Last Day of the Year

Well, 2012 has come to an end.  Where did the time go?  What can we look forward to next year?  No one can answer that for sure, but I hope everyone has a great new year.  It's a hour and half still until we ring in the new year here on the West Coast.

What do you plan on doing next year?  Again, it's hard to tell, but I sure hope for some things (too many to mention!) to be different this year.  I really don't believe in making resolutions.  Those who do, do you ever keep them, or even remember what they were after a while?

I need to change my blog template. Been so busy with other things that something like this is one of the last things on my mind.  But I will get it done.  And tomorrow I will get my Christmas stuff put away till next year.  I will have had it up for all this month as my fiber-optic tree and lights went up on December 1.

Be safe tonight and have a happy new year. Here's to 2013!

Color Coded Challenge 2013

OK, just  one more reading challenge for next year, at least for now.  I've been debating whether to join this one.   Well, I decided to do it.   This one is hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block.  To sign up, visit this link.  Below are the details copied from the blog:

Last year I had several folks either discover this reading challenge late in the game or who enjoyed it so much that they asked me to host again.  Just this week I've had requests from the color fans asking for another round. So, for your challenge reading pleasure, I will once again host The Color Coded Reading Challenge beginning January 2013.  Since this is my third year in, I've loosened the categories up a bit--I will now accept any shade of the required colors.

Here are the rules:

*Read nine books in the following categories.

1. A book with "Blue" or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title.

2. A book with "Red" or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title.

3. A book with "Yellow" or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.)in the title.

4. A book with "Green" or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title.

5. A book with "Brown" or any shade of Brown (Tan, Chocolate, Beige, etc) in the title.

6. A book with "Black" or any shade of Black (Jet, Ebony, Charcoal, etc) in the title.

7. A book with "White" or any shade of White (Ivory, Eggshell, Cream, etc) in the title.

8. A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Silver, Pink, Magneta, etc.).

9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).

* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2013 will count.

*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.

*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.

*Please post about the challenge on your blog. Sign ups accepted until Nov 30, 2013.

*Please sign up using the Linky below. Give your name & blog (Example: Bev @ My Reader's Block) and use a direct link to your challenge post as your url. Please don't connect to just your home page.  Links to a list on GoodReads or other social media sites are also acceptable. 

*Please use the Review Page to post review links and a final wrap-up post when you finish the challenge.  (Review Page Link coming soon)  [Reviews are not required--but I would love to see what you think about the books that you've read if you do review.]

*No blog or GoodReads site? That's okay. Post a comment here to announce your entry into the challenge and when you have completed the challenge just post a comment at the review site with a list of your books.

Foodies Read 2013 Challenge

OK, so I'm signing up for another challenge.  This one is the Foodies Read Challenge, hosted by Foodies Read blog.  I plan to read some culinary mysteries for this (will also read those for the Cruising thru the Cozies challenge), since books can cross over between challenges.  I've gotten into reading these books recently and will go with the Sous Chef level, though I have a feeling I may go over that many books.  Below are the details of the challenge, copied from the Foodies Read blog:

Foodies Read 2013 Challenge: Sign Up Here

Margot @ Joyfully Retired has decided that she no longer wants to continue with the Foodies Read challenge. She offered me the chance to start hosting the challenge, which I am thrilled to do.

Many of us who love to eat also love to read. But we go beyond that. We love to read about food. If that is you, then you are invite to join us in the Foodies Read Challenge for 2013. This is the second year in which we’ll indulge ourselves with good food writing.

If you are new to a food/reading challenge, you may be wondering – what is a “food book”? A food book is a book which is centered around food and/or drinks. That could be a cookbook, a food biography or memoir, a non-fiction book focused around a specific food, wine, chef or restaurant. Also allowed is a fictional story in which food plays a major role.

Here’s how the challenge works:
1. Decide how many food books you want to read in 2013. Pick one of the reading levels below. Remember, this is a challenge, so try pushing yourself.

Levels:
Short-Order Cook: 1 to 3 books
Pastry Chef: 4 to 8 books
Sous-Chef: 9 to 13 books
Chef de Cuisine: 14 to 18
Cordon-Bleu Chef: More than 19

2. Grab the challenge button and write a post on your blog so we can spread the word. No blog? That’s okay. Sign up in the comments section.

3. After you read each book for the challenge, come back here and tell us about it. Click on the correct category for your book (on the menu bar) and post the link to your review. We’ll use the same categories as last year: Cookbooks, Memoirs/Biographies, Fiction, and Nonfiction. I’ll also include a page where you link up your Challenge Wrap-Up post.

