M.K. Clinton's Blog: M. K. Clinton's Barking from the Bayou, page 176

Authorgraph Explained

Everyone enjoys getting autographs. Whether you are getting a DVD, tee shirt, photo, or your favorite book signed, it’s always fun. The problem nowadays is many of us have our books contained on our ereaders. Until a few years ago if we wanted our favorite author’s signature, unless we went to a book signing, and had our Kindle written on with a marker, we were out of luck. Now, with the introduction of Kindle Graph renamed to Authorgraph that has changed. The new name reflects that fact the digital signature work on a variety of readers in addition to the Kindle.
Many of you may have noticed the “authorgraph” square on this page and on my Facebook. First, let me confess that I didn’t put it on the pages because I thought that I’d be inundated with requests for my digital autograph! I was required to have one to join a particular author site. I figured that if I was going to sign up for it, then what the heck, I might as well offer it to my readers.
To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure how it worked so I decided I’d better try it. Here’s how it works: There are over 5,000 authors registered so you have a lot from which to choose. You request an authorgraph from your favorite authors listed and receive a personalized note along with their signature. You will get an email when the authorgraph arrives. Simply click to download the attachment and choose which ereader you where you want it delivered. It appears on your Kindle or the device you’ve chosen in a few seconds. It is very cool, absolutely FREE, and extremely user friendly. I’m glad that I gave it try and now I’m happy I can offer it to my readers. I am going to start a collection on my Kindle to see how many I can get.
If you would like to try it, just click on the square located on the left of this page and start your collection today!


**Recipe of the Day**

Vanilla Peach Coffee Cake
From my Yummy Pinterest Board courtesy of http://www.quickfoodrecipes.org/

Ingredients:

For the batter
3 cups all- purpose flour
3 eggs
3 peaches, large size
½ cup sour cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ baking soda
8 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the topping

¾ cup flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup light brown sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter

Method:
The butter (8 tablespoons) is whisked for 5 minutes with the regular and the brown sugar. The eggs with the vanilla- almond extracts are mixed in and added the sour cream. In another bowl, the flour is combined with the baking powder, the baking soda, and the salt. The flour mixture is poured into the mixed composition and beaten until incorporated. In a different bowl, the topping ingredients (sugar, flour, cinnamon) are added, mixed, and then blended well with the 5 tablespoons of melted butter. A 9-inch size springform pan is greased and the batter is spread on the bottom. The peaches, peeled and thinly sliced are evenly placed on the batter surface. The topping mixture is evenly sprinkled on top of the peaches. The cake is baked for 45 minutes in the preheated oven (350 degrees F). When baked, the peach cake is removed from the oven and set to cool for a few minutes. The side of the springform pan is removed and the cake is cut when is completely cold. Enjoy!


**Pet Tip of the Day**

A personal note: We had quite a weekend. Our Basset Hound, Bentley got an ear infection that was causing him a tremendous amount of pain. As it always happens, it started bothering him around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning. I keep Otic drops on hand because even though I am ever vigilant with his ear cleaning, he still gets the occasional infection. Why I didn’t notice it until he was in so much pain, I’m not sure but my guilt is heavy! We stayed up trying to make him comfortable and he was feeling a little better today. It looks like we will be visiting the vet first thing Monday morning though. He may need a s-h-o-t and some antibiotics. I just don’t want him hurting anymore. Our dogs are just like our babies and as all parents; we’d rather take their pain ourselves than see them suffer. I told my husband last night that it would be nice if he could really talk as he does in my books so he could tell us the problem. I’ll let you know how he is doing. Useful Tips and Odd Facts are from the terrific website: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/tips.htm
1. Using metal water dishes outside in winter may be a risk, because your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal. In the summer, metal bowls can get very hot and burn your dog.
2. If you have a puppy that pees on your carpet: After soaking up most of the mess with a paper towel, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) over the area and leave it to absorb both the traces of urine and the odor.
3. If your dog runs away from you and you finally catch up to it, no matter how angry you are at the dog, do not yell or smack it or your dog will never come to you when called for fear of being punished.
4. Do not leave your dog unattended on a choke chain. The chain could get caught and strangle the dog.
5. Do not leave your dog in the car unattended on hot days. Even with the windows open, temperatures in cars WILL reach deadly levels. It only takes five minutes! If you see a dog locked in a very hot car, do something to try to help it before it's too late.
6. Do not make your dog walk on extremely hot or cold asphalt, cement, etc. The pads of their paws are not made out of steel. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, then chances are that it is too hot for your dog also.
7. To keep your dog busy, buy toys with little holes in them (such as a Kong), put both big and small pieces of kibble in the toy, and give it to your dog. This will keep him busy for quite a while, presuming he has a few small ones that he gets out quickly. You can also wedge dog biscuits in the holes with a smear of peanut butter.
8. When your dog is teething, instead of have him chewing on couches, walls, etc., buy a few (cheap) washcloths. Soak the washcloth with water and put it in the freezer. When fully frozen, give it to the dog to chew. It will thaw out so have another one ready in the freezer. (Be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)
9. For teething puppies, mix chicken or beef broth (look for low fat, low sodium brands) with 1 ½ cups of water. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays to made broth ice cubes. They are tasty treats on hot days. (Be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)
10. Do not leave your pet in an area with dangling phone cords, drape cords or other items that it might be able to strangle itself. Be aware of electric cords that may be chewed by the pet.
11. I have a dog that used to love to dig. When I'd fill the hole and re-seed, he'd just dig it up again. One day I was watching him wander around the yard, and I noticed he took extra care not to step in his droppings. So, the next time I filled up a hole, I buried a little dung at the bottom and left some dung on top. He avoided the freshly seeded grass, and his droppings made excellent fertilizer. This won't work for all dogs...I also have another dog that loves to dig. This trick does not work on her, as she does not care where she steps.
Please note: the feces of dogs or any other meat-eating animal are NOT SAFE to use as fertilizer on plants that will be eaten by people, such as veggies, fruits, or herbs. The feces can spread disease, even if it comes from a healthy dog.
12. Is your dog digging? Try putting cayenne pepper in the holes—they don't like the sensation when they go back to dig again.
13. Does dog urination burns your lawn? Try giving them some tomato juice every day (either in a bowl or on their food) and it should solve the problem.
14. After soaking up the majority of urine or picking up the poop, baby wipes do a great job and pick up all smells with no stains left behind.
15. Male guide dogs always squat to urinate. This is so the handler can quickly determine whether the dog is urinating or defecating during potty breaks by feeling down the length of its back. This assists the handler in determining where the poop will land so they can clean up if the dog is hunched up to defecate.

