Laina Turner's Blog, page 34
July 21, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up
We appreciate you joining us for another week.
Please spread #trafficjamweekend love on social media.
Come on in, link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #54!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Evelyn from Eclectic Evelyn | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | YouTube | Tumblr
These are the featured posts from Traffic Jam Weekend #53…
Laina chose Modern Home Office Makeover on a Budget from No Small Life. “I’m all about doing things on a budget these days.”
Gail also chose this post. “Great to be cheap and make it look great.”
Kimberly chose Reeling in the Truth: Can You Poach Fish in the Dishwasher? by GiGi Eats Celebrities. “GiGi brings it every time with her wild YouTube video embedded posts! If you want to be entertained, check her out! WARNING: TEXT CONTAINS PROFANITY.”
Natasha chose Significant and Single in Dallas and Baton Rouge from Yvonne Chase. “Loving this post! I agree that we should attempt to make an impact in any way that we can, especially when we’re single. Our children are the future, but we can help to mold the future that they have. Great post!”
Evelyn chose Abigail Adams Studies from Our Home of Many Blessings.
The post with the most views was Vegan Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry from Sprinkle of Vanilla Sugar.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link up appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 19, 2016
Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party #92
Stop by and see what your hosts have been doing and give these ladies a warm welcome!
Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter
Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram // Google+
Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest
Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Google+
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This party has been growing and growing and it is getting harder and harder to pick features! I am so grateful for all of you talented folks for hanging out and linking up!! Have fun! Don’t forget to stop by the pinterest boards and take a moment to pin a few and help spread the holiday joy by supporting your fellow blogging buddies!
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Party Rules
NOTICE: Please try not to link the same content two weeks in a row. If you didn’t do anything new last week, try linking up some older content. This helps you in the long run..if you linked up the same thing 2-3 weeks in a row people wont click on it a second time, so increase your chances of being picked for most clicked by linking up new content every week 
July 15, 2016
Throw Away Girls by Jennifer Vaughn
We are deep in the heart of summer, and it’s by far my favorite time of year. I love the warmth, sitting by the pool, and grilling out. A nice glass of wine on the deck watching the sun go down isn’t too hard to swallow either.
One of my favorite summer activities is reading a book outside with a cup of coffee, or wine, depending on the time of day. I hate that life is so busy (those darn kids) that finding a moment to lose myself in a good book is such a hard thing to do. This past weekend, however, I actually had time to do that. Mainly because the kids stayed up late and slept in and no matter how late I stay up I can’t sleep past 6.
Don’t get me wrong I can totally stay in bed past 6. I just can’t sleep.
While I needed to get a lot of work done on Presley Thurman mystery #12, Weddings & Weapons, reading is such an important part of writing that I allowed myself to be lazy and use some of those early morning hours, which is my best writing time, to read and relax.
I read Throw Away Girls by Jennifer Vaughn. The first in her new Jacee Wilder suspense/mystery series and it didn’t disappoint.
Blurb:
Throw Away Girls
Hard-charging, insightful, and ambitious, Jaycee Wilder wants to take her TV news career to the next level. The Los Angeles reporter is hungry for the big story. When dead girls begin to pile up at seedy nightclubs that cater to whimsical, fetish-seeking strangers, Jaycee suspects a serial killer is at work. She aligns herself with an east coast cop trying to resurrect himself- and his once stellar career- from a drunken skid. The killer lives a normal life during the day, while hunting the Throw Away Girls at night, punishing them for their dark urges. He leaves messages behind in his victims’ blood, his explanation for enacting such brutal, twisted justice upon the unworthy. He watches the media coverage. He knows the wily reporter is chasing him. As Jaycee follows her gut, and the evidence, she forces him to act. But when a killer is clever and cunning, he can infiltrate anywhere. Jaycee must utilize all her skills to expose him before he gets to her first.
Vaughn creates a realistic and likable character in Jacee Wilder. Both elements I look for in the books I read. I want to be vested in the characters, so I feel compelled to root for them to be victorious against whatever obstacles they face.
The book was face paced and kept me guessing until the end when the killer was revealed, and it was not who I was expecting.
Throw Away Girls is a good read as you’re sunning yourself on the beach this summer or for those stolen quiet moments.
You can learn more about Jennifer Vaughn and buy her book .
