Shushkat: April 2013

April 30, 2013

Plus Party #5

Welcome to The PLUS Party #5!

Google Plus and Bloglovin are the definite hot spots for following and engaging with your favorite bloggers! At The PLUS Party you can link up your profiles and follow friends old and new!

The Plus Party will run on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, so mark it on your calendars! We'd also love it if you could share the hop through your social media and/or post our button somewhere on your blog.

Want to co-host? Spots are open! Contact Megan at Shaping Up To Be A Mom for more info!

Make sure to follow the host and co-hosts, and then link up and party on!

Host:

Shaping Up To Be A Mom

Co Hosts:

and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

April 29, 2013

Note to self:

I've had one of those weekends where I've let my feelings get hurt by friends. I found this quote and though I'm more upset than angry, I think the same principle applies...

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paul is here and every minute I spend sad is another minute that would better be spent enjoying something together. So now to let it go; No more hurt feelings.

Back to enjoying quality time with my fiancé <3 p="">

April 24, 2013

Wishlist Wednesday #18

Welcome to my eighteenth Wishlist Wednesday post for this great blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper. This week I've chosen Bicycle Shop Murder by Robert Burton Robinson

Greg Tenorly lives a quiet and lonely life in a small East Texas town, until he is selected as a juror for a murder trial. A beautiful, mysterious redhead befriends him, and seems to have a romantic interest. But is she merely using him to influence the outcome of the trial? By the end of the first week, three people connected with the case are dead, and Greg is beginning to fear for his own life. He is now convinced that a powerful Dallas attorney is directing the murder spree in his little town. But why? He is determined to find out. But his investigation just might earn him a spot at the top of the hit list

Why this book? I haven't been able to make a lot of time to read recently so I like the sound of this murder mystery. It doesn't sound too complex and it's reviews indicate it can be read in a few easy sittings. I think this might whizz it's way to the top of my list as it's just what I need right now!

Want to join in??

Follow Pen to Paper as the host
Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get your hands on and read
Wrote a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist
Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post
Put a link back to Pen to Paper somewhere on your post with a note about the host
Visit the other blogs, follow and enjoy :)

What's on your wishlist this week? Leave me a link to your post, I'll be sure to pop by and check it out!

April 23, 2013

Living In The Moment

Yesterday I had a great day with a reminder of how good it feels to live in the moment. Paul and I packed a book each, a can of coke and some biscuits (essential supplies of course) and went to the ruins of St Mary's Abbey in the centre of York.

We found a quiet lettle spot and just spent time together watching the world go by and reading. For the first time in ages I felt totally content. Not in a rush to go somewhere, no plans, no list of things that I needed to get done.

Just to be there, enjoying the moment, content and happy.

"To be alive is to totally and openly participate

in the simplicity and elegance of here and now."

Donald Altman

Plus Party #4

Welcome to The PLUS Party #4!

Google Plus and Bloglovin are the definite hot spots for following and engaging with your favorite bloggers! At The PLUS Party you can link up your profiles and follow friends old and new!

The Plus Party will run every Tuesday during April, so mark it on your calendars! We'd also love it if you could share the hop through your social media and/or post our button somewhere on your blog.

Want to co-host? Spots are open! Contact Megan at Shaping Up To Be A Mom for more info!

Make sure to follow the host and co-hosts, and then link up and party on!

Host:

Shaping Up To Be A Mom

Co Hosts:

April 21, 2013

Being A Tourist At Home

I'm lucky enough to live in a beautiful city which is visited by over 7 million people every year, and though I often go into the city to shop and eat, I don't often go in to see the tourist attractions. This week Paul is visiting so I get the opportunity to do some of the things I don't seem to get around to by myself.

This week has started off being a tourist in my home city with a walk around the walls to see the daffodils. It's alwasys such a beautiful time here in spring but the daffodils are short lived so you have to make the most of them!

Source: Paul Noyola

Followed by a wander through town listening to some buskers playing on the streets

Sourcce: Paul Noyola

Friday was a slower day all round so we decided to get some fresh air in the evening walk along the riverside to the Millennium Bridge. It's been great to enjoy the city in spring, hopefully the next few weeks be like this so that we can continue to get out and explore more of Yorkshire and surrounding countryside :)

April 17, 2013

Wishlist Wednesday #17

Welcome to my seventeenth Wishlist Wednesday post for this great blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper. This week I've chosen The Program by Suzanne Young

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

I saw this a few weeks ago on another WW and it just had to make it's way onto mine. It's not my usual genre of reading but for some reason this one really catches my interest. It still hasn't been released but I'm pretty sure that it'll be making it's way onto my kindle on 30th April!

