Been thinking about… quiet blessings

I know it’s been a minute or two since I last wrote and posted. I have a whole list of ideas to write about, and time just flies by without me getting around to it. Like everyone else, I’m busy. It seems like we were just in 2019, tipping our toes into 2020, and now incredibly we’re half way through the fifth month of 2021. Hard. To. Believe.

Does your day ever look like this:

Mine does.

It seems that I am always on the go, always on, always available. Anyone else able to relate to that? So to counteract the constant chaos and commitments, I have learned to look for–and be grateful for–those quiet blessings that come my way.

Everyone’s idea of quiet blessings might look different, but mine looks a little like this: a butterfly larking from flower to flower, sunlight streaming through the clouds, and the soft petals of a rosebud slowly opening. Dew on the morning grass. Fish lazily swimming in the pond. Wagging tail of a happy dog. Moonlight and twinkling stars. All some of my favorite things.

And I’ve learned quiet doesn’t necessarily mean no-noise. Quiet can be soft noise too. Birdsong. Gurgling brook. Rain. Porch swing chains. Chickens scratching in the dirt and chirping. I could listen to those noises all day long.

If only, right?

Another quiet blessing I have learned to treasure is just the opportunity to sit somewhere; a bench, a swing, a rock, and just be still. Quiet. Just breathe, just empty my mind. I don’t necessarily break into a meditation but I slow down my thoughts, my breathing, and everything else. Be still and breathe slowly, deeply, purposely. Isn’t that a blessing?

And what makes these events so special is, at least for me, their rarity.

Today an old friend texted for a quick catch up. Another friend stopped in to chat. I value both of these visits as precious blessings, albeit only one was “quiet”. Sometimes it’s just the smile from a friend or loved one, or a word to say hello. Knowing we are being thought of is blessing in itself.

So while most of us are required to be part of the motion train, in one form or another, be sure to step away once in a while and take time to notice the small, quiet blessings in your daily life. They are out there, we need only open our eyes to see them.

Photo by Anastasiya Vragova on Pexels.com

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Announcing release of book 1 in Winds of Destiny Series, and, in celebration, a giveaway for Amazon gift cards!

Read on for  a chance to win an Amazon gift card! After years of work, I am so thrilled to finally announce that book 1 of the “Winds of Destiny” series is released! Drum roll…. Introducing “River’s Journey”

River Gallagher loves three things—her family, Frank Finn, and her hometown. Her property management career is going great, or at least it was until Calder Finn arrives in town. His rash plans threaten her and the future of everyone in Sweetwater Harbor, NC. Calder Finn returns home to settle his father’s estate. But not only is his father still alive, he has a wild and beautiful guardian. River not only threatens Finn’s intention for a quick escape, she also questions his beliefs. Something very few people have ever done before. Tempers flare and personalities clash until an uneasy alliance is forged—at least temporarily. Amazon Link Here is a little excerpt from “River’s Journey”, where River and Calder are discussing their thoughts about falling in love: “Are you telling me you would never marry a man if it were just mutually beneficial between you? Is that what you are implying?” he challenged her, bringing his palms back to the tabletop. She shook her head, moving tangled hair out of the way. “No, I would only marry for true love and nothing less.” He envied her confident answer. Yet, it explained why this tumultuous woman was still single. However, his curiosity won out. “Okay, and what do you consider nothing less than true love?” Was there even such a thing? She smiled. Her smile was the first real smile he’d seen from her. Almost dreamy, it slammed into his chest with all the tenderness of a bulldozer. He counted the seconds until he could force a shallow breath back into his lungs. One…two…three…four…five… Would she ever answer him? “That’s hard to put into words. It’s more something two people will feel when destiny speaks, and they are the right two.” He could have almost laughed, if he had been able to breathe properly. “Then you think it’s destiny that makes two people fall in love?” “No. I think destiny brings them together. They fall in love because they are meant to.” Ah, crystal clear, considering it was coming from her. “Well, that is an interesting point of view, I suppose.” He brushed off any crumbs that might be on the table or stuck in the scarred ridges. “However, my arrangement with Miss Jordon is my business and none of yours, so kindly keep your opinions to yourself.” “You asked.”  Book 2, “Storm’s Warning” is currently in edits, book 3, “Raine’s Promise” is waiting for edits, book 4, “Winter’s Wish” is my next work in progress, and I am outlining books 5 and 6! Did I mention how stoked I am to finally have this series underway?  Here is the best part…In honor of this series launch, I am turning my website into a treasure hunt. Yes! Go over to my website, http://www.ryanjosummers.com and read through it looking for answers to the following questions. (Trust me, this is super simple and quick to do). To enter, just email me from the ‘Contact’ tab and give me the correct answers. I will draw five random readers to each win $10 Amazon gift cards. Here are the particulars: 1… Readers must find answers to questions (below) on author’s website, and contact author with right answers using ‘Contact” form on website.    2…Author will randomly select five (5) correct entries. Each random winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Entrants must leave a contact method for author to let winner know. 3… Last day to enter is midnight, Monday, March 22, 2021. Winners will be notified by March 24th, 2021     4 .. Questions are:                —Name of my official office assistant                —Name of song I wrote for “Cinnamon’s Courageous Heart”                —Name of dog on the cover of “Ty’s Journey”                —Give one hobby listed on the ‘About Ryan Jo Summers’ page                —What title earned the US Review of Books Silver Star of Recommendation?

