Sunday Post #121

Posted April 12, 2015 by Lola in Sunday Post / 38 Comments

sunday post

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It’s a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

What happened this week?

Ugh another weird week. Monday I couldn’t log into my Lola’s Blog Tours website. I couldn’t stop stressing and worrying. Then after finishing my book that evening I put my Kobo into the computer while powering the computer up and my Kobo gave a white screen of death. I freaked out and was close to tears as it seemed like my Kobo e-reader had died. Eventually after trying everything else I did a reset and I was so relieved when I saw all my books staring at me from the screen. I was afraid I would have to put all my books on my e-reader anew, but that wasn’t the case and all my books were still there. So crises averted and my Kobo worked again.

I checked everything I could think of and did a lot of research in the meantime to see if I could figure out if anyone had logged into my site or changed things. I couldn’t find any evidence of someone having hacked my site, so that was good, but I still worried and there was only so much I could figure out without being in my dashboard. And then Tuesday I tried logging in again and no issues at all. I was so relieved to be able to log in again. I guess I really mistyped my password, ugh! I also checked all my plugins and there was no evidence of anyone else being logged in, I did have about 1000 failed login attempts in the last day though, so I guess I am being targetted again. Website security is one of those things I can worry about endlessly. It feels like there is always some loophole hackers can get through and I just wish there was a 100% secure way to lock your site. So two bad things happened that had me stressed, which both turned out right in the end, but did bring me a lot of stress.

Beside that it was a busy week, but sort of okay. I had a new review opportunity for Lola’s Blog Tours that I worked on, sent out some media kits for tours later this month and got some more marketing assistant work done. I did my taxes for the first quarter of this year and I while I made less money that Q4 of 2014, I still made a nice amount. I did the taxes for the total of last year this weekend, when my mom was here as she always helps me with that, the quarterly ones are easy, but the yearly ones are difficult.
My sister is moving out next friday/ weekend, things certainly moved fast. She has packed most of her stuff already. They get the keys to their new appartment on friday and then start painting and after that move things there. I am planning to make some dishes she likes next week as it’s her last week in this house.
My boyfriend started some freelance translation work though a website online to make some more money and he already landed one job, which he enjoyed. So that’s good news, he’s hoping to find a job in editing or translation eventually and is planning to do a translation dutch/ english master next year if possible. And my mom has a surgery for her tonsils next week as she had pain for a quite some weeks now. They are also going to do test with it as it might be something worse, but she won’t know the results until monday the 20th. That gave me a bit of a scare, so now hoping everything turns out okay, just waiting till we know more.

My boyfriend and I started watching Star Wars Rebels and it’s really good and addictive. I wish we had waited a bit longer to start it as I am afraid we will get through the episodes that are released so far in the next week and then I’ll be sad as we have to wait for the new episodes. It’s so good and every time we finish a episode we just want to watch a few more. It’s an animated series, but I really like the style and there are lot of original Star Wars sounds and some characters in it, R2D2 and 3CPO even made an appearance! And there are a lot of epic actions scenes and the main character are all interesting as well. It takes place between the prologue trilogy and the original trilogy, so when the empire is securing it’s foothold in the galaxy and the rebels are just starting to get organized.

I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels these weeks as I really was in the mood for those and found a new favourite romance author, namely Joanne Rock. I love her Heartache series and am currently reading the Runaway Brides series which she co-writes by Catherine Manna nd it’s such a fun series as well. And I got a review copy for the second Kami No Sekai book by SJ pajonas, which was just as much fun as the first book, this book was about a statue that wants to travel. And Pajonas her book Face Time is one sale for only 0.99$ this weekend only, so make sure to grab your copy if you love contemporary romance books, I loved this book and it was one of my favourite books of 2014.

mini blogahead
And I am joining the Mini Blog Ahead which takes place in the first two weeks of May. The goal is to end the challenge with 14 more scheduled posts than you started. I am not sure if I am going to make that amount, but even if I only end with a few more scheduled posts than I started it’s more than worth. Ever since the last Blog Ahead I’ve been aroudn the 30-45 posts ahead, so I am hoping to get that buffer a bit higher every time. I’ll share my updates in my sunday post, like I did with Coyer instead of creating a sign-up post.

What did I cook for dinner this week?

  • Sunday: Mashed Potatoes, with red bell pepper in soy sauce and chicken and vega nuggets
  • Extra: Oatmeal cookies
  • Monday: Sajoer Risottto
  • Tuesday: Peanut Butter Tofu, beets and rice
  • Wednesday: Spinach, lentils and masala quiche – recipe post coming in July
  • Extra: Crumb Cake
  • Thursday: Cajun Spaghetti – new recipe, really liked this, will make it again for recipe post next time
  • Friday: Pizza! – we ordered pizza as a new pizza shop opened close by and there was a discount were you basically got the second pizza for free.
  • Saturday: Indian Cauliflower Mash

Random Picture(s) of the Week

Apple Juice box in rat cage
This week’s rat cage. They have an empty apple juice box (the apple juice normaly fits into a bag into this box) and lots of pieces of cloth, which they like to rearrange. At the moment they are all holed up in front of the box as some sort of barrier.

