Menu: Week 77

Its an odd feeling to be fixing a bear that is older than I am. His eye fell off today, so I decided he needed an eye patch. He looks like mean old bear now.

There's some new recipes on the menu this week that I can't wait to try. Like the million dollar spaghetti. Its a twist on the normal recipe that sounds delicious and really easy to make. I can't wait.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'm excited to see what the next 365 days will bring.

Monday
- Chicken Alfredo

Tuesday
- Crock pot chicken Caesar wraps

Wednesday
- Baked potato bar

Thursday
- Parmesan baked pork chops

Friday
- Million dollar spaghetti

Saturday
- Soy chicken and green beans

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Menu: Week 76 Christmas Week!

ITS CHRISTMAS WEEK! I can't believe how fast this year has gone. Phoenix started second grade. Ronan is learning how to read and Liam is the chubbiest little baby I've ever had. To top it all off, I have a great job and my writing is coming along nicely. I can't wait for 2015!

Monday
- Philly cheese steak

Tuesday
- Baked Ravioli

Wednesday
- Christmas Eve

Thursday
- Christmas!

Friday
- Chicken Alfredo

Saturday
- Baked chicken and Macaroni

Sunday
- dinner with the in-laws

Menu: Week 75


We had the most beautiful weather on Sunday. The family and I took a trip down to the water front for an awesome photo session and then rounded off the evening with the in-laws for a stake and potato dinner. Now back to the grind as we get ready for Christmas.

Monday
- Chicken broccoli stir fry

Tuesday
- Crock pot tacos

Wednesday
- Philly cheese steaks

Thursday
- Taco salad

Friday
- Oven fried chicken

Saturday
- Baked Ravioli

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Crochet Coffee Cozy

Hello everyone! I would like to share a fun holiday crochet pattern with you that comes straight from the rainy Northwest and was recently featured on the Skip to my Lou web site. 

If there is one thing we know here in Cascadia, its coffee. The warmth, the smell, the smooth goodness of roasted coffee beans in the morning. There is only one thing that puts a damper on my experience… That darn cardboard cover that’s tacky beyond belief. If only there was something else that was warm and comfy to make my day… Oh wait, there is. Try this easy coffee cup cozy and recycle that cardboard instead.

What you will need:
Your favorite color of yarn.
Size H crochet hook.
2 buttons.
Needle for darning in the ends.

This pattern is for a tall coffee, but you can add two extra stitches to the chain for grande and four for vente.


  1. Chain 11. Turn.
  2. *Single crochet (SC) in second chain from hook. SC across. Chain 1. Turn
  3. Repeat from * for 8 inches.
  4. On last row, SC in first 2 stitches. Chain 4. Skip 2 stitches and SC in next 2 stitches. Chain 4. Skip 2 stitches and SC in last 2 stitches. Fasten off.
  5. Darn in ends, sew on buttons and get yourself a nice hot cup of coffee.



Menu: Week 74

We had a great and busy Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful for all of my family. This week we are going to take it easy as we prepare for Christmas in a few weeks. Still more shopping to do and food to bake. I love this time of year.

Monday
- Creamy chicken in parmesan

Tuesday
- Italian sausage bake

Wednesday
- Chicken Flautas

Thursday
- Chicken avocado burritos

Friday
- Roast beef and swiss sliders

Saturday
- Italian chicken

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws


Query - Hunter

This is a work in process. Just looking for impute on what I have so far. I also don't know what to compare it to, so any suggestions would be appreciated.


Three years ago, Hunter ran away from home to escape her mother’s harsh thoughts and neglectful ways. She was picked up by Talon, the Telepathic Alliance of Latent or Non-manifested and taught to develop her abilities as a telepathic bounty hunter. Little did she know that she would become the hunted.

When Hunter becomes the mark of a government agency, Bear, her partner turns on her. He wants her dead so he doesn’t have to deal with her childish ways any longer. With nowhere else to run, Hunter allows herself to be captured by the agency and taken to the PIT, the Psychic Intelligence Team, where she learns a horrible truth. Talon has been using her to kill people.

Not willing to be used any longer, Hunter bargains with the commander of PIT. Her life for the information she knows about Talon. When they come to an agreement, a trap is set up for Talon and Hunter is the bait. Will she be able to bring down Talon and live to hunt another day, or will the people she has learned to trust in the PIT die to save her.