Good luck!

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So much going on– Several big news items to share! Hold on!

 

Hello. I hope your holidays are going well. Mine is super crazy. I hope I never release a book during November and December again! I gave up on the idea of decorating this year and just stuck my 2 foot tree-in-a-burlap-sack on a bookcase by the window. I tossed six ornaments, a string of lights and a star on it and called the whole decorating thing done. But I have been super busy with other things to occupy my time instead. Read on….

First, I signed up with BookFunnel. This is a cool site where I get a bunch of free/ discounted downloads for my Kindle. I even have this grand illusion one day I will get to read them.

The first book I want to offer on BookFunnel is my romantic comedy novella, “It Happened at the Park”, now free for the taking but only until January 1, 2018. You might be prompted to sign up for my newsletter, which only comes out about 3 or 4 times a year max. You always have the option to unsubscribe to that after you get the free download of “It Happened at the Park.”

If all goes well, I plan to offer other books for free periodically. Here is the tagline:

Cassidy’s a career girl, not a dog mom. Then she inherits her sister’s two pampered pups. Hopeless, she meets Ethan, the hunky dog park ‘daddy’.

Get your FREE copy of It Happened at the Park at this link:          https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nt4dxa0w0t

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Okay, next up, I have two full-length novels releasing very shortly. And I’m also promoting the heck out of them on virtual blog tours.

Set against the exciting backdrop in the chase for the Triple Crown and filled with mystical surprises. Season is not a witch, but she can make a horse run and Ty’s heart race.

Season Moriarty is part fey and part druid. She can see the future and alter it. She welds control over the natural elements of earth, wind, fire and water as well as manipulating life and death. And she is an accomplished racehorse trainer, able to get any horse to run like the wind. Now Season has landed the dream job that will test all of her skills and abilities.

Ty Masters runs his horse racing business with an iron fist. No one dares to question him. He hires Season based on her reputation. Then they meet. Immediately, she questions him, challenges him, infuriates him, intrigues him, captivates him, and even intimidates him a little. Then she spellbinds him. But can she make a Triple Crown winner out of his willful colt?

Mysterious threats to Ty’s racehorses bring him and Season together in another kind of race against the clock. As the stakes for the Triple Crown rise and the identity of who wants to destroy Ty, so does the undeniable interest and the fiery sparks between them.

First, on Magic of Books Blog Tours, I am promoting “Wild Whispers”, a contemporary romantic suspense with mystical elements. (read: it’s a cool book with lots of good stuff). The tour is going on now, until December 12th and there is a giveaway raffle for a $10 Amazon gift certificate. Yes, you are required to sign up for my newsletter to qualify, but I promise they don’t come out that often.

The link to follow the “Wild Whispers” pre-release tour is: https://magicofbookspromo.blogspot.ca/2017/12/pre-order-tour-for-wild-whispers-by.html

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Then, January 29th- February 2nd, “Wild Whispers” will be on Reading Addiction Blog Tours, also with a neat giveaway of a signed paperback copy of my backlist Romantic suspense novel, “Chasing the Painted Skies”.  Link is: http://readingaddictionvbtreviews.blogspot.com/

“Wild Whispers” officially releases December 12th and will be available on Kindle, Nook, and all your favorite devises and paperback.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AyCG72

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-whispers-ryan-jo-summers/1127561125?ean=2940158952869

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/762819

Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/shop/ryan-jo-summers/wild-whispers/paperback/product-23410521.html

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Up next is a sweet, contemporary Christian romance. “Rainbows in the Moonlight”.

A Southern romance novel about family, forgiveness, starting over, and love.

 Koda Jacobs urgently needs a nanny–right now. Fresh from prison, Dalton Clayton needs a job–and just about anything will do.

 Divine Intervention steps in and tosses Koda and Dalton together. Koda struggles with the conflicts of her impulsive decision to leave her babies with an unknown, convicted felon. That just can’t be wise, can it? But she can’t help but see how quickly the children bonded to him and trust him. Or the reassuring sense that this is just right. Meanwhile, Dalton stumbles through the spills and thrills of two young children, and his growing interest in their mother. A chance meeting brings him back to his estranged family as well.

Over time mutual attraction forms between  Koda and Dalton as the bond between Dalton and the children deepens. A sweet, southern romance full of forgiveness, second chances, and fun kids.

“Rainbows in the Moonlight” releases in e-book format December 20th.

The Magic of Books blog tour begins December 26th, and once again I have a $10 Amazon gift card up for grabs. The Reading Addiction book tour runs February 5-9, 2018 and I am giving away a free, signed paperback of my backlist Christian romance novel.

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In even more exciting news, my Christian romance to release last November, “Beside Still Waters”, will be available in paperback starting January 10th, 2018 on Amazon. You can pre-order it now at this link:  http://amzn.to/2C0aG9V

Top Journalist and corporate climber McKayla Buchanan is sent to a remote California mountain camp for inner-city, at-risk teens. Accustomed to political and high-society assignments, she is suddenly a fish out of water. At Camp In As Much, she meets eight hostile and distrustful teens, assorted volunteers, rescued horses—and Clay.

