Support Small Business Saturday

American Express launched the first Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27, 2010. It encouraged people across the country to support small local businesses. In 2011, the day was officially recognized by the US Government. On the Saturday following Thanksgiving in 2012, 73.9 Million people shopped at small local businesses.

I'm a firm believer of supporting locally owned and small businesses. 

Please spread the word and support those in your community.

Many local chapters of groups such as Special Olympics, National Honor's Society 

and Girl/Boy Scouts will have gift wrapping booths set up.

Grab a friend or your honey and make a day of it!

* Order/pick up holiday flowers & arrangements from your local florist. 

*Purchase gift certificates/cards from local restaurants and inns for gifts.

*Many local shops are offering special holiday gift baskets.

*Visit local beautician for gift certificates to pay for cuts, styles, products or tanning sessions.

*Find your neighborhood Avon dealer and place an order.

*Visit a holiday bazaar at your local church or school.

*Family owned grocery and pharmacies often have special promotions with local products.

*Find treasures at second hand shops.

*Visit that small coffee shop and book store!

Visit Small Business Saturday on FACEBOOK

Friday Night Fun With Food

Black Friday. Many were out all night and most of the day searching for the best deals. By the time one gets home, their feet hurt and romance is a distant thought.

Come on... it's Friday Night! Who says it has to be a party though. Put on your comfy cozies and fuzzy slippers. Tonight is not the night you need to get all dolled up and put your sexy on. Unless you did your Black Friday shopping at Lover's Lane.

Have food delivered or make a meal out of yesterday's leftovers. If you are "turkey-ed out" order pizza.

Curl up on the couch. Share a blanket and watch a movie to get into the Christmas spirit. Our favorite is A Christmas Story.

 Roast marshmallows in the fireplace, drink wine and listen to soft music.

Bake a batch of favorite cookies together. Feed each other warm cookies fresh from the oven.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for family and friends. 

I'm thankful for my ancestors who came to this country, allowing me to be born with freedom.

I'm thankful for the service men and women who protect our freedom every day.

I'm thankful for the creative talent God gave me.

I'm thankful for my readers who keep me inspired.

Coffee with a #HumpDayHottie

Coffee with Thomas is perfect any time of the day.

It's Been Awhile, Stop for Tea

Like many authors, I have a "day job". Back in June, I left my comfortable "retirement" and took a J...O...B. Balancing time between the new adventure and kids, aging mom, volunteer work, home, yard...etc...became difficult. Needless to say, I still search for the balance.

So many times I've stated "you have to make time"... I'm determined to make time to write, relax and stop to enjoy life.

Hubby travels the world, often bringing me wonderful teas from the countries he visits. Every day I try to time to enjoy one of these delights.

On a recent stop in Anchorage, Alaska dearest hubby found a shop in one of the downtown historical buildings where the quaint meet the cool. There at The Kobuk  he purchased what is now one of my favorite teas. The Samovar Tea is a black tea with a blend of cinnamon, orange, cloves with a hint of lemon. The aroma alone is amazing! (Hubby carried it in a bagged tucked within his travel bag; even his dirty clothing smelled good.)

I've tried it strong and weak, hot and cold...loving it ALL ways! The only way I can describe it is as COZY. Every time I sip a cup, I relax and intimately enjoy the flavors.With a cup of Samovar tea in hand, I sit at the window watching the birds visit the feeding stations. A few simple minutes of peace to restore my soul.