31 Days of Halloween

Best Time of the Year!

Oh, how I adore October. I usually celebrate the 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN by enjoying a horror movie extravaganza. However, this year I am diving into horror fiction. Here is a brief overview of some excellent stories I've read recently...

1. A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES by T. Kingfisher

Hilarious protagonist, laugh-out-loud humor, creepy storyline, very suspenseful, satisfying ending. Perfect Halloween read. Grade: A

2. THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT by Simone St. James

This is not a horror novel but it's still suspenseful, creepy, and filled with intriguing woo-woo biz. This paranormal historical mystery has an excellent combination of historical details, mysterious characters, a touch of romance, and a shocking twist at the end. Love this author! Grade: A

3. THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager

Very well-written, compelling storyline. This is a "haunted house filled with secrets" horror novel at its best. The plot jumps back and forth between the past and current times, doling out just enough details to make you race through this book to find out what happens. I did not anticipate the big surprise at the end. Loved this book! Grade: A

4. WE SOLD OUR SOULS by Grady Hendrix

This is a heavy metal vs. evil story, and it does not shy away from gory, disturbing parts. Ack! Reader Beware! There were a few plot holes, but overall I enjoyed this one. If you're a metal head, you'll love it. Thumbs up. Grade: B+

Bonus Halloween Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donuts

My family absolutely loved this recipe. It has apple cider, lots of warm spices, and instead of deep-frying, you bake them in the oven. They taste like professional donuts from a bakery. Highly recommend this recipe from Cake Whiz. 

Happy Autumn 🦉🕸🎃🦇🕷🧟‍♂️

Love, Penny 

10th Year Book Anniversary: Life Lessons

Ten years ago, in 2009, my first book was published.

It was a quirky take on the legend of Santa Claus, complete with drunken elves, five rambunctious brothers, and romance under the Christmas tree. It had won a couple of awards, and was picked up by a small publisher who offered holiday options.

Here I am, 10 years later. A decade has passed. How did that even happen?

I have now published one children's book, all five installments of the Klaus Brothers Series, an award-nominated short story with "seasoned" characters in their sixties, a rated G snowbound-in-a-cabin quickie, a novella about a treehouse designer, and an award-winning women's fiction about a reality cooking show.

In the meantime, I survived a heart attack, raised two kids, a husband, and a wiener dog.

I've been in three critique groups, attended countless conferences, offered workshops from Florida to Maine, co-hosted an indie publishing symposium, won a bunch of awards, sold a bunch of books, accumulated reviews--the good, the bad, and the ugly--mentored other authors, befriended many readers, ran a review site, and learned more about the publishing industry than I really ever wanted to know. I even had a film company express interest in one of my books. This amounted to nothing, but it added a bit of excitement to my author journey.

Yesterday, I spent some time thinking about what lessons I've learned over the last decade. Yes, I've learned a lot of lessons. 

But when you really get right down to it, I can sum up a decade of learning into two points...

1. Focus on the writing.

2. True friendships are the golden nugget.

The Writing: I started my writing journey as an eight-year-old, lugging around a dingy white notebook with my first story scribbled in extremely feminine cursive.

I was eight. I didn't know anything about marketing trends, agents, or conferences.

All I knew was that story I could not stop thinking about was growing and expanding and becoming something exciting. I had discovered the "thrill" that a writer experiences with the birth of a novel.

And, after a decade of publishing bullshit, I now know that the "thrill" is still the most important thing.

Really, the only thing.

It's true. I see a lot of authors get caught up in the other stuff--dollar signs in their eyes, and awards season, and so bent out of shape when they get a bit of criticism. But the truth is, if you have the heart and soul of a writer, that "thrill" is the reason you're doing this.

As it should be.

True Friendships: Doesn't matter who or what you are. Teacher, social worker, stay-at-home mom. Scientist, author, Hollywood actor.

Pretty soon you figure out those true, loyal friends are the golden nuggets of your life.

They deserve your time and energy and love. And you learn to push the backstabbers, who are sometimes dressed in sheep's clothing, off the proverbial cliff.

