threads, tales, & trails

Salutation! I'm Kath. Let me overshare about my love of fashion, books, travels and other stories.

[kathrinetan]

October Playlist

I’m a firm believer that I’m a mood music listener (if there’s such thing). I’m not currently in love but I curated songs that makes me think that falling in love is not a bad thing after all. It’s probably not, right?  Anyways, sharing my October playlist with you!

Enjoy! And give recommendations if you have.

[kathrinetan]

Book Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Title: The Love Hypothesis Author: Ali Hazelwood Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating: 4.5/5

Olive is a Ph.D candidate minding her own project about pancreatic cancer early detection when she somehow manages to put herself in a fake relationship with the most antagonistic and unapproachable (Olive’s words) Dr. Adam Carlsen. Unfortunately, her lie smacks her right on her face and doesn’t have a choice but to push through. Out of luck, Dr. Carlsen agreed. But the longer she spends her time with Adam, the more she realizes that he’s probably the person she was looking for.

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell

I will take this book personally. I definitely will. Because how could I not? This book hit parts of my life. Both of the characters are part of biology department. I WAS A BIOLOGY MAJOR!! They both love science. I LOVE SCIENCE! They’re scientist…. Okay, I’m not but I can if life permits to. I have a biology degree, at least. I love that Ali Hazelwood choose a women in STEM and their difficulties on their field because women always had to go to rough road.

Also, all my favorite tropes put together in one story? I’m sold. Grumpy x sunshine trope? Yes. Fake-dating trope? Yes. Slow burn romance? Yes. Scientists in love? Definitely YES!! As someone who loved science, there are not enough stories about people in science on a romantic scene but here it is. I have waited long enough but finallyyyy.

“Contacts are not cheap.” “Neither are eyes.”

“I asked if I could kiss you, and you said yes.” “Incorrect. You asked if you could kiss me and I snorted.”

The romance between Olive and Adam developed slow but not as low as my beloved The Wall of Winnipeg and Me but still with plenty of tension. I love their banter so much. It makes me giggled and laughed. I’m grinning the whole time I’m reading this. My favorite funny part is when there we two beds in the hotel rooms. Because who does write romcom without the epic there-is-only-one-bed-in-the-room-we-have-to-sleep-together trope? Probably Ms. Ali Hazelwood.

Now she felt calm and safe. Like her world, constantly hectic and messy and demanding, was slowing down. Easing up, just a bit

As someone who works in a fast paced exhausting healthcare industry, I relate to her on a personal level because we just wanted someone to share the stillness of life with despite of its demands. And that’s Adam for Olive.

“That’s the thing with science. We’re drilled to believe that false positives are bad, but false negatives are just as terrifying.” She swallowed. “Not being able to see something, even if it’s in front of your eyes. Purposefully making yourself blind, just because you’re afraid of seeing too much.”

I told you, I will take this books personally haha. This book is beautifully written with brilliant characters and simple but great plot (execution-wise). In the word of Adam Driver.. “Good soup.”

[kathrinetan]

Manila International Book Fair 2016

The most awaited event of the book nerds has already ended but the hype is still there. Manila International Book Fair is an annual fair where you can find every – I mean, every – kind of books. Usually the fair lasted for 5 days, this year it was from September 14-18. There were different activities as well, from book signing to story telling, name it!

I've been wanting to go to mibf since I missed the event last year and luckily I had the time to go this year!! It was my first time to go to a book fair so I didnt know what to expect so I kind of panicked when I saw a lot of people! Knowing me, I have a silly anxiety about being surrounded by a huge crowd so I didnt get to enjoy the fair as much as I expected. Bummer, I know. I was panicking the whole time and decided to just stay in Fullybooked (which by the way didnt help hehe). Hence, the lack of photos of the event.

Fortunately for me, when the crowd subsided a little bit, I got the chance to roam around and finally snatched three books!

A little bit of a side story, I'm actually in hunt of JE Smith's books but they were nowhere to be found so when I decided to just give up, I found Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project in a hidden corner of Fullybooked. I got curious and fell in love with the synopsis, I hope to fall in love with the story as well. As the synopsis goes, sometimes you don't find love, it finds you.

Don Tillman, genetics professor, is getting married. Or he will be, when his sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey yields a candidate (see: the Wife Project). Designed to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the vegans, the late arrivers, Don's questionnaire is, for this socially challenged academic, the most logical method to find the perfect partner.

