Tag Archives: Thoughts

Book Review & Giveaway ~ IN Doubt by John W. Mefford

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

IN Doubt is the 3^rd book in the Ivy Nash series. It can be read as a standalone book, but reading books 1 & 2 can provide some background info on each of the characters.

Ivy continues to deal with (and will probably have to for a long time) repercussions of being abducted and tortured (twice) by the same sick and deranged man that she has known since her foster home days as a young teen. He is obsessed with her, and stalks her both physically and virtually by hidden cameras set up where she thinks she can feel safe … but will she ever truly be safe?

Cristina is also dealing with the demons of her past, except this time one of those demons shows up to terrorize her in the present … then ends up dead. Guess who gets arrested …

Moreover, ECHO is hired to care for the young daughter of a high profile, billionaire client who isn’t exactly who he seems to be.

John Mefford manages to weave all of these character’s stories together seamlessly. He is a gifted story teller.

As I’ve said before, if you like reading thrillers, read this book. If you like reading series, read this book. If you like reading stories with strong, inspiring women as the main character, read this book. As you have probably guessed by now, I loved this book and highly recommend it.

5 STARS and 2 Thumbs Up … I can’t wait to read the next book in this series 🙂

NEW RELEASE….

When lives are shattered, can the bond of friendship survive the suspicion of guilt?

Just as she feels her world caving in around her, Ivy Nash realizes that there are no guarantees in life…for her or for those she cares about.

Ivy must protect an adorable little girl from a wealthy egomaniac hell-bent on revenge, as a monster from Cristina’s past returns with a fury.

When the dust settles, will those that live have any life to speak of? And will Ivy ever be able to stop looking over her shoulder for the man she knows will never stop until she’s destroyed?

Available to buy from….
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“Rife with deceit and deception and characters that leap off the page, this story is told with confidence through a sure hand, engaging both the mind and the heart. A compelling treat.” — Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author

“I love the way that Mefford writes, seamlessly jumping between characters and time frames with no confusion, and he is extremely descriptive of the setting . You almost feel like you are watching a movie instead of reading a book!” — Hilary Mahoney, Elusive Red Tiger

“Mefford wrote her character with depth and you can feel her passion for her job throughout the entire book.” — Shelly Maynard, Lynchburg Mama

Above reviews from An Ivy Nash Thriller, Book 1, IN Defiance

Books in the Alex Troutt Thriller Series:

AT Bay AT Large
AT Once
AT Dawn
AT Dusk
AT Last

Books in the Ivy Nash Thriller Series:

IN Defiance
IN Pursuit
IN Doubt

Coming soon….

Break IN
IN Control
IN The End

Q&A with author John W. Mefford:

Q: What do the Ivy Nash Thrillers have to do with the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: The Ivy Nash Thrillers comprise the second sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series. The Alex Troutt Thrillers are the first sub-series. While I’ll eventually write a series that connects the major characters and plots from all the sub-series, you don’t have to read the AT books prior to the IN books. But I have to say, the AT thrillers are darn good.

Q: So you’re saying you don’t have to read the Alex Troutt Thrillers before the Ivy Nash Thrillers?

JWM: Nope. While a few of the characters might occasionally overlap between the series, they can be read as stand-alone. And then I’ll wrap everything up in a final set of six novels that connects all of the main characters and stories from each sub-series. If you haven’t read any of the Alex Troutt thrillers yet, you can try out the first three at a pretty nice discount. Just search for Alex Troutt Box Set.

Q: Can you give some insight into how Ivy Nash might connect to Alex Troutt down the line?

JWM: Sure…and then I’ll send over a hit squad. Seriously, I’ll be sprinkling in a few clues along the way for those who pay close attention to the details, but it will all come together in that final six novels of the Redemption Thriller Series. And it will be explosive and gut-wrenching at the same time.

Q: How many different sub-series are you planning to have in the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: Right now, I see four sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series, with six novels in each. It’s the most challenging and fulfilling creative endeavor I’ve undertaken. I hope you enjoy the journey.

