Graham Sansrival + Philippine Hunger Games

1st post of the year would be about... FOOD. Hehe. Can't help it. I was planning to put up a year ender post but I have a terrible memory. I suck at remembering things but maybe if I get to gather up everything I might do a late post for that. Besides, 2011 had been a great year for me. I'm super blessed and I had so many things to be thankful for!

Going back to food talk. Awhile ago I suddenly got bored and thought of "feeling expert" for a day again. Haha! I had long been planning to make this Graham Sansrival Cake which I should have already done last Christmas if only my parents didn't keep buying multiple cakes. It seems like they just don't want me to do this. Grr. Lol. So I finally found the interest again to do this before my mother could finish up the cashew nuts I will be using.

Graham Sansrival

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup margarine

• 1 1/4 cup powdered/confectionery sugar

• 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

• Graham crackers

• chopped cashew nuts

1st step: Melt the butter and margarine and mix it well until smooth (1/2 cup is approx. half of the bar). Then add the sugar and vanilla extract and blend it until it looks creamy and fluffy. Also mix in some cashew nuts after.

2nd step*:  Put the base cracker in place and spread a thick amount of butter cream on top. Do this two more time to make three layers. Spread some more on the sides after. Then finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped cashew nuts on top. Chill for 30 mins.

*the original instruction was to build it topside down but because I always question things like this, I did it my own way. Hehe

** I only did half of the measurements and I got 2 and a half 3-layer cake. So if you'll follow the recipe above, you'll have more or less 5 cakes. It depends on how thick you spread it.

And here's the end product!

Disclaimer: And again, I only got the recipe from the box of Grahams so credits to them for making it easy for people like me. Haha! And one more thing, it's not really in my plan to turn this into a food blog. But I can't resist whipping out my magic. LOL. #noob

PS. This so out of topic. But if in case you're a Hunger Games fan and you live in the Philippines! Where it's more fun! =] sign up now on the Capitol and volunteer as a Tribute for the 1st-ever upcoming Philippine Hunger Games on Feb. 12, 2012. Plus the Tracker Jacker: The Ultimate Hunger Games Scavenger Hunt. Just tweet "#iVolunteer as HGP Tribute!" and fill up the form. The reaping would happen on Jan. 21,2012 @ 9pm so be sure to register before that day. More details here. May the odds be ever in your favor Pinoy Tributes!

Follow Hunger Games Philippines!

• www.twitter.com/HungerGamesPhil
• http://www.facebook.com/hungergamesphilippines
• www.hungergamesphils.tumblr.com

PSS. I got a "new" shoutbox right there in my sidebar. My old shoutbox provider just recently went in serious business so goodbye for freeloaders like me. err. So if you'll notice my box already got some msgs from 2011. I signed up for a new one from some site I already used from the past, but the code given to me (I think) was the same from the ones I used in my previous blog(s) so maybe that's why it showed up some past msgs. Anyway, kunwari meron pumapansin sa shoutbox ko so may announcement pa talaga ako. haha.

Pottermore Beta

Finally had a time with my blog. Grabe! Next week’s our FINALS week and we still had 2-3 topics yet to be discussed on our AudProbs class. K.
 

Currently, Pedring already flew with his “mahangin” attitude away from our country, finally! It caused so much problems, most especilally to those near the ocean. How bad of him to destroy the Baywalk area. Siya na malakas! Tss. We’re just so blessed here in Bacoor, Cavite because we don’t experience flood in our area. Thank God! Maybe because God knows I can’t swim that’s why He don’t let us experience. =] And then I wonder what those people living in the streets do whenever there are strong typhoons like this. Super lamig na kahit nasa loob lang ng bahay, how much more sila diba? Nyaaaaaaaa. Let’s pray for them.

So because of Pedring, classes were suspended for two days straight. And I’m super productive for that two free days because I finished a lot of tasks. Yey! I’ve done my part for our project + AudProbs homework + reviewed  Advacc for an upcoming quiz. I’ve also finally finished my article for my application on essays.ph. I submitted my form way back in August pa, and ngayon ko lang naasikaso because wala naman daw deadline. So I really don’t expect that much. Haha! Besides, it really takes time for me to write about a topic I’m not into. Frustrated writer lang. =/

Anyway, this post was really intended for my Pottermore experience but then, nadala ako sa “recap” part of this post. Hehe. After waiting for so many days, I finally received my Pottermore mail last last September 10, but I only fully played it just now. I don’t know how to start with my experience without spoiling the coolness of Pottermore, so bahala na. Haha! PS. I can't help to post photos. Need some spoilers? =].

