Books, Dear Diary, Film & TV

Week in Review: Jules Verne’s Carpathian Castle

Andreea P.

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Another week, another weekly recap. Oh, boy, a lot of things going on this week and a lot of failings and annoyances, but also good news and fun activities. Overall a nice week including a road trip and a sunny winter day – we visited the monastery above and if you can spot the ruins of a castle in the background, it’s the castle that’s considered to be the inspiration for Jules Verne’s The Carpathian Castle novel.

And here’s some more of what happened this week:

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close-up of Jules Verne’s Carpathian castle | a new cat friend | a delicious cappuccino | eating out with a friend (I had fries because Veganuary) | snapshot from the road trip

If last week I was rocking Veganuary, this week I failed it! Well, not really failed it, more like I quit it (and I did so today, but had a great vegan week until now) because I am working with a nutritionist on a personalized meal plan and there is no point to make it a vegan one since I am only vegan for a month, I’d much rather learn more about nutrition without restricting my diet. Plus there’s only as many fries one can eat when going out with friends – it’s really hard to find vegan options at restaurants. So I failed both of my monthly challenges.

I took a few days off from work this week because my parents are visiting. We went on a road trip, visited hubby’s family and I also went to a wedding fair with my mum. We tasted a lot of cakes for the candy bar at the wedding. Oh, and we took the Christmas tree and the decorations down.

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I saw Knives Out (2019) last Sunday and it was, oh, so good! One of the most fun whodunit films seen recently – it surprised me too and now I want a mug like the one in the film. I also finished the 2nd season of Once Upon a Time and it was really fun. I am almost done with the 3rd season, but now my dad took over the TV so I won’t be watching my show for a while.

But I can always read and here are the new titles on my shelves:

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This time I only have three books for review: Tomorrow’s Woman by Greta Bellamacina, a poetry book that will be released next month, The Four Profound Weaves by R.B. Lemberg, a sci-fi novella that will be released in June 2020 and it’s also part of the Birdverse series, but from what I understood it’s only part of the universe (we will see if I need any additional knowledge prior to this book), and lastly, Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison, a thriller released last month (on 31st!) and I am super excited because I just finished listening to Lie to Me by the same author and it was so addictive and juicy!

Free books from Amazon (please check if they are still free before buying): Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord, a cozy mystery set around Christmas (a bit late, I know, but it’s still winter and I can enjoy it even though my Christmas tree is gone), and A Year Like No Other by Pauline Lawless, a chick-lit set in France, and it’s winter.

This was my week so far – thank you for reading, let me know how your week was and what you are up to, and, as always, this post is linked up with the Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.

Have a lovely day!

Published by Andreea P.

Avid reader blogging about all the mundane joys in her life.

20 thoughts on “Week in Review: Jules Verne’s Carpathian Castle”

  1. It’s good that you did at least a week of both challenges and I think even putting in that effort and learning what does or doesn’t work for you is a good thing! And I so need to watch Knives Out soon DD:

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  2. I was vegan in college. Restaurants are one of the reasons I quit. I love food, and it’s hard to find good vegan food at restaurants. Your trip sounds awesome. It’s so cool that you got to see a monastery and castle! We don’t have castles around here, and it’s always been one of my goals to see one. I hope you have a good week.

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  3. I am glad you were able to take a few days off work for your parents’ visit. The road trip sounds fun! I am sorry your goals for the month didn’t work out as you initially hoped, but the good thing is they aren’t set in stone and perhaps your new goals will be a better fit. You can always try the no-spend month goal another month, if you want to try again.

    My husband really want to see Knives Out. We won’t be able to see it in the theater, but perhaps when it comes out on streaming service. I’ve heard good things about it. I need to figure out where I left off with my Once Upon a Time re-watch and get back to it. I haven’t seen all the seasons, but at least the first several.

    I hope you enjoy your new books! The J.T. Ellison book sounds really good!

    Have a great week, Andreea!

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    1. Yes, it’s better to change the goals as we need instead of keeping them if they no longer fit with us. And yes, I will attempt the no-spend month again.

      I really recommend Knives Out! It’s a classic whodunit with a modern twist. The actors are all doing an amazing job too!

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  9. I love these pictures and the places are dreamy. Having been a vegetarian all my life, I understand so well about the limited options at restaurant. But with a nutritionist around I am sure you will do better than going vegan by yourself!

    Have a good one!

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