#Thursday13 - Favorite #Couple-time Ideas

Flyboy & I celebrated our 29nd anniversary on Monday. We aren't "empty nesters" yet and we had to plan an evening around our 15 yr old's football practice. However, Flyboy made a couple of  "to die for" steaks on the grill, broiled lobster tails while I whipped up some yummy butter beans. Sharing a meal and wine while listening to OUR music was a delightful treat.

Anyways... this week's TT is some of my favorite things to do with my honey. 

 

1. Go junkin'. We love to drive around and find garage sales. The best treasures are found at barn sales. 

2. Go for a walk. We live in the woods and take the dog with us. We walk on the road or in the back, it's nice to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.


3. Exploring farmers markets.

4.  Visiting Traverse City or any small, quaint town in Norther Michigan.

Visiting North Peak Brewing Co.
Traverse City, MI

5. Visiting local wineries, breweries and distilleries.

6. Cooking outside. Grilling. We work together to create the best marinade or try out new recipes. Cooking over the bonfire. Sipping wine while sitting near the bonfire.

7. We love cooking anything together in the kitchen. Sometimes it turns into a family event. I'm proud to say my boys enjoy cooking almost as much as they like to eat.

In the kitchen - aprons on!

8. Visiting neighbors. In our neighborhood it's common for neighbors to grab some drinks and head to each other's homes.

9.  Heading to Frankenmuth for a mini adventure; wandering through the quaint shops.

10. Snuggling on the couch reading while he watches the Tigers or Lions play.

11. Sitting in the bleachers with our friends watching our son play football or baseball. (Yeah, we still have one at home.)

12. Cuddling on the couch watching a funny movie.

13. Well.... yeah... of course THAT!  But I didn't want to brag or make anyone jealous.

They are not listed in any particular order. I would say top couple-time things to do are cooking together and exploring quaint towns. (And of course, #13.)

What do you like to do with your honey?

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#Thursday13 - Odd Facts About Halloween

1.   Orange and black are the colors of Halloween because orange is associated with the fall harvest and black is the color of darkness.

2. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with Orange.

3. Turnips and Beets once served as the original Jack O’ Lanterns.

4. Halloween is the second most commercially successful Holiday with Christmas being the first.

5. According to superstition if you stand in front of a mirror at midnight, you’ll see the reflection of your future spouse just over your left shoulder.

6. You can sprinkle salt and oatmeal on your child’s head to keep him or her from being possessed.

7.  In England, white cats instead of black ones are thought to be bad luck.

8. Harry Houdini died on Halloween, in 1926 from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix.

9. Burning a candle inside a Jack O’ Lantern on Halloween is believed to keep demons and evil spirits at bay.

10.           Put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards on Halloween night to meet a witch.

11. Gazing into the flame of a candle on Halloween night will allow you to see into the future.

12.           If you hear footsteps behind you on Halloween night don’t turn around, for it may be Death himself! And to look him in the eye is a sure way to hasten your own demise.

13.           If a bat flies around a house three times, it is considered to be a death omen.

* This is just a fun look at thirteen Halloween facts whether they are truth or superstition, you decide.  For more fun Thursday 13 click here.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

 

Thursday 13 - Autumn Romance

Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Michigan. I love the incredible palate of colorful trees and shrubbery. Nature’s pure fragrance of leaves and earth as well as the temptations of pumpkin pie, baked apples, and hot mulled cider create a wonderful setting. This time of year is also the time to pull out the winter woolies and time for some old fashion cuddling. It is a time for Autumn Romance.

Here are a few tips to help you leap into romance!

1.       Get football fever. As many of you know, I am a Football Mom to three boys and spend countless hours at their games.  Being at a game snuggled up to my honey under a stadium blanket while sharing hot cocoa helps us capture a bit of romance.  When I look around during the game, I see we are not the only couple using the opportunity.

2.       Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Enjoy coffe on the porch, just the two of you. Make a special breakfast. Pack it into a picnic basket and eat outside or visit your local cider mill and enjoy some cider and doughnuts.

3.       Enjoy the patio at night. Or build a bonfire for two. Curl up together under a blanket and sip a cup of hot apple cider.

4.       Rake leaves. This is something the whole family can do. Rake a pile of leaves and yes…. Jump in!  It’s not just for kids.  Let your hair down and play!  Laughing is great foreplay.

5.       Hit the trails. Go for a walk holding hands or a nice bike ride. Stop periodically to enjoy the view. 

This is a great way to stay in shape and relieve tension as well as giving you a chance to talk.  However, if you come to a hill… I dare you to roll down it!

6.       Go camping. Try it in your own backyard.  Cook outside on a grill or over a bonfire.  Enjoy the fresh air and each other.

7.       Visit a carnival, county fair or craft show. Wander around holding hands and nibbling on Elephant Ears.

8.       Have a fireside picnic. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

9.       Go on a hayride. Many apple orchards offer hay rides through November. Night time hay rides are very romantic. Enjoy a scenic tour while sitting close to each other and holding hands like a couple of teenagers. 

