Last Post For a While

December 1 -14, 2013

Less Reason
The main reason I started this blog was that I didn't post my main (Wordpress) blog posts onto G+, due to forgetting to do it.  Well, there was more to it than that, but it was mainly that.

However, on Saturday, that changed.  Wordpress started allowing publicizing on G+.

So, what now?

I'll be using this blog less.  I'll be using it for sharing/promoting any new projects I get out there.  Maybe even projects of friends.  However, regular blogging will cease over here.  Which means I'll have to change the blog's name.  (I just realized that this moment.)

However, before I go... I have two weeks worth of posts that I need to share and one last recipe.

The Posts
Writing Music: Maxstep - Making up slang.

WIPpet Wednesday: Listening - Lizzie tries to hear what's going on.

ROW80 12/4 Check-In: Achoo! - Being sick doesn't help my goals.

The Bad and the Good - I talk my writing triumphs and fail for the year.

Writing Music: Miss Right - Broken make-believe criminal systems.

ROW80 12/11 Check-In: Start Spreading the Snooze - Naps: 1, Me: 0.

WIPpet Wednesday: Happy Legs - Lizzie's grandmother comes to find her.

Vlogging and Me - I talk about where I think vlogging fits into my writing life.

Recipe Review
Orange Creamsicle Fudge

My son's favorite color and flavor is orange.  "Want a popsicle?" "Orange!"  "Want some soad?" "Orange!"  "What color folder should we buy?" "Orange!"  So, when I ran across this fudge recipe, I knew I had to try it.

It is exactly what it says it is.  It is fudge that tastes like an orange creamsicle.  Not hard to make, though not as simple as that peanut butter fudge as I post last time (though little is that easy).

I will advise anyone trying to take a shortcut by pouring the 1/3 into the pan first not to do that.  I tried that with batch 2.  It didn't spread as evenly.  It was still yum, but not as yum as followed-the-directions batch 1.

Finishing November

Deck the Halls!

November 24 - 30, 2013

Adjusting and Decorating

I got my hamster last weekend.  My husky is jealous of her.  "You put her in a ball!  You don't put me in balls!  Give me pets!"  We're all adjusting to the new member of our house and I'm slowly bonding with her.  Additionally, my house is now holiday-fied.  Artwork from holidays past is on the walls.  The tree is trimmed and the light of candy canes are in the yard.  I'm tempted to draw red and green lights with dry erase marker on Queenie's tank.  

My Main Blog Posts

Writing Music: Love Blossom - This video is made of the same old turned unexpected.  I also like this song a lot.

ROW80 11/27 Check-In: Queenie Rules My Mind - A bad week for goals, but no worries!  There was cute!  Check out the video of my new hamster in this post.

WIPpet Wednesday : Snotty - My main character, Lizzie, is going upstairs in messy not-glory.

A Morning in the Life of Me - Ever wonder about the morning routines of other writers?  Well, here's my morning.

Recipe of the Week
Thursdays are my new recipe day.  I'm American and live in Ohio, which means I was having turkey feast that day.  So, in preparation for the holidays, I want to share with you a recipe I made last year that was fast and super simple.

2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Foolproof Fudge

Tank Links Doritos

November 17 - 23, 2013

The Tank Riddle
I started obsessing about the tank that was leaking last week and what can go in it.  Obviously, the answer is "not water."  I found a spot to put it, which isn't my basement, and this spot is on an outlet-less wall, because those are very common in my house due to its age.  So, that imposed more constrictions on my answer.  You've been looking at the picture to right, haven't you?  Yeah.  Later today, I'll be getting a hamster.

The Links of the Week
Writing Music: Tried to Walk - I give the plot of the video a new spin involving fairies.

ROW80 11/20 Check-In: Busy, Imperfect Week - I talk about the big moments of my week and the pursuit of my goals.

WIPpet Wednesday: Defining Moment - I am a WIPpeteer once more! And I'm back with a chunk from GRANDMA.

