Happy 21st Anniversary

Today is my 21st Wedding Anniversary.

While looking for gift ideas, I found this article written by Carol S. Rothchild.

Personal Touch to Brass or Nickel for a Traditional 21st Anniversary Gift

It can be difficult to determine the best 21st anniversary gift idea for a couple celebrating their 21st year of marriage. With a lifetime of shared experiences and adventures, a couple married for 21 years has stood the test of time. Gifts of brass and nickel are the suggested tokens of this milestone. But, though the lists of symbolic and recommended gifts can be convenient, they are only suggestions. The best 21st anniversary gifts, of course, are those that come with a personal touch and heartfelt enthusiasm.

Brass is seen in posh decorating arenas everywhere. From wind chimes to fireplace accessories to furniture, the choices and selections are abundant. If you are looking for a more romantic gift, consider a brass corkscrew given in conjunction with a nice bottle of champagne. Perhaps a brass picture frame holding a photograph taken of the bride and groom at their wedding would be the perfect way to personalize the brass theme. Or a brass-plated photo album, filled with pictures of their adventures throughout the years.

Brass jewelry is a chic and attractive gift for men and women. Brass charms, especially, are a popular choice among brass lovers. Produced in both modern and vintage styles, they are a nice and affordable alternative to gold or silver. Or consider matching brass key-chains or rings for the anniversary couple.

Nickel, too, is a gift suggestion for a 21st anniversary gift. Brushed nickel items are especially popular today. From new drawer pulls to lamps to nickel- plated keepsake boxes, there are many choices.

The traditional wedding Quaich, available in both brass and nickel, is a lovely and unique wedding anniversary gift. The wedding Quaich, historically known as a loving cup, is an ornate cup designed for two. Couples used to share a drink from this cup, thus symbolizing their union and promise to each other. The recipients may choose to celebrate with a drink from their cup, or simply place it on the coffee table to become a conversation piece for years to come. Its rare presentation will be appreciated and admired for a long time.

The gemstone recommended as a gift for the 21st anniversary is the elegant iolite. This sparkling violet stone is also referred to as the water sapphire. It's interesting to note that the Vikings used the iolite as a secret navigation tool. By experimenting with thin slices of this gemstone, the Vikings actually discovered that the iolite possessed polarizing properties. They were then able to determine their exact position in the sea and safely navigate!

Surprisingly, these eye-catching gemstones are not rare and are therefore quite affordable. They are a dramatic contribution to the world of jewelry, as they make a breathtaking statement and very special gift.

The 21st wedding anniversary is a special time for celebrating. Whether you choose to present the couple with a gift containing brass, nickel or the ever-dramatic iolite, they are sure to appreciate your sentiment and support as they move forward to the next adventure-filled year of marriage.

 

 

Unfortunately, dearest hubby is out of town due to work.  So I slipped a card and a coupon for a massage into his luggage.  I'm looking forward to redeeming it when he comes home.

 

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Tasty Tuesday - Banana Bread

When you are cleaning the kitchen don't throw those brown bananas away!

I found a super easy banana bread recipe.

Heat oven to 350'. Grease 9"x5" loaf pan.
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups Jiffy or any baking mix
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)
1/3 cup chopped nuts - optional

Cream shortening and sugar. Combine remaining ingredients and mix until well blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake about 55 minutes. Cool on a rack before slicing.

While cleaning the kitchen this morning, I found several bananas left over from last weekend's camping trip. Ewe! I don't like throwing food away and this is a great recipe to use. It's simple and my family loves it. For fun I add a little nutmeg and brown sugar on the top before placing it into the oven.

I like to use farm fresh eggs. Visit your local Farmers' Market or watch for signs along country roads. They run about $2 a dozen.

Thursday Thirteen - Find Time for Love

In a recent weekly poll, statistics showed that most people believed a typical couple should have sex three times a week if not every day.   How does this compare to you and your significant other?

If you feel you'd like to improve the amount of sensual time you spend with your partner here are a few ideas to help you!

1. Make it a point to go to bed at least an hour to a half-hour before you normally do.
2. If you're a morning person, try getting up an hour to half-hour earlier.
3. On days you have an hour or so lunch or mid-day break, meet each other at home or at a hotel for a fun quickie!
4. When you or your partner comes home, don't speak to them. Just grab their hand, drag them to the bedroom (or stay where you are) and make love.
5. Take your showers together.
6. Order out for dinner and make love before your food arrives.
7. While your children are taking a nap or engrossed watching a movie, steal your partner away and make love.
8. Hire a housekeeper to free up "needless" time.
9. Take a "sick" day from work and spend the day recovering together!  (My personal fav!)
10. Clean the house together while sipping wine, and then relax.
11. Go for a drive and park.  Just be careful not to get caught.
12. Send your kids off to a sports event with an older child, friend or relative.  That will give you at least 2-3 hours alone.
13. Whenever you're alone together... make love!

 

Pup Needs Our Help

 

 

Please help Rascy have the surgery he needs.