About the Author
A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

“Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Amazon Author Page“

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Book Review & Giveaway ~ The Goodbye Year by Kaira Rouda

~ My Thoughts and Review ~

Kaira Rouda artfully weaves together the lives and stories of several families facing a time of major change to their lives. The Goodbye Year takes place in well-to-do Crystal Beach, California. It all begins at the welcome back to school meeting for parents. Their kids are starting their senior year of high school. All the parents are beginning to feel the effects of the upcoming “empty nest syndrome”. Unfortunately, this major life change happens to coincide with mid-life crisis’s for these families.

We meet each family in alternating chapters. We get to know their challenges and issues through the eyes of the parents, as well as, their teenagers. Each person shares their point of view of the situations as they unfold and intertwine with each other.

It always amazes me, to learn what goes on behind closed doors. People put on a fake persona to the world, one that seems like they have it all together and can handle everything that life throws at them, but in reality, they are barely hanging on.

The Goodbye Year is full of drama, as you can well imagine, centering on hormonal teenagers, peri-menopausal mothers and mid-life crisis fathers going through a major change to life as they know it.

I really enjoyed this book, and I believe you will too 🙂

Melanie, a perfectionist mom who views the approaching end of parenting as a type of death, can’t believe she has only one more year to live vicariously through her slacker senior son, Dane. Gorgeous mom Sarah has just begun to realize that her only daughter, Ashley, has been serving as a stand-in for her traveling husband, and the thought of her daughter leaving for college is cracking the carefully cultivated façade of her life. Will and his wife are fine—as long as he follows the instructions on the family calendar and is sure to keep secret his whole other life with Lauren, the woman he turns to for fun (and who also happens to have a daughter in the senior class).

Told from the points of view of both the parents and the kids, The Goodbye Year explores high school peer pressure, what it’s like for young people to face the unknown of life after high school, and how a transition that should be the beginning of a couple’s second act together—empty nesting—might possibly be the end.

Available to buy from…

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“Rouda deftly examines the difficult transition parents and their children face as they prepare for the end of one life and the beginning of another. Her latest is a compelling story and a thoughtful examination of the nature of change and the importance of working to accept it.” ―Booklist

“The Goodbye Year is an often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, always engaging look at the last year before high school seniors leave their families for good. I devoured it!” -Meg Mitchell Moore, author of The Admissions, So Far Away, and The Arrivals

“The family dramas and dynamics are things that we can all relate to…”
-Redbook magazine, “20 Best Books to Read Come Spring”

“Kaira Rouda channels Peyton Place meets The Real Housewives of Orange County with her newest book, The Goodbye Year.” ―Working Mother magazine

About the Author
Kaira Rouda is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart.

Her women’s fiction titles include THE GOODBYE YEAR, HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her bestselling short story is titled, A MOTHER’S DAY. Her sexy contemporary romance series include the LAGUNA BEACH Series, the INDIGO ISLAND Series with a new MALIBU Series launching in 2016.

Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers (available for free download on her website) continue to inspire.

Kaira’s work has won numerous awards including the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader’s Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer’s Digest International Book Awards. She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is at work on her next novel.

Find the author on the following sites…

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

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Leap Year Thoughts

We have a Leap Year every 4 years. 2016 is one of those years; we gain an extra day on February 29th. I was wondering about the origins of Leap Year, so I “googled’ it. Here are some of the things I learned 🙂