Enter Rosie Jarman

Don quickly disqualifies her as a potential wife but is drawn into Rosie's quest to find her biological father (see: the Father Project). When something like friendship develops, Don must confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie and the decidedly unscientific conclusion that sometimes you don't find love, it finds you.

Then comes Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl and Love, Stargirl. I've already read the book because my friend let me borrow his copy and I've been thinking if I should buy one. Funny story, when I gave up looking for JE Smith's books, I contemplated looking for Stargirl since I loved the book and suddenly found a copy of both Love, Stargirl and Stargirl (which I think was the last copy). It was pure coincidence because I found them without actually looking and the thing is they were in a different shelf!! Talk about fate, right?

Stargirl. She's as magical as the desert sky. As strange as her pet rat. As mysterious as her own name. And she captures Leo Borlock's heart with just one smale.

But when the students of Mica High turn on Stargirl for everything that makes her different, Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In a celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity – and the inspiration of first love.

Stargirl has moved and left everything behind: Arizona, enchanted desert places – and Leo, her once (and future?) boyfriend.

He's all she can think about, and her life begins to feels a parade of unhappy anniversaries. Then Stargirl meets her wonderfully bizarre new neighbors: Dootsie, the curly-headed five-year-old “human bean”; Betty Lou, who hasn't stepped outside her house for nine years; hot-tempered Alvina with that one glittery nail; and Perry Dellophane, the blue-eyed thief who soon lays his own claim to Stargirl's heart.

In letters to Leo over the course of a year, Stargirl comes to find hope in new places: mockingbirds, donut angels, and the Winter Solstice – that turning point day when dark tips to light. But what's life without Leo? Will he – can he – answer that one crucial question she asks every morning to the rising sun?

In this companion novel to Stargirl, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli continues his beloved heroine's story in a tale of hurt and healing, solstice and sunbeams.

Last but not the least is Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor and Park which is a gift from my bestfriend because (to her words) malapit na ang birthday ko!!Okay so another coincidental story, I actually planned on going to mibf alone after my duty when I received a call from her (bestfriend) asking what book do I like because she's in mibf. I freaked out and told her to wait for me because I was going as well after my shift (told her to buy any je smith book or eleanor and park, though). We didn't get to roam around mibf because she went with her friends but we met inside and gave me the book and told me it was her birthday gift to me!! Yaaayyy! She knows that I prefer books than anything for my birthday. Isn't she the sweetest? She and her friends ended up waiting for me so we can go home together. Such luck!

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough... Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises... Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Even though I was freaking out the whole time and I had to occasionally stop to breath because I was so overwhelmed with the crowd, I had fun! I'm not sure if I will attend the event next year or I will just pick a day with lesser people hehe. But nonetheless, it was definitely an experience to keep. I'm still so elated about the event and seeing all those bookworms around one place. Ahhh, my heart.

Kudos, Manila International Book Fair!! Until next year!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kath

[kathrinetan]

So.. What’s Up: The Before

I’ve been out of the blogging world for a very long time and I know it’s rude to just go back like nothing happen hehe. So today, I will blog about what happened while I’m out! And because I’m out for almost a year, I will cut this blog into two parts (1) my life before I started working and (2) my life after I started working up to present.

Let’s start with the first part, shall we?

After I graduated from college I spent a lot of time with my family, friends and myself because I deserve it teehee. I asked my parents to give me a whole 2 months of rest before I find work and they were so supportive of me.

BULACAN

Spent the Good Friday at the Divine Mercy Shrine at Bulacan with the family and visited a relative who lives nearby.

TAGAYTAYMy bestfriends and I had a very chill staycation at Monteluce, Tagaytay as a last hooray before we enter adult life hehe!! Can you believe that we are all friends since grade school? THEY ARE FOR KEEPS!!

NUEVA ECIJACelebrated the Feast of San Roque in Nueva Ecija with the family. My mom’s side of the family are all living in Nueva Ecija so we go there every year to visit them. Yay for family visits!!

SUBIC And lastly, I got to see the beach!!! Spent my last weekend of my rest in Subic with the family. We stayed in Camayan Beach Resort and also went to Ocean Adventure which is just in front of the hotel!!

This weekend was the most memorable since I got to do a lot first; first time to try kayaking, first time to see a dolphin and seagull in person, first time to drive in sctex, first time to eat breakfast by the beach and first time to see a monkey right in front of me!!

