Book Haul: January + February 2017

book-haul_-jan-2017

January was my birthday month so it should not be a total surprise that this haul is on the lengthier side. Though, it really doesn’t feel like I bought a ridiculous amount since many of these items weren’t ones I spent money on; they were gifts. However, I did purchase some bookish merch (specifically wooden bookmarks and literary candles). And I have to say I’m not exactly on board with becoming a full fledged collector of either of those (yet), but I did like the stuff I ordered. I’m getting use out of the woodmarks because they’re, surprisingly, thin (so they don’t make books bully-which is good) and sturdy. Also, they effuse the nicest woodsy scent that is not overpowering. As for the bookish candles, I plan to make a separate review post about the scents I got and how they burn each; I’ll share my honest thoughts then. I’m just waiting a few more orders from different candle shops to arrive before I begin that project, haha.)

Also, lately, I’ve been into electronic books. (That’s why you haven’t seen me hauling that many physical ARCs; I just haven’t requested any.) As you can deduce, the biggest reason behind this transition is due to lack of self space. Another part of me has also recognized that I’ve become quite a critic; I haven’t enjoyed YA the same way as I did when I first began blogging. So I’ve started to prefer collecting most books electronically and saving my physical shelves for books I really love. (To be honest, I’m quite happy with myself for choosing to implement this new change. Now, let’s just see how successful I’ll be, lol.)

Lastly, have you guys noticed something different…? I mentioned this in my January Summing It Up post, but I upped my Instagram game since my last haul post. Personally, I’m really pleased with how my photos have been turning out. And I hope that you guys will think the same. 🙂

Physical Books

Windfall (ARC)

Windfall (ARC)

Continue reading

Summing It Up: December 2016

summing-it-up_-december-2016

Happy 2017, friends! 🎉 It seems that I’ve decided to start the year strong with three scheduled blog posts in a row, haha. Make sure to check out my 2017 Resolutions and Blogiversary post if you haven’t already and would like to.

So, the beginning of December was slightly stressful because final exams had me like:

1fhlhd

But I managed to survive. I did end up getting a couple of B’s/B+’s in 4 of the 9 courses I took, which is disappointing to a degree because it’s worse than how I normally do in school. But you know what? I’m totally happy with the results, because my GPA didn’t suffer too much and I have no plans on pursuing further education after I graduate pharmacy school. Plus, one of the B’s resulted from a ridiculous curve in pathophysiology (and pharmacology; it’s a combined course), so I should be very thankful. 🙏🏼

As for the second half of the month, it was quite restful and relaxing. I did stay busy with working at the family salon and running errands that I’d put off for the entire year in my free time but I also indulged in countless of frappucinos when I was out, finished an awesome drama called Nirvana in Fire (if you haven’t already read about how it gave me all the feels, click here), and spent time with my good friends and father.

And I’m still on winter break, which means I have some time to finish catching up with book reviews and blog hopping before I return to school. The spring semester begins less than a week on the 9th, however, and then I’ll be in hibernation again.

So that was my month in a nutshell. Now let’s get on with recapping the other parts of my December (plus pictures), shall we? 😉

December Blog Posts*

*in publication order

What a sad, sad month in the book blogging department. This is the first month since I’ve started to blog where I didn’t post a single review on here (or on my Goodreads). I’m in the process of drafting six but I haven’t had the will to finish them. Sigh. I’ll be better, I promise.

Continue reading

Summing It Up: November 2016

summing-it-up_-november-2016-2

Hi friends! Yet another month has passed and it looks like we’re nearing the end of 2016. Gosh, where did this year go?

A few of the things I compounded in lab this semester. >.<

Overall, I’d say November was a pretty chill month since I had only three exams total. Compounding lab also reached an end. (Goodbye, long Tuesdays!) And the semester is fast approaching its final stretch. (Woot! Woot!) With that being said, I know I won’t be scheduling/posting anything on here (or my other social media accounts) after this post goes live. Finals will certainly be tough and I’m really going to have to study hard. I’ll also be occupied with submitting end-of-term assignments/papers (not really a big deal) and placing my preferences for summer rotations (kind of a huge deal) very soon.

Looks like a hectic schedule ahead. But look at all that washi tape representing winter break! :D

Looks like a hectic schedule ahead. But look at all that washi tape representing winter break. Ah, I seriously cannot wait! 😀

Sigh. The beginning half of December is going to look mighty busy and stressful, not going to lie. However, I’m looking forward to it! Because on the flip-side, winter break begins the second I’m finished taking the last exam. (Well, really, the moment when I know my grades. I don’t think I’ll rest at ease until then, haha.) Then I’ll get to enjoy my holiday! And finally be able to catch up on the comments and visit all the blogs I’ve missed in the last few months. (I already have a number of them bookmarked. This big blog hopping spree can’t come soon enough. I’ve missed interacting and chatting with everyone and meeting new bloggers, omg.) In addition, I look forward to indulging in all the things I love aside from blogging (e.g. Exo, frappuccinos, and Asian dramas).

November Blog Posts*

*in publication order

Continue reading

Summing It Up: October 2016

summing-it-up_-october-2016

Happy November!

It’s that time again where I recap the events of the previous month. In terms of academics, it was uneventful and the usual. I did, however, participate in a number of volunteer events that proved to be super fun. (I’ve been a total bum and haven’t been involved with the community as much as I would have liked.) As for blogging, to my great surprise, I was actually productive and released a handful of posts! (I know… I can never take a real hiatus from blogging for long.) But this has only made me even more behind with replying to comments, unfortunately. The end of the school semester isn’t too far away. (In fact, I’m already bracing myself for weeks of nonstop studying in preparation of finals; I’m so dreading November.) So I really hope to catch up on all the comments in December at the latest! 🙂

And that in a brief nutshell is what I’ve been up to. Anyway, let’s get on with the more fun stuff and actual post, shall we?

October Blog Posts*

*in publication order

Continue reading