Books for Christmas!

One of the advantages to running a reviews site and an author promotions site is that I'm exposed to about a zillion books and authors I would never have seen otherwise. It's making my Christmas shopping just a little easier, especially since I really like to support authors as much as possible.

For instance, I have a friend, my best friend who I met in Junior High (32 years ago ... holy cow) and she's horribly hard to buy for. She's a voracious reader -- especially horror novels and thrillers, so it makes it hard to actually buy her books because I don't know what she already has. BUT, she's completely unaware of the entire Indie/Small Press thing (except for my book, of course). So this year? We toured a self-published thriller / suspense author (Gordon Kessler) and his books are excellently written and are right up her alley. I would never have known he existed if we hadn't run his tours. And, no, she doesn't read my blog.

I've found books for DD via some YA authors and blogs. Books for friends. It's been great. And the best part? Because I actually interact with most of these authors, I can get my friends and family autographed copies. :-)

BTW, folks... never be too shy to email an author and find out if there is a way to get autographed copies. One of my reviewers, who's been around since the site started, needed an extra special four year anniversary gift from us. So we contacted one of her fave authors, Carrie Vaughn. This reviewer is a HUGE fan of her Kitty books.

We never had any experience working with this author. She didn't know us from Adam (or maybe that should be Eve). Even so, we were told exactly how to go about getting personalized, autographed books -- an entire set! -- for our reviewer.

By and large (with only some exceptions) authors, all authors -- even the really big name ones -- are very cool.

So, are books on your Christmas shopping list? Any suggestions?

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You Should Hail a Cab in NYC

Your life feels empty without lots of people in it. You make new friends everywhere you go. You live in the fast lane. You love action, risk, and competition. Deep down you are a wild child. You definitely have a manic side. You are very animated and energetic. People find you dazzling and charming.

What City Should You Hail a Cab In?

HAHAHAHA... not so much. Maybe, maybe 25% right.

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Not Boring Friends and Christmas Shopping

The total history of almost anyone would shock almost everyone. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

So ... getting y'all to talk about yourselves was a bust (thank you Joanna for playing). Note to Tori and Brandy: you are not boring. Here's what I know about you:

Brandy...

You're smart, dedicated and have a heart the size of Texas. Since I've "known" you, you've fed numerous stray kitties outside and taken two into your already full home and family.

You love to read and have wide, eclectic tastes.

You make sacrifices to homeschool your kids, and always put your family before yourself.

Mostly, in a nutshell, I'd call you someone who loves.

Tori...

You're quirky and funny and have a warped sense of humor (I like that in a person).

You like to write, but you like reading more. And your tastes run from classics to fantasy to kids books to cozies to romance. Basically you read it all.

You're my source for all things TV. I've discovered some of the greatest shows because of you: Eureka and Leverage are two (and are the cleverest shows out there, IMHO).

You're knowledgeable and patriotic and outspoken.

In a nutshell, I'd call you interesting and fun.

But never boring.

So there -- if you won't talk about yourselves, I'll do it for you!

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I got most of DD's shopping done yesterday. Didn't have as much time as I should have because, halfway to art lessons I realized I'd never put my registration stickers on the car, and they'd expired in November. Worse, I discovered that my registration wasn't even in the car!

Immediately, I felt like some criminal on the lam. I dropped DD off and hurried home, found the registration and stickers (sitting right by where I keep my purse, so ... yanno... I wouldn't miss them (:::rolls eyes:::). Put the stickers on and stowed the registration. Lost about 30 mins of my time.

I all but ran through Target and got nearly everything I wanted (forgot ONE thing, but it wasn't a Christmas gift). Went to Tractor Supply Co and got one thing, then off to Pets Supply Plus (this stop wasn't for DD, lol) and got Christmas themed gourmet dog treats for a friend of mine's dog.

And then I was out of time. I didn't make it to the stores I needed GCs at, dang it. But I'll work it out. I still have seventeen days.

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Your Body's Element is Air

You are competitive, assertive, and dominant. You live to win, and it really makes you angry if you lose. You are brilliant and competent. No matter what you're doing, you now your stuff. People tend to be intimidated by your intelligence. It's hard to measure up to you. Your energy tends to be: ebbing and flowing Your power color is: white

What Element is Your Body?

