Sunday, October 19, 2014

Readathon Wrap-up

I'm back, as promised! First off, thanks to everyone who came by and left comments encouraging me. Even if I didn't respond, I did read them and I appreciate them! And now for my wrap-up survey.

Which hour was most daunting for you?
Probably hour 19 and into hour 20. I was so exhausted at that point (it was 11pm my time) and I had already worked a shift that afternoon, so I was just wiped.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Anything Sarah Dessen, Also, the Matched series! one I finish Date or Soulmate? I will be reading Matched next, so watch for that review!

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
While I understand the doorprize drawings were random, I saw a lot of repeat names. (Meaning they won multiple prizes.) That was a little frustrating for me, because that means so many people got nothing! I think if a blogger already won a prize, they should not be able to pick out a second one. However, since mini-challenges are different, that would be an exception. Also, I didn't feel like I got cheered for very much this year. I loved that last year, because it kept me motivated. This year I struggled with motivation, and I think more cheerleaders could have helped me.

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Having the fun little videos on each hour's post! It broke up the looong mundane reading periods, and made much more fun.

How many books did you read?
2.5!
What were the names of the books you read?
Praying for Your Future Husband, Scars, and partway through Date or Soulmate?

Which book did you enjoy most?
They were all great, but Scars impacted me deeply. I really enjoyed it.

Which did you enjoy least?
Probably Date or Soulmate? I always read at least 100 pages before marking a book as Did Not Finish (DNF) and I was concerned this book would be the case, as it started reallllly slowly. As I got further in, it became more enjoyable.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I would definitely like to do the April one! I've only ever done the October one. I don't think I can handle being a cheerleader yet, because I want to focus on my reading goals more.

So there you have it readers! As for my huuuge goal of 1000 pages, I didn't come close. My realistic goal was 500 pages, and I almost made it! My grand total of pages read was 414 pages! Not bad, considering I worked 4 and a half hours, took a couple naps, and bowed out at hour 19! Next readathon I'm really gonna try and hit that 500 page mark.

How did you guys do on your goals? I'd love to hear them! Thanks for sticking around during the readathon!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Halfway Through Hour 19...

I was hoping to make it until midnight my time, which would mark the start of hour 20. Unfortunately I am fighting to keep my eyes open and focuses on what I am reading, and my sugary snacks are not helping! I officially need to crash. I definitely won't post again for the remainder of the readathon, but I will be checking back in the morning and doing my wrap-up post as well, so check back! thanks guys, and happy reading!

I'm back! Hour 15 Update

I am BACK! And ready to read :) I did read a little during my break, but not enough for my taste! I missed the mid-event survey and a couple of challenges while I was gone, so this may be a long post :P

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now?
I'm finishing up Scars by Cheryl Rainfield. It's really impacting me!
2. How many books have you read so far?
Almost 2.
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Anything on my Kindle. I don't read on there near enough!
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Just work. I managed to read on my break!
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How easy it is for me to get distracted from reading. I'm bad at it when I spend too much time at it :P

Color Cover:


I chose green! I know they're not technically all green.... but these are the closest I could come up with :P

Mini Challenge Hour 9: On Food and Books

I am plowing through my second book! Unfortunately I was called into work, so I won't be posting most of the afternoon. Should be back by 7pm PST, so check back then!

I found this recipe for Butterbeer Cupcakes awhile back, and it sounds sooo good! It's not my recipe, but I definitely plan on trying it someday! After all, who doesn't dream of Butterbeer?? Oh... that's just me? :P

Butterbeer CupcakesMakes 18
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For the cupcakes:
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2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda
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For the ganache:.
1 11-oz. package butterscotch chips
1 cup heavy cream
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For the buttercream frosting:.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup butterscotch ganache
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 16-oz. package powdered sugar
Splash of milk or cream (as needed)
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For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, cream your butter until light and fluffy. Add your sugars and beat until well-combined. Beat in your eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then beat in your vanilla and butter flavoring.
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Alternate adding your buttermilk, cream soda, and dry ingredients in batches until all are well incorporated. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full, then bake for 15 to 17 minutes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back to the touch. Cool completely on wire racks.
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For butterscotch filling: In a double boiler (heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water on the stove), combine butterscotch chips and heavy cream and stir until completely combined and smooth. Cool to room temperature. Fill a squeeze bottle with ganache and insert into the center of each cupcake, squeezing until filling begins to overflow.
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For buttercream frosting: Cream butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Add in ganache, vanilla, butter flavoring, and salt and mix until well combined. Beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until reaching desired consistency. Add milk or cream by the Tablespoon as needed. Frost cupcakes and top with a drizzle of butterscotch ganache.

Mini Challenge Hour 8: Special Books

So this may be cheating.... But I chose my Kindle Fire :P I just adore her and would definitely grab it if there was a fire! You can see my photo on Instagram here. What are some of your most prized books?

Mini Challenge Hour 7: Book Tower

So for this mini challenge, we're supposed to make the most creative book tower we can think of. I honestly can't think of anything creative, so I'm gonna skip this one :) Leave links to yours below, I'd love to check them out!

Mini Challenge Hour 6: Name Your Readathon

I just finished my first book! Granted I was already over halfway through it, but seeing as I woke up at 5 this morning I think that's an accomplishment :P

For this challenge, we are to pick a few books from our readathon stack, and take part of the titles and make a name for our readathon! Here's what I came up with:

Date a Matched Two Way Street

Books Used:

  • Date or Soulmate?
  • Matched
  • Two Way Street
Not too bad for someone who is one 5 hours of sleep :P What did you name your readathon?

Mini Challenge Hour 5: Book Staging

You're probably wondering "What happened to hour 4??" It's on my Instagram! If you're interesed in seeing my shelfie, head on over! My username there is angelvelvet :)

For this hour's challenge, we were tasked with posing our book with something relating to the cover.


I think I nailed it, don't you? ;) Let me know what books you staged!

Mini Challenge Hour 3: Weird Reading Position

This isn't really that weird of a reading position, but it's a little odd I guess :P


Yes, that is my laptop on my lap. Yes, those are silver sequined slippers. And yes, that is my Disney princess blanket. Don't judge :P I'm comfy!

Now that's I've been up for awhile, I'm starting to get sleep. I think a nap is in order! I'll be back around 8:30am my time :) Happy reading!

Mini-Challenge Hour 2: Coffee or Tea?

We made it to hour 2! And yes, I know I'm 30 minutes late with this :P I needed something to wake up up... like coffee!


Yep, I am #TeamTrollope all the way! I have recently started to enjoy tea more, but it has to be a sweeter tea, and I usually add sugar to it. For my coffee, I still can't drink it black, but I usually added my Torani Salted Caramel syrup and a little bit of half and half. It's sooooo yummy! If you like salted caramel, you should try it :) What about you? What's your book reading drink of choice?

Opening Meme!

I know I'm late in posting this, but seeing as it's 5:30 am here, I needed time to wake up :P

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

I'm reading from Salem, OR!

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

Either Matched or Two Way Street. It's too hard to choose!

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Definitely my Lays BBQ chips. I've been craving them for awhile now :P

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I'm Ariel! I'm a 23-year-old college student who also works part-time. I spend my time with friends, reading, and generally just relaxing. This is the first year I've seriously attempted the readathon, so I'm excited!

5) If you participated in the last readathon, what's one thing you'll do differently today?

I'm really hoping to finish at least one full book. I'm pretty sure I can do it, but I just hope I can stay focused!

Friday, October 17, 2014

24 Hour Readathon stack!



Keep checking back for u[dates and mini-challenges as the day goes on! Happy reading!
 
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