Guidelines:
The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2013.
You don’t need a pre-selected list of books.
It’s okay to cross over with other challenges.
Any book format is allowed (print, audio, ebook)

Quiz: How Did Your Year Rate?

You Had a Fantastic Year!

Compared to most years, last year was definitely great. Overall, you're living a much better life than you were twelve months ago. And nothing is a better mark of a good year. Here's to hoping next year is even better!

How Did Your Year Rate?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Romance Reading Challenge 2013

I've joined yet another reading challenge for 2013. I chose this one because romance is one of my favorite reading genres.  I plan to try different kinds, including modern, historical, supernatural, and even gay romances.  This challenge is hosted by The Book worm.  To sign up, visit this link.  

Below are the details copied from the Bookworm's blog:

Don't go far off, not even for a day, because --

because -- I don't know how to say it: a day is long

and I will be waiting for you, as in an empty station

when the trains are parked off somewhere else, asleep.

Don't leave me, even for an hour, because

then the little drops of anguish will all run together,

the smoke that roams looking for a home will drift

into me, choking my lost heart.

-Pablo Neruda

I started the Romance Reading Challenge in 2008 and I always enjoy hosting it.
I want to say a big "thank you!" to all who join, it's a nice thing to see this challenge generate interest and inspire people to read a little romance.

Without further ado, here are the rules:

1. The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.
2. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.
3. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.
All kinds of books count, ebooks and audiobooks too.
If you are looking for suggested reading see Best Romance Novels Today or Romance Novels on Wiki or check out Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Jane Austen, Nicholas Sparks and Nora Roberts, to name a few. 

4. Read your book selections at your own pace in 2012 then post the link to your review(s). You don't need to have a blog, posting your reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing counts as well. If you do have a blog and are joining us, please consider linking back to this post either with text or with one of the buttons provided below to help spread the word.

I hope you will join us! Happy reading :)

---------------------------------------------

This year, I am hosting two giveaways for those who participate. One winner will be announced on February 14th, Valentines Day. The other winner will be announced on June 1st.

The giveaway prize is:
 A $15.00 U.S. Amazon Gift E-Card or a  $15.00 U.S. Barnes & Noble Gift E-Card.



To enter to win:
1. Sign up for the Romance Reading Challenge 2013.
2. You have to have a minimum of one book read and reviewed for the challenge. Everyone who joins the RRC this year and has at least one book read and reviewed for the challenge will be eligible to win a gift card. Each book read and reviewed for the RRC gives you one entry. So the more books you read and review, the more times your name will go in the draw. I'll use Mr. Linky to keep track of books reviewed so make sure to link your reviews there.
3. Leave me a comment on this post with your valid email addy. Let me know which gift e-card you prefer.
4. I will announce the winning name at my blog on the two dates I mentioned. I will also notify the winner via email. If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours, the first runner up will be chosen.

Good luck and happy reading! Contest is open worldwide.

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013

This challenge is hosted by Socrates Book Reviews.  To sign up, visit this link.   I've been reading a lot of cozies lately and this is perfect for me.  I'm going for Level 3.
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The details, copied from the blog:

Welcome to the third annual Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge! I'm still loving the cozies and this is one of the few challenges I plan to continue hosting.

To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries. This challenge is NOT restricted to what is on their list, it's just to be used as a guideline in case you need some hints on what to read.

So, here are the rules...

1. Choose the level you wish to participate:

Level 1 - Snoop - Read at least 6 books

Level 2 - Investigator - Read 7-12 books

Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books

2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 and ends December 31, 2013.

3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.

4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!

5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.

NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books. If you belong to a site like Goodreads and review the books there, that's fine too. Just leave us the link.

6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below. Just click here. Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.

7. I'm going to have one link for signing up, one link for completed reviews and one link for your wrap up posts. I won't be having a monthly link, just one for all reviews read for this challenge.

I'm not going to be using the Cruisin' thru the Cozies blog I started last year. I'm going to keep it simple with everything at this blog. Too many blogs was getting confusing :)

Have fun!

EDITED 12/11/13************ WRAP-UP

"Goldy Bear" books 1 -17 by Diane Mott Davidson
Classified as Murder by Miranda James
Nine Lives Last Forever by Rebecca M. Hale
Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines
Family Skeletons by Rett MacPherson
50% Off Murder by Josie Belle
Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves
From Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Apple Turnover Murder
Key Lime Pie Murder
Plum Pudding Murder
Peach Cobbler Murder
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Cinnamon Roll Murder

Library Books Reading Challenge 2013

hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair

Sign- up here

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but we also need space to keep them. I've started using the library (again) but couldn't find a challenge to help me. Here it is. There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!