• Normally there are 365 days to a year, but on Leap Year, we have 366. Our calendar year is based on how long it takes the Earth to orbit the sun. It technically takes 365 days and 6 hours to make the complete orbit. To accommodate the extra 24 hours every four years an additional day is added.
• The reason why the extra day is added in February is because of ancient Roman rulers trying to one up each other. The story goes that under the rule of Julius Caesar, all of the month except August had 30 or 31 days. August had only 29. When Caesar Augustus became ruler, he changed the calendar so that his month, August, would have the same amount of days as did his predecessor’s month of July. So February lost the battle of the egos by getting less days. This is where I learned this information.
• I sometimes times think it would have been nice to be born on Leap Day. If I only had a birthday every 4 years, I would still be young. Then I did the math and figured out I would be just starting the teen years …and decided I wouldn’t want to relive that awkward time of life 🙂 Anyway, I discovered that people who were actually born on the day, choose either February 28th or March 1st to do their celebrating.
• I read about an old tradition called Bachelor’s Day in some European countries. Its premise was that on Leap Day, it was permissible for a woman to propose to a man (I think I mentioned it was an old fashioned tradition). If the man turned her down, he must buy her gifts or give her money.

These are just a few of the things I learned about Leap Year. What are some things you have heard of ?

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Return To Me by Carolyn Menke

New Release…

Eighteen-year-old Sadie Stark, raised by the governor of Pennsylvania, has the world on a string. She doesn’t need the mother who left her any more than she needs the fiance who promises to change. What she needs is to finish college, and keep her wits about her.

When war-bound James Pasko returns her stolen clutch, and shows her what’s missing in her life, she gains the courage to search for the truth about her past.

What Sadie uncovers rattles her to the core. But James’ steadfast love gives her hope for the future—for the first time—even as the war tears them apart.

When James disappears over enemy lines and Sadie makes a startling discovery, she must decide to follow in the footsteps of the mother who gave her away, or face a life of hardship like she’s never known.

Available to buy from….

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* My Thoughts & Review *

While I love reading many kinds of books, Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. I especially love stories during the WWII era. This wonderful story fit the bill perfectly. Carolyn Menke did a great job introducing & developing each character, it feels like you know them.
Return to Me is a love story set during the turbulent wartime years of the 1940’s. The author tells the story through the two main characters, Sadie & James. Every other chapter is told from each of their points of view. Their chance meeting ~ their whirlwind romance ~ their love letters … you will be drawn into their story (and be glad to know them).
I like learning how life was so different then as compared to now (especially for woman). They had to be so strong. I can’t imagine having to be separated from my spouse/loved one for so long. The not-knowing of his safety would have driven me crazy. They call them the Greatest Generation for a reason …
So, as in all good love stories, we don’t find out until near the end if James & Sadie’s relationship will survive the war torn years apart … and I’m not going to spoil it for you. I highly recommend you get this book … I loved it 🙂

~ I have been given this book from Beck Valley Book Tours in return for my honest review ~

“A sweeping, romantic debut that brings the war-time forties to vivid life in this Titanic meets Philomena tale—fast-paced, tender, and real.” —RITA Award-winning Author Gwyn Cready

“Menke’s writing is so lovely, you will want to wrap yourself in her words and savor each moment you spend in Sadie’s story. Return To Me will tug on your heart strings and take you on a journey back in time.” —Dana Faletti, Author of the Whisper Trilogy

“A timeless tale of love, loss and sacrifice that will equally break and warm your heart, as you cheer for the beautifully complex characters until the very last page.” —Lori M. Jones, Author of Renaissance of the Heart

About the Author

Carolyn Menke is the author of “A Little Known Truth” and “The Survival Guide to Mommy-hood,” both published in “Beyond the Diaper Bag.” Her flash fiction piece “Full Circle” took first place in the Writer’s Type literary competition in July 2012. “Baba’s Bananas” also placed first at Writer’s Type in March 2011, and was later awarded first runner-up overall for the yearly competition in the same category.

A storyteller with an entrepreneurial spirit, she started a marketing communications business with clients ranging from local start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to that she worked as a marketing communications specialist for high-tech companies. She gained valuable public speaking experience while leading corporate and educational training workshops. Recently, she was a guest speaker at Wexford Elementary, and has been invited to share her latest novel, Return To Me, with area reading clubs.

The author earned a bachelor’s degree in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in marketing communications from Duquesne University. She is a member of Pennwriters and two writing critique groups.

