It's that most wonderful time of the year, and that means there's so much to do. When you have last minute gifts (Shutterfly photo gifts, anyone?), or perhaps a dessert to make for a party the night before or day of, there are always certain recipes and items you tend to fall back on. How do I know? Because I do the same thing! And here I am giving away my secrets and sharing four of my favorite Christmas recipes with you.

These are the four sweets I tend to use for gift bags to neighbors or movie-nights with good friends, but they have the potential to be party hits; I know if you served these at your next shin-dig or brought them to the office party, you would be the talk of the guests (in a good way, of course).

Listed in order, you'll find in this post:

Hot Chocolate Cookies

White Chocolate Chex Mix (with a minty option)

Peppermint Oreo Fudge

Nutcracker Sweets


So, let's get this party started!

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:

- 1 C salted butter
- 1 C sugar
- 2/3 C brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 3 1/4 C all purpose, unbleached flour
- 4 packs of hot chocolate mix (I used swiss miss, which are just under 1oz, but up to 1oz packets works!)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1.5 - 2 C semi sweet chocolate chips
*optional: for half of the batch I added the mint chocolate chips, because, well, I love mint chocolate!*
- 1/2 C - 1 C mini marshmallows
*optional: if you have the time, freeze the marshmallows so they are easier to mix in to the mix. However, your cookies won't be quite as gooey if you freeze them.*

Directions:
(These can be made the night before or a couple hours before your get together! If you're in a big rush, I suggest making a half batch. A full recipe makes around four dozen cookies.)

- Preheat your oven to 350 and line your baking sheet with parchment paper (if you don't have it, just spray it well with cooking spray!)
- In a large bowl, cream together your butter and sugars. Next add in your eggs and vanilla.
- Mix together your flour, hot chocolate, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Add it gradually to your butter mix until well combined. It will get thick, so if you don't have a standing mixer you will eventually have to switch to mixing by hand (I know, because I had to do it!)
- Fold in your chocolate chips. Save your marshmallows for the end.
- When scooping the cookies, be gentle. I only mixed the marshmallows in slightly to the mix and then placed them in my cookie scoop by hand. That way they didn't get all stretched out or broken into gooey pieces. But, no matter what, it will still be delicious!

TIP: If you want to avoid caramelized marshmallow oozing out of the cookies, make sure to patch the sides with extra dough and cover those marshmallows!



- Bake for 10-12 minutes. They will appear slightly soft/not cooked when you take them out. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
These are best served/devoured warm, but if you're planning on taking them to a party you can heat them up for a few seconds before transporting them!


White Chocolate Chex Mix

Ingredients:

- 2.5 C Rice Chex
- 2.5 C Corn Chex
- 1 C salted/unsalted mini pretzels (salted is probably better, but I used unsalted because it's all I could find)
- 1 C cashews (or peanuts, or whatever kind of nut you desire)
- 12 oz bag M&M's
- 12 oz bag white chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp [vegetable/canola] oil

Directions:
(Best made the night before or at least 2-3 hours in advance)

- In a large bowl, mix your chex (both kinds), cashews, pretzels, and M&M's.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over low heat, mix your white chocolate chips and oil and melt. Mix constantly to prevent it from burning or getting too thick.
- As soon as the chocolate/oil is completely melted, pour into your prepared dry mix. Mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula until well incorporated and distributed through the mix.
- Pour the mix onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading out as thinly as possible. Let sit for an hour before checking to see if it's dry. Give it as much time as needed. I let mine sit for at least two hours to make sure it wasn't sticky.
- Break apart the mix and return to bowl/sealed container.

Want to make it minty? Use mint m&m's and melt some mint Hershey's Kisses along with the white chocolate chips! Same directions apply.

Give away, devour, it's your choice.
This is something perfect to munch on. My personal favorite for Christmas movie-nights.


Peppermint Oreo Fudge

This fudge is pretty much made up of my three favorite things: chocolate, peppermint, and, well... it's fudge. This is holiday-perfection in my book, and so easy to make, too!

Ingredients:

- 1 bag of chocolate chips or morsels (I used dark chocolate)
- 1 bag Hershey kisses
- 1 bag of Candy Cane Hershey Kisses
- 2 bags white chocolate chips (minus 1/2 C)
- 1/3 to 1/2 C Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips

- 2 cans 14 oz condensed milk
- 2 C crushed Oreos (about 1.5 rows out of the standard pack)

Directions:
(You're going to want to make this one the day before, because it needs to sit in the fridge for a good five hours to set. That means you can make it, let it sit overnight, and wow everyone the next day with your amazing dessert!)

- Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper and light spray it.
- Pour all your [semi-sweet, milk, or dark] chocolate chips into a large saucepan with your entire bag of Hershey kisses (sans wrappers, obviously) and one can of condensed milk. Over low heat, melt the chocolates, stirring occasionally to prevent burning on the bottom.
*Note: Do not do ANYTHING but low heat. I tried, and it did not work. The chocolates burned and I may or may not have had to buy new supplies and start all over again... maybe.

- Once the chocolates are well melted (should be pulling away from sides with very few "bumps" in it), carefully fold in one cup of crushed Oreos. Spread the mixture over the bottom of your prepared baking dish as evenly as possible. Place in fridge temporarily.
- Wash out your saucepan. Next, add your white chocolate chips, Andes mint pieces, and condensed milk. Proceed to melt over low heat, as done previously, stirring occasionally. You want to stir these a little more because if they burn you will see it!


- When these are done melting, take your dish out of the fridge and spread it over the already prepared chocolate fudge mix.
- Sprinkle your remaining Oreos on top, as well as extra Andes mint pieces if desired, and slightly/gently press them into the fudge.


- Place in the fridge for at least five hours, but preferably over night.
- Set your fudge out and give it a few (at least ten, I'd say) minutes before attempting to cut it.

This is definitely a party food. I've brought it to several get togethers and it never fails. I have yet to leave without at least one person asking for the recipe!


Nutcracker Sweets

Before my husband and I married, I had never had this deliciousness. Our first Christmas party with his family his little sister made them and I've been hooked ever since. It's like an easy toffee to make, so if you're a toffee fan...prepare to be addicted!

Ingredients:

- 12-14 whole graham crackers (as many that will line a standard baking sheet)
- 1 C butter
- 1 C brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 C chopped pecans
- chocolate syrup

Directions:
(Make these the night before or a solid few hours, because they are sticky and you want to give it time to set!)

- Line your baking sheet first with parchment paper, then with your graham crackers.
- Preheat your oven to 350.



- On the stove over medium heat, melt your butter. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring the whole time, for one minute. You don't want it to get chunky!
- Remove the mix from heat and add your vanilla. Mix well, then pour the mix over your graham crackers. Use the back of a spoon to spread it as evenly as you can over the graham crackers.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over your creation. Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes (I always do 10 so the edges get nice and bubbly/ dare I say a little "burned".)



- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Move to a plate (on the parchment paper if possible). Drizzle with chocolate syrup *this part is optional*.
- After they cool, break them up as you like!
These are perfect sweets to give away in a tin or mail to someone who may not be close enough to enjoy them.


This time of year is nothing if you don't have a few recipes on hand when needed. Let me know if you get some raves (or perhaps just want to offer them yourself) after eating/serving/giving any of these away!

Merry Christmas!

I was tagged by the best CP a gal could ask for, Nikki Miller, for the Liebster Award. I have to answer her ten questions about my work-in-progress and then tag some more people and give them my own questions. Since MISSING is out into the world and waiting with queries and requests, I thought I'd take this time to introduce my new WIP, BEYOND THE MEADOW. My new young adult historical fiction.

1) How did you come up with your WIP’s title?

I didn't, Nikki did! For real. She and I were texting back and forth consistently as I started writing BEYOND THE MEADOW because it had no title and I was so frustrated. Never before did I have a problem coming up with a title, but with this one I was really stuck. I knew the title had to have a strong meaning, and also focus on the central event of the book without giving too much away. Yeah... a lot to expect from a title. But one day after Nikki read my latest chapter, she texted me the now title and I was just blown away. She's the book whisperer, I tell you.


2) What motivates you to write?

This is a tough one. Really, I just get into a mood. Sometimes I'll lie awake at night WISHING to think of what I want to write next in the ms, other times I just sit down at the computer and my fingers take on a life of their own. Typically what pushes me is when someone who is reading it or who I tell about it gets excited. I know that if they're excited, I need to finish! I know, I know-- I should self-motivate. But, really, what's more encouraging then someone telling you they would totally read what you're writing?


3) Do you find yourself putting past experiences in your book? Give an example!

Yes and no. In this one, it's a little tough. Since it's a historical fiction, my character has faced many more challenges than I ever have in my life. However, the loss that she's experienced-- I can pull emotions for that one. But actual experiences? Not in this one.


4) What is your main character’s biggest obstacle?

Moving 'beyond the meadow'... that's where the title came from. My character survives something that she's not supposed to, and has to figure out how to move forward with her life after literally losing everything she loved and held most dear.


