(Review) Dead Bird Through The Cat Door

Title: Dead Bird Through The Cat Door
ISBN:9781926691152
Author:Markley, Jan
Publisher:Gumboot Books
Pages: 173

Source: Received this book from the author.

Synopsis:
Kids can change the world - even if it is one bird at a time.Dead birds? Stolen cats? Things get personal when Cyd and Jane's cat, Yin, gets kidnapped. They turn to technology and Shakespeare to help solve the mystery. Written with charm and wit that will appeal to both young and old, Dead Bird Through the Cat Door is a well-crafted mystery story that shares an important environmental message.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the second book in the Megabyte Mystery series by Jan Markley. I should point out that you really don't need to read Dead Frog on The Porch to follow the series.

I really enjoyed this book too. Cyd and Jane are back to solve another mystery that involves dead birds and stolen cats. Along with a new mystery is a few new characters such as Aviary Finch, Souris Vole, Kitty Katze, and Cygnet Finch (Aviary's wife). Todd from the previous book returns in this one.

I love how Cyd and Jane are able to put the mystery in order. From decoding the characters names that fit into the story line such as birds, cats and a mouse to gradually putting all the clues together to solve the case. Kuddos to Jan for doing that.

The book opens up with Yin, Jane's cat coming through the cat door with a dead baby robin clutched in her teeth. Of course Jane being the animal lover gets upset. After the bird is buried they girls decide to head to the Wildwood Bird Sanctuary for a bike ride.

Once at the bird sanctuary the mystery begins. They spot Aviary running through the woods following what looks like a lynx, a butterfly net and the comments of one down and only about another three thousand to go. Wondering what he is up to the girls realize that this is there next mystery. What is Aviary up to?

In order to get closer to the case they girls decide that they should volunteer at the bird sanctuary. This is where they run into Todd again. I have to say I was curious as to how this would play out. Will Todd actually be a good guy or was there more to Todd then the girls knew?

On top of volunteering at the bird sanctuary, the girls mother would love if it the girls would visit a neighbor (Kitty Katze) who recently went into a old folks home and was forced to give up her beloved cat, Contessa Cuddles. The girls mother thinks it would be good if Jane brought Yin to visit her. Kitty is upset that her cat was brought to an animal shelter and Jane promises to get the cat back for her.

With quick thinking Jane manages to discover that Fitch has adopted the cat but wonders why? The convince Cygnet to take part in the cat show but once there alot more happens such as cats going missing since as Yin. The girls are still baffled and are quickly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together before its too late.

Will the girls be able to solve the mystery before all the birds end up dead?

Another aspect I loved was how Jan Incorporated Macbeth into the book and how it was fitted into the storyline. I have to say I am not a fan of Macbeth and read it when I was in high school. So I have to say I was lost in trying to figure out how it fitted into the storyline but thankfully I had Cyn and Jane to figure it out.


This is my favorite quote in the book:

Sure, I love animals, but I loved books more; they don't drool on you, and you don't have to throw them a tennis ball a hundred times a minute.

I thought I would share the trailer for the book.


The next book in the series is called Dead Bee in the Sarcophagus. Due to be released in the fall of 2011.

This is another book that I would highly recommend for middle grade girls who like Nancy Drew or if you think they will like Nancy Drew.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for my interview with Jan.

(January) Middle Grade Book Challenge

Are you reading middle grade books this month? If so, which titles and from which authors?

The rules again are really simply all you have to do is commit to reading 12+ Middle Grade books and posting your review and then coming back and sharing your link in this post. You have from now until December 2011 to complete this challenge.

Just add your blog link/name to the MckLinky below. Your blog name and book titles will be fine.

Just to let everyone know I have given it some thought and I think I am going to go ahead and do a monthly giveaway. Please note it won't be a big prize just because I will be mailing it so some ideas will be a gift card for coffee, a bookmark etc.

So the only rules are in order to qualify all you have to do is come back and link your reviews and for everyone you add for the month of December will count for one entry into the bowl.

Have fun and happy reading.

I have no winner for December. You will also notice that I have made a slight change to the challenge and that is it will now run from January to December 2011 instead of the way it was.

