Sunday 27 July 2014

Sunday Post, #7 - July 2014


The Sunday Post at Journey Through Fiction blog

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share news, recap what has happened on the blog, what is upcoming and anything everything in between.

Anyone can participate as long as you:

-- Enter your link on the post- Sundays beginning at 12:01 am(CST) (link will be open all week)

-- Link back to Caffeinated Book Reviewers blog

-- Visit others who have linked up


July Re-Cap


It feels like forever since I wrote a re-cap post. Back in June, I struggled with what seemed like a never ending stream of OK books, or books that just didn’t work for me. I’m SO glad July turned out a million times better! I took away all pressure I was putting on myself, and started to just read for me. It worked out so well, I loved every book I read this month! I've noticed I'm reading a lot slower and I'm connecting with the stories so much easier. Maybe this is just down to my book choice, who knows! It's so nice to be enjoying reading again. The only catch is I need to catch up on some ARC's and review requests, but hopefully I'll get around to them all in August.


The weather has been absolutely beautiful the past few weeks – average 26C (78F) – and clear blue skies most days. This is IRELAND!! What the heck is happening? We’ve actually had a summer this year! I did attempt to get a tan… but instead of going a beautiful golden brown… I turn pink. No word of a lie. Oh the joys of Irish skin! :D


Any Gamers? How about a free game?


I know some of my fellow readers are also gamers, and I wanted to give a little heads up on something I think is pretty sweet. And it’s free! Even better!

I’ve been a big gaming addict for as long as I had access to a computer, and one series I think the majority of people have heard of is The Sims franchise. Electronic Arts (EA) is retiring The Sims 2 before the release of The Sims 4 in September.

Origin (EA’s online platform) has released the entire Sims 2 Ultimate Collection for FREE and this includes all the expansion packs and stuff packs.

If you’ve been curious about the trying out the game (like me!), now is the perfect time. All you need is an Origin account (which is also free to set up), go to the product redemption page, and enter this code: I-LOVE-THE-SIMS

It does have a huge file size, 12+ GB’s, but you don’t have to download it immediately. The offer ends July 31st 2014, at 10am PDT, so if anyone is interested, use the code ASAP! As you can see from this clip, yes, I did take advantage of this offer myself. Also, if you know anyone who’d be interested, pass the code along!


On the Blog Recently


Review: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Five Friday Favourites: Five Favourite Secondary Characters
Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Review: Immortal City by Scott Speer
Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Discussion: How Realistic Do You Like Your Ficiton?
Life of a Blogger: Favourite Sports Teams


Books I Read Recently



Posts I loved


Eltoria Secrets: How To Make Your Own Lip Scrub -- So easy to make, and with stuff in the cupboard!

Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction: Can Insta-love ever work?

Jenny @ Reading on the Farm: Signing up for NetGalley -- I love reading about other peoples experiences on NetGalley and the like. I know I went a bit mad when I first signed up, hence why I'm making myself stay away for as long as I can! It's way too tempting!

Cait and Mime @ Notebook Sisters: 55 Questions About Books, Part 1 -- I love these two, they always make my day!


Soundtrack for the Week


I honour of the summer, I've chosen the appropriate song:


Summer -- Calvin Harris



18 comments:

  1. It is a wish of mine to visit Ireland. My eldest son, who has lived in one place or another in Europe since 1994, lived in Ireland for around nine months in the mid-nineties. I love his photos of Ireland, for which he had a showing.

    Enjoy your week...and here's MY WEEKLY SUNDAY/MONDAY UPDATES POST

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  2. I've played so much Sims! I started when it was the very first one. It's lots of fun but can eat some serious time. I don't tan well either I just develop more freckles. My husband turns purple then peels and then goes back to pale. We're both of Irish descent and have the skin to prove it! It's not great in Southern US sun! Enjoy your summer and remember that sunscreen is your friend!

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    1. It really can! A couple of hours can go by in a heartbeat. What's even worse is when I'm still in Create-A-Sim after those two hours! Irish skin really isn't any fun to have in the sun, I feel your pain! Have a great week Katherine, and thanks for stopping by :)

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  3. Oh nice! I used to LOVE playing Sims 2! And now there's going to be a 4?! Wow! I'm so behind! I love how things are more personable on Sims 2, like choosing the details of their appearances more. And not even sure what 3 did to change, and now there's going to be a 4?! Just wow!

    Happy Reading!

    Here's my STS

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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    1. Yep, there will be a Sims 4! When the trailers first came out, I wasn't that impressed. On Origin, they have a free demo of the new TS4 Create-A-Sim, and I have to admit, I'm slightly addicted! The detail they've put into the Sims is amazing, even if they look more cartoon-ish than in TS3. Basically, you get to sculpt a person. It's pretty fun actually. I have The Sims 3 and a few of the expansions, and it's sadly turned into a giant buggy mess. Playing the base game itself is fine with one expansion pack, but when you add two or three and a stuff pack, the problems begin. And these games aren't cheap! Hopefully they'll have learned their lessons from all the complaints and will make TS4 much better!

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  4. I want to come visit! Ireland is on my bucket list and the weather sounds amazing. Is Hallowed the final book? I have it, but still need to read it! My oldest loves the Sims..have fun!

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    1. Oh I hope you do get the chance to visit Ireland! If you can catch the good weather, it can be pretty nice! Hallowed is book two in the trilogy, Boundless is the final book. Hope you like it, and thanks for stopping by!

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  5. My aunt loves Sims, she tried to convert me....but she failed. I just didn't have the patience for it.

    My Sunday 

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    1. Awww, LOL! It's not for everyone. Time does fly by with very little to show for it! Thanks for stopping by Fiza, have a great week :)

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  6. I think reading the books you want to read definitely helps you enjoy them more. I think the whole arcs and pub provided books adds so much pressure and can sometimes leech reading enjoyment.

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    1. I completely agree! I made the mistake of going on a requesting spree in NetGalley, and I'm not really into some of the books anymore. I feel so bad about it too! I've been trying to stay well away from NG just in case I get tempted again. Thanks for stopping by Tabitha, have a great week!

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  7. Yes to The Sims! I have Sims 3 on PS3 but my brother's console died on us recently... Maybe I should get Sims 4 on PC? Then I'll have even less time for reading. *laughs*

    Michelle

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    1. LOL! I know the feeling! I'm very tempted to get TS4 when it's released... we'll see. Then a little voice keeps telling me to think of all the books I could get for the money I'd spend on the game... arrrghh I don't know! Thanks for stopping by Michelle, and hope you enjoy TS4 is you decide to get it :)

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  8. Although it is nice to receive ARC's I think it's good to just read what you feel like or have been craving from time to time, that way you enjoy your books much more I believe.
    I hope you have great week and thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Sharon @ Sharon's Book Nook!

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    1. I totally agree. I made the mistake of requesting too many NetGalley titles, and I got so overwhelmed. I think it's the thoughts of "having" to read a book, rather than just randomly choosing one that's been playing with my mind. Thanks Sharon, hope you have a great week, too!

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  9. We have definitely had amazing weather here, though for the last few days its been overcast in Tipp!! Is this your first time reading Harry Potter? Its such an amazing series :) I love Cynthia Hands books too!!!

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    1. The weather in Dublin has been amazing! Unfortunately yesterday was cloudy, it was so weird, I was getting used to seeing the sun every day :D

      Yep, this was my first time reading Harry Potter. I loved it! I can't believe it's taken me so long to read it though. And I love Cynthia's books too! I need to get my hands on Boundless ASAP after the ending in Hallowed! Thanks for stopping by Natalie, have a great week!

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