5) What is your crutch word that you always have to go back and delete because you use it too many times?

Well, I think one of my words is 'just'. Perhaps because I use it when I talk so much. I also use 'seemed' an awful lot, which is JUST as annoying because it makes things passive and then I'm like...oops. I didn't want that to 'seem' depressing, it IS depressing. Get it together!


6) Who is your author role model and why?

I love so many authors it's hard to choose, but when it comes to contemporary historical fiction I absolutely love Ann Rinaldi. I admire her so much for her multitude of historical fiction works and how diverse they can be. She's the author that made me fall in love with historical fiction and inspired me to want to write it.


7) What happens in your favorite scene from your WIP?

This is REALLY hard, because there are multiple scenes I absolutely love. One in particular is my favorite because it's the first kiss between my main character and her love interest (go figure). The second is my favorite because, honestly, I know it's going to break readers' hearts. Does that make me awful? I don't want to give it away, but I guess if you know the history you can probably guess what I'm talking about.


8) Please share a favorite line from your manuscript!

"From the beauty of the bushes came demonic cries that rattled me down to my bones. Bare-breasted men with painted faces carrying guns, tomahawks, and arrows appeared from their cover, already shooting and firing into our sea of travelers."


9) Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year?

No, I'm not. I was knee-deep in BEYOND THE MEADOW and knew I had less that 50,000 words to go, so I'm sticking it out. I'm honestly not a huge NaNoWriMo person. I admire those who can do it, but I'm not sure it's my cup of tea.


10) What advice do you have for other authors?

Keep at it. It took me a while before I dug my heels in and decided, once and for all, that this was what I wanted to do. I was really afraid after finishing MISSING that it was going to be my 'one hit wonder' of a book. I had always wanted to write historical fiction, but was really scared to do it-- the research was intimidating. But I sat down one day and just started looking things up for an idea I had, and before I knew it I had started writing BEYOND THE MEADOW. As much research as I did BEFORE I started it, I tried not to overwhelm myself and leave some to do while still writing it. If I focused too much on all the research being done and having an outline, I would've talked myself out of writing it-- because int he end, that's not how I work.

So, to sum that up: Keep At It, and Work The Way That's Best For You.

WHO IS NEXT?

I'd like to tag the lovely ladies of the Kick-AZ group! I haven't met you yet (and have been awful about touching base about making that happen), but I know you're a talented group and would love to read about your process! So, here are your 10 Questions:

1. How did you come up with your current WIP?
2. How do you balance your day job (if you have one) and your writing?
3. What's your favorite time of day to write?
4. Do you have any special snacks you eat for writing/ editing days?
5. Who do you go to when you're struggling with a part of your story-- from a word to a scene to a character?
6. Do you share your WIP with CP's while you're writing, or do you wait until it's completed?
7. What's the thing you DISLIKE the most about your WIP?
8. What's the thing you LOVE the most about your WIP?
9. How do you get through difficult sprints of writing? (Do you dance it out, bake, talk to someone?)
10. If you could cast your MC in a movie, who would play him/her?

I was in the market for a new brownie recipe to try (my friend and I were sharing a craving) and was sent this via Pinterest to try. I didn't do the original (9 x 13 of brownies is way too much to have around the house), so I had to make some changes.

These. Are. Amazing.

I'm allowed to say that, right?

Also, they're not awful for you. The way I made them, there's no oil, low sugar, and plenty of chocolate.


Vegan [Banana PB] Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:

- 1 (overly ripe) mashed banana
- 1/3 C peanut butter
- 1/2 C milk (almond or soy to make it vegan)
- 2/3 C unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla

- 2/3 C all purpose, unbleached flour
- 2/3 C brown sugar
- 1/2 C [special dark] cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt

- 1/2 C chocolate chips


Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and spray a 8 x 8 baking dish.

- Whisk together your banana, peanut butter, milk, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add your dry ingredients (minus the chocolate chips-- save those for last!)

The dough will be thick-ish.

- Fold in your chocolate chips last.
- Using a spatula, pour/scoop the batter into your prepared dish. Smooth the batter as evenly as possible.
- Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. *Note: Be careful not to over bake, because then they wou't be "fudgy".)*

These cookies are super easy-- something to throw together if you have friends or family about to show up and you want your kitchen to smell wonderful, but maybe want to do a little more than just the break-and-bake cookies. Plus, who can pass up on coconut?

Oh, and the surprise inside? If you have some Hershey Kisses handy, they give the cookies a little extra chocolate-boost. (Which is always amazing, am I right?)