It's Monday What are you reading? #4

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Sheila fron One Person's Journey Through Books and Coffee is the blog host of this weekly meme. If you haven't already checked out Sheila's blog then you should hop over and say hi.

I think I had a pretty good reading week last week. I tried to balance it with some very light and quick reads. Here is what I read:




These were pretty fast reads and I wanted something light to read. Reviews are saved for a rainy day as these are library books.

My current read from last week was this book and I did finish it up. Look for a review of this book next week. I might also have an author interview. Working out the details as we speak.


This week I am currently reading and really enjoying:


I am hoping that I can get to:




I am trying to read my most recent aquired books first (from Dec & January). I love the concept for this meme as it will make me accoutable and on track. This is what I have read and will be reading, what about you?

The Mailbox Post

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. Marcia has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of January the Mailbox Monday host is Gilion and she blogs over at Rose City Reader.

Just a reminder that the host for the month of February is Laura from Library of Clean Reads.

Its hard to believe that this is the very last mailbox post for January. It sure does feel like the month flew by. Which I have to say is really good because that means spring is just around the corner.

Mailbox Monday is one of my favorite memes because it gives you the chance to peak into other bloggers mailboxes. Although that could lead to an ever increasing TBR pile or huge wishlists.



For Review:
Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox by Susan Blackaby and Ill Carmen Segovia

Gifted to me:
My Fair(y) Godmother by Janette Rallison
The Secret Year by Jennifer R Hubbard
Encore Edie by Annabel Lyon

Borrowed from Library:
The Poison Eaters and other stories by Holly Black

Something new

I thought I would share with you the egalleys I downloaded onto my Kobo this month.

I am going to be doing this once a month (the last Saturday of the month more then likely).


Not included in the slide show:
-Remedial Magic by Jenna Black
-Tick Tock by James Patterson (this is just the first 21 chapters)
-Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
-Angel Burn by L.A Weatherly
-An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman
-#01 I love him to pieces by Evonne Tsang
-The Crepe makers Bond by Julie Crabtree

(Review) Dead Frog on the Porch

Title: Dead Frog on the Porch
ISBN:9781926691060
Author: Jan Markley
Publisher:Gumboot Books
Publication Date:October 2009
Pages:252
Source: Received from author.

Synopsis:
Kids can change the world - even if it is one frog at a time. Sisters Cyd and Jane are propelled into an international plot involving evil scientists and giant, genetically stretched frogs. Will the twins win this hilarious race to save the frog kingdom?

MY THOUGHTS:
In December I was contacted by Jan to see if I would be interested in reading her two middle grade books Dead Frog on the Porch and Dead Bird Through the Cat Door. Seeing as they were middle grade books I jumped at the chance as I am always looking for middle grade books to review.

I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out Jan's site and discovered that she is a Canadian author. An added bonus. I love discovering new authors and especially if they are Canadian.

This is the first book in the Megabyte Mystery series. This is a perfect book for the middle grade girl who loves a little mystery. I would say its the modern day version of Nancy Drew. (Sadly I never read Nancy Drew growing up. Although I probably should try them.)

The two main characters are twin sisters Cyd and Jane. You can tell they are modern day girls because they love blogging and are very technically savvy. Another thing the girls love is Nancy Drew books and Jane loves animals. You will see this throughout the book.

Dead Frog on the Porch opens up on the hottest summer day and Cyd makes a run for it to jump into a giant inflated inner tube and accidentally steps on Jane's pet frog, Frogzilla. You know this isn't going to be good.

The girls mom is a scientist and is very involved with her work at the lab. There are two new colleagues working with her and they are Rita Smalley, and Bert Tallbot. (the girls have given Bert the nicknamed The Cheese Pie Man) They have come over from England to work.

The girls know that something is up with them after they spot an Empire Meats truck sitting behind the lab. Suddenly frogs, cats and dogs go missing. The girls know that Smalley and Tallbot are behind it and know that they have to solve this mystery Nancy Drew style.

Through the girls investigation they realize that the scientist are coming up with formulas to make the frogs grow into giant frogs. They are doing this for Chef Oulette (Chef Omelette as the girls call him) who has also come over with Tallbot and Smalley. He is the man behind the whole operation.

