My nightstand abounds with new books!

Lucifer Rising and Vampyre Darcy's Desire

First, yesterday, I received two books for review over at Read All Over: 1) Vampyre Darcy’s Desire by Regina Jeffers from Ulysses Press and 2) Lucifer Rising by Barbara Fifield from the author herself, which she was so nice as to autograph for me. Thanks so much Barbara! I can’t wait to dive into your book.

Everyone may roll their eyes at the first book,  but I had to request it. It’s two of my favourite things rolled into one: Jane Austen and vampires. The temptation was too much lol. I myself am even guilty of writing a short story about a vampire during the Regency/Georgian era ;) ‘Tis only natural that I would read someone’s story of the same. Purists would probably gank me though.

Holiday Swap Goodies!

Second, today while eating lunch, I had a parcel arrive. It was addressed from “Book Bloggers Holiday Swap”.

I tried hard to contain the little kid within and to do the proper adult thing of finishing my lunch before ripping into it, but boy was it hard lol. Once my plate was clean, I tore into it! I just have to say, that I had THE BEST Secret Santa ever! *huggles this magnanimous and anonymous person from Houston, Texas*

So what did I get? An adorable ceramic mug with a darling snowman on it (complete with two packets of cocoa, YUM!), a deliciously scented candle (kitchen spice, mmmm), a wonderful card, and two heavenly books: Irish Cooking by Clare Connery and The Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary. I am SO ecstatic right now! Already thinking of things I can make from this cookbook for Christmas :)

I’m a little late on sending mine, sadly. So much has been going on, which I cannot talk about on a public forum such as this. But as soon as I’m done posting this, it’s off to the post office I go. I’m sending priority so the gifts will get there in a timely manner.

Ah, all this brings such smiles to my face and brightens my dim mood more than you guys know!

Thank you Secret Santa, whomever you are, and thank you Holiday Swap!!

Plus I have a few people lined up to give it a beta (alpha?) read, of which I am excited about. I really hope people like this book. But back to the busyness of the season, shall we …

Last night, I went shopping with my younger sister to pick up the supplies to make my mum a birthday cake (her birthday is tomorrow) and a few smaller things to go with the secret santa gifts I have to mail out. I ended up buying a three foot tree (see photo) for our house this year since no one really felt like getting up in the attic, pulling everything out and dealing with the hassle a full-size tree (which, in my family, normally ends with everyone being in a pissy mood and we need all the festiveness we can get this year, mmmkay).

After getting the tree ready, eating dinner, and doing an inordinate amount of dishes — I seriously believe evil elves stalk the house when we are distracted and dirty up our plates and cutlery — I wrapped the gifts I bought for the Supernatural Secret Santa on Livejournal (not shown) and the Book Blogger’s Holiday Swap (photo to the left). These shall be mailed out on Monday. I was going to do it today but again, I have so much to do, and I didn’t want to run everything to the post office on the same day (I would honestly need almost two boxes for all I have to mail). Instead, I opted to mail two packages today: one to Cash4Books.net and one to a friend in Belgium who kindly bought an unwanted book from me as I’m trying to clear out my collection.

Tonight will be spent addressing my holiday cards, among other things. I will probably post some photos of that tomorrow. Seriously, my life is beyond exciting. ;)