Hunger Games Catching Fire is the Hottest Ticket in Town!

I’ll be the first to admit that I am no movie critic.  My husband and I don’t go to the theater on a regular basis.  When we do, it is usually to see a comedy.  I very rarely take a chance with a movie based on a book I’ve enjoyed.  The reason is that they never live up to the show that played out on my mind’s big screen.  I won’t mention any specific book to screen movies that were let downs but I’m sure you have a list of your own.
Photo courtesy of http://thewrap.com/I read the Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” trilogy as they came on the market.  It didn’t take many chapters to fall in love with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.  Her writing captivated me as I imagined a world of chaos, fear, and death.  I was skeptical when the announcement came that the series was coming to the big screen.  Some of the costumes and settings were so well defined in my head; I didn’t believe anyone could recreate them to match my imagination.
I held out and did not go watch Hunger Games when it debuted.  I received the DVD as a Christmas present last year.  It was wonderful!  I have watched it several times.  I am still amazed that the director and actors are spot-on in adaptation of the book.  It is one of my favorite movies in my collection.
I was anxious for the release of Hunger Games ~ Catching Fire.  When my daughter-in-law, Jackie and her sister, Jaime invited me to join them to see it this morning, I jumped at the chance.  Wow, it is AWESOME!  Believe me when I tell you that it live up to all of the hype that it has received.  If it does not win the Oscar for costume design then something is seriously wrong.  It has some of the most spectacular clothing that I have ever seen in a movie.  Katniss wears many wonderful dresses but one in particular is breathtaking.  Of course, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket sports some of the most outlandishly fabulous clothes imaginable!
The scenery and special effects could not be more realistic.  I think I jumped out of my seat at least four times!  If we are keeping emotional count, I cried at least once, okay probably three times, hated President Snow no less than ten times, and cringed a lot.  I told Jamie that it was exactly what I saw in my mind and she agreed it was also, what she had imagined.  As two avid readers, I don’t think a movie can get a higher compliment!
As far as the actors in Catching Fire, all of the original cast members are back.  Well, the ones that weren't killed during the last Hunger Game!  Jennifer Lawrence as the beautiful, brave Katniss, Josh Hutcherson is the handsome, protective Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth breaks our hearts as Gale Hawthorne.  All three of them play their characters believably and with heart.  Woody Harrelson as the alcoholic Haymitch Abernathy along with the aforementioned Elizabeth Banks as Effie trinket is pure joy.  As usual, I love to hate Donald Sutherland as President Snow.  As you can tell, in my opinion, the entire cast is brilliant and I think they all deserve to win as many awards as kudos as their industry can bestow on them.
I can’t think of enough different adjectives to praise Hunger Games~ Catching Fire.  If you get a chance run, don’t walk into your local theater, grab a bucket of popcorn, and settle down for a fantastic time.  It is truly an example where a movie IS as good as the book. 
**Recipe of the Day**
King's Copycat Hawaiian Bread
http://lepetitbrioche.blogspot.com/  
makes 3 loaves or 24 large rolls
from food.com
 
6-7 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes yeast
1/2 cup butter (one stick) melted

Directions:

Beat the eggs. Add the pineapple juice, sugar, salt, ginger, vanilla, and butter.
Place 3 cups of flour in a large bowl. Stir in the egg mixture until well-combined. Sprinkle in the yeast, one packet at a time, and mix. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and mix in. If dough is sticky and difficult to handle, add more flour. Dough should be slightly tacky, but not wet. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Place dough in a greased bowl and set aside to rise until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down and either divide into three equal parts for bread loaves or 24 balls for dinner rolls. Place in greased loaf pans or shape into rolls.
Cover and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. The secret to light and airy rolls is making sure they've risen enough....this is an exercise is patience
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or golden brown.
Brush tops with melted butter. Serve warm
***Pet Tip of the Day***
Thanksgiving Turkey Talk
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips/
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.
Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.
 Charles M. Schulz "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"

I’ll be the first to admit that I am no movie critic.&nbs...