At first it appears as though they are doing this to the frogs to get bug juice for a bug repellent but as more of the story is revealed the girls quickly realize that's not the case. What could they possibly be doing with the frogs? Will Cyd and Jane crack the case before its too late for them and their mom?

I really enjoyed this book and I have to admit that I had a hard time to put it down. There was enough action happening to make it a page turner and I managed to finish this in one afternoon.

I am sure middle grade girls will really enjoy this story and this series of books.

Check back on Monday when I review Dead Bird Through the Cat Door and on Tueday I will be sharing an interview I got to do with Jan Markley.

(Interview) Kerry Sparks

As you know I have read and reviewed Frost Bites and Jen and the Frosted Friends by Kerry Sparks this week and now today I am lucky enough to share an interview that I got to do with her.

I was really excited when Kerry contacted me in December about her two middle grade books and when I asked about a Q&A she was more then willing to help out. Thank so much Kerry, I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this with me.

CINDY: I read that you have traveled quite a bit, do you have a favorite place and why?

KERRY: It's a crazy place but Las Vegas. I lived there for 5 years, and I think it's a very inspiring city where anything can happen. Las Vegas is open to the arts, and the Las Vegas librarians were very supportive of new writers.

CINDY: I have never been to Las Vegas but hoping one day to go. I love a city that is very supportive of their libraries. What would readers be surprised to discover about you? (A quirky fact)

KERRY: I do not like anything slimy. So no frogs, no olives, no cooked spinach. Things with slimy textures gross me out.

CINDY: I am like you I don't like anything slimy. I get cold chills just thinking about it. When your not writing your own books, do you have a favorite author to read? What are you currently reading?

KERRY: I really enjoyed "A Reliable Wife" by Robert Goolrick. It was a #1 New York Times bestseller. I like stories that are different with lots of twists and turns. I'm going to start "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana De Rosnay today.



CINDY: I read and loved A Reliable Wife. I actually have Sarah's Keys on my TBR pile. When your writing do you listen to music? Who is currently playing? Do your characters have a theme song?

KERRY: I only listen to music when I'm in my car. When I write, I like it so quiet that I can hear a pin drop. If my characters had a theme song it would be "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".



CINDY: That is such a great song. Do you have a routine when you write? Any must haves while writing?

KERRY: I always write in a notebook, and I'm usually laying down. I like to have a snack nearby as well. I think you have to be comfortable while you're writing so that the writing is continuous and flowing.

CINDY: I agree Kerry. I am like that when I am reading and blogging. You do have to be comfortable. What was the inspiration behind both books? Are the girls based on anyone you know?

KERRY: I was a substitute teacher for 7 years so I probably have a little bit of Mrs. Frost, (the mean substitute teacher), in me. I wouldn't say that I was mean, but I didn't let the kids run wild either.

CINDY: You were a substitute teacher? I didn't know that. I am sure you were a good substitute. Do you have a favorite character in the books? If so who?

KERRY: I like Jennifer Logan, the main character. She is fun, funny, and she isn't perfect. Her imperfections make her human. I would definitely hang out with her.

CINDY: I adore Jennifer as well. She is your typical girl and I honestly felt bad for the way she got treated. It brought back alot of memories for me when I was that age. Thanks again for everything Kerry.

KERRY: No Thank you!

I just wanted to send out another huge thank you to the following bloggers:
L. Diane Wolfe, Laura, and Shelly for offering up some great interview questions for me. Thank you so much.

(Review) Jen and the Frosted Friends

Title: Jen and the Frosted Friends
ISBN:9781452053493
Author:Sparks, Kerry
Publisher:Authorhouse
Pages: 76

Source: Received a copy from the author.

Synopsis (from Powell's):
Introduction Fifth grade is the best for Jennifer, Rebecca, Pamela and Sammie. Their teacher, Mrs. Fern, is as sweet as pie, the boys are extra cute this year, and, between the girls, the glitter supply is strong. The girls use so much glitter, the principal calls them "The Frosted Friends." All is well until mean old substitute, Mrs. Frost, comes along. Jen and Becca already had to have Mrs. Frost for fourth grade, and Mrs. Frost is supposed to be retired! Mrs. Frost is back, and she's as mean as ever. She's making the girls write sentences and confiscating glitter! Everyone seems to think Mrs. Frost is the pits, except for Jen's classmate "Frowning Francesca" Clearwater. She's the only one smiling for once. Will Mrs. Frost pass the girls on to the sixth grade, or are they destined to stay in the fifth grade forever!