10.   Visit a local vineyard.  Many offer tours through December. Take advantage of their sampling room and select a bottle to take home.

11.   Take a train ride.  In Michigan we have the Snow Train that runs only during the winter. However, many areas offer special color tours and dinners. Check with your local railroads for more information.

12.   Go apple picking. Whether it’s at an orchard or your own backyard, pick some apples together then head into the kitchen for some fun. Make an apple pie and crack open some whipped cream. Just make sure to leave enough whipped cream to have on the pie! *wink, wink*

13.   Go for a stroll in a park. Take time to let your inner child out. Play hopscotch or push each other on the swings. 

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#Thursday13 - Last Boat Ride

 Our last boat ride down the Saginaw River made for a lovely time. Flyboy and I grew up in Saginaw and the river holds many memories. When we dated, mornings were spent waterskiing before work. Then we  witnessed the exciting revival of the waterfront district. Time spent on the river and dallying out on the Bay is time well spent.

I selected thirteen photos I took before we tucked our boat away for winter. 

Flyboy, Flyboy Jr, Youngest, and Me

Some areas are still flooded from when the dams in Midland broke.

Seeing the bridges raise for a sailboat was always
a highlight when we were kids.

A tall ship at dock near an outdoor event center and waterfront apartments.
We could see lots of people and hear music.

I didn't realized the river still had a light house.

Flyboy and his first mate.

This was Youngest's first time seeing the Saginaw Bay.

Two river boats at dock.
They are normally on the river with dinner & dancing cruises,
but haven't seen any work due to Covid.

The cutest tugboat!!!

Flyboy Jr took the helm for a bit then let Youngest drive.
What a treat to let Mom & Dad sit & enjoy the ride!

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Thursday Thirteen - 13 "Love Surprises"

Little things mean alot. 

I'm sure you've heard that before... but it's true. 

Simple things such as a smile can brighten one's day. 

My flyboy hubby is gone often so I enjoy hiding things in his suitcase.  When my mom was alive, living in an apartment, I'd have fun leaving goodies in her fridge or on her dresser for her to find. When Football Moms were allowed to decorate the boys' locker room, we'd leave encouraging notes and candy on our sons' locker doors. I enjoy leaving a cute little card on my secretary's keyboard.

Here's a list of some items for you to leave in often over looked places for your honey or someone special to find.

For your honey:
1. Handcuffs.

2. A sexy photo of yourself.

3. A pair of panties scented with a favorite fragrance.

4. Favorite candy. Sweet for a sweetie.

5. A key (to your heart).

6. A love poem.

7. A love letter.

8. Love coupons.

For someone special:
9. A greeting or inspirational card.

10. A photo of the two of you in a cute frame.

11. A small book. (Inspirational, poetry, romance, comedy)

12. Favorite CD.

13 Favorite magazine. (Magnolia, Taste of Home, Oprah are my favs to give to a gal or a hunting magazine for a guy)

Other items may include Hersey kisses, a teddy bear, jewelry, a list of why that person is special to you, small artwork, and a small bottle of their favorite fragrance.

What other items can you think of?

Special Thanks to Cary Ann's Hallmark in Flushing, MI

for keeping me well stocked in "little things."

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#Thursday13 - Flirty Lines

Flirty lines are common in Romantic Comedies and some lines stick with us. Some are sweet and tender, others are goofy and dorky. 

1. Come live in my heart and pay no rent.

2. I had a really bad day today and it always makes me feel better to see a smile. So would you please smile for me?

3. Did the sun just come out or did you smile at me?

4. Excuse me, I think you have something in your eye. Oh wait, it's just a sparkle.

5. I want to taste something sweet. Could I taste your lips?

6. If you don't wanna have kids with me, they why don't we just practice?

7. I know milk does the body good, but DAMN how much did you drink?

8. They say Disney World is the happiest place on earth, obviously they haven't been in your arms.

9 Your lips look so sweet, just one kiss and I swear I could give up sugar for life. 

10. If you were holding 11 roses I would see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world.

11. There's so much to say, but your eyes keep interrupting me.

12. I value my breath so it would be nice if you didn't take it away every time you walk by.

13. I love you with all my circle, not my heart. Hearts break but circles go on forever.

Do you have a favorite flirty line from a book or movie? 

Have you ever used a flirty line? What line did you use and what was the response?

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Thursday 13 - Lines from Handcuffs & Silk

I was lucky enough to be one of the first authors to write in the 1 Night Stand series for Decadent Publishing. I've written several since but Handcuffs & Silk was my first. I had fun writing the story. A high school class mate of mine & hubby's was a Las Vegas Detective at the time I worked on the book. He loved being my go-to-guy with my "police stuff" questions. The book is dedicated to Keith and his lovely wife, Hilda.

Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both.

I've listed my personal favorite lines from Handcuffs & Silk. 

