kept a thrilling and rejuvenating story which is different from others but also was able to screen it in a way that people will be able to understand it further. It definitely has juicy and moist story with a slightly predictable climax.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Pace</span><br />
The pace was what impressed me the most. The movie started off in a Coda; which means starting s story or movie with either the climax or the middle of the story and then slowly transitioning it to a flashback. Though Shanker did a little twist in here, he did double-role transitions. This basically means that he started the story from the middle and slowly (part by part) show the flashback of what had happened that had lead to the pivotal point of the movie. Then he switches it back to the part when it already happened and again switches back to the flashback; giving a clear view of the audience of the reason behind the protagonist's actions. It may not be easy to explain but when you watch it, you'll understand. The transitions are also visually spell-binding from nice realistic special effects to the main theme of the movie.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Cast Choice</span><br />
I personally have no opinion on the cast choice. I felt that Surya did a better role than Vikram but he really did a wonderful job too. Amy Jackson was pretty well into her role but the cast choice could be improved to actually enhance the movie.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Genre</span><br />
This movie goes behind a main big subject but various genres plus themes to mix in. The subject actually goes for commercials, with genres like action, science fiction, romance and thriller mixed in. But they did a great job of applying their main subject into a way of transitioning from scene to scene.<br />
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Overall, this is the highest rating of any book or item I have ever given, but a whopping 4 ice cream cones out of five!! Well, you then know that it this is worth the watch unless you are more of a classic only action and romance, it may not be too thrilling. But if you like classics like Romeo and Juliet or Cinderella, this is perfect for you too. Another reason it got 4, it is amazing to a huge range of audience because in a way it reenacts Beauty and the Beast.<br />
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Keep your Vanilla Ice creams dripping and forgive me for a super late post!!itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7822374499411033191.post-41526934334365433702014-11-24T02:01:00.001-08:002015-06-10T04:31:17.816-07:00Thriller Addictions!!! #1Hey Guys!<br />
Vanilla here.<br />
<br />
And I became more busy than I intended to. My relatives were in town the past week and it halted all activities temporarily. I could not even update Hamster Rush! But due to the lack of wi-fi outside, when assisting to tour them around, I bought books to kill time and me being a bit 'shy' and 'timid' to try the more thriller and action packed books like those Detective-solve-homicide-case books, bought child horror books and ONE James Patterson's Woman's Murder Club Series book; The Fourth of July. And They moment I read the first chapter, I was so hooked and enthralled by the book that I finished it up in a week! Now I am so pumped for such similar books that I bought "5th Horseman" and "ZOO" from the same author.<br />
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<img src="http://a-little-hope.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4thofjulyjamespatterson.jpg" /><br />
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And to be completely honest that despite being one of the most huge James Patterson Fan, mainly because of Maximum Ride, I was pretty confused with the characters, not that it is bad. I did not even read the 3 books before these! But I am really planning on doing something about that, like getting those books and reading them but my local library had only the next book. I would give a definite 3 out of 5 ice cream cones. The build up tension, thrill and heart racing climax plus ending was spectacular (with the little tints of romance and law), it is amazing.<br />
And also with this review, I decided that I would also give in writing tips. I may not be perfect with my uploading schedule but I claim myself to have good writing skills. Not Epic and sort. But good.<br />
Maybe I will do it to the next post I do about How To Build Up Tension (in climax or not)<br />
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Until then keep your Vanilla Ice Creams dripping!<br />
<br />itsmeevanillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02377850717760562981noreply@blogger.com0