Current Project News
My work in progress novel, Definitely, Maybe, just will not get off the ground, and it’s dragging me down with it. The time has come for me to either complete the editing process once and for all, or set it aside and start something new. To that end, I’m giving myself a deadline of December 31. If I haven’t finished revising the perspective by that time, into a drawer it goes, probably never to be heard from again. I’m putting this out there publicly now so that I hold myself accountable.
30 days, Megan.
30. Days.
Books I’ve Been Reading or Want to Read
A month or so ago, I talked about the romance, “Well Met”. You know, the one about the enemies to lovers who meet at a Renaissance Faire?
I made it to the 50% mark and then couldn’t finish. I was going to stick it out but then I realized I have zero extra time to read. If I’m going to read, I want it to be something that has me burning through the pages. Something I can’t wait to get back to. And sadly, this one just didn’t make the cut.
But now I am dying to read something that looks promising. It’s called “Get a Life Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert. GALCB was a selection in my Book of the Month November catalog and the review sounded like something I would love. Once I finish the scandalous dark romance I’m reading now (withholding the name until I finish it for FULL fear of embarrassment), I intend to start that one, or the other November choice, a thriller, called “The Family Upstairs”.
What about you? Reading anything interesting right now?
For the Love of Music
Music can change your life. Here’s what’s making a difference in mine lately.
When Am I Gonna Lose You – Local Natives (thanks, mom, for the rec)
Say Something – Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton (this song is pretty much on repeat 24/7 for me)
Podcasts I’m Diggin’
The Joe Rogan Show, specifically, episode number 1234 (yes, that’s the actual number). In this episode, Joe interviews probably the smartest person I’ve ever heard: David Sinclair, Ph.D.
In this episode, Dr. Sinclair talks about his work on “understanding why we age and how to slow its effects.”
This episode introduced me to several new ideas surrounding health:
- NMN. What it is and why it works
- How Resveratrol really works and why you need it
- How to use Intermittent Fasting and why we should
- Why X-rays are not good for us (duh, but do you know exactly why?)
- What an epigenome is (what regulates and reads our genes)
- How changing the epigenome is affecting the aging process
- and about a million other things.
This is so far, my most favorite episode of Joe’s EVER. I think I’ve listened to it four times so far. I hope you find it as interesting and as helpful as I have.
Products I Would Give Up Coffee For
Have you ever found a cozy sweater that fits you in just the right way and is unique enough that people ask you all the time where you found it?
Check this baby out:
This is the Eden sweater from Cabi. If you haven’t ever tried Cabi clothing, you are in for a treat. Cabi clothes fit like a dream, have unique and detailed styling you won’t find anywhere else, and best of all, you can shop online, or through a friend’s hosted home party. There are so many benefits to wearing and buying Cabi clothes, but most of all, you will feel amazing! This sweater is an investment at $129.99, but, like all of Cabi’s clothing, it will last FOREVER (I’m not kidding. I still have my first Cabi shirt I bought over 10 years ago and it still looks brand new).
There’s a whole catalog of great clothing online at http://www.cabi.com, but you can shop the sweater right here.
Eye Roll mug, $4.99
I was in Target this weekend and found the best coffee mug ever. My daughter was with me, she saw me freaking out about it and begged me to buy it so she could wrap it up and give it to me for Christmas.
Uh? Sold!
I hope I can wait until Christmas to use it. I mean, c’mon! This is me in a nutshell. I am the queen of the eye roll. Couple it with a slight head shake of annoyance, and bam! I’ve been cloned.
Handmade leather earrings
These black suede Gala Statements earrings from Brinley & Co. are the cutest thing. These would be darling for a New Year’s Eve outfit, or so attractive with a puffer vest and leggings. I have a similar style from this company and they are the lightest, most adorable earrings. And I love that buying from this company will support a small business. Check out their Etsy store for tons of enviable styles. You will want several!
Look how cute this is! Even if I didn’t have children to buy for this Holiday season, I would buy this for myself. This kit has everything you need to create unique ornaments. You could make them for your own tree, give the kit to a child (or creative adult), or create some beautiful ornaments.
Antique Brass Poem Compass
If you’re needing a gift for an outdoorsy friend, or a seasoned traveller, this antique brass compass is the perfect fit. The inside is engraved with Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken”, and the compass comes with a beautiful leather case.
I may be over 40 but this is something I need. First off, it’s stinkin’ cute! Second, it’s handy – now you can watch tv shows without having to prop up your phone with a pillow or something. Pretty sure my kids will be getting this mini cell phone TV speaker in their Christmas stocking as well.
Silk Hair Ties
These silk hair ties are by the same company that brought us the silk pillowcases. While the pillowcases will help keep your face from wrinkling during sleep, these hair ties will help keep your tresses from creasing. They will also keep your hair from breaking because they won’t pull. I have to sleep with my hair in a modified pineapple (twisted up on top of my head) to avoid looking like I electrocuted myself when I wake up. So I can’t wait to use these babies.
Recipe News
I made this recipe at Thanksgiving and let’s just say, we didn’t have any leftovers. Yes, it required dirtying every bowl I could find. And yes, it was super decadent. But for special occasions, this cake was the ultimate!
Every spectacular dessert recipe seems to come with the following requirements:
- A springform pan – if it needs a springform, I’m already drooling
- A Kitchen Aid mixer – “with the whisk attachment” is music to my stomach
- A double boiler – which means something yummy is about to be melted into something…yummier
- An offset spatula – hallelujah there’s going to be frosting involved
And this recipe hits them all. It’s from Martha Stewart (of course) and it’s decadent beyond decadent. Coffee and chocolate and ganache and butter, oh my! It’s like walking through the Wizard of Oz’s scary forest except it’s the baking aisle at the grocery store and you’re not afraid at all!
Click here for the recipe.
Happy Holidays, friends. I hope this Christmas season finds you happy and healthy and celebrating with those you love. Hopefully next month I will have new book information to share with you.
Cheers! And may all your kisses be long ones.
xo Megan