Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with .....Blogger Stephanie Carr

I'm Steph., 22, from England. Recent English Literature graduate and lover of books, makeup, swimming, live music & comedy, and tea. Currently work in admin and recently undertook a couple of weeks work experience at Penguin books, now pursuing a career in publishing.  Try to blog as often as I can!  

Blog:  ivoryandgold

"When do you normally get in the festive spirit?"

Now! It's normally around the end of November that I start feeling festive and thinking about how I could decorate my room, and what presents I need to buy. It's also the time I start playing Christmas songs all the time!

"What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas?"

We don't really have any traditions; we all just spend time together and eat and watch TV and give presents. Nothing specific.

"Favourite past Christmas?"

I can't think of a specific year, but any year when both sets of my grandparents were here and all of us spent the day together.

"Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everyone's faces on Christmas day?"

YES! Choosing/buying/wrapping/giving presents is one of my favourite things about Christmas.  

"Favourite Christmas book?"

I don't really have any favourite books that are about Christmas, but books I always tend to re-read around the festive season are Harry Potter (the descriptions of the Christmas feast & decorations etc are just beautiful, and Harry Potter is such a nostalgic thing to read). This year I'll probably also re-read The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and Jack Kerouac's On The Road because they're old favourites that I haven't read in a long time.

"What is it like on Christmas day for you and your family?"

We just have a really chilled out, lazy day.  Listen to Christmas music, watch Christmas films, eat, etc. Sometimes we all go to the pub at some point which is nice too. This year I think we're spending Christmas afternoon with friends.

"When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?"

If it were up to me I'd have it up on 1st December, but usually it's a couple of weeks before Christmas when we finally get it out and decorate it.

"Favourite Christmas movie?"

ELF! As well as Home Alone, and Uncle Buck. (Is Uncle Buck even a Christmas film? I'm not sure, but it's always on TV at Christmas).

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with . . .Megan @ Readinginthesunshine

Hello I'm Megan!

I'm 25 and I live in England. I'm married to my wonderful husband and I LOVE to read and review books. I fangirl and GUSH A LOT about books I love.

I'm very friendly and I love to chat and meet new people who love books :) So if you are on Twitter, Facebook or Goodreads then please be my friend on there and send me a message :)

http://readinginthesunshine.wordpress.com/

When do you get into the festive spirit?

I PROPERLY get into the Christmas spirit in September. This is gong to sound so bad...I feel Christmassy all year round! I am one of those people who wear Christmas jumpers in March and watch Christmas films in July. I just love Christmas so much that I like to have bits of Christmas all year round...I I have had a Christmas desktop background wallpaper on my laptop since August....ssssh don't let on that you know! 

What is a family tradition you like to have or do on Christmas?

Before Christmas Stephen and I like to get in our car in the evening, and drive around our town and the surrounding towns and have a look at everyone else's Christmas lights and decorations! I always like to watch The Snowman on Christmas day - though I absolutely sob at the Walking In The Air song! 

Favourite past Christmas?

I loved the Christmasses when I was younger and I was so amazed and caught up in the magic of Christmas - Santa, Reindeer, stockings, all of it! I think my favourite Christmas recently was last year as it was our first Christmas as husband and wife so it was a special one for us! 

Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybody's faces on Christmas day?

Yes! I love trying to find THE PERFECT gift and it makes me happy to see smiles and joy on everyone's faces :) 

Favourite Christmas book?

The Snowman will always be my favourite! It's SO magical! 

What is it like on Christmas Day for you and your family?

It's all VERY relaxed :) We are very easy going and have a day filled with fun, food and laughter. I do the cooking and I LOVE doing that - all of our family comes round so it's lovely to have everyone together :) This year I am cooking for 9 people! 

When do you normally put your tree up?

Definitely the first weekend in December, as soon as it turns December we always want to get our decorations up! This year the first weekend closet to December is at the end of November so ours will be going up then! We bought an artificial tree a few years ago and we originally wanted the medium size but when we saw it at the shop it looked REALLY tiny, so we went for the large. What we didn't realise is that someone had messed up the signs and put the medium sign on the small tree so we got our large tree home and it was HUGE. We have a laugh every year about how we bought the wrong tree when we put it up!

