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Asian Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo & Broccoli Slaw
Looking for something different? These slider-sized burgers are absolutely delicious and healthy to boot. What I love about these is that typically have most of the ingredients on hand so it’s a snap to throw them together. Asian Turkey Burgers with Quick Slaw: 1 pkg prepared broccoli slaw (approx 4 cups)* 1 red bell pepper, julienne cut 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 1.5 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce, divided 2 tbsp dark sesame oil, divided 1 pound ground turkey 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 scallion chopped 1 tsp fresh ground ginger 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (I like Avocado Oil Mayo) 1 Tbsp Sriracha sauce…
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LSBBT: The Encouragement Letters by Shanna Spence
I’m always on the lookout for positive, inspiring reads for children/young middle grade readers, and The Encouragement Letters by author Shanna Spence is one such book. Read on to learn more about this historical fiction set during the Industrial Revolution in England, and enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of the book and an Amazon gift card! THE ENCOURAGEMENT LETTERS by SHANNA SPENCE Sub-genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction Publisher: Book Liftoff Date of Publication: November 22, 2017 Number of Pages: 180 Scroll down for the giveaway! WILLIAM CROMWELL, at age eleven, knew what it w as like living with new changes. In 1865, Manchester, England…
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Book Review: Old Buildings in North Texas by Jen Waldo
I’m back with another book on a Lone Star Book Blog Tour, and this one is delightfully different. Old Buildings In North Texas by Jen Waldo is a blend of drama and humor, and introduces a truly unique character who will captivate you as she might frustrate you. It’s a story that flows with Waldo’s exceptional prose, so read on for my review and then scroll down to enter in our giveaway. OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS by JEN WALDO Sub-genre: Literary Fiction / Dramedy Publisher: Arcadia Books Date of Publication: April 1, 2018 Number of Pages: 213 Scroll down for the giveaway! After rehab, Olivia, a 32-year-old cocaine addict,…
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Lone Star Book Blog Tour: Mistletoe Miracles by Jodi Thomas (Excerpt and Giveaway)
I just came home from my favorite craft store which is already laden with Christmas decorations (and yes, I did come home with a decorative holiday pillow) which means that we are rapidly approaching the holiday season. While some people dread those first signs of Christmas, I get into my happy place because it means the approach of Hallmark movies and signals the release of Christmas-themed romance novels. My first read of the season will be this one by a favorite Texas author, Jodi Thomas, as she returns with another addition to her Ransom Canyon series with Mistletoe Miracles. Read on for an excerpt from Mistletoe Miracles AND a giveaway…
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Balsamic and Onion Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
I’ve tried a lot of recipes for pot roast, and too many of them start with “open a packet of xxx” – which, while it may make a really nice roast for some, is far too salty for this family. I stumbled across this recipe for pot roast that has a gorgeous gravy and only a few ingredients (like balsamic vinegar, beef stock and tomato sauce) and lots of onions. Personally, I won’t be doing pot roast any other way than this way, despite having a few extra pans to wash. Even my picky, picky Mikey-like 12-year-old gave this a smile and a thumbs up at the table (and…
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You Do You (and Go Buy This Book)
Have I mentioned this? I am in a book. A BOOK. And not only am I in a book, but my daughter Maddie is in the SAME book. (Ok, I’m trying to tamp down my rampant jealousy that she was officially published at 12 when it took me until none-of-your-damn-business years to get published in PRINT.) But that’s okay because I AM IN A BOOK. And it is amazing. And so what we need for our girls right now. Did I mention that it is amazing and I am excited? NO? I didn’t mention I was excited? I AM. If you didn’t deduct it from the big sparkly book…
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Blog Tour and Review: Cowboy Charm School by Margaret Brownley
Today I am bringing you a delightful historical romantic western from Margaret Brownley: Cowboy Charm School is the first in her new series, titled The Haywire Brides. I think you’ll fall in love with Texas Ranger Brett Tucker – I know I’m crushing a little bit. So read on, and be sure to enter our giveaway for a chance at your own copy and a $10 Amazon gift card! COWBOY CHARM SCHOOL HAYWIRE BRIDES, #1 by MARGARET BROWNLEY Sub-genre: Western / Clean Romance Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Date of Publication: September 4, 2018 Number of Pages: 384 Scroll down for Giveaway! When Texas Ranger Brett Tucker accidentally derails a wedding, he’s…
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Banning Books Silences Stories – Banned Books Week 2018
Banned Book Week 2018 runs September 23 – 29. The 2018 theme, “Banning Books Silences Stories,” is a reminder that everyone needs to speak out against the tide of censorship. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types – in shared support…
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Book Review: The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
Today I’m talking about the just-released middle grade adventure tale The Storm Runner by author J.C. Cervantes. I absolutely LOVED this story – which is the first installation in The Storm Runner series – so I’m happy to know there is more to come, even if I’m already impatient for the next book in the series. I think this is a book that will flying off library shelves as it ticks off a lot of boxes: action and adventure, mythology, fantasy, and it has a pretty great protagonist, too. Review If you are looking for a fantastic, funny, crazy adventure for your middle grade reader, J.C. Cervantes’ novel The…
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Instant Pot Taco Soup
I was first introduced to this recipe for taco soup by a lovely friend who brought it over after I’d had my first kiddo. She delivered it, still warm, in a giant Tupperware container. It was accompanied by a pan of fresh cornbread, pico di gallo from our local grocery deli and a few perfectly ripe avocados. It was heaven in a paper bag to this new mom, and every since, this taco soup is my go-to for Sunday football watching, fast meals for us, for bringing to new moms or for those in need of a meal during a tough time – it’s wonderful comfort food. And it makes…