HUNTER, a YA urban fantasy is a work in process. It's a stand alone novel with series potential.


Thanks for stopping by.

Query - The Last Artican

Having a little fun today with my query for The Last Artican. I would love it if you all could give me some feed back. Thanks

Dear (insert name here),

I would like to offer up my novel The Last Artican, a YA fantasy complete at 84,000 words. It's a stand alone novel with series potential and it will appeal to fans of Garth Nix’s SABRIEL and Mercedes Lacky’s BRIGHTLY BURNING.

Nineteen years ago, Tabor showed up in the mountains an orphaned child with the magic of the Articans running through her veins. She survived the bitter winter, the wrath of a yeti, and mutinied on the flying pirate ship Stallings – and then the Dominion came.

The monastery is no longer safe for Tabor. But the Articans have disappeared. Tabor grows desperate as the path to her people becomes cold, the Dominion is on her trail, and her magic is on the fritz. To make things worse, Tabor’s guide has completely lost her mind.

Tabor knows that the only people who can save her from the Dominion are the Articans, but when she finds them, she discovers that she is the only one who can save the Articans from the Dominion. However, the biggest flaw in her plan, one that might destroy her people – and her heart – is something she never considered: She must die to save her people, or risk becoming the last Artican.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.



Thanks for stopping by. 

Menu: Week 73


Happy DECEMBER! I can't believe we are so close to Christmas. I told myself this year that I was going to start Christmas shopping in October... Well, that didn't happen and now I'm way behind. I know what I'm getting a few of my siblings, but my in-laws are a mystery. So far I have purchased a present for my husband. At this rate, I'm going to be done shopping mid next year. I've got to get on it.
Enjoy this weeks menu.


Monday
- Spanish rice

Tuesday
- Philly cheese stakes

Wednesday
- Pizza night

Thursday
- Italian sausage bake

Friday
- Creamy parmesan chicken over rice

Saturday
- Chicken flautas

Sunday
- Husbands Christmas party and Winterhawks game

Handmade Holiday Giveaway ~ From Skip to my Lou

Today I’m over at Skip to My Lou as part of the Bake Craft Sew & Crochet Along. I am sharing a wonderful crochet pattern perfect for holiday gift giving. In fact, you won’t want to miss all the handmade gift ideas! I have joined over 100 bloggers to share some amazing homemade gift ideas……..AND I get to be part of an amazing giveaway too. Keep reading…

sewing giveaway 

You can enter to win a $300 Michaels gift card. Yes, you can buy yarn until your heart is content! Follow along with us and you can enter to win each day!

Bake Craft Sew Crochet  

Just wait for the rafflecopter to load and get ready ......

Handmade Holiday Ideas

Menu: Week 72


Its going to be a really easy menu this week since Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Enjoy.

Monday
- Chicken Quesadillas

Tuesday
- Eat out (Shopping night)

Wednesday
- Tuna Sandwiches

Thursday
- Thanksgiving Menu!

Friday
- Left over turkey salad roll ups

Saturday
- Cajun chicken Alfredo (Dinner with Friends)

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-Laws

Thanksgiving Menu 2014


Well, its my year to host Thanksgiving for my In-laws. Its going to be great. I've put together an awesomely delicious menu and its probably more food than anyone will be able to eat. That's ok. I love to cook and it will be fun.

Here is the Menu for Thursday:
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Homemade bread
- Green beans (From the mother-in-law)
- Pumpkin Pie (From the mother-in-law)

Grit of Berth and Stone




Grit of Berth and Stone by Lisa Dunn
Surge, Anaiah Press

Blurb:

Banished for a foolish mistake, sixteen-year-old Grit of Berth and Stone scorns the loss of her home, her honor, and her only ally. Only the weak worry about such things.
But war is brewing all across Chasmaria, and as a group of rebels pull Grit into their ranks, she begins to question what strength, courage, and honor really look like. When faced with a horrible truth about herself, Grit must either fight her way back to Thresh or live with the blood of the innocent on her hands.

Release Date:
March 17, 2015

Book Links:




Author Bio:

As a child, Lisa Dunn fell asleep to her father’s fanciful bedtime tales and played with her own story ideas during the daylight hours. She now resides in a small southern town with her husband, four children, and an ever-changing assortment of pets. Local librarians habitually thank her for their job security. 