Clay Michaels is the man who founded Camp In As Much and made it the success it is now. His hope for the highly recommended journalist is to come and write a feature to send seeds out to form other camps like his nationwide one. He never considered the reporter would turn out to be a lovely woman, or for him to have such an attraction to her.

Between McKayla’s worldly experience and Clay’s strong faith, they form a partnership to help with the endless challenges of the kids.

While McKayla’s assignment is supposed to be temporary, it isn’t long before she and Clay are each wishing it could last longer. A serious situation will force McKayla to decide if she can give up her worldly ways and place her faith in the same higher source that Clay does.

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And lastely, (whew!) I am also promoting a holiday buy for a good cause (because I don’t have near enough stuff to juggle just yet). You might remember my collie, Ty, who I adopted March 2015 from the Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. He arrived with so much emotional baggage, we almost needed a U-Haul to bring it all with us.

It has been a rough and wonderful and never boring journey with Ty, helping him overcome his past. He’s pretty well adjusted now, almost three years in, and I am very happy with everything about him. Over the months, I journaled and blogged the steps, successes, failures, doubts, and included loads of photos. This past summer I created a self-published novel on Kindle KDP and have it available in Kindle and paperback up on Amazon.

A portion of each sale will go back to the Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. Now there is a holiday purchase you can feel doubly good about!

kindle https://www.amazon.com/Tys-Journey-Sharing-Lessons-Adopted-ebook/dp/B073MSG8SM

That’s Ty on the cover. He is such a pretty, happy boy, isn’t he?

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2AJeRHg

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Okay, that’s it. I did mention there was a lot going on, right? If you want to keep up with my comings and goings, below are my social media links. Some I am more active on than others, and a lot of it depends on my writing/editing/promoting/ and life schedules.

Oh yeah! I nearly forgot…how could I possibly forget this? Edits will begin soon for the January 2018 release of Limitless Publishing’s “Craving Country” anthology. I am one of the contributing authors to this collection with my short story called “Crazy Woman Creek”.  Follow my media sites for updates as things unfold for “Crazy Woman Creek” and the “Craving Country” anthology collection.

Website: www.ryanjosummers.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanJoSummersAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanJoSummers

Blog: https://www.summersrye.wordpress.com 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/phoenix690322/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6604705.Ryan_Jo_Summers

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Now I am off to read a download on my Kindle. Wish me luck.

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SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Newsletter Edition 8

Greetings all. This is the final newsletter for our Sizzle in the Snow anthology. Actually, I am a tad late, as this was due out yesterday. My apologies. Without any further ado…

December 15, 2015

SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .

BUY NOW

Buy Link

This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology now available on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:

• Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
• Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
• Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
• CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
• Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
• Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
• Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
• Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise

Welcome to our eighth and final newsletter in celebration of the release of

Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection.

Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!

Book Corner

We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .

Author Amy Deason shares an excerpt of her short story, Second Chances: A Christmas Story!

 

Octavia turned and was headed out the door when she stopped, looking back over her shoulder, her mouth turned up in a smile. “I just thought you might be interested to know that Michael Dennison is the coach.”

Grace stopped in her tracks. “Michael?” she asked, her heart skipping a beat.

For a moment, she forgot to breathe. Michael Dennison. Good Lord, that man had been hot. Tall with an athletic build, dark brown hair and incredible blue eyes, he caught her attention no matter where she was. Or he used to the last time she’d seen him, several years ago when she’d been down here for a visit.

“I see you remember him,” Octavia laughed, topping in the doorway and turning back.

“Of course I do. How could I not? But wait, he’s the basketball coach here? I thought he moved away to the city.”

“Oh, he did, but he got divorced three years ago and moved back. He’s got a little girl, Nicole. Actually,” Octavia mused, tilting her head, “she’s about the same age as Gracie. Hey, maybe they could become friends. And no, before you ask, I don’t think he’s involved with anyone. Yet,” she drawled out, her intention crystal clear.

Grace could feel her face heating up. “Come on, you don’t seriously think he’d be interested in me do you? I mean, he was so good looking . . .”

“And you’re what? Chopped liver? Give me a break.”Octavia rolled her eyes dramatically. “I know for a fact that the man had the hots for you for a long time. I doubt that’s changed. Oh and one more thing…”

“What?”

“If I were you, I’d find that charger for your phone. I have a feeling that you might be getting a message pretty soon,” her friend replied mischievously. “Well, gotta go. See you tomorrow about five.,” she said, dashing out the door before Grace could say another word.

“Mom, Lee won’t get out of my room!” Grace yelled, her voice traveling down the stairs.

With a sigh, Grace started up the steps and heard Lee giggling hysterically.

Oh man, she thought, I’ve got to find that charger.

 

Cocktail Corner

 

Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?

Kick back with a festive cocktail!

Recipe shared by Kim Hotzon:

Cuban Mojito

Recipe = single serving

• 2-3 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1 teaspoon white sugar, or more to taste
• 1/4 cup ice cubes, or more as needed
• 5 – 2 fluid ounces white Bacardi rum
• 4 1/2 ounces club soda

Place mint leaves, lime juice and sugar in bottom of a glass and muddle with a spoon until mint is crushed. Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour rum and soda over the ice; stir. Serve with stirring spoon and garnish with fresh lime wedge.

Optional: Muddle fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries in with mint, lime and sugar for a refreshing switch to this classic cocktail.