MY THOUGHTS:
This is book two of the Get Frosted Series.

I enjoyed this just as much as I enjoyed the first book. I am sure middle grade girls would love this one just as much as the first one.

Jennifer has passed and is starting grade five with a new group of friends. The girls are Rebecca (who was Jennifer's friend in the last book), Pamela and Sammie. They are all excited because they have a great teacher, Mrs Fern.

The girls are your typical girls who like pizza, boys, sleep overs and make up. The girls earn the nick name "The Frosted Friends" from the principle because of the amount of glitter the girls use.

Things are going great in school for Jennifer until Mrs Fern announces that she is pregnant. What will happen once Mrs Fern goes on maternity leave?

The day comes and Jennifer is shocked at who the replacement teacher is. Once she sees who it is her world comes crashing down. Its the one person she thought she would never see again, Mrs Frost. The class quickly realizes that the rest of the year is not going to be fun except for one person who is actually smiling and enjoying this. Its Francesca.

Jennifer is determined to find out what Francesca is all of a sudden so happy when the rest of the class is so miserable because it appears as though Mrs Frost has gotten meaner since the last time Jennifer saw her.

Jennifer is dealing with having Mrs Frost around and problems with boys. A dance at the school almost risks Jennifer loosing her best friend, Rebecca because it looks like Jennifer is going after the boy she likes (which of course turns out to be the complete opposite because this boy likes Rebecca) so Jennifer lets her friend know that.

Things at school aren't getting better and to make matters worse Mrs Frost has announced this is pairing the class up for the science project. Jennifer is happy she gets Sammie but its Pam who isn't thrilled and it leaves Jennifer wondering what is wrong with Pam. The girls have passed and Pam has worked out her issue. Its around Valentine's Day that Pam surprises the group with her new found friendship. How will the group react?

There is so much more about the book I would love to share but I am afraid if I go on I will spoil it. So much more happens that will surprise you. I know I was surprised and I had to continue reading it.

These books are a super fun and quick read.

Check back tomorrow for my interview with Kerry Sparks.

(Review) Frost Bites

TITLE: Frost Bites
ISBN:9781438954141
Author: Kerry Sparks
Publisher: Authorhouse
Publication Date:March 2009
Pages:92

Source: I received this book from the author.

SYNOPSIS (from Powells)
Jennifer Logan is excited about entering the fourth grade...until she finds out her teacher is mean old Mrs. Frost! Mrs. Frost is known for making her students write sentences at their Christmas parties and orders them to square dance on Valentine's Day! Mrs. Frost has her eye on Jennifer. Will she make it to the fifth grade? Find out in this humorous tale about the ups and downs of fourth grade.

MY THOUGHTS:
One of the best things about blogging is getting to know a new author and/or book that you might not hear about. Since blogging I have been exposed to so many great authors (taking the time out of their busy schedules to email and answer questions) and books. Kerry is one of those authors who has been so generous with her time (via emails and answering interview questions) and sending me both of her middle grade books so that I can review them. Thank you Kerry.

For me I have to say that I didn't know about Kerry and her two middle grade books Frost Bites and Jen and the Frosted Friends until she emailed me in early December to see if I would be interested in reviewing them.

I read the synopsis of both books and thought they were cute and fun reads so of course I accepted.

Frost Bites was a super quick and fun read. I actually read it pretty quickly. I have to say I think that middle grade girls would enjoy this book.

Jennifer is your typical fourth grade girl. She thinks this is going to be a good year and is feeling really good about it until her first day of school. Jennifer and her best friend Tracey walk into the class to get some good seats but their bubble is quickly popped when the teacher Mrs Frost announces seats are going to be assigned. The class quickly realizes its going to be a rough school year. (I remember my whole elementary school years being in assigned seats.)

