Yuletide Youtube: Farewell 2012

Yuletide Youtube




I know a man whose name is Lang
and he has a neon sign
And Mr. Lang is very old
So we call it Old Lang's Sign


My cover gallery for 2012. 3 novels, 4 anthologies, a stand alone short and a collection of my shorts.










 

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube.


Because I have been blogging about apocalypses, Pic of the Day.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube



Pic of the Day

Yuletide Youtube

My apologies for Rum-pa-pum-pummeling you so late in the season. But this is one of my favorites.




Pic of the Day

Help me Obi-Wan KaFriendlist, you're my only hope

I have a problem.

There's this novel, see? Bounty hunters. And it's almost done, but we got no title.
And we can't use the word "hunt" in the title.

Basic premise: Miho is looking for a way to get his ship fixed, so he takes a job that gives him the willies. He has a run-in with a much-older hunter, Hevik, who also takes the job. (The corp is hiring anyone who will take it) He keeps bumping into Hevik, whether on a pleasure planet during a week-long rave, or on an arena planet, where they end up in a free-for-all death match, or escaping an idyllic world's prison moon. And with every stop, the older man gets a little farther under his skin.

I have no idea what to call this.
I'm down to "Across Oceans of Space." (a joke title from the SW fanfic 'verse)
What says SF Adventure/Romance?

Title suggestions taken, chosen title will get a free ebook, and maybe a guest appearance!

And it can't use any of these words:

All

Bad

Blood
Blue

Bound

Capture/Captive

Dark
Dragon
Dream
Eye of

Fantasy
Forbidden
Heart of

Hero
Hunt (Hunted, Hunter, etc.)

Knight
Magic/Magick
Midnight
More Than

Moonlust (or Moon Lust)
Night
Paradise
Shadow
Slave
Submission
"Tales of”
Time

Two Men
Vampire

Wild
Winter
Wolf/Wolfe

Yuletide Youtube

A Last Cthulhu carol of the season


Pic of the Day to go with it.

Yuletide Youtube.

Yuletide Youtube:



Pic of the day

Yuletide Youtube: Merry Christmas

Yuletide Youtube




Pic of the day:

It's hard protecting your presents after the apocalypse.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube.





Pic of the Day. Drive carefully, my holiday travelers



From me and mine to you and yours, have a merry Christmas.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube:


Pic of the Day:


Hope your shopping's done!

An experiment

A social experiment: Could I spend a month without Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus? (I can't give up Youtube, that's where I keep my typing music)

Would my creativity and productivity improve if I spent all the time I'm currently using on Facebook and other "social media" promoting myself and other such things actually writing instead?

I guess I'll find out in January. I am removing all social media from my phone, and only allowing myself one hour a week on Facebook (probably mostly spent doing Flair of the day) and other social media to see if I can discipline myself into writing more and "everything else" less.

The only way to reach me will be through my livejournal, and my website.
That's it . . . for January, at least. And we'll see where I need to go from there.

So, during January, if you need me, bear in mind I'm only checking my e-mail twice a day through the aggregator on my phone: early morning and late afternoon. But, don't fret, I will also be updating my blog at least three times a week. So, check out how long I can last at this challenge here at Livejournal or at Blogger (LJ mirror). These posts are mirrored to Facebook and Google+ automatically.

My goal is 62,000 words in January, 2000 a day.

Yuletide Youtube, with free books!

Yuletide Youtube


Pic of the day



Free books:
Dex in Blue, from ARE. It's gay today. http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-dexinblue-964611-145.html

Dreams of Steam 2, lots of good steampunk. http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Steam-Brass-Bolts-ebook/dp/B005KSS310/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1356195449&sr=1-1

And my holiday giveaway is still live.
http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1705172.html

Give away!

Tis the Season for giving!