Those true friends are with you every step of the way, whether you're rich or poor or depressed or useful. Long after you write your last book, you'll be laughing together at the nursing home and listening to 1980s Madonna songs.

Hold on tight to those people.

✯✯✯

That's it.

Those are the lessons.

I expect those same two lessons will still be appropriate years from now.

I find it interesting that over the last twenty years of writing, I've come full circle. Started as an enthusiastic writer, became fully immersed in the publishing world, and then found my way back to this basic place where writing is the focus.

It's a good place to be.

Love and good wishes to all the storytellers out there,

Nina/Penny

Simple Living Holiday Edition: How To De-Stress Christmas

Last year I had a wee little freak-out on Christmas day.

After months of shopping and cooking and card-writing, the actual BIG DAY was a disaster.

Everyone was in a bad mood, especially ME!

I decided that I was going to make some big changes this year and turn the whole holiday around for my family.

Here's my plan for the 2018 HOLIDAY SEASON...

1. Cut out the cards.

Every year I spend a ton of time attempting to find the perfect family photo (you know, all four of us with our eyes open...good luck with that!), and then I have to design a card, order the cards, go to the post office, stamp/address hundreds of envelopes, etc. I hate it. Cards are expensive. They are wasteful. Bottom line: WHO CARES!

They're out.

(Wheeeeee! I FEEL BETTER ALREADY!)

2. Focus on experiences, not gifts.

My kids are not little anymore. Christmas morning is a big deal when your kids are young. All those presents under the tree...their eyes light up. It's magic! And fun.

Then...your kids grow up. They want gift cards and a new iPhone.

Last year there were too many gifts and a lot of complaints, and I'm done with that.

This year, I am replacing the gifts with experiences.

Ideas:

***Attending the Nutcracker Ballet

***Glass-blowing class for the kids to make a tree ornament

***Attending the light show at Tower Hill Botanic Garden

***Going to a musical performance

***Winter hike in the woods/Owl Prowl

***Make hand-made wreaths/holiday flower bouquets

***Make (and give away) Christmas cookies!

I think my family will appreciate this. We need to spend time together. That's more important than stuff.

3. New Christmas Eve tradition, inspired by Iceland.

It's called Jolabokaflod. It means Yule Book Flood. Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading.

BE STILL MY BOOK-OBSESSED HEART!

Unfortunately, even though my husband and I adore books, my kids are less excited about them.

But, I will not be deterred!

I am going to get my son books about the environment and science and photography (his passions) and my daughter books about style and fashion and art (her passions) and my husband travel journals and books about fly-fishing (his passions), and I'll give "Santa" a list of books I'd like, too.

I think I'll add holiday books to the list as well. It's nice to collect books about Christmas/other holiday traditions.

This is just one more reason to love Iceland!

4. Establish new/old Christmas morning tradition.

When I was young, my family had a fairly formal Christmas morning breakfast. My mom set the table with her Christmas china, and we had a full breakfast and hot chocolate and Christmas candies.

It was super sweet and lovely.

My family has gotten into the unfortunate habit of attacking the tree and gifts first thing.

I don't like it.

So...it's out.

We will be reinstating the "Christmas Breakfast" tradition at our house. The kids can help. I have A LOT of Christmas dishware.

This is a more relaxed way to start the day.

Less about the stuff, more about the experience.

5. Edit the decorations/stuff.

I never saw a Christmas shop I didn't like. 

We have nutcrackers and angels and elves and snowflakes and Santas and lights and big trees and little trees.

And...cripes. It's just all too much!

So, I'm learning to "edit" with my decor. EVERYTHING does not need to be displayed every year.

(Repeat that three times and make a wish!)

Last year I chose a few select things to put out. It looked a lot better, and it was easier to clean up after Christmas.

This tip brought to you by Project Runway. EDIT EDIT EDIT!

How about all of you? What do you do to decrease your stress over the holidays?

Let's chat!

xoxoxo

Nina/Penny

20 Ways To Simplify Your Life

What's the most important thing you do to "simplify" your life? Are you trying to save time? Money? Make things less complicated?

