Make that list, check it twice

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the turkey is gone, the focus is turned towards preparing for Christmas. You might feel a bit pressured as you organize, decorate, bake, and shop. After all this season may be a little more stressful than other years because it is sooooo different. 

 Here's a simple little holiday checklist for the first week of December that might help. 

 * Arrange for babysitters. 

* Compile holiday playlist 

* Stock up on frozen meals. Great for those times when you're too busy. 

* Buy toilet paper and not just because it's Covid, running out during the season is a real bummer. 

* Create guest baskets. Arrange sample sized beauty or body care items in a little basket.

* Bake goodies with a long shelf life or can be frozen. Take a variety of goodies, Box, bag or tin them and deliver to friends and family.

* Check all your electronics. Charge digital cameras, purchase batteries, find important cords, etc.

Small Business Saturday #SupporLocalBusiness

 

Today may be Small Business Saturday, but make every day of shopping a way to support your local and small business owners. My town doesn't have many businesses but I love my grocery store, Riverside Market, I order take out from our hometown restaurants and I buy jewelry, craft items, and such from local ladies. Check to see if your town has a Facebook Page promoting small businesses.

I love to go to the little towns next to us and support small businesses there. The owners are usually in the shops and over the years I've become friends with many. The warm feeling I get every time I enter is something you'd never get in a big box store.  

Today's list:  

Just Julies - I consider Julie a friend and a local artist makes alot of the jewelry. LOVE! Need to pick up a new Kunky's top that Julie makes.

Cary Ann's Hallmark - The owner is my age and has been ill, his daughter is running the store for him. Mom can spend up to 2 hours in this shop!

Rustic Seasons On Main - The owner, Cindy, is a friend. Our kids went to school together. Amazing shop!!!

If it wasn't for Covid, I'd be stopping in The Elbow Room for coffee. 

I need to run into the Flushing Candy Co for some treats. Oh, so many places to be and all within walking distance. 

Well, I have my step tracker on and I'm ready to shop!

Get out there and join me!

Oh, Sweet Ambrosia (Salad)

 I'm busy putting up Christmas decorations so I'm offering the gang turkey sandwiches and Ambrosia Salad for eats today. It's sweet and light. No Black Friday Shopping for me, I'm a shop local & Small Business kind of gal. This will be a great dish to nibble on after a day on my feet. If there are any leftovers that is. 

The salad is Mom's recipe. Like her, I share it often. 

Enjoy!

aMBROSIA SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped

topping, thawed

2 1/2 cups shredded coconut

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks,

drained

1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges,

drained

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries,

drained (optional)

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and yogurt. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold remaining ingredients into whipped topping. Chill before serving.

#Thursday13 – Have a Sexy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with our friends and family; to be thankful for all the wonderful aspects of our every day lives.  Keep in mind, even in a house crowded with guests; you and your honey can still indulge in a little romantic pleasure.

1.     Wear a cute outfit and something sexy underneath.  Make sure your honey knows there is a surprise under wraps for him.

2.     Wear a spicy or vanilla fragrance.  It will work with the food odors instead of against them.  We all know how men love their food!

3.      Share a glass of wine while doing meal preparation.  I know white is supposed to be served with fowl, but one can bend the rules a bit for a little dose of red wine to spark the romance.  After all, red wine is tied into a strong sex drive.

4.       Make sure you use celery and fennel.  Most Thanksgiving recipes call for these ingredients.  Celery contains a male hormone that stimulates female sexual arousal.  Fennel boosts the libido and is also alleviate that after dinner bloating.

5.      Make some oyster stuffing.  Oysters are a natural aphrodisiac.  When you eat an oyster, make sure your honey is watching… put on a little performance.

6.      Try some innocent flirting across the table and try not to get caught by the other guests.  Kind of like a teenager’s game.

7.      Don’t forget the sweet potatoes!  These are high in potassium, vitamins A & C, as well as iron. Rumor has it that it also increases the female sex drive.

8.      Gotta have some pumpkin pie!  This olfactory sexual aphrodisiac also contains zinc and increases testosterone production and blood flow by 40%. 

9.      Make sure you resist that 2^nd or 3^rd helping.  This will prevent that miserable bloating.

10.   Go for a nice walk, alone with your honey after dinner.  Hold hands, kiss, and talk about what you want to do to each other when you get the moment to be alone.

11.   Cuddle on the couch together while watching the game.  Cover up with a throw and let your hands wander.

12.   Sneak off to the guest bedroom.  If that won’t work… slip into the bathroom together.

13.   Hide a can of whipping cream in your purse for later.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

On Deck With John Quinlan

 The best part about being a writer is the people you meet. I’ve been blessed with my friendship with cover model and actor, John Quinlan. 

Lucky for us, he’s taken some time from his busy schedule to stop by for a visit. It's a sunny afternoon in the woods, and we're relaxing on the deck. Join us and sit back. We opened a big bottle of Faygo Red Pop and have the blender making slurpees to share. 

John has graced many covers.

It’s great to see you, John. I think it’s amazing of how you went from The World’s Most Tattooed Male Cover Model to becoming an actor. I admire how dedicated you are and how you put 100% of yourself into whatever you are working on.

In December of 2013, you made your acting debut as hit man Beckett Taylor in Debra Anastasia’s Return to Poughkeepsie . Then you were selected as a lead actor in Jillian Bullock’s film ‘A Sense of Purpose – Fighting for Our Lives’.

 

It’s great seeing you again, John. (Hands John a Slurpee.) What have you been up to?

I always have some kind of a project on the table working towards my goals and achieving many dreams. Most recently I was filming in New York as I was signed on as the role of Marvel villain character Rhino (Aleksei Sytsevich) for the TV/Web Series: Spider-Man And The Monsters of Manhattan (2021). Paul Giamatti is the actor who portrayed Rhino in the 2014 film, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Paul is a very talented actor and I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason and God above. My goal is to portray Rhino on the Silver Screen as many on set thought my performance was worthy. Maybe Paul will have a conflict with another film project in the near future leaving the role of Rhino open for another actor to fill. I told my grandfather a week before he passed away in 2013 I'd make it big as an actor. This would definitely fulfill my promise to him.

Do you enjoy being the bad guy? Are you the villain with a heart of gold?

When I think about it, I always seem to take on bad guys and villain roles. Many have told me I play those roles very well. I have too much respect for this business not to take every role seriously and give it my all. I guess I truly am a bad guy with a heart of gold as people say these roles are nothing like the real John.

 I think you have that bad guy scowl down. That with the tats and all those muscles give you that bad boy look. I remember you have always been into fitness and given some great advice to my boys. You even made a special appearance on Fitness Friday. How has your workout regimen changed over the years?

My regimen is still basically the same. I've always had a phrase that as we all get older one has to train smarter not harder. I train now more like a boxer to keep myself in shape and remain as injury free as I possibly can.

 Is it difficult to maintain your buffness?

 You are too kind Mary, as far as maintaining buffness I will let you and everybody else be the judge of that.

Everyone agrees, hands down… you maintain your buffness very well. Readers, you would absolutely LOVE his New England accent. (Passes napkins to our readers to wipe the drool off their chins.) John, you are such a busy guy. Take a minute and walk us through a day in your life.

My life is not much different than many of you. I try to get up early and train as I like to start my day physically and mentally on the right foot. I usually try to make some healthy food for my day at that time as well. When I am with my kids I try to give them my complete attention as quality time with them is very important to me I focus on my work as it is very important, although I try not to take it too seriously as life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

You are such a busy guy, what do you enjoy doing most when you’re not working?

I try to keep myself fit as time moves forward so I guess that is my hobby. As we get older you never know when your last day is going to be. My goal is to watch my kids grow up and have their own kids. I want to be here and see them be successful. I truly want to be around to witness all of this and I think keeping myself healthy to the best of my ability will help me do that.

John is all about FAMILY and makes time to be with his kids.

You are such a softie, John. *Sigh* You also have a big heart. I remember you always enjoyed helping various charities.

 I have participated in many charities over the years. I enjoy helping people and if I can do things to make people's lives better is a win-win for everyone There is truly no set number as there are an infinite amount of charities I would promote today. Every charity has the same goal which helps those who are struggling and trying to overcome some kind of adversity.  

Is Greek Pizza still your favorite dish? We featured a recipe for Greek Pizza HERE.

Greek pizza I would say still remains the number one favorite dish although I do have a soft spot for authentic Italian dishes. I love salty things instead of sweet when I am craving comfort food, that's for sure.

During a previous interview, (Living the Fantasy with John Quinlan) you mentioned candles being an element for a romantic evening. Describe what you would consider a romantic event.

I think, most importantly, for anything to be considered a romantic event there would have to be a good chemistry between both people. Trust, communication, and mutual love are three things which can make any event a romantic one. Ideally, a nice restaurant with candles and each being completely focused on one another is perfect. 

Since Thanksgiving is around the corner… tell us what Turkey Day is like at your house.

There is nothing scientific about this answer Mary when it comes to Thanksgiving. Every food you can imagine and having at least a double or triple amount of it will be routine. I make the most of this holiday because it is the best eating day of the year! It only comes one day a year so have no regrets at the dinner table. I guarantee that I will not have any regrets when I fall asleep watching football on TV after the food malay is completed.

That sounds like a great day and very similar to ours. It's been great visiting with you, John. I appreciate you taking time out from your busy life to share with us. Any last words to our readers.?

I would like to thank you Mary for interviewing me here sitting on your back deck drinking this Michigan based hometown favorite Faygo Red Pop Slurpee. You're the best, invite me back again soon :)

 Oh, we’ll certainly have you back. It’s always fun to have you. Cheers to all and a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 Find John Quinlan:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

 

A Special Guest Is Coming!

 Tomorrow we are having a special visitor. 

He's a cover model and actor. 

Chain Break by Claudia McKinney 
Phatpuppy Creations

To illustrate John Quinlan would be to paint a picture involving some athletics, professional wrestling, fitness and modeling. He’s been an image model for dozens of apparel brands around the world over the years, along with appearing in television documentaries, movies, commercials, art gallery print work and many book covers. He also carried the title of The World’s Most Tattooed Cover Model for several years breaking through barriers that led to more creativity for artists to use tatted models.

More and more romance writers are creating tattooed heroes 
thus putting a demand on cover designers to create the visual. 

Cover featuring popular model, John Quinlan

Be sure to stop by tomorrow 

while I chat with John about what he's been up to since his last visit!

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.