Indulgence Insider is our version of Stacking the Shelves, Bought, Borrowed & Bagged and the Sunday Post, bringing you this week’s haul, bookish news and discussion posts from around the blogosphere!
As you may know, I’ve been looking for co-bloggers and I’m so excited to introduce Jenna and Aila to the Happy Indulgence team. Check out their introductions here! We’re having such a blast already, it’s definitely more fun blogging with others! Their first posts will be up next week (that’s tomorrow!) guys, they are awesome. Thank you so much to everyone who has encouraged, supported me and shared this post, as always I am constantly overwhelmed by your support and love for Happy Indulgence!
I feel like every time I have this feature I tell you guys how busy I am, but yes! I’ve been house hunting which is honestly a full time job in itself, we’ve looked at 15 houses over a month (intense I know). The downside of having two Ravenclaws with business degrees is that we analyse EVERYTHING, so there’s been spreadsheets, checklists, multiple cashflow analyses, lots of articles and suburb comparisons (yes, I can picture your faces right now, because those are the faces of my incredulous friends I’ve been updating on the process). We have found a few places that we’ve liked, but I don’t want to be rushing into it, so fingers crossed something comes up soon!
On top of that, since my last update we’ve been to two weddings and one baby shower. It seems like Spring is the time for major life events, but I’m so happy for my friends! I’ve also embraced a more positive mentality lately, and it’s amazing just how helpful it’s been in my life. Old friends have come back into my life, I’m generally feeling happier, and I feel like I actually have the strength to endure life’s stresses. Corny, but true.
Next week I’ll be taking a well deserved holiday for most of the week – we’re going to PAX Australia, a gaming convention in Melbourne! We’ll also be doing a quick road trip to the Great Ocean Road, where the twelve apostles are. I go to Melbourne every year, but have never been so thought it would be perfect time.
Book Haul
Review copies
This Raging Light by Estelle Laure
The November Criminals by Sam Munson
With thanks to Hachette Australia!
Bought
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie – Since watching Faye’s video review on this series, I’ve been intrigued with this pirate fantasy world ever since. I’m looking forward to it!
Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray – I can’t believe this came out so early here, it is absolutely STUNNING!
Won
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – I was lucky enough to win a copy of Illuminae and a signed poster, thanks to Allen and Unwin!
Made You Up by Francesca Zappia – I won this from the Shattering Stigmas Giveaway, hosted by A Thousand Lives, It Starts at Midnight and Bookshelf Reflections. Thank you so much ladies!
Reading Update
- Illuminae is definitely worth all the hype, seriously YUMMY SCRUMMY is used in here in the snarky chat dialogues. And what amazing creative formatting! LOVING IT
- Black Iris is not for the faint of heart, I had to gear myself up to read this one and MAN. Disturbing, dark and captivating. 4.5 stars. Review to come!
Book Photography
Some of my #bookstagram shots from the past few weeks below. Follow me on Instagram!
Bookish News
- The Illuminae tour is happening in November on US shores! (I’m totally jealous!) Check out the dates here.
- Congratulations to the Inky Awards winners, Gabrielle Tozer and Rainbow Rowell for their books The Intern and Fangirl! The Inky Awards are important because they are YA selected by YA readers, and one of the judges was our very own Melanie from YA Midnight Reads!
- Preorder the hardcover of Their Fractured Light from these stores and receive a free signed poster by Megan Spooner and Amie Kaufman! The tour is also happening over November and December here.
- Between the Covers (the YA arm of HarperCollins) YA book nights are happening in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in November! Full details are here.
- The next book in A Court of Thorns of Roses is called:
- The sneakpeek of the Shadowhunters TV Show is out! What do you think?
- Richelle Mead teases with some new MASSIVE book news coming out over the next week. Any guesses as to what it could be? SO MANY THINGS IT COULD BE?
There’s hot news coming later this week. And no, it has nothing to do with anything VA or Bloodlines. But trust me, it’s hot. Hawt, even.