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlisadunn
Twitter:  @ScouterWife
 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21 086727-lisa-dunn






Menu: Week 71

For Veterans Day the family took a trip down to Tillamook. My oldest had been begging me for a while to get some squeeky  cheese and how could I say no. I LOVE CHEESE! For lunch we stopped at my favorite coastal restaurant, The Schooner on Netarts Bay. Ronan colored a pirate treasure map and shared it with the table of young men next to us. I think they accepted him into their band of brothers. He is so funny some times. Well, on to another week. The boys have a Blazer game tonight which means I get a night off with only the baby. Can't wait.

Monday
- Blazer game - No dinner

Tuesday
- Cajun chicken Caesar salad

Wednesday
- Chicken Bacon Lasagna rolls (didn't get to try them last week)

Thursday
- Spaghetti

Friday
Chicken potato chowder

Saturday
- Korean beef bowls

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-laws

Menu: Week 70


Well, another week has passed which brings us one week closer to Christmas. I am so not ready. I don't even know where to begin!
The boys got to experience their first Portland Winterhawks game last week. They were so excited till the game actually started, then all they wanted to do was go home. We left early. But, hey. GO HAWKS! They won the game anyway.

Monday
- Garlic chicken and mashed potatoes

Tuesday
- Alfredo tortellini with a salad

Wednesday
- Chicken Bacon lasagna rolls (For Amy)

Thursday
- Pizzadillas

Friday
- Pineapple teriyaki pork chops

Saturday
- French onion beef stroganoff

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Hunter - First page

I need some impute on my new MS. Please leave me a comment.

YA Urban Fantasy


The city streets of Portland held my prey. The normal people. I laughed. They had no idea I was watching them.

My partner spoke to my mind. “Hunter, stop being such a girl and locate the mark.”

Although the world moved around me, a stillness flowed through my mind letting it open up to the people that passed. The flow of their voices and the chaotic thoughts made it hard to distinguish one person from the next. I had learned to control it a long time ago. Learned to find what I was looking for.

The mellow grays of the city streets set a dull surrounding, one that gave off a sad vibe. The warm yellows of the sun would never show itself here. Portland, what a joke. I wished we hadn’t taken this assignment.

I hated big cities. There were too many people, too many voices. My eyes closed, focused on the thoughts around me again. It was easier to concentrate if I didn’t have to battle with my sight.

My mind tried to pull one person at a time from the crowd, scanning their inner monologue for the information I needed, but it was proving to be difficult. Come on, where were they.

My mind wandered further even though the mass amount of voices in my head was getting to me. The all familiar ache was starting to seep into the spot between my eyes.


Then I heard her. I heard Kathy, the mark.


Thanks for stopping by - Can't wait to hear your comments.

Menu: Week 67

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday. Got lost in the muddiest corn maze I have ever been in. Ronan lost his shoe a few times, but the boys loved it. I'm still surprised no one fell down, all thought there were a few close calls. I'll have more pictures to share as soon as I get a chance to edit them.

Monday
- Baked chicken parmesan

Tuesday
- Philly cheesesteak

Wednesday
- Beef and cheddar copy cat

Thursday
- Chubby chicken and cream cheese taquitos

Friday
- Pumpkin french toast

Saturday
- Pizza night

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

HUNTER Trailer reveal


Anaiah Press is proud to present the trailer reveal for YA novel HUNTER by Renee Donne.

Moving across the country isn’t Hunter’s ideal start to her Junior year of high school. She has no friends to hang out with, no beaches to lounge on, and she’s living just a few miles from the secluded hiking trail where her father died when she was a baby.
Living in Wyoming isn’t all bad, though, thanks to Logan, the handsome veterinary assistant at the animal clinic where she lands an after school job. And he seems just as interested in her as she is in him.
As Hunter begins to settle into her new home, she learns more about the circumstances surrounding her father’s tragic death, and it may not have been the accident everyone believes. Something dangerous lurks in the woods, and Hunter might be the next victim.
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Add HUNTER to Goodreads!
And now for the trailer...


About the Author
Renee DonneRenee Donne is a native Floridian with a penchant for writing books with a western theme. In her head she's a world traveler and an amateur chef. In real life, she's a hometown girl with an affinity for fine wine and good friends. Her favorite place to write is sitting on her veranda, overlooking the beach.
 

