Sunday Snapshot is Soooo Excited

"Never leave me again." -Sofie

I'm anticipating Sunday by a few hours this week because my mom and I are going on a winery tour tomorrow. AND THEN we're going to The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes! My level of excitement is currently hovering somewhere between Christmas and attending a Jane Austen convention where Colin Firth will be wandering around in a wet shirt.

But I'll tell you all about that *next* week. For now...

Currently reading:

A Kind of Grief by AD Scott: Found this in Barnes & Noble and was lured into trying it by the Scottish setting.

Posted:

An article on the real-life Irene Adler over at Book Riot.

Movies watched since the last Sunday Snapshot:

Spy, starring Melissa McCarthy

Anyone who knows me knows I love spy movies. I watched this on the plane from Dublin and really enjoyed it, although McCarthy seemed a little too spastic at times. Jonathan Statham was hilarious, and I liked Jude Law in the role of Smooth Spy Dude, even though his American accent was super dodgy and I saw the "twist" with his character coming from a continent away. Would not object to watching this one again.

The Martian, starring Matt Damon

There was soooooooooooo much science. Don't get me wrong, it was a good movie and I enjoyed it, but it was also reallllly looong. I may have nodded off there toward the end. Like just get Damon on the spaceship and end the freaking movie already, Ridley Scott. I would like to read the book now, though.

I feel like I watched another movie in the last three-ish weeks, but I can't remember what it was. Hm.

Subscription boxes:

There was a Le Tote box waiting for me when I got back. It wasn't the greatest selection this time around, which is hardly surprising since I picked it out at seven in the morning using my phone. Anyway, I liked the purse and the owl earrings (even if I couldn't get them in my ears), but the other items were not my jam. The cardigan's pockets were sewn shut. WHO DOES THAT?

My second and last Glossybox was also waiting for me when I got back. Despite my issues with Glossybox's account policies, this box wasn't too hateful. The theme was France. I liked the lip gloss and nail polish, and the perfume stick was actually okay. Wound up tossing the skin care products because they contained fragrance, which makes me break out.

October's Ipsy Glam Bag was also okay, although: ANOTHER gold bag? Vomit. Anyway, I really love the matte lip gloss. I didn't expect to, but it smells divine and lasts a long time. I like the shade of the nail polish, but who the hell puts a round bottom on a nail polish bottle??? The tweezers seem random.

Finally, my latest Rocks Box. The pavé studs were insanely cute–I actually wound up keeping them. The bracelet, on the other hand, arrived missing multiple stones, which further reinforces my suspicion that this jewelry is not of the highest quality.

This week in heidenkindom:

I finally have a doctor, which is a relief. Now I can get sick without, like, dying in an emergency room.

The rest of the week was pretty low-key on my end. I have two articles about Ireland done so far and I'm shopping for a market for a third, possibly fourth.

Unfortunately, when things get a little slow like that, I get bored. And when I get bored I start thinking about all the stuff I "need," like a record player and records to play on the record player, and a hooded trench coat and new boots. I've been foolishly spending my not-really existent money, is what I'm saying here.

Bonus:

I was too exhausted to do much in the way of blog reading this week. But if you read an awesome post you'd think I'd like, feel free to link to it in the comments.

Oh, and did you know my friend Walker has a podcast where he discusses a whole bunch of geeky, fascinating stuff? You can check it out on iTunes or Podbean.


Have a great week!


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Sunday Snapshot is Back from Ireland

I'm baaaaaack! Ireland was awesome. If you like books, history, music, booze, food, and beautiful vistas, then Ireland is the island for you. The trip went by so fast, but in a way it felt a lot longer because of how deep Ireland got under my skin. I'm already craving Guinness and missing going to the pubs. I think I might be addicted to Ireland!

In lieu of my usual Sunday Snapshot format, this week I'm going to share a few pics and trip highlights.

Newgrange, a tomb older than the Pyramids at Giza that's aligned with the solstices.

The roofs of Belfast.

No Alibis, Belfast's (and possibly Ireland's) only crime fiction bookstore. Or so they say. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with the selection, the vast majority of which actually consisted of textbooks for Queen's College. But they gave me a free tote bag and three postcards with my purchase, so it's all good.

