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Monday’s Wanderings ~Time to Purge
A most important label
I told the huz, I’m purging the house of *toxic* foods. They’ll either be use up, donated, or tossed. I’ve been pretty diligent about HFCS, and to a point nitrites & nitrates. However, changes are coming in from all directions. I need to purge the toxic and bring in the ‘pure’ (aka healthy & safer). It’s not just food i’m doing this with, but also my dinnerware. For the last 11 years, I’ve consistently had plastic & melamine dishes. (for short stints of time I’ve had glass/ceramic but ended up giving them away as i didn’t like them)
I’ve soon to have on order a cool Fiesta ware set of multiple colors. Each family member chose a color. It’s bright, fun, funky, and totally me! I will also be buying matching Flatware as my oldest son has managed to lose 90% of my spoons. Not just the teaspoons, but the tablespoons as well! So, once the new dinnerware set comes in, it’s bye bye to all the plastic & melamine ware.
Since my kids were little, I’ve cooked from scratch about 75-80% of the time. In more recent years, that has increased to 85-90% of the time. Now, because of this, my kids will actually balk at most of the overly processed meals from a box, because they ‘taste funny’ or ‘have a weird texture’. I’m really glad for this, but Sometimes, mom needs a break KWIM? However, my frozen go-to meals will still be in my freezer, but they’ll be from the organic section now. Pizza, fish sticks, you know the stuff that involves almost no work but setting a timer and heating an oven?
Quite frankly the last few shopping trips I’ve made have been an educational experience (and a bit scary too). I learned that all regularly shelved canned soups have MSG in them. After seeing this I walked back to the organic section, read the label and found it was worth the 30 cents extra a box to know what i’m eating, to recognize all ingredients and to not further poison my family with MSG. I also learned that there’s a host of chemicals in my family’s favorite bacon product. So guess what i’m not buying from the regular grocery store anymore? yep bacon. Overall, I managed to only marginally spend more on fresh, non-processed foods, and a lot more organic purchases. I’ll be honest. The grocery bill hurt, but being healthy, less medicated, and feeling better all around is worth it.
It will also be made known to other care takers for my kids, that NO processed foods allowed, NO fast foods, and NO foods with HFCS or Nitrates/nitrites. All our bodies are gonna go through a slow detox. (and some of us will have to make it through some 4yo meltdowns) IF they have a hard time abiding then i’ll have to not let them visit much. They don’t and wont have to deal with the detox when they return home. The behaviors that have to be stopped & corrected.
I challenge you to educate yourself and begin the switch to GMO Free
GMO crops are scary, and in the long run are doing horrible things to the environment, food chain, and your body. Many of the world’s countries have banned crops & foods containing them. GMO = Genetically Modified Organism or perhaps you’ve seen it this way GE(O) = Genetically Engineered (Organism). These foods aren’t good for you. If you read a list of ingredients and you don’t recognize them, you can’t pronounce them, your body doesn’t need them. Food Dyes are just as toxic and those HAVE been proven to be carcinogenic. Many do cause children with learning disabilities to fare worse.
You may think “Well the FDA says it’s “Safe” to eat”. I would like to counter with this, Have you been paying attention AT ALL to the political news? I’ll be the first to say I don’t pay full attention, but where the health of my family is concerned I have been a whole lot more. Monsanto the biggest manufacturer of GMO foods is now holding a seat on the FDA. This should have you beyond pissed off. Money Talks. So of course they’re gonna buy the results and tell you it’s safe. It’s all a crock of shit. Years of exposure are causing higher and higher instances of disease & illness all around. 100 years ago, these issues didn’t exist. The taint in our food supply needs to stop. You have a voice. How you spend your money on food is your voice. What you tell other people about your food habits is your voice. Share well searched information. Make truly informed choices.
Change CAN HAPPEN. Remember the Disney story A Bug’s Life? Where the ants rose up against the grasshoppers at the end once they realized they were stronger? That’s the American People and what we can accomplish, when we band together against Big Ag, Big Business, and the Government. WE DECIDE not them. WE put them in office, we CAN take them out. YOU have to realize YOU DO have the power to affect change! Start Local. That’s where your changes will have the most impact. Support the farmer’s markets. Support local farms. Buy from local food co-ops. Literally put your money where your mouth is!
Share with me what you are doing to create a healthier family and local economy. I would like to know!
A new Journey
I’ve applied to be a gestational carrier, in other words, A surrogate. The huz says I’m crazy, which I’m pretty sure he’s right. However, I’m doing this for multitude of reasons. There’s so many people “out there” that want children but can’t have them on their own. Situations run the gamut. Gay couples, Single parents, Traditional couples etc. Every time I got pregnant, I wasn’t really trying. I’m just a fertile kitchen witch, what can I say? So why not share? (hey, the compensation isn’t bad either and times are hard!) I will give of myself, to allow more than one family a better, more fulfilled life.
SO, yes, I will be blogging this journey as it unfolds. I’m always looking for more people to speak with about this. Leave comments, questions, words of support in the comments below.
Fall in love with the Sullivan Family (book tour)
Please enjoy this interview with Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards!