Hmmmm.... mostly I think that's right. I know that I intimidate people without really trying to (just ask the ladies at LASR/WC... oy...)

I don't get ANGRY when I lose, but I certainly prefer winning. And the energy thing is right on.

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Christmas Shopping and Getting To Know You

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

Did yesterday feel about twelve hours too short to anyone else? I swear, it flew by and I feel like I got very little accomplished. Ugh.

In the "good news" category, though, DD and I had to run out a couple places on errands yesterday and I saw a BUNCH of things I wanted to get for her (including Holiday Barbie ... please let it still be there this morning). I made mental notes about them, and will spend the 90 minutes she's in art class running around and, hopefully, finishing my shopping for her.

She also gave me a Christmas list last night. Besides Holiday Barbie, she wants roller blades (not going to happen -- because I don't think she'll use them), a paint-by-number with an eagle on it, GCs to Barnes and Noble and various art supply places, glue sticks for her glue gun (she was specific -- she wants 35 of them, which makes me tempted to buy her 34 just because, but they might make a fun stocking stuffer), and some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head.

In any case, I'm hoping 90 minutes will be enough. THEN, while she's at her friend's house this afternoon, I'll do the wrapping (I hate wrapping ... she's wrapped everything else we've gotten).

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

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Yesterday, Joanna St. James asked her blog readers to post a short bio of themselves. It wasn't easy to think of how to describe myself in a few sentences, but this is what I put:

I live in New Hampshire but wish it were the Bahamas (or anywhere they don't get snow).

I've never been outside the USA unless you count Mexico (I don't).

I love pretty much every living critter (I even scoop up spiders and put them outside, except in the winter -- they'd DIE out there! -- so they can live in my house until spring. Yes, really ... I put them in the basement.)

I'm a freak about eating right and as naturally as possible, I prefer holistic medical treatments and so far that's working for me.

I write, therefore I am.

I have a husband, a daughter a cat and a dog. In the summer, I have dozens of caterpillars as pets, but sadly they grow up and fly away every year.

I have a warped sense of humor, leaning toward the sarcastic and twisted, but manage to keep it in check most of the time.

I talk to everyone -- salespeople, waitresses, people on the street. Despite that, I'm actually painfully shy.

Now it's your turn... today, I'd love for you to tell me (and my other readers) about yourself. Come one, share!

And, just to kick things off right ... let's all sing along:


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You Are Elegant and Sophisticated

You are an idealist. You have a dream of how the world should be, and you resist straying from from your ideals. People accuse you of being a romantic, and it's true enough. You believe in fairy tale endings. You're the type of person who believes that less is more. You don't like clutter of any kind. You appreciate luxury more than other people. You can't help it... you have expensive tastes!

The Smell Test

About 75% right .... though, if money were no object, the last would certainly apply. Sadly, I haven't been able to find a seed for the money tree, lol...

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O Tannenbaum...

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

We got the tree up yesterday. In the past, we've usually put it in a different corner, but that's awfully close to the woodstove and the tree dries out in about five minutes no matter how often it's watered.

This time it's in the farthest corner from the stove (I love how the furniture looks the way it's been moved, too ... I may keep it that way) and should be happier and healthier this year.

My DD mentioned that a friend of hers has a tree that's decorated with balls and ribbons only. Every year, they buy NEW balls and ribbons, but there is nothing of themselves on the tree.

A family tradition from my family that I've passed on is buying at least one new ornament a year for DD and, as a child, she also made an ornament every year. I may still have her bead an ornament this year, if we find the time.

Our tree may look a little disorganized, but every ornament holds a memory of Christmas past ... I even have one ornament I made when I was kindergarten age.

When DD grows up and moves out on her own, she'll have a box of decorations that goes with her, each one special and memory laden. I think that's a great gift to give her.



Dakota and Breeann weren't as impressed by the tree decorating, though Breeann appreciated all the empty box lids.




The cat looked so pretty in the sunshine... She doesn't look almost seventeen, does she? Interesting how dogs get gray (Dakota already has some gray on her muzzle), but cats don't seem to:



Now I just need to finish my Christmas shopping. DD is sad because there are NO gifts under the tree for her. Yet. Since she and I are attached at the hip, it's a little difficult to go shopping for her. I was counting on her going tree chopping yesterday, but that was a bust. She has one more art lesson to go, so that gives me ONE 90 minute block alone ... I need to plan carefully.

