Sunday Delight: Playing Catch up

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I hope you got a ton of things done along with enjoying Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  This was my honey and I's first Thanksgiving together and his first with my family.  With only about 20 people crammed into my parents condo it was great and small.  Well, small for our family at least.  I ate a ton and I think I am going to have to do a cleanse to get my body back on track soon.  

From Thrusday to Sunday I have been getting more and more blog post scheduled for my Blog Ahead Challenge.  (A detail update coming soon.)  Right now I have passed the half way mark and I have a ton more in draft form.  So I am going to try and get as many as possible done today.  I love this challenge because it totally fits in line with my personal end of the year blogging goal.  When I first started blogging, I wanted to have all books read in the year, reviewed in that same year.  So that means by the end of the year all books should be read and reviewed.  I am about 8 books away from hitting that goal.  And yes I will make it.  LOL!  I hope.

So now on to other bloggish things..

What I Am Listening To...

 Immortality Book 1

Book Blogger Hop: Visiting Time

Hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Happy Thanksgiving Black Friday Everyone!

If you are not out shopping till you drop or the store closes hopefully you are getting a few hours of rest.  That is exactly what I am doing today and hopefully tomorrow too.  I have been so looking forward to this FOUR day weekend.  It's all about the nothing!  Doing nothing and enjoying it! 

What is Book Blogger Hop all about?
Each week the host at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted writer will prompt a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers. You should join us! It's quite fun!  No really it is!

This Weeks Topic/Question

November 28th - December 4th: Do you visit the same blogs each week or do you branch out and try to find new blogs? (submitted by Elizabeth)

Review: The First Phone Call from Heaven

The First Phone Call from Heaven Author: Mitch Albom Genre:  Faith Fiction  Publisher: Harper Audio Release Date: November 12, 2013 Audiobook: 7 hours and 40 minutes Narrator: Mitch Albom Source: Free from E-Library

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are a few Happy Thanksgiving messages from me to you.

Review: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

 

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Author: John Berendt Genre: Crime, Thriller, Non-Fiction Publisher: Random House Release Date: January 13, 1994 Hardcover: 388 pages Source: From a garage sale decades ago.

Review: Lolita

 

Lolita Author: Vladimir Nabokov Genre:  Literature Publisher:  Random House Audio Release Date:  September 26, 2005 Audiobook:  11 hours and 32 minutes Narrator: Jeremy Irons Source: Free from e-Library

Write On Review-a-Thon for November: Wrap Up

hosted by The Book Vixen

 Well I have to say....low goals are great! 
When you knock them out you have a real sense of accomplishment.  It's sad but I had a ton of books to review and my goal was to do just one and get one in draft from.  I did it and I had a great time wine tasting in Temecula as well.  (original post)

Blog Ahead Challenge: Goals & Progress (pt. 4)

Hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

I almost forgot to post my weekly progress for Blog Ahead.  So this one is going to be a week and a few days included.  Week number two point five.  The first week was AMAZING and I got 10 post done.  Then I slacked like nobody's business and got zero done.  Since then I have hustled a bit and now I am at 14 post done with 7 in draft form.  Yeah! Me!

Goals

Create a monthly posting calendar for November and December

Review as many books as possible (I have 10 8 reviews and 4 mini reviews to do)

Create and Schedule 30 post plus post as much as possible along the way.

Write On Review-a-Thon for November: Goals

hosted by The Book Vixen

YEAH! Another blogger motivation challenge is coming up.  I soo need this one.  On November 21st it will be all about writing reviews, reviews and more reviews.  The Book Vixen is hosting this so wonderfully motivating challenge. 

The Write On review-a-thon is a monthly event created and hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen. It’s a duration of time dedicated to getting reviews done, whether you have one review to write or 30+. This edition of the review-a-thon takes place all day Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd. Let’s get those reviews done!

 I have a huge list of books to review this time around.  I would LOVE to have them all done but that is not so realistic when I am going wine tasting in Temecula with my mom, aunt and sister.

So you know there will be only a review or two done by the end of the event and I am ok with that.  Low goals are ok too! Here are my goals (don't laugh)

Book Blogger Hop: Advice for Newbies

Hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Happy Thanksgiving Black Friday Everyone!

If you are not out shopping till you drop or the store closes hopefully you are getting a few hours of rest.  That is exactly what I am doing today and hopefully tomorrow too.  I have been so looking forward to this FOUR day weekend.  It's all about the nothing!  Doing nothing and enjoying it! 

What is Book Blogger Hop all about?
Each week the host at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted writer will prompt a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers. You should join us! It's quite fun!  No really it is!

This Weeks Topic/Question

November 21st - 27th: Do you have any advice for new bloggers? (submitted by Elizabeth)

Review: Zora and Me

Zora and Me Author: Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon Genre: Children's Book Age Range: 10 and up Publisher: Candlewick Release Date: New edition for 2014 World Book Night Paperback: 192 pages Source: From World Book Night

Blog Ahead Challenge: Goals & Progress (pt. 3)

Hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

I almost forgot to post my weekly progress for Blog Ahead.  So this one is going to be a week and a few days included.  Week number two point five.  The first week was AMAZING and I got 10 post done.  Then I slacked like nobody's business and got zero done.  Since then I have hustled a bit and now I am at 14 post done with 7 in draft form.  Yeah! Me!