Reading: Museum of Thieves - I enjoyed this book.  Click the link to find out why.

Recipe of the Week
Chicken Dorito Casserole

To quote my husband, "This tastes like a chicken taco."  We loooooove tacos, so that's high praise.  It was super easy and fast to make.

Notes on how I prepared it: Since the recipe called for half a packet of taco seasoning, I used the other half to cook the chicken.  I put the optional lettuce and diced tomatoes on top.  Though, I think it is better to serve then to use the toppings straight onto the casserole.

Magic Butter Chicken

November 10 - 16, 2013

Losing Magic
This morning my daughter said, "I think the Santa at the mall is a fake."  Yeah.  I've been bracing myself.  This year is probably the last Santa picture.  It is probably the last one the magic of reindeer and a fat man fitting down a chimney.  And they write tons of books for kids about it.  But, where are the books for us parents?  The ones that reassure us and help us through witnessing this loss of innocence.  Where's the movie for that?

Girl Butter Stuff
Writing Music: Smoky Girl - Repeating words may not be good for manuscripts, but they make some songs easier to sing.

ROW80 11/6 Check-In: Chunky Peanut Butter - The good, the bad, and the writing plans.

Reading: The Other Stuff I Read In Summer - My opinions on five books.

Recipe of the Week
Chicken Taquitos
I made double the recipe.  Somehow, instead of 24, I ended up with 28 and leftover filling.  (I ate two tortillas before making it, or it would have been 30 and leftovers.)  This is not a complaint.  Everyone loved.  The lime is the most prevalent flavor and that made it taste bright and fresh.

Don't make my mistake.  Make sure there is space between the taquitos.  If they touch they stay soft on the sides, which didn't taste bad.  Though, I'm sure it would have been more awesome if they were crunchier all over.

I'm Far From Smooth

November 3 - 9, 2013

OKAMI Back
At this moment, I love my xBox 360 because it has a wireless controller.  My PS2 does not.  But, I thought I had it figured out.  I could use the exercise ball as a chair so I'm closer and the dogs couldn't get caught in the cord.  My genius was not genius.  I was not sitting still and got in some weird positions while playing.  One of those poses wrecked my back.  Was it worth it?  Yeah.  Because, I was playing OKAMI.

Don't Busy Summer
Writing Music: Hate, Don't Hate - This music video has two versions and the produce version is my favorite. More writing tunes.

ROW80 11/8 Check-In: Before I Get Busy - This explains why I decided to play OKAMI.

Reading: Summer MG - I talk about the middle grade titles I read this summer.

Tastes like this...

Recipe of the Week
Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake
The flavor is close to that of lasagna.  It seems to be fairly simple to make (back issues kept me from personally making this one).

Cutting People in the Woods

October 27 - November 2, 2013

No NaNoWriMo
I'm not against NaNoWriMo.  I think it is a great thing for seasoned writers and those interested in writing.  At the very least, it gives "non-writers" an appreciation for what writers do.

Unlike many other professions, writing is one anyone can try do.  We can't get surgeons tools and go to a cabin in the woods and start doing open heart surgery.  But, just because a surgeon tries to write, doesn't mean they will finish or that the end product will be good.

Honestly, like this blog intro, it is a weird situation.

What I mean by "No NaNoWriMo" is that I'm not doing it.  Tempted and could (got TJ already to go).  Just not going to.  I need to edit GRANDMA and write TJ at the same time, so there's no way I could concentrate on the 50k goal properly.

Links of the Week
Writing Music: Jeon Won Diary - No endearing characters in this music video, but there's an excellent song to write to.

ROW80 10/30 Check-In: Transitioning into November - I finish up my October goals and start pecking at my November list.

Happy Halloween - My post that celebrates 10/31!

Experiment: The Mini Series - The last post discussing my writing experiments.

Recipe of the Week
Bubble Up Pizza
This recipe is quick and easy. I was testing my son on his spelling words as I made it.  It tasted great.  It reminded mt of Pizza Hut pizza crust, without it being crispy.  My husband compared it to pizza bread.

