DINNER AND A MOVIE

It's been a while since I've offered dinner and a movie, but this was too good to resist. I saw this video clip and it nearly brought tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy it too. TINA’S LEMON/BUTTER ROASTED CHICKEN 1 WHOLE CHICKEN 1 TBSP SALT 4 – 5 TBSP C MARGARINE divided 1 LEMON 2 tsp minced THYME optional Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rinse the chicken, then dry it very well with paper towels, inside and out. The drier the heat, the better. Salt and pepper the cavity, then Place 3 tablespoons margarine in the chicken cavity along with 1/2 lemon. Fold the wings back, into triangles, and truss the bird. Trussing helps the chicken to cook evenly, and it also makes for a more beautifully roasted bird. With your finger, loosten the skin around the breast and thigh, then arrange dollops of the remaining margarine and lemon slices inside the chicken skin. Now, salt the chicken—rain the salt over the bird so that it has a nice uniform coating that will result in a crisp, salty, flavorful skin (about 1 tablespoon). Place the chicken in a roasting pan and, when the oven is up to temperature, put the chicken in the oven. Leave it alone—don't baste it. Roast it until it's done, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add the thyme, if using, to the pan. Baste the chicken with the juices and thyme and let it rest for 15 minutes. Remove the twine and slice into pieces. Make gravy from the juices. Serve with mashed potatoes, and a green salad. I hope you enjoy this!

MANICURE LIKE A PROFESSIONAL

Join me April 8th - 26th for 3 chances to win a copy of my novel and a $10 Target gift card.

In the business world and at other times as well, women just want to have their nails looking like they’re expertly done. As a former cosmetologist, I’ve always been particular about my nails, but as a mother and stay-at-home-mom, I could not get the polish to stay more than a day or two. Not even at a 5-day writer’s workshop. So I just filed them short and kept them that way for years.

More recently, I’ve researched the subject with my friend, Google, and compiled a list of tips that have worked quite well for me. I’ve had my nails stay polished for ten days without cracking, and only removed the polish because I wanted them fresh for another event.

One thing that I do now that I didn’t use to, is apply cuticle oil to my nails and cuticles nightly. It doesn’t have to be the newest, most expensive cuticle oil to work. Mine is close to twenty years old and it still works fine.

The oil keeps the nail healthy and moisturized. Before using the oil, my nails were starting to get ridges and dry creases down the nail. UGLY!

Easter and Mother’s Day are nearly here. If you can’t afford the $30 for a professional manicure, use these tips to do your own, like a professional. [Actually, I’ve had professional manicures, and was disappointed. They don’t pay as close attention to detail as I do on my own.]

TIPS FOR LONG-LASTING NAIL POLISH:

1. File and shape your nails the way you like them. Remove unsightly cuticle.

2. Use a nail buffer to buff and polish your nails until they’re smooth.

3. Clean your nails with soap and water, using a nail scrubber, or old toothbrush.

4. Dehydrate your nails by rubbing nail polish remover over them.

5. Apply a “sticky” base coat. [The name of this varies by brand; Sticky, Bonder etc.] It helps the     polish adhere to the nail.

6. Apply a clear base coat. [With each layer of polish, brush it across nail tip and slightly under the nail.]

7. Apply one or two coats of polish in three even strokes across nail. [Wait two minutes between each layer.]

8. Apply a layer of top coat.

9. Wait five minutes, and then hold nails under cold water for 30 – 60 seconds. This helps set the polish.

10. Avoid heat for 12 hours after your manicure. Contrary to popular belief, blowing your warm breath over a fresh manicure does not help your nails dry.

MY COVER IS HERE!!!

That all important aspect of every book is finally mine.

I’ve been working with, An Authors Art, for a month now to get the cover just perfect, and can now say, with a giddy excitement that only an author can relate to, that my cover is here!

Join me April 8th – 26th to celebrate the release of my first novel. I’ll be giving away three copies of, Farewell, My Denmark along with three Target gift cards.

Here’s the cover and a little bit about my novel. I’d love to know what you think.

 

 

A failed engagement sets seventeen-year-old Catherine Erichsen on a faith-building journey of self discovery as she follows her parents and other Mormon Saints on the 1863 immigration from Denmark to America. When precious heirlooms start disappearing aboard the John J. Boyd, Catherine nearly loses her life at the hand of thieving sailors and fears she won’t live long enough to fulfill the desires of her heart.

BEING DANISH IN ARIZONA

 I attended the Scandinavian Festival of the Southeast Valley today. I’d gone, not knowing what to expect. Would it be some huge event, or some small thing with only ten or twenty participants?



dancing to the music

It was at one of the local high schools and when we pulled down the street, there was a man in a red vest directing traffic. I use the term traffic liberally here. The one car in front of us turned around and left. My heart sunk a little. The parking lot was empty other than the man’s car. He directed us toward the other side of the school, toward a shade tent and a few parked cars. It didn’t look like much, but I was hopeful.



Selling lots of pretty things.

When we got to the other parking lot, it was half full. YAY! Someone had shown up besides me. The event was held in the cafeteria. I heard the music playing fun Scandinavian music as I entered. It was a fair of sorts, which is what I expected.

Freshly made sandwiches didn't trump the meatballs

 

Booths with Danish Marzipan, homemade jewelry, headbands for girls, books about Vikings, and being Swedish, were mingled with homemade goodies such as cookies, muffin tops (who knew?), and best of all—TROLLS!!!

Lots of good stuff for sale.

I’ve loved trolls since their rise in popularity in the 1960’s. These weren’t the soft-bodied kind that I played with as a kid, or began collecting as an adult, but they were VERY cool, nonetheless. I bought one. They were so quirkish and cute, that I could have purchased enough to decorate my house with. But I didn’t. I used the self control that I’m famous for. Hahahahaha!

... and used the savings to buy several plates-full of goodies; and two plates of meatballs served with fresh pickle slices, and rye bread.

Danish Flag. Each flag was tipped as they played that country's National Anthem.

 

My only regret was that apparently there are no members of the club who are Danish, because they didn’t have anyone to sing the Danish National Anthem during the flag ceremony. Oh, I’m their newest member, and I’m Danish – or of Danish descent – but unfortunately I don’t speak the language.

Everyone joined in singing The Star Spangled Banner.

 

The festival wasn’t as big as Denmark, but it was a good time. And, I enjoyed supporting their cause: Sharing our Scandinavian heritage.

A troll with a book. Could it get any better?