Giant's Causeway. We got there just as the sun was setting!

The ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Traditional Irish breakfast of poached eggs, bacon, ham, tomatoes, and black and white pudding.

The Beaghmore Stone Circles. I think I've finally got the whole stone circle thing out of my system. Problemaybe.

Inside Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway, which is like an Irish version of Powell's Books.

A video posted by Tasha (@tashaheidenkind) on Oct 6, 2015 at 3:52pm PDT

A pub full of craic. Galway has the best pubs.

One of the coolest things I encountered on the trip: while the town walls of Cashel were being contructed in the 13th century, a family crypt was uncovered filled with four stone sarcophagi from the 11th-12th centuries. One of the effigies (right) was of a Templar knight with legs crossed and the feet turned inward, meaning he fought in the Crusades. But his sister (left) also has her legs crossed with feet turned inward, so they think she cut her hair to pass as a boy and followed her brother to Holy Land (!). 11th century feminism, ladies and gentlemen. All the effigies in the crypt were inserted into the wall and still frame the original town gates.

Cashel also has the super-awesome Bolton Library, which I'll write about in more depth for Book Riot. It's a must-visit!

Hangin' with Oscar and Eduard.

Boxty, which is a potato-based dough used to make fries, pancakes, bread, and dumplings. This dish, Gaelic Boxty, tasted similar to chicken-fried steak with white gravy, for you Americans out there.

Tasting whiskies at the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin.

Trinity College

The Long Room at Trinity College Library

Sunset at Killarney National Park

Interior of The Bank on College Green, a good place for lunch and a cocktail bar that receives my seal of approval.

Marsh's Library, a bit off the Dublin tourist track but well worth the walk. Super cool 18th-century public library that's still a working library. Past patrons included James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, and there are ton of awesome historical curiosities like cages readers would be locked into so they wouldn't steal the books. I'll be writing more about this library for Book Riot, as well.



That's just a small portion of the stuff we did, but I won't bore you with any more pictures (for now). I'll be back next week with our regularly scheduled programming.




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Readathon Wrap-Up

Not much happened after my mid-Readathon update. I was more or less completely derailed after watching Doctor Who. Then I fell asleep because I'm still adjusting to US time and not up to my usual night owl ways.

Anyway, on to the mid-event survey:

Which hour was most daunting for you?

I wasn't daunted by any hour.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

Yes, The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss was PERFECT for the Readathon. Very fast-paced and high energy, and unusual enough to keep me engaged. Imagine The Big Bang Theory with crime and you have a good idea of what this book is like.

How many books did you read?

I read five books but only finished one.

What were the names of the books you read?

• Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
• The Thing from the Lake by Eleanor M Ingram
• Love and Shenanigans by Zara Keane
• Irish Girl by Jeannette something or other
• The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss

Which book did you enjoy most?

Probably a toss up between Darkfever and Unfortunate Decisions.

Which did you enjoy least?

Irish Girl did not do anything for me whatsoever.

If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

N/A

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

I don't know. I felt very isolated during this Readathon. Interacting with other readers/bloggers is my favorite part of the 'Thon and that was next to nonexistent this time around. It definitely wasn't as much fun as previous Readathons have been, not that that's necessarily the Readathon's fault (although I did sign up for cheerleaders and seem to have gotten lost in the spreadsheets).



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#Readathon Mid Event Survey

Hour 12! This has been a very quiet, relaxing Readathon for me so far. How are you guys doing?

1. What are you reading right now?

The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone. I settled on this one after trying out a few different books that weren't sticking. This one is perfect though: breakneck pace, upbeat and fun.

2. How many books have you read so far?

I've only finished one book so far, but I've dipped into four or five.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

I didn't plan out a stack, so I'll pick out another book I'm in the mood for when the time comes.

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

Not, not really. My mom was going to Readathon with me but she's not feeling good, so she went to Urgent Care instead. That's really been the only hiccup.

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

How quiet and relaxed it seems. I think this is the most focused on reading I've ever been during a Readathon! Usually I'm buzzing around doing minichallenges and cheering.


Now back to reading and maybe a snack and beer to tide me over until dinner. See you guys later tonight!