1. Being a Las Vegas cop, Steph recognized the evil lurking in the shadows of the beautiful city, also known as Sin City.

2. Rubbing the smooth part of his neck where a collar had rested for over a year, he remembered the day Ericka removed the soft, blue, leather strap with her initials stamped on it.

3. Miss Stephanie Johnson is a lovely lady with the type of personality I’m sure you will find to your liking, and perfectly capable of fulfilling your current desires.

4. “Grow up, Hunter. Drop this damn beta act and be the alpha you were born to be.”

5. Nicely curved hips accented by shiny, black leather hot pants, high-heeled, thigh-high boots laced up her long legs, and a small leather bag hung on a silver chain snug against her hip.

6. Her mouth watered at the sight of his muscular chest peeking from the opening of a black Armani shirt with the sleeves rolled past his elbows, and one hand rested on his thigh while the other held a rose.

7. Stepping tighter between her legs, he grasped Steph around her nape with one hand and pulled her to him for a hard kiss.

8. Sex appeal coupled with willingness to satisfy equaled a very appealing combination in a one-night stand.

9. The room filled with heat, yet the only sounds were their breathing, the creak of the bed, and the rasp of her boots as they brushed against his legs.

10. She opened the drawer and found a couple of black silk scarves.

11. With a wicked grin, she paused to pick up the glass with the key resting under the melting ice cubes.

12.  “I win.” His deep voice wrapped seductively around her entire body.

13. “You have the right to remain silent.” She clamped a handcuff roughly onto a wrist and raised both arms over his head to hook around the headboard rails then attached the remaining cuff to his free wrist. “Anything you say can and will be used against you for my pleasure.” (Yeah, I know it's more than one line, but it's my all time favorite in the entire book!)

I hope you enjoyed the little snippets.

Do you have a favorite book or line from a book that sticks with you?

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#Thursday13 - Remembering Summer With Friends

 

As the summer comes to a  close, what do you remember? 

Putting aside all the Covid crap, think of things that made you laugh, things that made you feel good.

I think of our Girl's Weekend. We traveled to Amy's cottage on Lake Huron over by Tawas.

Who needs an ocean when we have Great Lakes!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend.

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1.

Girls at the beach.

2. 

No salt, no sharks, no problem when it comes to relaxing.

3. 

Nightly sunsets spent with friends is good for the soul.

4. 

Historic Alabaster Bible Church

5. 

Amy's brother enjoyed sampling Tammie's Better Than Sex cake.

6. 

Kendra stole a few beers from a secret outdoor fridge at her her brother-in-law's cottage. 
How many beers so far, Kendra?

7. 

Cooling breeze, therapeutic waves, and good friends = a perfect day
We flipped a middle finger at Covid, menopause and stress.

8. 

I love Deb's smile. It says it all.

9. 

We added to the collection before we left.

10. 

Picking and nibbling on wild berries.

11. 

Sad to see some old trees with years and years of carved names slated to be taken down.
How many kisses were stolen in the shadows of the green canopy?

12. 

An evening stroll with the dogs along the lake's edge.
Erosion was evident along this shoreline.

13. 

Gotta love a Michigan sunset.

#Thursday13 - #GirlsNightOut - Wine and Cheese Party

Thursday Night during Blueberry Festival is the Annual Wine & Beer Tasting events sponsored by our local grocery store, Riverside Market. Half of the Coffee Club works the event while the other half does the tasting. Oh, trust me... those that work get plenty of tasting as well.

Because this year's festival was cancelled due to the Covid crap, Coffee Club held their own Wine and Cheese party. Debbie hosted the event in her backyard and her decorations were super cute! Each Coffee Club "member" brought two bottle of wine to share and a unique cheese. We took turns presenting our wines with flare. 

These are a few of my favorite photos taken. 

1. 

Debbie, our gracious hostess.

2. 

Most Michigan wine was presented, but several came from other states with fun stories of how they were obtained. (Kendra - getting the wine from a gas station while picking up piglets from North Carolina, they one getting carsick and running loose at a welcome center.)

3. 

Leslie found this bag and thought it fit our group.
We've decided to start a book club so we can all have bags like this,
and have an excuse to read books & drink wine.

4.

Beautiful pic one of the gals took.

5. 

Deb finds the most unique items.

6. 

One of my favorite photos of the night.

 

6. 

My favorite wine of the night. Amy found it at small batch winery in Northern Michigan.

7. 

8. 

Me & my bestie with her daughter.

9.

An attentive group of ladies, ready for some serious wine tasting.

10. 

Kendra & Peggy

11. 

Kendra & Tammie

12. 

Kendra & Deb

13. 

The entire party. Sorry it's a bit blurry. No, it wasn't the wine.

Bonus pic and my ultimate favorite, perhaps of all the Coffee Club photos over the years.

We're just missing a few gals.

Is there something you do with close friends, whether it be weekly, occasionally or yearly?

Isn't it awesome having friends to share this journey of life with?

What special things do you & your pals do?