Twas the Monday Before Christmas: Check-In Time

Linking up with Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and It's Monday! What are You Reading? now hosted by Kathryn @Book Date. 

On the home front: 
Crazy busy week. We were away 2 days for a family wedding at the Sunshine Coast. Was great to catch up with interstate aunts, uncles and cousins we usually only see at weddings and funerals. This cute little poss was a visitor at the wedding after party at the Coolum Beach Hotel :)

We finally got up to Taleah's grave to decorate for Christmas. My mum loved Christmas too ... blowing kisses to heaven for mum and my little angel. Also want to send love out to the friends who've lost loved ones this year, Christmas and family celebrations are often bittersweet when your heart is aching. Be gentle with family and friends who are grieving. 

Christmas present shopping is done, now I just have to brave the crowds for the Christmas grocery shop, do some cooking and last minute photo editing for gifts. Phew ... I think we'll make it. 

Downton Abbey fans check out the Downton Text Santa video. Hilarious ... loved George's cameo :)

I think I might have a reviewing break from Christmas into January but will still post my 2015 best of list and do weekly check-ins. I'm also looking forward to Sheila's First book of the Year 2016. Still have no idea what I'll be reading but it's a lot of fun so I'm not missing it. Head over to Book Journey to sign up. 

#FitReaders Weekly Check-In

 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :)  

Another huge week, well over target. Bone tired ... is that more tired than exhausted? lol

Fitbit Steps:

Mon: 8957 steps 

Tue: 13,712 steps ~ walk with Bella

Wed: 8179 steps 

Thurs: 10,752 steps ~ walk

Fri: 15,142 steps ~ walk beach, wedding, dancing til the wee hours

Sat: 8897 steps

Sun: 10,406 steps ~ walk with Bella, community garden

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Giveaways:

Winner of COME FULL CIRCLE by Sherryl Caulfield (Iceberg Trilogy #3) ~ Congrats to Katherine P

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title) 

THE STRIKER by Monica McCarty (Highland Guard 10) ~ guest review by Karen

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Finished last week: 

THE INNOCENT by Taylor Stevens (Vanessa Michael Munroe #2) ~ audiobook. Great installment

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This Week's Reading List:

THE EYE OF THE SHEEP by Sofie Laguna ~ I bought this one almost a year ago and there it sat #mybad. Hope to finish it this week but who knows ...

JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight ~ picked up this one after Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer sang its praises. 

THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachael Johns (audiobook)

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Reviews Coming: 

ALONG THE INFINITE SEA by Beatriz Williams ~ From the halfway mark I couldn't put it down.  

THE THINGS WE KEEP by Sally Hepworth ~ heartbreaking & heartwarming

LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (audiobook) ~ fun. Looking forward to the next one. 

THE INFORMATIONIST by Taylor Stevens (Vanessa Michael Munroe #1) ~ (audiobook) 

Michael is an unusual character and I'm looking forward to continuing the series ... hopefully on audio, the narrator Hillary Huber is great. 

Just in case you're not back visiting before Christmas - from my family to yours ... hope your Christmas or holiday celebrations are filled with much love and laughter, spent doing what you love ... with those you love 
Sheree xx