I’m so close to getting a long break off work – I can FEEL it. In the final stretch now and I literally cannot wait for some well-deserved (in my opinion) time off. I don’t even know what I did this month. I worked hard, got the majority of my Christmas shopping out of the way, and failed miserably at the gym. The cold weather, and dark nights afternoons, do not inspire me to go gymming after work. I fail at winter, I’d much rather hibernate. I’ve decided to REALLY try this week though, and I’m determined to go to the gym 3 times. I know the biggest hurdle is getting there in the first place, once I’ve done a class I’ll head for home feeling so much better.

The Books:

My wonderful #OTSPSecretSister spoiled me again this month with a box of pamper goodies including some Lush and The Body Shop products, some stationary items, and a copy of My True Love Gave To Me. I don’t typically pick up seasonal reads, and I don’t think I would have purchased a short story collection for myself, so this was a perfect gift. The book also features a couple of authors I’ve been meaning to read, so sampling their short story first might help me make up my mind to commit to their full length books! I had to check my order history to be sure, but I didn’t actually purchase any other books this month, and  there were no charity shop visits. My TBR can breathe a sigh of relief.

I recently posted my Bookish Gift Guide with 20 EXCLUSIVE discount codes, so thought I’d include some items I’ve received. First up, I got this beautiful necklace from Mind the Book featuring a quote from my 2015 favourite, To Kill A Mockingbird. The quote reads, “With him life was routine, without him life was unbearable”. Discount code MINDTHEGEEK gets you free International shipping from this store.

The next item is from TheBookwormPrints – it’s a lovely, crisp Mary Oliver quote print (is it obvious I’m fond of quotes?) that reads, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I can’t wait to get this framed and hang it on the wall near my bookcases (when they finally get built, no joy as of yet!). I also picked up a custom Christmas present for a fellow blogger from this store, but I can’t share too much about it, as I don’t think she has received it yet. Discount code BOOKGEEK20 gets you 20% discount from this store.

Finally, I’ve ordered some bookmarks from Beedoo.TO, but I don’t have a picture as they haven’t arrived yet. I’m definitely going to be making some more purchases before the discount codes run out, and there is a special giveaway from one of the stores going live very soon! 

 Movies and TV Shows:

I’ve taken a break from Charmed, I binge-watch so much of a show that I bore myself of it and have to take a break. I’ve become addicted to Reign instead, which I’ve been wanting to watch for ages and it’s now finally on UK Netflix. I think I’ve watched all of the available episodes though, so I’m going to have to switch to something else for a while. Any suggestions?

Wrappin’ It Up!

• Amber @ Books of Amber asks what you think about monthly TBRs?
• Ashley @ Nose Graze discusses how to make money from your book blog (and why we shouldn’t be ashamed of it!)
• Christina @ A Reader of Fictions discusses unlikeable characters, and the power of fiction, and what it means to her.
• Ceilidh @ Bibliodaze talks about gender hijacking in the Industry.
• Nikki and Claire @ Bitches With Books ask how do you treat your books, and wonder if it really matters.
• Belinda @ Bookarahma discusses “women’s fiction” and why the terminology is a problem.
• Epic Reads share the Essential YA 2015 Book Buying Guide.
• Cait @ Paper Fury shares her hilarious mistakes she’s made as a book blogger, unfortunate book blogger problems, and asks what is the worst type of character death?

In Case You Missed It:

This month I reviewed The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain (4/5). I’ve read 15 books that I’ve yet to review on the blog, but I’m determined to do them! A backlog of reviews doesn’t bother me in the slightest as it gives me a lovely buffer so I don’t feel under pressure to be reading when life gets busy, or if I end up in a slump #winning.

I also shared 25 Bookish Facts About Me, spent a lot of time putting together a Bookish Gift Guide that has 20 EXCLUSIVE discount codes for Etsy stores, and Litographs – it’s worth checking out, and sharing with your bookish friends!

Finally, in November, I finally launched The Transatlantic Book Project, which I’m hosting along with Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense. 10 bloggers, 2 books, 2 countries. It’s going to be great!

My most popular posts in November were my Bookish Gift Guide, and the interview with the cover designer for the new Bloomsbury Harry Potter covers.

How was your November? Are you all set for Christmas? Talk to me in the comments!