 Requirements:

• choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
• check books out of the library
• books may overlap with other challenges
• any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
• reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is.
• a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in

Levels:

• board book - 3
• picture book - 6
• early reader - 9
• chapter book - 12
• middle grades - 18
• Young adult - 24
• adult - 36
• just insert IV - 50 

I will likely aim for 36, but I may go up later.  I get most of my books from the library. 

Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 2013

I decided to host this challenge again, even though I made no headway at all last year with it. LOL Still, I love series books and I really need to catch up. I hope some of you will join in with me. Here's the info...

It's a challenge for all those series books you started at some point and haven't finished. I know I'll start a series and read the first book, then get distracted with other books and never get back to the series. Before I know it, the series has 10 books - I get overwhelmed and don't go back to it. Now, I want to finish a couple.

Here are the rules guidelines.

1) All books that are part of a continuing series qualify (i.e. Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, James Patterson's Alex Cross, etc. etc.)

2) It doesn't matter if you have 1 or 10 books in a series to complete it, it qualifies (i.e. if you only need to read one more Sookie Stackhouse book to complete the goal, that's fine) The goal is to complete a series from wherever you are up to until the last published book.

3) The qualification period is January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Books must be read during this time frame to count.

4) Take the button above and post about it. Use the Mr. Linky below to sign up and make sure you link it directly to your post about this challenge. (Note: I'm not going to be using the Finishing the Series Blog I created last year. I'm going to keep everything here.)

5) If you don't have a blog, that's fine. Just leave a comment to sign up and tell us what you are reading.

IF YOU WANT TO LINK UP YOUR REVIEWS OR, FOR THOSE WITHOUT A BLOG, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW.

6) Any format of book counts - audio, ebook, etc.

7) You should choose the series you want to finish before the challenge begins, but it isn't necessary. It's fine to change series during the year - as long as you complete whichever series it is.

8) Choose a level....

Level 1 - Complete 1 series.
Level 2 - Complete 2 series.
Level 3 - Complete 3 or more series.

I'm going to try for Level 1. This is my first time doing any reading  challenges, and am having a hard time locating some books necessary to finish a series.  I've started a few that I want to finish, and some that are still not complete as of yet.  I have not decided which one, and if I can I will try to complete more of them.  

To sign up, go to this link.


******EDITED FOR WRAP-UP on 12/11/13*******

Here are the series that I completed this year.  Some I'd started before the beginning of the year, others I unexpectedly started.

Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Matched by Ally Condie
Stefan's Diaries by L.J. Smith
Vampire Diaries: Hunters Series by L.J Smith
Infernal Devices By Cassandra Clare
Immortals by Alyson Noel
Millenium by Stieg Larsson
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Hope everyone has a great holiday, whether they celebrate tomorrow or tonight.  I don't expect to be blogging tomorrow (just checking and reading them), so in case that is true, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in advance.

I'll be off to my aunt's house for our Christmas Eve dinner and gift game in about two hours.  I've already gotten my presents from my mom today.  Got a Barnes and Noble gift card, as I'd been hoping,  as well as one for our local cinema, and some other things.  More on that later, as I still have more presents to get.  Perhaps I will do a gift recap after tomorrow.

Today was weird, as it did not feel like Monday since I was not at work today.  I won't be back till Wednesday.  I don't know what items we could possibly receiving right after Christmas. and inventory should be happening soon.  But enough about for now.

While waiting at home before my family's celebration, I did some reading and walked across the street to the Quick Stop for  lotto ticket.  As is often true, I didn't win, but it was fun trying.

Once again, have a Merry Christmas, everyone!

Quiz: What Holiday Drink Are You?

You Are Cider

Your holiday personality is cozy. The holidays are your favorite time to stay home, stay warm, and spend time with those you love. You don't need a lot to make you happy over the holidays. Seeing an old relative or favorite holiday film is enough to make your day.

What Holiday Drink Are You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

More Netflix Christmas Envelopes

Quiz: What Christmas Carol Are You?

Your Christmas Song Is "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"

Grandma got run over by a reindeer Walking home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there's no such thing as Santa, But as for me and Grandpa, we believe. You're not looking to the family holiday thing... Unless someone gets run over by a reindeer!

What Christmas Carol Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Quiz: What is Your Elf Name?

Your Elf Name Is: Floppy Mc Mini

Son of a nutcracker!

What's Your Elf Name?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

We're Still Here...