Dinner with vega safari nuggets
My dinner on sunday evening. The safari vega nuggets were so cute, lol.

This week I blogged about:

Blog Tour: Raising the Stakes by Karen Rock – review
Cover Reveal: Taken by Chance by Erica Cameron and Lani Woodland
Review: Lovestruck (True Calling #1.5) by Siobhan Davis
Lola’s Ramblings: Why I like reading Discussion Posts
Lola’s Kitchen: Ten Foods I don’t Like
My To-Be Read List #8: chosen book

What to expect next week on the blog:

– Book Blitz: True Calling (True Calling #1) by Siobhan Davis
– Review: Promises Under the Peach Tree (Heartache #1) by Joanne Rock
– Review: Enticed by JA Belfield
– Lola’s Ramblings: What do you Love about your Job?
– Lola’s Kitchen: Carrot Souflé Recipe
– Review: A Moment to Love by Jennifer Faye

Tours open for sign-up on Lola’s Blog Tours:

Review Opportunity: Chills: a short story collection by Sahar Sabati – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Flawless by Jennifer McGill – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: The Luthier’s Apprentice by Mayra Calvani – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis #1) by Kelsey Ketch – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Cross Roads by Donald Wilson II – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Last House Burning by Katy Scott – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Click Date Repeat by K.J. Farnham – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Calling California (Hunter Hill University #1) by J.P. Grider – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Mending Michael (Hunter Hill University #2) by J.P. Grider – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: True Calling (True Calling #1) by Siobhan Davis – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: Nights Under the Tennessee Stars by Joanne Rock – sign-ups open till further notice
Review Opportunity: The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor by M.K. Theodoratus – sign-ups open till further notice

Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan Davis – sign-ups open till 12 April
Blog Tour: Tara Nikkel and the Shaman of La’la Eek by R.A. Sapp – sign-ups open till 13 April
Book Blitz: Bound by Blood by Scott Springer – sign-ups open till 20 April
Book Blitz: Suspected by Rori Shay – sign-ups open till 21 April
Blog Tour: Regina Shen by Lance Erlick – sign-up open till 17 May
Book Blitz: Love Overcomes by Angela Schroeder – sign-ups open till 18 May
Blog Tour: Beyond Reach by Siobhan Davis– sign-ups open till 30 April
Blog Tour: All for Love by Susanne Matthews– sign-ups open till 25 May

Book Haul:

The truth about HopeThe Truth About Hope
by Kate James

Format: e-copy
Source: for review through netgalley
You can find The Truth about Hope on Goodreads

Blurb:
Who is Hope Wilson?

Is she the girl her former hometown thinks she is? Or the girl Luke Carter once loved—and maybe still does?

When Hope returns to Canyon Creek, Texas, to honor her
father’s last wishes, there’s only one person on her mind: her high school sweetheart, Luke. The boy she lied to when she had to leave Canyon Creek as a teen, finding it easier to hide what she really felt than deal with the grief of loss. Her father’s fortune could make a big difference to Canyon Creek—but Hope finds that the townspeople have a long memory about his misdeeds. With a plan to make amends on his behalf,
Hope learns the truth about herself. And the truth about love.

Pursued by the Rich RancherPursued by the Rich Rancher (Diamonds in The Rough #2)
by Catherine Mann

Format: e-copy
Source: for review through netgalley
You can find Pursued by the Ring Ranger on Goodreads

Blurb:
A millionaire cowboy must woo a single mom to earn his inheritance! Only from USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Mann

Single mom Nina Lowery has never understood the sex appeal of cowboys. Until she brings her son to a weeklong horse camp and meets the wealthy rancher in charge

Seduction isn’t part of Alex McNair’s plan to earn his piece of his family’s estate. Yet plans have a way of changing. Nina and her little boy hold the key to Alex’s future. Breaking the promise he made to his dying grandmother is not an option, but neither is breaking Nina’s heart.

Thanks Harlequin!

