Gina Rae Mitchell

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | Books ~ Crafts ~ Holiday Recipes ~ Indie Authors ~ Trivia Contest

Welcome to the Friday Finds for 11-08-2024.

I’m sure we have all had our fill of election talk, so I won’t go there today. Maybe another day??? But, for now, we wait to see what happens next, which is usually the plan, no matter who wins an election.

We are finally picking back up on the bathroom renovations. Everything is patched and sanded and should be ready to paint by tomorrow. Then, it’s just a matter of putting up the decor without anyone blowing a gasket over me putting nails in the freshly patched walls.

I’m still working on the pros and cons list for the blog. January is my favorite time of year to start fresh with a focused plan. Hopefully, you will help provide feedback on what you like and don’t. I may run a few polls before the end of the year to decide the fate of:

• Friday Finds Features
• Trivia Contests
• Author of the Month
• Regular blog features
• The email newsletter

Or… do I chuck it all and run away to the beach to bask in the sun with fruity umbrella drinks?

Please let me know your thoughts. You don’t have to wait for a poll!

Until next week, Be Calm & Happy!

Gina

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | Book Blog Posts

These are the blog posts I shared this week.

I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf by E. Adrienne Wilson | #BookReview #Memoir #TeenCancer #Journal #Sisters #LiverCancer

This poignant and uplifting book will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the beauty and fragility of life, particularly those who have experienced the complexities of adolescence, the power of art, and the importance of living in the present moment. 

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The Red Tunic by Kate Wiseman ~ #HistoricalFiction #Romance #WW1 @KateWiseman

This book is perfect for anyone drawn to historical fiction and explorations of identity, particularly those interested in the intersection of gender roles, women’s rights, and the human experience during times of war.

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Dear Hero by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger | Author Guest Post ~ 1 Signed Copy Available @ireadbooktours @alyssawrote @HopeBolinger

Told entirely through texts, transcriptions, and direct messages, this darkly humorous chat fiction rom-com goes behind the scenes of the superworld.

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Read an Excerpt from Flamingo Café by Jackie Kang ~ $20 Gift Card Available – Enter Below ~ #WomensFiction #Friendship #SelfDiscovery @GoddessFish @jacqulinekang

Perfect for women’s fiction and drama fans, particularly those who enjoy stories about female empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery.

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A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker (Part of Christmas in the Castle Series) | #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #MedievalRomance #HolidayRomance @GoddessFish @bohemienneivy @WildRosePress

This captivating tale will resonate with readers who adore stories of redemption, second chances, and the transformative power of love. It is set against the rich backdrop of Celtic mythology and the magic of the holiday season.

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Borderland: Poetry and Words from the Intersection of Masculinity, Race, Bisexuality and Grief  by Ross Victory | Spotlight ~ $25 Gift Card | #LGBTQ Poetry #IndieAuthor @GoddessFish @rossvvictorius

Through narrative prose and free verse, Victory portrays himself as a son, student, teacher, and lover, showcasing joy, agony, and identity, enhanced with sprinkles of visceral desire.

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Be Still: Lessons from an Angel by E.D. Perry (1 Free Copy available for #giveaway)| #BookReview #AuthorGuestPost #BibleStudy #ChristianPersonalGrowth

The book is a study of Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians to gain a deeper perspective on God’s recommended way of life.

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | Recipes

How is your holiday recipe box looking? Let me know what recipes you need to complete your menu, and I’ll see if I can help.

I don’t currently have this recipe listed on the blog. So for today, I’ll share the quick steps I use. Hopefully, I can get that recipe up soon.

I start with the carcass of a rotisserie chicken. I think it makes an excellent base. Next throw in any vegetables you find in the fridge. (older carrots and celery still have flavor!) I add herbs, spices, a few cloves of garlic, and a bit of salt & pepper. I usually sneak in a tablespoon or two of Tumeric because it’s good for us and adds a nice deep yellow color. Add water to the Max Fill line. Set on HIGH pressure for one hour. Then reduce to low pressure for another 90 minutes.