And we’re done with the first part. It’s so nostalgic to write this since it was, by far, the best summer I had. I just want to go back and travel everywhere!!

Here’s to more adventure along our way!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine Tan

[kathrinetan]

JULY PLAYLIST

Annnndddd I’m back!! As per usual, I don’t have any excuse of my absence and I’m sorry. My life has been pretty occupied with work, I’ve been working in a hospital for a year now. I had a hard time adapting to my new environment and my new schedule that I had a slip of myself a little bit. But no worries, I’m quite surviving things now hence this blog comeback.

Nothing big just yet, though. I made this playlist while constructing my bullet journal which, by the way, I will blog maybe in the future. I haven’t been much into the ~*internet world*~ as often as before since I started working so I don’t have any knowledge about the latest music anymore. But these songs are the ones I found whenever I have time searching for some eargasm.

ENJOY!

THE SOUND // THE 1975 X HAZE (VIGILANCER REMIX)

I HATE U, I LOVE U // GNASH FT. OLIVIA O’BRIEN

7 YEARS // LUKAS GRAHAM

DON’T LET ME DOWN // THE CHAINSMOKERS FT. DAYA

I THINK I’M IN LOVE // KAT DAHLIA

I BET MY LIFE // IMAGINE DRAGONS

WILD // TROYE SIVAN FT. ALESSIA CARA

These are songs I just randomly want to put together since I listen to them a lot. I hope you guys enjoy!

Shameless confession, I’m actually obsessed with Troye Sivan (I still remember watching his coming out video the moment he uploaded it huhu luv u bb) lately but I don’t want this playlist to be a troye sivan album so I just picked my favorite heehee.

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine Tan

[kathrinetan]

Release Day Blitz: Kissing Madeline by Lex Martin + Giveaway

The third book of The Dearest Series, Kissing Madeline, is now available on amazon!! I haven’t post my review about this book yet but trust me when I say this is my favorite among the series!! This book is worth the read, I promise. 

Amazon US | Amazon UK

And in case you haven’t read the first book, Dearest Clementine is currently free on Amazon right now for a very limited time to celebrate the release of Kissing Madeline!!

Title: Kissing Madeline (Dearest, #3)  Author: Lex Martin Release Date: April 27, 2015 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance Cover Design by: Krista Ritchie Goodreads: Kissing Madeline

What’s the worst thing about wanting a sexy NFL football player? Everyone else wants him, too.

After catching my boyfriend getting deep-throated by a skanky cage girl, I’ve learned my lesson – never date a professional athlete. Never. Besides, I have more important things to worry about, like not blowing my shot to make it as a broadcast reporter. I won’t let anything get in my way, not even the new “it boy” of the NFL and my hot-as-hellneighbor.

What's the worst thing about getting death glares from his new neighbor? It doesn't make him want her any less.

I’ve worked my ass off to make it to the pros. The last thing I need is the complication of a relationship, especially since my last one was a total train wreck. But I can’t stop thinking about the feisty girl next door with the smart mouth. And I’d love nothing more than to show her what to do with that mouth.

Friends with benefits might be the best idea he’s ever had. Or the worst.

Kissing Madeline is a companion novel to DEAREST CLEMENTINE and FINDING DANDELION. Each book is a stand-alone.

DEAREST CLEMENTINE (#1 - Clementine & Gavin)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life. 

FINDING DANDELION (#2 - Jax and Dani)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

When soccer all-star Jax Avery collides with Dani Hart on his twenty-first birthday, their connection is instantaneous and explosive. For the first time in years, Jax isn’t interested in his usual hit-it and quit-it approach.

But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player. So when Jax doesn’t recognize Dani the next time he sees her, it shouldn’t be a total shock. The fact that he’s her new roommate's brother? That’s a shock.

Dani doesn’t regret that night with Jax, just the need to lie about it. Since her roommate has made it clear what she thinks about her brother’s “type” of girl, the last thing Dani wants is to admit what happened.

Jax knows he’s walking a fine line on the soccer team. One more misstep and he’s off the roster, his plans to go pro be damned. Except he can’t seem to care. About anything… except for the one girl who keeps invading his dreams.