 My own bank account at Gringotts! =]

The Hogwarts' list of things to buy:

 

The Sorting ceremony is done using 7 questions: 

The graphics of the site was the thing I like the most. It looked real enough for  someone to get the feel of the story. It got a lot of extra scoops straight from JK Rowling. This Pottermore experience is exactly a supplement for those who have read the whole series. It’s like scanning every chapter but with added notes and “stories” behind the actual story. Pottermore just blatantly justified how wide Rowling’s imagination is. I can’t imagine her writing another fiction after this very much successful  series. She made the world of Harry Potter, with everything from the smallest details, come to life. She made a lot of people wish that Hogwarts is true and flying on broomsticks is the most awesome thing to do. That Quidditch should be an official sport and that having a ¾ station entrance would be nice. Imgaine that? Hands down talaga! No questions asked.

Things to look out for:

• Buying your school stuffs and pet  at Diagon Alley
• Getting a wand. They have this process so Olivander would know which wand will choose you. =]
• Getting sorted! Just be true to yourself and you’ll be sorted on the right house. =]
• Brewing your first potion.
• Casting spells. (You can have a duel with others, but haven’t tried it yet)
• Real time house points.
• Plus a LOT more things to find and discover every chapter.

Note: Don’t forget to zoom in (double-click) so you won’t miss things. *wink*

I got a Solid 13 and 3/4inch Hornbeam with Phoenix feather core wand. Having a rare Phoenix feather in my wand is an honor. Yeee! Haha.

I got sorted into Hufflepuff. Once you got sorted, there’s no turning back. Though I originally wanted to be in Ravenclaw, I think Hufflepuff is really the closest house suited for me. =]

uh-huh! THIS! =]

My first ever potion.

Made the most out of my free day because for sure on October, the site’s traffic would be much much higher because it will now be open to all. I hope Pottermore read all feedback from the Beta users, there’s still some glitches but I didn’t saw some major ones though. Some parts were lacking some features that could add to the whole experience. Nevertheless, I’m very thankful for Pottermore for this won’t let us Potterheads miss the magical world of Harry. Thank you Sony and most especially to J.K. Rowling who never failed to make her fans want more. *clap* * clap*. Feel free to add me at Pottermore! My UN's:  CharmCloak144.

I got in!

Kilig!!! haha!!

At last! After 2 days of trying (hah!, not bad. hehe) to find that "twitter-trending" MAGICAL QUILL to get to register early on Pottermore, I finally found it! Potterheads just can't wait for October! haha! woohoo! I was even late for a bit because I was accessing it through my iPod touch but a mouse pointer is needed for you to get the magical quill so I hurried and opened my laptop, plus the internet is stressing me out because it won't connect quickly, but then I got it still. haha! I think I'm over reacting now. lol. But imagine how a lot of Potterheads all over the world accessing the site plus limited slots for registration in a day, just woah! =] hihi! Now I just have to wait for the owl that will send my joining instructions. haha!

The site where I have been directed. (quill.pottermore.com/2100)

The site where I have been directed. (quill.pottermore.com/2100)

woot! woot!

"Y'err a wizard Liezel!"

Hi, I'm CharmCloak144!  =)

after 5 mins.

See you Potterheads on Pottermore! But first, I have to get back first to my muggle duties. STUDY! 2 major quizzes on Thursday and Prelim week next week. woohoo! Be nice AudProbs! =]

A Kiss in Time

I look straight into her grass green eyes. I’ve never seen eyes that color before.

“Thank you, my prince,” she sighs,

Then the green eyes widen.

“Who are you"

And that’s when she screams

Kiss in time is one of the fairytale-themed books of Alex Flinn. It's based on the classic Sleeping Beauty waking up with her true love's kiss.

I've always been an impatient person when it comes to reading books and even on watching movies. I easily get bored especially when progress of the story is too slow thought I know it’s important for the author to build rapport at the beginning. But anyway, this book was like those books that you shouldn't give up because it gets better and better.