They also have the Michael & Clark seal of approval, just so ya know.


Ingredients:

- 1/4 C butter, softened
- 3 TBSP Coconut Oil, melted
- 1/2 C brown sugar
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 C all purpose, unbleached flour
- 1/2 C chocolate chips
- 1/4 - 1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes
- 12 - 18 Hershey Kisses (optional)


Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare your baking sheet by spraying or lining with parchment paper.
- Using a handheld or standing mixer, blend your butter and oil together. Then mix in your sugars until fluffy.
- Add your egg and vanilla to the mixture.
- *Optional: Mix your dry ingredients (flour, salter, baking powder & soda) in a medium-sized bowl.* Add your dry ingredients in batches to mix your batter more thoroughly.
- Fold in your chocolate chips and coconut flakes.

- Using a cookie scoop, scoop your dough and place on the cookie sheet.

If you are adding Hershey Kisses put about 1/2 the amount of dough in your cookie scoop, then push a Hershey Kiss into the middle and cover the bottom with more dough. If you have a medium-sized scoop, it works perfectly. *Note: If you do not have a cookie scoop, you can simply shape the dough around the Hershey Kiss, about 2-3 tablespoons worth.*


- Bake for 8 - 11 minutes. Remove immediately to cooling rack.

In my opinion, you can never have enough chocolate-- or coconut. Enjoy!

Well, here goes.

I've been struggling with writing this bio for the past couple of days. This is partially due to family being in town, and partially because I was overwhelmed by everyone else's awesome-ness that I was swept away! If you don't know what #PitchWars is-- please read about it here. It's an amazing opportunity/contest where you get to pitch your book to mentors, and if you're selected you get to work with someone awesome that will help you whip your manuscript into shape for the agent round.

This is my first time entering the contest, and I know it's just as tough on the mentors as it is on everyone entering the contest. I mean, there are 75 mentors and hundreds of authors. So, guys, just remember....


I'm hoping that my manuscript, MISSING, a YA Contemporary with suspense will speak to you so you don't feel like doing this to me after that (possibly embarrassing) moment.


So. For real. This is me.


And here are some things about me.

1. I'm a SAHM, Writer, and Editor.

I am a blessed twenty-something who gets to stay home and take care of my just about three-year-old son. My husband climbs towers for a living (I don't envy him, but he loves it), and I work weekly for Engagement 101 Magazine. You can follow the link to check out some cool posts if you're in the market for getting engaged/married. I also blog on her and share tons of things from recipes to stories about my life.

2. My life changed in inexplicable ways at the ages of 15 and 18.

When I was 15 years old, my best friend went missing. This is the basis for my manuscript. I feel like there are very few stories that deal with this topic, and it's one that-- sadly-- is very real to many people. I was shoved into the adult world much earlier than I wanted to be, though I don't pretend that I simply became an adult because I went through the process of being part of a missing person's case-- nor do I claim I'm the only one at the time who felt the way I did. But, this is part of what made me start thinking of my book, although ten years ago I never would have imagined it would bring me to where I am.

My friend and me about a month before she went missing.

When I was 18 years old I was dating my high school sweetheart and we were already engaged just a couple weeks into college away from home. My parents had moved to Germany with the Army and I was looking forward to so many things-- as most 18 year olds do. Then I got a late-night phone call : my friend's remains had been found. Three years of no clues and no trace, and a random search on a somewhat deserted road lead to her discovery. When that happened, my now-husband and I decided we weren't going to wait until others would approve of us getting married, because we knew what we wanted and we had a first-hand experience of how little time one can be allotted. We walked down to the courthouse one week later and told our parents via email that we were married.

Yeah. We did.

My hubby and I the day we got married. Our seven-year anniversary is coming up! I am also working on another project MARRIED IN COLLEGE. Can't imagine where I got the inspiration, can you?


3. I've always been a writer.

While I have my "officials" ranging from having the most-read column for REALITY Check Girl Magazine and writing for Engagement 101, my writing started in about fourth grade. My teacher told me that she'd give me an extra day to get my homework in, which had been left at home, if I wrote her a story. I don't even remember what the story was about-- I think it had something to do with Sir Francis Drake and a sea monster-- but needless to say she wasn't disappointed. I was told from then on that I had to dedicate my first book to her. I still intend to keep that promise.

My writer's blood comes honestly. My grandfather was an English teacher and my mother was a Creative Writing major that has had a ridiculous amount of experience. When I got to college, I had two choices-- be responsible and major in English Education, or major in Creative Writing. Guess which I chose?

