Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Author interview with GKJ Publishing

 


 I am thrilled to announce that I have been a featured author on GKJ Publishing's YouTube channel! 

I have embedded the link below and have to say, he did a great job with this interview. I recorded my answers and he added everything else in and I think it looks great! 

I am thankful for this opportunity to share a little bit of my life as an author with the world!

 

Covid-19 writing

What is the first draft? 

Visit GKJ Publishing on Instagram

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

On Strike for Christmas book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 

I read this book every year! On Strike For Christmas by Sheila Roberts has something for everyone. I laugh and I cry every time I read this book. There are many relatable characters that keep me wanting to read it over and over again.

It may be an older book, but it is one I will keep forever.

On Strike For Christmas 

At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping—bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday—filled with parties, decorations, and presents—well, they'll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

Sheila Roberts gives the best gift of all in this funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of Christmas spirit.

What is Blogmas? 

Book release: Picture This

Monday, December 21, 2020

Quacker Factory Christmas book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

  


This is the most entertaining cookbook I have ever read! I remember seeing her, full of life, on QVC, selling her sparkly clothing line. 

When I saw years ago, that she had a cookbook, I purchased it right away. I still have it and read it often, It is a cookbook that reads like a biography. Jeanne tells stories of her life throughout the book. 

She also filled it to the brim with easy, comforting recipes. Definitely a MUST have!

Amazon has no description. I hope I did it justice:

Jeanne Bice's Quacker Factory Christmas: Simple Recipes, Fabulous Parties and Decorations to Put Sparkle, Not Stress, Into Your Season by Jeanne Bice (15-Nov-2006)

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Christmas in July book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 


Let's look at Christmas in July by Debbie Mason for 12 Days of Bookmas...

Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it'd been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort - because Jack has no memory of his family.

All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn't wait to leave town. Now he's a local hero with a wife and son he doesn't know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

Christmas in July on Amazon  

 I read this book years ago and never wanted to put it down. After all, any book pertaining to a bakery and love is right up my ally! 

 

 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Blogmas: My favorite Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies


 

 I have to confess, I watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel every chance I get! 

I do have a few Hallmark / Lifetime favorites I would like to share with you...

1. Comfort and Joy

2. Trading Christmas

3. Mrs. Miracle

4. Good Morning Christmas

These are my top 4, although every year they reveal so many new movies so, this is subject to grow in years to come. 

What is Blogmas?

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Christmas Get It Organized book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas

 

Ready to get organized and have a relaxing Christmas? It's not too late! This book will help guide you and provide you with recipes to make it happen!

Kindle

Softcover 

Do you find yourself dreading the Holiday season? Does the word Christmas make you cringe? Christmas…Get It Organized by Deanna Martinez provides easy steps to be ready for the Holiday without all the stress, crowds and expenses. Learn easy ways to stay organized, spend less and have more time to spend with the people you love, doing the things you love. 

Deanna will show you how to make lists, shop ahead of time, have parties, bake treats, create drinks, add new family traditions and much more. Gifts do not have to be things we buy. They can be things we make or time we can give.Put Deanna’s organizing ideas into practice this year and find yourself laughing instead of crying this Christmas. Simply click to purchase and download your copy of Christmas…Get It Organized, now!

What is Blogmas? 

Book release: Picture This

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Blogmas: Top 5 Christmas movies you have to watch

 


I love Christmas movies and have my top 5 favorite that I would like to share with you...

1. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

2. A Christmas Story

3. Elf

4. Home Alone 2

5. The Grinch

 

Runner Ups:

1. Christmas with the Kranks 

2. Mrs. Miracle

3. The Santa Claus

4. Funny Farm 

 

Try a family movie night...pick a movie, pop popcorn, and make hot cocoa. Laugh and enjoy!  


What is Blogmas?

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives 

Blogmas: Family Christmas traditions

Friday, December 11, 2020

Blogmas: Family Christmas traditions, Part 2

 


Traditions are not just for family...create new traditions with your friends too! Here are 6 more traditions for you to try:

1. Caroling

Pick a few of your favorite songs and visit some neighbors.

2. Christmas movie night

Pick a Christmas movie on Netflix, Hulu or on demand. Pop some popcorn and make hot cocoa.