Despite Jax’s fuzzy memory of his hot hookup with his sister’s friend, he can’t stay away from her, even if it means breaking his own rules. But there are bigger forces at work–realities that can end Dani’s college career and lies that can tear them apart.

Jax realizes what he’s losing if Dani walks away, but will he sacrifice his future to be with her? And will she let him if he does? 

About the Author

Lex Martin writes new adult novels, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. When she's not writing, she lives a parallel life as an English teacher. She loves printing black and white photos, listening to music on vinyl, and getting lost in a great book. Bitten by wanderlust, she's lived all over the country but currently resides in the City of Angels with her husband and twin daughters.

Connect with Lex

<<

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And here’s the exciting part!! The giveaway!! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Artparasites

Months ago, I found this beautiful place in the internet called berlin-artparasites. And I'm so glad I found this beauty. According to the page:

Artparasites shares compelling artwork that alters the way we live, love, work, play, think and feel.

I rarely check my facebook now since it got so crowded and I’mnot really good with crowd hahaha. But this page is one of the reasons why I open my account. It speaks everything in me!! So here are few of my favorites!

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Check the page if you haven't! It's a beautiful place to be haha

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Blank Space // Style

I've been writing since yesterday and I'm so drained!! My brain's hurting haha! But thanks to this awesome mashup cover of Taylor Swift's Blank Space and Style, it was a little bearable.

This mashup cover by Louisa Wendorff feat. Devin Dawson is on the loop since yesterday and I can't stop listening!! It's just that good!

You can purchase this awesome thing on itunes, if you want!

You're welcome! Teehee <3

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Favorite Band Songs Playlist

I don’t know about others but when the world becomes tooloud, I isolate myself with music. Just me and my music, nothing more. I don’t know what I’m going to do without music, honestly. I don’t actually have a preferred genre of music but few years ago I fell in love with bands serenading (not really) sounds. And over the years, I had collected few songs that I really love and so I made a playlist of them (some were really recent though..)

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Favorites: Month of January

And we’re done with the first month of the year!! A lot of things already happened and I’m quite overwhelmed but let’s not talk about it haha. Rather I want to share all the things (i.e. songs, book, movie and etc.) that I’ve loved from the last month!

First off, last month I fell in love with a band called Rixton and their song Hotel Ceiling that was part of Me and My Broken Heart EP. That song was on repeat every single day. I loved it so much!! And add to it that it was co-written by Ed Sheeran. Such a beauty!! Though the music video had the weirdest plot twist I’ve ever seen, I still loved it.

Also, I’ve been loving the song called Erase by Jooyoung and Hyolyn. It’s a kpop song and even though I’ve learned Hangul before I didn’t understand the whole lyrics unless I read the translation but the song was so catchy. I just loved it! It was my favorite song of the month alongside with Hotel Ceiling.

I wasn’t able to read as much book as I want because life keeps on happening but my favorite read among the few titles I’ve read was I Wrote This For You by pleasefindthis. It was a poetic book; it was a collection of stories and poems with photographs. The cover was so weird as well as the photographs inside but I assure you it was so good. One of my favorite excerpts from the book was The Day You Read This. The book speaks to me, I cried so much and I’m planning to have a review of the book, maybe this month!

Next stop is my favorite poem from last month; it is SONNET XVII by Pablo Neruda. My first encounter with this poem was when I’m reading Anna and the French Kiss and I’ve loved it since then. And started to love it even more last month. It was a really really good poem that I can’t explain how much haha.

I haven’t watched new movies last month until yesterday so I think The Maze Runner is still my favorite. I even asked the bus conductor to play it inside the bus while going back to Manila from Laguna hahaha. But Into the Woods is running as second. I watched it yesterday, it is still part of January but I don’t know if this count or not haha. I like the movie to the extent that I reread my Grimm’s Fairy Tales book by Brothers Grimm. It’s a musical with a dark realistic approach that I liked so much. I like Cinderella’s story among other stories. It has bad reviews, even my friends didn’t like it but I did. I don’t know exactly why but I do.

Last but not the least is my favorite TV series!!!! I’ve been loving Barry Allen for quite some time now and it is still my favorite! I’ve never been a fan of The Flash before because I’m more of a Superman fan but people change hahaha. I love The Flash so much!! I love that lanky nerd guy called Barry! Oh what a joy to have him by my side, my personal laboratory centrifuge! Choss! I love it because it’s a scientifically inclined story and I love science in any form hahaha. Plus, there are a lot of witty jokes that made the series even more awesome! I haven’t watched the last two new episodes because, life. But I’m hoping that I will get my life back by the end of the month and until then I’m going miss my Barry Allen.