Have a great Sunday!

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You Are Brilliant

You prefer music that is quirky and catchy. You just seem to gravitate toward indie artists. You are creative and offbeat. You do things in a more colorful way than most people. You are artistic in many facets of your life. You have a natural style and understand what looks good. You are lively and enthusiastic. You hardly go a day without feeling inspired.

The Cassette Tape Test

If Blogthings says it, it must be right.

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Christmas Shopping Ideas!

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~Washington Irving

First, let me tell you about DD because I'm so proud of her -- You see, DD had several custom orders for jewelry to complete this weekend. I've been frustrating her lately because I won't let her rush through something -- especially custom orders where someone is specific about what they want. I've had her take apart items more than once. For instance ...

This bracelet is absolutely GORGEOUS -- but it took her three tries to get it done because twice she didn't do what the customer wanted. Now, though? It's amazing.




Her new favorite thing to make are "illusion" necklaces. They're so pretty that my SIL (who is VERY picky and exacting about things) saw one on the table the other day and bought it. I know she truly likes it because I've seen her wearing it three different times now: twice to work, and once to church.

For another customer, DD made necklace and earring sets that are lovely (I don't have a picture of the green necklace -- bad me):





I've very proud of her ... it's truly incredibly how talented she is and how skilled her work is getting to be!

One of the downsides to spending time on Artfire for DD, though, is being tempted by all the goodies. If you're not into jewelry, there's plenty there for you to buy for Christmas. Instead of supporting HUGE places like WalMart with your dollar, why not support independent artisans?

Like Merrimack Valley Essentials, who offers all natural soaps, lotions and more -- and the shipping is SO reasonable (that's what pushed me right over the edge on this one). My fave product? The Pumpkin Spice Goats Milk soap. Ooooh....

Shopping for cute pet stuff? Get Nice/Naughty dog bones here.

Need something for young girls? How about Barbie Clothes?

Seriously, if you want it, they probably have it at Artfire. I'm so impressed with the pieces there, I could spend all day shopping.

I'm a big proponent of supporting independent stores, and I really feel like I can vote with my money this year at Christmas. I highly encourage you all to do the same!

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You Are Lemon Tea

The word that best describes you is "fresh" - both in outlook and in attitude. You are an outspoken and brave person. You definitely tell it like it is and shoot from the hip. You are cheeky and even a little outrageous. You've been known to do things simply for shock value. You have a lot of energy, but you always allocate it well. You're productive enough to avoid being overly hyper.

What Herbal Tea Are You?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

Well.. ha. That's pretty close to right on! LOL...

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Nook, and Shopping and Sweetness - Oh my!

Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. ~Dave Barry

So... I finally spent some quality time with my Nook last night, actually reading a book. I've never been able to spend much time reading on my computer for two reasons: 1. I feel obligated to work when I'm on the computer and 2. My eyes ache after too much time on the computer, and reading is supposed to be relaxing -- plus, my fave place to read is in bed right before I go to sleep.

A note about the Nook -- the complaint I had about not being able to reach the arrow to turn pages when the cover was on? I'm a total and complete dork. Last night, I noticed a set of four snaps on the back of the cover. Not being a total idiot, I figured they must have a match somewhere and lo and behold! You fold the cover all the way around the Nook and snap it in place. Voila! I can now turn the pages with the cover on. Can you say "DUH"?

So, last night, in bed I read five chapters of the book I bought. One of the complaints the Nook received was that it can take 3 seconds for the page to turn (as opposed to 1 second on the Kindle). I'll be honest and say that this little quirk didn't bother me at all. I can manage to keep the thought in my head that long while I "wait" the whole 3 seconds for the page to turn. Additionally, BN has mentioned an automatic software update after the first of the year to address this issue.

After reading for about 30- 45 minutes I had no eyestrain, I wasn't tired from holding the Nook (which is a little bit heavier than your standard paperback) and turning the page by pushing the arrow was automatic. The only thing that bugged me was if I accidentally brushed the bottom screen and turned it on -- it's backlit so the brightness was annoying. It goes to sleep after a little but, but I did it twice and was irritated. My own fault, really. Gotta keep those lazy thumbs in place, lol!

Okay, moving on...

