Monday, January 25, 2016

It's Sunday/Monday: 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

A big week, the procedure on my hands mid-week went well and it's looking positive for a good result from surgery in February ... my birthday was Friday so that was the best birthday news!! The day kicked off with breakfast and this special gift from my granddaughter and I then proceeded to eat my way through the weekend haha



While I was resting up we finished watching the first season of The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell's series The Saxon Stories. I've only read the first one ... because it was sooo boring I didn't continue. The TV series on the other hand is fantastic!! 





Having fun with Fat Mum Slim's Photo a Day challenge #fmsphotoaday. It really is inspiring, the prompts make you think, and I've always loved capturing the everyday and special memories. Find me on Instagram@teddyree if you want to have a squiz or join in the fun. And let me know if you're already participating :)

Brisbane city & pelican metal sculpture in the foreground 



Once again we have issues with our internet provider (Optus you are #shit) so it's taken me all day to get this post up *sigh* 





#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 :)  

Under target this week but I expected that with hospital and recovery. Sunday was lovely, we walked on the beach. 

Fitbit Steps:
Mon: 9110 steps 
Tue: 9247 steps ~ walk with Bella
Wed: 3515 steps ~ hospital
Thurs: 5992 steps ~ resting
Fri: 9123 steps 
Sat:  7717 steps ~ walk with Bella
Sun: 9042 steps walk on beach with Bella

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title) 

THE ROCK by Monica McCarty (Highland Guard #11) ~ guest review by Karen

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Finished last week: 


MISSING PIECES by Heather Gudenkauf ~ not the subtlety of previous work but great read.

NUMBERED by Amy Andrews & Ros Baxter ~ cried so much I got dehydrated. I know this will be on my favourite list at the end of the year. 

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This Week's Reading List:



I'LL SEE YOU IN PARIS by Michelle Gable

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP by Susan Mallery (MIschief Bay #2)

SUMMER AT LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (Little Beach Street Bakery #2) ~ audiobook.


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Reviews Coming: 


JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight ~ a sprinkle of magic and humour

THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachael Johns (audiobook) ~ over-long audio but still good

IF YOU COULD SEE WHAT I SEE by Cathy Lamb  ~ loved it, what a great way to start 2016.  It will be on my favourite list at the end of the year! Thanks Kathryn :)

THE EYE OF THE SHEEP by Sofie Laguna ~ strangely beautiful and it broke my heart

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


37 comments:

  1. I am enjoying the last kingdom too :D

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    1. ... must check when next season is due to start

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  2. Yay, good news! And happy birthday! Love the pic of Brisbane, looks like a beautiful city.

    I'll See You in Paris looks good. And so does The Last Kingdom- I have not heard of that but the trailer looks good.

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    1. Thanks Greg. Hope you check out The Last Kingdom, I'm sure you'll love it :)

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  3. Oh so happy to hear that the hands might be a real hope of having something work. Adore the art work from Mia for the birthday. So now I have to read Numbered! Not that I want to get dehydrated or anything!

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    1. Thanks so much Kathryn, I'm very relieved and excited I can tell you. haha Numbered, just when I thought the tears had stopped, the tap would turn on again ... but the banter between the characters was hilarious so it was an attractive mix of laugh, cry, snort, blubber :))

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  4. I must look out for Numbered. Not good you got dehydrated, but the sign of a good read.

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  5. Glad the procedure was a success. GFY getting all the exercise despite the busy week. Happy, happy birthday!! Lovely gift from Mia :)

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    1. Thanks Mary, quietly hopeful is a good feeling.
      Isn't it just darling, Mia's mummy came up with that idea ... maybe some pinterest inspiration lol

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  6. So happy your hand procedure went well. Happy Birthday and that Mia gift was wonderful. Bet you will treasure it always. Have a good week!

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    1. I sure will Kay, very precious. Hope your week is wonderful!

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  7. I'm so glad to hear the procedure went well - sounds promising!! Happy Birthday!! How adorable is that sign!
    I hope you have a great week. :)

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    1. Quietly hopeful Brandie. Treasures like this are my absolute favourite!!