Note: I doubled the cheese and slammed it with Canadian bacon and pepperoni. That maybe why I required almost double the suggested cooking time.  However, double cooking time or not, it was worth it.

Thinking About Halloween

October 20 - 26, 2013

Halloween Comes Early 
We're in for a butt freezing trick-or-treat this year.  Not looking forward to that, but I am looking forward to handing out the candy.  That happens tomorrow (Oct 27) in my parts due to the war on Halloween.  It saddens me that my son's birthday and my wedding anniversary keeps getting neutered and abused.  Fourth of July is much more dangerous in my opinion and no one tries restricting that.

Caffeine Adding Style
Writing Music: Caffeine - More K-pop for writing to and I attempt to rewrite the video's plot.

ROW80 10/23 Check-In: Finishing and Adding - I add a couple of goals as I finished up most of my October goals.

Halloween Fiction Style - I talk about Halloween costumes and books.

Recipe of the Week
Crockpot Potato Soup
This soup was easy to make.  I mean, seriously, cut and drop.  That's all you have to do!  (Well, unless like me you cook your own bacon rather than buying the pre-crumbled stuff.)  Initial tastings will have you questioning how it will turn out.  Up through hour three it tasted a bit floury and chicken broth-y.  However, by the end (I cooked it 8 hours), once you add the cheese it all melds together.

The recipe says add tons of salt and pepper.  I found I didn't have to.  It tasted wonderful and I wonder if it is the ingredients I used or if it normally turns out that way for others.

I'd suggest this to anyone facing a cold trick-or-treat.  It will warm your body and soul.

Finishing is so fun to do!

October 13 - 19, 2013

Happy Dance
Last night, I finished the rough draft for (code name) FLAMES.  So, as I sit here trying to think of something to comment on, FLAMES is done!!! is all I can think.  There is other stuff, like how I have zero clue about my costume, my yard was either judged yesterday or will be judged today, that sugar cookie Pop Tarts taste so much like cookies that it should be illegal, and so on.  However, FLAMES is done!!!  And every time I think, say, or type it, I find myself bouncing around and dancing like I've been electrocuted (it ain't pretty, it is just happiness bursting out).

Punishment Strikes Mondays
Writing Music: Punishment - The song is good, but the dance fits the name.  Also, subjectivity.

ROW80 10/16 Check-In: Three Strikes! They're Done - I've definitely, kept with October's Finish It motto.  Written pre-FLAMES is done!!!

Experiment: Workaholic Mondays - Where I talk about the newest writing experiment I've come up with it.  No alive yet, but soon. MUAHAHAHA!

Recipe of the Week
Italian Bake
Things I changed: Pepperoni in place of salami, because daughter swore up and down she hates the stuff.  Provolone instead of Swiss, because this is supposed to be Italian.

Note: I paired this with mixed green veggies to offset the protein-palooza it had going on.  I mean, seriously... whoa!  This isn't a sat-around-all day dinner.  This is a great for after a hike in the woods or holiday shopping meal.

Hiccup in the recipe: It took longer than it said it would (I had it in there at least another 15 minutes).

In my opinion:  More red peppers probably should be added.  It felt like that was barely enough for 1 layer.  My family thought it tasted amazing.

Another Week, More Links

September 6 - 12, 2013

Got Nothing
Therefore, here's my favorite comedy video about a writer and literary agent.

Sorry Finish Yoga
Writing Music: Baby I'm Sorry - I don't actually listen to this song.  However, the music video made me think of length and story.  And the video is quite good.

ROW80 10/9 Check-In: Finish It October - I talk about my October goals and why Finish It is the theme.

Experiment: Writing Yoga - I talk about my crazy yoga/writing combo. Hey, it works for me!

Recipe of the Week
Taco Bake
On our menu board I called this one "V2" for version 2.  See, we do another thing called taco bake involving Doritos.  The house was split on which version is better.  And I think both versions are easy to make.  So, there's no way to decide a winner.

