Happy New Year!

As we embark on another new year, we are surrounded by goals and promises thrown about like confetti.  I’m not one of those people who makes resolutions like dieting, or exercising everyday, or being nicer to my children.

It works out much better for me this way. When I eat an apple instead of cake, go for a walk with the girls at the beach, or not lose patience with the boys, I’m pleasantly surprised…

This year, I’ll just continue writing and reading as much as possible, and keep to my Chocolate-tarian diet: a diet I’ve perfected, where chocolate accompanies every meal. You should try it. I guarantee it will make you happy and you’ll never quit.

Today is January 2nd. My children went to school and I had the day off. We’re expecting a snowstorm later, so schools will be closed tomorrow and we’ll be hunkered down, cozy in the house, while the howling, frigid winds and white stuff surround us.  

Do you know what that means?

I’ll have another full day to write!

Occasionally, I might stop to fortify myself. I’ve strategically placed a healthy bowl of chocolate kisses beside me (I don’t even have to get up from the couch).

Hypothetically, if I were to make resolutions, I would promise to self-publish this year, read 40 books, finish another manuscript, blog more often, and spend more quality time with our boys (without TV or handheld devices).

Hypothetically, I’d devote more time to these tasks, somehow further manipulate my schedule around my job and packed schedules of two active children.

These are some I would make, if I was the type of person to make resolutions — which I’m not.

Does anyone else not make New Year resolutions?  I’d love to know.

I hope 2014 brings you good health and happiness.

I saw this New Year quote from Brad Paisley and thought I would share it:

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Hi there,

Enjoying your holiday season so far? We’re getting down to the wire, and if you’re like me, you have those “extras” left on your list.  Or maybe you want to add gift toppers to your gift cards. I have some favorites I rely on.

Here are some last minute, low cost, suggestions:  

My first favorite gift is The Body Shop Body Butter. These are 8oz -20oz tubs of smooth, hydrating goodness. I lean toward Shea since I have dry skin.  But they have a huge assortment of different flavors, ranging from Mango and Pomegranate to Brazil nut and Almond. Around the holidays, they offer additional scents, like Peppermint and Cocoa. They’re normally $20/tub. Now they’re 50% off. Great for bus drivers, teachers, bloggers (what?), and gift toppers for sis, or mom, or neighbor.

I tried the Chocomania scent the other day (an early gift from hubby), and smelled so yummy. A warning: be careful when you wear this in public …Children followed me around Target without knowing why…

My next favorite gift to give is William Sonoma Hot Chocolate with…wait for it….Chocolate Marshmallows!  Tie in a couple of snowman mugs and you’re a hero. Very tasty, cozy gift.  Makes a wonderful hostess gift if you’re invited to a party (fyi, I am still free on December 21st).

Along the same cozy theme, I love to give cozy socks, sometimes referred to as ‘butter’ socks. Sold in most clothes stores, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Bed & Bath, these warm, comfy foot-gloves tell your receiver that you’re thinking of them on those especially frigid nights.

For your Kindle or Nook readers, can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card. I got one for my birthday last year and I gleefully bought a whole bunch of ebooks. Best. Gift. Ever.

For your die-hard paper book lovers (and I do have a warm spot for the hardcovers, with those gorgeous spines. Is there a better house decoration, I ask you?), how about a book or two with a snazzy book mark saying, “Readers do it quietly”?

The Bronze Horseman trilogy is my gift of choice for my reader-friends this year. Don’t you wish you were on my list?

A wristlet is another great gift for the woman-friend on my list. When she’s looking to carry her phone, some money, and a license to a bar, and doesn’t want to shlep the heavy over-the-shoulder bag while getting her drink on, this is the perfect item for her.

That’s all I have for now.

What are your suggestions? I’d love to hear them.