And you can get one of my ebooks free. Today only. Any book you want. from short story reprints to my newest release. Directions are here:

http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1705172.html

~~~

There's a Science Fiction Romance give away on Sunday the 23rd:
http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/2012/12/sfr-news-links-extra-december-2012.html

~~~

Reviews by Jessewave is having the annual giveaway.
Read the DIRECTIONS!
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/12/20/gearing-up-for-the-big-ass-holiday-author-giveaway-what-you-need-to-know-and-do/

~~~

All Romance Ebook's free book of the day:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-checkmate-395968-152.html

Yuletide Youtube: Keepeing the Sol in Solstice

Yuletide Youtube



Pic of the day: Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge


Yule sachets:

Bay
Cloves
Juniper berries
Orange peel, grated
Orris root
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Squares of your favorite holiday fabric
Colorful ribbon
Cinnamon sticks
Small bells

Mix the herbs together in a bowl. Blend varying proportions of each until you've got the scent you want -- here's a hint: start small!

Use a spoon to place the blended herbs into the center of a square of fabric. Pull the corners up and tie with the ribbon. Tie a cinnamon stick and a couple of bells in place as well. Use a second piece of ribbon to create a loop so you can hang the sachet if you like.

Timesaver tip: you can buy small tulle bags in holiday colors and spoon the herb blend into them. Pull the drawstring closed and tie shut, then hang up on your tree, or give them to a friend.

One freebie and two reminders

Restless Spirit is the ARE free ebook of the day.
Looks like het with a chance of promiscuity.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-restlessspirit-722425-340.html

~~~
On the manly side, Jessewave's is gearing up for the Holiday give away.
Go read the instruction post:
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/12/20/gearing-up-for-the-big-ass-holiday-author-giveaway-what-you-need-to-know-and-do/

