Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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.
Book 1: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
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 here). 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.
Book 2: Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith
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.
Book 3: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
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.
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.
Book 4: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
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.
Book 5: Max by James Patterson
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!
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!!
Monday, 18 January 2016
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Books for November (and winter) #2
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here,
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).
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.
1st Book: The Manny by Holly Peterson
Romance
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.
2nd Book: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Fantasy/Thriller
This is the third book of the Dresden Files Series which I had already talked about in another blogpost you can find here. 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.
3rd Book: Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith
Mystery/Thriller
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.
4th Book: Another thing to fall by Laura Lippman
Action
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.
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!!
Vanilla Here,
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).
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.
1st Book: The Manny by Holly Peterson
Romance
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.
2nd Book: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Fantasy/Thriller
This is the third book of the Dresden Files Series which I had already talked about in another blogpost you can find here. 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.
3rd Book: Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith
Mystery/Thriller
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.
4th Book: Another thing to fall by Laura Lippman
Action
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.
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!!
Sunday, 25 October 2015
DIY Fall/Autumn themed Paper Storage/ Organizer!
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here.
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!
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*)
Pardon the bad quality photograph (I have no idea how it happened!)
Vanilla Here.
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!
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*)
Paraphernalia/ Items Required:
How To:
- Cut your unused on one side to reveal it (refer to picture)
2. Take your orange colored paper and start measuring its sides and cut them out
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)
4. Use the cutouts as a guide to outline on your pieces of orange paper.
5. Use your pens to trace out the outline and color them with dark or light orange colors using the color pencils.
6. If desired, draw veins on them
7. Glue the the papers to the box.
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!!
Friday, 16 October 2015
Vanilla for thought #1: 5 Ways to get Inspiration
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here,
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.
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.
Try something new
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.
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.
Play new and known games
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).
Read Poetry
Poetry is a beautiful form of art that has been existing for a long time (since the 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. Other genres can always go and find other amazing poets. It also helps if you need help for literature essays.
Surf the internet
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.
Do crosswords and word searches
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!
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!
Vanilla Here,
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.
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.
Try something new
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.
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.
Play new and known games
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).
Read Poetry
Poetry is a beautiful form of art that has been existing for a long time (since the 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. Other genres can always go and find other amazing poets. It also helps if you need help for literature essays.
Surf the internet
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.
Do crosswords and word searches
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!
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!
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
My Wattpad Must-read Romance Books
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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, Hamster Rush, I will be making them only available to my followers, so do make sure to follow my account, ItsmeVanilla.
Wattpad Romance Must-Reads
Book 1: She's in love with a Geek by notjustarandomgirl
Amazing book though not completed, Talks about the reversal of cliche nerd likes popular girl. Its a 2.5 ice cream cones.
Book 2: Quirky Romantic Queries About Love by demonicblackcat
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.
Book 3: The Heartbreak Chronicles by fallzswimmer
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.
Book 4: Cupid Calling Cupid by mikaelaney
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.
Book 5: The Cell Phone Swap by Donotmicrowave
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.
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.
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!!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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, Hamster Rush, I will be making them only available to my followers, so do make sure to follow my account, ItsmeVanilla.
Wattpad Romance Must-Reads
Book 1: She's in love with a Geek by notjustarandomgirl
Amazing book though not completed, Talks about the reversal of cliche nerd likes popular girl. Its a 2.5 ice cream cones.
Book 2: Quirky Romantic Queries About Love by demonicblackcat
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.
Book 3: The Heartbreak Chronicles by fallzswimmer
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.
Book 4: Cupid Calling Cupid by mikaelaney
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.
Book 5: The Cell Phone Swap by Donotmicrowave
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.
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.
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!!
Saturday, 22 August 2015
Vanillan Diet #1: Eggless Chocolate-Vanilla Cake Recipe
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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)
Vanilla Here.
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.
Ingredients required:
- Self Raising Flour: 1 cup
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 3 tbsp
- Vanilla Extract/ Essence: 1-2 tbsp [Note: Try to use Extract instead as Essence is not real vanilla, once again pun not intended]
- Salt: For seasoning
- Hot water: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Hazelnuts (Optional): about 10, quartered
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (for not too sweet) or 3/4 cup (mild sweetness)
- Oil: 3tbsp [Note: Any oil will do, try avoiding either olive or avocado oil)
Paraphernalia/Apparatus required:
- Mixing bowls
- Balloon Whisk
- Cake tin
- Measuring spoons (Duh)
- Oven (Just incase you forget)
- Fork
- Big spoon
Process:
- Mix dry ingredients (Flour, cocoa powder,sugar, salt and nuts) together in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients (Vanilla Extract, oil, water and milk) into another mixing bowl.
- Then, add both the dry and wet ingredients. Stire well with a balloon whisk until it forms a smooth batter.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C
- Simply, grease a cake tin with oil or butter.
- 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]
- Place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until poke in a fork in and it comes out clean.
Sunday, 12 July 2015
'Bahubali' Telugu Film Review + Rating
Hey Guys!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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.
Interesting, isn't it?
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.
Concept
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.
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.
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.
The protagonist has been trying to climb this waterfall where he believes he came from and he falls and does not die all the time from almost any bloody height! He supernaturally has abnormal strength, speed, aiming skills and fighting abilities despite growing up in an underdeveloped village for his entire life! Way more eccentric logic occurred in the move that I desired to puke blood.
Pace
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 here) 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?!
Cast Choice
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.
Genre
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.
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.
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 his weight rest on it like it won't bloody nap! 'Ello!?! Do you see logic here?
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.
Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!
Vanilla Here.
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.
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.
Interesting, isn't it?
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.
Concept
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.
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.
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.
The protagonist has been trying to climb this waterfall where he believes he came from and he falls and does not die all the time from almost any bloody height! He supernaturally has abnormal strength, speed, aiming skills and fighting abilities despite growing up in an underdeveloped village for his entire life! Way more eccentric logic occurred in the move that I desired to puke blood.
Pace
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 here) 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?!
Cast Choice
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.
Genre
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.
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.
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 his weight rest on it like it won't bloody nap! 'Ello!?! Do you see logic here?
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.
Until next time, keep your ice cream cones dripping!!
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