Optional: Replace club soda with 7-UP for a sweeter, fizzier drink.

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Holiday Memory Corner     

Authors CD Hersh share their unforgettable holiday memory . . .

A Paper Christmas Tree

What do you do when you’re poor and don’t have the money for a Christmas tree?

Years ago when we were recently married college students, we were in that predicament. Not only did we not have a tree, we didn’t have much floor space to spare in our on-campus studio apartment. What we did have was access to hundreds of discarded, rectangular, IBM punch cards which Catherine liked to turn into paper wreaths. So, we got creative.

 

Using the IBM punch cards, some staples, a few cardboard rounds, and some string, we created a one-of-kind, paper Christmas tree that we hung from the ceiling.

                       

We put the Christmas cards we received in the center of the wreaths as decorations.

After the holiday was over we pitched the paper tree (we had no storage room either), but the memories of that first Christmas tree linger—unique and precious like our love.

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         Recipe Corner

 

Company coming over? Author Tina Susedik dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:

 Holiday Recipe: Fruit Nut Sheet Bars

 

This is a recipe that was a favorite of my siblings (there are seven of us) as we grew up. I made it a few times for my husband and kids, but I’m the only one who ever ate them, so I stopped. Last year we were at one of my older sisters’ for a Christmas party. To my joy, there they were, sitting right on top of other bars. She said she was the only one who ate them, but since several of us siblings were coming, she made them. Ah, the joy of sitting with her, dipping the bars in hot chocolate, just like the old days.

 

Fruit Nut Sheet Ingredients 1 cup chopped English walnuts 1 cup brown sugar 1 1/4 cup seedless dates – cut into small pieces 1 cup flour 3 eggs 1 tsp. baking powder Powdered sugar   Beat sugar and eggs together. Dredge dates and walnuts in flour/baking powder mixture. Add to sugar and egg mixture. Pour into shallow, greased baking pan. Bake for 1/2 hour at 300 degrees. Cut and shake bars in powdered sugar until coated.   These tend to get hardened after a time, so dipping them in coffee or hot chocolate is a fun way to soften them up.

 

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MUSIC CORNER

Listen up! Cheryl Yeko shares her favorite holiday song:  

Song Title: O’ Holy Night By Susan Boyle   Song Link: https://youtu.be/JxCO5BGQIcs

Craft Corner   Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty? Crystal Firsdon shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:   When I open the ornament box every year and see pictures of my family and how they looked 2 or 5 or more years ago, I love it. Photo ornaments are my favorite, and so easy to make yourself. I take a favorite family photo from the past year, or my kids’ school pictures, and glue the picture to the cover of an old Christmas card. I cut out the shape I want the ornament to be out of the card, punch a hole in the top, string some ribbon through the hole, and voila! Instant picture ornament. Getting it laminated will help keep it safe. You can also glue the picture to some cool wrapping paper, then glue the wrapping paper to a piece of cardboard or other sturdy backing. And of course, there are lots of pre-made kits out there where you put the pieces together and then insert your picture. Those are great, too.

 

Decorating Corner     

Time to bring out the mistletoe! Author Beth Carter has a great decorating tip!

Fill a glass bowl with a bag of cranberries. Add water. The cranberries will float to the top.  Add several white tea lights. These will also float. Enjoy this natural, pretty holiday decoration!

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Holiday Card

What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Ryan Jo Summers shares her holiday wishes:

Warmest thoughts & best wishes for a wonderful Christmas holiday and a happy new year!

 

Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which was awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower!

Congratulations to our grand prize winner Brooke Patricia! Several other winners were chosen for free gift cards, books and prizes!

Grand Prize

Thank you to everyone for joining our Facebook Launch Party on November 19th!

Missed the Facebook party? You can now purchase a copy of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection!

Sizzle In The Snow Buy Link

Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection!

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SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Newsletter Edition 7

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December 5, 2015
SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .

______________________________________
BUY NOW
Buy Link

This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology now available on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:
• Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
• Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
• Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
• CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
• Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
• Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
• Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
• Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise

Welcome to our seventh newsletter in celebration of the release of
Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection.
Check your inbox every ten days for each newsletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!
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Book Corner

Author Beth Carter shares a blurb of her short story, Santa Baby!

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SANTA BABY by Beth Carter

Unlucky-in-love Brooke Woods finds herself with a Christmas delivery and it isn’t from Santa. When her boyfriend leaves her for their neighbor, she heads to the nearest bar, meeting hunky, nice guy Anderson Bradley. The two only exchange first names, and their hot fling leaves them both wanting more but their anonymity makes that impossible.

Brooke never thought she’d end up in a hospital pregnant at Christmastime. Will a Santa Baby bring the new mother and father together or tear them apart?

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Cocktail Corner

Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?
Kick back with a festive cocktail!