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38 responses to “Sunday Post #121

    • I also participated in Blog Ahead last year and it really helped to give me that push to stay ahead. I now stay around 30-40 posts scheduled ahead. It certainly makes things easier 🙂
      Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #121My Profile

  1. I found my Kobo was crashing every time I had it linked into the computer while using that useless Kobo Desktop software. I even had to resort to factory resets which meant manually adding all the books back on which was a huge pain. I would get so stressed that I wanted to cry. Since I started avoiding Kobo desktop I haven’t had a single issue with my Kobo!
    chucklesthescot recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #79My Profile

    • I had some issues with Kobo Desktop Software as well and quickly stopped using it soon after I got my Kobo, I use Adobe Digital Editions now. I think I plugged my Kobo in the computer too soon as the computer was still powering up, so I am assuming that caused the blank screen. I am so happy the reset helped and I still had all my books on it.
      Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #121My Profile

    • It was so fun to see those safari shaped vega nuggets and they tasted good too. I am really happy both e-thigns turned out well, but they really gave me a scare. Looking forward to Blog Ahead :), I loved participating last time and am hoping to get a little bit more ahead again this time.
      Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #121My Profile

  2. I hate having tech problems it always stressed me out.
    I wish your sister good luck in her move, It must be very exciting for her and I know a bit of a worry for you and your boyfriend but things will work out and it might be a good change for all of you 🙂

    My daughter LOVES Star Wars Rebels, I am trying to find some stuff for her to play with that has them on it. Its very hard to find girl things for Star Wars Rebels.

    I am looking forward to Blog Ahead, I totally failed last time but I plan to kick butt this time since I would LOVE to be super ahead for the summer.

    Have a great week, Lola!
    Michelle@Because Reading recently posted…It’s finally SPRING…I hope! ~WIR & TSPMy Profile

    • It was very stressful, but I am happy it turned out well in the end. We are happy to ahve the house for ourselves, but right now it’s a bit of a mess with boxes everywhere. I am also happy for my sister that she can finally experience the student life.

      We love Star Wars rebels, it’s a great show. That’s a shame there isn’t much girl stuff about the series as I think it appeals to both girls and boys. Don’t they have stuff with any of the two female characters on it? They are both awesome.

      I am not sure if I will do as well as last time, but I am hoping to get a few more posts written.

    • I was panicking quite a bit, I am happy both things turned out okay. Early May is a bit busy for me, but I am hoping to still get some posts written.

    • They love their boxes, they rip pieces from it and use it as a hiding place. All the pieces of cloth are either inside or at the front, it’s nice seeing them so happy with their box. I also love that about Catherine Mann her covers, many of them have dogs on it. I am currently reading the first book in the series and the dogs play an important role as well.

    • I was really freaked out when my Kobo didn’t work anymore and so relieved when the reset worked, I don’t know what I would do without it as I can’t afford a new one. The log in thign was weird, I probably mistyped it or something, it really gave me a scare.
      Our rats alwayd chew holes in their boxes as well, but that’s a sign that they love it, right? They especially like the bigger boxes or the tissue boxes. I have a whole big box in one of our rooms filled with lots of empty boxes for the rats.
      Lola recently posted…Sunday Post #121My Profile

  3. 30-45 post ahead?! WHOA. That’s pretty awesome! I need to look into this! I’m glad you wete able to log in again and that you’re kobo is okay! Weird, a few days ago, a client’s site is down and I couldn’t log in to their admin either! I had to go in cpanel to make some changes and noticed the failed login attempts too. I guess because wordpress is so popular, there’s a lot of hackers targeting t now. And you’re making me hungry with all the food you ate this week! Sounds yummy! Have a good week ahead Lola! 🙂
    Amir @ Not So Literary recently posted…Gushings and Ravings #7: My Favorite SiblingsMy Profile

    • I got a bit excited back when I started my new feature Lola’s Kitchen and after that managed to stay a few months ahead, so that and my Lola’s Ramblings post count for a long of thsoe scheduled posts.
      I hate the hacker part of wordpress, it alsways freaks me out knowing people want to hack into my site. It seems that happens often that my posts make peopel hungry, I am not sorry ;).
      Lola recently posted…Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan DavisMy Profile

  4. I have felt that sort of panic when the screen is blank and it’s out of the blue. Whew! Glad it was nothing.

    Sounds like you have a lot going on with your family. Hopefully your mom’s tests will turn out alright and that your boyfriend continues to get more translation work.

    That is so fun to find a new author to love. I haven’t read Joann Rock yet.
    Sophia Rose recently posted…A Peculiar Connection by Jan Hahn #ReviewMy Profile

    • I think the problem was that I plugged in my Kobo when my computer was still powering up? Not 100% sure, but it really gave me a scare.

      The fact that the testing was needed for my mom scared me a bit, as it could be something worse, but we don’t know for sure until she has the test results. We’re hoping it’s nothing bad and just her tonsils.