I have figured out quite a few things that help me in my quest for a kinder, gentler, more simple existence.

Hopefully some of these tips will help you, too!


PERSONAL CARE


1. CLOTHES: THE UNIFORM

This one is a no-brainer for me because I don't care about clothes. At all. For those of you who do care, you may be horrified by this suggestion, but it's one of the best parts of my own personal system.

I have a summer uniform and a winter uniform.

For winter, I wear a white T-shirt and black pants. I layer that up with hoodies, cardigans, jackets, vests, etc. But the basic uniform is white T and black pants.

When I shop, I buy a bunch of the exact same item to simplify this process. So, I have about 10 short-sleeve white T-shirts from LL Bean, and 10 black pants (half are work-out pants and the other half are easy-wear black pants from J Jill).

My summer uniform is a white T-shirt and cropped linen pants. 

That's it!

Wearing a uniform makes shopping easy and dressing easy. I can get ready in the morning in under five minutes.


2. ACCESSORIZE

If you want to jazz up the uniform, accessorize. I have fun jewelry, cardigans, hair clips, etc.


3. BEAUTY REGIME

Soap.

Hee hee. I know. Crazy! But this is pretty much the extent of my beauty routine. I wear no make-up, or just minimal make-up for a night out. It takes a couple of minutes. That's it.

My soap is lemon-scented. I love lemon!

I only buy cruelty-free products for everything. Please look for the cruelty-free mark when purchasing beauty products.


4. HAIR CARE

I use various brands of shampoo/conditioner for white/gray hair--I'm not partial to any one product. I finger-comb out the snarls in the shower. My only post-shower hair product is hair cream--also various products, whatever works. If I don't use the hair cream my big curly hair turns into a frizz-ball!

I get hair cuts a couple of times a year. No more coloring appointments. This has cut down care, cost, maintenance, etc. I have embraced the white/silver/gray hairs!

My "hair styling"--if you could call it that--is either to let my curly hair down naturally, or to wear it twisted up in a clip.

Easy. Fast. Cheap.

I'M WEARING A BLUE T-SHIRT HERE! AHHHHH!

EXERCISE


5. WALK

I don't have a gym membership. Walking is the cheapest, easiest, most flexible work-out.

It's free, you can do it anywhere. You can squeeze it into any time of the day, while you are doing errands (walk to the post office), etc.

I'm pretty much obsessed with walking.


6. INDOOR EXERCISE

Okay, this is sort of embarrassing. If the weather outside is really icy or a blizzard or a monsoon or something, I walk in the house.

No, I don't have a treadmill.

I have a loop I do inside the house, from my husband's office, through the kitchen, through the living room, down the hallway, and back again.

I listen to music while I walk. The cool thing about walking inside is that I can stop and dance (I'M A 1980s GIRL!) or do strengthening exercises any time I want to and my neighbors don't look at me like I'm a nut.

Cheap, easy, no equipment necessary!



HOME AND GARDEN CARE


7. CLEANING TIPS FOR THE KITCHEN

This is probably the easiest (and most ridiculous) thing that has improved/simplified my household chores.

Make sure to run the dishwasher at night.

(Or, clean the dishes/kitchen at night).

In the morning you wake up with a clean kitchen. De-cluttering is one of the most important things to help with your mental well-being. Studies show that being surrounded by clutter in your home can greatly impact your anxiety and depression.

Turn on the music and wash the dishes. Even if you're tired!

By running the dishwasher at night, I wake up to a clean kitchen. I unload the dishes while my daughter gets ready for school, and then the dishwasher is empty and ready to be filled up during the day. Huge improvement on having dirty dishes collect all day causing more clutter.

Such a simple thing, but it totally improved my life!

I love the lemon-scented Mrs. Meyers products. I use 
the Mrs. Meyer's multi-surface every day cleaner with the lemon verbena scent. Also, the lemon verbena hand-soap.