Things quickly go down hill for Jennifer as it always seemed like she was the one getting into trouble with the teacher. She almost senses she is in the clear because after Christmas vacation Mrs Frost asks the kids about Christmas and their favorite gift. Jennifer is stunned because she didn't get presents so she said her favorite part was spending time with her family. Mrs Frost liked the answer.

I felt so bad for Jennifer because it did seem like Mrs Frost was always picking on her. Granted Jennifer was no angel but still. I actually could relate to Jennifer because I had a teacher in elementary school who probably could give Mrs Frost a run for her money. She not only was a teacher but the principal and I have to say not many kids liked her but I found that if you were a student that she knew (I lived three doors down from her) she expected more of you and if you didn't she would let you know.

Not only is Jennifer having to worry about Mrs Frost, passing fourth grade but she is always worried that she might be loosing her best friend to the class suck up Erica. Jennifer first realizes this budding friendship when Tracey has a sleep over and invites Erica, Rebecca, and Patty.

While Tracey is away on vacation Jennifer connects with Rebecca (even though she is going out with Jennifer's crush, Billy) but both girls quickly bond over a boy who Jennifer likes and Rebecca is going out with (or she thought).

Will Jennifer and Tracey be able to get over this hurdle or will she loose her friend?

Check back tomorrow for my review of Jen and the Frosted Friends.

(bloggiesta) The Finish Line

Where did the weekend go? It just seems like it was Friday morning and I was working on Bloggiesta. I guess I was so busy that I didn't see it pass. Which is a good thing because I am really happy that I was able to tackle an ever growing list of things I have wanted to do on my blog and just never really had the time to do it. There is still things I want to do and I plan on tackling this gradually.

Before I go any further I have to send out a huge THANK YOU to Natasha the host of the Bloggiesta .Who manages to pull this together two times a year. I got to meet Natasha last year briefly at BEA.

With any kind of marathon there just never seems to be enough time to get things done on your list and I think I managed to tackle a good chuck of it and I managed to put in 20 hours for the bloggiesta.

What I accomplished:

• Some goals (short term and long term)
• Google Documents
• Wrote up some reviews to save for back up
• Wrote up some interview questions
• Organizing (books coming in/review dates/commitments)
• Worked on some button ideas
• Worked on a new blog look
• Worked on a blog schedule
• Worked on Mr Linky
• Redid my review policy
• Backed up my blog

Still looking for:

• Anyone who designs blogs.
• Guest posts

So this is how I did, how did you do?

It's Monday What are you reading? #3

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Sheila who blogs at One Persons Journey Through Books And Coffee. If you haven't checked out Sheila's blog you really should. She is an amazing blogger.

As I am rewritting this post on this very cold (-27) Monday morning, I am so happy I get to stay indoors, well at least until 2.30pm when I have to walk to the bus stop to get Michael. If its cold where you are I hope you are staying warm. Its a good day to curl up on the couch and read.

So I have to say this past week I really didn't read alot because I as preparing myself for bloggiesta. I wanted to get alot done this weekend so I have to say that my reading suffered the consequences.

With that being said this is what I did get to read this past week:

This will be reviewed later this week with an author interview following. They are great middle grade books by a fantastic Canadian author.

Currently reading:

The book is called Love, Love, Love by Deborah Reber and Caroline Goode. Its two books in one. The one I am reading now is called Language of Love by Deborah Reber. Deborah contacted me in early December asking if I would be interested in reviewing her book and it sounded really good so I said yes. My review of that should be up next week.

Also hoping to get to read this:



The Mailbox Post

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. Marcia has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of January the Mailbox Monday host is Gilion and she blogs over at Rose City Reader.

One of the things that I really wanted to accomplish over the bloggiesta weekend was trying to incoperate a slide show into a blog post. Let me tell you it was hard. I googled it up and found a bunch of places to check and I had problems with most of them so I figured everyone always says you want to know something go on twitter and ask, well I did that and I honestly have to say that no one replied. So that left me pretty discouraged. Thankfully I emailed a friend and she came to my rescue.

So here is my slide show of the books I got last week in the mail.

Now that I know how to do this with photobucket. The next time I will edit the photos better.