(PS, my stuff is in the 8 AM bundle)
~~~

My own holiday giveaway will be at http://valarltd.livejournal.com
You do NOT need an LJ account.

Prepare now.
Go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com
Pick out one book you would like to have.
Zombiality, Dragons Composed and Dreams of Steam 1&2 are NOT eligible

On Friday, I will put up a post with screened comments.
Leave your e-mail and title in the screened comments.
I will email you a book.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube:



Pic of the day:

"It's not that I don't believe in God. I just don't think he's a single parent."

Yule simmering Potpourri

Blend together:
3 Cups dried orange peel
1 Cup dried lemon zest
4 Cinnamon sticks, snapped into thirds
1/4 Cup whole cloves
1/4 Cup pine needles
A pinch of allspice
10 juniper berries
Mix in a bowl and then keep in a Mason jar until you're ready to use.


If you're not done shopping, you're down to gift cards.

 

Reminders about stuff

1) The Big Yule Give-Away is Friday at my LiveJournal. A link will be posted here.
Right now, you might want to go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com and decide what you want. I will make a post with screened comments, all you have to do is leave your email and the title.

2)  I've started Blogging for Dollars at Squidoo.
My posts are:
http://www.squidoo.com/easy-yule-ornaments
http://www.squidoo.com/greatgrandmas-sugar-cookies
http://www.squidoo.com/last-minute-gift-ideas-for-him

And you have to log in to see this one:
http://www.squidoo.com/the-disunited-states-of-america-an-overview
That one is all about the Nikolai 'verse

I could use some likes and comments, please


3) I'm up for an award from the Paranormal Romance Guild. You have to join the site, but it is free. Power in the Blood is up for Readers' Choice in Horror and could use some votes.
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/

4) the ARE free book of the day is Pestilence by TA Chase. TA is always good and this looks like a really sweet one. https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pestilence-653832-140.html

5) One of the best gifts you can give a writer, besides buying their books, is a review at Amazon. This helps get the book higher in the rankings and more people see it.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube


Pic of the day, simply because it was SO wrong.


M&M Cookies in a Jar

For each Jar:
1 wide-mouth quart (4-cup) canning jars with lid and rings
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 1⁄4 cup M&M-brand chocolate candies
2 cups sifted flour, all purpose
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
3⁄4 cups brown sugar, packed
1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Sift flour before measuring. Mix together flour, soda and baking powder. Layer flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar and M&Ms-brand candies in jar. Pack firmly.

2. Cut appropriate number of 7-inch circles from cotton fabric. Top each jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon.

3. Print appropriate number of gift tags. Cut gift tags apart and attach to ribbon. Or, hand-write recipe tag using the recipe below.

M&M Cookies in a Jar Recipe

Empty jar of cookie mix into mixing bowl; blend thoroughly.

Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened, 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended.

Roll into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees until edges are lightly browned, about 12 to 14 minutes.

Cool on cookie sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube.
Some pagan folk metal to get you going on a Tuesday


Pic of the day:


Today is the last day to order from my etsy shop before Christmas.

Don't forget the Den of Debauchery's Big Yule Giveaway on Friday. For one day, you can request one free book from me. Might take a peek at the Den and see what you want!

The free book today is Dark star. Het contemporary thriller

Easy craft of the day
Cinnamon Stick Pentagrams –
Soak 5 cinnamon sticks (each about the same length) overnight in warm water.
In the morning, pat them dry and form them into a pentagram. The soaking will make them pliable so that as you overlap them, they will bend more easily.
Hot glue the ends together and then wrap the ends also with twine or raffia and tie it off.
Use extra raffia to create a loop at the top for hanging.

Four Days!

Yule is coming.
As I do every year, I am giving away free ebooks.
So, prepare now.

Go to http://www.brooksandsparrow.com
Pick out one book you would like to have.
Zombiality, Dragos Composed and Dreams of Steam 1&2 are NOT eligible

On Friday, I will put up a Livejournal post with screened comments.
Leave your e-mail and title in the screened comments.
I will email you a book.

Etsy alert

If you plan on ordering anything from my Etsy shop and want it by Christmas, the order must be in before 4 PM Central Time tomorrow.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/valarltd

A taste of my February release

Dylan woke to the insistent buzz of his alarm clock, his whole head feeling like it wanted to explode. He smacked the clock to turn it off, rolled out of bed and staggered to the shower. The Grant Starr concert had left him totally wrecked. Lots of ambient pot-smoke and someone had passed him a popper. He considered calling out from work this morning.

He sniffed, wondering why the smell of frying eggs wasn't sending him to the bathroom to heave. Then he remembered, Aaron was gone. Nobody was cooking breakfast, laughing at his hang-over. Aaron had stormed out the afternoon before, leaving him on his own for the concert.


The previous day came back to him in a haze. Dylan suddenly noticed that the morning was very quiet. No ambient traffic or street noises filled his apartment. Only birdsong came faintly through the closed window.