Recipe shared by CD Hersh:

Mocktail recipe:
Cranberry Sangria by the glass (original recipe by C.D. Hersh)

For each 8-ounce champagne glass you will need:

1/4 cup brewed Hibiscus Watermelon tea (we use Republic of Tea brand)
1/8 cup brewed Chamomile honey and vanilla tea (we use Twinings brand)
Sparking apple cider
1 rounded TBS jellied cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
Fresh fruits (grapes, whole cranberries, pineapple chunks, peeled sliced star fruit, or peeled kiwi—or fruits of your choice)
Short skewer or sizzle stick

Directions:
Thread fruits on a skewer or swizzle stick and set aside.
Place teas and cranberry sauce in the glass. Mix until sauce is dissolved. Fill glass with sparkling apple cider. Enjoy!
Mock Champagne by the glass (original recipe by C.D. Hersh)
In an 8-ounce champagne flute, place ¼ cup white grape juice and 1/8 cup Chamomile tea. Fill glass with regular or diet ginger ale. To give the drink a holiday flare, add a slice of star fruit and a couple of whole, fresh cranberries to the glass before adding the liquids.

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Holiday Memory Corner    

Crystal Firsdon has an unforgettable holiday memory to share . . .

Holiday memory
This holiday memory is more of a true story that’s been told for years. At 2 years old I was too young to remember when this happened. The story goes . . .

Christmas Eve in my family has always been celebrated at my maternal grandparents’ house with my mom’s side of the family. After a long evening of church, dinner, and presents, my parents brought my sister and me home only to discover someone had broken into our house by kicking in our back door. They ransacked the house and stole all our Christmas presents! (Side note: Yes, they ransacked the house, but the house was already a mess when they broke in. My mom was so embarrassed about the mess that when the police came, she blamed it all on the burglars—even the clothes thrown all over the bedroom floors.)

Christmas day was always spent at my paternal grandparents’ house with my dad’s side of the family, and by morning they had all heard what happened. My aunts and uncles snatched some of their own kids’ presents, changed the tags, and gave them to my sister and me so we’d have gifts to open from Santa on Christmas day.

A few days later the police caught who did it. They came to our house with a garbage bag filled with what they could recover, including a red velvet robe for my dad. (It was the 70’s, don’t judge.) I remember hearing stories that when they caught the man, he was wearing the robe. Nobody remembers if that part is true or not but my mom said the robe had obviously been worn when they got it back.

Luckily, none of my own Christmases that I remember have been that dramatic. I’ve grown up with that story and will someday pass it on to my own children when they’re old enough that it won’t scar them for life.

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Recipe Corner

Company coming over? Author Ryan Jo Summers dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min.
MAKES: 4 servings

Basil Halibut Steaks      

INGREDIENTS:
6 plum tomatoes, cut into 1-1/4 inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Water
4 halibut steaks (1 inch thick)

TOPPING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 each) equals 739 calories, 36 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 141 mg cholesterol, 492 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 87 g protein.
Directions
1. Place tomatoes on a baking sheet; drizzle with oil. Wrap garlic in aluminum foil and place on the baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until edges of tomatoes are lightly browned and garlic pierces easily with a fork. Place tomatoes and garlic in a food processor or blender; cover and process until smooth. Add vinegar, basil and water to achieve desired thickness; set aside.
2. Place halibut in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Combine mayonnaise and mustard; spread over fish. Combine bread crumbs, basil and olives; sprinkle over mayonnaise mixture and press down gently. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Spoon tomato sauce onto four dinner plates; top with fish. Yield: 4 servings.

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Music Corner

Listen up! Tina Susedik shares her favorite holiday song:

Song Title: Mary, Did You Know?
By Pentatonix
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

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Craft Corner

Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty?
Amy Deason shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:

My DIY craft is not very expensive and is totally cute and fairly easy to make.

· Shadow Box
· Scrapbook Paper
· Vinyl Lettering
· 1 1/2 packages of bells (any color, multiple colors might be festive)

**Your shadow box doesn’t have to say Jingle Bells. You can have it say anything you like: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Let It Snow, etc. And for the interior, you don’t have to use bells. You can use whatever you want. The possibilities are endless.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Apply vinyl lettering to the outside of the shadow box.

2. Place box upside down and fill with bells.

3. Trim paper to approximately 9″ (9.25″ might actually work for the shadow box better).

4. Place trimmed paper behind the bells and close the box.

There you go, now you have a beautiful Christmas craft to enjoy for years to come.

________________________________________________________
Holiday Card
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Kim Hotzon shares her holiday wishes:

________________________________________
Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which was awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower!
Congratulations to our grand prize winner Brooke Patricia! Several other winners were chosen for free gift cards, books and prizes!

Grand Prize
Thank you to everyone for joining our Facebook Launch Party on November 19th!
Missed the Facebook party? You can now purchase a copy of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection!

Sizzle In The Snow Buy Link
Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection.

Read Full Post »

SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Newsletter Edition 6

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November 25, 2015
SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .

________________________________________
BUY NOW

This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology available December 2 on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:
• Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
• Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
• Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
• CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
• Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
• Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
• Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
• Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise

Welcome to our sixth newsletter in celebration of the release of
Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection.
Check your inbox every ten days for each newsletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!