Like the picture on the bottom I served this with a dollop of Greek yogurt (we do that instead of sour cream) and some tomato chunks.  It should also be noted, I added corn and spinach to the meat filling to make it a wee bit healthier.

Shadow Witch Lives!

September 29 - October 5, 2013

I'm a Halloweenie
We had hoped to finish decorating our yard by the end of the weekend.  What mainly stopped this?  Rain.  So, yeah.  The yard is still unfinished.  But, I put together a decoration using many things we already had.  I'm very proud of my shadow witch!

Dryad Goal Break Mad
Writing Music: ROSE - The images of this video inspired a "monster," a Rose Dryad.

ROW80 Round 4 2013 Goals - I accidentally did this early.  But, these are my goals for the next 3 months.

Taking a Break From WIPpet Wednesday - I'm doing lots of pre-writing at the moment and not actual writing, so this means break time.

Welcome to the Mad Writing Science Lab - This explains about a series of posts I plan to do.

Recipe Review
I tried fixing that cabbage roll recipe I had problems with.  There were still problems.  I'm not giving up, though!

Since I have no new content, I'll ask this: Did you ever consider dipping your chicken nuggets in buffalo sauce?  (It took me a long time to consider doing this. Wish I had done it sooner!)

Before the Month of Halloween

September 22 - 28, 2013

How I decorated my house last year!

The Busy Season
I think we're headed to the time of year when many are busy.  However, my busy season started this past week, when I was making cupcakes for my little girl.  See, the end of September is my daughter's birthday and those cupcakes were for her class.  There was also a festival in my town this past weekend.  And now we're on the verge of the month of Halloween.  (Yes, month.  I celebrate it "right.")  Halloween is my son's birthday, a holiday and my wedding anniversary.  After that, I share all the same things other US-ians do.  (Thanksgiving and the December holidays.)

MaMa Window Shop
Writing Music: MaMa Beat - I discuss the title of this song and I can't decide on a lesson to learn from it.

WIPpet Wednesday: Does Windows - There's some whisper shouting in the hall.  It is all going down hill!

Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery Series - I give my two cents on this mystery series with a supernatural twist.

Recipe of the Week
Loaded Potato and Buffalo Chicken Casserole
I made this meal when the kids were gone.  This is a spicy dish that would have had them gulping water, but had all us heat loving adults purring.  Making it is a bit odd, however.

First you have to try to save as much sauce as possible (in the bowl) after you toss the potatoes in it.  I handed off the task of doing that to my husband, who made lots of frustrated sounds and growls.

Then you have to stir potatoes every 10 minutes as they cook a 500 degree oven.  I did this by pulling the rack out and stirring it with the oven door is open.  That was intense, but not impossible.  I bet I'd love it on days that are a high of 10 (degrees F).

A Rough Week

September 15 - 21, 2013

The spice words must flow.

Fear is the Mind Killer
DUNE had it right.  I've been recently afraid of finishing my current W.I.P. code named FLAMES.  It seems silly.  Yeah, I know.  But, if you look at everything that goes into (properly) writing a book, the task seems almost endless and quite daunting.  And, rather than focus on what I'm doing and need to do now, I looked down the long road.  That's when fear got me.  

I often try to keep my eyes on the now rather than the later.  Focus on the small things and even the biggest task can be conquered.  I do this with writing and general life stuff.  But, it takes a while to get those noise blockers/blinders (back) up and at full strength.  However, I'm working on it.  And fear will, hopefully, stop killing my mind.

On Bad Laugh Filler
Writing Music: ON AND ON - I flex my creative muscle and give you a (not) the plot run down for the music video.

ROW80 Round 3 Final Check-In: Not Bad - I admit to a case of the sads and tell you how my goals went (Not Bad).

WIPpet Wednesday: Can't Laugh - I share a sliver of one of a fairly big moment from this W.I.P.  