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Readathon Start Post

Hey everyone! I know it seems like I'm starting late on the 24 Hour Readathon (and I am), but it's not as late as it seems. I've already finished one book and plan to get in a minichallenge before starting Book 2.

Right now I'm finishing up books I'm in the middle of, but I hope to start a new book and make a serious dent in it later this afternoon.

Anyway, here's my belated event start survey:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

Colorado, USA

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

The one I just finished–Darkfever by KMM.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Long story, but I didn't prep any snacks this time around. I know.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I just got back from Ireland with a TON of books. Like I had to clear out my bookshelves to make room for them all. I'm hoping to get to at least one today!

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

The last time I participated I was a cheerleading captain. I feel like I intended to cheer this time but I must have forgot. Anyway, no cheering this time (except I will of course cheer people on on Instagram and Twitter), just reading.


See you guys in a few!


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Last Sunday Snapshot for September

Thor has his Halloween costume ready!

Currently reading:

Flight of Magpies by KJ Charles–I wonder if Stephen will ever actually agree to leave England.

Movies watched:

Art and Craft, starring Mark A. Landis

A profile of one of the most prolific art forgers in US history. What makes Landis unique–aside from his remarkable talent for copying works of art–is that he doesn't do it for the money. Since he donates all his forgeries, he's not even technically committing a crime. Landis is a weird little dude (imagine a cross between Truman Capote and Norman Bates and you have a good idea of how he comes across) and not charismatic by any means, but still surprisingly sympathetic. Despite his myriad Issues, he has a quirky sense of humor and an undiluted passion for art. There's not a mean-spirited bone in his body, but like any artist he wants to share his work with others. Recommend this one for people who enjoy films about art crime! I think I might have even spotted Robert K Wittman in there.

Subscription boxes:

I know this will shock y'all, but I signed up for another subscription box. This one is called Stunner and it sends one pair of sunglasses every month. Yes, sunglasses! It seemed like a good idea at the time. However, I didn't really like the style of the sunglasses they sent, and they didn't fit me. After reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up I'm not much interested in keeping stuff I don't like, and I don't make enough money to just throw $10 away every month on things I'm not going to use, either. This one was a cancel for me, although if you're the type of person who is constantly buying new sunglasses I'd say try it.

And another Le Tote! Kind of a mixed bag. I was hoping to get some stuff I could take to Ireland, but I think I might just send it back and put my account on pause for a week, instead, as the only thing I'd take here is the checkered driving coat. The purse was a disappointment and the long sleeved shirt doesn't fit.

Oh! And I almost forgot: Beware of Glossybox. When I canceled my subscription I was informed I would still be getting–and therefore paying for–my October box because I had canceled after the 15th of September. Since the boxes are mailed out the third week of every month, it would have been kinda illogical for me to cancel my first box before the 15th, when they hadn't even shipped yet. Glossybox won't accept returns, even unopened, because of "food and health regulations." Yeah, that's plausible.

So basically, if you sign up for Glossybox, you're committing to 2 months and $42 whether you like it or not. What a racket, especially considering I could get 4 months worth of Birchbox or Ipsy for that much AND be able to cancel at any time.

This week in heidenkindom:

And speaking of Ireland, this will most likely be my last Sunday Snapshot for a while, as I'll literally be up in the air the next two Sundays flying to and from Dublin. But I'll be back mid-October with (hopefully) plenty of awesome pics and things to report.

I spent the week getting ready to go by pre-packing (I do love packing for a trip) and taking care of belated appointments, which caused a mild panic attack when I realized I really do need to find a doctor. The doctor I'd had since I was eight retired a few months ago. If you're ever tried to find a PCP who will accept new Medicaid patients, you know how much fun that is; plus I'm more than a bit nervous about trusting my health care to a stranger. Still haven't found anyone.

Bonus:

My interest in the pre-Voldy lives of Lily and James Potter is minimal-bordering-on-DGAF, but I have to admit this webcomic series based on Tumblr questions about them is kinda adorable. Plus, Snape makes an appearance!

Gratuitous Snape pic.

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Sunday Snapshot Thinks You Should Treat Yo Self

Great dedication, or greatest dedication?

Currently reading:

Austenland, because I can't get over the movie. It's taking me a ridiculously long time to read it, but yanno...