The Mayans thought the world was to end today, but we're all still here.  Last night (in the Pacific US time zone. where I'm located) photos from the other side of the globe, including some from Japan and New Zealand, began appearing on Facebook, saying that they are still there (as it was already the next day on that side of the globe).  It seems as if the Mayans didn't know about the different time zones in the world.  Tomorrow has already begun in some parts of the world, so obviously we're all still here.

The song "It's the End of the World As We Know It" began playing in my head awhile ago. I haven't heard it in years, but I'm now wondering how many people were thinking of this when today approached, whenever that was for each person (again, the time zone differences around the world).

The world hasn't ended.

Wish Lists: This Week's Assignment from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers

Sou

Here is this week's assignment from the League:

The big guy is on his way! What’s on your Christmas wish list this year? 

Gift cards seem to be popular.  You can find them for all different retailers on kiosks at stores such as Safeway.  I seems to be wishing for one every year,  especially as I pass by the aforementioned kiosk at Safeway.

I've gotten many in past years. Last year, I got one from Barnes and Noble.  As much as  I love reading,  it took me several months to spend the card as I was always having trouble deciding what tog et.  Years before the Barnes and Noble store nearest me (in Gilroy, CA) came around, I would of ten go to the Borders store in Seaside, CA for books and DVDs.  I last went to that store in the summer of 2010, not knowing it would be my last visit ever.  With B&N having come to a closer town,  and with having to commute to Gilroy for work, getting to Seaside was hard to do (think of gas!), so going to Borders was hard.  The lady at Borders even asked me if I had tried the B&N store. I had, but was unable to find what I was looking for.  Anyhow, long before the B&N store had opened in Gilroy,  I recall getting at least one Borders gift card.

One year, I received cards for Safeway, Kmart (yes, I still have one of those), Rite Aid,  Subway, and Target--all favorite places of mine.  This year, I'm hoping for at least one of those, and one from Barnes and Noble, as there are many books I'm hoping to read soon, and possibly one from Lane Bryant, where I've been going recently to get certain clothing items :-) I've actually gotten a early present this year, a Target card,  which I've already used. The DVD of "Rock of Ages" was on sale at Target two weeks ago, as was that of "Moonrise Kingdom."  I saw both of these movies over the summer and loved them both, so I snagged both of them while they were on sale.

I've also, in past years, received the gift cards from the different credit card companies, though in my case I've only ever gotten the VISA ones.  They also make these for Mastercard and American Express. These can be used anywhere that accepts the credit cards.  If you're looking to give someone a gift card but am not sure what store(s) or website(s) to get them for, try one of these or this--the My Choice Card from Safeway.  The buyer chooses the amount, and the recipient exchanges the card at Safeway for one or more cards their choice (if choosing more than one, the value of each must add up to the amount on the My Choice card).  These are always good stocking stuffers.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Here are some of the other Leaguers' wish lists:
Monster Cafe
Fortune and Glory Days
Infinite Hollywood
Goodwill Geek
That Figures
Cool and Collected

Quiz: Which of the 12 Days of Christmas Are You?

You Are Four Calling Birds

For you, the holidays are a time of sweet celebration. And you love to sing your favorite holiday songs. You are a joyful person, and your joy multiplies during the holidays. You have so much to be happy about. Your holiday wish is for good times with friends, fun, food, and of course, music. You celebrate throughout the whole season. You truly cherish this time of year.

Which of the 12 Days of Christmas Are You?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Quiz: What Kind of Christmas Card Are You?

You Are a Cute Christmas Card

You love the holidays, and it's hard for you to feel any sort of seasonal burnout. You're the person who thinks the holidays don't start soon enough. You have your Christmas cards picked out months in advance. The holidays make you feel happy and content. You're tickled by every gift you receive and every old friend you reconnect with. You are a thoughtful gift giver, and you take the time to make each object you give unique and special. You like to see someone's eyes light up when they open your present.

What Kind of Christmas Card Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

2013 Audio Book Challenge

Photo credit: Jeff Golden

Welcome to the Original Audio Book Challenge. This challenge is for Audio Book lovers as well as those who are brand new to them.

There are five levels to the challenge

• Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
• Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
• Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
• Married-Listen to more than 25 Audio Books
• You Define the Relationship- Create your own challenge (choose your own name and level starting as low or going as high as you’d like)

This is a fairly laid back challenge and I want it to be as enjoyable as possible.

• Audio Books can be any genre
• You can cross challenges
• You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. You can tell us about what you are listening to in the comments of the monthly link up.