Favourite Christmas movie?

The Santa Clause - it's a childhood favourite of mine :) 

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A....with Blogger Kim Nash

I have run my successful book blog ‘Kim the Bookworm’ for over four years, and have read and reviewed thousands of books for publishers and authors and also have been fortunate to interview authors and meet some of my favourite authors too. 

After working in sales and marketing for a number of years, which I thoroughly enjoyed I have finally realised that working with books and helping authors is what I love to do best and using my great admin and fabulous organisational skills, I am now living my dream!

I now work with publishers and authors helping them to promote their books, raise their profiles, organise blog tours and reviews, assist with social media activity, send out newsletters and arrange events.   I work predominantly with an amazing digital and print on demand publisher Bookouture and am delighted to be working with a talented team of authors and publishing experts in a company that I know will be extremely successful.

I also review family friendly products, venues and attractions and travel at my blog Nash Reviews .  I’ve been writing for a family friendly travel site for the last four years as well as an online lifestyle magazine and am keen to develop my love for family life.  

Being a mom to 7 year old Ollie is the other job in my life and is absolutely the best job I’ve ever had! 

Combining these amazing jobs really is a dream come true for me

www.kimthebookworm.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/kimthebookworm 

www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm

http://nashreviews.wordpress.com/

Q) When do you normally get in the Festive spirit?

I don't normally even think about Christmas before 1st December but this year working for Bookouture and reading all the Christmas books earlier this year has made me think about it much earlier and look forward to it so much more than normal. 

Q) What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas?

When we were kids, we were always allowed to open my GodMother's present on Christmas Eve, I always allow Ollie to open one of his on Christmas Eve too!

Q) Favourite past Christmas?

Now that my Mom and Dad aren't here anymore, I'd probably choose one of our family Christmases when they were and we were all together.  We lost Mom just over 8 years ago and Dad 1 and a half years ago and we always make sure we have a toast to "absent friends and family" and my sister and I share a moment as we raise our glasses!     You don't realise that one day they'll be over and I wish I'd cherished those lovely Christmases more when I had the opportunity!

Q) Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybodys face's on Christmas Day?

Yeah, I'm one of those annoying people who want everyone else to open their presents first.  I could sit and watch everyone else for hours before I'm made to open mine!

Q) Favourite Christmas Book?

Far too many to mention but I do love a Carole Matthews festive treat!

Q) What is it like on Christmas Day for you & your family?

This year, Ollie and I will wake up and open our presents, then he will go to his Dad's for a couple of hours, while I start to prepare the food as I'm cooking this year for my sister and her family and my aunty.  Then when he comes back, all the family will be here and we may have a little Christmas tipple or two before dinner.  Love my family around me!

Q) When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?

Normally around two weeks before Christmas.  Not too early!

Q) Favourite Christmas Movie?

Miracle on 34th Street (Latest version).  I remember going to see this at the cinema with my mom when I was about 25 and we both came out knowing that Santa Claus is real after all! A wonderful film that gives me a very special time of spending time with my darling Mom!

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with....Blogger Paris Baker

Paris Baker is a 24-year-old bookworm from Jersey, in the Channel Islands. She writes reviews on her book blog, Paris Baker’s Book Nook, and is currently working on her first novel. She also loves penguins, pugs and rose wine.
http://parisbakerwriting.wordpress.com/

Q) When do you normally get in the Festive spirit?

A) I’m one of those horribly annoying (or awesome) people who just love it and can’t get there fast enough! My birthday is exactly 5 weeks before Christmas, so once that’s gone I normally go full-blown festive.

Q) What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas?

A) We usually do a little Secret Santa which we open on Christmas Eve, which is always good fun. A few years a go, my Step-mum’s sister was proposed to as part of her Secret Santa gift, which was pretty amazing.

Q) Favourite past Christmas?

A) It’s hard to pick one, but I always love Christmasses spent with my Stepmum’s family in Southampton. There’s loads of us, we all make camp in her Mum’s house, and the atmosphere is always just amazing, the house just buzzes with festive spirit! The lounge floor literally becomes a sea of presents on Christmas day, and we play silly games and dress up in funny hats, onesies or jumpers.