The post Throw Away Girls by Jennifer Vaughn appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 14, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up Party
Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by and supporting our party for another week.
We encourage to spread #trafficjamweekend love on social media.
Come on in, link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #53!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Evelyn from Eclectic Evelyn | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | YouTube | Tumblr
These are the featured posts from Traffic Jam Weekend #52…
Kimberly chose this post from Georgie Lee. “I spent several hundred dollars on my last e-book cover. It was worth it, but I sure would love to take a crack at doing it myself for the next one. Thanks for the tutorial, Georgie Lee!”
Laina chose this post from Chris and Megan at No Small Life. “We can all use a little help.”
The post with the most views was Honey Can Be A Part of Your Frugal Life from our very own Gail at Frugal and Coupon Crazy.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up Party appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 13, 2016
A Rose By Any Other Name…
….smells as sweet. I owe my ability to paraphrase Shakespeare to my freshman English teacher who made me study Romeo & Juliet. Though in the many, many years since I took freshman English this is probably the first time I’ve had the occasion to reference it.
Anyways, the topic of this post isn’t literature but rather names.
Last names to be specific.
I already have 2.
Turner is my maiden name and the one I use for my writing, my brand.
Molaski is my married name, my legal name. The last name of my ex-husband and my kids.
In a couple weeks, I will have the chance to add yet another name to my collection as I am getting married for a 2nd time to a wonderful man. In the last couple years, since announcing our engagement, the subject of what last name I was going to take has come up a few times. Friends, family, random acquaintances are curious. I don’t; fault them. It’s a normal question. And honestly, even though I knew I’d have to address it at some point, I didn’t want to think about it.
I didn’t want to think about it because I knew what I wanted to do, what I needed to do, and what I should do, and they didn’t have the same answer. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I do have a strong belief in marriage tradition and taking the husband’s last name is part of that. But I also view my current last name, my ex-husband’s last name, and a very traditional tie to my children.
That’s why I decided to keep my “real” last name. Yes, I realize that some might think it odd that I keep the last name that belongs to my ex when I’m married to someone else, but it has nothing to do with that. I want to be Mrs. Molaski for my kids. Yes, I’m divorced, but I take a lot of pride in my title of Mrs. Molaski – mom and parent to Caden and Sydney Molaski.
THAT is what’s important to me. I want them to know that I’m still proud to be a Molaski because that is who THEY are and that will never stop.
I’ve taken some criticism over this, but I am proud to say that while neither my ex or my current (to be) husbands were thrilled with what I wanted they both completely understood and have fully supported my decision.
Divorce, remarriage, blended families none of it is easy. I can only hope that the decisions I make are the best ones for the situation at the time.
The post appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 11, 2016
Yearly Goals – Second Half
It’s July, and you know what that means?
Besides, bbq’s and hot weather.
There are only 6 more moths left of the year. Or if we think of it as the glass half full, which is a much better way to look at it, there are 6 MORE months left to reach this year’s goals!
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out just a little that it’s already July.
My freak out is in no small part due to my upcoming wedding, which is July 30th. It’s way too close. I’d love to have another 6 months!
But while I have a million and one things to do in the next few weeks and I did prepare to take the month of July semi off I don’t want to lose sight of my goals and what I want to accomplish the back half of the year. Also to reflect and examine what I didn’t do so well in the first 6 months so I can continue to improve.
What needs to improve (and I’m going to try and keep it to just a couple things as I could make a laundry list of 100 in about 5 minutes).
My writing schedule. For years I planned out the year in advance as to how many books I want to launch, what those books are, and how I’ll get them written, edited, covers designed, etc. This year I didn’t do that. I just wasn’t feeling it. As a result (I’m sure you can imagine what I’m about to say) I haven’t released any new fiction books, I’m way behind where I wanted to be for the one book I knew I wanted to launch, and now I’m super mad at myself.
Keeping a consistent balance of writing, blogging, and marketing. The hardest thing about being a writer/blogger is I can’t just write. I also have to do all the marketing to get my writing noticed.
Not overscheduling and over committing. With my schedule and the kids schedules, this year has been the busiest ever. I want to slow down. I need to slow down. I want to enjoy my kids more and work less. Now I can’t really work less, but I can do a better job of prioritizing my time.