I love having distractions, especially now and I’m grateful with these things that I had to share. Anything good to listen, read or watch to?

Here’s for more favorites along the way!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Book Hunting List

Remember the blog I wrote before about serendipity? I had another encounter with it. And yes, it was another book-serendipity encounter. Same scenario; going home, went to my to-go bookstore and there was the book. But this time it’s different because the book I found few days ago is part of my Book Hunting List. It is a list of books I want to own and read (of course!) that have a different genre of titles that I’m into or just plain wanted to try books list.

And with that I want to share my Book Hunting List!!

Our Mutual Friend – Charles Dickens

The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton

The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde

It – Stephen King

Dear Mr. Henshaw – Beverly Cleary

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love – Raymond Carver

The World of Apples – John Cheever

Kitchen – Banana Yoshimoto

100 Love Sonnets – Pablo Neruda

I made this list last year when I decided to expand my world in all aspect of it. It’s actually not a list until it was. It was just pile of books I want to try because I’m expanding my world, with this, it’s by expanding my choice of books. They’re compilation books that were mentioned in movies and books that I love. Most of them were from Stuck In Love, others were from Fangirl, Anna and the French Kiss and etc.

The one I found few days ago was The Picture of Dorian Gray; the only novel by Oscar Wilde, who said that to live is the rarest thing in the world most people just exist, and that's all. Of course, I want to read his only novel!! The quote punched me right where I needed to be punched, when I read it the first time. And as Ezra – from one of my favorite book The Beginning of Everything – once said “I don’t know if he’s right, but I do know that I spent a long time existing, and now, I intend to live.”, and I also intend to live starting with trying out new things!

And here’s for more things to try!!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Fictional OTPs

As you all know or didn't know, I’m also a self-proclaimed bookworm. I love reading books!! I've been reading pocket books, which my mom owns, since I can remember when and fell in love with novels since Percy Jackson entered my life. I, being a bibliophile, am like the living proof of the saying it just happened. Like books are my soulmates!!

In different books or book series they have fandoms and in different fandoms, there’s this thing called ships. Not the vehicles used in the sea or bodies of water but a term used when you like a couple or you want two people to be together, you ship them. And when you really really like a couple or pairing, there’s a term called one true pair or otp! And that’s our lesson for today. HAHAHAHA kidding.

And that’s what I’m going to blog today; my favourite otps!!

Percabeth (Percy and Annabeth)

If you have read POJ and didn’t ship Percabeth, you’re lying to yourself. I mean, who doesn’t love Percy and Annabeth together? Not me, obviously. They’ve known each other since they’re twelve years old. They experienced all the difficulties of being a demigod together. They have a secret crush with each other for so many years. They know each other’s weaknesses and strengths – they’re actually one of each other’s strength. So if you tell me now that they didn’t deserve to be together after those years, I’m judging you.

Jiper/Jasper (Jason and Piper)

I don’t know, maybe I’m just a sucker for unrequited messy love hahahaha. I started loving this pair the moment I start reading Heroes of Olympus. I love them so much it hurts! I love how they fall in love, from a mist formed relationship to a real relationship. I love those little actions that gave way to a great love. I love how they’re a team and that they help each other. I just love them so much that I can’t explain how hahaha. For team beauty queen and sparky!!!

Harmony (Harry and Hermione)

I know, I know. Settle down. Is it so wrong to love two people and want them to be together but the odds are against it. Even the author!! I love Harry and Hermione since the beginning. I can’t remember the first time I felt so kilig because of them. And I was still a child back then! You guys (i.e Hermione and Ron, Harry and Ginny shippers), got your happy endings. Just leave me alone!

Cather and Levi

Who doesn’t? I mean, really? Levi who can’t even go nine hours without seeing Cather, who would choose her over everyone and who would always be there for her, no matter what. Cather who would give the moon for Levi, who would stop her writing just for him, who would read a book aloud for him, even it tires her, because he needs it. So tell me they’re not your otp because.. why?

And there goes my shipper heart!! I can go on and on about this, I think I need help hahaha.