— Richelle Mead (@RichelleMead) October 20, 2015
Geek & Gamer News
- The Walking Dead Season 6 is out and I am the happiest ever. THIS IS MY SHOW GUYS. MY SHOW. Zombies and Rick, I missed you so, so much. Now every Monday is going to be awesome 😀
- Check out my gaming zombie survival team in the latest Read Play Blog!
- I saw these Hunger Games funko pops at the store the other day. Aren’t they gorgeous?
- Marvel’s Jessica Jones trailer is out!
- Star Wars The Force Awakens trailer is out AND IT IS EPIC
Discussion Posts
Some great discussion posts I want to share:
- Sara @ Deadly Darlings asks teachers and students why classics should be read in school
- Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight on things she wants to quit
- Rashika @ The Social Potato on how to write a review in 13 easy steps (I lol’d)
- Aimee @ The Social Potato shares some beautiful bookish wallpapers!
- Emily @ Loony Literate lists out 10 YA tropes she’s sick of seeing (and I totally agree with them all)
- Aentee @ Read at Midnight on Book Blogger Insecurities and Why They Don’t Matter
- Cait @ Paper Fury on How to Be Kind to Book Bloggers (This post is exactly what we need right now)
- Jillian @ Chasing Faerytales on inspirational Harry Potter quotes
- Josie @ Josie the Bookworm discusses diversity
- Lisa and Becca @ Lost in Literature discuss ARC envy: The good, the bad and the ugly
How was your bookish week?
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Hey there! I just wanted to drop by and express my appreciation for this post. It’s fantastic to hear that Jenna and Aila have joined the Happy Indulgence team, and I’m thrilled to read their upcoming posts. It’s always more fun to blog with others, and I can sense your excitement about it. Also, kudos to you for tackling the challenging task of house hunting! I can only imagine the level of dedication and analysis involved. And congrats on attending those weddings and baby shower, it’s wonderful to celebrate with friends. Your positive mentality is truly inspiring, and I’m glad it’s bringing positive changes to your life. Lastly, enjoy your well-deserved holiday at PAX Australia and the Great Ocean Road
YAY for vacation time! Have a blast Jeann!
And best of luck with your house hunting, it can be a long process! When I started looking for my apartment I managed to choose relatively easily because I looked only around an area that is close to my work, new and not too expensive, and from there I went with the ones that were done earlier and had the most amount of wardrobes! 😉
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH, the Episode VII trailer!! I have lost count of the amount of times I've watched it already!
My recent post Release Day Review: Gabriel by Nikki Kelly!!
Ahhhh!!! WELCOME CO BLOGGERS!!! You also have one amazing haul this week. My bank balance is going to be crying next month because now I want ALL of the Hunger Games Funko Pops! I NEED THEM! >.<
Oh congrats to your co-bloggers Aila and Jenna! I just popped over to read their intros, and they sound like perfect additions to Happy Indulgence! Your approach to house hunting sounds fantastic actually – very organized and prepared! I haven't had the experience of looking for a house, but I think I'd want to make spreadsheets and charts too! 🙂
Have fun at the gaming convention!
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It took me aback that it is spring where you are. We are just settling into fall/winter here. It's so fun to be able to have a reach around the world and get a peek at what's going on the other side of the planet! Congrats on your co-bloggers.
Good luck househunting!! That's always such a stressful time… but once you find THE house and you're settling in, having a HOME will make it all worth it. 🙂 I can only imagine all the spreadsheets, etc… you guys are adorable! <3
My recent post Let’s Chat: Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings
Staying positive is great. It can be challenging at times, but once you've got into the habit of looking at the good instead of the bad, it does feel lighter.
Also, SUPER excited for Star Wars! Weeee!!!
My recent post Bought, Borrowed & Bagged [173]
I am glad you found two new co-bloggers! I am looking forward to see some of their posts as well!
I know what you mean about house hunting, it really takes a lot of tiem to find houses and visit them. Before we moved to our current house we spend months house hunting.
I hope you have a great time at the gaming convention! You got some nice books this week! I heard great things about Illuminae, it seems everyone is talking about it lately. The covers of A thousand Pieces of You and Ten Thousand Skies Above You looks so pretty next to each other! I can't wait to see the new star wars movie, it looks awesome! I hope you'll have a great week!