Another helpful kitchen tip: I have a split sink, so I fill half the sink with soapy suds during the day. If I have pots/pans/anything that needs to soak, I throw them in there to make washing easier later. And the kitchen looks tidier without dirty pots all over the place.

Love the lemon-scented candle, too!

8. LAUNDRY

I start a load of laundry first thing in the morning before I go for my walk. It's ready for the dryer when I get home. This way, you get at least one load done per day.

Because I have back issues, I cannot carry super heavy laundry baskets. My new discovery (compliments of my college-age son) are these black collapsible bags. They hold a small load (not too heavy) and I can drag them around. 


9. BATHROOM

Have a little bucket of your cleaning products in the bathroom. Hide it in a cabinet or behind the toilet. I've found that if the cleaning stuff is where you need it when you need it, it gets used. If it's on the other side of the house in a closet, forget about it.

I have wipes, a bottle of Lysol spray, and Meyer's spray for quick cleans of sink, toilet, tub.


10. GROW USEFUL PLANTS

I highly recommend creating a kitchen garden if you have the space. I have a variety of herbs and fruits/veggies in our garden. It's wonderful to be able to step outside, trim a bunch of fresh basil, and use it while cooking dinner. We harvested bowls and bowls of fresh raspberries this summer. Having a kitchen garden simplifies your weekly shopping and opens up a whole new culinary world! 

Herbs are basically weeds. They are SUPER easy to grow. Some of my favorites include basil, mint, oregano, lemon balm, lemon verbena, edible flowers (like Johnny Jump-Ups and Nasturtiums), and chives. Favorite veggies include English peas, radishes, pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplant, and hot peppers.

My kitchen garden is very low-maintenance. I hardly ever weed and let things get a little bit wild. Everything still tastes good!

We had an early summer batch and late summer batch. Yum!

11. GROW BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS/SHRUBS/TREES

One of my favorite things is to meander around my yard and collect flowers for a lovely (free) bouquet for the house.

Favorite plants include hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, peonies, herbs, flowering trees.

Bouquet picked from my front yard!

12. WEEDING

Worst part of taking care of the garden: WEEDING. Ugh!

My way of dealing with this...relax your expectations. It's okay if you have a few weeds in the garden. No one will die.

If I have the time/inclination to weed (ha!), I pick a small chunk to work on so I am not overwhelmed. Making small goals/tasks in the garden will keep the stress down.

You can also decrease the need to weed by covering spots with ground covers, herbs, mulch, etc. Simplify your life!


ORGANIZATION


13. Daily Planner

Some folks have a planner on-line, some use a cute little journal. I have washi tape, stickers, colored markers for fun. Whatever floats your boat! I use my journal for these things:

**Daily schedule, including appointments
**Food journal
**Exercise journal
**Inspiration for writing projects
**Morning start-up routine

What is the "morning start-up routine?" At the top of each day I have these things written on the banner...

MAKE BED...PILLS...CLEAN...LAUNDRY...WALK

I check them off as they get finished. Once these things are done, I'm ready to start my day. I always feel better mentally when the bed is made (our bedroom is on the first floor, so people can see it...no hiding the messy bedroom), the kitchen and bathroom are quick-cleaned, and laundry is started. For my health, I take my heart pills and go for a walk.

Five things done each morning. This structure helps with my peace of mind immensely.

14. LISTS

Some people hate lists. It adds to their anxiety. For me, it's the opposite. I have weekly lists (goals), monthly, yearly (long-term), and sheets for each member of the family. This helps me to keep on top of medical appointments for everyone, school/camp schedules, conferences, etc.

I also do a separate sheet for writing/publishing goals and a schedule for this.

I have all the sheets in a clipboard next to my desk.

I LOVE checking things off the list. BEST FEELING EVER!


15. STRUCTURE

Having a regular schedule can be a huge stress-buster. I used to do this for weekly dinners...Monday (chicken), Tuesday (pasta), Wednesday (quesadilla), Thursday (vegetarian), Friday (soup/salad/sandwich night), etc. It made grocery-shopping easier, and evenings more relaxed. I wasn't running around like a nut trying to plan, shop, and cook meals.