3. Counting trees

Count each tree you see on top of a car and compare everyone's numbers after Christmas. 

4. Christmas folders

Create Christmas folders with stickers to decorate and fill with recipes, decorating ideas, and all things Christmas.

5. Cookie house

Bake or buy a kit...decorate a cookie house together.

6. Advent calendar

Buy one filled with chocolates or buy a fabric calendar and fill it with goodies yourself. 


Blogmas: Family Christmas traditions, Part 1

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 1

What is Blogmas?


Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Blogmas: Family Christmas traditions, Part 1

 


Would you like to start new family traditions this Christmas? Blogmas is here to help! Here are 5 new ideas...

1. Elf on the shelf

Even if the kids do not believe, it's still a fun time!

2. Baking cookies

Spend the day baking.

3. Share with your neighbors

Take some cookies to the neighbors!

4. Take a drive

Hop in the car one evening and go looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood.

5. Go shopping

 Go out together in search of a new Christmas tree ornament. Maybe get one with the year printed on it so every year you decorate the tree you can remember each one and where you bought it.

 

What is Blogmas? 

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 1 

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 2

 Photo: Happier.com


Monday, December 7, 2020

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 2

 


Ready for more gift wrapping ideas? Here are 6 more...

1. Tissue paper

Use 3 or 4 sheets of tissue paper to wrap your gifts.

2. Tins

That tin collection that is collecting dust...wash them off and use them to give your gifts this year!

3. Baskets

Most people have baskets sitting around. This year use them! 

4. Newspaper

 Wrap gifts with newspaper or magazine paper and adorn with ribbons and bows.

5. Dishtowels

Place gift inside and secure on top with ribbons.

6. Leftover wallpaper


Tip: Our of ribbon? Use yarn!

Photo taken from Amazon 

 

What is Blogmas?

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 1


Sunday, December 6, 2020

Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 1


 

 It's beginning to look a lot like Blogmas! Today, we will take a look at 5 gift wrap alternatives...

1. Fabric

Wrap your gifts in leftover fabric. Adorn the gifts with shiny ribbons.

2. Glass jars

You can buy inexpensive glassware from Goodwill or consignment store OR use what you already have!

3. Stockings

If you have a box of Christmas stockings sitting around the house, use them for gift giving this year!

4. Parchment paper

Wrap your smaller gifts with parchment paper and adorn with ribbons.

5. Aluminum foil

Shiny and bright! Wrap gifts with foil...no tape required for smaller items and tie with pretty ribbons.

 

Save money and get creative with these gift wrap alternatives! 

 Photo taken from Pinterest

 

What is Blogmas?

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips

 Blogmas: Christmas gift wrap alternatives, Part 2


Friday, December 4, 2020

What is Blogmas?


 

I have recently learned about Blogmas. It is when a blogger writes on their blog every day for the month of December...much like an Advent Calendar! Only, there is no candy involved. 

So, here I am, making a solid effort to participate this year. I may be a few days late, but I have always said...Better late than never!

Who's in? Will you join me?

When we share our Blogmas posts on social media, we must add the hashtag #Blogmas, this way we can all support one another. 


Covid 19 writing 

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips 

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

COVID-19 writing

 


I have a question...have any writers found that they have been more productive through the pandemic? 

I for one, have definitely found myself writing and creating more. I am up earlier in the morning and find myself staying up later at night. Which may or may not require more coffee. I often wonder if coffee sales have skyrocketed through this thing! 

I have published 3 new books and started writing 2 more. 

Picture This, is my new novella, The Ultimate Guide to Cheesecakes, is my new cookbook, and Step Out and Invite Them Anyway, is a guide to hospitality. 

In addition, I have been blogging with a dash of podcasting thrown into the mix.

I would say, I am staying productive with my writing. All this in addition to having a family and 2 home businesses! I offer social media management and copy editing for authors. I have just put together a photography we4bsite as well, where I am selling digital photos for authors to use on their projects. I love doing all I can to help fellow authors!

I have a home bakery as well and have been taking orders, orders, and more orders! 

Just like you, I have a lot on my plate...but, I am thankful for it all!

New release: Picture This 

Writers Corner: Fall writing tips  

What is the first draft?