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How exciting! I wish you the best of luck, Jeann. 🙂
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Ghaah that Star Wars trailer. Chills!
Also, tons of envy for Illuminae. I'll be lucky if I manage to get a copy before the end of the year. xD Not counting on it though.
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There's so much in this post! I'm VERY happy to see you liked Black Iris, because … -sigh- I'm in love with Leah Raeder. lol. Oh man, good luck with the house hunting, it can be a pain and exhausting. That's how I get with any big purchase too. But mostly, make sure it FEELS like it's a home for you guys.
My recent post Sunday Post #148 (10/25/15) – Hot Tamales & Mango Snapple
I always found that house shopping was fun. But it is also work and keeping track of it as you are can only help. Good luck!
I'm so happy to hear that you're taking a more positive outlook to life! <3
And you're house hunting? Sounds like a mix of fun and hell! Haha! I do hope you find the perfect house. 🙂
Isn't Illuminae amazing? I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I can't wait to read your full review.
And OMG I want to know the RIchelle Mead news! How exciting! I'm not too keen on the look of TMI so far. It looks fake in a way. I can't really explain it.
Anyways, congrats on the new co bloggers and happy reading! 🙂
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Star Wars will be the bane of my existence. Since the trailer, the hubster keeps talking about it assuming we're going to see it/ He's even offered me $30 per movie I watch beforehand (having not seen them before, and with good reason). I need a pair of those glasses like Homer has for jury duty, with the eyes painted on the outside, so I can just nap my way through.
Don't give up hope on the house hunting. We searched for years. YEARS and I tell you when seen some doozies. When an agent tells you it's a 'fixer upper', run. Run and never look back. I swear that's code for you're lucky if it doesn't cave in and kill you. Have you looked at new estates? I know a new house can be a lot of work, but it also allows you to build what you want as well, or you can get some really affordable turnkey packages as well. Might be something else to consider.
Adulting is too hard. But YAY for cobloggers, just off to read the girls' post now 🙂
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Black Iris and Illuminae made my top ten lists for 2015 Jeann. Wahoo to co-bloggers. I am glad you found the perfect co-bloggers. Have an amzing week!
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Look at all the pretty books! I have had both ILLUMINAE and MADE YOU UP for a while now, but haven't gotten to them yet. My 13yo daughter LOVED the former. THE NOVEMBER CRIMINALS and HALF A KING look amazing.
Good luck with the house hunt!
Susan http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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Illuminae is amazing, I stayed up late last night to finish it and I was in tears at one point but OMG it is amazing, now I need book 2!!!!
The Walking Dead is awesome as usual and Carol is fast becoming my favourite character, she is such as badass!
Yay for your new co-bloggers, have fun!!
My recent post The Sunday Post #23 – 25th October 2015
Oh man house hunting is the worst! I thought it was so stressful so good luck!! Sounds like you have been super busy! Hope you have a nice little break. Awesome book haul! I bought A Thousand Pieces of You this week too. Hope we both enjoy it! Have a great week!
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I loved Made You Up – one of my favourite books this year. Hope you enjoy it. I just got Illuminae as well and I am so excited for it!
My recent post Sunday Post 25th October 2015
Great to hear, I've wanted to read it for a while! Hope you enjoy Illuminae, it's excellent!
My recent post Indulgence Insider #41 – Co-Blogging & House Hunting
Hooray for new co-bloggers! I'd briefly considered asking a friend to blog with me, but with a blog name like mine, it'd be a little weird. Haha. I'm really excited about this Richelle Mead announcement…
Have a great week!
Hooray! Having the funnest times with the co-bloggers hehe. Hope you have a great one too!
You will know the house when you find it. Til then, happy hunting.
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Thanks Sherry! Fingers crossed!
WOW, you have been busy, Jeann! And I get you on the house-hunting. If you actually buy a house, you want to stay there for a while, so there are many things to take into consideration. We even looked at public transport, how close our house was from grocery shops and schools, and even communal taxes 🙂
Good luck! I'm sure you'll find the perfect fit.
