The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on my blog and share news about what’s coming up in the week ahead.
This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
We finally got the floors refinished (after our plumbing emergency at the end of last year) and now we’re working on putting up new doors and trim and repainting. Choosing all the options for everything was basically miserable at first—I am not a designer, and I second-guess everything. We kept going back and forth on what we were going to do, both with the paint colors and the trim. And we’ve been trying to pick everything quickly so we can get the house put back together (and to take care of the 11% rebate at Menards). But last night we came up with what we think is the perfect plan—we’re going with craftsman style trim. It’s a bit more work (and it meant that we had to run back to the store and return all the golden oak we’d bought and purchase poplar in a different finish), but we are now super excited about what we’re going to do. Whenever we buy furniture, we buy mission style, so this matches our style perfectly (at some point we might even do some more updates, but those are in the future).
I didn’t do quite as well with my other goals this week since we were very preoccupied with picking out and buying stuff for the redesign. I’m hoping I can make up for it some tomorrow. Luckily, I had a couple of posts already scheduled—they saved me, as far as the blog goes and I was able to spend blogging time on replying and commenting back!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog since my last Sunday Post:
- The Cybils Awards Finalists! Which Books Do You Hope Will Win?
- Six Degrees of Separation: Daisy Jones & the Six to The Others Series
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries for this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, it’s easy! Just fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- January 28th – Emily @ Emily The Book Nerd‘s Birthday
- January 28th – The Frozen Library‘s Blogoversary
- January 29th – a GREAT read‘s Blogoversary
- January 31st – Feed Your Fiction Addiction’s Blogoversary!!!!! (Watch for a celebration giveaway!)
- February – Carrie @ Cat on the Bookshelf‘s Birthday
- February – Emily The Book Nerd‘s Blogoversary
Book Haul:
For Review:
I did get a couple of things this week, but I didn’t have time to take pics, so I’ll update you next week!
Great Discussions/Goings On Around the Blogosphere:
- Lauren @ Shooting Stars Mag has posted her latest auction to support First Reads: An annotated copy of Switchback by Danika Stone
Pre-order Campaigns
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so they might not be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- Pre-order DIAMOND CITY by Francesca Flores to receive a signed diamond-designed bookplate, a glossy bookmark, and a letter from the author to you. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (INT)(ends 1/27)
- Pre-order SPELLHACKER by M.K. England to receive a bookmark, two stickers, a signed bookplate (If you preorder from Fountain Bookstore, your book will also be hand-signed), a postcard, an emailed PDF with a printable SPELLHACKER-themed card to give as a gift, and a Disasters short story. (INT)(ends 1/27)
- Pre-order DON’T READ THE COMMENTS by Eric Smith OR request it from your local library to receive an enamel pin, a signed bookplate with pixel art, and a laptop decal! There’s also an option for teachers and book clubs to receive a Skype visit or have the author come to your classroom (read the details on his site). (INT)(ends 1/27)
- Pre-order THIS VICIOUS CURE by Emily Suvada to receive three signed (and personalized, if desired) bookplates and three signed bookmarks – one for each book in the series. (US residents can also get a signed postcard for ordering THIS MORTAL COIL or THIS CRUEL DESIGN.) (INT)(ends 1/28)
- Pre-order ALL THE STARS AND TEETH by Adalyn Grace to receive a Keel Haul limited edition pin and a signed bookplate! (US only)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order THE STARS WE STEAL by Alexa Donne to receive a digital, exclusive bonus short story. US pre-orders will also receive 2 bookmarks, a limited edition art print, a signed bookplate, and a limited edition “half agony, half hope” Persuasion laptop sticker. (US/INT)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order BELOW by Alexandria Warwick to receive a digital swag pack, including complete annotations, an extended scene, Inuit resources used for research, early art inspiration/images/aesthetics, and two scenes from the North series book 2. Paperback pre-orders will also receive a signed limited edition World of the North card. (INT)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order CHIRP by Kate Messner to receive a class set of bookmarks and a poster! (US/CAN)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order THE GRAVITY OF US by Phil Stamper to receive a signed bookplate that’s been sent to space! (US/Can only)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order BELLE REVOLTE by Linsey Miller to receive a signed FIREreads bookplate, 4 character cards and an exclusive print of the map of Demeine! (US/Can)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN by Melissa De La Cruz to receive one of two exclusive enamel pins. (US only)(ends 2/3)