Writing Corner: Filler Up - Filler isn't limited to anime story arcs, extra movie scenes, or the like.  

Recipe of the Week
Cabbage Roll Casserole

This recipe had two problems.  First off, 3.5 pounds of cabbage has a hard time fitting into a 9 X 13 casserole dish, then there's the rest of the stuff that needs to fit in too.  Secondly, the rice and some of the cabbage cooked unevenly.

Reviewers of the dish said it tasted bland to them.  Knowing that, while I browned the beef, I seasoned it (with salt, pepper, a sprinkling of garlic powder, plus a dash of Italian herb blend) to ensure there was definitely flavor.  So, that wasn't a problem.

BUT!!!  Despite all that, it tasted like it promised.  And that's big in my household as my husband and I adore cabbage rolls.  The taste was great enough that we want to save this recipe.  My husband and I think scaling back the cabbage, layering it with the rice on the bottom with the broth, and giving it a wee bit more cook time might fix all that.  You may see a revised/perfect of this some day!

Mommy Approved

September 8 - 14, 2013

Growing Up
My husband and I had a talk one night.  Our daughter, being the baby, gets babied.  And we realized she was now old enough to stand at her bus stop (the end of our driveway), by herself.  Also, she could totally come in from the bus on her own.  We both thought she wouldn't like to wait by herself, but would jump at the "just come on in" option.  We were wrong.  The next day, I gave her the options and she jumped at both.  And not the next day, but that day.  To say I watched her through the window and cried as I waved, unseen by her, as the bus took her away is embarrassing, but true.  Growing up is hard on mommies, too.

Janus Packet Gets Physical Cookie Cutter
Writing Music: Janus - K-Pop to write to and thoughts on titles.

ROW80 9/11 Check-In: Eager Beaver's Packet Panic - I did okay with my goals, but one goal may not make it!

WIPpet Wednesday: Let's Get Physical - In this WIP snippet, there's some butt kicking going on!

The Cookie Cutter Shop Mysteries - This is a mystery series I began reading in spring and read during summer.  Want to know my thoughts on it?  Click that link!

Recipe of the Week
One Pan Spicy Sausage Pasta
It isn't that spicy.  Very mild.  So, if you're cool with that, this recipe might be up your alley.  The sauce is very watery fresh out the pan (maybe I should have cooked it lidless for a bit), but said sauce solidifies in the refrigerator (my husband claimed some for work the next day).  It is a good recipe and one I'll likely make again.

I will admit that I messed up, and only had about 1/4 of the broth needed (I used water for the bit I was missing).  However, that didn't destroy the flavor in the slightest.  It was still super yummy and would be more wow had there been that extra broth.

Back to Life, Back to Normalcy

September 1 - 7, 2013

I Got a Feeling that it's a demon
I remember this feeling.  It is almost like May, but instead of it getting warmer, it is getting colder.  This is what I'm used to nine months out of the year.  This is how I exist and thrive.  It is comforting, but challenging.  I want to return to everything I used to do all at once and better.  See, I want to do everything better!  (I always do try to do that, though.)  More words!  More exercise!  More cooking!  Less gluttony!  Better blogging!  More connecting!

So, yes I'm doing things I did in May, but in a different/tweaked way.  But, I really must pace myself.  Trying to take on too many changes all at once can lead to things not working out.  Also trying to do things at end result (like going from writing 1k words to 2k in one week) will end in tears.  The method to follow is to build up to it (1k to 1,100 in one week and work up to 2k however long it might take).  Yeah, I think I pushed myself too hard on the returning to Zumba front, ignoring that advice.

Wolf Kitchen Returns Focus
Before I start linking, I want to say blogging over at my other blog has changed a wee bit.  The details are here.  I'm hoping the blog posts are now of higher quality and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Writing Music: Wolf - This EXO-K song reminds writers to make sure you keep the mood and watch what you compare a lady to.

WIPpet Wednesday: The Kitchen - Mason (the narrator) drags Gabriel (her charge) where he doesn't belong.  Read this Work In Progress snippet (or WIPpet) to find out more.

