Humpday Help - A Super Easy Meal

Being a busy mom of three boys it's hard to find quick meals they will actually eat. Here's one they love!

Stovetop Ziti
1 lb ziti pasta
1 12-oz bag broccoli florets

Sauce:
1 26oz jar marinara sauce
1 c ricotta cheese
4 c shredded or diced mozzarella cheese
1/3 c chopped fresh parsley (I keep some in the freezer)
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta in a large pot according to directions on the package. Add the broccoli 4 minutes before pasta is done.
2. Mix marinara sauce and about 1/2 the ricotta in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli; return to pot. Add sauce mixture; toss to mix and coat. Immediately add mozzarella and 1/2 the parsley and Parmesan. Stir until mozzarella melts.
4. Transfer to serving bowl; sprinkle with remaining parsley and Parmesan. Top with dollops of remaining ricotta.

Cleaning Day - Get Ready for Unexpected Company

Tis the season for friends to drop in. No need to call in the pro's and don't feel that you have to clean your house on a daily basis. Here's a few simply tips to "fool" people.

Invest in the following items: Foaming bathroom cleaner, scented (lavender or lemon) floor cleaner (check your local dollar store), scented (lemon or orange) wood cleaner such as Pledge.

In the bathroom closest to where guest would be, daily spray the foaming bathroom cleaner into the sink and toilet. Wipe the sink dry and wipe the edge of the toilet bowl. Do not flush... let the remaining foam remain.

Using the scented Pledge dust the tables in the room where guest would be. Once a week is fine... but if you know of some coming and you want that just cleaned smell... Pledge the largest table in the room.

Pour a little scented cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle. With a soft damp cloth wipe TV screen, lamps and door knobs. Scented Windex can do the trick too, and this is a job you can give to a child!

A good scented candle such as from Yankee Candle Company is an added plus to any room to created a welcoming fragrance.

This little routine should not take more than 20 minutes. Don't dally... just make it smell clean!

Happy Holidays!

Last Stop of the Painted Soul Book Tour

Local Romance Writer Mary Quast Featured at Library

The author will introduce herself and talk about her book. Copies of her latest novel will be available for purchase and signing.

The original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul will be on display.
Win a Painted Soul Diva Gift Basket!

Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

Thursday, Dec. 11
7:00pm
Montrose Jennings Library
241 Feher Drive
Montrose, MI
(810) 639-6388


“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told. I will be looking for more of Mary’s work; that is for sure!” -Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer.

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Humpday Help - Cook a Crock of Spice Cider

1/2 gallon apple cider
1/2 c packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1/2 c applejack or bourbon

Combine all ingredients except the applejack/bourbon in a crock pot and simmer. Add the applejack when you pour cider into mugs.

The smell will greet all guests and make your home cozy. Or just simply enjoy this beverage during a day playing in the snow!

On the Painted Soul Tour - Coffee at Bambi's

Today was a blast! I arrived at Bambi's by Java Dave around 10am.

Bambi, the owner is a friend of mine and as excited as I was to do an event in her shop. Before she even poured a cup of Black Cherry Tea, I had sold two books!


While she took care of her customers, I had fun chatting with them. We shared some laughs and I sold more books. Some people I knew stopped in for a cup of java and some conversation.

Thank you a hundred times to Bambi for letting me hang out in her cute little coffee house for a few hours. I had a lot of fun! HUGS!
Bambi's by Java Dave
4632 State St. -Green Acres Plaza
Saginaw, MI

Happy Thanksgiving!

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and in my sleep.
Strange dreams in my mind, began to creep
Thanksgiving leftovers beckoned --- The dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation......
The thought of a snack became infatuation.....
So to the kitchen I did race, Flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground !!

I crashed through the ceiling. Floating into the sky....
With a mouthful l of pudding and a handful of pie,
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees....................

HAPPY EATING TO ALL !!
PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE !!

Cleaning Day - A Helping Hand

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's easy to become overwhelmed with cleaning the house, preparing the meal, plus the usual day-to-day activities. Don't be afraid to ask for help because there isn't a Thanksgiving Fairy to do the work for you.

Delegate chores; recruit hubby, kids, friends, relatives! Be prepared and have patience as others will bombard you with questions and resist the urge to "do it yourself". Divide the grocery list between kids and turn it into a scavenger hunt. Assign food items to be brought by guests or make the meal more of a pot-luck style.

