Good morning and Happy Monday everyone!!! Almost 20 early birds today and I’ll add more as we find ’em! 😀 I had a fun and very special weekend with loved ones, and I’m missing it already. Feeling a little lonely when visitors go home (and I think Birdy is, too, ’cause he was singing up a storm all weekend)… BUT!!
Three things:
1.) I received the most beautiful birthday bouquet last week, and I forgot to tell you about them, ’cause we ended up combining the Sunday & Monday post so here it is. And the flowers had a very subtle sparkle glitter on them. Took my breath away!! P.S. You can’t see them here, but at the top of those delicate branches are butterflies!!! 😀
2.) I made another one of my most yummy heirloom tomato and english cucumber salad yesterday. It’s so fresh and light and yummy. Has artichoke hearts and feta cheese too, and drizzled with olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon juice (one whole lemon) salt and pepper. YUMMMMMM!!
3.) I have 3 gorgeous oil paintings coming in the next few weeks. BIG ones!! I can’t wait to see them and show them to you. *it’s so hard being patient*
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE !!!
- You for Her (The Edge Of Retaliation Book 2) by Bella Jewel <— LIVE!! BELLA JEWEL ALERT!! “...I think they have a name for you, oh right, a sociopath. A gorgeous, strong, incredible sociopath. How could you do this to me? So easily? So effortlessly? How?..”
- Debra: Midlife Journey Series by Dianne Harman <— SHE KEEPS CHOOSING THE WRONG MEN… “…Debra was a three-time loser in marriage. She always chose men at least ten years younger. To keep aging at bay. But when she finds out her childhood was a lie. Everything changes. Even her attraction to the older, handsome cop…”
- Beyond the Night (The Vault Collection) by Maya Banks
- I Am the Storm (The Night Firm Book 2) by Karpov Kinrade <— LIVE!!! “…When I got offered a job at The Night Firm, I had no idea how much my life was about to change. I didn’t know vampires exist. That dragons rule a world full of beings most think are fairytales. And I didn’t know how much I would come to care for the Night brothers. But now it’s all about to fall apart...”
- Counting His Sins (My Wicked Prayers Book 2) by Zurie Brunelle
- Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals Book 2) by Kelli Callahan
- You Will Bow (Rules of Bennett Book 2) by Ember Michaels <— PSYCH-THRILLER TO BE READ IN ORDER… “...After years of hiding, I thought I’d escaped him; but you can’t hide when you belong to the devil. Taking away everything that I loved, he thought I’d be his perfect, broken little doll. Little does he know, I’m not one to bend so easily…”
- Watch Me (Dangerously Intertwined Book 2) by Kimberly Knight <— LIVE!!! STARTING OVER… “…Divorced, and with a daughter in college, it was time for Reagan to focus on what made her happy. Wanting to make new friends and extra cash while in school, Reagan gets a job as a bartender. A blast from the past blows into her bar one night proving that moving back to the Windy City was the right decision to make. What Ethan and Reagan didn’t expect was how easy it would be to start over together. Or how their career paths would dangerously intertwine…”
- If You Dare (Dare Series Book 3) by Shantel Tessier
- UnChain Me (Savage Beast MC Book 3) by Hayley Faiman
- Reluctant King (Reluctant Royals Book 1) by Montana Ash <— LIVE!! “A demon who would be king and an angel assassin; together they will discover that Purgatory can be both Heaven and Hell…”
- The Perfect Fake (Escaping The Camorra Mafia Book 1) by Arabella Steedly
- Falcon (Bad Boy Military Romance) (Men of Siege Book 4) by Bex Dane
- Temptation (Bad Angels Book 2) by Inara Scott <— LIVE!! OFFICE ROMANCE ALERT!! “...a scooter accident lands Zoe in Connor’s arms—and his overnight custody—and she starts to see a man she’s never seen before. With her career and her heart on the line, Zoe can’t afford to take any chances. But when combustible chemistry takes over, even the smartest people in the room can make the biggest of mistakes…”
- Lock and Load: A Demented Sons MC Texas Novel by Kristine Allen <— LIVE!! SINGLE DAD BIKER!!! “…I’m the Sergeant-At-Arms for the Demented Sons MC. A year ago my life went to shit, and every priority I ever had changed. Being a single dad on the run was never on my radar, but that was the hand I was dealt. I didn’t think shit could get worse. Then fate dumped a raven-haired beauty in my lap, and all hell broke loose...”