So the story was set in Europe with Talia, princess of Euphrasia, sleeping for 300 years, being found by Jack (from Miami, who is on a student tour in Europe) who waked her up from her sleep through a kiss. But what if she's not her true true love's kiss? And imagine how a princess waking up after 300 years live in the 21st century. I like the wittiness of the story and how the point of view of both characters was presented. I love the way the author let her readers feel what it's like from two different perspectives. And the moral lessons just how old fairytales go. Obedience. Kindness. Go forth your dreams. Plus the realizations on how's life gone by in the present times.

“I have never heard of a party without gowns. This is turning out to be a very disappointing century.”

Now I can't wait to get "Cloaked"! =]

Beastly

I’m back!, for now, because summer classes starts on the 12^th. So I only spent my 2-week vacation updating myself on the latest books and a bit traveling on the side. So I finally got to shake of my laziness and update this blog instead.

So as I was scanning in the net for books I could read while I still have a free time, I stumbled upon Alex Flinn a lot of times. I was intrigued about the theme of her latest works. Fairytale in the modern day setting? nice! So now my fascination for her novels started.

"Kiss in Time" was the first one I was supposed to buy but can't find it when I went to MOA. I even tweeted FullyBooked the day before I went there to check if they had it available in there MOA branch. They said they still have 2 remaining in there and suggested that I call their hotline to reserve it, but I’m in Cavite and our phone is locked so no choice but to hope that it won’t taken before I go. I went there straight ahead after my last exam the next day. Around 4pm I arrived and the last 2 stock was already gone. Siya na in demand!

So I went next to National Bookstore and tried my luck. Asked the customer service there that said they don't have it. I don't know if she even got the author right when she asked again. So anyway, went to my last resort, Powerbooks. Good thing that I somehow memorized already the location of the stores in MOA so I don't have to go around and around. haha! Imagine me losing hope already. Skimmed around the store for a while but I didn't saw any in the front tables, so I asked the guy there and said it was already sold out a long time ago. He just suggested Beastly (another Flinn novel) which was already made into a movie to be shown this April, and Cloaked which was also already available but it's still on HB. I've always regarded staffs of Powerbooks in MOA as friendly and accommodating. I remember one time, I accompanied my friend there to buy for our exchange gift and they’re a great help when you don’t know which book is suitable for a person. I can see they're book lovers themselves so it's not hard for them to recommend and make a conversation with their customers. Thumbs up! So I ended up buying Beastly, I want both but I don’t have enough money for the Cloaked HB. haha!

"If I hadn't been transformed, I would never have known what I was missing"

As for the story, it was Beauty and the Beast retold in the modern days. I never read or watched BB so I can't tell all the difference. But all the important parts were there, afaik. How the beast was so beastly inside that he was transformed and how Lindy (Beauty) was forced to be in Beast's place and how she saw Beast past his appearance. Realizations only pop out when a person loses everything he thought he won't lose, things he thought he can't live without. Just imagine how a good-looking, rich and popular highschool boy turned to a beast would deal with the people in NYC when suddenly he changed into someone he never wanted to be. Cool version. Must read. Can't wait to see it in the big screen! =]

~I want the original cover :(

Mockingjay

Mockingjay would be the 3rd and last book of the series. You know, it’s not recommended to be read while you're depressed or problematic. Haha! Just like how I read it after a 2-hr. Advacc quiz, how depressing. Haha! *Chos!*

The book started from the ruins and the result of everything that happened in Book 2. From what happened to District 12 to the introduction of a new district. Uprisings from different districts and the counterattacks of the Capitol to the rebellious people filled the plot. The no-waste-no-want district, District 13, was introduced and Katniss was continuously on the process of recovery from all the experience she had and how she coped up with a life apart from Peeta. So this time, Gale was her confidante. But then all of these were plotted from the start to let Katniss lead the people against the Capitol. Katniss has to be the Mockingjay.

Spontaneity defines Katniss. Taking orders from someone wasn't really her thing. They were like playing mind games with each other. If only they would tell what they want to happen, everything will fall into its place diba? Tsk.tsk. Well okay, there's no excitement if that'll happen. haha! I like how unpredictable the story goes. Just like when Peeta got back in the scene. That was the best surprise part for me. =] Then it was starting to get slow and boring in the end part. Idk, or maybe I was just losing my focus because I of school matters. haha! It's already given that more death will happen in the last book. How a lot of people in the group had their life taken after attacking the Capitol. The last part/epilogue lacked on the info about Gale. Collins should've put further detail on it, besides he's already one of the main characters. Nevertheless, it was a good end for the popular series. Hooray for the star-crossed lovers! =]

Catching Fire

HG fever is on! lol. Got to borrow the 2nd book (Catching Fire) last monday after returning the 1st one. I think I'd be finishing the series without buying a single one (sorry Suzanne Collins), besides I think most of the bookstores are out of stock. Anyway, I'm forced to finish it in the shortest possible time because of upcoming quizzes. psh!

spoilers?

