Great for the day after Christmas morning.
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon almond or vanilla extract
1 6-ounce package Ocean Spray® Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries, any flavor
3/4 cup sliced almonds
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325ºF.
Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together eggs, egg whites and almond or vanilla extract in a separate mixing bowl. Add to dry ingredients, mixing just until moist, using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add sweetened dried cranberries and almonds; mix thoroughly.
On a floured surface, divide batter in half and pat each half into a log approximately 14-inches long and 1 1/2-inches wide. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 300ºF. Cut biscotti into 1/2-inch slices. Stand upright on cookie sheet and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Let cool and store in a loosely covered container. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.
PER SERVING (1 cookie): Cal 100 (5%DV), Fat Cal. 15, Total Fat 2grams(2.5%DV), Chol. 14mg(5%DV), Sodium 38mg(2%DV), Pot. 35mg(1%DV), Carb. 19grams(6%DV), Fiber <1gram(3%DV), Protein 2grams(4%DV), Vit. A 21IU(0%DV), Vit. C <1mg(0%DV), Calcium 18mg(2%DV), Iron <1mg(3%DV), Dietary Exchange: Fruit 1, Fat 0.5
http://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/Cranberry_Almond_Biscotti.aspx?id=266&nid=9
Have an awesome day,
Tina
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tina Tidings of Christmas Gift Ideas
Scanning the globe for just the right gift for your dog.
Might want to watch this video
http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/12/04/canines-get-their-paws-on-christmas-cake?videoId=239634292&newsChannel=oddlyEnoughNews
Might want to watch this video
http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/12/04/canines-get-their-paws-on-christmas-cake?videoId=239634292&newsChannel=oddlyEnoughNews
Luckily my dog is much easier to please.
No so true of the rest of my family.
As for the men in your life.
Sports equipment or tools. Unlike women, men don't see tools as a extension of them having to do work around the house.
Tickets to some type of event is also a way you can share in the fun and get a night out. (Just a thought.)
Teenagers are the next hardest to buy for.
Electronics has always been popular for my boys but they can be very picky... might try a gift card from best buy to make it easiler.
Games are also a fun treat for the family. Personal, remember not to pick ones you don't enjoy. You don't want to have to play monoply if you don't like the game.
Books - now with the ereaders people can read them anywhere. Also, if you're taking a long car trip audio books are wonderful. I have spent many hours listening to Harry Potter.
My oldest is a big Jim Butcher fan.
Hope this help and have a wonderful holiday season,
Tina
Friday, December 6, 2013
History of Mistletoe

While out surfing the net I found this information about mistletoe on
http://www.merry-christmas.com/stories/mistletoe.htm
http://www.merry-christmas.com/stories/mistletoe.htm
Thought it was interesting enough to share.
Mistletoe was often hung over the entrances to homes of the pagans in Scandinavian countries to keep out evil spirits. An old Scandinavian myth tells of the seemingly invulnerable god, Balder, who was struck down by a dart made from mistletoe. The tears of this mother, Frigga, became the white berries of the mistletoe, and it was decreed that the plant must never again be used as a weapon.
Frigga, who was the goddess of love, henceforth gave a kiss to anyone who passed under the mistletoe. It may be that our present custom of kissing under the mistletoe derives from this old legend.
Legend holds that the Druids, who were members of a pagan religious order in ancient Gaul, Briton and Ireland, held the mistletoe in such reverence that if enemies met under it in the forest, a truce was declared for the day. It was their belief that only happiness would enter a home when mistletoe hung over the door.
When the Yule season approached, the mistletoe was cut down from the sacred oaks by the Prince of the Druids who used a golden sickle. The mistletoe was distributed to the people who believed it possessed powers of the protection against sickness and evil. Later among Christians it came to symbolize the healing powers of Christ.
Hope you enjoy the holiday season and a cyber kiss of luck to all,
Tina
Mistletoe was often hung over the entrances to homes of the pagans in Scandinavian countries to keep out evil spirits. An old Scandinavian myth tells of the seemingly invulnerable god, Balder, who was struck down by a dart made from mistletoe. The tears of this mother, Frigga, became the white berries of the mistletoe, and it was decreed that the plant must never again be used as a weapon.
Frigga, who was the goddess of love, henceforth gave a kiss to anyone who passed under the mistletoe. It may be that our present custom of kissing under the mistletoe derives from this old legend.
Legend holds that the Druids, who were members of a pagan religious order in ancient Gaul, Briton and Ireland, held the mistletoe in such reverence that if enemies met under it in the forest, a truce was declared for the day. It was their belief that only happiness would enter a home when mistletoe hung over the door.
When the Yule season approached, the mistletoe was cut down from the sacred oaks by the Prince of the Druids who used a golden sickle. The mistletoe was distributed to the people who believed it possessed powers of the protection against sickness and evil. Later among Christians it came to symbolize the healing powers of Christ.