- Half-Blood Academy 3: Magic Fury: an academy reverse harem fantasy romance by Meg Xuemei X
- Academy For The Fallen: Year One (Underworld Academy Book 1) by Avery Song
- The Christmas Tree Inn: A Holiday House Novel by J.L. Jarvis
- So Wrong It’s Right (Love in Brazen Bay Book 3) by Brill Harper <— HER FAKE BOYFRIEND TURNED OUT TO BE REAL!!! “…Christopher Lockwood was a random name she chose from the internet. How was she supposed to know he would end taking a temporary position in the veterinary office she manages? Now she somehow has to keep the uptight, tie-wearing, self-contained Christopher from figuring out that the whole town thinks they are dating, and somehow also keep the whole town from figuring out she’s a pathetic liar with a fake boyfriend…”
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )
- Handle With Care by Helena Hunting – August 27th 2019
- That Forever Girl (Getting Lucky Book 2) by Meghan Quinn – August 27th 2019
- The Truth About Cowboys by Lisa Renee Jones – August 27th 2019
- The Dark Side: A Novel by Danielle Steel – August 27th 2019
- The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare – August 27th 2019
- Sapphire Flames: A Hidden Legacy Novel by Ilona Andrews – August 27th 2019
- Never Have I Ever With a Duke (The Spitfire Society Book 1) by Darcy Burke – August 27th 2019
- Hot Shot (The Men Of The Sisterhood Book 5) by Fern Michaels – August 27th 2019
- Butterfly in Frost by Sylvia Day – August 27th 2019
- Beneath the Attic (Dollanganger Family) by V.C. Andrews – August 27th 2019
- Already Gone by Kristen Proby & K.L. Grayson – August 27th 2019
- Black Sheep (Dirty Mafia Duet Book 1) by Meghan March – August 27th 2019
- Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart – August 27th 2019
- Catching Him (How to Catch an Alpha Book 1) by Aurora Rose Reynolds – August 27th 2019
- Goddess Rising: A Skye Faden Novel by Alisha Ashton – August 30th 2019
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Good morning!
1, I can’t believe fall almost here, back to school and cooler weather and all that! But the good news is I went apple picking yesterday. Now I get to binge on my fave apple snack (apple slices loaded with chunky peanut butter) and look for yummy apple recipes.
2, I’m buried in books! Three holds at library came in at same time while I’m trying to read two others!!! First world problems…
3, Back to the cooler weather….my herb garden isnt going to last much longer. What to do with all my herbs?? I tried researching online and was totally overwhelmed. Has anyone ever tried freezing fresh herbs?
Leslie–here’s an article I read about preserving fresh herbs a while back. Son #3 had made a shrimp pasta dish and topped it with fresh parsley and he had a ton left over. It had gotten a bit too wet (borderline mushy) from condensation in the bag in the fridge, so I tossed it, but I plan to do the ice tray freeze thing the next time I have some left over.
https://www.thekitchn.com/tips-three-ways-to-preserve-fr-88889
That’s what I do with my abundance of herbs. I put ’em in ice cube trays and fill each square with olive oil and freeze. Then pop out a square when I need it. 😀
OMG I miss apple picking!!! LOL it reminds me of that funny meme online where the guy is yelling ’cause he doesn’t care if it’s too hot, it’s fall, and he wants to wear a scarf and he’s going apple picking. I’ll try and find it and link it up. LOL!
Okay I found it.
This makes me giggle:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=711820359262111&set=a.132312330546253&type=3&theater
lol
That IS hilarious!! The apple orchard near me always has “early” apples at end of August. The peak picking time is through September. It seems like it’s always hot picking them too. I’m guessing it varies throughout the country and depending on what type of apple?!
Apple crisp shortbread bars/apple bread. *drools* Is it apple picking time already? Or would I need to go in Sept/Oct. maybe? I went once on a school field trip. I’d like to take my kids!
OMG!!!!! I cant believe I forgot THE MOST IMPORTANT thing!!!!
I had my first pumpkin spice coffee this weekend!!!! Woot woot
PUMPKIN IS BACK, BABY!!!
Oh, yay! I’ve gotten so tired of hazelnut and french vanilla that I’ve been adding our Carolans Irish Cream that hubs uses on the weekends. I’ll definitely be on the lookout!
YAY!! I’m waiting for SB to get there’s. (That’s my closest coffee shop) I think it’s Wednesday? I’m also getting tired of vanilla and hazelnut. I’ve started using salted caramel more here at home or I’ve got this spiced vanilla sugar that I’ve been adding. And recently, I subbed the vanilla in a caramel macchiato at SB for toffee nut and it is AMAZING!
Starbuck’s PSL starts tomorrow!
1. I finished The First Girl Child. Best book I’ve read in a long time, the writing, the story, is spectacular!!
2. I’ve had a gift certificate for a long time and every time I find something I like, I ponder too long and they’re sold out. So, I think I like this- but, grey or taupe? https://www.merchant31.com/collections/tops/products/the-sandstone-cardigan
3. I went back to Friday’s post to jot down Tessa’s recommendations. I’m still in the mood for paranormal or fantasy, I think, but also bully. I may go back to The One by Nora Roberts. I had barely started it on vacation. And I have a goal- I’d like to read a book by Stephen King before the end of the year (I have 1 in mind) AND a book by Emma Scott.
One is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. Easily. 🙂 I kinda went nuts with bully and fantasy recs. lol
I’d go with light grey. That shade is really pretty.