Interview with Bella Andre
about her best-selling series, The Sullivans
1. You create characters beautifully and are an absolute master of plot twists. It seems like you could write in almost any genre and do a bang-up job of it. What made you decide to devote your efforts to the romance genre in particular?
Thank you so much for the compliments! I’ve always been a huge romance fan – I’ve been reading nearly a book a day since I was a teenager – so it was a natural fit for me when the characters starting appearing in my head one day. 
2. How did the idea for this interconnected contemporary romance series first come to you? What was your inspiration?
I love the family series that have always been popular in historical romance – like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and Nora Roberts MacGregors – and I was also inspired by my husband’s large family. It seemed like a natural fit to combine the the funny and sweet family dynamics into an overarching series of sexy contemporary romances with the alpha heroes that I love so much.
3. Everyone seems to have a favorite Sullivan. Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but who is your favorite? And who’s most like you?
I’ll have to plead the fifth and pick Mary Sullivan – the family matriarch – as my favorite Sullivan. She’s the heart that keeps the family together and I get emotional whenever I write a scene with her. In fact, in COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (Smith Sullivan’s story), the scene where he calls his mother to ask for love advice is one that so many readers have told me is their absolute favorite scene in any Sullivan book.
As for who is most like me – maybe Sophie Sullivan from I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU. She loves to read (and is a librarian) and when she wants something (in her case: bad boy Jake McCann), she goes for it! Of course, I’m also a lot like Lori Sullivan (aka “Naughty”) with her big mouth and constant laughter.
4. In your opinion, what ingredients are needed to make up a good love story? Is life the same as fiction in this respect? Why or why not?
I love to love my characters and when I write a story I need two heroic, nice, good people (and why not gorgeous, too?!) who deserve love and have a lot of love to offer in return, but who are flawed partially because they haven’t found that perfect someone who compliments them like no other. I like my fiction to be a little bigger than life – the Sullivans are extraordinarily hot, sensitive and attentive – but at their heart, they’re all very real.
5. How has your own love story with your husband informed the Sullivan series? Are there any scenes that are directly taken from your own life?
I have the best husband in the entire world. Sweet, loving, sensitive…and super hot! He’s always supported me in everything I’ve ever done and I think his strength and capability to love is at the core of every hero I write.
With that said, none of the scenes are ever taken directly from my own life. I have a very active imagination.
6. Let’s pretend for a second that you are a single woman living in the world of the Sullivans, which of the six brothers would you be most likely to fall in love with and why?
Ohhhh, now THAT is a fun fantasy! I would fall in love with each and every single one of them – and do, while I’m writing each of their stories! If I had to pick one, I might have my eye on Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) – because while all of my Sullivans are sweet, sexy and sensitive – Marcus is the only one with his own endless supply of wine from his winery. And there’s just something about the oldest brother…. Then again, Zach Sullivan is such a great combination of cocky and sweet. And Ryan Sullivan has all those muscles. And Gabe is such a hero as a firefighter (and I love his dirty talking between the sheets). And Chase is so sexy and protective. And then there’s Jake McCann (who falls in love with Sophie Sullivan) with his tattoo’s and big muscles. Not to mention Lori’s hero in the upcoming ALWAYS ON MY MIND which will be out this spring. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Lori’s hero just might be the hottest hero I’ve ever written.
See, what did I tell you earlier? I’m no good at picking just one. So let’s just say, yet again, ALL OF THEM!
7. The Sullivans and their beaux have some pretty interesting careers. From photographers and sculptors to professional actors, musicians and ball players all the way to firefighters, librarians and business owners, they lead very exciting lives! What type of research did you have to do to capture these jobs so well? Do you have any interesting research anecdotes to share?
I’ve written firefighters and athletes in previous series which helped with my firefighter, Gabe (CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE) and my baseball player, Ryan (LET ME BE THE ONE). I also live in Sonoma and have a lot of experience with wine and wineries which was ideal for winery owner Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) and as a writer I’ve been blessed to work with many librarians who served as information points for Sophie (I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU.)
For books where I need inspiration, the internet has been amazing and when needed, I also call on the help of professionals. Even though I’d written firefighters before, I still sent all my firefighting scenes to a professional and for Smith’s book (COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER) I sent all the acting-set sequences to a local film producer.
8. I was very touched by the inclusion of Yorkie puppy, Cuddles, and Great Dane rescue, Atlas, in book five, If You Were Mine. Are you a dog person yourself? If you have pets, I’d love to know more about them!
I *love* animals. I had the best time writing the two dogs in IF YOU WERE MINE. They had their own little love story in that book, which pleased me to no end. There’s a cat that plays a very important role in ALWAYS ON MY MIND (Lori Sullivan’s story, coming Spring 2013). My whole family loves animals, and we’ve recently adopted a beautiful cat. Or more accurately, the cat has adopted us, smart little minx.
9. The Sullivan series is currently seven volumes long. How many more books do you have planned, and which other family members will get the spotlight in their own books?