I also started a book I found in a winery called Experiencing Colorado Wine. Yes, I went into a winery and instead of coming out with a bottle of wine I left with a book. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Subscription boxes:

Since my birthday is coming up, I decided to treat myself by trying out a couple more makeup subscriptions. As I've said before, I love Ipsy, but it's been a year and I'm getting restless. I chose Birchbox and Glossybox because they were both rated better than Ipsy on various articles online.

First off, Birchbox, the one I was least impressed by. There was a face masque, eye cream, perfume (yay /sarcasm), a concealer stick and an eyebrow pencil. So two out of the five items were skin care. I don't *hate* getting skin care products in these boxes, but I do always feel like they're filler. If I wanted cream and soaps and shit I'd sign up for a skin care box, not a makeup box. Plus, both the masque and the eye cream smelled weeeeeeiiiiirrrrrrrrrrd. The perfume is supposed to smell like the Australian rain forest, which explains why there's a white model pretending to be an aboriginal on the cover. OH WAIT NO IT DOESN'T.

Anyway, I threw away most of these items. I'll probably keep the concealer stick for covering up blemishes, and I'm on the fence about keeping the brow pencil. Total tally: toss, 4; keep, 1; love, 0.

Next up, Glossybox, which is more than twice the price of Ipsy and Birchbox at $21/month. Why? I have no idea. Supposedly they're unique because they only send "luxury brands," but the brands they send are the same ones I've seen from Ipsy and Birchbox, sooooo yeah.

Anyway, compared to Birchbox this one was a winner! Only one skin care product–a revitalizing serum that seems to work okay–and some of my favorite types of makeup. To wit, nail polish, blush, and lip gloss. Plus mascara. I tend not to wear mascara because it irritates my eyes, but I'm willing to give it a try on the off chance it won't be too hateful. This mascara wasn't bad, although it did start flaking off pretty severely by the end of the day. The lip gloss was AWFUL and weird tasting. The nail polish shade can best be described as puke-rific, but who knows, it might look good on me.

Overall tally: keep, 4; toss, 1; love, 0. I'm not sure this box is worth the money, and it seems to skew towards an older demographic than Ipsy and Birchbox (hence the price?).

Finally, good ol' Ipsy. The September Glam Bag I got last year was one of the best bags I ever received from them. This month's, however, was mixed. The bag itself is nice, but I don't do gold. I was SUPER excited to receive the NYX eyeshadow palette, and the mascara was pretty decent (oh goody more mascara /sarcasm). I don't do eyeliner or this weird eyebrow stuff that made it look like I'd applied mascara to my brows. The masque was very refreshing!

Total tally: keep, 2; toss, 2; love, 1.

Ipsy is still the winner for me. It's a much better deal than Glossybox and sends more of the type of products I like than Birchbox. Yes, it has its problems now and then, but for the money I don't think you can beat it.

I also got another Le Tote. I adored the cuff and the striped shirts were suuuuper cute. The pink dress was more like a nightgown and looked terrible on me, but oh well. The next box is already on its way!

This week in heidendom:

A busy but fun week. I worked long hours on Sunday and Monday finishing up articles and artist profiles so that me and my mom could go to Denver on Tuesday. We were planning to visit a winery (I paid for a tour and tasting on Groupon), but when we got there it was closed and open by appointment only, even though online they said they were open daily and no appointment was needed! The business phone was scratched off the door and the number listed online went to a private residence. Did I mention it was sandwiched between two industrial suppliers in a garage? Kinda sketchy.

My still-life.

Since we had nothing to do at that point, we went to the Denver Art Museum and saw the In Bloom exhibit, which I had little to no expectations for. Silly me, it actually turned out really fun and awesome! There were paintings by all my favorite artists, you could make your own still life, and there was a room where they recreated the scents of Monet's garden. You should definitely go see this if you're in town.

A cool flower still-life by Odilon Redon.

Finally, we went out to dinner with my aunt to Osteria Marco, which according to some sources is the absolute best pizzeria in the entire state of Colorado. The pizza was delicious, and the service impeccable. I also highly recommend the grilled artichokes and thyme traveler cocktail. Yummm.

Bonus:

Have you ever wondered why wine is so often served with bread and cheese? Wonder no more.


Have a great week!



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