Making little things special!

Today I'm over at Lyrical Press's blog talking about my hubby and his birthday and how sometimes the little things make all the difference! :)

Nothing says 'I love you' like....

Many people scoff at Valentine's Day and insist we don't need one day to celebrate love...we should do it every day. And while I do agree and try very hard to always show my love for my husband, family, and friends, one day a year dedicated to love isn't a bad idea!

For busy people, like me and my husband, with kids and jobs and appointments and this and that, sometimes celebrating love is kinda of pushed to the side. This holdiay reminds us to set aside everything else and celebrate the love we have for each other.

And I don't mean by shelling out big bucks for flowers, candies, cards, stuffed animals... (My husband and I have an inside joke..every Valentine's Day when the stuff comes out, every time he sees a stuffed monkey holding a stuffed heart, he says "Nothing says 'I Love You' like a stuffed primate!" But we do enjoy a night out though, a dinner alone, just us to reconnect, but we like to do that all year, not just on Valentine's Day. And the restaurants are crazy today anyway.

I worked in the floral business for many many years, so I know first hand what it's like to be on that side of the fence on Valentine's Day. Not really all that fun and romantic. I remember one year working 9 am until 3 am (yeah....18 hours!) and then having to be back at 9 am again. And just so you all know, the florists don't raise prices on roses just cause they want to. The suppliers charge triple the cost because the growers need to hire more workers and bump up production, and therefore, also need to charge more.

So tonight we are staying home. I am making a new recipe for dinner that sounds like something everyone will love (A bacon meatloaf! And it's a low fat recipe...not sure how that works..but hey, I'll try it!) I bought a box of brownie mix last night (also low fat. I guess we'll see how that comes out!) and I will make a glaze for it and dye it red. I also bought some cute pink and white sprinkles with some red hearts mixed in. The kids will love that.

What are your plans for tonight???

Lucky in Love!

Those in love really are the lucky ones, don't you think?? I know there are skeptics out there who doubt true love and soul mates, but until it happens to you, you just can't understand.The flutters and excitement, the gotta-be-together-every-minute phase. The moment you know it isn't just some fling.

I write mainly romantic fiction, but even when my plot doesn't revolve around a man and women's quest for love, the romance always seems to creep in. I just can't help it! I crave the happily ever after for everyone I meet, even if it's characters I made up!

My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary on September 19th and I have decided to honor it by hosting a Lucky in Love Blog Event!!!! 13 has historically been an unlucky number for most, but for us, it's been good! We started dating on a 13th, July 13th, 1995, to be exact ;)

So here are the details:

1: On September 19th, post an excerpt on your blog, sharing your own love story. If you are not currently in a fab relationship, share a past love or share a piece of romantic fiction or a love poem.

2: Post a wedding picture, or any picture you'd like. (I would love to see everyone's wedding photos though!! I heart weddings!!)

3: Post by 10 am EST on the 19th.

4: Giveaways are highly encouraged!! Please try and do some kind of prize. Something romantic would be great!! :) Doesn't have to be significant! (Make sure you state your shipping guidelines on your post...US, Canada, worldwide, etc...)

5: Tweet and Facebook the celebration all day on the 19th!

6: All participants will be entered into a drawing: prize TBA (but it will be awesome!!)

7: Hop around and visit all the other participants!!

Thank so much!!!! Sign up below!

It's my Birthday! It's my Birthday!

I have to say, 32 was a good year for me. My first novel was released in both digital format and print by Lyrical Press. I had a piece published in a world-renown anthology series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and also a small local anthology about my hometown, Voices from the Herd. I signed contracts for two other stories with Lyrical Press. I took not only one, but two trips to my favorite place on earth, Walt Disney World, one of which was a much needed alone trip with hubby! I attended my first ever writer's conference and met a ton of fantastic people.

And now I am 33 (well, not yet...I believe the exact time was 3:31 pm.) I wonder what this next year will hold for me. I know what I'd like it to hold.....more writing success including more contracts and the attention of an agent!

And of course, more trips to Walt Disney World!!