If ever someone out there wonders where those fictional characters came from (just in case!!): Percabeth is from Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus, Jiper is from Heroes of Olympus, Harmony is from Harry Potter series, Cath and Levi are  from Fangirl.

I suggest reading those books if you haven’t!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Serendipity

Last Monday, I went to school to process my application for graduation and went to the mall afterwards; there started my series of serendipities, hence, the title haha. I’m actually browsing books in Booksale when I remembered how I found my copy of Meltdown without actually looking for it. It just happened I entered the store, went to the 20 pesos and up bookshelf and then there was the book right in front of me! There I thought about serendipity; the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way or mas maart na definition; founding something good without looking for it.

Serendipity is one of my favorite English words; it is a feeling good word for me. And I realize I had so many series of serendipities that I need share just because I’m grateful of those series and, well, for the sake of it hahaha.

First things first, on the same day when I was on my way home, I went to my to-go bookstore and found this two good books!! Talk about serendipity!!

I first saw the Human Biology Dictionary and I knew that I had to buy it! It was a steal for only 50 pesos though it was a little bit overused but still! Who doesn’t want Human Biology Dictionary? Not me, for sure haha. Then I saw the Arabian Nights or the One Thousand and One Nights amongst the shelves! I was supposed to buy Great Expectations but I saw this one and I knew I had to give up the latter because this book was used in my current favorite series! Of course I had to buy this! So, see, serendipity.

Still on the same day, after I bought my joni jeans in Trinoma I decided to go to SM North Edsa because nandyan lang naman so why not haha but seriously I want to go to Booksale so I went to SM North Edsa. But naligaw ang landas ng lola nyo and ended inside f21, that’s on sale btw, and scored this lovely plain white vneck shirt!! It fits perfectly and goes well with my jeans when I tried it so I had to buy it!

On the other hand, I bought the Finn the Human shirt when Toys R Us was on sale! I was there to buy my niece and nephew their gifts but ended up with this hahaha. I’m not really an Adventure Time girl, I’m more of a Phineas and Ferb kind but I still like Adventure Time and the shirt is so cuteeee!!! I’m actually leaving the store when I found this and I knew we were meant to be haha.

I decided to start a journal next year but I'm still not decided on what journal I’m going to use until my sister gave this journal notebook before Christmas!! And this planner was unexpected as well! I plan on buying the muji planner since I need one but my sister gave me this starbucks planner when I'm about to buy the muji one! I'm not really on the hunt for both but I know I need them and look what I've got!!

Those were just a few of the series of serendipities I had!! I really believe that good things come when you least expected it. Parang pag-ibig. Ika nga ni mareng Lang Leave on an excerpt from her book Lullabies, called Patience; “Stop looking for me,” Love replied, “and I will find you.”

Yes nairelate pa!! HAHAHA. Kidding aside, it also goes with some portion of our lives, sometimes we just have to wait. When we think we already did what we had to do but still nothing happens then maybe we just have to wait for the perfect timing. Just like how I found my copy of Meltdown months after I gave up on searching for it; founding something good without looking for it, indeed.

Here’s to more fortunate stroke of serendipities for the coming year!!

Happy New Year!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

Book Review Guidelines

I’m sounding like a pro book reviewer about this book review guidelines thing, but to tell you honestly I’m not haha. I just made this to make things clear. I’m not a literature related girl. I don’t have a background about how books should be written. I had a Technical Writing class but we’re talking about Creative Writing here so it’s very different. Like what my prof said, in Technical Writing an apple is just an apple but in Creative Writing an apple could mean something, so yeah. I hope you get my point.

Another thing, I’m not good at writing book reviews. I can’t collect my thoughts properly so I can’t write and make sense. But as the saying goes “if it makes you happy, do it” so I’m doing this book review thing! It just that it’s not a pro, I’ll just share my opinion about the book and how it affect me. I also will tell about stories while reading the book I’m reviewing. Just a chill review and stuff.

So let’s start with the book review guidelines. I’ll rate everything with the scale of 1-5. And because I don’t want my book review posts to be long plain boring full-text posts, I will use memes. 9gag and tumblr kid here!! hahaha :D

Dude Come On Meme: Rate 1

I don’t like the book or the story of the book was just not the kind of stories I’m into.

Okay Guy Meme: Rate 2

The book is okay. The story is good but didn’t affect me too much.