From Donna:

• Kids Bathroom Book- Knock Knock & Riddles
• Fine Cooking Magazine
• Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin & Ill by Harry Bliss
• Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan
• Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary

ABE Books Order: (This was ordered in early Dec)

• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Gifted to me:

• White Cat by Holly Black
• Flash Burnout by L.K Madigan
• Shadowspell by Jenna Black

For Review:

• The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown (Thanks Penguin Canada)
• Love, Love, Love by Deborah Reber and Caroline Goode (This is two books in one. Language of love is by Reber and Cupidity is by Goode)

So this is what I got in my mailbox last week, what about you?

Do you like the slideshow? I want to know what you guys think. I like it because you get to see the covers, what do you think?

(Bloggiesta) Update # 3

Were did the weekend go? Well this is my last up date of the fourth edition Bloggiesta.

Today I thankfully had internet and I was so relieved. There is only so much you can really do offline. Now had this been a readathon I would have had no problem since I would have had more reading time.

Total hours today= 7 hours

What I accomplished today:

• Got all past due reviews written and scheduled to post.
• Organized a google document for organizing books/reviews.
• Typed up and saved future interview questions for author interviews.
• Played around with a button maker.
• Worked on Mr Linky.
• Backed up my blog.
• Redid my review policy.

Challenges completed:

• Organize thy Books- Jenn at Jenn's Bookshelves
• Design Button or Banner - Callista at SMS Book Reviews

• Organize and Staying on top of emails- Trish from Hey Lady 
• Mr Linky (This is different from the Mr Linky I use so I am going to try this)

• 10 Things Bloggers Should Not Do

1. You Must Not Expect Results Overnight  (Its hard and you want that to happen but it doesn't)  (4)
2. You Must Not Ignore Your Readers (I thought wrong) (1)
3. You Must Not Scrape Another Bloggers Content (5)
4. You Must Not Expect Success Without Promoting (This is something I need to work on) (1)
5. You Must Not Be Another Blogger (5)
6. You Must Not Fail To Update Your Blog Regularly (5) I have been good with updating daily
7. You Must Not Ignore SEO (1) I fail at this one.
8. You Must Not Ignore Networking (1) I need to work on this one too.
9. You Must Not Have An Unreadable/Unnavigable Site (5) I think my site is easy to navigate. Is it?
10. You Must Not Throw Mud Around (5)

Flashback Challenges:

• I twecked my review policy.
• Backed up my blog. (Something which I have to admit I am bad at doing.)
• Anchor text. I am much better at this then before. I love doing this.

How are you guys doing?

(Bloggiesta) Update #2

Welcome to day 2 of the Bloggiesta weekend.

I wasn't able to get online today because I was having internet problems. Meaning my internet was down. Not sure what was going on but I tried several times to log online but it wasn't meant to be today. Funny enough Michael said "Mommy too many kids must be online today. They should be playing with their toys!"

It was really cold today. We are currently having a really bad cold snap. As I am writing this its currently -15 (-22 with the windchill)

Since I was unable to do anything online I had to work offline.

Total hours= 7

What I accomplished:

• Worked out some ideas for the new blog look.
• Hand written up four reviews.
• Worked on interview questions for an upcoming author interview.
• Worked on organizing my bookcase for upcoming reviews. Cleaned up a whole shelf for new books.
• Worked out a schedule for my blog.What will be done next week and what will be done on the same day for upcoming weeks. (ie reviews, IMM etc)
• Worked up some button ideas.

Challenges completed:

• none

Not having internet today really put a damper on my day but at least I was able to complete some things offline.

I want to ask anyone who follows me two things:

1. Do you know anyone who designs blogs cheaply?
2. Anyone interested in doing a guest post?

If so please leave it in my comments or you can fill out this google document.

(Bloggiesta) Update

I thought I would post my first official update.

 

I started bloggiesta at 8am and was at it until 12:00 and decided then I would take a half hour lunch break and came back and blogged again till 2:30 when I had to pick up Michael at the bus stop.