- Pre-order MALICE by Pintip Dunn from One More Page Books to receive a personalized autograph, a button, and two different bookmarks. (ends 2/3)
- Pre-order THE SISTERS GRIMM by Menna Van Prang to receive a tote bag and four postcards featuring the sisters (first 500 entries). Everyone will also be entered to win a grand prize. (UK only)(ends 2/5)
- Pre-order HOW TO SPEAK BOY by Tiana Smith OR request it from your local library to receive a X♡X♡ leather notebook, a X♡X♡ tin of mints and a mini bookmark! (US only)(ends 2/7)
- Pre-order YES NO MAYBE SO by Aisha Saeed and Becky Albertalli OR request it from your local library to receive a signed postcard featuring scenes from the cover art. (INT)(ends 2/8)
- Pre-order NIGHT SPINNER by Addie Thorley OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, a quote sticker, and an exclusive character art print. The first 50 US pre-orders will also receive an exclusive book band! (INT)(ends 2/10)
- Pre-order THE BORGIA CONFESSIONS by Alyssa Palombo to receive bookmarks and a signed bookplate! (INT)(ends 2/10)
- Pre-order IF YOU ONLY KNEW by Prerna Pickett OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookmark, IYOK themed stickers, and a pin! You’ll also be entered to win a giveaway. (US only)(ends 2/10)
- Pre-order BEGINNERS WELCOME by Cindy Baldwin OR request it from your local library to receive a digital download of sheet music and recording for “Beginners Welcome” song, a bookmark, and a sticker. If you pre-order from any retailer, you’ll also get a signed bookplate. Pre-orders through AnnieBlooms.com will also receive a music-themed elastic charm bookmark. Plus, teachers and librarians ordering for their class can get a special gift. (ends 2/11 for library 2/18 for pre-orders)
- Pre-order THE GOBLETS IMMORTAL by Beth Overmyer to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a mini replica of the silver sword that makes an appearance throughout the book. (ends 2/12)
- Pre-order STORM FROM THE EAST by Joanna Hathaway to receive exclusive bonus scenes from Dark of the West. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (INT)(ends 2/15)
- Pre-order BREAK THE FALL by Jennifer Iacopelli OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookmark and a teal Sexual Assault Awareness enamel pin! (INT)(ends 2/17)
- Pre-order OF CURSES AND KISSES by Sandhya Menon to receive two GORGEOUS custom art postcards. (US only)(ends 2/17)
- Pre-order GLITCH KINGDOM by Sheena Boekweg OR request the book at your local library OR email the author fan art to receive five character art stickers, a bookmark, and a personalized and signed bookplate! You’ll also be entered to win a custom Funko Pop! (US only)(ends 2/17)
- Pre-order TO SLEEP IN A SEA OF STARS by Christopher Paolini to receive an art print! (US/Can)(ends 2/18, but other goodies will be available until April 14th)
- Pre-order THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US by Tricia Levenseller to receive a postcard pack featuring stunning character art by artist Diana Dworak.a postcard pack featuring stunning character art by artist Diana Dworak. (US/Can only)(INT)(ends 2/24)
- ***Pre-order THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA to receive a magnet featuring the book’s gorgeous cover art! (US/Can)(ends 2/24)
- Pre-order THE ADVENTURE ZONE: PETALS TO THE METAL by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Carey Pietsch to receive a digital version art print and an exclusive recording of the live show from the McElroys SDCC Book Launch for Murder on the Rockport Limited. You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (US/Can)(ends 2/29)
- ***Pre-order ANNA K by Jenny Lee to receive a twin hearts hair barrette. (US only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order THE VANISHING DEEP by Astrid Scholte to receive an exclusive waterproof phone pouch! (US only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order THE MIDNIGHT LIE by Marie Rutkoski to receive an art print signed by Marie! (US only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order WICKED AS YOU WISH by Rin Chupeco to receive a signed bookplate and an enamel pin. The first 500 submissions will also receive a character card of the book’s main character, Tala. (US/CAN only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order WITCHES OF ASH AND RUIN by E. Latimer from Books Inc. to receive a signed, personalized copy and witchy enamel pin. (ends 3/2)
- Pre-order HAVENFALL by Sara Holland to receive a silver key necklace and a “DO NOT DISTURB WHILE READING” door hanger bookmark! (US, Can, UK, Ire, Ind, Aust, NZ)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order CHAIN OF GOLD by Cassandra Clare to receive a limited edition wooden bookmark! (UK & ROI only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order CRESCENT CITY: HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD by Sarah J. Maas to receive an exclusive art print! (US, Can, UK, ROI, AUS, NZ, and India)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order THE KINGDOM OF BACK by Marie Lu to receive a custom book pouch! (US only)(ends 3/2)
