Saturday, September 12, 2020

Cha-Cha-Changes

I was asked what my favorite season is. Hmmm...I live in Michigan where we have seasonal changes plus some. We have a saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change." On spring, I was at a son's track meet on a Tuesday and it was snowing. But on the Thursday track meet we wide t-shirts and got sunburned. 

The say the Great Lakes are to blame.
Nevertheless I appreciate the changes of the seasons. Perhaps this change now. Cool nights for cuddling. Days warm enough for light clothing. Sounds of Canada Geese flying overhead. No bugs! 
Funny...I'm sitting on my deck before doing yoga to write this post and I just looked up. There is a dozen turkeys under the feeding station a few yards from me. Big momma is watching me. I guess yoga will have to wait.

Have a great day and find a moment to truly appreciate it. Look around, you might be surprised at what you see.

What is your favorite season?

Friday, September 11, 2020

Friday Food Romance

So you're planing a sexy dinner with your honey.  
Candles? Check
Playlist? Check
]Sexy lingerie? Check
 Hooker heels? Check
You have desert covered, let's focus on food and wine.
  

Have you ever eaten a meal where the wine and food were so good that you could not forget about it? Then, did you later have that same wine with a different dish or the same dish with a different wine only to be disappointed?

Count yourself fortunate to have experienced the perfect marriage of wine and food. When the wine balances with the food in flavor, texture and taste, both food and wine enhance each other.

These are a few hints to help make food and wine pairing simple. But remember that if you like a certain wine with a particular food that is all that matters.

1. Use the same wine in the recipe as you will be serving with the meal.

2. Mask salty dishes with slightly sweet wines.

3. Serve cool, sweet, low alcohol wines with hot, spicy foods. Higher alcohol accentuates heat.

4. Balance acidic foods with sweet wines or round, dry, low acid wines.

5. Combine sweet wines with desserts. Make sure the wine is always sweeter than the dessert.


Combos for Beef

Beef roast, steak, hamburgers
Classic Red
Merlot
Classic Blush
Cab/Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon

Wild mushroom sauce
Merlot
Cab/Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon

Red wine sauces, stew, short ribs, beef stroganoff
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cab/Merlot

Stir fry, chili
Pinot Noir
Classic Red

Brisket, meatloaf
Merlot
Classic Red

Beef Wellington
Classic Blush
Cab/Merlot

Beef Bourguignon
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cab/Merlot







Wednesday, September 9, 2020

#Thursday13 - Rewards of Romance

 We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.

"Real-life romance is something I encourage you to engage in every day. Just give it a try. Many times it's all about the little things and just going with your heart. Trust that your desire to create romance is enough to get things started, and give it your own spin." - Barton Goldsmith Ph. D, Emotional Fitness

Just letting her know you think she's wonderful can become a romantic moment.

Here are some key rewards of being romantic.

1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives

2. Hugs, kisses, caressing

3. Makes us feel sexy and attractive

4. Helps love grow

5. Helps a couple feel closer

6. Provides intimacy

7. Keeps things fresh

8. Makes daily routines bearable

9. Brings fun and joy into a relationship

10. Provides an atmosphere of mutual support

11. Let’s a couple hear the little things that are important

12. Makes us feel special and valued

13. Reminds us how lucky we are to be sharing life and love together

******

Many people don't try to do anything romantic because they simply don't know how. 

Super hint: There are NO Secrets to romance. Most of the time, people are doing romantic gestures without even realizing. After all, anyone who has read a romance book or watch a romantic movie have a general idea about romance. Grand gestures are needed and simple things are appreciated. For example, a daisy freshly picked from a field is just as romantic as a dozen long-stemmed roses. 

My favorite romantic gesture is when my honey reaches out to hold my hand. 


It tickles me pink when I see Mom and Dad holding hands.

Check out more Thursday 13 posts from some of my amazing friends HERE


Tuesday, September 8, 2020

No Crazy Cat Lady Here

 I never thought a cat would be a part of my family. My sister usually has at least 5 cats at any given time. She fosters momma cats with kittens and has kept a few over the years. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate cats but I'm more of a big dog person.

Momma cat when she first came to us.


Six years ago, we allowed son #3 to foster a momma cat and kitten. The kitten was adopted and nobody wanted poor Mom. She and her boy fell in love so she joined our pack.


Mona and the dogs became fur sisters. She often acts like a dog as she waits by the door to be let outside and "barks" at squirrels.

He insists he hates cats. Yeah, right. We can tell.

Usually Maggie joins me for morning yoga but today Mona participated. 

Mona waits patiently for treats.


Studies show cats can benefit your health.

* Relieve stress

*Reduce rodents in your home

* Help you recover from trauma 

* Help you stay in shape - they love routines filled with activity

All in all, we've enjoyed having Mona as a member of our family. 

I've read several books featuring the main characters rescuing a dog or cat. Love it!!! I must say, it's been enjoyable reading Pippa Grant's romantic comedies featuring lovable critters. (Dogs, raccoon, hedgehog, foul-mouthed parrot, monkey, cats and I probably forgot some.)

Have you ever had a pet you didn't expect and ended up enjoying more than you thought?

Do you have a favorite book featuring a unique cat or memorable animal?

Monday, September 7, 2020

#TastyTuesday - Dessert for Breakfast? Hell Yeah!

Apple a day keeps the doctor away, especially when it's in a dish you can eat any time of the day!

Grandma Williams was the only member of her family to be born in the United States. Her parents and siblings were from Lund, Sweden. As the youngest of her grandchildren, I managed to spend some quality time with her and she shared many of her favorite Swedish dishes with me. 

Gram said apples were good any time of the day. We'd make apple crisp or strudel at night to have with dinner, eat again heated up with ice cream before bed, then again with cream for breakfast.


SWEDISH APPLE CRISP

8 apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. water
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. butter

Pare and slice apples. Place apples and brown sugar in 8x12 pan. Add water and sprinkle with cinnamon. For topping, sift flour and white sugar together. Cut in butter with pastry cutter. Mix and sprinkle over top of apples. Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees. Serve crisp side up with whipped cream.


Sunday, September 6, 2020

Labor Days of the Past

 Labor Day weekends as a youth were spent in front of the television watching Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. We were pretty excited when we were old enough to stay up all night. Whoot-whoot! 


Neighborhood kids would group together to host fun carnival games raising funds to donate then our parents would drive us to the Holiday Inn where the telethon was live on air. If we were lucky we met the local celebrities who were hosting. Neighborhood police officers and firefighters helped with friendly competitions between communities.

Other times, I was at our family cottage with my cousins. We watched the telethon until the fish started biting or the sun rose high and the lake called to us. Back in the day, school didn't start until AFTER Labor Day so my cousins and I would often "run away" into the woods with plans of survival. Uncle Charlie always waiting for us as we exited the forest on the edge of the gravel pits to take us home. 

What memories do you have of Labor Days past?







Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. - Wikipedia

Saturday, September 5, 2020

#SneakPeekSunday - Handcuffs & Silk #Excerpt

It's a little chilly in my neck of the woods. Let's head somewhere a little warmer... such as Vegas. Here's a sneak peek into A 1 Night Stand Story I wrote for Decadent Publishing. I was one of the first authors to write for this 1 Night Stand series. Handcuffs & Silk was my first book with them.


Excerpt~

The blades of the chopper sliced through the heat of the night as it flew over the City of Lights. Casinos glowed in various hues of blue, plum, gold, green, and silver, casting a magical aura. Spotlights danced in the night, graceful fingers tickling the sinister side of Vegas. Unsuspecting people moved about, flitting from place to place, searching for excitement and fulfillment while cars in traffic jams occasionally brought the pulsing arteries in the heart of the city to a temporary halt.

Being a Las Vegas cop, Steph recognized the evil lurking in the shadows of the beautiful city, also known as Sin City. As the chopper made a turn, she viewed the vast landscape as an artist’s canvas. The awesome structures designed and built by nameless men. So many lives below. Where there is sin and sadness, one will also find love and happiness.

With a deep sigh, Steph continued to gaze at the site, wondering where she fit into the street party of existence. Not a single malicious bone in her body, yet a monster lurked inside, crying to be set free. And, despite the desire to have a special someone to share a lifetime of love and happiness, meaningless one-night stands never filled the emptiness inside. Lately, living and breathing her job had become her reason for lack of a social life. That, and always being looked at as one of the guys and a hard ass.

Some of the cops’ wives had made it their mission to fix her up with someone. Despite their efforts to feminize her, she intimidated the men they’d found for her. Not considered butch—she had all the right curves in all the right places and could wear sexy clothing that normally only looked good on a model—but everyone knew how tough she could be.

Controlling the power hidden deep inside her proved to be difficult and had ruined many relationships. Her last boyfriend liked to try kinky things, but had his limits. She’d gone out with a guy who’d insisted she be submissive to him, but that felt completely false and ended shortly after it began.

What’s wrong with me?

Frustrated at her inability to escape her reputation, she’d applied with an online dating service, 1NightStand. Not a regular matchmaking site, but more upscale; the mysterious owner, Madame Evangeline, had an amazing ability to find just the right person to satisfy one’s needs. Or so Steph had been told.

Her cell phone vibrated. Glancing at the screen, she noticed an email from 1NightStand. Instinct told her Eve was probably letting her know the dating service could not match her up. To avoid disappointment until back on the ground, Steph put the phone back in its holster.

The chopper began its descent.

****************************************

BLURB
Stephanie "Stiff" Johnson, is a tough Las Vegas cop who many men find too intimidating to date. Steph begins to wonder if something is wrong with her so she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who could be the yin to her yang, even if it's just for one night.

Hunter Morgan left behind years of living as a sub to a female Domme in New York. Upon return to his hometown, he questions whether he wants to continue with the "lifestyle" or find something different. Turning to 1 Night Stand, he hopes to sample his options.

A simple one-night stand opens a whole new sensuous world to both. 

************************************************************************




Handcuffs & Silk on GOODREADS

Friday, September 4, 2020

Romantic Meal with Aurora Luminous

 Hubby and I enjoyed a quiet evening and an opportunity to prepare a meal together. 

Hubby grilled some Ahi Tuna, a few skewers of shrimp  with a light Cajun seasoning.


I melted some butter at low heat in a cast iron pan, added chopped garlic, fresh parsley and a little salt & pepper. I simmer it, stirring constantly to keep it from burning. Browning is good tho. I added some small scallops and stirred until the scallops were nicely coated and warm. 

I baked some refrigerator biscuits but added my own touch. Sprinkled garlic salt, garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

In another cast iron pan, I melted butter with some Herbs de Provence. I added some fresh green beans and chopped water chestnuts. After tossing a couple ice cubes into the pan, I covered it and continued cooking on medium for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While we prepared the me, we enjoyed some wine from Aurora Cellers. This small boutique style winery with old fashion charm is located in the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan. The winery exudes romance as it hosts weddings on site. 


The wine I chose to accompany our light fare was a bottle of Luminous, and 2019 Gold Medal winner in a Michigan Wine Competition. Luminous is a crisp refreshing blend of 25% Riesling (my favorite), 35% Seyval, 25% Vignoles, and 15% Pinot Gris. When I drank the wine alone, it seemed to need something. That something was food. The fish and shrimp had a little spice. The wine danced across my tongue with light citrus notes cooling the heat. LOVE IT! A buttery finish was perfect compliment to the skillet dishes. 

I highly recommend Luminous from Aurora Cellers to accentuate a lightly spicy grilled seafood. 

This wine is available in most retail markets.


Thursday, September 3, 2020

Romantic Dinner for Two

 What better way to wind-down from the week than a nice meal on Friday night. Preparing a meal together is good for a couple. It's a chance to talk, tease, laugh and kiss. According to some studies, cooking is one of the top activities couples can do together to strengthen their relationship. Cooking together is a soothing experience. It's great to relieve stress; think chatting and chopping. Using your hands to create the meal, maybe even sipping wine or sharing a beer, can easily turn into a sensual experience. Take a moment to hand feed a sample to your honey and follow it with a kiss.

A man who cooks is hot.

When you set a timer for pasta or veggies, use the opportunity to discuss something important or have a make out session. When the timer dings, the moment is paused.

Preparing a meal at our house is a family affair. We've always included our sons and each one enjoys cooking as much as he enjoys eating. Over the years we've included friends and girlfriends to take part of the fun. 

With eldest son now married, he and his new wife join us once a week for a meal. They often talk about meals they've prepared together.

Son #2 lives 3 hours away. He and his girl will go to market together then prepare the meal.

Son #3 is still underfoot, and tolerates our PDA during meal prep. However, occasionally hubby and I enjoy an evening alone.

The key to enjoy meal prep is keeping it fun, busy and communication is important. If you and your honey don't see eye-to-eye in meal prep you need to  communicate, compromise,or simply take turns in the kitchen.


Check out the article Couples Who Cook Together Stay Together, Says Science.

Check out this article on cooking together by Jillian Kramer 


Wednesday, September 2, 2020

#Thursday13 - Remembering Summer With Friends

 


As the summer comes to a  close, what do you remember? 

Putting aside all the Covid crap, think of things that made you laugh, things that made you feel good.

I think of our Girl's Weekend. We traveled to Amy's cottage on Lake Huron over by Tawas.

Who needs an ocean when we have Great Lakes!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend.

Be sure to check out some more amazing THURSDAY 13  lists HERE


1.

Girls at the beach.


2. 

No salt, no sharks, no problem when it comes to relaxing.


3. 
Nightly sunsets spent with friends is good for the soul.


4. 
Historic Alabaster Bible Church



5. 
Amy's brother enjoyed sampling Tammie's Better Than Sex cake.


6. 
Kendra stole a few beers from a secret outdoor fridge at her her brother-in-law's cottage. 
How many beers so far, Kendra?


7. 
Cooling breeze, therapeutic waves, and good friends = a perfect day
We flipped a middle finger at Covid, menopause and stress.


8. 
I love Deb's smile. It says it all.


9. 
We added to the collection before we left.


10. 
Picking and nibbling on wild berries.


11. 
Sad to see some old trees with years and years of carved names slated to be taken down.
How many kisses were stolen in the shadows of the green canopy?


12. 
An evening stroll with the dogs along the lake's edge.
Erosion was evident along this shoreline.


13. 
Gotta love a Michigan sunset.