I’ll be the first to admit that I am no movie critic.  My husband and I don’t go to the theater on a regular basis.  When we do, it is usually to see a comedy.  I very rarely take a chance with a movie based on a book I’ve enjoyed.  The reason is that they never live up to the show that played out on my mind’s big screen.  I won’t mention any specific book to screen movies that were let downs but I’m sure you have a list of your own.
Photo courtesy of http://thewrap.com/I read the Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” trilogy as they came on the market.  It didn’t take many chapters to fall in love with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.  Her writing captivated me as I imagined a world of chaos, fear, and death.  I was skeptical when the announcement came that the series was coming to the big screen.  Some of the costumes and settings were so well defined in my head; I didn’t believe anyone could recreate them to match my imagination.
I held out and did not go watch Hunger Games when it debuted.  I received the DVD as a Christmas present last year.  It was wonderful!  I have watched it several times.  I am still amazed that the director and actors are spot-on in adaptation of the book.  It is one of my favorite movies in my collection.
I was anxious for the release of Hunger Games ~ Catching Fire.  When my daughter-in-law, Jackie and her sister, Jaime invited me to join them to see it this morning, I jumped at the chance.  Wow, it is AWESOME!  Believe me when I tell you that it live up to all of the hype that it has received.  If it does not win the Oscar for costume design then something is seriously wrong.  It has some of the most spectacular clothing that I have ever seen in a movie.  Katniss wears many wonderful dresses but one in particular is breathtaking.  Of course, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket sports some of the most outlandishly fabulous clothes imaginable!
The scenery and special effects could not be more realistic.  I think I jumped out of my seat at least four times!  If we are keeping emotional count, I cried at least once, okay probably three times, hated President Snow no less than ten times, and cringed a lot.  I told Jamie that it was exactly what I saw in my mind and she agreed it was also, what she had imagined.  As two avid readers, I don’t think a movie can get a higher compliment!
As far as the actors in Catching Fire, all of the original cast members are back.  Well, the ones that weren't killed during the last Hunger Game!  Jennifer Lawrence as the beautiful, brave Katniss, Josh Hutcherson is the handsome, protective Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth breaks our hearts as Gale Hawthorne.  All three of them play their characters believably and with heart.  Woody Harrelson as the alcoholic Haymitch Abernathy along with the aforementioned Elizabeth Banks as Effie trinket is pure joy.  As usual, I love to hate Donald Sutherland as President Snow.  As you can tell, in my opinion, the entire cast is brilliant and I think they all deserve to win as many awards as kudos as their industry can bestow on them.
I can’t think of enough different adjectives to praise Hunger Games~ Catching Fire.  If you get a chance run, don’t walk into your local theater, grab a bucket of popcorn, and settle down for a fantastic time.  It is truly an example where a movie IS as good as the book. 
**Recipe of the Day**
King's Copycat Hawaiian Bread
http://lepetitbrioche.blogspot.com/  
makes 3 loaves or 24 large rolls
from food.com
 
6-7 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes yeast
1/2 cup butter (one stick) melted

Directions:

Beat the eggs. Add the pineapple juice, sugar, salt, ginger, vanilla, and butter.
Place 3 cups of flour in a large bowl. Stir in the egg mixture until well-combined. Sprinkle in the yeast, one packet at a time, and mix. Add the remaining 3 cups of flour and mix in. If dough is sticky and difficult to handle, add more flour. Dough should be slightly tacky, but not wet. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Place dough in a greased bowl and set aside to rise until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down and either divide into three equal parts for bread loaves or 24 balls for dinner rolls. Place in greased loaf pans or shape into rolls.
Cover and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. The secret to light and airy rolls is making sure they've risen enough....this is an exercise is patience
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or golden brown.
Brush tops with melted butter. Serve warm
***Pet Tip of the Day***
Thanksgiving Turkey Talk
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/thanksgiving-safety-tips/
Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.
Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.
No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.
 Charles M. Schulz "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"

Paperbacks!

I felt just like Steve Martin in the movie “The Jerk” earlier tonight.  Around 7:30 p.m. the U.P.S. truck rolled up in front of my house.  The man came trudging up my driveway with a big box.  “My new books are here!  My new books are here!”  I was shouting, jumping, and running around like a lunatic!  When I cut the box open and saw the shiny new covers, the feeling has to rank up there with one of the most exciting that I can remember!  Don’t get me wrong, it was very thrilling to see my books on the Kindle for the first time.  There is just something about actually holding a “real” book.  To see them with my name on the cover was surreal.  Remember, I spent years shelving and checking in/out other authors’ books, never imagining I’d have any of my own!
The problems at CreateSpace have been repaired and both books are now available to order in paperback.  I appreciate everyone’s patience but there is plenty of time to order your copies for Christmas!  (hint, hint)  Since I don’t want to spend this entire blog tooting my own horn, I’m going to let my friend and editor, Leiah Cooper of “So I Read This Book Today” http://soireadthisbooktoday.com/do it for me!  This is a copy of her blog post.  Thanks for your support Leiah! SHOWSTOPPERS IS OUT IN PAPERBACK! WOO HOO!
21Nov
The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers is out in paperback on Amazon!The holidays are nearly here, and what better gift than beautiful copies of SHOWSTOPPERS for all your friends and family? Heartwarming, funny, and all around lovable, these canine companions, along with their Angel Guardian, her Angel Mentor, and their favorite FBI Agent are on another adventure!
Travel with them, from New Orleans to New York as they track down the evil people who are kidnapping famous show dogs!
The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers is out in paperback on Amazon! Click the link above and you can purchase copies for everyone on your list!
 

