Oh man, it has been a trying week. Has it been like that for anyone else? On the one hand, this season is wonderful- for example, holiday parties galore (yay!). On the other hand, this season can drive you mad- deadlines and crazy busyness at work (boo!). I’m getting through it by focusing on the parts of this season I love, like fun winter activities and twinkle lights everywhere. Also, in less than a week I’ll be heading home to CA- I can’t wait for that! If you had a tough week like me, here are some interesting links to take your mind off things.
– I’m loving NPR’s Book Concierge– there are so many great books on this list. I’m thinking about doing a post on my favorite books from 2013- we’ll see if that actually happens!
– Allison Janney continues to be the best (I’m thinking some West Wing viewing is in order this weekend).
– Shonda Rhimes provides a little bit of insight on Scandal. I almost can’t handle this show. Did anyone else see last night’s mid-season finale?
– How do we feel about Instagram Direct?
– I loved this quote on Smita’s Instagram page- this is exactly how I feel about Christmas.
– Omg, these red velvet cookies look absolutely decadent.
– This is not a link, but I’d love to get your input on something- What is your favorite part about the holidays? If I get enough responses, I might share them in a post next week!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
(image via)
![It's a very belated book haul! These are the four books I picked up on my trip to Australia back in May. Of course I had to check out some bookstores on my first trip to Sydney and I think I ended up visiting 9 in total (check out my stories to see the mini bookstore vlog I made)!
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It was so fun book shopping over there since majority of the covers are different from our US covers. I couldn't resist this pretty edition of PACHINKO, which I've already read. And when I picked up this copy of PEOPLE PERSON, I was so excited to see it because it wasn't out yet in the US at that time. I also bought two books that I hadn't heard of before I discovered them in the bookstore: IDOL and LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES.
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Do you tend to prefer US or UK book covers?
[P.S. This is an old photo that includes a HarperCollins UK title, but please note that I support the HarperCollins Union.]
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[ID: A stack of the following books sits on top of white bedding in front of a white wall (from top to bottom): PACHINKO, IDOL, LOVE AND OTHER PUZZLES, PEOPLE PERSON.]
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#Pachinko #Idol #LoveAndOtherPuzzles #PeoplePerson #whattoread #beautifulbooks #bookhaul #booksandtravel #travelandbooks #bookishaesthetic #bookstacks #bookstacklove #ukbookcovers #ukbookhaul #newbooks #bookbuying #bookpurchases #coolgirlsread #readerslife #bookishcommunity #australiatrip #stackofbooks #bookwormlife #booksandbooks](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
yes to west wing! i loove that show. :) i’m not sure about instagram direct. i’m always wary of new things being added. takes away from the original awesomeness. and oh i remember those days when it would be crazy busy at work – literally down to the wire (new year’s eve). i don’t miss that part of my life right now :) have a lovely, fun, relaxing weekend! that picture makes me want to go ice skating outdoors at the sculpture garden in dc.
I feel the same, Jane- I don’t think I’ll really be using Instagram direct at all. I would love to go to the sculpture garden in DC as well- that sounds like a lot of fun! Hope you had a great weekend too :)
OMG! Love that Shonda Rhimes insight…eek, i’m obsessed with the show and I can’t believe the mid-season finale!! ack!! Have a great weekend, dear!
Scandal is too good- sad we have to wait a whole 2 months until it returns! Hope you had a wonderful weekend too Jessica :)
Christmas really is coming up so fast! I’ve only watched one Christmas movie so far :( Hoping to watch more this week!
My favorite thing about the holidays is everything that comes with it. The special foods, family traditions, wonderful scents, exciting events, classic movies, etc. But it wouldn’t be the same without family and friends to share it with! And that is definitely the most important!
stylethroughhereyes.com
I haven’t watched any Christmas movies yet either, but I know as soon as I’m home with my family I’ll be watching a ton of them. Loved your answer to what you like about the holidays- I totally agree that getting to spend it with family/friends is the most important :)
Red Velvet Cookies, what?! I’ve been hearing so many good things about West Wing so I need to give it a watch. I totally missed the boat but it’d be a great binge-watch. I’m saving up Scandal for a binge-watch as well. So excited!
Yeah, don’t those cookies look so tasty?! I didn’t watch The West Wing until long after the series had ended, but it’s such a good show. Also, I absolutely recommend Scandal- so addicting!
I mostly choose to ignore instagrams new features. I haven’t ever posted a video, and i doubt i’ll send direct pics to anyone. silliness!
Sorry it’s been a rough week – I hope you’ve got some vacation time surrounding the holidays to look forward to!
Thanks Lydia :) Yes, I am heading home this Thursday and I’m sooo looking forward to getting away from everything!
happy holiday season! lets get together soon?!
xx.M
http://www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com
Happy Holidays to you too Megan! Yes, please to getting together- I’ll be away in CA for the next couple weeks but let’s plan something for after the New Year!