ROW80 Check-In: I'm Back! - At the start of the round I left my September goals up in the air.  In this post, I state my goals for September of this round.

Hocus Focus -  A trick I use to get me through the writing days when I have trouble focusing.

Recipe of the Week
Jambalaya
This recipe will fill your house with bewitching scents that will drive you crazy.  That scent promises flavors and a kick to the mouth you will not be denied.  My daughter isn't a big fan of spicy food (there are exceptions) and, even though this was spicy, she ate her meal up saying it was yummy the whole time!

August 11 - 17, 2013

Note of the Week
My children entering school is a big preoccupation for me.  Not always, just now since we're a week away from that happening. I already had my first school related nightmare of the year.  (Am I the only parent that has these?)  This has eaten up my spare time.  And it is eating up time I had set aside for other things.

I'm on a blogging break.  
Expect my next post here September 7th.

Posts This Week
Writing Music: It's Over- K-Pop with light gloves!

Not My Usually Schedule Post- An in depth explanation of why I am taking a blogging break.

Break, Yayz, and See Ya August 30th- My ROW80 check-in.  Yes, it says August 30th there, because that is when I'm announcing my new blog posting ways.  As it changes nothing here, I thought it could wait until the other posts go up.

Recipe Review
Reuben Rolls
I love egg rolls and there are tons of "fusion" recipes for them.  This one takes the filling of a Reuben and shoves it inside and pairs it with a sauce.  My egg roll making skills lacked, but what remained in tact was awesome!  The sauce sends it over the moon to the divine nebula!

One Pan Chicken Alfredo
I forgot to add the parsley and not the full amount of cheese (daughter hates overly Parmesan cheesy things), but that didn't stop it from being yummy.  The dish is simple to make.  And, with one pan, makes clean up a breeze.  Everyone at the table wished there was more (but we have portion control problems).

August 4 - 10 2013

Note of the Week
This isn't a crusade or anything.  This is me reacting to seeing a huge end cap of live bettas at Walmart.  I'm certain most these fish will die rather than be bought.  And I surmise their whole reason for being there is college students.

When I went to college, I got a betta.  (Mine came from a pet store, though.)  When I dropped out, my mom took Jimmy Dong and took care of it.  Yes, I named it.

Now, here's what I really wanted to say.  I think bettas are not like other fish.  You get swarms of tetras.  You might get a special stand out fish.  But, they all share lives.  Bettas are alone and thus, you get to know them.  Jimmy Dong tried to get everywhere fast and to see what was going on outside of his tank.  Muushu (the one I had when my son was a baby) swam slow and kept his distance from the wonders of the outside tank world.  And I loved them both like I have my cats and my dogs.

Posts This Week
Writing Music: BAD BOY- You'd think this would be the BIGBANG song, but it isn't.  It is the 100% song.  More K-pop to write to.

1,006 Words: Fallen
(Copied into this post)

He saved us and doomed himself.

Jane, PMGCB, and Checkmate- Life, ROW80, and WIPpet Wednesday.  Life talks the newest project done by the peeps that brought us the LBD project... EMMA APPROVED.  ROW80 has news on PMGCB that may mean that I'll never talk about it again!  WIPpet Wednesday has some chess in it.

Postcard #8

Summer Reading #7- Nope, still not done FRANKENSTEIN, but we did read a ton of other books!  Also as I type this, I realize I messed up numbering.

Recipe Review
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
I'm convinced this ups the spiciness!  So nom, regardless.  I had mine with white rice, wrapped in a tortilla.  It was glorious!!!

Week of July 28 - August 3, 2013

This led me to taking pictures of dragonflies too.

The Note of the Week
I decided a detail of  PMGCB (almost polished manuscript) randomly.  Dragonfly wings.  And almost as randomly, I decided to take walks in the state park.  I never knew there was a place full of so many dragonflies near me.  Until this summer, I probably could have counted the number of times I saw one on my hands (not sure if it was few enough for a single hand..).  Anyways, my point is, every time I see a dragonfly I get a pick me up and want to work harder on finishing this and like I'm onto something.  (Though, it probably just means I know jack about the local flora and fauna.)