Hesitant and worried now, he peered out the window. No cars moved in the streets. A man lay face down on the sidewalk across the street, a key still clutched in his hand.

“Oh shit. It's the zombie apocalypse!” Dylan said, startling himself with the sound of his own words. He looked up and down to see if anything moved. The coast was clear so he hurried down the steps to see what had happened to the world.

Up the block, a woman sat on the curb, her head buried in her hands. The soft sound of sobs reached Dylan in the quiet morning. Zombies didn't cry.

He walked down the block and sat beside her. She didn't notice he was there until he spoke.

“What's going on?” he said, as softly as he could so as not to startle her.

She jumped anyway and then looked at him, wet streaks all over her dark cheeks. “My husband and babies are dead. All of them!” She buried her face in her hands again and cried some more.

Dylan put an arm around her, human contact in a world where humans seemed to be gone. She leaned into him and cried until she had no tears left.

“I'm sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “I don't even know you.”

“Dylan Taggert. I live across the street and down, in the Covington.”

“Tawanda Matthews.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder at her own building. “I can't go back in there. But who is going to bury them or preach the funeral? I don't even know who to call. All the cell towers are jammed, and I can't get anything but a recording when I call 911 on the landline.” She laughed, sounding hysterical. “My husband is a cop, and I don't know who to call in an emergency.”

Dylan rubbed her back a little. “I don't know. Is anyone else alive in your building? I haven't checked mine.” Finding other people seemed to be the first order of business. He wiped away a trickle of sweat. Then, getting away from the dead people. If the empty street was anything to go by, there would be too many to bury. Striking out for open country might be the best.

He took a deep breath, feeling very uncomfortable at even making a suggestion. “Tawanda, we might be the only people still alive. Or we might not. Let's go find out. You work your way through your apartment building. I'll go through mine. We'll meet back here with anyone we find.”

She took a deep breath and stood up, wiping away the end of her tears. “Yeah, I can do that.” A wide-eyed look of horror crossed her face. “The people above me have a new baby. If they're dead and it's alive, I have to save it.”

Dylan smiled. “Yes. We'll decide what to do about our own dead once we see who is alive.”

Tawanda hurried into the building, pausing for just a moment. “Do you think it's the Rapture and God just didn't take their bodies?”

Dylan shook his head as he got to his feet. “Probably the CDC let some nasty virus escape.”
“You go on, too. See you in a bit.” The gloom of the lobby cut off the sight of Tawanda.

Dylan cursed himself for a cad and a coward. He couldn't lead a group. He couldn't be around people. Tawanda had been the limit of people he could handle for the day. He went up to his apartment, packed a small bag with the bits of camping gear he had in the front closet, and drove away without knocking on any doors. The others would have to make do on their own. He had a plan.

He never saw Tawanda again.

Yuletide Youtube, with extra Buttercream!

Yuletide Youtube:


Pic of the Day:


Recipe of the day.

Nothing says Holiday like Wilton Vanilla Sugar cookies with buttercream icing. Break out the old cookie cutters!

1 cup Butter; room temperature
1 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Egg
3 cups Flour
2 teaspoon Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in vanilla and egg. Sift flour and baking soda together. Add to creamed mixture, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Dough will be very stiff. DO NOT CHILL DOUGH!

Divide dough in half. On floured surface, roll dough about to 1/8 thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet on top rack of oven for 6-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.

Wilton Buttercream

½ cup solid vegetable shortening
½ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon Vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approx. 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk

Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

YIELD: 3 cups

Today's Free Book:
Croc and the Fox. It's a het furry romance
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-crocandthefox-906632-140.html

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube:




Pic of the Day:


Random news:
My pirates are out in Paperback!
And yes, Ellora's new site is hard on the eyes.
http://www.ellorascave.com/privateer-s-treasure-1.html

Free book from ARE:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-chaseofalifetime-882323-145.html
Chase of a Lifetime. Contemporary gay cowboy romance. And I am happy to report that neither hero is named "Chase."


Recipe of the Day:
Chocolate Pizza



12 oz. semisweet chips

1 lb white almond bark

2 c. miniature marshmallows

1 c. crisp rice cereal

1 c. peanuts

6 oz. red marischino cherries, halved

3 T. green cherries, quartered

1/3 c. coconut

1 t. oil

Microwave chips and 14 oz of almond bark in 2 qt. bowl until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in marshmallows, cereal and peanuts. Pour into greased 12″ pizza pan. Top with cherries. Sprinkle with coconut. Melt remaining almond bark with oil, stirring to make smooth. Drizzle over coconut. Chill until firm.

 

Yuletide Toutube

Yuletide Youtube:



Pic and craft of the day, for the lover of the Black Stuff in your life.

Yuletide Youtube: Merry Geekmas

Yuletide Youtube:




Pic of the Day


Free book, today only: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bloodofthewicked-1006891-140.html
Post-apoc witch-hunter/witch romance.

