City of Sin

The latest period of being MIA from this blog is brought to you by City of Sin. Quite a good novel, but oof the ending is very unsatisfactory despite technically tying up all the loose ends. I thought of how to best describe this specific type of disappoint that I have with the ending, and it's like when you ask someone you're close to "how are you" and then they just reply "fine". The saving grace is that at least it isn't a saccharin ending. 

But the novel is still good that I would recommend it to others. The world building is extensive, there is a vast cast of side characters that weave in and out of the story (I'm actually rather impressed with how the plot got some of the strong characters out of the way of the MC to let him grow), and it does touch upon bigger themes like what is the responsibility of a leader. 

...

Now back to reading some books, starting with Demian.

soft

It's been a very long time since I posted about a tea. Mostly because I've not bought any new tea in a while, but alas being stuck at home for so long as resulted in finally finishing my stash (aside from pu er that I hope to leave alone for at least another decade). I ended up making an oolong order from Floating Leaves Tea since they recently started offering worldwide shipping, and summer is prime time for taiwanese oolongs. 

I tried the farmer's choice baozhong first, which is probably the tea I'll like the least out of the 3 I ordered but it's been hot and humid recently and the greenest oolong is the best for such weather. Despite setting a low expectation, I quite like this and will probably continue to order a small size pack of this every year. Mostly because the dry leaves smell like corn ice cream, really. Secondly because the body is nice and thick and lasts for an astonishing (for such a green oolong) number of steeps. It's definitely a good tea to drink during the workday. 

knot

I've been very lazy with posting photos of my cooking, and frankly been lazy with taking photos too 😅 Frankly there's not much I want to cook in the summer heat.

• simple vegetarian cold noodle: carrot and bean sprouts
• mexican shrimp soup
• somewhat-japanese meal with quick pickle cucumber, regularly picked radish, sesame dressed spinach and miso soup
• fancier vegetarian cold noodle: see above plus spinach and tofu strips
• olive oil chocolate cake: I double checked the amount of liquid and confirmed that the recipe photos has a runny af batter, but I still think the liquid can be reduced a bit as the cake was extremely tender
• simple potato salad: with the bare minimum celery and pickles and a vinegar-y/mustard-y/pepper-y dressing. Key is to dress it while the potatoes are hot.
• more miso soup with lots of shrimp, I wanted to make it with clams but alas unavailable :(

Dior Spring 2021 Couture

Am I even surprised that I really like another Dior show? I guess I'm becoming a fan. Tho I wouldn't nearly enjoy the looks as much without the context being explained. 

Totally am biased towards a tarot theme because of LoTM, but the backstory about Christian Dior's obsession with tarot cards is nice too. As always Bliss Foster has a great analysis video.

My fav looks (images via Vogue), love the contrast between organza and the structured brocade fabric:

folds

Dior FW 21/22

ok this is my favourite runway show ever (not that I've really paid attention to many)

I think it's best to watch the analysis video first, then watch the show:

Considering this is Dior's ready-to-wear show and not even their couture show, I'm so impressed by the amount of storytelling. The atmosphere reminds me (of all things) the manga A Stepmother's Fairytale. But let's get onto the clothes / looks themselves, here are my favs:

Generally I really like the shilouettes, the contrast in textures, and the thorn shoes is fking perfection. I swear I'm gonna buy it regardless of the price. 

unknot

Recently finished books include Perilous Bounty and Dressed, and I don't have much to say about either. The former is quite similar to Omnivore's Dilemma which had a big impact on me as it was the first book of this Big-Ag-is-ruining-our-food-system topic that I've read. The latter I had mis-matched expectations for, I erroneously though it was on the philosophy of clothes but it turns out to be more on the sociology of getting dressed. There is one quotation that I really like from (where else) the chapter on suits: