FLANNEL & DEW Hello from me to you. |
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Hi First name / friend, 'Tis the season for plaid shirts, flannel sheets, and dew on the grass. I am back from an epic vacation. More on that below. But I'm relaxed, refreshed, prepping for my next book launch (No More Secrets on March 14, 2023), and writing (next Kerry Lonsdale project), writing (secret project), and writing (another secret project). Those who know me understand I'm horrible with secrets. Keeping these from you is SO HARD. I'm practically bursting at the seams. Soon, friend, soon. I'll be able to share my news. Lots of goodies in this issue, including this month's Read ~ Relax ~ Repeat Book Box giveaway. Lots of excitement and drama happening. Did you see the Artemis launch? Did you get out and vote? Are you reading or listening to a great book? Read on friend… |
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Ever have one of those vacations you didn't realize was on your bucket list until you took the trip? The one my husband and I just took with four other couples, good friends from college, was that trip. Henry and I have been to the Mayan Riviera before. In fact, this was our fifth visit. We've been to the ecological adventure park Xplor before. We took the kids eight years ago. And we've been to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel several times. But there's something about doing it all again with friends. Have you ever taken a vacation with friends? If you can arrange it, I highly recommend. The photos above are just a snippet of everything we did. I posted more photos in a Reel on Instagram. If you're planning a vacation to the Mayan Riviera, check out Excellence Cancun in Puerto Morelos. The grounds are gorgeous, the pools sparkling, the beach spectacular, and the staff impeccable. I've been to other all-inclusives, but nothing matched the service and food we experienced on this trip. Best of all, I read three books: Jeneva Rose's The Perfect Marriage, L.J. Shen's Beautiful Graves, and Kaira Rouda's The Widow. I enjoyed each if you're looking for book recommendations. |
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READ ~ RELAX ~ REPEAT One Box - One Winner - Every Month |
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This month's book box selection is a signed advance copy of J.T. Ellison's upcoming novel It's One of Us. This thriller is spectacular, one of my favorite's she's written. What else is in the box? Your choice of one of my books, signed; a hand poured soy candle; bath salts with dried flowers and essential oils; rose & mint herbal tea; Ghirardelli raspberry dark chocolate; and a handwritten note to you from me. (Congrats to Shannon L. and Debra P. for winning October's boxes.) Click the button for a chance to win this month's box. |
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COMING SOON: Book plates. Already own one of my books but would love to have it signed? Soon I'll have book plates in stock FREE for you while supplies last. You just cover shipping and handling. Look out for details in my next newsletter. |
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March 14, 2023 will be here before we know it! I can't wait for No More Secrets to land in you hands. Early readers have described Lucas's story as “heart-wrenching” and “thrilling”, an “oh-so-satisfying” conclusion to the No More Series. Quite a few readers are begging for more from the Carson family. There isn't a better compliment for an author than when your readers want more. (The Carson siblings' parents are devious, aren't they?) The publicity boxes are almost ready. They'll ship to influencers first thing in the new year. Watch my Instagram feed. I expect to have a box or two extra to give away. Meanwhile, No More Secrets is available to pre-order. There's nothing better than a new book landing in your mailbox, on your doorstep, or on your e-reader the day it's released. |
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Throughout November, the Kindle edition of No More Words, the first book in the No More trilogy, is ON SALE in the U.S. for $2.49. No More Secrets, the final book, releases March 14, 2023. There's no better time than today to meet the Carson siblings. |
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Ina Garten is my favorite chef. I have all her cook books and have bookmarked many tried and true recipes I revisit over and over. During the holidays and social gatherings, she's got my back. One of my favorite (tasty and easy) recipes is in her family style cookbook, her Potato Basil Frittata. This dish is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ingredients: - 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cups peeled and diced boiling potatoes (about 4 potatoes)
- 8 extra-large eggs
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ¾ pound Gruyere cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ cup fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
Directions: - Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in oven proof omelet pan over medium-low heat.
- Add potatoes and fry until cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
- Melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a small dish in microwave.
- Meanwhile, whisk eggs in a large bowl, then stir in ricotta, Gruyere, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Sprinkle on the flour and baking powder and stir in egg mixture.
- Pour egg mixture over the potatoes and place the pan in the center of the oven.
- Bake the frittata until it is browned and puffed, 50 minutes to an hour. It will be rounded and firm in the middle and a knife inserted in the frittata should come out clean. Serve hot.
Enjoy with a bellini or orange juice. It's the perfect dish to have ready when guests wake up in the morning. Delicious and easy to reheat. |
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The cat door my cats don't use. (eye roll) You can't see it in the photo, but it's there on the left. Ever since I installed the door in the screen, my cats have gone to the other side of the slider door (the side that doesn't open) in their attempt to get in our out. Cinnamon. Don't know why, but I've been adding it as a flavor enhancer to my usual eats of late. Coffee. Hot cereal. Salads. I'm sure it's a fad and I'll tire of it soon. Lol. Hibiscus flowers. I've always loved them. The petals are so brilliant when conditions are right. I've tried to plant a few bushes, but it's too dry where I live and they rarely flourish. Makes me appreciate them more when I travel. |
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Hello. Is it me your friend is looking for? Share this link with a friend or post to social media. You'll make this author's day. :) |
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My television: Wrapping up Andor. Just started The English with Emily Blunt on Amazon Prime. Really enjoying it. Also starting Yellowstone. (Gotta see what all the hype is about.) My nightstand: My Kindle: My Audible: My Spotify: SOJA. Reggae puts me in the best mood. |
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TURMERIC LATTE A rich, delicious pumpkin spice alternative |
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I love pumpkin spice, but sometimes there's too much of it every where. As an alternative, I've been drinking this creamy, spicy turmeric latte. … - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 1 scoop/serving vanilla protein powder, which is what I use)
- 2 cups favorite milk (almond, oatmeal, coconut are great options)
… Blend all ingredients then heat (stove or microwave). Enjoy! |
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… Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. For those celebrating, Happy Thanksgiving! See you next month. |
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Want to read something that'll put you to sleep? No longer want to receive these emails? Aw, bummer. |
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