For a very long time, I knew what I wanted to write but I was still "too close" to many of the subjects. Turning my own missing-person's experience into a novel seemed like a wonderful idea... but actually making it fiction meant that I had to give it as much time as needed. If you ask my editor from Stark Contrast Editing or my wonderful CP Nikki -- they'll tell you that even in the beginning it was a little hard to give me feedback or ideas because I'd get defensive. BUT please don't let that scare you off! I promise that I have now acquired an amazingly tough skin and I'm open to suggestions and edits (as long as you're the kind of mentor that will talk it out with me-- and I don't mean you have to be nice about it, either).



Random Facts About Me

- I will read just about everything. Truly. When I was younger I had that "too cool for school" attitude and wanted to read all the classics before I read contemporaries. I am now catching up with contemporaries, putting the classics on hold. My favorite books are still Jane Eyre, Captain From Castille, The Harry Potter books, and THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON series.

- My favorite "inspiration" movies are: Under the Tuscan Sun, Julie & Julia, Finding Forrester, Miss Potter, and The Help. (The only one I'm uncertain of being a book is Finding Forrester-- all others I've also read or researched.)

- I play two instruments. I started playing piano when I was seven and started playing flute when I was nine. In high school I was all-county/district and my senior year I was lead-marching-band-dork, otherwise known as drum major. Despite my desires and attempts to get just as involved in theatre as I could, I was essentially shunned by the teacher (though not by the peers) because of my band loyalties. I still pick them up so my three-year-old will dance, or we'll have jam-sessions with my husband on the guitar. We are a very musically-focused family in our spare time, and it makes for wonderful memories.


Please excuse me if I'm using too many GIFs-- I might have just learned how to use them and it's super exciting.

- My father is a minister and former Army Chaplain. I spent my childhood moving from place to place and was the only one of my sisters (I have two) who got to go to the same high school for four straight years. My older sister went to three, and my younger sister has the record of four. I absolutely loved military life, though now that I'm older I'm not so sure I want to spend our time moving around. My husband also grew up in a military family (Marines), and is a Marine Reservist himself.

- We just moved from NC to AZ... and I'm not exactly lovin' it. I spent most of my time in the Midwest and on the East Coast, though I was born in Idaho. This is my first experience with the South West and while I love getting to tell my friends it's sunny and 75 when it's 30 and snowing where they are-- really I miss the snow. This will be my first fall without the leaves and the cooler weather and I have to admit I might already be slightly bitter. However, I'm super excited about the adventure, and know that it's just another step in the right direction for our family.

- My husband and I have a bucket list that mostly involves traveling. Ever since we were first married and got to visit Germany and Paris, we've been aching to go more places. Things from "Rent a cabin in Scotland so Emily can write" to "Hike in New Zealand" to "Climb Mount Everest" are on there. (OK... Clark wants to climb Mount Everest, but I will cheer him on from the base camp if I can!) This bucket list only grows as our family does, because obviously "Take our kids to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is on there.


So, that's me. Regardless of if you select me or not, it's been awesome browsing the mentors and mentees pieces and getting to know everyone. Thanks for considering me, and I hope you enjoy my YA Contemp, MISSING.

PSSST-- pick me.


Check out other mentees bios by going here!

Hello all.

I have a lot of recipes saved that I intend to share with you. I've been so swept up in working on my YA novel and being a wife/mother that I admit you've been neglected. That happens. Sometimes things have to be put aside for a while-- but hopefully I'm making an excellent return to the blogosphere!

In order to do that successfully, I knew I had to start with a wonderful recipe-- so I hope you approve in my choice. I've been procrastibaking a lot (Procrastination- Baking). It tends to happen when I'm writing and working and all that jazz. Luckily, Michael doesn't seem to mind. He loves getting creative in the kitchen with me.

Citrus Tea Muffins


Note: This is a half-batch recipe (it makes six muffins). For a full recipe, make sure to double up!

Ingredients:

MUFFINS:
- 1/4 C butter, softened
- 1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 C sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp lemon extract *optional*
- 3/4 C flour (I did 1/2 C unbleached all purpose and 1/4 C whole wheat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 - 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 - 1 tsp lime zest

OPTIONAL GLAZE/ TOPPING:

- 1/2 C powdered sugar
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/2 tsp butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp vanilla

- 1 tsp shredded coconut
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and line your muffin tin/ spray with cooking spray. *Remember this is a half recipe unless doubled*.