_________________________________________________________
Book Corner

We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .
Author Cheryl Yeko gives an excerpt of her short story, Christmas Eve Surprise!
She swung her legs back around and gave his chest a hard shove so she could get down, but he didn’t budge.
“Move,” she said with a glare. Trying not to admit to herself how good it was to see him again. He hadn’t changed. Except his crystal clear blue eyes were now clouded with worry. His full mouth pinched, a tense expression on his oh, so handsome face. His wavy dark hair was shorter than she remembered, but his sexy square jaw still looked as stubborn.
Staring into her eyes with a determined look, Steve slid three fingers between the buttons of her winter coat and lightly rubbed her belly. His other hand tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Afraid not, sweetness. We need to talk.”
Her breath caught at both the feel of him touching her, and the sound of the endearment she’d thought never to hear again, bringing back all kinds of wonderful memories. But the hurt from his abandonment ran deep and she focused on that, and not on how great he looked or how good he smelled.
“There is no ‘we’ and I have nothing to say to you.”
Liar! She’d spent the last six months, two weeks, and a day thinking about nothing but what she would say to him if she ever saw him again. But now that he was here, standing before her, all she could think about was how she’d missed him, and how she wanted to run her fingers through his dark, wavy hair, just like she used to.
Pathetic!
But the way he looked at her with those piercing blue eyes still made her insides quiver and her breath catch. His well-muscled body was just as powerful as she remembered. And that mouth . . . God, the things he could do with that mouth.
The babies took that moment to start moving around again, and her belly undulated under his fingers. Dropping his gaze, Steve sucked in a deep breath and took a small step back. He brought both hands up to cradle her belly on the outside of her coat as the babies continued to play.
When his gaze rose to meet hers his eyes were filled with wonder, and just like that, her heart expanded with a feeling of love and affection for him.
Before she thought better of it, she said quietly, “I’d like you to meet your sons.”

________________________________________

Cocktail Corner

Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?
Kick back with a festive cocktail!
Recipe shared by Crystal Firsdon:        

I don’t drink but once every few years or so. The last time I drank was because I went to a wine party and found myself in possession of a bottle of wine afterward. It took me a month to drink the darn thing because I only had one glass every Saturday evening for 4 weeks. And by glass, I mean coffee mug. I don’t own a wine glass. The only reason I was able to get the cork out was because I found a very old Swiss Army knife of my husband’s that happened to have a cork screw on it!
So for my Christmas cocktail, I asked my mom. Here’s what she gave me:
Hot Holiday Toddy
1 shot of rum
5 oz. ginger ale
Mix it in a holiday themed mug and microwave for 20 seconds.
Repeat every half hour until you’re in the holiday spirit.

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Holiday Memory Corner

Amy Deason has a heartwarming holiday memory to share . . .
My husband and I started dating in January of 2011 and by June of that same year, we knew that we belonged together. So in October 2011, we moved in together. One of my most favorite holiday memories is of Christmas 2011.

It was wonderful. The children and I baked cookies for Santa while Shaun kept sneaking in and stealing them.

Snuggled together on the couch, nibbling Christmas cookies and drinking got cocoa, we watched Christmas specials including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, It’s Christmas Charlie Brown, and A Christmas Story.

Before bed, gathered on the floor beside the Christmas tree that we had decorated together, Shaun read The Night Before Christmas. Tucking the kids into bed, we knew they were so excited for Christmas morning. And we were too. We had a wonderful little family.

The next morning, the kids ran into our room and pounced on the bed, their voices happy and excited. We wanted to sleep in but there was going to be none of that with 3 kids on Christmas morning. What were we thinking, sleeping in?

One by one, we took turns opening presents and I, of course was taking a million pictures. While the kids and Shaun (the big kid that he is), played with all of the toys, I made a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs.

It was one of the most wonderful and special moments of my life. One that I will carry with me forever.

I hope that everyone has at least one holiday memory like this.

Merry Christmas,
Amy Deason

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Recipe Corner

Company coming over? Author Kim Hotzon dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:

Homemade Cranberry Sauce           

1 12 ounce bag frozen or fresh cranberries
1 cup white sugar
1 cup orange juice
lemon zest
Rinse cranberries and place in saucepan along with sugar and orange juice. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook mixture, stirring constantly, until cranberries ‘burst’, about 10 minutes. Lower heat and continue stirring until mixture thickens (approximately 10 minutes). Remove from heat and place in serving bowl. Garnish with lemon zest. Serve at room temperature. *Leftover cranberry sauce can be refrigerated for several days afterward.

_____________________________________________Music Corner

Listen up! Ryan Jo Summers shares her favorite holiday song:

Titles and Song Links:
Gloria Excelsis Dao link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLS6qZt9WLQ
Sleigh Ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OATi34PKNPw

Winter Wonderland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5daQbThsDU
Snoopy vs The Red Baron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxzg_iM-T4E

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Craft Corner

Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty?
Beth Carter shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:

My DIY is filling Pringles cans with home-made cookies and wrapping the cans with festive Christmas paper. I saw this suggestion on Facebook and think it’s a great idea!

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Decorating Corner
Time to bring out the mistletoe! Tina Susedik has some great decorating tips!

Decorating Idea: This one is very simple. Find a pair of skates – or like I did, use one that hasn’t seen ice in years. Tie the top of the laces together for hanging. In the skates, place pine cones, pine branches, holly, berries, etc. to decorate. You can use real or those found in craft stores. Hang on a door. I place mine on the wall beside our entryway door.

________________________________________

Holiday Card
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Authors CD Hersh share their holiday wishes:

________________________________________
Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which was awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower!
Congratulations to our grand prize winner Brooke Patricia! Several other winners were chosen for free gift cards, books and prizes!

Grand Prize
Thank you to everyone for joining our Facebook Launch Party on November 19th!
If you missed the party, don’t worry! You can still enter giveaways and pre-order a copy of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection by visiting and following the authors’ blogs! Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection!