What I’m happy about accomplishing in the first 6 months?
Becoming part of an awesome community of bloggers. I have made many new friends with people who “get” the space I play in.
Launched t-shirt and mug line (soon to come journals).
I started boot camp in March and I am much stronger than I ever thought I’d be at 45.
Goals for the rest of the year.
Continue to attend boot camp 3 times a week.
Finish Weddings & Weapons Presley book #12 – launches in September 2016. Cover contest coming in August!
Finish the rewrite of Athena’s Holiday (which will be retitled because much has changed) – due out in November.
Finish Death by Suspenders – My MFA thesis – to release (initially exclusive to my fans who receive my newsletter – you can sign up here) starting in October.
Keep up consistent marketing and promotion.
Keep weekend work to a minimum and plan more outings with the kids.
Launch 2 more phrases in my t-shirt/mug line and add a line of journals for the holidays.
What are your goals for the rest of 2016?
If you need help setting some and getting focused I can help. Click here for more info on how to pursue YOUR fabulous!
The post Yearly Goals – Second Half appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 7, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by and supporting our party for another week.
The winner of our recent giveaway has been chosen
and you can find out who it is below. More giveaways coming soon!
We encourage to spread #trafficjamweekend love on social media.
Come on in, link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #52!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Pictured above on top row (from left to right):
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Pictured above on bottom row (from left to right):
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #51…
Laina chose Strawberry Fun by Dabbling Momma. “Strawberries are the best.”
Gail chose this post from our very own Kimberly at Being A Wordsmith. “I like what she had to say about blogging.”
Natasha chose Raising Men by Sunshine and a Summer Breeze. “This is such a powerful post. In a society where boys are expected to act tough, it is so important for them to actually learn how to be loving, caring, and gentle. And these are some great tips on how to make that happen! Great post!”
Kimberly also chose this post. “As the mother of a son, I think it is highly important to teach him how to treat females. That includes me, his future girlfriends, wife, and women in general. This post explores that as well as how to raise young boys to be confident men with exceptional values.”
The post with the most views was 5 Ways to Kick-Start Your Blogging Day by Being A Wordsmith.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up appeared first on Laina Turner.
June 30, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up!
We are happy to have you with us this week.
We wish you and your loved ones a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!
Be safe, eat plenty, and drink responsibly.
Now, let’s spread #trafficjamweekend love on social media.
Come on in, link up, share, and learn something!
And…
The GIVEAWAY is still going on below!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #51!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Pictured above on top row (from left to right):
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Pictured above on bottom row (from left to right):
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #50…
Laina chose Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Wife Edition by The How-To Guru. “ Because we all have this issue this time of year.”
Gail chose this post. “Always good tips to think about. Sometimes we forget about doing it until it breaks.”
Kimberly chose this post. “I have worked for several years for a dentist and orthodontist. Darlene hit the nail on the head with the questions you should pose when choosing a dental professional.”
The post with the most views was Honey Pecan Rotisserie Chicken Salad by Grandma Honey’s House
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
Enter for a chance to win a hardcover copy of Adam Mitzner’s latest mystery thriller, The Girl from Home (feel free to read my review about it here) and a Bluetooth Wireless Heart Rate Monitor that is compatible with iOS and Android products. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 to enter.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link up! appeared first on Laina Turner.
June 27, 2016
June 23, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up #50!
That’s right, the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party is 50 Weeks Old!
Thanks for stopping by to help us celebrate.
We have a GIVEAWAY below in honor of this event.
We are happy to have you with us this week. Please spread #trafficjamweekend love on social media. Come on in, link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #50!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Pictured above on top row (from left to right):
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Pictured above on bottom row (from left to right):
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #49…
Gail chose 9 Food Bloggers Reveal Their Time Saving Kitchen Tips from Care2. “I love cooking and things that help me save time.”
Kimberly also chose this post. “I enjoyed seeing and reading the point of view from each blogger featured.”
The post with the most views was DIY Garden Stakes from Fun Happiness & Life.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
Enter for a chance to win Adam Mitzner’s latest mystery thriller, The Girl from Home (feel free to read my review about it here) and a Bluetooth Wireless Heart Rate Monitor that is compatible with iOS and Android products. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link up #50! appeared first on Laina Turner.