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own. NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY Win a $20 Amazon.com GC / Paypal (winners choice) Open Worldwide Ending on Sunday 4th October at 11.59pm EST Enter Below and Good Luck !! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael

What’s the recipe for a happy marriage?

That’s what chef Jill Morgan Storm wants to know, and according to responses to the “Marriage Satisfaction Surveys” she and her closest friends cooked up, the answer is to marry a traveling salesman who is rarely home.

And Jill certainly deserves some happiness, after everything she’s been going through. Her teen-aged son, who only speaks to her in French, needs college tuition. Her crazy mother is determined to find her a man—and only brings her unsuitable ones. A pesky schoolteacher keeps annoyingly trying to fix her life. Her sous chef job is in jeopardy, and, most aggravating of all, her ex-boyfriend has absconded with her favorite skillet.<

What’s a single mom to do?

Faced with the answers to her surveys, she sets off to find the traveling salesman who can share her dreams. Along the way, can she find herself and a man who will claim her heart?

My Thoughts:
Never under estimate the schemes and plans that are formed when lifelong girlfriends get together for drinks 🙂
That being said, we meet Jill Storm, a sous chef working at a prestigious Las Vegas hotel. She is a single mom raising a moody, artistic, teenaged son. She tries to be supportive of her ex-husband who now goes by the name “Stormie” after a undergoing a gender change procedure. She is stressed about how to afford college tuition for her son. Not to mention she is turning the big 4-0 and wonders if she will ever find true love.
Now back to the afore mentioned “schemes and plans” … she sent out a survey to wives in really long term marriages asking their secrets to marital bliss. We then learn of all her escapades while trying to find the perfect mate 🙂
This is the second book I’ve read and reviewed (read “Chasing Charlie” review here) for this author – I’m a fan for life! This book was a hilarious, light-hearted read ~ I couldn’t recommend it more highly 🙂

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

Available to buy from…

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“Witty dialogue and wickedly funny characterizations make Kathy Carmichael’s Hot Flash a jewel among romantic comedies. Great fun!”
~ Eve Gaddy, Harlequin Superromance author

“Hot Flash is a keeper! It has heart, and I’m going to read it again. And again. Wonderfully well done!
~ Kay James, Romance Reader at Heart

“I have never laughed or cried so hard as I have with this truly wonderful book!”
~ Kathy Boswell, managing editor, The Best Reviews

“I highly recommend Hot Flash to anyone who loves to read romance. You will not be disappointed.”
~ Romance Junkies

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies.

Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite.

Kathy’s romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association’s BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

In addition to her novels, she’s sold short stories and wrote a bi-monthly column on the business of writing for a national writing trade magazine. Kathy is also a contest judge for Writers Digest.

She’s a member of the International Thriller Writers, an active member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters-in-Crime, Novelists Inc., the Florida chapter of MWA, is the published author liaison of the Tampa Area Romance Authors, and is an active member and past national board member of the Romance Writers of America.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

Find the author on the following sites…

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A special fun survey has been prepared to accompany the book. You can take the survey or read the responses HERE.

Read an excerpt from the book HERE

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Book Review ~ Tending her Heart by Kathleen Shoop

My Thoughts:

Tending Her Heart is sweet, small town romance set during the Vietnam Conflict / War. Historically, it was a time of change … from Civil Rights to Women’s Rights. Our country saw many changes … but not in the Labor & Delivery Ward of Waterside Hospital, where Julie Peters worked as a nurse.

Attractive, eligible bachelor, Dr. Michael Young could have any nurse on staff, but he is attracted to Julie’s spunky personality, the way she passionately sticks up for the mothers giving birth in her ward. At a nearby café, they have many deep discussions about the hospital’s procedures and protocols in the Maternity Ward. Through their long talks, they discover they agree on many points – but not on how to introduce these changes. He is calm and methodical ~ she is a hot-headed spitfire. They both feel their attraction and enjoy these flirtatious talks, even though they both know that workplace relationships rarely work out.