An Interview with a High School Librarian

I am excited about today’s post for many reasons.  It is my first interview, it highlights one of my favorite people, and it is a great topic.  Every job at a school is important, from the hard working custodial staff to the principal.  These employees deserve our admiration and gratitude far beyond what any of them receive.  One of the most underappreciated of these jobs is the school librarian.  As I have previously mentioned, I worked in the school system for fifteen years in various positions.  The last several years were as a library clerk.  I had the privilege of working under three amazing librarians.  I have also met many others through the close-knit library family.  These unsung heroes choose to spend their lives teaching the love of reading to our children.  It is an invaluable service not only to our future leaders but also to our country as a whole.  In the words of Mark Twain, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”  Now without further ado, here is my interview with Amy Bridges.

Hello, let’s start by letting my readers know a little about you.  Tell us about yourself.From as long as I can remember, I have had a book in my hand.  Reading is a fundamental part of who I am.  Currently I am a high school librarian in Shreveport, La. I taught English for 11 years, and I have been a librarian for 6 years.  I am married with two boys, ages 11 and 9, and a baby girl on the way.  I have lived in La all my life, but I have traveled extensively.  I love European history, Oreos, shopping for shoes, and rooting for the LSU tigers.

 What made you decide to become a librarian?I think it is my abounding love for books and literature that steered me in the direction of the library.  It was where I wanted to spend all of my free time, and I thought that getting paid to guide people in the direction of the right book was just the job for me! 

 Why at the high school level?In college, I focused most of my attention on the works of Shakespeare and the Romantic poets.  When teaching became my profession of choice, it just seemed natural to go into high school where these particular subjects were already being taught.  I stayed at the high school level when I became a librarian because of my newfound love for YA literature.

 What is your biggest challenge in getting students to read?Every day I hear students say that they hate to read.  When I ask them why, they say that reading is boring, or that they haven’t found anything to interest them.  Typically, their experience with reading has been what was forced on them in the classroom.  It’s my mission to find that child a book that they will fall in love with, and fall in love with reading in the process.

 What is the most popular genre among boys/girls?Currently, my girls are reading Supernatural / Paranormal Romance books like Lauren Kate’s Fallen series.  I also have many girls who love drama, as in Pretty Little Liars , Gossip Girl , and Hollywood High .

Boys are a little different.  Right now I am seeing lots of anime/manga with the boys, as well as dystopian novels.  I almost had a fight when Veronica Roth’s Allegiant came out and I only had two copies.  Another one that they love is Lex Thomas’ Quarantine series.  Oh, and of course James Patterson or Rick Riordan see their fair share of action.
 How has technology changed the library?Well, computer usage is the meat and potatoes of my library.  Students come in to work on school projects or check email.  When the computers are down, I see considerably less traffic than when the computers are working.  However, I do have lots of kids who check out books regularly, so the computer usage hasn’t seemed to slow down circulation.

 Does your school offer library science in the curriculum?Our school does offer Library Science, which I’ve taught for the last four years.  It is typically offered to freshmen.  I try and incorporate the skills of how to use the library with research skills.

 If you were granted one wish for your library, what would it be?An unlimited budget.  I wish I could buy every book a student comes in and asks for, but my limitations on funds makes that hard sometimes. 

 How have the cuts in the government budget affected the way you operate?Budget cuts have been felt everywhere, but I feel them especially hard here in the library.  I simply cannot order the number of books, magazines, databases, and AV materials that I’d like to with a limited budget, so I have to prioritize.  Some things have been on my list for years!

 What is the most rewarding part of your job?Absolutely, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is the relationship I form with my students over our mutual love of reading.  I have students all the time who tell me that they hated reading until they read that book I told them about…  That’s the best reward ever!

 Have eBooks had an impact your readership?  Will any of the books in your library be available to students online?At my school, we don’t have a large eBook readership.  Many of my students do not have eReaders or iPads, so the demand for eBooks has been very minimal.  I have over 100 eBooks in my collection that have been provided by my district, so students have access to them if they want to.

 Is there anything else that you’d like to add?Thanks for spotlighting high school libraries!  There are awesome things going on here that I am so proud of! 

Thank you so much for volunteering to be my pilot interview!  I hope my readers have gained some insight into the important job that you do on a daily basis.  In your honor, my recipe of the day is homemade Oreos!
** If there are any authors out there who are interested in donating books to Mrs. Bridges’ library, please contact me.
 **Recipe of the Day**
*Homemade Oreos*

http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/
Ingredients
1 18.25oz. Betty Crocker Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix3 Tbsp. Shortening, melted