Read Full Post »

SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Newsletter Edition 5

_________________________________________________________________________________________

November 15, 2015

SIZZLE IN THE SNOW: A SOUL MATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .

This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology available November 25th on Amazon and Soul Mate Publishing. The featured authors and their stories include:

• Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
• Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
• Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
• CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
• Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
• Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
• Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
• Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise

Welcome to our fifth newsletter in celebration of the release of

Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Check your inbox every ten days for each newsletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!

Book Corner

We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .

Author Tina Susedik gives an excerpt of her short story, Operation Santa!

How much trouble can a man get into while trying to win back his estranged wife?

In this scene, David has received the package of goodies he’d ordered for his wife. Things don’t go quite the way he planned.

David’s hand hovered over the last package. Long and thin, it contained items from Marci’s book. Resting on top of everything was a pair of pink, fuzzy handcuffs. He tore the plastic off and placed them on the bed next to the book he’d left on the covers last night.

One of the bottles of massage oil smelled of vanilla, the other something exotic and spicy he couldn’t identify. Shots of desire swept through him. A candle in the same scent made his head swim.

“Wow. What the hell do they put in this stuff?” He reached down and gave Bubbles another neck scratch. “Do ‘ya think she’ll like this?”

The cat perked up when he pulled out a pink feather tickler. She jumped on the bed.

“No, you don’t,” David said, setting her on the floor. He put the tickler back in the box.

A leather flogger, nipple clamps, mask, and edible underwear lay on the bottom. Then something caught his eye.

“What the hell? I didn’t order this.” He picked up the invoice.

‘Please accept this holiday gift with our compliments.’

He tore open the plastic bag. Two men’s thongs stared up at him, one a reindeer with a strategically placed red nose. The other was a snowman with a carrot nose, obviously designed to hold a man’s johnson.

David eyed the items before him. Should he? He hesitated. Why the hell not? No one could see him.

He removed his tighty-whities and slipped on the snowman thong. He wasn’t too sure how he liked the strip of fabric running up his crack, but he had to admit the sight of his johnson stuffed in the carrot was pretty funny. He hoped Marci would think so.

He took the chaps, put the waistband around his hips, and snapped it in place. He tied the strips of leather on the leggings behind his thighs and calves.

“Not bad,” he said, eyeing himself in the dresser mirror. He raised his arms and flexed his muscles. Pumping iron was paying off. He sucked in his gut. Not a six pack, but no flab, either. He swiveled his hips to the beat of the song on the radio, then turned sideways for a glimpse of his bare ass. Nope, no droop.

In the mirror’s reflection, he saw the handcuffs. He wondered how the soft, fuzzy feathers would feel on Marci’s wrists.

After reading the instructions, David set the keys on the dresser, checked the quick release on both cuffs, attached one to a metal bar of the headboard and the other to his wrist. He imagined Marci’s arms stretched above her head, writhing in passion as he ran the tickler up and down her naked body. With the blindfold in place, she wouldn’t know what he’d do next.

His cell phone buzzed, interrupting his dreams. He reached for the phone, but with his right hand cuffed, he couldn’t quite grasp it.

“Ah, the quick release.” With his left hand David pressed the clasp on the cuff attached to his wrist. Nothing. “Dammit!” He tried the one hooked to the bed. No click. No snap.

“The keys!” He turned to the dresser.

A clinking noise stopped him.

“Bubbles, stop,” he yelled as the cat batted at the jingling keys. “Here, Bubbles. Here, pretty kitty.” The keys dropped to the floor.

Stretching his leg and big toe, he nearly reached them. The flogger would help, but before he could use it, Bubbles picked the keys up in her teeth. With her head and tail held high like a queen, she trotted from the room.

“Come back here! Dammit, get your furry ass back here.” He stomped his foot.

David squeezed his eyes shut until tears formed. Thoughts of starving to death when no one came to his rescue flashed through his mind. He’d be nothing but bones attached to pink, fuzzy handcuffs. What could be more embarrassing?

 

Cocktail Corner

Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?

Kick back with a festive cocktail!

Recipe shared by Amy Deason:

 

Christmas Cocktail

 

Ingredients:

1 shot of vanilla rum

1 shot white chocolate liqueur

1 shot peppermint schnapps

Candy cane garnish

Directions:

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well, strain into a martini glass

Garnish with crushed Candy cane

       Recipe Corner

Company coming over? Authors CD Hersh dish up their favorite holiday recipe:

Holiday recipe Grandma’s Sugar Cookies By C.D. Hersh There’s an old ERA Potato Chip can that was handed down to Catherine by Donald’s family. The can always housed Grandma’s Christmas Sugar cookies. After Grandma’s death, her sons found a handwritten recipe for the cookies. When they discovered Grandma had written the recipe for Catherine, she got the can, the baking sheets, and even the leftover shortening Grandma used. Since Grandma’s death it has been Catherine’s job to fill that can—which she faithfully executes every Christmas, sometimes as late as Christmas Eve! We hope you’ll enjoy this holiday treat as much as our family does. Grandma’s Sugar Cookies 1 ½ cups white sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup buttermilk (you can use 1 cup regular milk plus 1 tsp. vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk) 1 tsp. baking soda 3 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla Eggs 4 cups flour or more to make a soft dough Cream sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk together. Add dry ingredients a cup at a time, mixing well until you have a soft dough. Cover the bowl, and let the dough stand overnight in the refrigerator. You can leave it in the refrigerator several days as long as it is tightly wrapped. On a floured board, using a floured rolling pin, roll out small portions of dough quite thin and cut with cookie cutters. Bake 5 minutes at 375 degrees. Cookies should be slightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the pan and cool on cookie racks. NOTE: Grandma’s quite—thin directions are a bit tricky. We always roll a few, bake them, and then test eat to see if they are the right thickness. The cookie should be soft, but the dough well cooked. Naturally, it takes a few tries to get it right. About as many times as you want cookies to eat. J This recipe makes a lot—if you don’t eat too many test cookies. J Enjoy!

Music Corner                                

Listen up! Kim Hotzon shares her favorite holiday song:

Given that I’ve spent many Christmases in Mexico, not only do I associate this classic song with Christmas, but I appreciate the snappy, warmth of the tempo and lyrics.

Title: Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano   Song Link: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=feliz+navidad+youtube&qpvt=feliz+navidad+you+tube&FORM=VDRE#view=detail&mid=4152F6A09E5B8303389A4152F6A09E5B8303389A

 

 

Craft Corner Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty? Cheryl Yeko shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:   HOW TO MAKE VICTORIAN LACE ORNAMENTS This is an easy way to update those faded out glass ornaments and end up with something pretty and old-fashioned for your tree. You’ll need: Old, faded or spotty round glass ornaments (the colored glass ornaments shows though the lace and are really lovely) White or cream colored lace material (at least a half-yard) A dinner plate Pretty ribbon, strings of seed pearls, pretty buttons, tiny silk flowers, etc. Glue gun and Glue Very thin ribbon for hanging or clean white string   Lay the lace out flat on any surface, then set the dinner plate face down on the lace and using the plate as a pattern, cut around it. Cut as many as you need, one for each ornament you want to cover.   Place a tiny dab of glue on the bottom of the ornament and then stick it dead center of the lace. Bring the lace up the sides of the ornament to cover it, gather the lace at the top of the ornament, then use some thin string to tie it off. You can trim the excess lace at the top if there is too much, but you want some extra at the top to fluff out (see picture).   Now, use your glue gun and your imagination to decorate your lace ornament. You can loop thin bead strings all around in a scallop, you can glue on any kind of flowers or greenery, add pretty buttons in a pattern. Anything you want to make your ornament unique.   Lastly, thread some thin ribbon or cotton string through the wire hoop at the top of the ornament, and tie it off so you can hang it from the tree!

                    Decorating Corner

Time to bring out the mistletoe! Ryan Jo Summers has some great decorating tips!

A few decorating suggestions, back from my craftier days:

• First, a taper candle centerpiece. A dollar store tray on the bottom, filled with Styrofoam ring. Insert 12 white taper candles. Fill with dollar store or craft store holly, rosebuds, cinnamon bundles, pearls, pinecones and greenery. Add anything that seems Christmas-y to you.

• Second, cross stitch ornaments, stuffed with cotton batting and sewn/ glued to white fabric. Thick gold rope and red ribbon finish them off nicely.

• Third, paper mâché ornaments. Bought at craft store. Paint in variety of colors. I used pastels for some and shiny bold primary colors for the others. When dry, run a bead of glue along the edge and adhere glitter or use glitter glue like I did. Either way works.

• Fourth, ceramic Santa Claus and raccoon pair around a Christmas tree. I painted these back when I was in love with ceramics. Can be bought at craft stores and fairly inexpensive to paint a few items.

• Fifth, not my design but similar to one I did. A tree bouquet. Mine was set in a pretty basket, with greenery and candy canes all around. Topped with a pretty ribbon.

• Sixth, one I want to do as time allows. A horse head greenery wreath. Isn’t that too pretty not to want to make? I don’t have instructions but I’m betting it’s pretty simple, with greenery and wire mostly. And I also bet the instructions could be found online at some DIY blog. I find lots of great ideas on those DIY blogs.

Other decorating ideas I don’t do but have seen done well are:

• to cover the pictures in the house or room with Christmas wrapping paper and pretty bows so they look like presents. They could be grouped or done singularly.
• I love the look of presents so I save small boxes up like shoe boxes and wrap them in assorted paper and bows. At Christmas time, they make the room overflow with lovely presents. Afterward, they are an awesome place to store light strands, ornaments and surplus items. Then they all tuck carefully away in tote boxes in the garage till the next year.

  Muldoone, my Maine Coon cat, wondering which presents are his and dreaming under the tree.

Holiday Card

What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Crystal Firsdon shares her holiday wishes:

40 Days ’til Christmas. 41 days ’til you can put it all away and get your house back in order! Crystal Firsdon

 

 

You could win this grand prize!

Don’t miss our upcoming Facebook launch party on November 19th (3-7 pm CST) with tons of goodies to giveaway! https://www.facebook.com/events/1644447602494312/

Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection!

Of course, as authors we love our readers, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to offer swag, free books, and a grand prize which will be awarded to one lucky blog/newsletter follower! For a chance to win these prizes, join the Facebook party and follow and join the author’s blogs!

Read Full Post »