Tips For 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.

 >Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Make a special breakfast using flavors of the season...apple turnovers, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread to name a few. Add a little pumpkin spice creamer to your coffee. Try in it cocoa!

 >  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.

>  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!

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

> Have a night in and start up your fireplace. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

> Make time to simply sit and share a drink together. Try a spiced wine or an apple whiskey.

Leelanau Cellars
has a variety of wines perfect for Autumn.

Take Time for Romance

Can couples find the time and energy for romance 

and still cope with commitments, tress, and even fatigue?  

Absolutely!

"Being over-scheduled is the biggest killer of romance, because when we're tired and frazzled we have nothing left for each other." - D.P. Washington

Flyboy and I goofing around.

Establish priorities and set goals by making better use of the time they have by creating time they thought they didn't have.

*Make a lunch date together

*Take a shower or bath together

*Make time for pillow talk

* Set aside one night a week - no interruptions, no appointments

*Plan your weekends in advance - put them on your calendar in ink

*Take control of your time - unplug the electronics

#Thursday13 - Being Friends with a Writer

This post is dedicated to my poor friends who know me so well and still love me. 

My "Coffee Club" gals keep me sane. Love 'em all!

Regarding anyone who will meet me or has recently become acquainted with a writer,

 really needs to read this.

1. It's not that I'm anti-social. It's just that I'm currently writing at least three books in my head. It's hard to mentally outline and talk at the same time.

2. I'm not staring at your ear because I'm a stalker with a weird fetish. You just did something that gave me an idea for my WIP.

3. I'm not talking to myself. I'm PLOTTING.

4. I'm a grammar Nazi and you just slipped up. Yes…it will eat at me FOR HOURS.

5. Please don't reference any mainstream, highly successful novels unless you know for sure that they are free of typos and weak writing. And make sure there are no adverbs in it. Otherwise, you'll set off a literary hissy fit of epic proportions.

6. DO NOT talk to my about 50 Shades of Grey. See #5. If you insist on asking me, I'll tell you. Ad nauseum. 

7. IT IS NOT A F***ING HOBBY!

8. Yes, I'm neurotic. I'm a writer, duh. When have you ever met a sane writer?

9. Meet my delicate artist ego. Stroke it. Praise it. It will purr for you. Then it will cry. Then it will accuse you of being disingenuous. Then it will tell you to go to hell. Then it will beg you to like it. Then it will be aloof. Then it will curl itself into the fetal position and suck its thumb until you stroke it again.

10. Give me wine and chocolate. Whatever you said or did will be forgiven. I will name a character after you. I will dedicate my next book to your awesomeness.

11. Piss me off, I’ll put you in my book and kill you or at least mess you up real good. (Insert evil laugh). If you are really my friend, you’ll do #10.

12. Yes, I write erotic romance and you want to know what about my personal life? Grab a bottle and we’ll talk. *wink, wink*

13.  Don't ask where I get my story ideas. How the crap should I know? It's not like I have a storage locker. Brain Farts, maybe or just simply and  highly overactive imagination.

My oldest friends keep me crazy.

(Yes, this is borrowed.  I don't have a clue where it came from...just found it in a saved file on my trusty laptop. But it is soooo me!)

Check out some amazing #Thursday13 lists from some of my writer friends. 

Click HERE

Romantic Bird Watching

Watching backyard birds can be relaxing and romantic. Slow down in life and smell the roses, or rather, watch the birds. Watching the activity with your honey can be romantic; you are spending time together chatting or simply being. 

My mom loved birds. Dad made special feeders for her to fill and she'd watch her feathered friends daily. My boys have been raised enjoying the fun that comes with having feeders. We call them Feeding Stations since they are designated to hold certain food/seed combinations to attract particular critters. Living in the woods has provided us with unlimited visitors.

Son #3 and I filled the feeding stations as the first snow began to fall. It didn't take long for the critters to arrive.

A Chickadee and finch come in for breakfast.

A blue-jay decides which seed feeder he wants to visit.

Tufted Titmouse is just hanging around.

A Tufted Tit and Finch wait their turn.

Good Morning, Cast Iron and Kisses

After grabbing the first cup of coffee, start the day right by making breakfast together.

I cook with beloved cast iron pans and tips from Gram. She told me of an easy and simple meal to prepare with your honey.

Begin cooking grits before everything else because slow cooking is better. I like to add smoked salt and half n half  to mine.

Drop a dollop of bacon fat into a warm pan. Add a variety of vegitables. Let cook for a couple of minutes. Season - we use a New Orleans flavor.

 Add a precooked meat (or may be served as a side). Whip an egg with half n half then pour onto veggies. Lower temp and cover. Add cheese. When cheese has melted and egg is cooked, cut into pieces and serve ontop of hot grits in a bowl. 

While doing food prep with your honey, enjoy sipping coffee, sample the fresh veggies, and maybe nibble on each other.

 Enjoy your morning!