Let the pressure naturally release. Remove the chicken, bones, veggies, and bits through a strainer. Personally, I use this gizmo to hold everything in the pot because it makes the straining step so easy. DO NOT throw away all the veggies, bones, etc. We’ll use them later to make bone broth. Once you have the strained broth, you can store it in the fridge or freezer till you are ready to use it. I promise you will taste a difference in your recipes using this rich stock.

If you prefer, you can use the same method/recipe to make the broth on the stovetop. That’s where the term “stockpot” came from. You will need to adjust your cooking times for the stovetop method, but the ingredients are still the same.

Please check today’s corresponding email newsletter for more recipes. (Don’t get the exclusive Friday Finds email? Sign up on the sidebar! ) —> Last week’s email recipe was a 6-Ingredient Gooey Swedish Chocolate Cake. It’s still on my list to make this holiday baking season.

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | Independent Author News

The Indie Author news is covered in the BBNYA section this week. Once my spotlight tours wrap up in early December, I’ll be looking for lots of news to fill this feature. Authors, send me your news, announcements, and promos to share!

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | BBNYA Semi-finalist Tour

Murders Along the Coast by Brian Gee is a gripping and suspenseful page-turner that will captivate fans of intricate mysteries and exhilarating whodunits, particularly those who enjoy stories that follow the meticulous and methodical work of crime scene investigators as they unravel the threads of a complex and seemingly impossible case.

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Nascent Witch by Melissa Bobe is a delightful read for anyone who craves a lighthearted, humorous, and adventurous tale of self-discovery, magic, and romance. It’s perfect for fans of fantasy and women’s fiction who enjoy stories about embracing one’s true identity and finding love in the most unexpected ways.

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On Silver Winds by Ava Smiddy is perfect for fans of fantasy romance and fairytale-inspired stories, particularly those who appreciate tales of forbidden love, familial devotion, and the struggle between loyalty and heart set against a backdrop of magic and adventure—book one of the Duet of Snow and Silver.

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Ordinary World by Jack T. Canis is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will captivate readers who enjoy complex, mind-bending science fiction and are drawn to explorations of identity, humanity, and the blurred lines between reality and madness.

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Orphan Planet by Rex Burke is an excellent fit for readers who enjoy stimulating science fiction with a dash of humor, adventure, and relatable characters, particularly those who appreciate stories about self-discovery, unlikely friendships, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of uncertainty.

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Poisoned Empire by Elyse Thompson is the perfect read for fans of lush, romantic fantasy with a dash of dark humor. It is perfect for those who crave a story of female empowerment, forbidden love, and high-stakes adventure set against the opulent backdrop of a richly imagined world inspired by the Eastern Roman Empire.

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For readers who crave a gripping and immersive fantasy adventure with a strong focus on character-driven drama and moral complexity, Salt in the Wound by Benjamin Aeveryn is a must-read, offering a rich and atmospheric world to explore, where the lines between loyalty, justice, and revenge are expertly blurred.

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024 | Trivia Time

This week’s Trivia Time is a little different, it’s more of a “Let’s get to know each other through silly questions.” There is no right or wrong answer. Any answer will earn you entries into the Trivia Jar. Won’t you play along?

 If you could jump into a pool of anything, what would it be full of?

Leave your answer in the comment section to be entered into this month’s trivia contest. The next Trivia drawing will be the end of November.

Last week’s question:

What common household item can be used as a makeshift paintbrush in crafting to create unique textures and patterns?

We had lots of good answers to last week’s question. A sponge and a fork were two of my favorites. I’m getting ready to do some painting this weekend. I may have to try those.

Several people got double entries in the trivia jar because they also are email newsletter subscribers!

Weekly Friday Finds | 11-08-2024| Creative News

A reader shared a picture of the candy corn stuffies they made from the October 25th creative project. So cute! And…made by a first-time crocheter.

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This Fall Activity Kit would be so fun to make with little ones, or your craft group, or even your “wine-night” pals. If you make any of them, please share pix. I won’t share anyone’s name to no need to worry.

Remember, if you find something you like in this post, leave a comment and click the LIKE button at the bottom of the page. It means the world!

Please share the 11-08-2024 Friday Finds with your friends and family.

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If you are feeling exceptionally generous…donations are always welcome!

See you soon for more Weekly Friday Finds Fun!

Gina