- Beat softened butter until fluffy. Mix in your applesauce, sugar, egg, and lemon extract.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients, including your zests.
- Use 1/4 C of mix for each muffin, approximately. Bake for 15 - 18 minutes, depending on your oven. Check with a toothpick to make sure they're cooked all the way through. Remove to baking rack to cool.


-While they're cooling, combine your powdered sugar, citrus juices, butter, and vanilla for your glaze. In a separate bowl, toss together your zests and coconut (if using).
-When the muffins are cool, drizzle the glaze over them, then sprinkle the topping on that. Let sit for a few minutes before serving so the topping stays put.



Recipe adapted from Positively Splendid.

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Last week we were out in the heat no matter how hot. We were suffering from cabin fever and could not be kept indoors. Michael was one happy camper to get out and play some baseball.


Our neighborhood is graced with a splash pad... so if you come by our house and find it empty, that's the next place you should look. Michael does lap after lap and will not tire of it-- even after running it for an hour.

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

I'm (once again) trying to catch up on things and figured I should do this one first. I've been tagged by the lovely Mrs. Healthy Ever After, aka Nikki Roberti Miller, for this blog hop.


WHAT AM I WORKING ON?

Right now I have two work-in-progresses. I’ve been editing my YA Contemporary MISSING with Katelyn Stark of Stark Contrast Editing for the past six months or so, chapter by chapter, line by line. It's been an incredible process because somehow I never realized just how much WORK it is to edit and revise, or "re-envision". Katelyn is so wonderful and patient to work with. I definitely start out with the dry bones when I'm writing. I get all on paper that I want to get there, I've just never really combed back through it before. This time around, adding so much more to it with guidance has been a real treat almost. I mean, it's really hard, but it's a lot of fun, too. I can see such a difference with my writing. Annnnyway, this piece is about 16-year-old Annie who finds out her best friend has gone missing. Then, years later, her friend's remains are found. We grow with Annie through the process of trying to move on from this defining moment in her life, and go with her as she tries to uncover the truth of what happened.

My other work-in-progress is a NA piece. I haven't quite figured out if I should call it a collection of short stories or if it's just broken up chapters. It's called Married in College-- a fictionalized account of when my husband and I were first married. We eloped when we were 18, so you can imagine there's a lot to share in there!

HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS IN ITS GENRE?

MISSING is different to me because I don't think I've really found something quite like it. I've read a few YA that deal with missing friends or losing friends to drunk driving, but never one that goes down deep to the bones of the issue. My best friend went missing when I was 16, so I drew from that to write this book. It wasn't an easy process at all, but I think my experience of going through having a missing friend myself really brings this story to life in a new way. In the end, it's not necessarily figuring out what happened to the friend, but how to live with it.

WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?

I started writing YA and NA because when I was younger I actually disliked reading contemporary writing. You'd find me reading Jane Austen and Shakespeare over books like Where the Red Fern Grows. I think the first contemporary story I started getting into was Harry Potter (go figure). One of the only reasons it was actually exciting was because my parents weren't too keen on me reading it, and then my best friend in fifth grade bought me the first two for my birthday.


HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?

I work differently with every project. No lie. I started working on MISSING in college, and then had to take quite a break from it because I was writing it too close to home. When I got the motivation to start working on it again, I actually wrote a chapter that's in the middle of the book now. I just needed to get something on paper. THEN I made an outline of chapters, which was very vague. It basically just had a thing or two written down that I knew what I wanted to happen. Even now I've gone back and changed it so much from what it was originally thought out to be like, but that makes me so happy because I think it's better than I first imagined. I really think I have Nikki and Katelyn to thank for that. I work best bouncing ideas off of people and I'm really open to feedback/suggestions (after a few nudges, that is).

With Married in College, it started as a column for REALITY Check Girl Magazine, an online magazine I worked for in college. Now, with Nikki insisting it must be a book, I just sat down one day with the motivation and wrote out the first chapter. Now I'm combing over the chapter again and again until it's where I want it to be, which is so different than MISSING.

When it comes to plotter vs. pantser, I'm definitely a combination. I like to get something down on paper, writing until I know I've really got something in the making. Then I go back and start listing everything I want to happen-- stories I know I want to share, characters I want to introduce, drama I want to unfold, etc; however, that doesn't mean it will all happen. MISSING was initially going to be written from two characters' point-of-views, and then I changed my mind because I loved my MC too much.

Basically I'm all over the place and, really, I don't have a concise writing process.



And that’s me! Thank you for tagging me, Nikki. If anyone else would like to join, please comment below and then tag me when you share your writing process!