Hope you enjoy the holiday season and a cyber kiss of luck to all,
Tina
Monday, December 2, 2013
Little Brown Bottle You Shouldn't be Without
Hydrogen Peroxide.
This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small pri nt says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a lit tle on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal w ith any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will .
8. Tilt your h ead back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a c old, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty bl onde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungu s, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of white s in your laundry to wh iten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let i t sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.
I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.
Have a great day,
Tina
This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small pri nt says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a lit tle on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal w ith any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will .
8. Tilt your h ead back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a c old, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty bl onde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungu s, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of white s in your laundry to wh iten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let i t sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.
I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner.
Have a great day,
Tina
Friday, November 29, 2013
Honky Tonk Hearts Blitz for @calliehutton
Choose Your Heart
by Callie Hutton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Midwife Kerry Mackenzie has tried to move on with her life to no avail. Her deceased husband’s parents expect her to remain true to his memory. But at twenty-four, Kerry’s too young to wear widow weeds for the rest of her life. Seeking independence, she takes a job miles from home that will require her to move. Things may have worked out as planned if she hadn’t gotten stranded on the way…
Ranch owner Damian Greer happens upon Kerry perched alongside her disabled car on an Amarillo highway. Coming from a family whose members move quickly when it comes to love, the instant attraction he feels is no surprise. After observing her during an emergency, he suspects she may be the woman for him.
When it appears her car will be out of commission for a few days, Damian offers to drive Kerry to Albuquerque to meet with her realtor. Can Damian convince her to abandon her plan, and give them a chance?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The baby boy slid out of its mother’s body just as two medics pushed a gurney up to the truck. Kerry quickly used her index finger to clear the infant’s mouth.
The baby sucked in a breath, and let out with a wail. Damian released the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Hopefully, he wouldn’t embarrass himself by having anyone notice the tears standing in his eyes.
His trembling fingers ran through his hair, tugging at his scalp. Never in his life had he witnessed anything so incredible. He took in a deep gulp of air and grinned. Kerry’s face lit up, and her gaze connected with his. In the flashing light from the bar, their eyes locked. Her face shone with sweat, curls plastered to her head, almost as if she had given birth.
Damian’s gut clenched, and a powerful, totally unfamiliar feeling raced through him.
He fought the urge to grab this woman and kiss her senseless. His previous sense of finally having found the right one for him hit him like a fist to the gut.
Dude, you’re in big trouble.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I’ve been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave me a way to turn off the voices in my head. After having a number of articles and interviews published in newspapers and magazines, I took on what I’d always dreamed of. Writing that book. I currently have a number of both historical and contemporary romance books published. Visit my website for more information. www.calliehutton.com
I currently live in Oklahoma with my husband and adult children who move in and out with alarming regularity. Add three rescue dogs and the household is complete—and full. I enjoy hearing from my readers, and would love to have you visit me on Facebook.
Website: www.calliehutto.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Callie-Hutton/206166449404454
Twitter: @calliehutton
Buy links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Choose-Heart-Honky-Hearts-ebook/dp/B00DN6J1BC/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381448710&sr=1-11&keywords=callie+hutton
TWRP: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_141&products_id=5311
Callie will be awarding an autographed copy of any of her in-print books, (A Run For Love; An Angel in the Mail; A Tumble Through Time; Emma's Journey; A Prescription For Love) and a hand-made beaded bookmark (US ONY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Thanks Callie for stopping by,
Tina
Monday, November 25, 2013
Where do Ideas come from? By Barbara Edwards
Thanks, Tina for having me as your guest during this busy season
of the year.
One of the biggest problems any writer faces is finding fresh material.
I usually get my plot ideas from dreams, but my holiday romance, Journey of the
Magi, sprang from Christmas decorating.
I was setting up my Manger under the tree and my grand-daughter
asked about the extra figures I have crowding the space.
She pointed at a beat-up, peeling set of three Wisemen. They
belonged to my Grand-Mother and my Mother used them for years. When she passed
away I took them. Memories washed over me and I wished I could share them all.
The idea for a woman taking her children to her childhood home so they could
have Christmas there bloomed like a Poinsettia.
It wasn’t easy to refine my idea into a love story, but I did.
To get back to my original point, ideas can spring from anywhere.
A writer needs to choose what can be turned into a viable story. I have dozens
of scene ideas stored in my files. Ideas that never got beyond a flicker. I
also have several stories that are in progress. One of them is another
Christmas story for next year.
Journey of the Magi blurb:
Widow Noel Martin never
breaks promises, and she promised her kids they’d have Christmas at her
childhood home in Connecticut. But driving across country takes money. Noel is
broke when a snowstorm blows them into a tiny Minnesota café owned by a man who
can change her mind. She accepts his offer of a job. Despite her attraction to
him, she makes it clear she is only temporary help.