Goals

Create a monthly posting calendar for November and December

Review as many books as possible (I have 10 reviews and 4 mini reviews to do)

Create and Schedule 30 post plus post as much as possible along the way.

Review: METAtropolis

METAtropolis Author: by Jay Lake, Tobias Buckell, Elizabeth Bear, John Scalzi, Karl Schroeder Genre: Sci-Fiction, Dystopian Anthology Publisher: Audible Studios Release Date: October 20, 2008 Audiobook: 9 hours and 12 minutes Narrator:  John Scalzi, Karl Schroeder, Michael Hogan, Scott Brick, Kandyse McClure, Alessandro Juliani, Stefan Rudnicki Source: Free from Audible for members

Sunday Delight: Focus! Focus! Focus!

Happy Sunday Everyone!  

How was your week?  Did you get a new book?  Or two?

I have been slacking again on my  Blog Ahead goals. (hosted by Herding Cats and Burning Soup.)  I was on the grid and do it.  Currently, I have 10 blog post up and scheduled for the month of December.  I just need to get 20 more done.  I thought by now I would have about 20 done, but.....  slacking.  This is an blogger event to help you get motivated to schedule 30 blog post.  Yes! I said 30! So today I am going to try and knock out about 5 of them.  I seem to be not in the mood for writing reviews.  I was suppose to have 2 reviews done and posted this week so I am going to see if I can focus and get those two up this week.  Focus! Is the Key!  Focus! Focus! Focus!

Here and Now

Time: 11:15 am
Drinking: Green Tea with Honey

Eating: Just finished scrambled eggs with soyizo, country potatoes and a bagel.  Not healthy but yummy.

 Listening To: This week I saw a great new to me band on The View called Vintage Trouble.  Take a listen to my newest favorite band.

Watching:  Vintage Trouble videos.  LOL!

What I Am Reading...

Americanah

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Welcome to the 5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop!  This giveaway hop has one focus.  My greatfulness to all the readers, hopper and lookers who have endured my lack of posts and who have commented anyways.  Thank you all!  

A Big Wet Kiss to you ALL!

November 2014 Reading Queue

 Reading Queue is a meme hosted by Book Tasty and Books: A True Story. 

I know it has been months and months since I posted my reading queue.  I have been slacking so much.  But today is the day!  Yes!  The day to get myself into gear.

So here we are in November and I am trying my best to complete the reading challenges I signed up for.  There is one that I think I will not be able to complete.  The Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge hosted by  Escape with Dollycas Into a Good Book is going to stump me.  I think I have about 10 books to go to make that one happen.  I could cramp 10 books in two months but I have to work and do other things in the next two months.  I think I will make about 3 to 5 more books for that challenge.  But the other ones are golden.  Thank God I signed up for the ones I can do easily.  LOL! 

Oh and my TBR Pile Reading challenge is suffering as well.  DANG!

As I said last month, I am saying again this month.  I didn't get to read as much as I wanted to this month.  I did knock another book off my DNF list.  YEAH.  Now I have 2 or 3 more to go.

What is the reading queue all about?

Reading Queue is a monthly meme where you share what books you plan to read for the month. You can hop to other blogs and see what others are reading and maybe find someone reading the same thing as you! Or you can ask for people to vote on what you should read next if you can’t decide.

So here is what I have lined up for the month of November.

Book Club Pick for November

Americanah: ANovel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Sunday Delight: My Mojo is Back

Happy Sunday Everyone!  

How was your week?  Anything good, great and amazing going on? 

Have you been productive?

I have!  Yes! I have!  As you might know I am participating in Blog Ahead hosted by Herding Cats and Burning Soup.  This is an blogger event to help you get motivated to schedule 30 blog post.  Yes! I said 30!  That is a high number and I am (so far) doing it.  Today is day 9 and I have 10 blog post scheduled for the month of December.  DONE!  Whoot!  Whoot!  Not to mention I am blogging for the month of November as I am going along too.  I love this event and it came at the perfect time.

Here and Now

Time: 5:10 pm
Drinking: Water

Eating: Just finished a Subway sandwich

 Listening To: Brand New Heavies Radio on Pandora

Watching: Nothing

Blog Ahead Challenge: Goals & Progress (pt. 2)

Hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

The first week of Blog Ahead is Done and I am happy with my progress so far.  I have to say that this challenge is a really big help in getting myself inspired to blog more.  Right now I am just scheduling memes and the easy stuff.  Bigger blogger post are coming soon. 

Goals

Create a monthly posting calendar for November and December

Review as many books as possible (I have 10 reviews and 4 mini reviews to do)

Create and Schedule 30 post plus post as much as possible along the way.

What I Am Listening To...

Esperanza Rising

Book Blogger Hop: Book Shop Love

Hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wheww!  We made it through another week.  YEAH! US!