Dr. Mann is their “set in his ways” boss who doesn’t like Julie’s radical, new fangled ideas to improve the birthing process for the mothers. He won’t tolerate anyone questioning his techniques – not his doctors on staff … and certainly not from the nurses.

Sharing a Thanksgiving meal at a friend’s home, they realize that they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. Can they make it work? Can they each have successful careers working together? Can they actually “buck the system”?

Psst … Kathleen Shoop, I, for one, would love to read more about this couple (hint, hint) … just sayin’ 🙂

Sweet, Fun Romance–Set in 1971, nurse Julie Peters is ambitious and tenacious, but her plans to modernize Waterside Hospital’s labor and delivery protocols are thwarted by old-school doctors and brown-nosing colleagues. The last thing on her mind is falling in love as she confronts her career-related demons. Still, she feels the pull of attraction to one special doctor.

Dr. Michael Young turned away from a prestigious research position at Duke University to practice medicine in a smaller, less intense setting at Waterside Hospital. While nurses chase him by the dozen, he is intrigued and satisfied with building a nest-egg for when the right woman finally happens along.

When Julie is faced with choices that put her job, her life’s dream in peril her relationship with Michael begins to ignite. Can a Thanksgiving stay in the regal home called Bliss give her the space she needs to right her future and fall in love? Will their growing love mean Julie loses herself? Humor, love and a similar attitude toward medicine seal their love, but will it destroy their careers?

Available to buy from….

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“I love Julie Peters and the Endless Love Series! Julie’s relationship with Dr. Young was just so sweet and fun and I hope there’s more to come about this couple. There is nothing like reading Kathleen’s books–moving, funny, page-turning and Tending Her Heart is all of that–just fun.”
L. McShea

Praise for Home Again and Return to Love–Don’t miss out on reading book 3 in the series!
“lyrical writing that is a joy to read!”
L. Zottola

“A spell-binding story of a love which seemed to transcend time, space and circumstance.”
N. Budden

“Shoop’s character’s breathe”
Bev Rosenbaum

Also available…….

Endless Love series. Book one, Home Again

1969– Set on the shores of the Albemarle Sound, April Harrington has fond memories of summers at her family home, Bliss. After her fairytale wedding disintegrates, it becomes her refuge—the one place where she can attempt to pull the unraveling threads of her life back together. Unbeknownst to April, the stately house has been neglected in recent years. The once-sturdy roof is leaking in a few dozen places, and the wharf is rotting. Nothing is the same as she remembers. Nothing except for Hale, a Viet Nam pilot who is haunted by a dreadful secret, and who is also her brother’s best friend, a brother killed in the conflict that is tearing the country apart.

In Hale’s presence, April finds familiarity and solace. They share grief for a lost loved one, and from the comfort of Hale’s arms, passion blooms. Yet, April’s future is unresolved. Her wealthy, arrogant almost-bridegroom wants her back and the ghosts of Viet Nam are whispering to Hale. Can they find new love in an old treasured home, the kind of affection and trust that lasts forever?

Home Again, was named a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Buy the book from…….

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Endless Love Series, Book Two, Return to Love

Sweet Romance… Fresh off their whirlwind nuptials and unexpected, but joyous pregnancy, April and Hale Abercrombie are gleeful about their life together. But, while Hale is serving his country in Vietnam, he receives news of the loss of their newborn daughter.

Back home on leave, Hale can barely wait to hold his wife. Their reunion is passionate and their physical connection, strong and soothing. His embrace, his touch, and his love are just as perfect as April remembered. But nothing, not even Hale, can ease April’s heartache.

Hale stumbles through his attempts at convincing her that their future will be rich and full of wonder despite their loss. His good-hearted, but take-charge approach causes her to retreat. Even in grief, April recognizes Hale’s earnestness, yet she can’t help but distance herself from him. With only a short time before Hale must return to war, the couple begins to understand that hope starts with them—that the bliss they once knew will return only if they are willing to trust again.

Set on the beaches of the Outer Banks, Return to Love is the second book in the Endless Love series.