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Michael is making leaps and bounds with his potty training, though I still see some bumps ahead of us. We try to encourage him as much as we can, so when he last made some progress-- he became SUPER MICHAEL!


Sometimes we need to just get outside, even if it's 105. The sprinkler is positively perfect for days where our grass isn't jungle-length and it's "cool" enough where we won't be too hot with the water going.

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

I had been seeing all these Quinoa recipes floating around Pinterest and friend's profiles on Facebook and, honestly, they were scaring me. Because I had no flipping idea what Quinoa actually was, or even how to say it.

But the more I saw, the more I was influenced to try it. So, I found this recipe and decided to adjust it and give it a try.

I am now a fan. And, in case you didn't know (because I didn't) Quinoa is pronounced keen-wah.


Ingredients:

- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 habenero pepper, chopped
- 1 C uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable bouillon
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1/2 C corn
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- 1 lime (depending on how many people you are serving-- 1/4 lime per serving)
- olive oil

Directions:

- Add a small bit of oil to a medium-sized pot set over medium heat. Add garlic and habenero pepper and cook just until fragrant (about a minute).
- Follow the directions on how much water to add to cook with your quinoa; add the water, quinoa, bouillon, beans, tomatoes, corn, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 25 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat; stir in cilantro if desired. Spoon into bowls and add lime juice from 1 wedge per serving.

Enjoy!

While Clark was home he really wanted to do some camping. Since we weren't quite sure how Michael would act, we decided to test the waters in the backyard first. The other reason for this? It is already way too hot. Odds are, real camping won't happen until fall.


Michael loved being in the tent, as long as the "door" was open so he could see outside. He waited patiently anxiously excitedly for it to get dark outside and the stars to come out. We passed the time with s'mores and books. Granted, the s'mores didn't have roasted marshmallows. Nonetheless, Michael was a big fan.



We had a wonderful time. Once it was dark and Michael was getting sleepy, though, he requested to go inside. We didn't fight him. It was eight o'clock and over eighty outside. We'll try "serious" camping in the fall, but this will always be remembered as his first-- and mama's favorite.

Michael loves popsicles. It is one of the sweets that he would probably sit down and eat as many as he could before feeling sick. That, of course, is not an option.


The last time we were at Ikea we spent a grand $2 on popsicle molds. They were so worth it.

Enter the easiest popsicle idea ever.

Are you ready?

Chop up your favorite fruit or fruit that's in season. Put them in the popsicle molds. Pour coconut water over them. Stick them in the freezer.

TA-DAH!

Michael, who doesn't like Coconut Water plain, by the way, positively loves them. He got so excited to eat the kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries in the popsicles. He loved making them as much as he loved eating them.

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Last week we ventured into our backyard for a camping adventure. Michael was so excited at the aspect of sleeping in the tent with us. In the evening he snuggled onto Clark's lap to read, and it was a moment that completely pulled at my heartstrings. I love my boys so much, and nothing makes me happier than seeing them together.

Check back in to read more about our camping adventure next week!

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 Project.

It's Mrs. Healthy Ever After's Birthday! Make sure to visit her site. I positively love all her recipes and posts.

If you couldn't tell, I'm loving lemon this season. It just so happens that Nikki told me lemon blueberry is one of her favorites, so I shipped some of these to her for her special day... and ate the rest myself.

Just kidding. Michael really did help.

Kind of.


Ingredients:

- 1/2 C butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 C sugar (can lesson to 2/3 or 3/4 if desired)
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice OR 1/2 lemon, juiced
- zest of 1 lemon
- 7 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 2 C + 3 tbsp unbleached, all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 C of fresh blueberries

Directions:

- Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare a muffin pan with liners/cooking spray.

- In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 3 tbsp of flour until blueberries are coated. Use a slotted spoon to remove blueberries and shake off any excess flour. Set aside.


- With a handheld or standing mixer, blend your butter and sugar. Add your lemon juice, zest, milk, vanilla, lemon extracted, and eggs. Continue mixing until smooth.

- Fold in your dry ingredients (either pre-mixed or not...I like to save dishes). Make sure you just use 2 C of flour, you already used the 3 tbsp!

- Carefully stir in your blueberries.

- Fill muffin cups with about 1/4 C of mixture.

- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes (depending on your oven), and check with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean before removing to cooling rack. Recipe makes about 15 muffins.


Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven.

Kung Pao Chicken is mine and Clark's favorite dish. Ever. When we started dating he introduced me to it, and I haven't been able to get away from it. Since we're trying to continue our "eating better" goals, I was worried it was going to be impossible to make a version of this dish at home successfully.

