Blog Events


How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

Life just gets in the way. I totally get it. You just have too much to do. Sometimes that is homework, sometimes that is work in general and sometimes it’s family.

You just can’t find time to sit down and have a little you time. But it’s needed. If you’re a reader, I’m sure that your ‘me time’ involves a book (sometimes).

So how do you find time to get everything done and actually complete some books?!

Here are 5 ways that I have found help me to get through books, and get stuff done.


1. Put Down Your Phone How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

I know, everyone is connected now a days and you feel like you have to have your phone near you. But you don’t, you can do this! Exercise a little self control!

If you really struggle with this, give yourself 30 minutes of no phone. The world will survive that long without you. Or, if you really are struggling, set yourself a reading goal. After one chapter (if it’s a decent chapter) you can check your phone. It’s amazing how much of a book you will get through if you don’t check your phone every 2 seconds.

If you happen to read a book on your phone, turn off notifications for a little while so when something comes through, you don’t go to check it immediately.

2. Fitness and Reading?

Recently, I’ve started to read while I work out. No, this won’t work if you’re running of lifting weights. But audio books could

How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

save the day for that aspect. But I try and do 10 minutes of decent cardio every day (it can be hard being a university student

 

to find tons of time to workout). So I set my treadmill for a brisk walk, get that incline going (as it boosts the cardio and calorie burning), and open my book.

 

Walk fast enough that you’re working out, but at a speed that you can read too. If you go too fast, you’ll fall over, trust me!

I had never considered reading and walking before, but on a treadmill, you’re contained. That way, you won’t walk into other people. You also don’t realize how long you’ve been walking. You look up and suddenly you’re at 20 minutes and it barely feels like it.

3. Audiobooks!

I’m not a massive audiobook fan. But admittedly, when I was younger I loved them.

How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

I have just not been listening to them for years. I prefer listening to music. But, with all the hype recently, I might be more inclined to pick them up.

But they’re perfect to get through books when you’re busy!

You can listen to them in the car (if it’s not too complex – I don’t want any accidents now!), when you’re working out, doing your laundry, cooking, or just walking around in general. That way, you can get stuff done and get through your favorite books!

4. Before You Sleep

How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]I know that for many people, before they go to sleep, they spend time on their phones. They check their Instagram and Facebook and their other social medias. But to check it quickly only takes like 5 minutes. Why not quickly do that (or just check in the morning) and substitute your phone with a book (this goes together with number 1).

Studies show that the ‘blue light’ from your phones is bad for you. It stimulates your brain. I’m sure that you notice it. If you play on your phone before you sleep, it’s harder to relax and go to sleep. If you just take a warm bath and go straight to bed, you generally zonk out. Yes, reading might stimulate your brain, but in a different way.

You can get a chapter or 2 in before you go to sleep.

But choose your book widely. If you a reading horror, or something violent, you might not have good dreams. Maybe read your fluffy books before going to bed (that’s why I generally have like 2 books going at a time).

5. Set Goals

If you don’t set your goal of what you want to read during the month, or even the year, it won’t get done.How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

If you have a calendar, maybe build in some time to read, or set yourself a goal of a book to read each month. Sometimes that means joining reading groups on Facebook, or in your local library. You don’t have to go all the time, but it’s a little reminder to set yourself some reading time. If you don’t actively remind yourself, before you know it, the month/year will be up and you won’t have read anything you wanted to.

It’s a depressing feeling. So set yourself manageable goals. Not like, “I’m going to read Anna Karenina next week/month” if you work a 70 hour a week job. Be realistic. That way, you feel accomplished when you actually finish your goals.


With these 5 tips, I’m sure that you’ll be able to squeeze a little more reading into you life.

Reading is important. There is just so much literature out there, you don’t want to miss it all because society forces you to work too hard.


2018 Goals: For Reading and Blog!

With 2017 slowly drawing to a close, I figured that it was time to start setting some reading goals as well as some goals for this blog!

I know that I have been neglecting the blog a little, or a lot, these semester, but I have been drowning in school. I started my thesis and it was taking a lot of my time. But I want to get it back to the glory that it once was! So I will be working hard to post at least once a week! This is maybe seeming like a small goal, but next semester will be just as hard! I hope to try and finish at least one book a month, so that is my goal for posting wise. But I would like to get at least 1-2 blog posts up a week! I post regularly on Instagram though (@mylibrarycardworeout) as it takes way less time! So follow me there for updates!