I have to second Tessa’s rec for Nora Robert’s Year One (and book #2 Of Blood & Bone was great as well). I’m in love with the series and anxiously waiting for #3 to come out in November! I’ve been on a fantasy binge myself lately and have pulled a bunch from Netgalley. Right now I’m reading The Blacksmith Queen by GA Aiken (start of a new series) which comes out tomorrow. I’m loving it! Just in case you need another one to add to your list 😉 I love all of Emma Scott’s stuff so you can’t go wrong there!! I also love Tessa’s bully recs!!
Omg, now I’m paranoid about the flu. I get really bad when I go down this hypochondria tunnel. (I’ve started The One)
It will make you totally neurotic!
*nods solemnly* Good luck. Such a great book, but the flu is evil in it.
I found a new MC series by a new author, Lola Wright. The first book is the Devil’s Angel’s MC Book 1. I enjoyed it so much, I ended up reading the second book on the same day (husband and son were gone all weekend at golf) so I got some reading in:) They are both free on KU.
1. Sunday was a neighbor’s kid’s first birthday. He was a premie and oh so cute. He’s still so tiny with the bushiest eyebrows I’ve ever seen on a baby. Pure cute.
2. I have been slowly doing a full cleaning of my desk, including all the containers that hold “things”. Which, yes, fewer containers, but I had my hair stuff containers on the desk. So I put all the hair ties in a new container since they were exploding out of the old. OMG. I think I have about 500 hairties and scrunchies. 0.0 No joke. I need to find a new container for them. Right now, they are in a pencil holder box. lol It’s the only spot they fit!
3. For graduation, dude got a Bluetooth speaker for his phone. However, we left it charging (on the desk. really it was a mess!) and forgot about it. So, on Saturday, I grabbed it and plugged it in in his room. He spent most of Saturday morning just listening to music on his phone with his speaker. 🙂 Only downside, I have to hear his music. lol I don’t exactly like every song he does. (really. Some of it is just pure BORING).
1. I’m juggling too many books lately but I have read some really great ones. I have to give a shout out for the best historical romance I’ve read in quite a while and it releases tomorrow….How To Love A Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne…HOLY COW!! Phenomenal book in so many ways…not a typical HR at all. I 5 starred it – one of my faves for this year! If you’re even the least little bit an HR fan, you need to read this book!
2. The weather is turning cooler and that is bizarre for August. I’m not ready to give up my pool just yet….Also, we had bizarre flash flooding this morning and it took me a crazy long time to re-route and get to work. What is mother nature up to??!!
3. I’m trying to diet again. I did really well 1 1 /2 years ago and then lost momentum. I haven’t regained any but I’d like to lose more. Soooo back on the wagon again…ugh! I really get tired of lean protein and veggies allll the time!!! Just had to vent it …
My 3 (or more) things, will be in answer to Michele’s 3 things:
I’ll check out the HR. Normally not my thing, but ‘my thing’ seems to be changing.
We had our flash flooding last night. I thought half of our yard was going to wash away, and Rick had to take a detour when he was on his way to pick up his mom for the Titans game.
I’m also dieting (or eating better). Yesterday, hubs told me it looked like I’ve lost weight, and then he said it again today. I quit eating ice cream and went back on salads (no hardship since I love them), a few weeks ago, but more than anything, it’s probably because I’m actually getting around again. I was thrilled! However, our 23rd anniversary is tomorrow, and since Rick’s working nights, we’re doing our celebration on our Friday date day. Going to Chilis, one of our faves, and I’ll forget the diet and have a margarita, fajitas, and molten chocolate cake!
That’s great that you haven’t gained any, Michele! That’s half the battle in my book, especially at our *ahem* particular time of life.
Now I’m going to get back to Things You Save in a Fire and try to get it read!
Nay, your anniversary supper would be exactly my choice!!!!
Happy anniversary my friend!!! 😀
Thanks, Maryse!
Happy anniversary Nay. Have a good one.
Thanks, Jan!
Love those flowers, Maryse. so pretty. And the salad sounds yum!
A new Kate Canterbary book is out (well, in Australia anyway). Far Cry. I think it’s part of a series (which I haven’t read) but it’s also a standalone. Blurb sounds good. I really liked her Walsh series, so I’m going to try this one.
Another hold came due from library and I now have 4 library books! I’m trying The Unhoneymooners as toucan can count as “animal on cover” for my challenge. I just finished Stinger by Mia Sheridan and wasnt thrilled. I had originally started Seek, but ditched it as I remembered someone told me there was minor spoiler for Stinger in it. Anyway, Stinger started good but I got bored halfway through and it dragged. Not sure if I even want to go back to Seek.
Maryse & Nay, thanks for the herb advice. I guess I should try the freezing in ice cube method. Maryse, do you do straight olive oil or do you mix with water? What about herbs that you dont want w/oil like spearmint? I wonder if just water is good? I’m hoping they dont turn icky brown color. Oh, do you blanch them first? Sorry for all the questions. I have so many herbs. Sweet basil, thai basil (this one is huge bush), peppermint, spearmint, oregano, flat parsley and curly parsley.
Leslie–check that link I posted. I can’t remember for sure, but I think it mentioned just water as an option.