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.

Book Event with Mary Blocksma & Her Dog

Calling all dog lovers, would-be and could-be dog adopters, and supporters of Michigan artists!

      

Please come help writer/artist, Mary Blocksma and Gracie celebrate their new memoir that describes their awkward early adventures and relationship. Both of them, largely untrained, had a lot to learn, but they found ways to adjust to each other. 

The book is dedicated to all persons who help abandoned animals and, in particular, to Shawna Guiett of Amazing Grace Animal Rescue, (also on FaceBook) where Gracie and Mary found each other.

Drop by any time between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. 

(maybe even later)

THIS FRIDAY, September 11, 2015,

at SUPERCHIC DESIGNS,  

108 3rd St, Bay City, MI 48708 

(across from Intermission Deli)

Please come meet Gracie, check out thr book.

View the original art Mary did for the book and more.   

You can even gift your pride and joy (or someone else's) with a handmade dog coat (Mary loves to make dog coats, but please don't bring your dog--just his or her measurements!) 

If you live too far to party in Bay City, you can find the book or order a custom-fit coat on Mary Blocksma's Beaver Island Arts Etsy page.

I have been a fan of Mary Blocksma for years.  I've been lucky to visit her studio, hold inspirational conversations and even party with her! 

Many of her watercolors of Lake Michigan and Michigan wild life grace my walls. She is a wonderful writer, a talented artist and a beautiful person. 

CLICK HERE for more information regarding Mary Blocksma.

#ThursdayThirteen - 13 Fun Sex Facts

While searching the internet for some fun stuff to feature on Monday Mojo, I found these fun facts I had to share. I admit to trying a few... not telling which though.

1.  Snuggle with him while watching TV at night. Couples who cuddle regularly are eight times less likely to get depressed than those who kiss only during intercourse.

2. Athletic women say their sexual performance is better...

3.  ...and maybe that’s because female pro athletes have both better clitoral blood flow and higher sexual satisfaction than women who don’t exercise.

4.  Furthermore, one study found that just 20 minutes of exercise before going at it will improve your sexual response.

5.  Take time to really figure out your feelings—it could help you in the bedroom. See, women with high emotional intelligence experience more orgasms.

6.  Almost 53 percent of women have used external stimulation. If you haven’t tried it, start with a small one that won’t overwhelm you.

7.  A study of college students found that over a two-year period, both men and women had twice as many hook-ups as first dates.

8.  Worldwide, only 30 percent of men are circumcised. Dating an uncut guy? Keep in mind that the tip of his penis may be more sensitive because it’s not always exposed. So you may need to use a slightly more gentle touch.

9.  Having sex once a week can improve your immune function by 30 percent.

10.  A woman has a better shot at climaxing during sex if the walls of her vaginal canal are stimulated. A study found that penis length doesn’t help accomplish this—girth does. Make him feel girthier by keeping your legs together during sex. It creates more friction.

11.  Still, that doesn’t stop men from seeking out enhancements. A handful of new gadgets on the market claim to help men add length and possibly girth to their penis.

12.  If that doesn’t work, he can try dropping a few kilos. For every 16 kilos an overweight man loses, his penis appears to grow one inch.

13.  Scientists believe that some women have a more active G-spot than others. Trying various positions, like leaning back while you’re on top, may help him stimulate it if yours isn’t as active.

#HumpDayHottie

Taming Rachel is currently in edits. As soon as I get a cover I'll share. In the meantime, enjoy a nice view of Dustin Stiles. He's a larger than life hottie who uses a blindfold and a silk scarft to convince his lady to take a chance on love... forever.

Monday Must Be A Man...

Wrap Me In Choclate

Hi, My name is Mary. I'm a chocoholic.

Do you love chocolate so much you'd bathe in it?

Here's your chance.

Warm 1/2 cup of honey in a microwave then stir in 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened cocoa until it dissolves. If the mixture cools, reheat it, but don't let it get hot. Now spread the mudlike spaste evenly over your body. 

Wrap your legs, arms and torso in plastic wrap to seal in the paste and sit or lie for 20 minutes. 

Once done, peel of the wrap and wsh away the paste in a warm shower. 

Your skin should feel silky smooth.

There are hydrating and revitalizing antioxidants in cocoa and honey.