Buy the book from…….

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About the Author

A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Kathleen has also written award winning Love and Other Subjects, After the Fog and her debut novel, The Last Letter. Recently, Kathleen has released the her first romance novella, Home Again (Book One of the Endless Love Series), Return to Love (Book Two) a novel-length work and has just released Tending Her Heart (Book Three). Books Two and Three in the historical fiction series that started with The Last Letter are nearly complete and should be shortly.

Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and Pittsburgh Parent magazine.

Find the Author on the following sites….

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Book Tour Dates

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Three lucky winners will win a $15 Amazon.com Giftcard Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 8th February at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!

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Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11/30/14

November 30, 2014 ~ Today I am thankful for nostalgic Christmas memories. Our family starts decorating for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving. Thankfully, I’ve never really gotten into the Black Friday shopping thing, so my choice is easy. Over the weekend, we set up our Nativity and the village; we hang stockings and lots of garland. We decorate our entryway on the inside and outside. We finish with decorating the tree on Sunday.

I’ve always loved Christmas decorations. My decorating style leans toward nostalgic / vintage as opposed to trying to re-create a magazine photo shoot. I own lots of decorations that I’ve had since my childhood. Many of my ornaments and other pieces have great memories attached to them.

Each year, we hang the lights and ornaments while Bing Crosby sings White Christmas to us. We drink egg nog and eat chocolate chip cookies, warm from the oven. I have lots of ornaments … as I unwrap each one, I share the memories they bring to mind. I share stories of Christmas’s from when I was growing up. We reminisce our family’s memories. Some of my ornaments are from my great grandmother – some from friends – some I made myself. Many times the ornament represents something significant that happened that year. Sharing memories this way is one of my favorite family traditions.

♥ Today I am thankful for nostalgic Christmas memories ♥

Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11/29/14

November 29, 2014 ~ Today I am thankful for Small Business Saturday. The holiday season is upon us! For many people, shopping is a big part of the season. It seems like Black Friday has been around forever, Cyber Monday came on the scene a while ago and Shop Small Saturday started several years ago.

I have to confess, before becoming a small business owner, I never really thought much about where the money I spent while shopping went. I usually just went to the store that advertised the best deal on the items I wanted … which, more often than not, was a “big box” or department store chain. These stores spend millions of dollars on advertising to lure you to their store. Many times when you get there, you find messy aisles; items discarded wherever and frazzled employees. Sadly, many of those frazzled employees are rude and have no concept of customer service.
Continue reading →

Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11/28/14

November 28, 2014 ~ Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. Our family tradition is that my sister-in-law usually hosts Thanksgiving dinner each year. She is a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess <3.

Every year she buys new Tupperware type containers and ziplock baggies for her guests to bring some leftovers home in. My family loves leftovers, especially leftovers from a big holiday meal or party. I realize that not everyone likes leftovers … I have a friend whose family simply refuses to eat leftovers – how sad. Turkey with stuffing and homemade gravy is my favorite day after Thanksgiving leftover meal. I’m doubly blessed because I get extra yummy food and new food storage containers 🙂

♥ Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving dinner leftovers ♥

Tracy Helps You’s Thankful Thoughts for Today ~ 11/27/14

November 27, 2014 ~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING !! Today I am thankful for childhood memories of Thanksgiving. For those of you who may not already know, I was raised by my grandparents. Sadly, my grandpa passed away when I was in 7th grade and my grandma passed when I a senior in high school. I am truly thankful to have wonderful memories of both of them 🙂

I’m a morning person, so I’m an early riser by nature. I have wonderful memories of waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the wonderful smells of onion and celery sauteing in butter on the stove … the starting point of my grandma’s wonderful stuffing recipe. Continue reading →

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

~ My Thoughts and Review ~

These are just a few of the things I learned about Leap Year. What are some things you have heard of ?

~~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~~

My Thoughts:

♥ Today I am thankful for nostalgic Christmas memories ♥

♥ Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving dinner leftovers ♥

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

* My Thoughts & Review *