- Pre-order THE RAVEN AND THE DOVE by Kaitlyn Davis to receive an exclusive double-sided art print! Print pre-orders will also receive a bookmark and a signed bookplate/sticker to attach to your book. (US only)(ends 3/8)
- Pre-order DEFY THE SUN by Jessika Fleck OR request it from your local library to receive a bookmark, a signed bookplate, and a custom dye-cut sticker. US pre-orders will also be entered to win a grand prize! (INT)(ends 3/9)
- Pre-order THE JABBERWOCKY PRINCESS by Cece Louise to receive two autographed bookmarks and a silver Forest Tales tree charm. (US only)(ends 3/11)
- Pre-order SPARROW by Mary Cecilia Jackson from Fountain Bookstore to receive a signed limited-edition bookplate and vellum bookmark and ballet charm. (ends 3/15)
- Pre-order THE ELECTRIC HEIR by Victoria Lee OR request it from your local library to receive an exclusive scene. Choose Hero to read an original Noam/Dara story set after TEH or Villain to read a young Calix + Adalwolf Lehrer novella deleted from TFK. (INT)(ends 3/16)
- Pre-order ALL YOUR TWISTED SECRETS by Diana Urban OR request it from your local library to receive a key necklace, a signed bookmark, a signed bookplate, and access to an exclusive author Q&A on 3/17. (US only)(ends 3/16)
- Pre-order DRAGON HOOPS by Gene Luen Yang to receive a downloadable print-at-home Gene Luen Yang READ poster. You’ll also be entered to win a limited edition Dragon Hoops mini backboard. (US/Can only)(ends 3/17)
- Pre-order THE DERBY DAREDEVILS by Kit Rosewater OR request it from your local library to receive a special letter about the pre-order (or libraries being awesome) and some fun facts about the book, a bookmark featuring a Daredevils player, an official roller derby glossary, and a blank postcard for dropping a line to friends. Pre-orders will also receive a signed bookplate and a die-cut sticker of the Daredevils logo! You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize. (ends 3/23)
- Pre-order SWORD IN THE STARS by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy to receive a Knights of the Rainbow enamel pin, a signed bookplate, and a digital bonus short story featuring the book’s characters. (US only)(ends 4/6)
- ***Pre-order THE PERFECT ESCAPE by Suzanne Park OR request it from your local library to receive a signed bookplate, and a sticker sheet and bookmark designed by the talented Korean-Am artist Lela Lee. (ends 4/7)
- Pre-order HEARING HAPPINESS: DEAFNESS CURES IN HISTORY by Jaipreet Virdi or request it from your local library to receive a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button a limited edition retro hearing aid advertisement button (first 100 submissions). You’ll also be entered to win a grand prize! (ends 4/30)
- ***Pre-order THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES by Suzanne Collins from Book People to receive a limited-edition Hunger Games patch. (ends 5/18)
- Pre-order THE EMPIRE OF GOLD by S.A. Chakraborty to receive a set of six pins featuring the tribal sigils of each tribe of Daevabad! (US only)(ends 6/29)
- Pre-order UNRAVEL THE DUSK by Elizabeth Lim to receive swag (to be announced later). (US only for now–but check back in future)(ends 7/13)
- Pre-order TRAITOR by Amanda McCrina OR request it from your local library to receive pre-order goodies (details forthcoming). (ends 8/24)
- Pre-order SCRITCH SCRATCH by Lindsay Curry to receive access to the exclusive content section of the author’s website, which includes a “sleuth sheet” to help solve the mysteries, a downloadable poster, a crossword puzzle and more! You’ll also be entered to win other prizes. (INT)(ends 8/31)
Awesome Giveaways:
Twitter Giveaways:
- Twitter Giveaways:
- @hybibliophiliac is giving away a book of your choice
- @UtopiaMind is celebrating her birthday by giving away a YA 2020 Pre-Order of your choice!
- @alexperc92 is celebrating her blogoversary by giving away up to 20 EUROS worth of books!
- @artsydraft is giving away a book of your choice
- On my blog, you can enter the giveaway for the December 2019 Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up & Make Me Read It Giveaway, and the January 2020 Discussion Challenge Link-Up & Giveaway. You can also enter to win Chosen by Kiersten White!
- Head over to Shooting Stars Mag for a chance to win A hardcover copy of HERE IN THE REAL WORLD and a paperback copy of PAX.
- Katie McGarry is giving away Signed copies of Echoes Between Us, Only a Breath Apart, Say You’ll Remember Me, Thunder Road series and the Pushing the Limits series
- Head over to Do You Dog-Ear for a chance to win SCAVENGE THE STARS
- Head over to Pink Polka Dot Book Blog for a chance to win FINDING MR BETTER-THAN-YOU
- Head over to We Live and Breathe Books for a chance to win THE HAND ON THE WALL by Maureen Johnson.