Take a deep breath to relax and ease tension. Ask someone to rub your shoulders or even take care of the laundry while you soak in a tub! Reflect on "Turkey Days" of your childhood and share the memories with others while you work.

During this season of giving, one often forgets to be willing to receive. After all, receiving is just as important as giving and allow others to help. Remember the reason behind this season and be Thankful.

Ladies Day in Bad Axe

What a fun night on the Painted Soul Book Tour! My friend, Kendra, and I left a little after 2:00pm for Reading & Rhythm in Bad Axe, MI. The two hour drive flew by and we arrived early for the event. All day was Ladies Day in Downtown Bad Axe; specials, sales and events for women were offered everywhere.

Murder/mystery author, Denise Collins, joined me at R&R for book signings. Kendra went Christmas shopping. Heh, heh.


Traffic was better during the day but we still had fun. I strolled around the store carrying a dish of Hersey kisses schmoozing with the customers.

Me: "Wanna kiss?"
Customer smiles at my dish of candies: "Why sure."
Me: "Do you like romance?"
Customer gives another smile.
Me: "Books that is..."
Customer giggles and follows me to my table to "check out my latest romance novel".

Things got a little silly when a discussion turned to the fact that women who read romance books have sex 73% more often than women who don't. Matt, the book shop owner decided to purchase a copy of Painted Soul for his wife.




I love meeting romance readers. The best part is celebrating being women... uh.. I mean... Romance Divas!

Humpday Help - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wednesday is the perfect reason to bake chocolate chip cookies. Hot from the oven will certainly get anyone over the hump of the week. What? You don't have time to bake? Well here are two variations of the easiest cookie recipe in the world.

1 box of yellow cake mix
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
2Tbsp water
1 cup of milk chocolate chips
Bake at 350' for 10-12 min. Cool 1 min before removing from sheet.

Another version:
1 box of french vanilla cake mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Bake at 375' for 9-11 min. Let cool 1 min before removing from sheet.

This recipe is great when the kids want to bake. It's quick, easy and they'll be done before their attention span wanes.

Cookies left in the air will harden and make excellent dunkers. If you wish to keep them soft, place the heal from a loaf of bread into the cookie jar.

The only thing better than good friends and chocolate chip cookies is sharing the cookies with good friends.

Ahhhh... the sweet life...

Another Stop on the Painted Soul Tour - Bad Axe, MI

It's Ladies Day
at Reading & Rhythm
with Romance Writer
Mary Quast
The author will be signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul. Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.



Enter to win a Diva Gift Basket from Mary.

Thursday, Nov. 20
5:00pm
Reading & Rhythm110 E. Huron Ave.
Bad Axe, MI
(989) 269-6300

Cleaning Day - Gotta Love Those Totes!

I'm approaching the end of my little book tour and I'm oh so thankful for the person who invented plastic totes. My faithful bin has been incredibly helpful carrying my books, posters, book stands, easels, and other odd-n-ends to my signing events.

I use these same totes for storing out of season clothes, hunting clothes, sporting goods, camping gear, holiday decorations and rummage sale items. With a label on each bin, searching for an item is easy.I love the clear bins so I can see exactly what's inside. Plus, using these bins helps clear the clutter!

They stack nicely in a closet, on a shelf, or against a wall. Items inside are protected from mice in the attic or a flooding basement. I like to keep cedar bars or fragrant sachets in bins holding clothing. I even have a wafer-like disc that smells like leaves and dirt I put into the bin holding my husband's hunting clothes.

I've taken three small bins and made them into time capsules for my sons. The outfit each boy wore the day he came home from the hospital and the one he wore for his baptismal are in the bins. Early artwork, items from birthday parties, notes from relatives, newspapers from the day each was born... these are all items in their bins.

Several bins hold art supplies for the classes I teach. Having such organized bins makes it easy for me to pack for a lesson outside of my studio.

Uses for totes are endless and you can still use those fun packing peanuts.
What can you fit into a tote?

You know... that bin might get a bit too heavy and you might need a little help carrying it.

Another Stop on the Painted Soul Tour

I woke to rain at 6am in Caro, MI on opening day of firearm deer season. I was in the Thumb and this area is known for having large deer herds. During breakfast we watched deer cross the field next to the driveway.

On our drive to Deckerville for the book signing event, we were very alert watching for deer. Some ran across the road in front of the car, others simply ran out of the woods into fields. Every acre had a pickup truck parked on a two-track or a deer blind with a flash of orange inside. Welcome to Michigan!