Have a fantastic week ahead, I'm sure you'll have fun at the conference.
My recent post The Sunday Post #55 – Fall Back, Slow Down, Change Time
I know, we are looking at public transport and the groceries and the area too! Definitely have to be thorough, it's the biggest investment of my life hehe. Fingers crossed! Thank you Lexxie, I'm looking forward to the getaway.
My recent post Indulgence Insider #41 – Co-Blogging & House Hunting
Star. Wars. SCREAMING. Well, I'm not really screaming, but I am totally pumped! This latest trailer is just everything it should be for me! I'm so incredibly excited and ahhhhh. And Jessica Jones! I've been waiting for the full trailer to come out since before they started posting snippets, and… it looks amazing and brutal. I'm not sure how I'm going to go with it, but I'm pretty excited. Not as excited as I am for Star Wars, but thw world couldn't hold that much excitement.
Yay for your new co bloggers! I'm glad you found some awesome people to share the experience with! And your health state sounds really positive. I'm proud of and happy for you. xx
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I totally agree, there are so many amazing trailers coming out! I can't wait, TV and movies and books are my favourite. I'm so happy about the co-bloggers too! They have been amazing so far. Thank you Romi 🙂 I was in a bad way for a while there, but I got through it.
My recent post Indulgence Insider #41 – Co-Blogging & House Hunting
OOOH GOOD LUCK FINDING A HOUSE. I know what you mean about the spreadsheets, though – I'm planning on moving out with some friends at the end of next year and already we've got a million different files! So many things to consider!!
SO EXCITED TO READ ILLUMINAE. It's next up on my pile 😀 😀 😀
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Thanks Emily, glad to hear you guys are pretty organised as well! There's definitely a lot to consider during major life decisions! YAY I HOPE YOU LOVE IT.
Yay for the new co-bloggers! And YAY for more positive thinking!! I totally understand what you mean about spring being a time for big events! I just had my graduation on Friday and yesterday I went to a 25th anniversary wedding! So many FEELS.
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Hehhe yeah I think I had to get to a low point before I could turn it around. Oh wow, that sounds super busy as well! Definitely an emotional time for you too <3
Wow, you ARE busy! Good idea with the houses though. This is coming from someone currently living in a money pit who wishes that you came with her on her house hunt 😉 I am so excited to read the posts from Jenna and Aila too!
Now you have made me want to read Black Iris. And YES to Illuminae. And oh my goodness, you have Ten Thousand Skies Above You already!! It's so PRETTY!
Thanks so much for linking to my post, too! Hope you have a lot of fun at the gaming convention!!
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Hehehe I don't know if you would wish that on yourself, I'm pretty critical LOL. We even intimidate agents TBH! Anyways, Black Iris was so good! I'll review it soon. No problems, I'm looking forward to it!
Oh man, good luck house hunting! So adult of you LOL. I love your book haul, I want to read Illuminae and A Thousand Pieces of You. And Half a King haha. I loved the new Star Wars trailer too, I can't wait to marathon all the old movies before seeing it.
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Thanks Jade, I know right? Hopefully we'll be able to find one soon, it's driving me crazy! So many awesome books and movies, so little time!
aHHH HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT JESSICA JONES?!?! (I love anything and everything Marvel except…I actually don't even know much about her??? I need find out. *dashes off to google*) AHEM. Omg thank you for sharing my post. :') And yay and congrats again on new co-bloggers and omg I hear ya with the househunting. -_- I'm pretty sure both my parents are like that when finding houses. It takes our family FOREVER and it's so complicated and gah.
And squee you won Illuminae!! SO LUCKY! I hope it's as amazing as everyone is promising. 😀
It literally just came out Cait so I hope you enjoy <3 Hehe ALWAYS CAIT! Oh yeah, we pretty much want everything to be perfect, but it's only been a month and I'm sick of it already lol! ILLUMINAE IS SO GOOD.
My recent post Indulgence Insider #41 – Co-Blogging & House Hunting