½ Cup Cake Flour, measured then sifted

1 Egg3 Tbsp. Water

2 Tbsp. brown Paste Food Coloring (optional)*

 Filling

3 ¾ Cups Powdered Sugar
½ Tbsp. Granulated Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
½ Cup Vegetable Shortening
2 Tbsp. Hot Water
Directions
1.     Combine cookie ingredients in large bowl.  Add the water a little bit at a time until the dough forms.  Cover and chill for 2 hours.
2.     Preheat oven to 350˚
3.     On a lightly floured surface, roll out a portion of the dough to just under a 16th of an inch thick.  To cut, use the lid to a spice container about 1 ½“ in diameter.  Arrange the cut out dough rounds on a cookie sheet that has been lightly sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove wafers from over and allow to cool completely.
4.     As the cookies bake, prepare the filling by combing the ingredients with an electric mixer.
5.     When the cookies have cooled, roll a small portion (1/4 heaping teaspoon) of the filling into a ball (just over ¼” in diameter), and press it between two cookies.  Repeat with remaining cookies.  Makes approx. 54-58 sandwich cookies
*The food paste color is an optional step to achieve the original cookie color.  If you omit this ingredient, be sure to increase the water amount in the cookie mixture from 3 Tbsp. to ¼ cup.  This food color paste gives the cookie the dark brown/black color.  It is sold in the cake decorating supply area of craft and art supply stores or Wal Mart.
**If the dough seems too tacky, you can add up to ¼ cup of flour as you pat out and work the dough.  Use just enough to make your dough workable but not tough.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual...
I am so excited for Amy’s new baby girl!  She has two rough and tumble sons as well as a large and
lovable Pyrador (Great Pyrenees & Black Lab mix).  I’m sure all three of these boys will be great protectors of their little sister.  Here are some helpful hints for introducing Finn to little Anne-Marie.

Many dogs who haven’t spent time around children find babies utterly baffling.  This isn’t surprising.  They move, sound, smell and behave very differently than adults do.  If your baby is still on the way, please see our article on Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby to learn steps you can take to help your dog adjust to the new changes ahead.  If your bundle of joy has arrived, keep reading for important tips on making introductions and early interactions between your dog and baby as smooth as possible.  If you spend time developing a good relationship between them now, they will likely become the best of friends for years to come.
Bringing the Baby Home
First impressions are important.  Your dog should have pleasant experiences with your baby right from the start.  When bringing your baby home from the hospital, send everyone else into the house first so your dog can express her usual excitement to see people.  After she’s had a minute or two of greeting time and expends some of her energy, have someone leash her.  This is important, even if you have no reason to believe that she’ll react poorly to the baby.  That person should also get some small treats ready to use during your dog’s first few moments with the baby.  (It may help to prepare these treats in advance and keep them in a container near the front door.)
It’s crucial to stay calm and relaxed when you and the baby enter the house.  If you seem nervous and jumpy, your dog will pick up on your feelings and may become nervous as well, thinking that the bundle in your arms is something to worry about.  Instead, speak to your dog in a soft but cheerful voice as you walk into the house.  Have your helper distract her with plenty of treats so that her attention is divided between them, your baby and the other people present.  The helper can ask your dog to respond to obedience cues, like sit and down, using the treats to reward her polite behavior.  Praise your dog for any calm interest in the baby. Avoid scolding your dog.  Remember, you want her to associate the baby with good things, not your displeasure.
 

For the Love of Dogs

The Truth about DogsDogs are truly remarkable animals.  They don’t hold grudges, they live their lives trying to please us, and instinctively know when we need a silent friend beside us.  My dogs have brought me joy, love, laughs, and a reason to smile every day.  They have also been the inspiration for my two books.  Some of the most serious people turn into completely different people when they are with their dogs.  I decided to feature some great dog quotes on today’s blog.  I hope that you enjoy them and give your best friend an extra belly rub.  Be sure to watch the video “So God Made a Dog” under Pet Tips of the Day at the bottom of my blog.

I always say, the time you spend with your dog makes the difference in a great dog or a crate dog.  ~
Faith Fullilove in “The Returns

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.  ~ Anonymous
Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.  ~ Ann Landers
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.  ~ Will Rogers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.  ~ Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.  ~ Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.  ~ Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can spare.  In return, dogs give us their all.  It’s the best deal man has ever made.  ~ M. Acklam
Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love with hate.  ~ Sigmund Freud
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.  ~ Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.  ~ Franklin P. Jones
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to Heaven, and very, very few persons.  ~ James Thurber
If your dog is fat, you’re not getting enough exercise.  ~ Unknown
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.  ~ Mark Twain
 Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our life whole.  ~ Roger Caras
If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.  ~ Phil Pastoret
My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.  ~ Unknown
Dogs laugh but they laugh with their tails.  ~ Max Eastman
A dog is not “almost human” and I know of no great insult to the canine race than to describe it as such.  ~John Holmes
Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.  ~ Karen Davison
 ** Recipe of the Day**
Tamale Pie from: http://www.eat2gather.net/
Ingredients
1 lb. ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)1 16oz. for of beans (Black, Pinto, Refried or Northern)1 16oz. jar of your favorite Salsa1 Cup Shredded Cheese 1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal

3 Cups Water

1 to 3 tsp. Chili Powder

DirectionsBrown meat in ovenproof skillet.  Drain off excess grease.  Add beans and salsa then let simmer.  In a separate saucepan boil 3 cups water, whisk in cornmeal, stirring until thick, and then add chili powder.  Spoon cornmeal mixture over meat and sprinkle with cheese.  Bake in 375˚ oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and cornmeal begins to make a nice crust. 

