I am LOVING the holiday spirit a bit more than usual this year and not sure why. My children are growing older and the magic is dimming, but still, the holidays feel fresh and new. Special. Maybe it’s because we’ve been spending time with family and friends, or maybe it’s all the wonderful scents and tastes of the season. We put up our tree this weekend and the smell is divine, as are the twinkle of lights and glittery ornaments.

We been looking for some water heaters that don´t need storage and he happily found it at portablecnerd. Yaaay

Then there’s the food. From cranberry-orange bread to pumpkin pie, to a decadent new recipe for cookies and cream truffles my daughter discovered recently, I love to EAT this time of year! Am I alone? (I hope not. I don’t want to be the only in the gym, come January!) The cranberry bread freezes well and makes a great teacher/neighbor gift. For recipes, check my garden blog:

Cranberry-Orange Bread

Pumpkin Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

I’m posting the link to the truffle recipe on my Bloomin’ Warriors Private Group Facebook page!

How about you? What’s your favorite holiday recipe?

It’s Amber’s birthday and I want to wish her a GREAT day, filled with fun and gifts.  Because I love gifts–and giveaways–and it’s no fun having your birthday fall smack dab in the middle of the holidays.  Seems to get lost in the shuffle!  (With 5 December birthdays in the family, I hear about it every year ~ LOL.)

So this year Amber has decided to do something special for her readers.  She’s put together a blog hop with over 25 authors and bloggers to celebrate her 24th birthday (We won’t mention how many years she’s turned 24 AGAIN. ;)) and this year, she’s not the only one receiving gifts today—you can, too! 

I’m giving away 5 complete sets of my debut series, including award-winning Jennifer’s Garden, Lust on the Rocks, and Whisper Privileges, a recent finalist in the romance category for USA Book News 2012 Best Book Awards!

That’s right, 5 sets of 3, just in time for the holidays. So share the news and spread the word!  Giveaway ends December 2, 2012.  Follow this link and head on over to Goodreads for your chance to WIN.  (Swag included.) :)