- Head over to Stuck in Books for a chance to win an ARC of American Royals, The Wicked King, Aru Shah and the Song of Death, STORM AND FURY, a Fire 8 and much more (check the sidebar)!
- Head over to Twirling Book Princess for a chance to win ROGUE PRINCESS, REAL PIGEONS FIGHT CRIME and an ECHOES BETWEEN US Storytellers BOX!
- Angela @ Angel’s Guilty Pleasures is celebrating her 6th blogoversary by giving away a 1 Month Audible Membership (worth $15) or Any book up to $15 from Amazon or BookDepository!
- Lots of blogs participating in the January of Books Giveaway Hop!
- Read It Forward does a weekly giveaway. This week you can enter to win The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
I guess I’m happy I don’t own my house. I don’t get to make many design decisions. That would be stressful. I hope you have a good week!
Ha! Yes, home ownership has definite benefits, but there are pitfalls too.
Ahh wow, all of the work you’re doing on the house is exciting. It has to be stressful a little bit and I can’t imagine choosing everything, either, it would take me ages to pick one thing haha, but I bet the final result will be great. I can’t wait to read all of your updates!
And your blogoversary is so soon, that’s exciting! 😀
I hope you’ll have a wonderful week <3
It’s definitely been a bit stressful, but it will all be worth it in the end!
You watch all those renovation shows, and they make it all look so fun and easy, but I hate having to make too many decisions. Though, I think I would really appreciate it all once the work was done, and I am sure you made spectacular choices for your home
Ha! Yes, the renovation shows kind of skim over the hard parts. 🙂
Some days I’m happy that I live in an apartment so if something happens they have to fix it because that just sounds like a pain.
Homeownership definitely has both benefits and drawbacks.
Redesigning a house is so much fun but it also takes a lot of time!!! But you’ll be so happy once it will be done 😉
Yes, sometimes it feels like we won’t ever be done!
I’m sort of in the same predicament now as we’re about to refinish our bathroom and there are a lot of choice ahead of me… and I just want to nap. Lol. It’s a lot of work!
So. Many. Choices. Good luck with your redesign! (I love the octagonal tiles, by the way.)
I really enjoy home projects and updating and redecorating but there always comes a point where I just want it DONE. 🙂 But it sounds like you’ll be really happy with your choice in the long run. And happy (upcoming) blogversary!
Yep, it sort of feels like there’s no end to these projects!
Glad you were finally able to make the design decisions. I’ve no eye for interior decorating either! I’d probably refer to my sister for an opinion on things if needed as she always had a more creative outlook on the everyday things! Lol.
Hope you enjoy whatever reads you did get!
Hope this week will be less chaotic for you too!
Here’s my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yeah, I just don’t trust my own judgment when it comes to design.
Congrats on the remodeling stuff! Those decisions are hard to make sometimes, for sure! Hope it all goes well- sounds like you guys have a plan. 🙂
Hope you have a great week!
Thanks! We’re moving along, but we’re far from finished!
Good luck for the final steps of renovations! I’m glad I’m renting, lol
I hope you still get reading time.
https://wordsandpeace.com/2020/01/26/sunday-post-22-1-26-2020/
Yes, sometimes it seems like renting would be a whole lot easier. LOL!
Home improvements are exhausting. It sounds like you are making some great choices. We have so many things that we have wanted to do to this house over the past 19 years and end up just focusing on emergency things. I hope you have a great week, Nicole!
Well, it was an emergency that pretty much forced us into making these updates. We’d been meaning for years to have the floor refinished but just never did it. With the plumbing issue, we finally had to do it. And insurance paid to have them remove and reapply the trim, so we figured now is the time to replace it. 🙂
That’s great you’ve figured out how you want to redesign things. I’m sure that’s some pressure off now!! Thanks so much for sharing my current auction and giveaway. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Yes, the pressure is off a bit … now we just have the actual work. 🙂
I hope with these decisions made the project is completed quickly 🙂
Wishing you a great reading week, and congrats on your upcoming blogoversary ?
“Quickly” is not a word I can ever associate with our projects. LOL!
Congrats on the house renovations! Stuff like that takes up so much more energy than we realize at the time.
Happy Blogiversary week!
Ha! Yes, that is very true. My house is now filled with random stuff, and I don’t know when it will be all cleared out again. I get the feeling it will be a good long while. :-0
At least the random stuff can be cleared out at a slower pace than the renovations? Hopefully it will go faster than you expect it to!
Let’s hope!