Want to join in??

Follow Pen to Paper as the host
Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get your hands on and read
Wrote a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist
Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post
Put a link back to Pen to Paper somewhere on your post with a note about the host
Visit the other blogs, follow and enjoy :)

What's on your wishlist this week? Leave me a link to your post, I'll be sure to pop by and check it out!

April 16, 2013

The Plus Party #3

Welcome to The PLUS Party #3!

With the fast-approaching demise of Google Reader, many people are turning to other methods of following their favorite blogs.

Bloglovin is quickly becoming the feed reader of choice among bloggers. If you haven't claimed your blog on Bloglovin yet, just go to bloglovin.com, search for your blog's URL, and follow the steps to claim it as your own. Then link it up below!

(Bloglovin URL example: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3882372/shaping-up-to-be-a-mom)

Google Plus is becoming more and more popular and necessary for bloggers. This is another great way to communicate with other bloggers and promote your content. Link up your profile or page below!

(Google Plus URL example: https://plus.google.com/#111334302795960877598/posts)

The Plus Party will run every Tuesday this month, so mark it on your calendars! We'd also love it if you could share the hop through your social media and/or post our button somewhere on your blog.

Want to co-host? Contact Megan at Shaping Up To Be A Mom for more info!

Make sure to follow the host and co-hosts, and then link up and party on!

Host:

Shaping Up To Be A Mom

Co Hosts:

April 15, 2013

With Spring Cometh Decluttering!

I was going to write a post about letting go of things and decluttering but somehow I can't seem to put what I wanted to say into words. Instead I'll share something I read a while ago that I scribbled down on my notepad, it was in relation to clearing out your living space and wardrobe etc each year...

'I feel lighter when I've let go of the past

and decided what will serve me in the future'

I kept these words in mind while I've been working through different areas of the house, things I had in the attic and finally my wardrobe (eek). I'm sorry that I can't give credit to the person who originally wrote this as their words really inspired me and helped me through the decluttering process. I definitely feel lighter for doing it!

So I hope I can encourage you to give it some thought, perhaps it's time for a spring clean?!

April 10, 2013

Wishlist Wednesday #16

Welcome to my sixteenth Wishlist Wednesday post for this great blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper. This week I've chosen Hidden by Kendra Elliot

Eleven years ago, the Co-ed Slayer murdered nine female students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely escaped his attack, but lost her best friend whose remains were never found. As the sole surviving victim, Lacey helped send the sadistic serial killer to prison for life.
Now a forensic odontologist examining teeth and bones for the state Medical Examiner, Lacey is devastated when she arrives at a crime scene and identifies the skeletal remains as her college friend’s.
The remains are discovered on the land of ex-cop Jack Harper. Sparks fly between him and Lacey, even as they realize that the prosecution’s witnesses from a decade ago are now being murdered one by one. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit—only, he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die?

I've had my eye on this one for a while as I originally saw the third in the series. 'Buried' is also on my wishlist but this one is the first one in the Bone Secrets collection, and though they don't seem to be connected, I like to start at the beginning when I can

Want to join in??

Follow Pen to Paper as the host
Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get your hands on and read
Wrote a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist
Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post
Put a link back to Pen to Paper somewhere on your post with a note about the host
Visit the other blogs, follow and enjoy :)

What's on your wishlist this week? Leave me a link to your post, I'll be sure to pop by and check it out!

April 9, 2013

I'm Only Half Crazy #3

I thought when I decided that I wouldn't be able to run the Windermere marathon that the chances of me running 13 half marathons this year was also becoming less likely. However this weekend I may have proved myself wrong with a strong, pain-free 18 miler on Saturday morning.

Even though I've reduced my weekly training back to a more reasonable amount, I continue to run a few times a week and also with Lou who is still sticking to the marathon plan. This weekend's long run called for 18 miles so I thought I'd join her. I don't know if I fancied the challenge or wanted to prove to myself that I still have distance in me!