So as of right now total hours = 6

 

Snacks consumed during that time:

• (breakfast) coffee & toast
• (snack) yogurt with some strawberries
• (lunch) a pasta, ham and potato salad w/ milk
• (snack) granola bar

 

What I accomplished in the first 6 hours:

• Bloggiesta Starting Post
• Cleaned up emails and organzied them into folders in gmail. Replied back to the ones I need to. (This took forever and I made a promise to myself not to let it get out of hand again.)
• Cleaned up my blog roll. I removed blogs that haven't been active in 6+ months and onces that no longer interested me. I hate doing that and its nothing against the blogger itself. (Another one that took forever to do.)
• Started working out a system to keep track of books coming into the house ie requests, gifted or given to me.
• I found a spot for books I have received this month to date (this is a priority) and then for the books I received in December.
• I added the update editor to my blog. (In case  you want to do this you have to go into settings/basic/global settings.)
• wrote and scheduled to post my In My Mailbox post along with Its Monday, What are you reading?

Challenges completed so far:

• Goals for your blog 
• Google Documents (this was one I was excited to learn)

How are you doing?

(Bloggiesta) #2 Mini Challenge

One of my goals for this past weekend was to learn how to use Google Documents and to be able to incorporate that form into a blog post especially when I am running a contest. Alot of bloggers swear that this is the absolute best thing out there and use this when they are running contest.

The main reason I love entering contest from bloggers who use the form is simple: 1) I don't get hit with a ton of spam because the only person who sees your email address is that blogger and 2) I am able to leave my mailing address in that form and not have to worry about a lost email and losing my chance at the giveaway.

Thanks to Jen at Devourer of Books for hosting this mini challenge. She explained this in easy to do steps and I have to say that I am not technically inclined but her step by step was easy to do and I have the proof check out my google document:



What do you think?

I have to say I spent the past hour playing with the themes and I am really looking forward to being able to add this feature to my blog very soon.

Thanks Jen for sharing this how to.

(Bloggiesta) #1 Mini Challenge

The first mini Challenge that I am taking part in is being hosted by Amy fromMy Friend Amy. Her mini Challenge is about Setting Goals.

Amy posted this:

Here are some things to consider when making blogging goals.

-Think about you blog as a whole. Do you feel that your blog reflects who you are as a person? Do you have a mission statement or purpose for your blog, and if so, are you meeting it?
-What isn't working? Are there design elements or technical problems you'd like to change or fix?
-What do you love about your blog? What do you think you're doing right?
-What do you wish you could do with your blog?
-What are your favorite blogs to read? (not your favorite bloggers as people!) Why do you love them? Can you figure out what they have in common?

After reading this it got me thinking about my blog.

In my personal opinion I feel as though my blog reflects who I am. It reflects what I read and feel.

When I started blogging my purpose was to share my love of books, to perhaps expose the reader to an author or book they might normally not pick up and to share my thoughts about books and anything book related.

I feel as though I am meeting that purpose, am I?

I love the look of my blog but I feel like I need a change to refresh the blog. To give it a over haul. So I think this weekend I will be looking into a new blog look. I have a few ideas that I am hoping to put together.

With a new look I am hoping to learn more about html etc all that technical stuff I should know to make my blog better. That will mean a trip to my library to get some books on that and reaching out to ask bloggers if I need to know something.

Personally what I find is not working is sitting and writing up reviews. I need to work on some kind of template so that I am able to fill in info and links. (to the book publisher, online store, affiliate links)

What I love about my blog is my header. It took me awhile to find it and when I spotted it I loved it so that I plan on putting into the new look. I love the three column look.

My wish for my blog is to get it out there more and I know that I really need to get more active in that. In other words I really need to pimp the blog more then what I have been.

I won't list my favorite blogs because I always feel as though the ones who don't make the list aren't worthy when they are. One thing that makes blogs onto my favorite lists are the content and with content I mean reviews constantly and with relevant info. I tend to get turned off by blogs like that.

So with all the reflection I guess I have to say I have a few goals that I am hoping to achieve this year as a whole.

My over all goal in 2011 is learn more about blogger and anything that goes along with having a blog ie HTML etc.

By Sunday night to tackle at least half of my goals that are listed here.

By March/April to have a whole new look and along with the new look having business cards and bookmarks made.

