Showing posts with label #FitReaders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #FitReaders. Show all posts

Monday, July 18, 2016

Sunday Post (58) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading



The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I am posting late this week because I've had problems with my laptop and connecting to the Internet. I'm not sure what the issue is but I suspect it is the laptop and not my Internet connection because I am able to use WiFi on my phone, Kindle and Roku. This morning after two days of not using it, I decided to try my laptop again. I had some issues with Yahoo Mail not loading but so far I am able to visit other websites again and work on this post so that is something. Hopefully whatever the issue was, it is resolved now. 

It has been a crazy week. My parents have sold their house. They don't have a closing date yet and they have to find a new house in Fort Wayne in the meantime. Houses there are being sold the same day they go on the market so it could be a bit of a challenge. My sister lives there and has been out scouting houses. I am happy for them but also sad as I will miss my childhood home and likely never return to that area once my parents move away. 

At the library, we had our second Comic Con in the 'Burg. While we didn't have as many people as last year (possibly because we didn't advertise enough) it was still a successful event. We had a Manga artist from the area teach a class on drawing Manga faces and the comic book and collectibles vendors were a big hit too. We borrowed a 3-D printer from Kent State when our plans for a presenter fell through. My job was to demonstrate the 3-D printer and print some Comic Con related stuff but while I was able to use it earlier in the week it decided to quit working on Friday so it just sat there like a display. It was cool while it worked though and surprisingly easy to use. My favorite thing I printed was a BB-8 cookie cutter.

The cosplay contest went well (I was a judge and it was hard to choose from all the great costumes--Best in Show went to a teen dressed as the Eleventh Doctor). I ended up dressing up as Supergirl. I just found a cheap Superman t-shirt for boys and then glued rhinestones on the Superman symbol and added some sequin trim to the sleeves. The final touch was a red cape I found at Party City. I chose to wear jeans and my Sketchers instead of a short red skirt and boots so my outfit wasn't totally authentic but it was comfortable and appropriate for work :)





#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About 

Sunday--2,240 steps
Monday--10,753 steps
Tuesday--3,877 steps
Wednesday--5,369 steps
Thursday--13,025 steps
Friday--12,414 steps
Saturday--15,457 steps



Last week on my blog:


The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash (review)



Books read:



Monsoon Summer by Julia Gregson

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this book. My review is due really soon so I need to figure it out. 



Margherita's Notebook by Elisabetta Flumeri and Gabriella Giacometti

I thought this was a fun book and I loved the setting and description of food. The writing style was a little different.



A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain

I really enjoyed this historical/contemporary thriller The cover is not accurate (the historical part is set in the Regency) and there were definitely some other inaccuracies/historical license but it was still fun to read and try to figure out who the killer was. I think readers who like historical fiction and suspense would enjoy this if they can suspend their disbelief.



Currently reading:



If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo



Currently listening to:


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (reread)



On my TBR pile:



The Art of Crash Landing by Melissa DeCarlo

We are reading this for July in my evening book group. Our meeting is next Tuesday so I want to move this up my TBR pile.



Smash & Grab by Amy Christine Parker

This sounds like it has a similar vibe to Ally Carter's Heist Society books. Hopefully it will be just as fun to read.



P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

This looks like a cute contemporary romance and might be just what I need for light summer reading.



Flying by Carrie Jones

I'm kind of hoping this will be like Buffy the Vampire Slayer but with aliens. :)



The Perfect Neighbors by Sarah Pekkanen


Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman



New Arrivals:


Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine (library book)

The Darkest Hour by Caroline Tung Richmond (for review)

Flying by Carrie Jones (for review)

Belgravia by Julian Fellowes (won from Confessions of a Book Addict)





Sunday, June 5, 2016

Sunday Post (52) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading



The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

It has been a busy two weeks! I can't believe Memorial Day is already behind us. I had a nice trip home to visit my family and my sister and her husband stopped by while I was there so it was great to see them too. We celebrated my mom's retirement from teaching. The weather has been hot but mostly sunny and I am enjoying it.