Q) Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybody's face's on Christmas Day?

A) It’s my favourite part! I really like to try and get thoughtful and personal gifts, so I love seeing people’s reaction. It’s a wonderful feeling if you can make someone happy.

Q) Favourite Christmas Book?

A) This year has seen a new favourite with Jenny Hale’s A Christmas to Remember - it’s just beautiful. I also love When I Fall in Love by Miranda Dickinson.

Q) What is it like on Christmas Day for you & your family?

A) Busy! My Mr and I have 4 sets of families to get round between us, so it varies each year. We’re usually with one set in the morning, and another in the evening, then more on boxing day! So it really differs, but it’s always fun and filled with love, and who doesn’t want four Christmasses?

Q) When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?

A) December 1st at the latest, but any time after my birthday (Nov 20th) depending when I can convince my Mr to do it!

Q) Favourite Christmas Movie?

A) Miracle on 34th Street. Richard Attenborough is the perfect Santa, and always will be. It’s a beautiful film.

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with . . . .Blogger Chloe Chicklit

Hi I'm Chloe, I'm 28 and have been a blogger for about 6 years now. I'm mum to 8 1/2 year Harry, I work as a TA in a local primary school, and have turned Harry into as much of a bookworm as his mum!

Blog link: www.chicklitchloe.blogspot.com

Q) When do you normally get in the Festive spirit?

In November usually, just after Halloween I like to start thinking about Christmas presents, cards and putting some xmas songs in the car! Once the shops are full of festive things, I can't help myself!

Q) What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas?

One thing I always did as a child with my family was to watch The Snowman or Father Christmas on Christmas Eve in the evening before bed. Now I have Harry, we do the same thing and it's a lovely tradition to carry on. Always makes me super excited!

Q) Favourite past Christmas?

I honestly couldn't choose. I had so many amazing Christmases growing up, I was really lucky and enjoyed every single one of them with my parents and my brother. I do love being a mum at Christmas now, and so seeing Harry enjoy all of his presents is a joy, so really I don't think I could pick just one, they're all amazing for me. I'm very lucky.

Q) Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybodys face's on Christmas Day?

My favourite bit is the wrapping up! I love sticking on some festive music, getting everything out of the cupboard, and getting started with the paper, ribbons and bows! I love making the presents look pretty and putting them under the tree. I then love watching my loved ones open them on Christmas day, nothing better than seeing faces lit up from something you've given them, especially Harry's!

Q) Favourite Christmas Book?

That's a tough one! To be honest, I don't have a favourite because I don't tend to go back to them again as I have so many new ones to read! I just enjoy lots of new festive reads each year. I particularly look forward to festive books from Jenny Colgan, Scarlett Bailey, Carole Matthews and Jenny Hale - those authors really know how to write a Christmas book!

Q) What is it like on Christmas Day for you & your family?

Whether I'm at home with Harry or with my parents (we alternate each year where we are), it's pretty much the same. Up early opening presents, Harry first, then everyone else. Then we spend the morning playing while the dinner is being cooked (either by me or my mum), and we all eat together at lunch time. Then a walk in the afternoon, more playing with the new presents, then a Christmas film in the evening, or whichever new DVD Harry has had that year (usually Top Gear, oh joy!).

Q) When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?

1st of December, or as close to it as I can. This year, it's 29th November as we are going on the Harry Potter Studio Tour on the 30th November, and it's going to be all Christmassy there, so I want to come to a feeling of Christmas as well!

Q) Favourite Christmas Movie?

Home Alone. You just can't beat it for festive feeling, and I also love Home Alone 2 as I love seeing all the places in New York I saw when I went at Christmas in 2005.

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with . . . Blogger Rea Book Reviews

 
Hi I am Rea from Rea Book Reviews, I have been a book reviewer for over 3 years. I am a big fan of chicklit especially at this time of year with all the festive sparkly covers and festive storylines.
www.reabookreview.blogspot.com

Q) When do you normally get in the Festive spirit?