Deer hunting is a part of life in many parts of this state. Especially in these tough economic times. My husband already brought in two deer from bow season and are now neatly packaged in our freezer. Many wonderful dishes will be made this winter for my family with the meat.

Anyways.... once arriving in Deckerville we wandered Main St. for a bit. Cute little town. Most of the traffic was hunters coming in for breakfast. There was a large craft show "crowded with deer hunter widows" being held at a school. The Deckerville high school football team was in regional so two busloads of locals left to cheer the players.

We dallied for a bit in a quaint resale shop. All proceeds from the shop stay in the community for charities and the local food pantry. I purchased a long leather coat for $20, a pair of black jeans for $1 and a few small items. My friend Deb found a few treasures as well.


Tracy, the owner of TLC Used Books, greeted us when we walked in and helped set me up at a lovely antique wrought iron table. We had fun chatting with customers and shared some laughs when I passed out Hersey kisses saying, "Do you wanna kiss?".


Despite the dreary day, the event was successful. Thank you to Tracy for inviting me! I hope to return in the spring!

Book Signing Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with friends over coffee.

Enter to win a Diva Gift Basket from Mary.

Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.


Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.



Saturday, Nov. 15
10:00am
TLC Used Books
Deckerville, MI



“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told. I will be looking for more of Mary’s work; that is for sure!” -Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer.

Humpday Help - Give me Coffee!!!!!

I love flavored coffee! It really picks me up any time of the day. I don't mean the caffeine... I simply enjoy the hot beverage. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still am a tea totter.

On November 29th, I'll be at a friend's coffee house promoting my book. I look forward to sampling her teas. There is an array of natural flavors I've never seen and look forward to trying; especially those with "Vanilla" in the name. Yep... I can see myself lounging by the fireplace in the shop sipping my tea, chatting with the regular customers.

However, I love how I can go up to the counter and say, "I like coffee and chocolate. You decide." My friend, Bambi or her daughter, will smile and begin making me a wonderful surprise. It's like a mini Christmas gift when I hold that cup in my hand; not really knowing what is inside. Is it a Latte, Cappuccino, does it have whipped cream? I may know it's coffee with some kind of chocolate flavor, but there are so many varieties. Mocha, Mocha-caramel, Choco-mint, Choco-almond, Choco-cherry, Choco-hazelnut... the list is endless!

What? I can get it hot or iced! Oh wow! Can I have both?

Mary Quast featured at Barnes & Noble Fall Authors Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be participating in Barnes & Noble Booksellers Fall Authors’ Event signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with readers and fans.



Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.
Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told,” says Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer, “I will be looking for more of Mary’s work, that is for sure!”

Painted Soul can also be purchased online at http://www.amazon.com/Painted-Soul-Mary-Quast/dp/0981473938/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226075392&sr=1-3

Saturday, November 8
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Barnes & Noble
3311 Tittabawassee Rd
Saginaw, MI
(989) 790-9214

Humpday Help - "What's a Bodice Ripper?"

Being a writer in the romance genre, I hear the term "Bodice Ripper" occasionally. Today's writers don't care for the term too much and are quick to correct the person who uses the phrase.

"Bodice Ripper" is considered a derogatory term for all romances. It was inspired by some early historical romances that featured rape fantasies or included rape as part of the plot. This term is used most often by people who do not read romance books.

Today's romance is sensitive to the needs and emotions of women. Rape is not part of today's storylines! Romance writers focus on the emotion and sensuality between characters; providing the reader a chance to escape from every day life into a variety of plots and a world of passion.

Erotic romance sometimes referred to as "romantica", is a story at the more erotic end of the romance spectrum. These adventures will include intense details of sexual liaisons that may happen frequently between the main characters and are vital to the plot. These stories are usually very sensual and emotional as a strong relationship develops between the characters.

Take a break this Humpday and check out an erotic romance. If you hear somebody call it "a bodice ripper" tell them to read one... they'll be hooked! Passion is such a wonderful word and so much, much more.

I think we all would like to have this sort of passion in our lives... but we certainly don't want our bodices ripped! We prefer them to be slowly undone with tender kisses and soft caresses.

Cleaning Day - Make Your Home Cozy

A cozy home is the result of mixing comfortable surroundings to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. One doesn't need expensive furnishings but a cozy, welcoming home can be developed during your cleaning day.