Dan Longstreet isn’t adopting
any more strays, but he needs a waitress. Dan works so hard to make his café a success, he doesn't have
time for love. Though Noel’s slender blonde
beauty stuns him and her two adorable children tug at his heart, he denies how
they threaten to change his life.
When tragedy strikes, their
new-found love is the first victim. Noel can't stay and Dan can't
leave. Will their journey be the gift that reunites them? http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ
Excerpt from Journey of the Magi:
“Oh, Holly, how many times have I told you
not to open the door to strangers?”
Holly stared at her mother.
“That’s what Dan said, too.” Her forehead
wrinkled as she pursed her mouth. “Do all grown-ups say the same things?”
“Not all. And I think you should call him Mr.
Longstreet.”
“I did. But he said I could call him Dan
since you were already friends.”
Noel ducked her head to avoid Holly’s gaze as
her stomach warmed. Friends? Her pulse raced and her skin tingled when he was
close, not feelings she had for a friend. Dan sparked a strong attraction in
her, but she had no intention of acting on it. She had to keep firmly to her
goal: they were going home.
Home. She’d dreamed of returning for so long.
If she was honest, going home had been her hope for years. The big old
farmhouse had given a sad, lonely child more than shelter. It held the memories
of loving arms cradling her, fresh-baked cookies and safety. All the things she
wanted for her babies.
Nicholas gave a contented hiccup and she
eased him over to burp. As soon as she dressed, she’d remind Dan she had to
leave before Christmas. http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ
Please follow, friend or like me. I
love to hear from my readers.
Facebook like page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Edwards/7404155889 Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/102148715888439595783/posts
Tina
.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Author Quote from HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES by PJ Sharon
“Trust me; a sure fire way for any relationship
to fail is to expect someone to change for you. It’s too much pressure. You
have to let people be who they are.”
This quote is from Brig, Jordie’s grandfather, who
is a retired Brigadier General in the Marines. Sound advice from a voice of
experience and reason!
One of the most common difficulties teens have in
relationships (and many adults share) is trying to control or change the other
person. This is a central theme in this story and one that nicely resolves at
the end when Jordie finally learns to let go of trying to “fix” Alex.
Accepting people for who they are and loving them in spite of their
flaws is what real love is about. In HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES, Jordie has lost her
brother Levi in the war in Iraq. But she doesn’t believe the military report
that his best friend and fellow Marine, Alex Cooper, is at fault. Alex was the
careful one—the shy, protective, computer geek she’s had a crush on since the
ninth grade, and she knows better than anyone that her troubled brother had a
dark and reckless side—a secret she’s kept for far too long.
With no memory of the incident
that killed his best friend, nineteen year-old Alex Cooper returns home, shattered
and facing a difficult recovery. Determined to go it alone, he pushes Jordie
away. No longer the freckle-faced tom-boy who followed him and Levi around as a
kid, she has become a beautiful and stubborn young woman who believes in him
far more than he deserves.
While Jordie’s unique approach to
rehab pushes Alex to extremes, the two discover that their childhood friendship
has grown into more. The attraction has Jordie’s head spinning and her heart
soaring, but Alex struggles to deal with his guilt, his loss, and the
nightmares that continue to haunt him. Even though Jordie is determined to help
him heal and even more determined to find the truth, what she finds is love.
But can that love overcome the pain of loss that they share? And will Jordie
figure out that the best way to show someone you love them is to let them go?
I hope you enjoy this sweet
Thanksgiving story about love, redemption, and the ways in which even imperfect
people can support and sustain one another through difficult times.
Kristan
Higgins, NYT and USA Today bestselling author says,
“Filled with the complex emotions of grief, confusion and
first love, HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES is a rich, uplifting story that will touch a
reader’s heart.”
Huntley Fitzpatrick, author of MY LIFE NEXT DOOR says,
“A haunting, authentic love story with a
strong, appealing heroine.”
4.5
stars on 27 Amazon Customer Reviews
IndiePENdents
seal of approval for quality Indie fiction.
BUY
LINKS:
ALSO AVAILABLE ON AUDIO:
i-Tunes link to audiobook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/heaven-is-for-heroes-unabridged/id647222660?uo=4
Signup
for PJ’s Newsletter: http://circlepad.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0fd89e9ae21de08e7c6a097b9&id=8b525d66a1
AUTHOR
BIO:
PJ Sharon is the award winning author
of several independently published, contemporary young adult novels, including
HEAVEN IS FOR HEROES, ON THIN ICE, and SAVAGE CINDERELLA, winner of the 2013
HOLT Medallion Award for outstanding literary talent and the 2013 National
Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She is excitedly working on The Chronicles
of Lily Carmichael, a YA Dystopian trilogy. WANING MOON, Book One in the
trilogy, was a finalist in the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards
and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence. Book Two, Western Desert released
in June of 2013.
Writing young adult fiction since 2007
and following her destiny to write romantic and hopeful stories for teens, PJ
is a member of Romance Writers of America, CTRWA, and YARWA. She is mother to
two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.
Tina
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