I don’t usually get in the Christmas spirit until Christmas Eve, I run a salon so Christmas is my busiest time of year so I find on Christmas Eve my last day at work I am calling all the winners of our Christmas raffle then we do the family Christmas present drop then finally I can get home put my feet up and the tree lights on and watch some classic Christmas movies!

Q) What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas? 

I wouldn’t say it is a family tradition but my own personal tradition is every Christmas Morning the first thing I do is put Happy Elf dvd on! So many people don’t seem to have heard of this one but it is a great funny Christmas film for kids ( or big Kids like me!) 

Q) Favourite past Christmas? 

My favourite Christmas was 3 years ago, it was a typical traditional family Christmas, unfortunately it was my last one that my nan was with us for but it was such a happy day with each and every one of my loved ones around me and it was quite nice to take a step back and just see how lucky I was to have everyone around. 

Q) Favourite Christmas Book?

Ohhhhhh this one is so hard! Every year a new Christmas book seems to trump the year before! So far this year Alexandra Brown’s The Great Christmas Knit Off has been my favourite but if I had to pick one favourite overall I would have to say The Jolly Postman! Yes again I know it is a children’s book ( are you picking up that I haven’t quite grown up yet!) I remember seeing this book for years and always wanting it but unfortunately although it was on my Christmas list for years I never got it but then finally one Christmas I finally found it under our tree! I still have my copy now and even have all the little letters and puzzles etc in immaculate condition in the envelopes! That books has been my pride and joy!

Q) Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybody’s face's on Christmas Day?

I love to buy presents and I prefer to get a surprise for people rather than something they want or need because it is priceless to see the joy and surprise on their faces on Christmas day. But…….. I hate wrapping with a passion! I have to admit that I now don’t wrap up I just buy gorgeous gift bags instead whoops!

Q) What is a typical day on Christmas Day like for you & your family?

It is hard because this year is the first Christmas since we have been married, for the last 10 years we have taken it in turns to do one Christmas at each of our families but obviously traditions differ in families so we both find it hard at Christmas so this year it will be our time to start making our own family tradition so we will be staying at home, Mr Cobb will be cooking Christmas dinner! So I will have to update you on how the new “Cobb Christmas” tradition will be!

Q) When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?

We always put it up the first Saturday in December and then take it down on the 1st of January for our new year new start.

Q) Favourite Christmas Movie?

It has got to be my Happy Elf! I know it probably isn’t the best film out but because of the memories of watching it each Christmas it would be impossible to pick something else!

Festive Guest Post: Xmas Q&A with . . .Blogger Dawn Brierley

Hi, I'm Dawn and I am a full on self confessed chick lit lover!

I spend more time with my nose in a book than out of one. To me, books are way better than shoes (its a close one!) and I love nothing more than having piles and shelves full of books! 

When I'm not reading the latest chick lit, I'm working hard studying to be an accountant, blogging, crocheting, knitting and my latest LOVE is working out! I run a small private fitness and health group where we keep each other accountable for being healthy and happy. 

I have the pleasure of annoying my man with my book-a-holic addiction, sharing my book passion with my Mum (and anyone who will listen!) and can be seen most nights snuggled up with my beautiful fur baby; Magick! 
blog link is: www.APageofFictionalLove.blogspot.co.uk

Q) When do you normally get in the Festive spirit?

I'm usually in the festive spirit around 2 weeks before Christmas, but this year I've been gearing up since August.. I have no idea why! I'm hoping I won't fizzle out before the big day. 

Q) What is a family tradition you like to have or do at Christmas?

 When we eat our Christmas Dinner, we always set a place at the table for our loved ones who are no longer with us, we even put out dad's glass and give him a tot of whisky. 

Q) Favourite past Christmas?

A favourite Christmas of mine, was when my cat got so excited for Christmas he tried to rip the presents open before the big day, and then on the big day he got so excited as he unwrapped his big Penguin and proceeded to love and cuddle it before moving on to his little Ratty toy. He still has them and plays with them all the time. When the tree goes up he gets so excited because Santa's coming! 

Q) Do you love buying/wrapping gifts and seeing everybodys face's on Christmas Day?