Posts This Week
Writing Music: Vagrancy- Something I write and edit to.

1,006 Words: Looking for Signs
(Copied over to here)

The noon sky was an omen.

Desk-ception, In Duplicate, and Issac- Life, ROW80, and WIPpet Wednesday

Postcard #8
(Copied over to here)

Summer Reading #7- Progress was made and the girl finally reads something different!

Recipe Review
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry
I got this week's recipe from a magazine.  What magazine?  Not sure.  I ripped it out years ago.  And it wasn't worth transcribing.  We were underwhelmed.  So, I'll tell you, if you want some awesome sweet and sour chicken, you should be making this recipe.

July 21-27, 2013

This Week's Note
I watched this.

This Week's Posts
Writing Music: Humanoids- Some writers, like me, find that a fast beat leads to faster typing.  This tune will get your fingers dancing.

1,006 Words: Dead Trees- A picture and six words.  What did I create?

Road Work, No Regrets, and Fashion- The smell of asphalt, ROW80, and WIPpet Wednesday.

Postcard #7-

Summer Reading #6- Two books down and two new started.

This Week's Recipes
Butterscotch Pie
Not only was this my first time making this, it was my first time eating this!  Oh and it was also my first time making fresh whip cream, which makes me wonder why I don't do that all the time.  Everything in this recipe is yum and not so hard.  I just suggest having a large strainer.  I have only a single, tiny one and that made one step suck.

Creamy Burrito Casserole
A super simple dish to make that is made of yum.  The entire family loved it.  I served it with salsa and a dollop of sour cream on top (how we always eat burritos).

July 14-20, 2013

What do my daughter's
Monster High Dolls have to do with
this week's post?
Read it and find out! 

This Week's Note
Things have been a little goofy. My husband took a stay-cation and joined in on the summer activities the kids and I have been doing.  I had developed a bit of a rhythm and this killed it.  It feels like Wednesday, not Saturday.  Blah.  And the heat wave didn't help.  Thankfully that broke over night with thunderstorms.  My A/C is writing it a thank you card and enjoying its vacation.

This Week's Posts
Writing Music: Sexy Love- This is a k-pop girl group doing the robot in unison... Totally great to write to and totally great to listen/watch.

1,006 Words: Super Squirrel- A picture = 1,000 Words.  A story can be told in 6.  Combine the two and (click the link to find out).

Pie, 50%, and Name- I talk about pie in my life.  I talk about ROW80 goals and reaching 50% done on FLAMES.  And I share my narrator's name in this week's WIPpet Wednesday.

Postcard #6- This week I realized two things.  #1- I f---ed up writing this week's postcard.  #2- I can just past that straight in here.  So, let's do that.

Product Retelling- I discovered that Mattel is launching a new fashion doll line, Ever After High.  And after posting that I found out a Monster High character will be transferring there!  Which one?  I mention her (as the example of what makes Monster High awesome) in the post, so read it to find out.

Recipe of the Week
I'm making it today... The schedule has been goofy, I tell ya!  So, I'll share this video for the dinner I'm making tonight.  This is a family favorite.

July 7-13, 2013

Like pie?

Life
We're about half way through summer vacation.  That means two things.  My husband is on vacation for a week and his birthday is nigh.  He doesn't want a cake this year.  He wants pie (he likes pie better).  So, I'll be trying a butterscotch pie recipe.

Blog Posts This Week
Writing Music: Can't Nobody- I share a song from my favorite K-pop girl group.

If she saw this, she'd squee!

1,006 Words: Bad Deed- A picture mixes with 6 words to reveal something sinister.

Read It and Smile!- My son's reading, a good ROW80 week, and a WIPpet with a dictionary.

Postcard #5- Pictures in the sand.