As for my personal reading goals, I am going to read Anna Karenina in 2018 with my mum! We’ll read at the same time and complete it, hopefully, over 2018, which is our reading goal!

What are your goals, persona, blog or reading wise for 2018!


Update: Traveling and Guest Posts

Hey all!
Just wanted to put out a small update.

So I will be traveling in a few days for about a month! I’m heading off to Japan to study abroad! I’m so excited, and of course nervous too, but it will be amazing!

Because of this I will not be able to post as much. And when I do, the time I post may be strange!

So to help keep my blog going and to keep posts coming up, I will be using the help of my wonderful M.O.M. to keep the blog going for the next few weeks.

Don’t worry, I will be taking tons of pictures, and may be posting things form my trip when I’m there too!

But I just wanted to let you all know so you don’t get concerned about a severe lack of posting (especially in the summer when I am most active) or different kinds of reviews.

I can’t wait to see you all when I get back and I’ll be doing a massive post about my trip!

See you in a few weeks!

Happy Reading!


Book Tour: THE PRINCESSES OF THE SEA BOX SET by M.L. Guida

HAPPY RELEASE DAY
Congratulations to Award Winning Author M.L. Guida on her latest book release!
For the FIRST time ever,
THREE fantastic paranormal romance novels in
ONE new, exciting collection
The Princesses of the Sea Box Set
THE PRINCESSES OF THE SEA
BOX SET
M.L. Guida
Series: Legends of the Soaring Phoenix
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Buffalo Mountain Press
Publication Date: July 12, 2017
Never underestimate a water elemental
After their mother is murdered by pirates, three daughters of the King of the Undines have all sworn off pirates until the Soaring Phoenix sails into their lives and challenges their beliefs. Not all pirates are the same––especially vampire pirates.
In the first book, A Pirate’s Obsession, Ronan MacMillain can win back his cut off his hand if he hands over the beautiful Angelica to the demon, but can he hand the woman he loves over to a demon?
In A Pirate’s Bane, Isabella also possesses the powers of a siren, but is her song strong enough to melt a pirate’s icy heart.
In A Pirate’s Darkness, can an ice princess thaw a pirate’s possessed heart?

Purchase Links

Available now. Get the entire collection for $2.99 only.

An Excerpt from the Book

Take an inside look at The Princesses of the Sea Box Set. Read this sizzling excerpt from the book.
June 1671
Isle of Tortuga
The angry flames grew hotter and higher, casting eerie shadows in the witch’s parlor. A glistening of sweat slipped down the temples of Penelope’s face. She squirmed in a wooden chair, winding her shaking hands into the folds of her dress.
“Morgana, why are we calling upon the demon Natasa?”
Penelope had never met a demon, and the stories of the black-hearted demoness made her want to jump out of the chair and race out of the room. After her mother died, her father had told her that she was the key in protecting her people as long as she remained pure. Before she left to care for Angelica during her pregnancy, he had called her to his private chambers. His words echoed in his head.
“Penelope, your power is growing, and it will be strong enough to protect your people from the humans and the demons that hunt them––as long as you do not taint your soul.”
Unfortunately, meeting with a demon would mean breaking the rule.
Morgana Fey opened an earthen jar with her gnarled hand and released the sweet smell of mint. “I told you, mon chère, because of my dreams. My dreams are never wrong.” Her scratchy voice was strong and sent icy chills down Penelope’s back.
Penelope absently toyed with the enchanted pearl necklace that dangled around her neck. Her father had given it to her. Each pearl reflected the state of her soul, and as long as they remained pure, her powers would grow.
“Morgana, I don’t think I should be around a demon,” she said slowly.
The witch gave her a hard stare. “You cannot hide from your destiny.”
Penelope lifted her head and repeated what her father had told her over and over again. “My destiny is to protect my people.”
“I know what your father told you, but not even he can stop fate.”
Chills flushed down her back, and she worried Morgana knew she’d fail like she did in everything else. Trying not to focus on her rising fear or self-doubt, Penelope changed the subject and painted a false smile. “That smells good. What is it?”
“‘Tis Pennyroyal.”
Penelope waited for Morgana to give her an explanation. Instead, she opened two more jars. The aroma of anise and green tomatoes filled the room. She mixed all three herbs, then took a handful and tossed it into the fire.
The flickering blaze changed colors from red to green to purple and highlighted Morgana’s white hair with a ray of rainbows. If Penelope wasn’t quaking so bad, she’d have thought ’twas beautiful.
Morgana coughed, her body shaking, then put her frail arm across her mouth.
Penelope picked up a pitcher and poured water into a goblet. “Morgana, here, drink this. Maybe we shouldn’t be dabbling in black magic.” She trembled as she thought of her father’s fierce reprimand and disappointment if he knew they were calling forth a demon.