I love buying, I detest wrapping LOL, but I adore seeing the faces on the big day. I think I actually get more excited about seeing everyone open the presents I've bought for them than I do for opening my own! 

Q) Favourite Christmas Book?

Ah this is an easy one. I adore Carole Matthews' Calling Mrs Christmas! I read it last year and I have thought about that book all year long! There is just something so magical about it, don't you think? 

Q) What is it like on Christmas Day for you & your family?

We always get up, open the presents in our PJs, and then take turns to enjoy a relaxing bath (Mum's usually first!) and get ready for the day ahead. We get glammed up and Mum starts cooking. We sit down, enjoy the meal together, before succumbing to the Christmas movies on tv and falling asleep. This year will be slightly different though as my new partner will be involved and we have his nephews and brothers to join in with. It will be a big Christmas this year, I'm looking forward to it. 

Q) When do you normally put your Christmas tree up?

Oh, about 2 weeks before Christmas sometimes, but we can and have left it until the eve of Christmas eve! It's an OCD cleaning thing we have lol. 

Q) Favourite Christmas Movie?

Oh I watch so many good ones, its hard to choose! But if I had to, it would probably be Mrs Miracle.... although I'm really looking forward to seeing the new one this year, Mr Miracle! :) 

Merry Christmas! xxx

Showcase Sunday #1

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Vickie at Books Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to highlight our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders each week. For more information about how this feature works and how to join in, click here.

~                           ~                              ~

Hellloo to my lovely blogger friends, readers & authors, Happy Sunday to you all!
Hope you have read some great books this week or have bought some fab books that you cannot wait to share.

This is my first Sunday showcasing and I am excited to show you all my books that I have been kindly sent. My week has been very hectic with work and trying to fit in book reviews too! I've had a nasty cold all week which thankfully is coming to the end now hehe. I have had some wonderful upcoming books sent to me this week..my postie has been very busy hehe!

W/c 10th March I was sent all this beautiful books!
I have recently joined up to BookBridgr which has been set up by Ben Willis @ Headline, making it so bloggers can just request books online rather than emailing publishers all the time. which I think is a fab idea!
I was also sent couple of books from Penguin & Simon&Schuster

From Headline:
- Spree by Michael Morley (For Review)/ Amazon
- A Heart Bent Out of Shape by Emylia Hall (For Review)/ Amazon
- Burn by Julianna Baggott (For Review)/ Amazon
- Perfect Wives by Emma Hannigan (For Review)/ Amazon
- The Summer Guest by Emma Hannigan (For Review)/ Amazon
- The Long Shadow by Mark Mills (For Review/ Amazon

From Penguin:
- Beautiful Day by Kate Anthony (For Review)/ Amazon

From Simon & Schuster UK
- The Time of Our Lives by Jane Costello (For Review)/ Amazon

This Week I was sent even more amazing books:

From Headline:
- If I Could Turn Back Time by Nicola Doherty (For Review)/ Amazon
- Four Years Later by Monica Murphy (For Review)/ Amazon
- Precious Thing by Colette McBeth (For Review)/ Amazon
- The Dead Ground by Claire McGowan (For Review)/ Amazon

From Sphere:
- A Place to Call Home by Carole Matthews/ Amazon



 I treated myself to some books and I loved The Fault In Our Stars by John Green so wanted to read more by him :-)

- Paper Towns by John Green
- Looking For Alaska by John Green
- An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

I sometimes visit my local library to try different books out before buying them.
I chose quite a few different ones which I either loved the blurb, had seen recommendations from fellow bloggers or the cover just grabbed me.

- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
- Slammed by Colleen Hoover
- Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
- Red Hill by Jamie McGuire
- Release Me by J.Kenner
- Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones
- Fifth Grave Past The Light by Darynda Jones
- Everything for Us by M.Leighton
- Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

I am excited to read all of these books and cannot wait for you to see my reviews! may take me a few weeks with the piles I have got hehe!~

What books have you bought or downloaded recently? Borrowed from Library? Have plenty on your wish list?
Let me know in comments below!

Hope you have a happy and bright Sunday!
xox