Welcome to the December 21-2018 Newsletter post.
It’s been a while since I did a link post to correlate with the newsletter. Subscribers get this first, so if you like what you read & don’t want to miss the next edition, you should subscribe. links at the bottom of the page & the side bar.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy finding all these goodies for you!
This week I want to give a special welcome to all the recent new subscribers. I hope you enjoy this weekly email. You usually find a few book recommendations, a couple of recipes and I finish up with a bit of craft. Occasionally I offer incentives to new subscribers but never fear; I always give current subscribers a chance to get the same content.
The dreaded cold I always catch while traveling caught up with me this week. I spent a lot of time drinking fluids & sleeping. The blog and Pinterest suffered a bit from lack of attention. I hope to make that up soon.
I’ve finished my Christmas shopping. I’m spending the next couple of days wrapping presents, baking cookies, and making the annual Christmas Fudge! Our family Christmas parties begin Sunday. Luckily, none are at my house this year! Did you hear my sigh of relief?
Do you have lots of holiday plans or are you more of a laid back, stay at home celebrator?
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What to Read
December 21-2018 Newsletter
Last week I introduced you to K.Kris Loomis and her 100-word Drabbles. She tells me that as soon as she has 100 of them written, she will be publishing them in a new book. I can’t wait! In the meantime, why not try her How to Sneak More Yoga Into Your Life 
Speaking of short stories, this week I discovered a new-to-me author, Frank Mundo. I read his short story compilation called Gary, the Four-Eyed Fairy and Other Stories. The main character, J.T. Glass is featured in each story ranging from his adulthood as a security guard to his childhood. Please check this book out; I think you’ll like the moral decisions faced by the younger & older J.T. 
The following books are on this week’s To-Be-Read list.
What to Eat
December 21-2018 Newsletter
Traditional Holiday dishes are on my mind this week. Okay, maybe I like to add a little twist to my recipes.
Whiskey Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Pecans 
I always think sweet potatoes in a dish with marshmallows seem a little blah. This recipe sounds like a way to kick it up a notch.
Southern Cornbread Dressing I had my first southern cornbread dressing over Thanksgiving in Alabama. I almost didn’t try it because I am not a fan of regular dressing. This dish was incredible.
If green bean casserole is on your menu every year, you should try this fresh ingredient version made in the crockpot. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. 
What to Make
December 21-2018 Newsletter
However, if you need a cut & paste break or something to slow the kids down for a bit, here are a couple of fun things to try.
A cereal box aquarium. Fun for kids and adults. Go simple or fancy, as long as you have fun with it. You could also switch it up to any scene that has meaning for you. It’s also a fun way to use up all those gift boxes. I like this idea too — cereal box organizers. 
Make these simple rain sticks. When you finish, everyone gets to do a rain dance. The kids will burn up some energy, and the adults can burn off some holiday dinner calories.Thanks for reading the December 21-2018 Newsletter post!
You can take a look at previous newsletters here.
I wish you a peaceful & joyous week.
Gina
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