      I would definitely recommend Joanne Rock especially her latest series are good (those are the only ones I read so far). My review of Promises Under the Peach Tree by her will be posted tomorrow.
      Lola recently posted…Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan DavisMy Profile

  5. There’s a Sheltie on the cover of Pursued by a Rich Rancher! That totally made my day. I grew up with Shelties and they’re fantastic dogs. Sounds like you had a busy week. I’m glad the technical issues resolved itself. I can imagine how stressful it all was though. I get nervous when my Kindle even resets so the white screen would probably cause a heart attack. Have a great week!
    Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library recently posted…This Week in Reading – April 12My Profile

    • I didn’t know the dog was a Sheltie, but I do love that type of dog, they look so cute and fluffy. I totally requested that book for the cover and knowing I already had book 1. I am currently reading the first book in the series, which also has a dog on the cover.
      Yeah my Kobo really gave me a scare, but luckily the reset worked. I was so relieved!
      Lola recently posted…Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan DavisMy Profile

  6. The safari nuggets are so cute! My mom thinks I’m nuts when I pick dinosaur nuggets at the store, but they’re more fun to eat! 😀

    I’m glad you were able to get into your site! I’ve been locked out of mine before, and it was scary!
    Angie F. recently posted…Sunday Post #177My Profile

    • I would totally pick fun shaped nuggest over normal ones every time. And dinosaur nuggest sound fun as well! I want a picture next time you eat them :D.

      Being locked out of your site is scary indeed, I have my security settings set really strict so I got locked out for a while.
      Lola recently posted…Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan DavisMy Profile

  7. I’m sorry about your mom, I hope the news will be good today. The Kobo threatening to die on you must have been so frightening !! That’s why I keep my old e-reader, you never know and I couldn’t live without it now. And I see what you meant about website security, it’s crazy ! I was checking out Face time when I realized I’ve already bought it last december (probably on your recommendation), so I moved it up my list. Fingers crossed for your mom 😉
    Red Iza recently posted…The sunday post #43 : What’s up ?My Profile

    • I am a bit worried about my mom, but hope we’ll get good news. That’s a great idea to keep your old e-reader, then when your current one dies you still have a back-up. This Kobo is still my first e-reader, but I defintily will keep it if I ever get a new one. Yeah I recommend Pajonas her books every change I get, I think I featured it during an event in December, so that might be what pushed you to buy it ;). I hope you can read it soon, I am happy you moved it up on your list!
      Thanks for the well wishes for my mom!

  8. Those safari nuggets are super cute!! I want those 🙂 It does sound like you had a stressful week so I hope this coming week is not as bad for you. I’m glad you liked WASHING STATUE WANDERLUST and thanks for mentioning FACE TIME on sale as well. I really appreciate it 🙂

    I should really do a “blog ahead” challenge. I could use the the chance to get ahead!
    S. J. Pajonas recently posted…Sunday Update – April 12, 2015My Profile

    • This was the first time I saw those vega safari nuggest and I just couldn’t resist buying them, they looked so cute.

      You’re welcome :). I hope some people picked up Face Time during the sale. And I can’t wait for the next kami No Seka short story, they are so fun!

      Blog Ahead is awesome, it helepd me last year and I’ve been ahead ever since. I just love feeling ahead.
      Lola recently posted…Book Blitz: True Calling by Siobhan DavisMy Profile

  9. I’m looking forward to Blog Ahead as I know it really inspired me last time. Fingers crossed that it will do the same again. And I think it’s lovely that you are cooking your sister some of her fav meals before she leaves, she won’t want to go now! Hope your mum is ok, it’s always a bit worrying whenever you hear of tests being done. Have a great week Lola and enjoy your new books.
    Trish @ Between My Lines recently posted…Green Giants! Book Review: You, Me & Other People by Fionnuala KearneyMy Profile

    • Same here, Blog Ahead realy inspired me last time to get ahead and I managed to stay ahead. I a hoping this one wil give me another boast. I am pretty sure my sister still wants to leave, but I hope she appreciates the meals. My mom had her surgery today and while it went okay she’s in some pain and nauseous. Now we’re hoping the tests go right and it’s nothing worse.
      Lola recently posted…Review: Promises Under the Peach Tree by Joanne RockMy Profile

  10. Oh Lola, the website issues coupled with your Kobo issues would have had me scared witless. I’m so glad things got back to normal without too much trouble. It looks like you had a fairly nice week otherwise. Yay for getting taxes done. I just finished mine yesterday. 🙂 I love the photo of the rats’ cage. I’ll keep your mom in my thoughts. And I hope you’re having a nice week so far!
    Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Character Interview ~ Éire’s Devil King ~ Sandi LayneMy Profile

    • Scared witless was a good description of how I felt, I even skipped lunch as I was so stressed I had no appetite and that hardly ever happens. It’s nice that both things got fixed without too much trouble.
      It’s always nice to have your taxes done :). I always like giving you a view of the rat cage, although this time there were no actual rats in the picture, it’s hard to get a nice picture of them sometimes as they are so active.

      My mom her surgery went well, she’s still feeling very tired, has some pain and can’t eat a lot. Now waiting till next monday for the test results.
      Lola recently posted…Review: Enticed by JA BelfieldMy Profile

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