Obama Not Bad Meme: Rate 3

I like the book. The meme say it all, not bad. The story has lesson, well, every story has but on this the lesson affect me. And if you’re planning to buy a copy of this book, go and buy it but only if you will spend your spare money. But if you’re going to buy this even if you’re out of budget I suggest you just find another book to buy.

Me Gusta Meme: Rate 4

I really like the book. The story really catch my attention. It has something in it that I really want to read (i.e romance hahaha). Buy this book and thank me later.

It's Beautiful Meme: Rate 5

I LOVE the book!! The story has everything in it and by everything, I mean, everything I want to read. Romance, friendship, family, suspense and lesson. The story really affect me big time and this book is one of the book I want to read over and over. It’s kind of book I can’t put down haha. Please buy this book immediately and you will thank me forever choss!!

Like what I’ve said, I’m not a pro book reviewer I just want to share my opinion on the books I’ve read. Some people (readers) may agree on my opinion, some people may not and I’d like to read opinions or thoughts about the books, too. It is just one comment away! I’ll review the books the best that I can, I may be a little bias sometimes but I promise I’ll do this thing with all honesty.

I will also have “Will You Recommend This Book” in every end of the review. And the same thing with the rating, I’ll use meme to make the blog post more interesting haha.

Yes, indeed

Maybe, I’ll recommend this to some people

No, I won't

So there! I hope I'm quite clear about this guidelines. I'm pretty excited to start reviewing books!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine Tan

[kathrinetan]

September Playlist

Time flies so fast, literally! I can’t believe it’s already September and 3 more months before my favorite time of the year!! Ahhhh!!!! And by that, I want to share my September Playlist to celebrate!!!

BUT! Don’t worry or be disappointed, this playlist doesn’t have Christmas songs yet. Perfect for someone who thinks it’s too early to hear Christmas songs. But for someone who wants to hear Christmas-y songs to get in the mood, don’t be so disappointed about the playlist but enjoy the music while you can! 

Rude (Acoustic Session – Miami) – Magic!

Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith

Rather Be – Clean Bandit feat Jess Glynne

Try Hard – 5 Seconds of Summer

Ready or Not – Bridgit Mendler

Shower – Becky G

This Is How We Do – Katy Perry

All Night – Icona Pop

It’s Over – Jesse McCartney

Dear No One – Tori Kelly

Chocolate – The 1975

Marry – Jason Derulo

Am I Wrong – Nico & Vinz

Take Me Home – Cash Cash feat. Bebe Rexha

XO – John Mayer

Me and My Broken Heart – Rixton

Boom Clap – Charli XCX

Everyone who has Spotify can listen or/and follow this playlist here: September Playlist!! You can also follow me at kathrinestan to know what songs I'm currently listening to!

Enjoy the first month of ber months with this playlist!!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

What's Inside My Bag

I've been in a long hiatus this past few weeks with my usual reason – school. Fortunately, I survived last semester and now I’m back!! This post is a long overdue as usual haha. All the photos were a month old already and there are some changes but there’s no major change so here’s my post about WHAT’S INSIDE MY BAG!!

I’m currently using my backpack going to school because I’m cool like that hahaha kidding. I got this bag from Forever 21. I’m not supposed to buy this but it caught my eyes and I think we’re meant to be so.. HA!

It’s not so big but not so small, just the usual backpack so it’s convenient for me. It has outside pocket just like the ordinary backpack. It also has pockets on the inside, one with a zipper in the back part and one open pocket for hair pin, headphones or whatever little thing in the front part. Do I make sense? Hahaha.

ANYWAY! Because I don’t have anywhere to go to except for school all the things inside my bag are school related but it’s boring so I don’t include all the school requirements anymore. I only include all the things I usually bring every day.

1. Plastic envelope from National Bookstore that contains all my important school documents, tuition fee receipt, certificate and such. And you know, a piece of paper with Mrs. Tomlinson on it hahaha.

2. I don’t have a car yet so I need to commute going to school and braving the heat in the process that’s why I always bring my tumbler with me. Also, I’m always whole day in school so I need to rehydrate. Health is wealth, drink more water!

3. Planner that I got from Starbucks that keeps me in check with my schedule for the day. Though, I always compromise with my schedule haha.

4. Phineas and Ferb notebook where I write all my notes and random quotes and blog ideas. (I forgot what episode is this, any help?)

5. Wallet for paper bills, receipt, card, etc.

  These are the things inside the outside pocket of my bag.