16. PRINTABLE SHOPPING LIST

To make sure your fridge, freezer, and pantry are stocked with all your favorites and go-to products, make a master list and save it on your computer. Print up a copy each week and circle the stuff you need to purchase.

It only takes about 15 minutes to create, and it will save you time and make you less forgetful.


17. SUNDAY CATCH-UP DAY

Sunday is catch-up day and prep for the week. This simplifies your weekly schedule and combats stress.

**Try to finish up all loads laundry. It's nice to start the week with a bunch of clean clothes!

**Clean out fridge and pantry.

**Plan meals. Grocery shop for the week.

**Do some meal prep. I will hard-boil eggs, make a few containers of chopped veggies for snacks/salads. Chop up fruit in containers for my vegetarian daughter. All this stuff makes weekly mornings flow better.

**Are you on a diet? Try this! I have a shelf in my fridge filled with healthy snacks so when you find yourself totally starved, you have healthy options ready to go. This shelf includes cheese sticks, hummus, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, containers of crunchy veggies, and buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.


18. CASH-ONLY EXISTENCE

I've started this trend since my daughter enrolled in private school. If you attempt to use cash to pay for things (vs. credit cards), it will make you more mindful of each purchase. Do I really need this [fill-in-the-blank]? 

My husband and I are astounded by how much money we have saved this year. 

I still use my credit cards, but much more judiciously than I used to. 

Try this for a month and see what happens!


HYGGE


19. NATURE

I try to incorporate the Danish concept of "Hygge" (being cozy, happy, leading a mindful simple life) into my every day schedule. 

The  most important thing for me...nature. Favorite activity: walking in the woods. If I don't have time for this, I might collect flowers, visit a plant nursery, spend a few minutes looking at birds in the neighborhood, even weeding the garden helps! I just need to connect to nature for a few minutes to keep me in my zen place. This is simple, cheap, easy, and guaranteed to improve your emotional well-being. Those Danes know what they're talking about!

20. DAILY HYGGE

What's a simple way to ensure you are taking good care of yourself each day?

Add HYGGE onto your daily to-do list!

To combat the long to-do list filled with errands and chores, I make sure to include something on my list every day that is just for me, something that makes me happy. It can be a small and simple thing...splurging on a flower bouquet at the market, having coffee with a friend, a walk on the Audubon trail. It doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. It's simple self-care.


One thing I have noticed over the years...just when I think I have things figured out, something changes and my plans for simplification no longer work. You have to be flexible! Especially as your kids grow and change. That's the biggest adjustment.

Figuring out what works for you and maintaining a system can be a life-saver.

HAPPY SIMPLE LIVING TO ALL!

Best,

Nina

Summer Hygge

When I was searching for the meaning of life (*mid-life crisis...cough cough*) I came across the term "Hygge" and was instantly smitten. It's a Danish word that embodies a feeling of coziness and contentment. It essentially evolved as a way of surviving brutal winters without going stark-raving mad. In other words, if you have many months of darkness and cold, you need to figure out a way to embrace that weather and find the good and beauty there. 

Winter Hygge practices may involve snuggling under a cozy blanket, sipping hot coffee in front of a fire, and playing outside in the snow.

But Hygge is more than a season. It's a feeling...a way to live in the moment and find happiness.

Summer is actually the perfect time to practice Hygge, especially if you love nature and being outside.

Here are ten of my favorite ways to slow down and savor the moment during the summer season...

1. Walk outside and enjoy nature. This is probably my favorite outdoor experience. I love the wind on my face, checking out flora and fauna, and the silence and perspective I get away from civilization.

I recommend walking in a forest where it's shady and cool. Or, if you don't mind people (hee hee)...walking near the beach so you get a lovely summer breeze. One of the best summer spots is Sachuest Point in Middletown, Rhode Island. You can bird-watch, walk along the cliffs, and then grab a Del's lemonade on the way home. Bliss!