*Note:  You can add extras to make it your own such as green chili peppers, chopped green peppers, onions, minced jalapenos, or a can of sliced black olives.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
  
 
 
 

A Happy Update & Ho~Hos

It has certainly been an exciting few days since my new book launched! I still have a million things to do in order to update profiles and listing on all of the sites where I’m listed. It’s very exciting to see two books with my name on them! Thanks to my awesome readers, my sales have been brisk and many people are letting others “borrow” The Returns. I have ordered several printed copies since they just became available through the CreateSpace store. I can hardly wait to hold one! Both paperback books will be linked to my Amazon pages, but it obviously takes a few days. Until then, you can order the printed editions by clicking the "Order Paperbacks" tab at the top of this blog.
My plan is to have a couple of contests here on my blog as well as my Facebook page. This is one of the reasons that I ordered extra print copies! I've had a few ideas for contests, but would love to hear some suggestions from my readers. If any other bloggers have run successful campaigns in the past, I’d appreciate the information. I thought of a “Guess How Many” with a picture of a container filled with items. The first person to guess the correct amount wins! Please leave me a comment if you have any ideas by going to my contact tab.
I appreciate the support you have shown me and I hope both books leave you feeling happy with a smile on your face!


**Recipe of the Day** (In honor of Bentley)
http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/ho...

Homemade Ho-Ho’s
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed), plus more for dusting pan
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 tablespoons butter, melted

For the filling:
1/2 cup sugar
4 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the frosting:
2 cups good quality chocolate chips (I like Guittard)
2 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a half sheet pan (17×12 inches), then line with parchment paper. Butter the paper and sides of pan and dust with cocoa powder. In a medium-sized, heat-proof bowl, set over a saucepan of simmering water; whisk together the eggs, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Whisk almost constantly until mixture is warm to the touch. Remove from heat, and with an electric mixer, beat on high for several minutes until the mixture is smooth, falls in ribbons, and is cool to the touch. Stir in vanilla.

2. Combine the rest of the cocoa powder, flour, and salt in small bowl, and fold a third of it into the egg and sugar mixture. Fold the next third in until well incorporated, followed by the melted butter, and the last third of the flour mixture. The batter should now fall in thick ribbons. Spread evenly into prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched. Allow to cool.



3. While the cake cools, make the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, with an electric mixer, cream sugar and cream cheese until the sugar dissolves. Switch to the whisk attachment (if you have one), and add in cream, a little at a time, until it is well incorporated. Raise the speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into vanilla. You may taste a little, but try not to go crazy. You’ll need it for the filling.





4. When the cake is almost fully cooled, cut into 10 equal pieces. Spread filling even over the cake, and take each section and carefully roll up, being careful not to break the cake or squish out the filling (but this will probably happen, so don’t panic. My son said that the frosting is for filling in the cracks). When all pieces are rolled up, place in the freezer to set for about 20 minutes.

5. In a small, microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, and the butter. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir, and microwave for 10 seconds more until all the chips are melted.
6. Remove the naked ho-ho’s (no innuendo intended here) from the freezer, cut off any filling oozing out the sides, and coat in the melted chocolate mixture. Place on parchment paper and return to the freezer until the frosting is set.


**Pet Tip of the Day**
http://www.agway.com/know_how/pets/pe...

More Fall Safety Tips
Antifreeze: Every year more than 10,000 dogs and cats are accidentally poisoned with automotive antifreeze. Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of ethylene glycol and one to two teaspoons will poison a cat and three tablespoons is enough to kill a medium size dog.
Allergies: Fall weather can bring about all whole new set of allergies. Ragweed and mold are two big aggravates, along with grass and dust. Look for signs like scratching, biting, chewing, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and hives and rashes.
Arthritis: Cold weather can lead to arthritis caused by inflamed joints. If your dog or cat is limping, having trouble moving, jumping, or sitting, moving slower than usual, or whimpering when he moves, he may be suffering from seasonal arthritis.

My New Book Covers Are Revealed

Let the bells ring out and the banners wave!! I am proud to reveal the new covers for The Returns series. The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers will be available this week through Amazon.com. It has been nearly a year since I first uploaded The Returns on Amazon Kindle. At that time, everything I knew about writing, publishing, and book promotions could have fit inside a thimble! I have said it before and I’ll continue to say, “What a difference a year makes!” I dare say my knowledge will at least fill up a gumbo pot! I know that I will continue to learn every day through trial and error.
I must say several things at this point. First, I’d like to say how much I have loved the first beautiful cover for The Returns. I will always be grateful to Jay Bowen for his design and help. I had absolutely no idea about book cover design and he was a lifesaver. Second, I want to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me by Facebook postings and word of mouth. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life. Third, none of this would be possible without my wonderful readers! I have received some of the most heartwarming letters and incredible reviews. I can honestly say that some of my reviews brought tears of joy and pride to my eyes. The incredible thing about my readers is that many of them have become friends. I sincerely thank each of you with my whole heart. Finally, I must thank my husband, Skipper for his constant love and belief in me. That thanks also goes to my children and their spouses. All of them have listened to me ramble on and on about my book. They have been so patient, understanding, and proud of me. I must have done something very right in life to deserve them!
Now, I am ready to move forward with The Returns 2 ~ Showstoppers! This brings up a whole new batch of thanks! One of my readers has become so much more than a friend; she has become my editor, mentor, sounding board, and hero! Leiah Cooper http://soireadthisbooktoday.com/ has proven to be one of the most patient people that I know, and believe me the past few days have proven that ten-fold! If anyone reading this is looking for an excellent editor, look no further! My new covers are the brainchild of Holly Madison of Whimsical Graphix. When I contacted her about making my new cover art, the first thing that she did was to download The Returns and read it. She came up with two brilliant covers that both capture the fun and feeling of my books. She was a joy to work with and let me have major input in her designs. I was extremely proud to have her work on my books and strongly recommend her for any author looking for a graphic designer! Just contact me and I will put you in touch with both of these wonderful women! Holly even used my real dogs for the covers! Of course, Bentley now insists on being called “Hollywood” and Pierre is even more of a Prima Donna! LOL!
As always, my love and thanks go to the wonderful dogs and cats that have been the basis for The Returns. Anyone who has ever loved their pet knows how difficult it is to say good-bye to them. In writing my books, I have been able to bring them back to life and laugh with them again. That has been an absolute gift from God to me. I certainly hope they bring a smile to your lips as they take on this new adventure!
If you already own the eBook version of The Returns, you will be able to download the new edited version at no charge. There are a few changes from the original storyline but nothing major. You can go to your “Manage My Kindle” page to update your copy at no additional charge! It may take a few days before the update is available. I will ask Amazon to contact my readers by email so keep an eye out for a notification. It is usually several weeks to receive the letter so it is quicker to check your personal Amazon page. Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for some upcoming contests that you won’t want to miss!
Now…drumroll please! My new covers!