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I pretty much started and finished my Christmas shopping yesterday. I made three stops around town: L. L. Bean outlet (got DH and Dd their gifts), Bead It! (for supplies to make earrings and a necklace for my best friend -- I need to get a move on, she lives in California and no, she doesn't read this blog, lol), Michaels (for more beading supplies and something else that I can't say because the person it's for DOES read this blog) and Agway (got DD one gift and several stocking stuffers for the entire family). Then, at home I shopped at Amazon and Bella Sara for DD. Now, I just need to go to Samaritan's Purse and make various donations in other people's names for all of my in-laws and do a little more online shopping for two other family members. Easy peasy. Best thing? I didn't have to deal with crowds!! I absolutely refuse to go to the mall, or any where near it, until after January 1st. Now I just need to get my Christmas cards out. They are right here, next to me, and have been for a while -- I wish they'd address themselves. *sigh*

One thing I discovered yesterday is that I have little use for over the top sweet lovey-dovey-ness. At Michaels, there was a couple there shopping. The lady said something derogatory about herself and the man said, "If you weren't like that you wouldn't be you, and I love you the way you are."

Okay... that was kinda sweet and I could deal. But then THIS happened:

"Aww.. you love me?" In a little girl voice.

"Just a little bit." In a 'you're a cute puppy' voice.

"Really?" Leaning in and smoochy-smoochy.

"Okay, I love you a whole lot."

More smoochy-smoochy and then more "I'm so glad you love me." "Of course I love you."

BLECH.

I nearly went into a diabetic coma from all the sugar. And I made a point to get the heck out of the aisle until they stopped. Ick.

Clearly, I'm not as much of a romantic as I might think.

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You Are the Thimble

You are a very resourceful and crafty person. Some may even call you cunning. You are always looking for opportunities to get ahead. You are very creative and original. You like to survey each situation and carefully plan your move. You have a good instinct for defense. You like to protect what's yours, and you never take on too much at once. You believe in holding back until the time is right.

What Monopoly Piece Are You?

Hmmm... mostly right!

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Monday!

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

It's MONDAY!!! After a very long weekend, during which I barely left the house because of the weather (I do my very best to NOT drive in snow) I'm celebrating the return to normalcy (or what passes for normal in my house).

I still haven't even started my Christmas shopping. I'm a bad, bad wife-mother-sister-daughter-niece-aunt-friend -- I have a list (I've even checked it twice *g*), but I haven't gotten my butt in gear and done the shopping. The worst part? I plan on doing 90% off it online!! I don't even have to leave this chair. Sheesh.

I will (I WILL) get it done today. Dang it.

How about you? Christmas shopping? Do you do it? Have you done it? Any hints?

I have one hint: Instead of shipping via the post office (where the lines are already insane), use your local UPS store. I had to mail something out the other day -- I had one thing going UPS cuz it was cheaper (the heavy stuff? SO much cheaper via UPS Ground than USPS, just saying), and saw that they ship via regular mail, too. They add a tiny surcharge for the service, but IMHO walking in and getting helped ASAP as opposed to waiting behind 10 - 15 people with piles of packages was worth it. I don't know if your UPS store is this "un-busy", but you should check it out.

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After much agony and see-sawing back and forth, I decided to tell DD about Santa. She cried for a minute (childhood lost... it broke my heart a bit) and then her sense of magic took over. I told her that we, as older people, were charged with keeping the spirit of Santa alive, and to keep Christmas magical for children. She's totally into "magical" and is so excited now. She did pepper me with questions:

"What about the letters to Santa? Where do they go?"

"Who eats the cookies?" -- this one still has her baffled, because I told her I didn't eat them ... I didn't! DH did, but for some reason that answer hasn't occurred to her yet.

And lots more, but all-in-all, it went better than I thought. It hasn't translated over to the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy yet. We'll see if it clicks in her brain at some point in the future.

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You Are Brie

You are sophisticated and elegant. You know how to carry yourself well. And while you make a great entrance, you don't make a lot of fuss. You are really quite laid back and mellow. You don't have a care in the world, and you're not going to get worked up about anything. You are a natural romantic, and you have a tendency to day dream. You find it easy to go to your "happy place."

What Kind of Cheese Are You?

Uh.. no. *Maybe* the "You are a natural romantic, and you have a tendency to day dream", but the rest? So wrong...

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