On Friday I went to Schnormeier Gardens in Gambier, Ohio for their annual open house. They family opens the gardens to the public once a year. I've been wanting to go for a few years so I was thrilled to be invited by some ladies from my evening book group and to have the day off so I could actually go. The gardens are on 75 acres of land and are inspired by Japanese and Chinese culture. I was disappointed there weren't more flowers but it was very pretty. I loved the bridge and the waterfalls. While in Gambier we had lunch and visited the Kenyon College bookstore where I almost bought an adorable children's/YA book called Lizzy Bennet's Diary by Marcia Williams.  After our tour of the gardens we stopped to get something cold to drink at a lovely coffee shop. I rarely get to do things like that and I had a fantastic day.

Yesterday I worked and we were very busy at the library. This week is the start of our Summer Challenge (formerly known as summer reading program). I bought the stuff for the prizes and now I have to put the gift baskets/boxes together. I'm also busy planning my 80's prom murder mystery dinner for the library. I am really excited about it but I need to figure out decorations and my costume. I am not wearing a prom dress (people can wear anything 80's related). I want something more comfortable and if I could recreate a style I loved as a kid/tween (without sewing) that would be perfect. I will be spending the afternoon searching Pinterest for inspiration :)



#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

I had a couple of good step days especially Friday while walking at the Schnormeier Gardens (I was told it is a 3 mile walk but it feels like I walked a lot more--still sore!). I've been doing better with my eating habits and even had a few days where I ate gluten and dairy free. It is still a challenge and I had some small slip ups. I worry that I may not be eating enough to lose weight and build muscle.

Sunday--6,344 steps
Monday--3,471 steps
Tuesday--10,231 steps
Wednesday--5,873 steps
Thursday--5,420 steps
Friday--13,819 steps
Saturday--11,170 steps


Last two weeks on my blog:


The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson (review)
The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson (review)


Books read:


The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard

This was my afternoon book group's May selection and I liked it. It was mostly well received by our members too. The story is about a family in a small town in Wisconsin and what happens when the son and golden boy is accused of a crime. 


Wanderlost by Jen Malone

Wanderlost was a fun book and I enjoyed reading about Aubree's crazy experiences as a tour guide in Europe. 

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

My evening book group read this for May and I struggled with it. The characters aren't very likable and the writing style took some time to get used to. It is written in first person plural and there are a ton of Shakespeare references. I love Shakespeare and have read several of his plays but I still didn't catch all the references used by this quirky family.



Nerd love :) I loved this contemporary twist on Much Ado About Nothing and while I didn't understand all the geek culture references (I haven't watched Doctor Who or read many comic books) it was still a lot of fun. 


Currently reading:


A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses is a polarizing book. People seem to either love it or hate it and so far I love it. I was not a big fan of a certain character in the first book so that could be why :)


Currently listening to:


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (reread)

I am at the part that is hard to read about (after the third task). I hate that part of Goblet of Fire because it is sad and creepy. Probably why I stopped listening for a few days and listened to 80's music on Pandora during my work commute instead.


On my TBR pile:


One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I've read another novel with a similar premise (only in that case the poor woman married another man believing her first husband was dead until he suddenly reappeared). 



I'm hoping this will be as fun as The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You. I have never been to a Comic Con though I kind of want to go.


Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This is the other armchair travel YA book I have on my TBR pile for this summer. I can't wait to read it. I love that it is set in Italy, a place I'd love to visit in real life.



New books received:


738 Days by Stacey Kade (for review)

Mystic Summer by Hannah McKinnon (for review)

I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows (for review)

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash (for review)

Almost Like Being in Love by Beth K. Vogt (for review)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (purchased)

River Road by Carol Goodman (library book)




Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday Post (51) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading



The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Last weekend I visited my parents so I didn't get a chance to write a blog post. I had a good time with them though I did wish that we'd had warmer and less rainy weather. When I got back, I had to take Monday off due to some mild food poisoning (my parents got sick too so we think it was something we ate at a church carry in). Thankfully it only lasted one day but I am just now starting to feel back to normal.

