Sunday, December 21, 2014

Sunday Salon: December 21, 2014

The Sunday Salon.com

The Scene: 9:45 am  - sitting on couch, coffee in hand, surveying the apartment and trying to remember what I have forgotten to pack. Prince is lounging next to me - he is down for the count after getting vaccinations on Friday.  The pics below sum up the before and after pretty accurately.



 Reading: I have a few books in progress right now (which is rare for me but it has to do with all the formats). In print, I am reading The Way Life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline - I am really enjoying it.  I never read her most famous novel - The Orphan Train - but likely will after this one.  On my reader, I am reading a Christmas book - Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan.  It is set in London, light and fluffy and perfect for this time of year! Finally, on audio, I am also transported to England by Jo Jo Moyes's One Plus One. I read The Girl You Left Behind (my review) by the author and loved it.  This book is also shaping up to be quite good!

Listening: See above for current audiobook. Need to queue up some others with a long flight coming up next week - any recommendations? I have been hearing a lot about Serial and will try that podcast while traveling too.

 Blogging: This week I posted my review of We Are Not Ourselves - this is easily my favorite read this year and based on feedback, it seems very popular with many of you too!  I also want to feature a post I did at last year at this time as part of the Virtual Advent series - review of Christmas on Jane Street.  I think about this story each time I walk past the tree vendors in the city.  If you are looking for a good read this time of year, I definitely recommend this! It reminds me a bit of a modern day Gift of the Magi.  And today, the ebook is only $1.99!

Watching : With holiday parties, year-end stuff at work and holiday prep miscellany, I haven't been watching much TV (which is really just fine).  But I have become fascinated by the holiday decorations on the buildings and townhouses throughout the city. I have been following a hashtag called #festivefacades on Instagram (follow me) which got me looking at all the #festivefacades in Manhattan!  Here is a sample from my wanderings while running errands yesterday.


Looking Forward To: So much to look forward to - heading to Texas to visit with family over Christmas and then on to Cape Town for New Year's (hence the packing stress right now - I am sure something will be forgotten).

Hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday!

10 comments:

  1. I always get stressed about packing for the holidays, and then I remind myself that almost nothing I could forget is irreplaceable. Getting a new one might be annoying, but it's not the worst thing and I should just calm down :)

    I love the facades you shared! I am not big on Christmas decorating -- I hate the idea of having to take it all down again -- but I love looking at other decorations. There is a house around the corner from me that has beautiful lights out, so fun to see each night when I drive home.

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  2. Aw, poor little Prince! I would love to come to the city during the holidays one year. Enjoy your trip!

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  3. What a terrific post! I loved Christmas on Jane Street, and The Way Life Should Be is my favorite Christian Baker Kline book. I'm going to have to check out the #festivefacades. Merry Christmas and safe travels to Texas.

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  4. Have you listened to Dollbaby? That was an outstanding audio production - my favorite this year. I also just finished Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng and loved it...it's sad though, so maybe not what you want for travel.

    Merry Christmas, Colleen. Enjoy your trips!

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  5. have a great holiday Colleen and Happy travels as well -- cute puppy.

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  6. Oh, I love your list of books, and I loved Orphan Train, so I have bookmarked The Way Life Should Be. I also have another e-book of hers, too, that I haven't yet read...Sweet Water.

    I loved We Are Not Ourselves, and I see that it is a favorite on many lists.

    Oh, I love those facades of Christmas decorated homes in Manhattan...like a postcard!

    Enjoy your travels....

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  7. I hope your precious little Prince feels better soon! Love the photos you took of the doorways. Happy holidays, Colleen!

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  8. Some of my favorite things about the holidays are decorations and music. Have a wonderful trip and I hope Prince fares well. What an adorable pup :)
    I followed you on instagram (mbh956)
    Merry Christmas, Colleen!

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  9. I loved Orphan Train but I haven't read her other books. I'm too late for Christmas so happy new year, Colleen!

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  10. I think you're in Cape Town right around now, so enjoy your far-flung travels! The decorations around Manhattan sure look great. Have a Happy New Year!

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