I can't deny I felt tired over the last few miles though I wasn't completely worn out and I could've gone further if I'd needed to. We finished the full 18 miles in 3 hours exactly, not including a few drinks and stretch stops. It was a beautiful day which made a welcome change after so many icy, windy runs over the last few weeks! Plus I am happy to say that's my third 13.1 this year.

Only 10 more to go....

The Plus Party #2

Welcome to The PLUS Party #2!

With the fast-approaching demise of Google Reader, many people are turning to other methods of following their favorite blogs.

Bloglovin is quickly becoming the feed reader of choice among bloggers. If you haven't claimed your blog on Bloglovin yet, just go to bloglovin.com, search for your blog's url, and follow the steps to claim it as your own. Then link it up below!

(Bloglovin URL example: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3882372/shaping-up-to-be-a-mom)

Google Plus is becoming more and more popular and necessary for bloggers. This is another great way to communicate with other bloggers and promote your content. Link up your profile or page below!

(Google Plus URL example: https://plus.google.com/#111334302795960877598/posts)

Want to co-host? Contact Megan at Shaping Up To Be A Mom for more info!

Make sure to follow the host and co-hosts, and then link up and party on!

Host:

Shaping Up To Be A Mom

Co Hosts:

And Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson

Life As I Know It

Craftbotic

Glued To My Crafts

Glorious Imperfections

Shushkat

April 5, 2013

Accept Yourself

'When you know yourself, you are empowered.

When you accept yourself, you are invincible.'

~Tina Lifford

April 2, 2013

Wishlist Wednesday #15

Welcome to my fifteenth Wishlist Wednesday post for this great blog hop hosted by Dani at Pen to Paper. This week I've chosen Stalkers by Paul Finch. Here's the info....

Time’s up. You’re Next.
"All he had to do was name the woman he wanted. It was that easy. They would do all the hard work."
Detective Sergeant Mark 'Heck' Heckenberg is investigating the disappearance of 38 different women. Each one was happy and successful until they vanished without a trace.
Desperate to find her missing sister, Lauren Wraxford seeks out Heck’s help. Together they enter a seedy underworld of gangsters and organised crime.
But when they hear rumours about the so-called 'Nice Guys Club' they hit a brick wall. They're the gang that no one will talk about. Because the Nice Guys can arrange anything you want. Provided you pay the price…

Why did I choose this book? Mainly because I'm interested to read some of this author's work; Paul Finch is a former cop and journalist and is now a full-time writer. This book and others he's written are well reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads and this seemed like a good place to start!

Want to join in??

Follow Pen to Paper as the host
Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get your hands on and read
Wrote a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist
Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post
Put a link back to Pen to Paper somewhere on your post with a note about the host
Visit the other blogs, follow and enjoy :)

What's on your wishlist this week? Comment below and share or share a link to your post :)

Hi, My Name Is Shona, and I'm a Sugar Addict...

Oh dear, oh dear. Easter has been and gone and has left me firmly back in the grips of my sugar addiction. Most people know I have a massive weakness for haribo sweets and biscuits though recently I'd somehow managed to remove myself from the world of chocolate and all it's deliciousness. But then there was Easter. Chocolate eggs, creme eggs, mini eggs ... all so yummy and too much to resist! Plus when you're given one as a gift it's rude not to accept, eh?

So I'm back to step one again, desperately trying to resist the urge to dive into the box of chocolates a very sweet customer bought for us!

Easter has been lovely but my body is craving fruit and vegis again. I'm hoping that by naming and shaming myself here I'll get a grip and get back on track.

No chocolate

No haribos and

No Fewer biscuits.

The Plus Party #1

Welcome to a brand-new follow hop linky party!

With the fast-approaching demise of Google Reader, many people are turning to other methods of following their favorite blogs.

(Bloglovin URL example: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3882372/shaping-up-to-be-a-mom)

Google Plus is becoming more and more popular and necessary for bloggers. This is another great way to communicate with other bloggers and promote your content. Link up your profile or page below!

(Google Plus URL example: https://plus.google.com/#111334302795960877598/posts)

Want to co-host? Contact Megan at Shaping Up To Be A Mom for more info!

Make sure to follow the host and co-hosts, and then link up and party on!

Host:

Shaping Up To Be A Mom

Co Hosts:

Glorious Imperfections

Shushkat