Happy Veterans' Day & Thank You

We have set aside today to say “thank you” to our soldiers and veterans. It is a day to honor those who fought and served on foreign soil to make us safe on our own. I searched for different poems, articles, and stories until I came across this on the blog site hosted by a young Army wife named Kodie. It was perfect for today and I am proud to share it with my readers. I thank her for the content of today’s blog and her husband for his service. Here is her site address: http://confessionsofanarmyhousewife.b...


On the Eighth Day

And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a protector for this world I have made”; and so,
God Made a Soldier

God said, “I need someone ready to get up before dawn and clean his rifle, shine his boots, clean his rifle again, and then enter a world of foreign tongues who cuss his very existence, while he smiles and says how do you do;”
So God Made a Soldier

“I need someone with strong shoulders of which to carry the nation whose shoulders carry the world, but gentle enough to place his child on when and if he comes back alive;
Somebody able and willing to call men from different races, places, and walks of life his brothers while they enter the valley of the shadow of death;
and come home to a place where even his own spit on his morals, his beliefs;
the very same whom could not spit without him;”
So God Made a Soldier

God said, “I need somebody to stand beside a man for nine years and call him his brother, then carry the man home on his back, lower the man’s body six feet into the ground, dry his tears, turn to his comrade’s family and say, we’re proud of your son.
I need someone to clear his goggles with spit when he sweats too much, tie up his wounds with a tee shirt when he bleeds too much, and dry his eyes with whiskey when he weeps too much;
someone who will run when he can’t run anymore, stand up for his country when his legs are numb, and fight for liberty, even when liberty is fighting against him.”
So God Made a Soldier

God had to have someone willing to give 110% of himself to a world that requires only 20%;
someone who conducts himself the same whether in uniform, Sunday best, and a John Deere hat;
someone to work all day, all night, all year, and all his life until his beard becomes too gray.
So God Made a Soldier

God said, “I need somebody to do what he has to do so his country can lay down their heads at peace at night, while his enemies
sleep only when he does, which needless to say is not very often;”
So God Made a Soldier

It had to be someone who would put the needs of others above his own;
somebody to swear on a book that his enemies burn;
somebody to sweat, bleed, fight, and kill one day, and drive to church with his family the next;
and then, look, with eyes broken from seeing too much, as his son says he wants to spend his life doing what his dad does.
So God Made a Soldier

-Ben Morse, March 7, 2013


**Recipe of the Day**

Almond Poppy Seed Muffins
From Betty Crocker Recipes

Ingredients
½ Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
½ tsp. Almond Extract
!/2 Cup Sour Cream
¼ Cup Milk
1 1/3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Baking Soda
2 Tblsp. Poppy Seed
3 tsp. Sugar
2 Tblsp. Sliced Almonds

Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups (or spray cups with cooking spray or grease with shortening).
In large bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, the oil, egg and almond extract. Beat in sour cream and milk with spoon until blended.
Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and poppy seed until well blended. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle batter with 3 teaspoons sugar and the almonds.
Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan to wire rack. Serve warm or cool.

***Pet Tip of the Day***

Honoring our Four-Legged Heroes

Simply Fabulous Desserts

Let me start this blog post out by saying, “Sorry, my bad!” I made the terrible mistake of going on Pinterest to look for some Thanksgiving recipes to share with you. Now, after spending two hours pinning recipes from a variety of boards with some incredible desserts, it’s time to write my blog. Since I am typing this with my stomach growling, I thought I’d share some of these yummy treats with my readers. If you would like to see more of my tasty pinning frenzy, click on my Pinterest link and explore my ‘Yummy’ board. I thank all of the sites listed below the dessert name for these recipes! In the meantime, put on your comfortable sweatpants and check these out.