I'm so happy that I was wrong.

This recipe is easy and, if I may say so, up to delivery-par (in our opinions, that is). If Clark approves of something like this, I feel like a total winner, which is the case with this recipe.


Ingredients:

- 1lb chicken breasts, cut into cubes or strips.
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 habenero pepper, sliced
Note: I used this because I couldn't find dried chilis ANYWHERE. If you can find them, slice up 1-2 dried red chilies for a more authentic taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced.
- 3/4 tsp dried ginger
- 1 tbs rice cooking wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil (must)
- 2 scallions, cut into small rounds.
- 1/4 C roasted peanuts.

For the Marinade:

- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 2 tsp rice wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbs egg white, beaten

For The Sauce:

- 1 tbs soy sauce
- 2 tbs sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 6 tbs water
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
Note: You can use 6 tbsp of chicken or vegetable broth instead of the water/bouillon combo; I just typically don't have broth in my house!

Directions:

- Prepare the Marinade. Whisk together the salt, soy sauce, rice wine,cornstarch and egg white. Place into sealed container or ziploc bag with cut up chicken and let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge.

- Next, make the Sauce. Mix together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, vinegar sugar, cornstarch, water, and bouillon. Set aside.

- Heat a Wok or large pan over high heat util smoke rises. Add the oil and swirl it around. Add the habenero pepper, garlic, and ginger. Push around until garlic is golden.

- Add your chicken.Turn and toss it for 1 - 2 minutes before next step.

- Add in the rice wine and sesame oil (from first list of ingredients), stirring continuously.

- Add the scallions and continue to stir for a minute or so; the chicken should be almost cooked by now.

- Add the Sauce to the Wok. Continue to stir while it thickens.

- Add the peanuts, stir the mix a few more times, then transfer to a warm serving plate.


I served mine with homemade fried rice. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe adapted from My Kitchen Magazine

I had been avoiding the idea of potty training. In fact, whenever anyone asked me when we were going to start, I'd just say I wasn't sure. Honestly, part of me was afraid that I'd be the failure. That I'd be the mom who had the kid in diapers until kindergarten. This isn't to say it'd be Michael's fault, but mine. I'd be the one too afraid to start potty training him that he'd just be in diapers forever.

Why? Because I grew up in a home with all girls. Besides my dad, of course. I had two sisters. That's it. No boys. No ideas on how to work potty-training with his, well, parts. I just wasn't sure I could handle it.

Well, a little over a week ago Michael had a killer diaper rash we were trying to get rid of, so he was running around naked. Granted, he likes to do this anyway, but there was a purpose to his nudity this time around. After a couple of accidents (which were expected), he ran over to me and said, "Mama, I don't want to pee on the floor, I want to go on the big-boy potty."

Can you imagine my face?

We rushed to the potty, and for a moment I hesitated. What do I do? Do I grab a stool and have him stand, or do I just let him sit on the thing? Would he be traumatized if he stood and missed and got it all over the floor instead?

He sat.


Now, Michael has a potty. I bought it one day when I was fed up with diapers... two months ago. Then, as you may guess, I whimped out and we didn't start potty training.

Well, after our one potty success (which involved a lot of cheering from me, high-fives, and a couple M&M's), Michael kept asking to go.

The phrase "potty treat" became a thing.

Before I knew it, we were potty training.

The next day we went shopping for Super Hero underwear. Michael decided that only Super Heroes wear underwear.


We even ran errands with him in his underwear with no incidents. He asked to use the potty at the bookstore. Inside I was giving myself high-fives.

All I had to do was wait for him to be ready. Maybe if he hadn't had that awful diaper rash (which is gone, by the way), it wouldn't have happened this way, but you never can tell. He's had one awful day where he was missing Clark and just kept having accident after accident where I was distraught, but the next day he was back on track.

Pooping is still a thing.

Yeah, you read that right.

He's gone once on the potty after a few hours of telling me he didn't want to go. That first time I offered him a diaper and he said no, and then offered him the chance to go to The Disney Store if he went. Wouldn't you know, it worked, and Buzz became a part of our family. He even has to sleep in our bed, or very close to it so Michael can tell him good-morning.


After that one success, he's now asking for diapers when it's time for #2, but since we have so much success with going #1... I'm not pushing it. I don't want him to feel pressured to rush this. I want him to go on his own time and be confident.

Oh, and the standing thing? Yeah... we're not there yet. Say what you like, but that's something else we will face as time goes by.

What were your potty training tricks? I know everyone doesn't resort to bribery out there!