Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
My Week in Review
Happy last official Sunday of the summer! I know it's not the "real" end of summer, but this holiday weekend marks the end in these parts. August has kind of been a gift this year. Historically, this month is the dog-days of summer with its hot and humid days, but this year, it's been lovely. Still high 70s, low 80s in the day, rather dry (for up here), and cool in the evenings. I have had to weather some mornings in the 50s. I do have to deal with my layered struggle, but I cannot complain otherwise.
As previously mentioned, this is a holiday weekend. I will be enjoying this 3-day weekend, trying to get everything in order for my trip. My check in was finally accepted (on the 3rd try!), and I am excited to the time off. I am flying out Friday. We will be in London until Monday, but after that, I will sort of be off grid. I find the internet on the ships terrible. I thought it would be better since the last time I purchased it, but my daughter said it has not. I will most likely not be posting next week, but at least I will have lots to share when I get back.
I decided to keep my TBR library heavy, so I don't have to worry about writing review. My best work is done right after I finish a book when my feelings are fresh. I struggle writing reviews days or weeks later. And since I will be without internet, I don't have to worry about losing my library loans. LOL!
I do really need to get off the internet. I have too much anxiety for all the stuff that comes across my feed. But, I am also now the new owner of quite a few non-toxic items. My level of success has varied as I try o "clean" up my home. I have had more luck with home items than with health and beauty aids. For instance, the borosilicate mugs and pour over coffee maker are hits. I will admit that the coffee made using the pour over method is definitely less bitter than from my Keurig. I am taking the coffee out of the pods to use it all up, so it really is the method. The ones I used to add a little salt to in order to cut the bitter taste no longer need it. I also bought a set of Pyrex cook and store glassware. I love glass storage. Aside from the fact that it's non-toxic, the glass is easier to clean and doesn't stain. My grandma had it right. We really need to go back to the old ways with many things. I have a slew of plant based cleaners I am happy with, but I am trying a new bar soap. The other one was oddly sized. It worked fine, but was big and would not fit in my carrying case. I am trying out Dr. Bronner's bar soap because they had it at the market, but I have a few others I want to try. The $12 Curie deodorant works ok, but won't go beyond the work day. I NEED a shower in the morning. So, I am now using soap just for my armpit to detox. I think it helps. All I know, like eating healthy, living healthy is expensive.
I bought another pair of sneakers. Here's the thing, I don't like to wear athletic sneakers except for athletics. It's been challenging finding fashion sneakers with the support I need. I got a pair of ABEO sneakers. I found them via The Walking Company. I miss this store at the mall. They specialized in comfort shoes, and now I have to order online. I was able to get them shipped to Nordstrom, so at least returns are quick and easy. The sneakers are canvas and sort of cute, but the thing that made me order them was that they have the bump in the footbed for metatarsal support which is vital for for me. They felt good in the store when I picked them up, and I wore them for while at home. I will be bringing a back up with me on vacation, but I am hopeful these work out.
On the Blog
Let's Discuss
- Jen suggests some DIY halloween costumes
- The Orangutan Librarian shares sensational audiobooks
- Carol has a list of books to get you out of a slump
Stacking the Shelves
A light week. The Stacy Finz book was on sale, so I grabbed it. I have enjoyed her books in the past. I am thinking I may download the Ladies in Waiting anthology. I am not an Austen fan, per se, or an anthology fan, but there are a lot of great authors involved. This could be good.
Purchased/Free
- Nothing Less Than Magic by Stacy Finz
Invites
- The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin
- Ladies in Waiting by Audrey Bellezza, Emily Harding, Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, Adriana Trigiani, Nikki Payne, Elinor Lipman & Diana Quincy
Read Last Week
Finally! A book got 5-stars from me. It isn't that the books I have been reading are bad, they are good, just not as good as I expect them to be. I really have no tolerance for agenda pushing in books these days either. I am already fatigued from that constant chatter in the news and online. I did have a clear favorite and it was Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson. This book was outlandish, hilarious, and heartwarming. I had a great time traveling with the Hill siblings.
Find all my reviews on Goodreads
Books
- Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca - ★★★★
- The Goode Girls of Maple Lane by Jaqueline Firkins - ★★★★
- We Met Like This by Kasie West - ★★★★
- You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan - ★★★★
- Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr - ★★★★
Audiobooks
- Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson - ★★★★★
Currently Reading
- The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden
- Formula Chance by Sawyer Bennett
To Be Read
- The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O'Clover
- Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer
- The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White
- The Proposal Project by Donna Marchetti
Let us know in the comments!
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