Lori’s book (ALWAYS ON MY MIND) is up next, and there are 5 Seattle Sullivans who are ready for love – I will start with Rafe Sullivan’s book this summer! Plus, I have something *very* special planned for Mary Sullivan, their mother, planned to release for the holidays in 2013.
10. And lastly (for a bit of random fun), what has been the most amazing/ touching/ validating interaction you’ve had with a fan of your books?
Everyone who has ever written to me on Facebook or Twitter or Goodreads or via email to tell me how much they love my books and that the Sullivans have moved them in some way has touched me. I love my fans, so, so much! I have the very best time in the world writing about my Sullivans… and knowing that I have so many absolutely wonderful people waiting to read them as soon as they’re released is a total thrill every single day.
The Sullivans are on tour with Novel Publicity. Follow along for your chance to win amazing prizes. We’ve got special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards. WOW!
You’ll also get introduced to this amazing contemporary romance series via excerpts as well as interviews with and guest posts from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Bella Andre. You’ll definitely want to learn more about the family that has captured the world’s heart.
All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment–easy to enter; easy to win!
To Win the Prizes:
- Purchase any of the Sullivan ebooks by Bella Andrefor just $4.99 (optional)
- Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity (go here)
- Visit today’s featured social media event (that’s where the HUGE prizes are)
About The Sullivans: In this sexy, emotional and funny contemporary romance series, each member of the Sullivan family will eventually find true love…usually where he or she least expects it.
Get the eBooks via Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, the iBookStore, or the Kobo Store.
Audiobooks are also available for the first five in the series (with more coming soon). Plus, keep an eye out for paperback editions coming from Harlequin Romance starting Summer 2013.
About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she’d found her perfect career. Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo.
Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her “One of the top digital writers in America” and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.
- Sign up for Bella’s newsletter at www.eepurl.com/eXj22
- Visit Bella’s website at www.BellaAndre.com
- Follow Bella on twitter at www.twitter.com/bellaandre
- Join Bella on Faceboook at www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans
Lughnasadh & Corn Moon Blessings
To all my friends and family in the northern hemisphere, I wish you plentiful blessings on this first harvest and first full moon of August.
Lughnasadh Blessings )O(
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/lammas/a/AllAboutLammas.htm
To all my friends and family in the southern hemisphere blessings on the coming of spring and rebirth!
Imbolc Blessings )O(
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/a/AllAbout_Imbolc.htm
Friday the 13th was super fantastic!
No, I’m not being sarcastic either. It really was completely awesome! Friday the 13th has ALWAYS been my favorite day! 13 has ALWAYS been my favorite number. I can’t say Fridays have always been my favorite- but they come with many perks 
After the week I’d had, banking issues, insurance issues, kids driving me insane..Friday was just awesome. It really made up for it! I got to bring Roxie home! Not without a couple of issues though. we had to do a little bit of repair work to get her goin..and I had to give her a push start as well. Ultimately – even though i had to shell out for a flat bed- (we’d gone 20 miles so the tow wasn’t as expensive as it could have been) we made it home. A new friend Andrew just drooled over her. He knows a couple of people and really wants to help get her up and running. even offered to store her in his 3-car garage. We declined, as we’ve got a perfectly good (albeit kinda cluttered at the moment) garage, where we will be doing I’m guessing at least 90% of the work. I’d like to think 100% but realistically I’m thinking we’re gonna need some professional help at some point. (and I think the car too *snikcer*)
“Not even a tow truck can upset your day”
As a friend told me; “You know you’ve had a great day when having to pay for a tow truck doesn’t bother you”
The car runs fantastically for its age. it needs some maintenance, but you would too after sitting stagnant for a few years, and before that well who knows? We also found out that she was originally white. Her red color is the 3rd color she’s been. she’s also been black. Well we’re gonna sand off all the paint eventually, and put her a gorgeous cyan color and put on ivory/cream-colored stripes. She’ll be a superstar in no time. I just know it!
We’re pretty sure that the miles on the odometer are original. Lucky 7′s! It read 77,770. so I had double luck.
So, that’s what’s current with Roxie.
aren’t they pretty?
In other news, why yesterday the 13th was so fabulous?? I totally pitched myself to another local business with my jewelry! J&B Atlantic Co. in Ellsworth, ME. was really interested in my wire wrapped pendants and bracelets! they’re flooded with earrings and *run-of-the-mill* mass-produced jewelry. They’re trying to get more local artisans into their store. It’ll be on consignment but I’m ok with that! The huz just dropped off 8 hand carved canes to them yesterday as well.
The jewelry I used to sell myself? Blue lace agate pendant and the dalmatian jasper bracelet. I constantly get; “I’ve never seen wrapping like this! It’s so pretty!” Another friend has told me I do so well with it because I’ve got an “Artist’s Eye”. That was a fantastic compliment. I also have been charming all jewelry pieces that I sell. The way I see it, everyone can use a bit of magick in their day
blue lace agate pendant wrapped with gold-plated wire (currently for sale)
So, now that I’ve caught you up on my recent wanderings, I’m sure you now know why I had such a wonderful Friday the 13th. Even with mercury going retrograde today. (that is a WHOLE ‘nother issue in of itself)
have a fantastic saturday!
D5 Creation