I'm a junker. I love finding treasures at sales and using them to make my home cozy. But you don't have to run out to a sale to find treasures; clean out that closet or rummage around in the basement and attic. Look for items such as an old lamp that with a bit of elbow grease will shine a new light. Gather some photos and put them in some old frames to arrange a new display on a boring wall. Rescue vintage plates and display them as artwork.

If you're not in the mood to wrestle with a large project such as cleaning the attic; then tackle the washing. Wash your comforter or bedspread in lavender scented detergent for that cozy feeling in the bedroom. Wash those dingy curtains and look at a different way of hanging them; try some tiebacks, a new valance, or perhaps a homemade grapevine & silk floral swag. Take some old throw pillows, throw them in the dryer with a scented sheet then recover them with lovely silk or sheer scarves; attach a vintage pin for a fabulous new look!

Speaking of scarves... I love to drape them on tables for a romantic look. I also use them as a valance on curtains. Depending on the size and shape, you can create many items from scarves. I collect ones that catch my eye from rummage sales and Goodwill.

So, today while you're cleaning look for the small things you can change to add a little comfort to your home. Make your space the refuge from the busy world and the shelter from the storms of life. A cozy home is a place where you can be yourself and spend some valuable time be cozy with someone you love.

Happy Halloween

Have a fun day, an adventurous evening, and a mystical night.

Humpday Help - A Lesson From the Dogs

You've been working hard all week, your body is spent, your anxiety is high so you plop into your comfy chair. Up trots Furball with that happy-go-lucky face and unlimited enthusiasm. Not able to resist such a cute face you give into the soft whines and head out the door for a stroll. Furball is straining at the leash sniffing about, happy to be in the fresh air.

A dog loves life wholeheartedly, adoringly, without reservation or judgment. He greets each new scent or sight with boundless joy and unselfconscious glee. His world is delightful.

Look around you and see the world through dog's eyes. Apply his exuberant enthusiasm to your own view. Be open to the small joys of living and appreciate what is.

For the rest of the day, set aside negative thoughts. Let your anxiety fade, relax, take a deep breath and find enjoyment in everything - the good, the bad, the indifferent. I think I'll take a walk in the woods with my dog, Maggie. But don't expect me to get on the ground and sniff!

"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action." - Henry Chester.


Oh, have a Happy Halloween!

A Happy Ending to a Sad Day

Yesterday as I waited for the time to pick Devin up from school and filled with dread of the news I had to tell him, I began thinking. My little 8 yr old loved his guinea pig and was really becoming responsible with taking care of his pet and his chores. And there was the possibility Dev would want another pet... so... I called around... just in case... to see if any of the local pet shops had piggies. I found one and it would be on the way home from my eldest son's piano lesson.

Mark took Trevor to his piano lesson while I picked up Devin. I told him that we needed to talk. I think he knew something was wrong because he kept distracting himself with the dog and baby brother and ignoring me. When I finally told him that Fluffy has passed away, he threw himself headfirst into the couch and sobbed.

I picked him up and carried him to the lazy-boy chair; rocked him and cuddled him. 3 yr old Nate knew something was wrong and patted his big brother's back. I spoke soothing words to Dev and once he calmed down I asked him if he wanted another piggie. He nodded his head and wiped his tears. Mark called and we informed him to stop at the shop to pick up the piggie. We cuddled and discussed the Rainbow Bridge and Devin's eyes lit up with the thought of Fluffy playing with Cookie and Ruby while they wait for him.


During the next couple hours, Devin did all his homework eagerly and ran down the driveway at least three times looking for his dad's truck. We talked about names and prepared a fresh cage for the new baby.

Mark arrived and handed a box to Devin. We all gathered around the dining room table for our first glimpse of our newest addition. It was love at first sight! Dev took his baby to the chair and began reading to him. By the end of the evening he was given the name, Champ.



Dev told me that he would take even better care of Champ and love him just as much as he did Fluffy. At bedtime, Dev informed me that I needed to love up Champ for at least an hour while he was at school and make sure I had one of his shirts on my lap when I did so Champ would smell him and think it was he who was petting him. When I checked on the boys before bed, Dev couldn't have been any closer to his piggie's cage.





Saturday, we'll have a funeral. Fluffy will be buried with his brother, Cookie next to my dog & their pal, Ruby.

It's Monday - But it's too blue

I don't feel like writing today. *sigh*

When we moved into our log home the boys were going to be in their own rooms for the first time and we decided to give them room pets. The boys chose guinea pigs. After Christmas 2005 we went to a pet store and they carefully selected their pets. Devin picked Fluffy and Trevor picked litter mate Cooki.