Bloggiesta New Year Edition 2011 Starting Post

Welcome to my official starting post for bloggiesta. Just a reminder its not to late to take part all you have to do is go to Maw Books for all the details.

I will be documenting my hours in my agenda and I don't want to swamp my readers with hourly updates so I decided this time I will update you guys about every four hours of what I have accomplished towards my goals and what mini challenges I have done. I think I will also share any helpful links or info I find as well.

So wish me luck as I begin the Fourth Edition of Bloggiesta.

(Meme) On My Wishlist

I thought today would be a perfect day to share what books I have On My Wishlist that is hosted by Book Chick City.

I have a scheduled dental appointment today and I am trying to keep things light. So I am sure it will be a day of reading until I have to pick up Michael at the bus stop.

(Feb 2011) In book three of the Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Katy’s life outside her Old Order Mennonite sect becomes more complicated when she is elected to the sophomore homecoming court as a joke. When she discovers Bryce, her crush, could be her chaperone on the court, Katy has a big decision to make: follow her heart and attend the dance, or follow her faith and the beliefs of her sect.

(Jan 2011) This is the 3rd book in the series. Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

(March 15 2011)Best friends don't send emails once they're dead. Kate Lowry may wear fake pearls and shorts so tiny that Nancy Drew would blush, but she's on the trail to prove that Grace's death was no accident. Along for the ride are a couple of knights in (not so) shining armor: the dangerously attractive bad boy, Liam, and her love-struck neighbor, Seth. Together they discover a secret lurking in the halls of their elite private school that threatens to destroy them all.

(May 2011) High school junior Francesca Manning is an outsider, an aspiring writer and secret devourer of celebrity gossip mags. A fake essay to Seventeen wins her the celeb-schmoozing opportunity of a lifetime, but after their plane crashes, she's stranded on a desert island with five of the most clueless, self-involved headcases to escape Hollywood. Happily skewering their foibles in witty observations on her iPhone proves surprisingly educational for Francesca. The group must work together to survive - if they don't insult each other to death first.

Truly Honored

I just wanted to let you guys now that I will be making a special appearance today on Scene of the Blog over at Kittling Books. Cathy contacted me earlier this month asking if I would be interested in taking part. I was very interested because every Wednesday I am always checking out Cathy's Blog to see what blogger is taking part.

I love this feature not only does it allow you to take a peak into a bloggers world but it can introduce you to a new blogger that you might now already know.

So if you get a chance hop on over to check out Cathy's blog (she has alot of great content and info) and check out where I blog and read. Don't forget to leave a comment or even say Hi to Cathy.

Bloggiesta the New Year Edition

Natasha from Maw Books is hosting the 4th edition of Bloggiesta. Ole!

The Bloggiesta is scheduled for January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. What better time then January to sit down to evaluate your blog and get things done that you have been saying you wanted to do. This has been one of my new years resolutions and I can't wait to tackle my growing to do list.

If your new to blogging and are wondering what the heck is a Bloggiesta? Well Natasha from Maw Books came up with this idea a few years ago and it runs from 8am Friday morning (where ever you are) until 8pm Sunday night and it gives you the opportunity to get things done on your blog that you have been putting it off. Tons of bloggers take part.

I love the mascot. His name is Pedro (Plan. Edit. Develop. Review. Organize)

If you are interested or want to find out more info then head over Natasha's blog Maw Books to get all the info.

Here is what I am hoping to accomplish this upcoming weekend:

Write reviews.
Write up back up posts/reviews for a rainy day rainy.
Write up some author interview questions.
Work on writing a template for my reviews.
Clean up my labels.
Look around for a new blog look.
Look into copy writing my blog and find out what to do if my content is taken.
Clean up blog roll.I want to figure out how to put a slide show in a blog post.
Think about bloggiversary give aways.
Learn what my numbers mean.
Learn how to link Twitter and facebook to my blog.
Catalog my books onto Goodreads along with reviews.
Organize and clean up my emails.
Document book commitments into my agenda.(books that have come into my house)Inquire about guest posts or author interviews.
Learn how to use and add google documents to posts.
I am sure my list will change or other things will be done over the course of the weekend but I am hoping that I will be able to get alot accomplished.

Wish me luck.