Butter Pecan Mini Cupcakes
http://suziesweettooth.com/2012/07/15...
Yield: 24 mini cupcakes recipe: adapted from 200 mini cakes & bakes
Ingredients
1/2 Cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp
1/2 Cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 Cup cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
1/2 Cup finely chopped pecans
Whole pecans to decorate
Maple Buttercream
1 Cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 Cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted + more if needed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
6 Tbsp. real maple syrup
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a 24 well silicone mini muffin cup liner on a baking sheet. Conversely, if you don’t have a silicone muffin pan you can use regular mini muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Add the vanilla and stir. Combine the rest of the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat to combine. Stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Fill the wells of the mini muffin cups with one Tablespoon of batter. Bake for about 11-12 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for about 2 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to continue cooling until completely cool.
4. Frost cupcakes [use a start tip if you have one] with Maple butter once cakes are completely cool and top with a whole pecan.
Buttercream:
Cream together the butter and sugar until light. Add in the salt and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add the maple syrup, beat until smooth. Add any additional confectioners sugar if needed one Tbsp. at a time if buttercream is too soft.

Carmelitas
Lulu the Baker http://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2012/...
Ingredients
32 caramel squares, unwrapped (I used caramel bits instead)
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Combine caramels and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely smooth; set aside. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda. Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8x8" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Pour caramel mixture over chocolate chips. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over caramel. Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.

Snickers Caramel Apple Pie
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/snicker-...
Ingredients
pie crust
3 green apples diced
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
15-20 mini snickers chopped
2 1/2 cup COOL WHIP whipped topping softened
1/3 cup can sweetened condensed milk
2 oz. cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
1.Spread snickers on bottom of pie crust. Next, layer the apples next. Then drizzle caramel on top.
2.Combine cool whip, cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together in a small bowl and spread on top. (Side Note: I made this again, mixed the COOL WHIP, condensed milk, and cream cheese in a bowl, and then added the apples and snickers into that. Then I put it all in the pie crust. I think that way turned out great!
3.Drizzle with caramel and a few snickers. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Take out about 5 minutes before serving and top with fresh apple slices.
**notes: this pie is best on the first day! If you want to keep the apples from browning, you can put a little lemon juice on them.

Samoa Brownies
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2013/...
INGREDIENTSBROWNIES
1 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
SALTED CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM
1/2 cup butter softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
2-3 Tbsp. milk
ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS
1 cup toasted coconut
4 oz. chocolate candy coating can use chocolate chips
1/2 cup Kraft Caramel Bits
1 Tbsp. water
INSTRUCTIONS
BROWNIES: Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla and blend well. Add salt, cocoa, and flour and stir to combine. Don’t overbeat. Pour into a greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM: Cream butter in stand mixer. Add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, caramel and milk to stand mixer and mix until well combined. Add more milk and/or powdered sugar as needed to reach desired consistency.
Frost the tops of completely cooled brownies.
Sprinkle toasted coconut evenly over the top of buttercream.
Melt chocolate candy coating in 30 second increments, stirring in between until smooth and melted.
Combine caramel bits and water in microwave safe bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Drizzle melted chocolate candy coating and caramel over toasted coconut.

Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies
http://www.isthisreallymylife.com/201... Author: Emily
Ingredients
Cookies
2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
Icing
2 cups powdered sugar
3 – 5 T milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheet.
In a food processor or blender, pulse/blend oats until partly ground. (Ground oats should be coarse, not a fine powder.)
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until combined.
In a large bowl beat melted butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake 14 to 16 minutes until lightly browned.
Cool cookies for 5 minutes on sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cookies are completely cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and desired consistency. Generally frost each cookie and allow glaze to set before storing. (We liked dipping the tops of the cookies in the glaze and then flipping them over to set.)
Store in an airtight container for up to one week (if they last that long).

CANDIED ALMONDS
Author: Amy Johnson | http://shewearsmanyhats.com
Ingredients
¼ cup honey
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
12 ounces shelled almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking liner.
2.In a skillet, warm honey, cinnamon, and ginger over low heat, stirring until combined.
3.Add almonds and stir to coat almonds. Remove from heat.
4.Sprinkle in brown sugar and salt and combine.
5.Spread coated almonds on lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes. Slightly adjust cook time to toasted/roasted.

**Dog Tip of the Day**
More recipes! SWEET POTATO PRETZELS
http://dog-milk.com/dog-i-y-easy-home... By: Serena from Pretty Fluffy
Ingredients
•200g Sweet Potato
•1 and ¾ Cups Whole Wheat Flour
•1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Meal
•1 Egg (Beaten)
* For dogs with allergies to whole-wheat flour, try almond or coconut flour.

Directions
1. Peel and dice sweet potato into cubes and bring to boil in saucepan of water.
2. Drain sweet potato and allow to cool. Puree in food processor.
3. Combine flour and flaxseed in a large bowl.
4. Beat egg and set aside a small amount (approx. 1 Tablespoon) for later.
5. Add sweet potato puree, and remaining beaten egg to dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough.
6. Take a bit sized piece of dough and roll into a 10-inch tube (about the thickness of a pencil).
7. Take each tube and make into a U shape, twist the ends together and fold back to form the Pretzel shape. Ensure the ends of the pretzel are tucked under and secured.
8. Place the pretzels onto the lined baking tray. Using pastry brush, brush the remaining beaten egg lightly on top of the pretzels. Place in the oven.
9. Bake Pretzels for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and serve.
Makes approximately 20 Pretzels.