 

13 yr old Alison rescued Rascy at 8 weeks from the pound. (pronounced rass-key). This 2 yr old lab is the light of her life. I've had the pleasure of knowing this sweet fella. 


His life changed drastically when he was hit by a speeding car. He might lose his left eye and needs surgery on his left leg.


The family has put alot of money into this pups care already and are really not in a financial position to continue. They are currently looking for a vet who could do the surgery at a discount rate or free in Mid-Michigan.
 
A ChipIn page has been set up if you'd like to donate.









Tasty Tuesday

Refreshing popsicles served in a glass of prosecco.

Thursday 13 - Reasons You Should Attend the Montrose Blueberry Festival

I live in a small community in Mid-Michigan and every year during the third weekend in August we host the Montrose Blueberry Festival. (Yes, we do have many places to pick berries!) But for those who have never attended our festival, here are a few reasons to zip into my town for a visit.

1. Blueberries… everything blueberries! Blueberry doughnuts at the Montrose Orchards. Blueberry ice cream at Carie's Caboose Yummy! Pie eating contest!

2. Blueberry pancake breakfast on Sat & Sun. We serve 4,000 hungry folks. The sausages are the kids favorites. My family has been working the breakfast for years, so come to it and I’ll take a break to chat. (If you have teen girls in your family, the Montrose Football team will be working on Sunday. wink, wink)

3. Medieval Village & Renaissance Faire. Montrose is Scottish for “mountain of roses”. In this hilly farming community, many wild roses grow around fields and in ditches. Celebrating our Scottish heritage along with members from the greater Renaissance Festival folk from the Shiabruck Medieval Village, we’ve put together an amazing village and faire. Stop by and meet my special friends, Gypsy and Hagrid. Gypsy made the original necklace Mike McAlister wears in my book "Lonely Soul".


4. The awesome parade. Saturday at 1:00. Find your spot after you've finished eatting your blueberry pancakes.

5. The Carnival and Midway are a blast! Lemonade, Rootbeer, and Elephant Ears.

6. Flea Market and craft show. I lose myself in there every year; the boys have to lure me out with chocolate.

7. Classic Car Show.

8. Mud Drag & Mud Bog for those who still enjoy playing in the mud.

9. Elf Khurafeh Shriners Pig Roast.

10. Live music and a karaoke contest. No way… you won’t hear me sing!

11. Softball Tournaments, horseshoes, Tug-of-War Challenge!

12. Montrose historical & Telephone Pioneer Museum will be open. FREE. Donations welcome.

13. Getting together with old and new friends in the beer tent. Live band.

And of course, this is a Romance Writer's Blog,

sooooooooo.....

there will be great opportunities to see some shirtless men!

This rural farming comuntiy produces some nice lookin' fellas.

Throughout the town and township, there are a ton of rummage sales offering wonderful treasures and parties galore! I hope many of you take a break from your busy schedule and visit. If I’m available, I’ll let you know where the best "goodies" are. Hugs!

Visit the Blueberry Website for more info.

Happy Humpday

Boys of fall are getting in shape.  Here's a little teaser to get you over the hump of the week.

Happy Humnpday!

Thursday Thirteen – 13 Reasons to Smile

1.       To show you’re happy.

2.       Like yawns, smiles are contagious.

3.       To do a simple act of kindness.

4.       Because you are wearing a new shade of lipstick.  (After all, a girl cannot have too many shades of lipstick.)

5.       You know your best girlfriend will tell you if you have something stuck in your teeth.

6.       Because that piece of chocolate cheesecake was amazing.

7.       You feel very blessed.

8.       You feel joy in your heart and love energizes you.  (Was that an oversized pink bunny that just went by?)

9.       If you smile enough, you’ll start to believe your face.

10.   You just took a deep breath and realized life is grand.

11.   Because happiness is the result of being too busy to be miserable.

12.   My favorite reason:  Always smile… because others will think you are up to something.  And maybe you are.

13.   Need I say more?

Visit Romance Writers Behaving Badly for today's T-13 list of Most Romantic Movie Kisses. CLICK HERE

Humpday Help - Dishwashing 101

Seeing a man on his own accord washing dishes is HOT.

Tips:

1.      Dishes wash easily if you keep them under the water while scrubbing them. Particles lift away. Bring the dish out of the water to check for missed spots.

2.      Stacking a few dishes in the sink at a time allows dishes a few minutes of soaking time while you work on washing another dish.

3.      Try drying pots and pans with a paper towel to reduce residue from the pan staining the dishcloth.

4.      Don't allow aluminum to soak while dishwashing. Doing so can darken the finish.

5.      Dish washing silverware can be tricky. Use a lint free cloth for drying silverware.

 “ Wanted a man who empties the dishwasher. And if you want to really sweep me off my feet load it too …..then baby I’m all yours. The sight of you with those plates in your hand has me tingling from head to toe. Oh I’m all yours darlin’ and I ain’t ever gonna let you go.”