Giveaway

WIN $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD
The Princesses of the Sea Box Set Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from June 9 – July 16, 2017.

About M.L. Guida

M.L. Guida

Award Winning ML Guida has been in love with the paranormal ever since she first watched Dark Shadows as a little girl. She still enjoys watching paranormal shows including A Haunting, The Haunted, Dead Files, and Supernatural. She’s a Dean girl, BTW. She has a historical paranormal series called Legends of the Soaring Phoenix which are pirates that turn into vampires during every full moon. She also has a paranormal romantic suspense series called the Angels of Death which is angels are trying to stop a crafty demon from murdering people and taking their souls.
Official website: http://www.mlguida.com
To receive regular updates from the author, join M.L. Guida’s newsletter.
Connect with M.L. Guida on social media:
The Princesses of the Sea Box Set Tour Graphic
For more information, visit the The Princesses of the Sea Box Set Book Page at Book Unleashed.

In partnership with
Book Unleashed Logo

Book Review: The Professor and the Bird by Roberta Franklin

Book Review: The Professor and the Bird Rating: 2/5 teacups

Summary

“Professor Angelopoulos is a mature, experienced, and renowned archaeologist. Whilst working in the sweltering heat of the Kanesh desert, Turkey, he meets the true love of his life, Sally. Sally, a young Irish girl, arrives at the archaeological camp after being injured in a motorcycle accident. Whilst Sally is at the camp she uncovers one of the most important archaeological find in history, a simple piece of clay with the oldest inscription in an Indo-European language upon it. Together, with the Professor and other camp members they must project this rare item of national heritage from a millionaire collector, and ensure it arrives safely at the Archaeological Museum, where it must be displayed for everyone to see.”

-From Amazon.com

Review

First off, I generally don’t give low ratings to books but this one I unfortunately had to. I didn’t even get to finish the book because I just couldn’t get into it.

Simple writing style.
To be blunt, I felt the writing style was extremely simple and the way that it was progressing in the story was just too choppy, going all over the place and all of these things happening. It just it kept going all over the place. It wasn’t written fast paced, it just kept jumping around which really bothered me. Like it was not one cohesive thought. As for the sentence structure, it was short and choppy and just was too simple writing for what the story was supposed to be about and for the intended audiences.

The romance was just cringe worthy.
I have read a lot of romance novels, more than I would care to own up to, and this just was not good romance writing. Within the first 100 pages she had already been through like two guys and one was really forward with her and it just was a little strange to read. The main character comes across like early twenties, in my opinion, and this professor comes across like someone in his 50’s/60’s so it’s just this very strange building romantic connection. I couldn’t continue reading as it just was definitely not my kind of romantic connection and was not going anywhere. It had this 50 Shades of Grey feel where people would have these thoughts to themselves like the professor would say “Oh she is so sweet, but she’s so young.” And I’m here like “NOOOOOO!”

It did have a nice location.
It was based in an exotic location which was quite nice, having this Indiana Jones kind of feel, but I had to keep reminding myself that they were out in the desert in the middle of nowhere. So it was a different setting for the book, but it certainly wasn’t enough to keep me intrigued. It was also a little strange how Sally just appeared out of nowhere on a bike, taking part of a race, when no other cars passed by. I just found it kind of unrealistic with how she got to this location in the beginning of the book.

Overall, not a great read.
If I didn’t have to read the volume of books that I have to read, I might have finished it. However with my time constraint and the amount of other books that are waiting for my attention, this didn’t catch my attention fast enough and was incredibly hard to get into and I just couldn’t continue reading it.

For me, life is too short to read a not-amazing book and I just couldn’t push myself to continue.  Yes, this was quite a blunt review and all, however there’s no point in mincing words and beating it around the bush. I also know that this is part of a tour for a book but I can’t give a dishonest review and say that it was amazing when, frankly, it wasn’t to me.

I would give this read a 2 out of 5 teacups, meaning that this a take it or leave it read.

rating two tea cups mlcwo