Summer Reading #5- The girl loves her owls, the boy starts juggling 2, and I am not as far as I expected.

This Week's Recipe
Cheeseburger Ring
I let my son pick the recipe for this week.  Honestly, I didn't see how this could go wrong!  It didn't.  It is wonderful!  I served it with extra tomatoes in the middle and we all ended up using extra condiments.  And the comments pointed out you could easily fill it with other things.  The possibilities!!!

June 30 - July 6, 2013

The Awesomes!

Note of the Week
At the beginning of the year I got into Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery Series.  And super recently, I read the first in the Haunted Yarn Shop Series.  On July 2nd both series released a book (Cookie #4 and Yarn #2).  My husband loves me so he bought them for me.  I just finished one of the two.  I saved the one I'm super excited about for "last."  Which do you think that is?

Blog Posts This Week
Writing Music: Sherlock- I share more Korean pop music I write to.

ROW80 Round 3 2013 Goals- I'm doing the writing challenge A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) and these are my goals for it.

1,006 Words: Shouldn't have said that...-A picture and 6 accenting words.

A Guest Post by Steven Saus- He came by to share a story about tarot and share information about his current project, WHAT FATES IMPOSE.

Canceled Plan, Starting Up, and Coffee Mug- I shared a bit of summer let down, my ROW80 progress, and my WIPpet Wednesday excerpt.

Summer Postcard #4- I found something on the beach.

Summer Reading #4- Where I stopped reading FRANKENSTEIN to read my new pretties!  And the kids read stuff too.

Not either of those recipes.
 I just wanted a picture of food
 to go with the text.

New to Me Recipes
Banana Soft Serve
Frozen bananas blended/processed end up like soft serve ice cream?  Why, yes.  And with a touch of peanut butter... OMG.  A healthier than ice cream option for super hot days.  Love it.

Crock Pot Cube Steak
This becomes fall apart tender in the most nummy gravy known to man!  Seriously, it is fantastic!

June 23, 2013 - June 29, 2013

Got this orchid on 6/23.

Note of the Week
I already have a wordpress blog, but a part of me felt I should join the Blogger community.  I want to read more blogs and connect with more people.  (Though, I'm choosing a nutty time of year to get on this kick).

Rather than copying/pasting my other blog's posts here, I decided a once a week (probably on Saturdays) post with links to those posts.  Then, I thought about adding a link and review to the "new" recipe I try out every week.  And, yeah, I'll be doing these small notes too.

I may add or change the whole system as time goes by.  This is a WIP.  So, these first couple of months might get rough.

Blog Posts This Week
Writing Music: Solitary Stroll- I love writing to Japanese and Korean music.  I share one of my writing tunes with you in this post.

PMGCB Racc Nails- I painted my toe nails with inspiration from a character (Racc) from the WIP I am currently editing.

Last week's (6/20) postcard.

Not ROW80- I am a ROWer, a person that does the A Round of Words in 80 Days, but this week there was no check-in. Still, I had the desire to "check-in."  Basically, what's been up in my life with an eye towards writing stuff.

WIPpet Wednesday: Clothes- I joined the WIPpeteers!  Here is my first peek at my WIP PMGCB.

Summer Postcard #3- I've been taking a picture (or five) from my summer and turning it into a postcard. This one is about dead ants.

My Thoughts Are Not Enough- Not linked because it was a call to people to fill out this survey I have going about blog posting and blog reading. If you have a chance, please fill it out.

Summer Reading #3- Find out what my kids and I have been reading.

This Week's Recipe
Pakistani Kima
The website billed it as a curry that could be made with beef or venison.  (I went with beef.)  And since I love me some Japanese curry (the kind from a box that I doctor), I was in to try another variety.  It was good and my daughter ate better than she does Japanese curry... However, I seriously prefer the Japanese curry.  But, this recipe is super easy to do, even easier than the box curry.  (I get carried away adding coffee and other things to that one that adds time.)  Definitely worth a try.