I haven't done this meme in forever (3 months) and I missed it.  I really did.  So I thought I would finish 2015 out with the Book Blogger Hop meme on Fridays again. 
What is Book Blogger Hop all about?
Each week the host at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted writer will prompt a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers. You should join us! It's quite fun!  No really it is!

This Weeks Topic/Question

November 7th - 13th: Should book bloggers be doing more to support bookshops rather than just give links to Amazon or B&N as a place to buy the printed version of books they read? (submitted by Stephanie)

Swag and Stuff Giveaway

I realized last weekend, I have a TON of swag stuff from BEA13, BEA14, book signings and book fairs laying around my place.  There are book markers, book related toys and even a t-shirts here not to mention tote bags. So I thought why am I keeping all of it?  I just can't throw it in the trash. I would NEVER do that!  I thought there might be a loving home out there for it instead.

I know there are people out there who would love to add a bag of swag to there book swag collection.  I mean if you are into that then you'll love this.

And to make this a bit more interesting I will throw in 2 e-book download cards and one surprise paperback book as well.

Review: Strategic Planning for Love & War, Relationships and Adult Conversations

Strategic Planning for Love & War, Relationships and Adult Conversations Author: Jo Lena Johnson, Steven Charles Martin and Kevin B. Fleming Genre: Relationship Self Help Publisher:  Absolute Good Training/Mission Possible Press Release Date: February 28, 2012 Paperback: 190 pages Source: Purchased from the Author at a Book Fair

Diversity on the Shelf: Approved Books pt. 10

 

Inspired by POC Reading Challenge

Are you a participant of the Diversity on the Self 2014 Reading Challenge (aka D.O.T.S.)?  Did you have a goal this year to read more books by People of Color?  How are you doing?  

Just in case you aren't hitting your goal or just want to find a few new titles to add to your collection here are what I like to call "Diversity Approved Books".   All of these books are by a person of color OR have a main character of color.  

Sometimes these books don't get the love they should and hearing about them is so very rare.

You can see other books and review link ups by clicking one of the links in the side bar menu under the D.O.T.S. reading challenge button.

By the way, it's not to late to sign up.  Click the reading challenge button and link up your sign up post.  Non bloggers are welcomed too.

Review: The Last Dickens

The Last Dickens Author: Matthew Pearl Genre: Historical Murder Mystery Publisher: Random House Release Date: March 17, 2009 Hardcover: 400 pages Source: Purchased from Barnes and Noble

Sunday Delight: Trying my Best

Happy Sunday everyone!  How was your week?  Anything good, great and amazing going on?  

I know maybe a month ago I said I was BACKK!!!  And you would start seeing more regular post from me.  I tried to make that happen.  I really did.  But there just was a PERFECT storm of activity in my life.  First, lack of motivation.  Yep!  I was not as motivated as I thought I was.  

Go figure.  Not the first time and more than likely not the last time.  

Second, I had my computer die an ugly death (as far as computers go).  

No nothing caught on fire.  There was no ambulance involved.  But I did take my computer to the tech hospital more than once.  ARGH! I'm stressed just remembering it.  Well, the end result was/is the new laptop I am tying this post on.  Yep!  I had to lay my old faithful to rest after 6 long and strong years together.  I am hoping the tech guy will be able to fix her so I can use her at home and the new one can be the work and travel laptop.  

Third and last one, I was busy!  I was just so busy I couldn't find time to sit down and blog like I wanted to.  Much less visit other blogs and read as much as I wanted to.  

So now I have a new laptop.  That means time to sit down and a blogging challenge called Blog Ahead (Hosted by Herding Cats and Burning Soup) to help me get my mo-jo back. 

Here and Now

Time: 4:00 am
Drinking: Hot Citrus and Lemon Grass Tea with Honey

Eating: Nothing yet.  Thinking about dinner

 Listening To: Brand New Heavies Radio on Pandora

Watching: I haven't been to the movies in awhile and my honey watches only ESPN at home.  So nothing here too.

Blog Ahead Challenge: Goals & Progress

Hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Ok!  Day one is almost done and I am getting into my grove finally.  So here is my goal list and my progress report after today.

Diversity on the Shelf 2014: November Review Link-Up

Inspired by POC Reading Challenge

The first day in November and the first rain in LA in months and months.  Time for pumpkin spiced coffee, treats and carbs.  YEAH!!
Welcome back to Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Reading Challenge and the November review link up.
Every month I post a linky for you to add your reviews towards this challenge. Please have a direct link to the book you are reviewing to the linky. No links to blog home pages please. If you don't have a blog, please link to your Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, LibraryThing or other account where you are reviewing the books for this challenge.
Books that qualify for this challenge are by people of color or with a main character of color. All shades and races of color are welcomed and encouraged here.
If you still need more clarification on what a person of color is Click Here.
If you haven't signed up for the challenge yet, don't fret you still have time. Just sign up here!
If you need a few suggestions on what to read for this challenge check out the list of links to blogs, book list and more. Links here or the side bar menu.

~ Last Month Stats ~

as of today 31 books reviewed. 

First review from Akilah +Goodreads