I had a busy week at work as we are in the final stretch to summer reading program (or Summer Challenge as we are trying to get in the habit of calling it). I am so behind. On top of that I am expected to overhaul two sections of our website which we are in the process of redesigning and I have to write my staff evaluations. I am so ready for a vacation! Yesterday I spent the day reading for the Clean Sweep ARC Read-a-thon I forgot to post about but it was so nice to just read and forget my worries for awhile. I read two books and started another.




#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

My step goals were a little derailed this week due to illness and other circumstances but I was happy that I was able to do better on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Sunday--4,583 steps
Monday--1,293 steps
Tuesday--7,151 steps
Wednesday--10,623 steps
Thursday--11,554 steps
Friday--10,425 steps
Saturday--1,193 steps



Last week on my blog:



Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider (review)
The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews (review)



Books read:


Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

I thought this was a good "beach read" kind of book. I felt bad for Sloane because of what happened with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend but it was also harder to relate to her because of her wealthy and privileged lifestyle. I also expected more from the Hawaiian setting.


The Skylighter by Becky Wallace

I liked this final book in the Keepers Chronicles duology but it wasn't quite as good as the first book. I cared more about what happened to the Keepers and their storyline than Rafe or Johanna.


The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews

Poor Riley. I thought this was an enjoyable book but I did want to smack Riley's bratty tween daughter and Riley's snobby mother at times. I also was a bit disappointed by the resolution of the murder mystery which I thought was anticlimactic but at least I didn't figure out who the killer was!

You Don't Have to Be a Star/Once Upon a Cowboy by Susan May Warren and Lacy Williams

I forget why I bought this but I must have seen a review somewhere. It is an inspirational fiction bundle and both were quick reads, perfect for my sick day on Monday. I liked the Susan May Warren story more. It is about a Hollywood actress hiding out from a stalker in a remote cabin. The other story is about a princess hiding on a ranch. 


The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

I thought this was fantastic. Something that made me really happy was the  focus on friendship (even with its flaws and struggles) and the relationship between Andie and her dad. It was great to see Andie bond with her dad and have a real relationship with him. I also liked the growing romance between Andie and Clark and I adored Bertie (the Great Pyrenees). 


The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson 

Charlotte/Charlie lives a double life at school where no one knows she is an elite gymnast training for the US Olympic Trials. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the life of a teenage gymnast. 



Books listened to:


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (reread)


A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken

This was such a fun audio book to listen to. The novel is written for a tween/young teen audience but it gave some insight into the characters of Leia, Han and Luke and the narration was fantastic. Marc Thompson (the best Star Wars narrator) voiced Han and Luke and any other male voices while Rebecca Soler (she read the audiobooks for the Lunar Chronicles too) voiced Princess Leia. There are also great sound effects. Sadly Alexandra Bracken didn't write the other two books in the series and the second one especially received terrible reviews.



Currently reading:


Wanderlost by Jen Malone

While it is a bit far-fetched I am enjoying this book so far. Recent high school graduate Aubree is definitely out of her depths as she tries to lead a European tour in her older sister's place after losing the itinerary and her phone. I feel bad for Aubree. She is used to being babied by her mom but she also wants people to take her seriously and she tries so hard to succeed and prove she can handle responsibility.


Currently listening to:



Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (reread)


On my TBR pile:



The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard

This is our afternoon book group's selection for May. I like that there is a bit of mystery to it.


The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

My evening book group picked this one. I've heard that the other members are enjoying it so far especially all the Shakespeare references.



New books received:



Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (library book)

You Don't Have to Be a Star/Once Upon a Cowboy by Susan May Warren and Lacy Williams (purchased)