6. School ID because same as all the school, we have “NO ID, NO ENTRY” policy.

7. Minnie Mouse pencil, all the way from Hong Kong. A gift from my group mate!

8. Mechanical eraser for, well, erasing my pencil mistakes haha.

9. Mechanical pencil that I use for jotting down notes when I’m lazy, which is every time..

10. Comb that I barely use. You know, just for emergencies hahaha.

11. Mirror that I use to check if my face still fresh or something. I can be vain sometimes.

  And these are the things inside those little pockets.

12. Coin purse that I got all the way from Bicol. Magayon means maganda, pretty, beautiful that really fits me. CHOSS!

13. Samsung phone that I barely use anymore.

14. HTC phone that I use all the time.

15. Headphone because I can’t live without music. HA!

  I barely bring make up kit anymore because I’m testing my make up’s staying power haha. But when I do, these are things inside my make up kit.

16. Celeteque BB Cream that I don’t use anymore. I now use Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream.

17. Celeteque moisturizer that I use before putting my BB Cream. Of course. Duh.

18. Rimmel London Scandal Eyes mascara. My all time favorite mascara!!

19. Eyelash curler that I got from Watson because I don’t have money to spend on high-end eyelash curler. Poor kid.

20. IN2IT Waterproof Eyebrow Kit that I’m using for a very very long time now.

21. Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in transparent. This powder works like magic. I love this!

22. Mac concealer to conceal the baggage under my eyes caused by all the all-nighters I had.

23. MUA Kiss You lipstick in Rock Me Louis because why not?!

24. Carmex lip balm that I put before my lipstick.

25. Nyx matte lip cream that I use every time!

So there! I don’t bring a lot as you can see because it’s bad for my health haha. I’m not allowed to bring heavy things. And I only read books using my phone these past few months and it’s heartbreaking, I miss the smell of books.

I hope you guys enjoy this!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine

[kathrinetan]

20 Facts About Me

Because I'm starting a new with my new blog, I decided to do this so my readers (if I have any haha), old or new, will know more about me. My readers are my friends therefore sharing some facts about me is definitely a must, right? HA!

1. I don't eat vegetables. And by this I mean, I can't. Not being maarte or something but I just can't eat vegetables. Every time I try to eat some, I gagged. But I'm working on this!

2. I don't drink milk. I'm also working on this!! I need to drink milk for my health purposes so I'm trying various strategies not to vomit while drinking milk.

3. I spend too much time, effort and money on my eyebrows. #kathrineproblems

4. I'm a picky eater. Obviously.

5. I have a massive love for Louis Tomlinson. Like seriously. And it's so terrifying sometimes to the point where I'm not fangirling anymore, I just actually love him. 

6. I'm a photography enthusiast. I love taking picture of places or of everything. It fascinates me!

7. I'm a Maria and model wannabe. I actually made my classmates and schoolmates believe that I have Maria on my name. HA! And some of my friends call me Maria now! My modelling career is too far for my reach as of the moment but I took a risk last year and joined some modelling contest. I'm still scared though!

8. I have ugly feet. Not really proud of it but I think I needed to add this.

9. I don't have my own room and I'm not allowed to use cushion bed due to my scoliosis.

10. I love the cold weather and I have a love/hate relationship with the rain. 

11. I'm a big coffee lover.  But I need to limit my caffeine intake because of my palpitation.

12. I can't play favorites. My favorites are always changing! Except for my favorite book, pba team, nba team, uaap team and basketball player. 

13. I like hugs more than kisses.

14. I have the memory capacity of a goldfish and the attention span of a squirrel. I'm not good with names!! And I can't focus on anything more than an hour!

15. I love reading books. Books make me calm whenever school's stressing me out.

16. I'm a frustrated cook and singer. 

17. I prefer wearing cap/hat more than sunglasses. I already let go of my case finding a perfect sunglasses thus settling with caps/hats.

18. I'm scared of dogs and I love cats!! I actually have my baby boy (cat) named Marcel.

19. I'm a big fan of fans. Big fans, actually. I really don't like heat.

20. I'm a hopeless romantic! And I blame all my books and disney movies for being like this hahaha.

I hope you had fun reading this as I had fun doing this! Let me know about your random facts!!

Leave all your blog suggestion on my ask box!

Self-proclaimed blogger, Kathrine