More sweet moments are injected to the story and a LOT more shocking revelations *last chapter* and events was presented! This would be, by far, the best book that keeps the reader super bitin Gale now had more exposure in the first few chapters. woop! But then, I really feel sorry for Peeta. The "poison berry act" of the two brought various reactions from the Capitol and the people of different districts especially those in district 8. The consequence of their act was backed on to them by being in the Hunger Game for the 2nd time around. *sorry, what a spoiler*

Well this would be the 75th Hunger Games, and every 25th they celebrate it by putting more twists in. the Quarter Quell Game. More allies for them this time. Peeta making another big issue, Katniss making sure that Peeta survives, alliances with 2nd thoughts for some, stronger Careers, turning back from the Capitol, the signs, and a lot more "WHAT?/NO!/SERIOUSLY?" moments. haha! Book 2 is just content-loaded and action-packed. Plus the confessions. And the ending!!! wth! Now I don't know when will I ever read the 3rd book with all these school stuffs. tsk tsk tsk...

The girl on fire

First time I've heard of the "Hunger Games", I thought it was a real game or some kind of a reality show. Then after googling it, I realized it's a book. Make it a series. After reading the summary, I first find it a bit absurd. Getting teens from each district chosen randomly and placing them in a game where the goal is to try to "out skill" each other or maybe "kill" each other. Ending the game with the last man standing. ok? So what's the point? I thought it was a bit sadistic and so I didn't thought of reading it ever, its looks too violent. But then a lot of people is raving about it! Even Stephenie Meyer finds it close to perfect.

And so last thursday my friend bought the Hunger Games set (P995). After suggesting it to her again and again while we're in the bookstore so I can borrow it afterwards. haha! Curiosity kills, really. I don't want to buy the book because I'm still getting second thoughts about it. She finished it too fast that I get to borrow it on friday night. And just in time, saturday classes was suspended because of the quadri celebration. hooray! haha! This is a good break from my endless accounting books.

*So this is where a crappy book review starts*

First, the book cover got my interest. In the cover is a mockingbird or a "mockingjay" inside a ring (that's also a part of the story) printed. Reminds me of the famous book of Harper Lee. I also like the black theme of the book, gives it a "dark" feeling. lol. Anyway, the story generally revolves around Katniss, "the girl on fire". With the 74th Hunger Games, a fight to death live on tv, starting. One boy and one girl age 12-18, from each 12 districts, are chosen to be "tributes" for the game. During the reaping, 42 names are drawn from a big glass bowl. But then the odds just didn't get on Prim's side, Katniss' 12 yr. old sister. And so Katniss decided to volunteer herself in replacement to save her sister from the "death sentence". With Peeta Mellark as the boy tribute of their 12th district, together they have been marked as the star-crossed lovers of the game. And so the story goes on how Katniss, being a big contender that nobody have ever thought of, would try to save herself from death and survive among the other 24 tributes. Plus there's also a fair share of love story between Katniss and Peeta. But the problem is the game supposedly ends with only one victor. And so decisions are to be made.

What I like about the story was it never had a dull moment. It was a great adventure novel. I like how the game was presented. I thought it would be too brutal or full of blood shed killings. But I was wrong. While I was reading it, so many things had been crossing my mind. It made me think of the HP's Goblet of Fire book, the wolves and vampires in the Twilight series hunting each other, the Survivor reality game and even the Pinoy Big Brother show. haha! IMHO, the flow of the story was builded up in a way that the reader wouldn't stop reading. The chapters was also generally written in a way that in every end of the chapter you'd be hanging by the moment. nyaha! This sounds weird after thinking the story was not my type coz it looks too violent. haha! Anyway, I'm surely gonna buy the remaining two books. woop! But first I've got to have a free time for that. haha! wth. Accounting, please be continuously nice to me. =]