Menu: Week 66

We finally got to take Phoenix's seven year old photos last weekend. He wouldn't let me take many, but I did get some good ones.

Monday
- Left overs

Tuesday
- Fiesta pork chops (Didn't have them last week)

Wednesday
- Sausage skillet (Didn't have it last week)

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday
- Dinner at the In-Laws

Menu: Week 65

With Halloween right around the corner, the boys and I spent the day yesterday painting pumpkins, exploring a haunted forest (Ronan freaked) and buying the stuff to make their angry bird costumes. There is still a lot to do before the end of the month, but they are going to look great!

Monday 
- Grilled chicken tacos

Tuesday
- Santa Fe baked chicken and baked potatoes

Wednesday
- Creamy cajun chicken pasta

Thursday
- Steak Quesadillas

Friday
- Fiesta pork chops

Saturday 
- Sausage skillet

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Menu: Week 64

Today we get to celebrate my eldest sons birthday. He is seven and so excited for whats to come today.

We get to go to the children's museum, have some cake and Phoenix gets to pick what we eat for dinner (Oh boy!) I can't wait.

Monday 
- Phoenix's choice (Birthday Dinner)

Tuesday
- Pepperoni pizza quesadilla

Wednesday
- Crispy cheddar chicken

Thursday
- Beef and broccoli

Friday
- Sausage and tortellini

Saturday
- Grilled chicken tacos

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-Laws

Menu: Week 63

Took the boys up to Forest Park yesterday to run off some of their energy. We found a trail that was easy for them. A nice two mile hike. My middle boy Ronan said he was a forest ninja and kept jumping and kicking along the trail. He had a great time. The eldest on the other hand moped the whole way. We called him our little Eeyore.
 
Monday
- Creamy broccoli chicken shells

Tuesday
- Beef stroganoff

Wednesday
- Cajun Chicken pasta

Thursday
- Parmesan crusted pork chops

Friday
- Broccoli cheese soup

Saturday
- Sloppy joes

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Quote Friday

Here is a simple reminder that even though your manuscript, or what ever it is that you do in life, started out different, through all the critics you have grown and you are better now for it. Happy Friday.

Pinterest and the Author

I suppose you could refer to me as a pinaholic. I spend every weekend on Pinterest. I find all of my recipes on there and research new posses for my photography. What I bet you didn't know about me, is that I like to research my next story on Pinterest as well.

What does this mean, you say? To help me craft better detail about places I've never been or about things I've never seen, I search for a photo that really epitomizes what I think I see in my head. I've made a whole story board for my first novel The Last Artican that I like to look at while I'm doing edits to refresh my mind about what I was thinking when I first vomited the words on to the page. Check out my story board here.

Here are three ways to share your writing on pinterest and grow your following.



1. Story board

Like I said before. This is a great way to get a picture of what you are actually thinking, and also a great way to remind yourself what was in your head when you are on draft six and can't remember that amazing idea you had months ago. Ugh.

2. Share everything about books

Its pretty safe to say that authors love to read as much as they like to write. Create a board that showcases all of your favorite books. Or how about a theme board. All your favorite books about vampires if you must. Its a great way to see what others are reading and becoming inspired by.

3. Author photos

I recently started to compile a bunch of photos that I loved for my author picture. I don't want to be like everyone else. I want to let my personality shine through my photo. Little did I know that there were other authors out there that felt the same way. This has been a great way to connect with people, like me, who are putting their work out there. I don't feel so alone now. See my board here.

Their are so many ways to use social media to your advantage as a writer, you just have to get creative and think outside the box. Find others that have the same passions and struggles as you do. And above all else, make sure that you are having fun. If you stress out about your writing too much, then you take the fun out of it. Try a little Pinterest every once and a while and see what happens.

Keep writing peeps!

Menu: Week 62

Last Sunday we spent the afternoon at the river house with my husbands parents. It was the first time my boys experienced the cold waters that they've looked upon for many years now. My eldest wanted to float down the rapids with his daddy, but as soon as he felt the life jacket squeeze his chest, he freaked out. Maybe next time. They still had fun playing on the shore. They even built, with a little help from daddy and uncle, a calm pool for the baby to play in. Can't wait to spend many warm summer days next year by the water. 

