Monday, December 21, 2015

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 AboutFitReaders 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 



29 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family.

    I still haven't picked my first book of the year but I will be working on that this week. I love that Text Santa video! So much fun! Too bad George Clooney wasn't on Downton Abbey for real :)

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    1. I'm with you on George lol. Merry Christmas Christina :)

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  2. Merry Christmas! Hope it's a great holiday filled with lots of memories. Although I can't believe it's this week. I still have a few last minute presents to get (big surprise) but almost there. :)

    I've hardly been reading, such a busy time of year. I'm sure it will pick up again in January. Cute pic of the critter. He looks curious. :)

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    1. Yay and then you can relax. I think this has been my most disorganised lead up to Christmas ever lol. Merry Christmas Greg.

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  3. So looking forward to the last Downton Christmas programme but not sure when - can see the programming for it yet.
    Hope you enjoy your Christmas, yes these celebrations can be bittersweet as loved ones who are no longer with us are remembered.
    Hope Mia brings you joy, I know I always look forward to the little ones around me.
    I have my first book - recommended by someone whose opinion I really respect! Wait and see.
    Awesome stepping by the way, yes I am sure bone weary is utter exhaustion!! Take care.

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    1. Can't wait to see what you've picked for first read of the year Kathryn. I'm going to look through my must read list today and CHOOSE lol.

      Doesn't the Downton Christmas special screen between Christmas and New Year ... vague recollection from last year ... I can't wait either. Sad it's the last of Downton though.

      Have a wonderful Christmas Kathryn, I'll cheer you on in the Christmas walk ;)

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  4. What a busy week for you! Glad you had such fun with the wedding and time away! I hope you have a Wonderful Christmas. Thanks for all the encouragement this year! *hugs*

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    1. Same to you Jen, see you online for the Christmas walk. I'm really looking forward to another year of FitReaders with all you gorgeous girls ...

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  5. I have my lovely First Book of 2016 sitting on the coffee table/trunk in my office...and I am staying away from it until New Year's Eve! Yes, I'll begin it, but not finish it until New Year's Day.

    I'm loving The Things We Keep and November 9...alternating them for a bit.

    I'm curious about Just Say Yes.

    Enjoy your reading and your holidays, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Can't wait to see what you've picked Laurel and I'm glad you're loving The Things We Keep and November 9. I think I'll be starting Just Say Yes after Christmas, not much reading time until then, unless it's an audiobook :)

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  6. Glad you made it to the grave to decorate .... always such a hard time, but worth the effort!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. I love going up there, so peaceful and it's nice when it's all pretty ... loved your photos Julie!

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  7. I'm looking forward to the First Book of The Year event. Have a wonderful Christmas Sheree!

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    1. Same to you Pat. I can't wait to check out everyone's picks for First Book!

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  8. Merry Christmas. Enjoy looking for a first of the year book over the weekend!

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  9. Happy Holidays to you also, enjoy. I look forward to your Favourite List. I have decided on my 1st read of the year, can't wait.

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    1. Thanks Marce, looking forward to everyone choices with 1st read of the year!

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  10. Cute little wedding visitor. Merry Christmas to you and your family. I am sure it will be a blast with Mia. I'll take a break during the week between Christmas and New Year since Cole's daycare is closed for their yearly cleaning.

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    1. Christmas is even more fun with grandchildren isn't it Nise`. Enjoy the extra time with Cole :)

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  11. I hope you enjoy your break. I'll be taking another one between Christmas and New Years since we are so busy with family. I hope you have a great Christmas!!

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    1. this time of the year it's all about family, enjoy the uninterrupted time. See you in the New Year Kathy :)

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  12. Cute little possum.

    I loved Along the Infinite Sea. I just finished The Things We keep. I will be looking for your reviews.

    I LOVE The First Book of The Year...can't wait to see everyone's posts.

    ENJOY this week, and Merry Christmas!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My It's Monday, What Are You Reading


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    1. I enjoyed Alone the Infinite Sea after a slow start. Can't wait for First book, I must make a decision this week but there's so many to choose from lol. Merry Christmas to you and yours Elizabeth.

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  13. Merry Christmas Sheree!!

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  14. Keen to hear what you think of The Eye of the Sheep. It was my fave book of the year (a year late!).

    I've had a reviewing (and reading) break and it's been lovely!

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  15. Hope you had Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

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