2. Make sun-tea. This is such a satisfying old-fashioned ritual. Take a clear pitcher, add 6 tea bags (I like Decaf Ginger Peach from The Republic of Tea), add water, and then place in the sunshine. Once the tea has steeped, you can remove the tea bags and add fresh herbs (lemon balm, lemon verbena, mint), or even slices of fresh fruit. Serve over ice. Refreshing!

3. Swim outside. There's a big difference between swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool packed with kids and swimming in a fresh water lake. Swimming all alone. Just you, a view of the mountains, and maybe a couple of fish near your feet.

My favorite and most invigorating swim was at the Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont. The water (Lake Champlain) was freezing cold. Makes you feel alive! Fabulous experience.

4. Cook outside. Summer cooking is simple, easy, and so delicious. The farm stand is filled with fabulous fresh veggies and herbs. Who wants to turn on the oven when it's hot? No one! Time to fire up the grill.

Here's one of my favorite simple summer meals... a grilled veggie salad. Slice up zucchini, red onion, and orange/yellow peppers, grill until they have a nice char, toss with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper. Serve over greens and sprinkle with a bit of feta or goat cheese.

5. Garden daily. Another necessity in my life. It combines beauty, science, and creativity. Not only does it feed my soul, but it feeds my family. Gardening is calming and life-affirming, as well as practical (tomatoes for lunch!). BEST HOBBY EVER! 

Every day I do a bit of weeding and check out the new developments--what has bloomed, what fruits are ripe and ready to be picked, what herbs are sprouting. I also snip a fresh bouquet to place on my kitchen window sill. I usually add fragrant herbs for a nice scent in the house. I'm especially partial to lemon, so I like to trim lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon basil, etc.

6. Socialize outside! One year I put white Christmas lights on my deck during the winter, and then after the holidays, I left them there. (No, I wasn't being lazy. I totally meant to do that!) Unexpected discovery: my deck was transformed into a whimsical spot for the summer. Add some bouquets of fresh flowers on the table, a few candles, and voilà! You now have the perfect spot to entertain. Make some summer cocktails, hang out under the stars. You can even create a summer cocktail bar with various fresh herbs from your garden. Party time!

7. Read outside. Kindle, print book. Doesn't matter. Reading is more relaxing when you are hiding in a shady spot with a gentle breeze ruffling your gorgeous silver hair. *wink* Personally, I like to hide under the big umbrella on my deck with a glass of sun-tea and my latest favorite Harlequin Presents. As one does.

8. Plan a local road trip. My only rule about travel...try to make it simple and stress-free. Otherwise, you need a vacation after your vacation. 

My family drove up to Maine recently. It's an easy drive, and we stopped for lobster rolls, to see the lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth, and had an incredible visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, which is nothing short of stellar. Confession from a Botany Geek: I was so taken with this gorgeous and inspiring spot, I cried. Twice. This garden is a hidden gem of the best kind. If you get a chance to visit, take it! 

9. Open your windows! I'm a fresh air nut. You know how some people love A/C and some love fresh air? I want the air. Even if it's filled with pollen, I still want the air.

After a long tough New England winter, I love getting a summer breeze in the house. I also love the view of my window boxes spilling over with flowers and herbs. It's a nice way to enjoy the weather.

10. Visit a farmer's market. Some shopping I hate: CLOTHES! Ugh. And some shopping I love: antiques, plants, and FARM STANDS. The best! There is something that is quintessentially summer about meandering through an outdoor market.

I just had a lovely time with my mother and sister at the farmer's market in Sewickley, PA. It had herbs and baked goods and pottery and wine and gorgeous plants and food stalls. One of the nicest markets I've seen.

I'm also partial to the farmer's market in Norwich, Vermont, where I used to get salad mixes with greens and flowers and herbs. So charming!

✺ ✺ ✺

So, there you have it. Ten of my favorite ways to enjoy the moment during the summer months. There's no reason you can't enjoy that cozy, happy Hygge feeling even if the weather is hot and sunny.

Just take a step outside and slow down your pace.

Hoping all of you have a wonderful summer,

Penny/Nina