Monday
- Stuffed Shells

Tuesday
- Tomato Tortellini Soup

Wednesday
- Baked parmesan chicken

Thursday
- Cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta

Friday
- Taco night

Saturday
- Hawaiian pizza

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-Laws

HUNTER - Cover reveal


HUNTER 

by Renee Donne


Blurb:
Moving across the country isn’t Hunter’s ideal start to her Junior year of high school. She has
no friends to hang out with, no beaches to lounge on, and she’s living just a few miles from the
secluded hiking trail where her father died when she was a baby.

Living in Wyoming isn’t all bad, though, thanks to Logan, the handsome veterinary assistant at
the animal clinic where she lands an after school job. And he seems just as interested in her as
she is in him.

As Hunter begins to settle into her new home, she learns more about the circumstances
surrounding her father’s tragic death, and it may not have been the accident everyone believes.
Something dangerous lurks in the woods, and Hunter might be the next victim.

Release Date: November 4, 2014


Author Bio:
Renee Donne is a native Floridian with a penchant for writing books with a western theme. In
her head she's a world traveler and an amateur chef. In real life, she's a hometown girl with an
affinity for fine wine and good friends. Her favorite place to write is sitting on her veranda,
overlooking the beach.

Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23125830-hunter
Anaiah Press: http://www.anaiahpress.com

PRIDE by Rosie Somers - Spot Light



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PRIDE by Rosie Somers
Surge, Anaiah Press

Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Gabriella Pierce is used to taking care of herself, but she’s about to become responsible for a whole lot more. When she gets a visit from three men claiming to be defenders of fantastical rings imbued with the powers of THE CARDINAL SINS, her life is changed irrevocably.

Gabby is the steward of PRIDE
To make matters worse, she’s falling hard for fellow steward, Grant Barnett, and he hates her guts. Now Gabby has to learn to protect Pride without letting her feelings for Grant get in the way.

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Book Links:


Author Bio:

Rosie Somers is a YA author who lives in Florida, soaking up the year round sunshine. She can often be found in her favourite spot on her favourite beach, nose-deep in a good book.

Menu: Week 61

What an exciting week we've had. My eldest son went back to school and he is doing great in second grade. I've decided to start teaching him music too. My old trumpet was just sitting in the closet collecting dust. It might as well come out and play with my boys. We managed to get a good tone on a low C. Now we just need to tighten up those chops and hit a middle C. Plus, how cute are those dimples?

Monday
- One skillet lasagna

Tuesday
- Broccoli salad

Wednesday
- Chicken Piccata

Thursday
- Taco salad

Friday
- Cajun chicken alfredo

Saturday
- Oven baked salmon and garlic mashed potatoes

Sunday
- Dinner with the in laws

Treats
Pumpkin puppy chow

Menu: Week 60


So last weeks menu didn't happen because we were on vacation at the beach and to tell you the truth, when we got home, I was exhausted. We pretty much ate what was in the freezer all week. It was nice to be laze for a while.

This week I got some super exciting news from a publisher. They asked if I would do some edits to my manuscript and resubmit. I know this isn't a yes from them, but its progress. Anytime I have someone who knows what they are talking about help me with my writing, I feel blessed. This is going to be great, but a lot of work. I've already edited the first chapter, but there are still twenty-four more to go. Oi!

Here is the menu for the week. Enjoy!

Monday
- Italian marinated chicken and garlic noodles.

Tuesday
- Mac and cheese (quick dinner so we can go shopping for the week)

Wednesday
- BBQ Chicken and garlic potatoes

Thursday
- Chicken lo mien

Friday
- Broccoli salad

Saturday
- Chipotle chicken quesadilla 

Sunday
- Dinner with the in-laws

Menu: Week 59

We've got a lot going on this week. With my wedding anniversary coming up on Tuesday (Eight years) and our yearly beach trip this coming weekend, I've got a lot of planning to do.

At least my husband was able to get most the maintenance done on the car this last week so I don't have to worry about it for a while. Poor guy was out in the heat for over nine hours taking apart the engine and putting it back together. Looked like fun... NOT!

Well, enjoy this weeks menu.

Monday
- Hot ham and cheese sandwiches

Tuesday
- Chick-Fil-A sandwich and fries

Wednesday
- Pizza night

Thursday
- Bacon and guacamole grilled cheese

Friday to Sunday
- Beach menu


Horse tail falls - Portland family

Here are the photos from our trip to the gorge. This was the boys first and they did so well.