The piggies brought much joy to our home and grew with love. We even adopted another pig, Speedy, from a rummage sale! The piggies went to school, to church, to grandma's and adventures in the neighborhood. Fluffy even was lost in the woods for two hours this summer!

Cookie passed away in March 2008 due to kidney disease. I was concerned for Fluffy's health since they were litter mates. But all seemed well until a month ago when Fluffy came down with a cold. His symptoms were rather odd but he was treated with meds from the vet. He seemed to get better and was very frisky last week. Then he stopped eating on Saturday.

Devin cuddled with his buddy for a time last night and this morning. After giving his piggie some lovin' and a kiss, bade him goodbye before boarding on his school buss. Fluffy passed quietly away in my arms a couple hours later.

Devin has an after school program and won't be home until 5pm. My heart hurts for him. I don't think he understood how sick his piggie was. I did mention my concern regarding the fact of the piggies being litter mates & the posiblility of Fluffy having the same problem. Dev loved his little buddy.


We loved you, Fluffy!

Humpday Help - Sing in the Rain

So it's Wednesday... the middle of the week and you need a little help getting over that hump. To top it off, you woke to a gloomy day with dark clouds. Your mood may match your day. So let's change your mood and change the day!

Turn on some fun music before you turn on the shower. Light the fire within and choose something that makes you laugh or giggle or even feel a little sexy. You don't have to be a great singer to enjoy the benefits of music, simply let it into your soul and let your entire body resonate with the sound. Whether you are singing in the shower or in the car or dancing while doing chores or on the way to the copy machine... you will feel your spirit rise.

When you are letting the music in, you take deeper breaths and more oxygen into your system. You are healing your body and giving your spirit a lift. Express yourself, put a melody in your heart. Get a little silly, laugh when you think nobody is looking, hum a tune, put a dance step in your gait and you will quickly feel the sunshine enter your soul and the day will become much brighter.

Cleaning Day - The Many Uses of Oil

When we were cleaning Mom's house when she moved we found many bottle of oil... mineral oil, olive oil, vegetable oil... It turns out Mom was "green" before it was chic and thrifty to top it off. Here's Mom's advice:

*To perk up potted plants combine one part mineral oil and two parts water in a spray bottle. Once a month, use to mist the plants then wipe off the leaves with a soft cloth.

*Combine 1 cup of mineral or olive oil and 1 Tbs.of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Shake well, then spritz the mixture on a soft dry cloth and use to wipe wooden surfaces. The citric acid in the lemon juice cuts through grime while the oil lubricates wood and brings out its natural shine. This also woks on removing fingerprints from stainless -steel appliances.

*A dollop of olive oil on a soft cloth will quickly removes fingerprints and give a polish to stainless appliances when you're in a hurry.

*Pour a few drops of mineral oil on a lint-free cloth and rub into the leather of dingy-looking boots or shoes for a quick and easy restoration. It also acts as a waterproof barrier, protecting footwear from the damaging effects of rain and snow.

*Pour a small amount of vegetable, olive or mineral oil onto a clean cloth and rub your wood cutting boards. Let sit for at least two hours then wipe off any excess oil. I have a large butcher block; I use olive oil or vegetable oil and leave it on the wood overnight. The oil barrier will keep odors from getting absorbed into the wood's pores and acts as a lubricating shield against water-induced damage, drying and cracking.

*Keep some oil and cotton balls handy to remove adhesive bandages and temporary tattoos. Apply oil with cotton ball and wait one minute. Then voila, no tears and no red marks!

*Need to perform an emergency shave on those legs and don't have time for water? Use mineral or olive oil (for dry skin) to ensure a smooth, effortless shave for silky, soft legs.


I'm sure we could all come up with some more ideas on what to do with oil. Hmmmm....What's yours?

Humpday Help - How 'bout somethin' sweet?

Ack! It's Humpday again! It's like a birthday... always sneaking up on me.
To me, some of the best things in life are chocolate, a great conversation, tea, and hugs. When a girlfriend lets you know you have chocolate on your mouth, you've been blessed with two pleasures - her company and some really good chocolate! Did you know that having tea with friends is also a great excuse to bake chocolate chip cookies?

So here's a little somethin' somethin' for my friends.


Indulge in the luxuries and whimsies of life and revel in the carefree delights of friendship.