There will be a monthly link up so that we can share what we’ve listened to and make suggestions to each other.

I hope I’ve enticed you to join in the 2013 Audio Book Challenge. I’m really looking forward to reading your reviews and experiences over the next year.

Official Challenge dates: 1/1/2013-12/31/2013

___________________________________________________________________________

Last year, after Googling something, I discovered several reading challenges on several blogs. I then decided to look for some to try for 2013.  Last year I started getting into the idea of audio books. Until last year or so, I'd slacked on reading printed books (and am still not into the idea of e-readers). IN years past, I'd ever even considered audiobooks, until I started reading the "Stephanie Plum" books last year. I got most of then form the library, and one of them was not available as a printed book, but as an audiobook, so in order to read this one, I had to get the audiobook.  It was quite fun.  I've only listened to four other audiobook this year so far, but want to try more next year.  I came across a book on CD at my library last year called "The Monsters of Templeton." It's quite good, and if you like historical fiction, ghost stories, and/or contemporary romance, this story combines all of those, and is worth reading (or listening to, if you prefer).  

To join this challenge, sign up here.

Quiz: The Wrapping Paper Test

You are Lively and Inspiring

You approach the holidays with lots of energy and enthusiasm. It's definitely your favorite time of the year. You are quite social during the holidays. You go to lots of events and get in touch with everyone you know. While so much activity would make most people exhausted, it only energizes you more. Of all the types, you are the most likely to treat your friends and family to expensive gifts. You're also the most likely to wrap your gifts elegantly and simply.

The Wrapping Paper Test

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Quiz: What Christmas Tree Are You?

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

2013 Mount TBR Reading Challenge

As I mentioned last year, I am a bookaholic.  I can't let a bookstore (used or new, it doesn't matter) go by without stopping in ("just to look") and walking out with at least something--if not an armload. I wait all year for the Red Cross Book Sale in October so I can cart them out by the bagful. And, well, that means that I wind up with gigantic piles of TBR books stacked up around my backroom. I don't have a TBR shelf. Oh, no. I have "Mount TBR"...actually a whole mountain range.  And it doesn't matter that I've just spent the last year working on my mountain range with the Mount TBR Reading Challenge.  They just keep on sprouting up.
 
So, once again, I plan to concentrate on reading primarily from my own books this year. And you're invited to join me in knocking out some of those books that have been waiting in the wings for weeks....months...even years.

Challenge Levels (I've adjusted the levels just slightly this year):

Pike's Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Vancouver: Read 36 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR piles/s
Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 60 books from your TBR pile/s
El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Everest: Read 100 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Olympus (Mars): Read 150+ books from your TBR pile/s

And the rules:
*Once you choose your challenge level, you are locked in for at least that many books. If you find that you're on a mountain-climbing roll and want to tackle a taller mountain, then you are certainly welcome to upgrade.

*Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.

*You may sign up anytime from now until November 30th, 2013.

*Books must be owned by you prior to January 1, 2013. No ARCs (none), no library books. No rereads. [To clarify--based on a question raised last year--the intention is to reduce the stack of books that you have bought for yourself or received as presents {birthday, Christmas, "just because," etc.}. Audiobooks and E-books may count if they are yours and they are one of your primary sources of backlogged books.]


*You may count any "currently reading" book that you begin prior to January 1--provided that you had 50% or more of the book left to finish in 2013.  I will trust you all on that.

*Books may be used to count for other challenges as well.

*Feel free to submit your list in advance (as incentive to really get those books taken care of) or to tally them as you climb.

*A blog and reviews are not necessary to participate. If you have a blog, then please post a challenge sign up and link THAT post (not your home page) into the linky below. Non-bloggers, please leave a comment declaring your challenge level--OR, if you are a member of Goodreads, I will once again put together a group for the challenge there. Feel free to sign up HERE.  And, finally, I am contemplating a review tracker for this year.  I will post a link if that works out.

I decided to sign up for this reading challenge at the Mount Blanc Level.  I havev at least 26 books at home I have yet to read.  

To sign up, visit this link.  The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

Quiz: What Holiday Cookie Are You?

You Are Biscotti

You are a very direct, honest person. You don't have time for dramatics or emotional pleas. You feel most comfortable in the intellectual realm, especially with science and technology. You are good at understanding difficult subjects. Understanding people? Not so much.

What Holiday Cookie Are You?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Netflix Christmas Envelopes

The Netflix envelopes have been using the Christmas envelopes since just before Thanksgiving.  These two designs are what I've seen as of yet. That first one reminds me of a knitted Christmas sweater.