Craft of the day:
Cinnamon Dough Ornaments


1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue (like Elmer's)
Bowl
Plastic food wrap
Rolling pin
Wax paper
Cookie cutters or a knife
Ribbon or yarn for hanging
Straw

How to make it:
Mix cinnamon, applesauce, and glue together in a bowl. The dough should be as thick as cookie dough. Add a bit of water if the dough is too stiff.

Remove from bowl and knead. Put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for at least a half hour.

Remove the dough, knead again to make sure it's smooth. Flatten/roll the dough between waxed paper until it's between 1/4" thick and 1/8" thick.

Cut out desired shapes, use a straw to punch a hole for the ribbon to hang. The circle of dough will pull out with the straw.

Gently place the shapes on a piece of clean wax paper. They will take 3-5 days to dry, and you will need to turn them over a couple of times a day for them to dry evenly and flat.

Don't be surprised to see that the ornaments get smaller during the drying process. Keep this in mind when you pick out the cookie cutters for your designs. You will also notice that if you do not turn the ornaments over often enough while they are drying, the edges of the ornaments will curl.

When dry, thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through the hole to hang. Or you can string several together for garland.

SHAPE IDEAS: Tree, Apple, House (gingerbread), Bell, Heart, Goose, Gingerbread Man, Star...

Optional Painting ideas - use acrylic paints or fabric paints to paint details, like white 'frosting' on a gingerbread man or gingerbread house, or eyes on a goose.

Yuletide Youtube: the Fun in Dysfunctional

Yuletide Youtube



Pic and recipe:
Rummy Bears!

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube. One of my favorites:


Pic of the day:

Gruss vom Krampus! (Greetings from Krampus) This Alpine nightmare accompanies St. Nicholas and pops bad children into his sack to carry them away.

Recipe of the day:
Sugar cookies
Folks, this is my great-grandmother's recipe, don't abuse it.
1c margarine or butter
2/3c vegetable oil
2c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
5c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cream of tartar

Cream together butter, oil, and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients and add slowly to egg mixture.

Mix well.

Shape into balls the size of a walnut, press down with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.

Yields: 7 dozen-that won't last very long.

Yuletide Youtube

Sound of the Season:


This is from "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas." I highly suggest watching the whole thing on Youtube. So worth it.

Pic and recipe of the day:


Shopping link.
http://madeinusaforever.com/

As people get more concerned about American jobs, this site has only Made in USA products.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube, because it's a grey and chilly Monday:


Pic and Craft of the Day: Witch balls


You will need a clear glass ball or Yule ornament with an opening in one end If the glass ball has some kind of design, choose one you like or one you can change with further decoration.

You will also need a bottle of silver paint found in hobby stores,
a few drops of frankincense orpatchouli oil,
a spool of red thread,
and a pair of scissors.


Cover your working space with newspaper to protect against spills.

Take the metal cap off the ornament. Carefully pour a little of the silver paint inside the ball and swish it around until the inside is completely covered with the silver. Set it aside to dry.

When the paint is totally dry, cut the red thread into three inch-lengths. Carefully poke this thread into the open end of the ball. Continue cutting and putting the thread into the ball untill the ball is nearly full.

Put in a few drops of oil.

Then put the end back on the ornament. If it has no end seal it with candle wax.

When you hang the protection ball, chant:

Symbol of the Moon,
symbol of the Lady divine,
Reject all negativity,
defend this home (car),
me and mine.

These directions are from The Crone Chronicles: http://cronecronicles.blogspot.com/2012/11/witch-balls-for-protection-and-as-gifts.html


Charity of the Day:
http://rollingjubilee.org/

Poll time

There is a poll at my Livejournal about my Etsy shop.
You have to go there to answer it, but I don't think you have to log in.

http://valarltd.livejournal.com/1693288.html

Yuletide Youtube, extra geeky

Yuletide Youtube:



Pic of the Day:


I want to do an action-figure creche! With a Luke and Leia holding an glowing ball, three Jedi visitors, Chewie as herald angel...It kinds works in my head. (My poor Luke action figure is decapitated though and his head is stored in the weapons locker of my storage case)

SHOPPING NEWS:

If you want books from the Literary Underworld, order by Dec 12 for regular shipping!
And don't forget the awesome sales...

50 percent off Frank Fradella's Speaking in Tongues and Swan Song!

Get both Blackfire novels by Elizabeth Donald for one low price!

All John Everson titles at 50 percent off!

Setting Suns by Elizabeth Donald reduced to $12!

Free ebook with every Angelia Sparrow title - all discounted!

Lost Daughter of Easa by J.L. Mulvihill reduced to $12!

Get Zero Time by T.W. Fendley for $12!

Get a free ebook of Infinity with any Elizabeth Donald purchase!

Get a free music download code from Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines with each purchase!

M.B. Weston's Out of the Shadows reduced to only $10!

Get a free copy of John McFarland's The Black Garden FREE with any purchase!!

Fine, we'll make it even easier for you...
Use the code WELCOME2012 for an extra discount!



Free books and how to get them!
Stephanie Rowe's Jingle This is free for the Kindle