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  8. Glad your procedure was a success!! And Happy Birthday!! That present ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Belated happy birthday wishes! The present from your granddaughter is so precious... what a good idea. Glad the procedure went well :)

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    1. Thanks Joann, you can see why it was a wonderful birthday :))

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  10. Yay!! Great news about your procedure! And your present is adorable, I love it!

    The Little Beach Street Bakery series looks good - I will have to check it out!

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    1. me too :)) You'll love that series, it's such an easy read or listen, not overly sweet ... just right!

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  11. Happy happy birthday Shereex Glad to hear the procedure was a success.

    Have a fab week

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    1. Thanks so much Shelleyrae, my first time missing your Australia Day blog hop but my hands just couldn't manage it. Will be by to check it out soon :)

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  12. Happy birthday! What a lovely birthday gift and it sounds like you had a wonderful birthday celebration. I am so glad to hear that the procedure went well and that things are looking good for your surgery next month. Keeping you in my thoughts!

    Good job with your steps this week. I would love to get my steps in by walking on a beach. Unfortunately I live in Ohio where the only "beaches" are at man-made water parks!

    Hope you have a great week! Looks like you have some good books too. I am really curious about that TV show.

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    1. Thanks so much Christina. Most days it's a hot, boring neighbourhood walk so I love it when we walk on the beach or at a lovely park. You had an awesome week with your exercise!! Hope you check out The Last Kingdom, let me know what you think!

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  13. I enjoy Susan Mallery's books, and I enjoyed your review of The Rock by Monica Mccarty. I would love to do the photo a day challenge, however I have lots of other things I need to do first, though I love your photo, its beautiful!! Have a great week!!
    http://thebestbasicblogger.blogspot.com/2016/01/its-mondaywhat-are-you-reading7.html

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  14. Ah, that craft from your granddaughter is lovely and I'm sure greatly treasured.

    I took a little look at your instagram - your pictures are beautiful and full of colour too!

    I hope you enjoy your upcoming reads!

    Reading With Jade

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  15. Happy Birthday! That is such a lovely gift from your granddaughter. I'm glad it sounds like you are recovering well. I've enjoyed a Jenny Colgan book in the past. Have a great week.

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  16. Happy birthday, and good news about your hand....and another adorable picture (and creation) by Mia.

    I find it true that sometimes I enjoy movies or TV shows more than the books they are based on. I haven't watched (or read)The Last Kingdom. Tempting!

    I hope to read Just Say Yes this week. Enjoy...and here are
    MY WEEKLY UPDATES

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  17. The Last Kingdom sounds fantastic. I'll have to give it a try!

    Majanka @ I Heart Reading.

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  18. Happy birthday... and Mia is looking so cute as always! I know that will be treasured artwork for Nonna :)

    I hope to read the new Heather Gudenkauf, regardless of mixed reviews, because I enjoy all her stories. And I think I can manage to enjoy Numbered despite my husband's illness because he is cancer-free right now and I can separate fact from fiction-- I heard it was very good and moving.
    Enjoy your week and your pleasant weather!

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  19. That's great about the good news and happy birthday! I love the picture of you and Mia. You look so adorable and just so happy together. I'm curious about the Susan Mallery. I haven't read anything by her in awhile but that one looks interesting. Have a great week!

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  20. So glad the hand procedure went well and fingers crossed for the future. I am reading Missing Pieces at the moment and so far so good. Happy Birthday! What a lovely gift. I just may borrow the idea and do it for my daughter.

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  21. Yea! So glad the surgery went well. I love the LOVE painting... was that a special birthday gift? And... Happy belated birthday! *hugs*

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  22. I think you had a very active week considering the surgery and recovery. Good for you!

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  23. Wasn't Eye of the Sheep gorgeous? I can't believe I waited so long to read it. My mum read it after me and was like, #meh, but I loved it - my fave book of last year (even though it was released in 2014!).

    Glad your op went well and you received the news on your birthday.

    Happy belated birthday!!! xxx

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  24. Glad your procedure went well and your granddaughter is the cutest, she is gorgeous.

    I miss the Brisbane skyline, I haven't been out to Australia since 1999 so I imagine it has changed a lot but I remember that bridge and bobbing up and down the river on the citycats.

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