Starting Thursday, All Romance Ebooks is giving away free books:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/

You can get a prototype of my cookbook tomorrow at Speak Its Name, and there are a lot of good stories and articles.
http://speakitsname.com/

Jessewave is hosting the Big-ass Holiday Giveaway on Dec 22.
M/m writers, sign-up is today.
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2012/12/09/santa-authors-2012/comment-page-1/

Upstart Memphis

I've spent the weekend at a small business startup conference.
While Inkstained Succubus was not chosen as one of the group projects, I've been helping around the edges of one.
Now, it's time to spread the word.

Pink Robin Avenue is a party company that delivers designer events to your doorstep.
http://www.pinkrobinavenue.com/

Go give a hard working young lady a like on her FB page or a follow at twitter.
https://twitter.com/PinkRobinAvenue

http://www.facebook.com/#!/PinkRobinAvenue

Yuletide Youtube: Hanukkah edition

Youtube of the Day


Image of the Day


(The Lion of Judah menorah that Nick steals in the first chapter of Nikolai. Sterling silver, this is worth about $2000.)

Your recipe of the day:

Latkes

2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
1 tablespoon grated onion
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying

Directions

1.Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible.
2.In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.
3.In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!

Yuletide Youtube

December 6 is the Feast of St. Nicholas. He is the patron saint of the Varangian Guard, sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, children, pawnbrokers and students. He is also the patron of the cities of Aberdeen (where the Kirk of St. Nichols dates to 1157), Amsterdam, Barranquilla, Bari, Burgas, Beit Jala, Fribourg, Huguenots, Kozani, Liverpool, Paternopoli, Sassari, Siggiewi, and Lorraine.



Pic of the Day:
Because I'm right there.



Craft of the day:
Ribbon Candy Ornament


What You Need
Spray adhesive
Wide, medium, and narrow ribbon
Water-soluble marking pen
Long-eye beading needle
White embroidery floss
Eleven 10-mm-round pearls

How to Make It
1.Glue the medium-width ribbon to the center of the wide ribbon.
2.Trim the length to measure 16 1/2 inches.
3.Using the pen and a ruler, mark dots down the center of the ribbon at 1-1/2-inch intervals on both sides of the ribbon.
4.Thread the beading needle with an 18-inch length of embroidery floss.
5.Slip a pearl onto the floss.
6.Carefully remove the needle, and then rethread it with both ends of the floss. The ends of the floss should be even.
7.Push the needle from one side of the ribbon through the other side at the first mark (the first pearl is now at the bottom of the ornament); add a pearl.
8.Push the needle from the one side of the ribbon through to the other side at the second mark; add a pearl.
9.Continue until you have 11 pearls on the string.
10.To finish, secure the thread and attach a hanging ribbon.


Shopping link:
The Hunger Site Gift Shop
All purchases go to feeding the hungry, Many fair trade items by independent artisans in developing countries.
https://thehungersite.com/store/ths/site?origin=HS-BidOpt_GOOGLE_ADGROUP_HungerSiteStore

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube, because this one is awesome. It's not just Annie and her outfit and the boots. It's the hurdy gurdy, the laughing drummer, the whole early 1900s feel of it. And of course horned Santa.



Pic of the Day:


Since we seem to be on a Horned God theme, let me refer you to SJ Tucker, Sooj, AKA Skinny White Chick. Independent pagan musician who makes her living doing this. "Hymne to Herne" is a fave rave.
http://skinnywhitechick.com/

Yuletide goodies

Yuletide Youtube:


Pic and craft of the Day:

Samantha Parisi is very talented.

Shopping Link:
Beauty Watcher is a sculptor who makes lovely ornaments.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautywatcher

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube



Pic of the day, a bit rude, because that's how I feel:



Craft/Recipe of the Day:

Grandma Fantz's Nighty-Nite cookies

2 egg whites, at room temperature
1 pinch of salt
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts

Beat egg whites with pinch of salt until foamy. Add sugar and beat until stiff. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased foil covered cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put cookies in and TURN OVEN OFF. Do not open oven for 9 to 10 hours. Makes 2 dozen.

Shopping link:

http://www.kiernankelly.com/index.html
Kiernan Kelly consistantly writes some of the best same sex romance in the biz.

Yuletide Youtube

Yuletide Youtube:



Pic and craft of the Day:



Shopping:
The Den of Debauchery's Gift Shoppe had a bunch of new items added last night.
Kitchen towels and tarot readings. Hairbows and baby afghans. Scarves and gloves. Come and see.

Yuletide Youtube 3: Return of the Youtube!

Throughout December, I will be posting fun stuff.
Every day you can count on a song, a picture, a craft idea or recipe and a shopping link


Your Yuletide Youtube:


Your Image of the Day and Craft Idea all in one!:




Your shopping link of the day:
The Literary Underworld. http://literaryunderworld.com/
A small press author consortium, we have something for most readers.

Someone likes superheroes? Frank Fradella's book Swan Song is half off

For the horror fan, we have Stoker Winner John Everson, Darrell Winner Elizabeth Donald, The Sinister Minister Maurice Broaddus, Wrath James White, and yours truly,

For the music lover, we have Mark Kaiser & Jessica Haines in CD or mp3

Kids? No problem. We carry Jackie Gamer's YA dragon series, and other fantasy novels.

Short stories, paranormal erotica, comics, and steampunk. We have it.

We even have Nick Mamatas' Starve Better for the writer on your list.