Lizzy Charles's Blog, page 2

No Spending Challenge

How do you all feel about a good old challenge? For a long time, I avoided them. I mean, there are so many challenges out there. Juicing Challenges. Exercise Challenges. Real Pants Challenge (wait, I can’t wear yoga pants or leggings for a whole week!?). There plethora never ends and forever I avoided them because it all seemed a bit silly to me. What value could these little challenges have? With three kids, books to write, and an unending list of other excuses (we all have them), I didn’t have the time or the energy to focus on any challenges, let alone get dinner on the table.

But then out of a deep desperation to get my health back in order, I decided to dedicate myself to one challenge for twenty one days and the experience totally changed my view of challenges. It turns out the goal and focus of a challenge help reign me in and organize my messy mind and sometimes even my closets! It’s like I hit thirty one and suddenly I can’t get enough of these mini challenges.

My favorite are five day clean eating challenges (I run free Facebook groups for this, and no I’m not trying to sell anything. I just like having accountability with my eating y’all!). I run about two a month and love taking the time to focus on detoxing my body and making sure healthy food hits my table. It makes my soul feel good in a way soul food does not.

I’ve also done a few “No Spending Challenges.” Now, I sort of chuckle about this because a no spending challenge makes it sound like  I often spend on random things and I need to “challenge” myself to cut back because it’s a fun and cute way to curb your spending.  Here’s the truth, that’s not exactly the case. Mostly, I trick myself into using these “challenges” to stay within our strict budget. I use my grandmother’s way of budgeting (which I’ll teach you in an upcoming post) to monitor our cash flow through the month and quite honestly there are weeks were we need to only be purchasing gas and food (which has nothing to do with my grandma’s awesome approach to budgeting, more to do with income). If I slip outside of those parameters, I can mess up our cash flow for the entire month.

(a perfect example of one of my Ikea splurges from last spring)

I do these mini challenges often with and without knowing it, but I’ve never done a spending challenge post Thanksgiving and into December. The temptation to use the Cyber Monday discounts to update our 1960’s home with new light fixtures or even cute picture frames for our walls is calling to me. Here’s the thing though, even though stepping into our home is like living in a time capsule of sorts, we do not NEED these items. Sure, our microwave is ancient but it works!

Our Time Capsule Kitchen

Budgets stress me out. A lot. I will work the numbers over and over again to get us in the green, but then I step into a store and find a way to justify that dollar spot purchase or a McDonald’s run on a chaotic errands day with a car full of hungry and cranky kids (okay, and a cranky mama too!).

I work hard to make a budget, so why is it so easy for me to sway from it? I’ve thought long and hard about this subject and realize it boils down to two issues I wrestle with in my heart. The first issue is convenience, especially when it comes to food. I’m in a season where cooking a meal peacefully over a stove with a glass of wine seems as luxurious as purchasing a Tiffany charm bracelet.

Making a meal with a glass of wine has happened once in the one year we’ve owned our home, and oh how I loved it! Let the record show that the kids did not eat this meal.

I’m a mother with small children. Even if I had time to whip up a delicious meal, the chances they will eat it rings in at about 40%. And guys, I’m not a fast cook. Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals probably take me 50 minutes to pull off (Cutting onions makes me cry so I have to run out of the room for breaks). When there’s only an hour between school pick up and dance class, throwing down a snack of crackers and cheese and then running through Subway after dance to feed the crew before we dive into the bedtime routine just makes sense. It’s convenient. But I have to ask myself, is the convenience worth it? And why is it so important to me? Sometimes I worry that I move through time too quickly in search of convenience, missing more enriching opportunities. Sure, the kids may go to bed an hour late, but I bet I’d feel better about filling their bellies with home cooked food over fast food, and I bet they’ll have more memories to tuck into their love buckets of Mom setting warm food out in front of them on a plate rather than pulling it from a bag. (We’ve done the Subway post dance run twice, and every time I kick myself for it!)

The other issue that runs really deep within me is want. Oh…want. The grass is always greener on the other side, isn’t it? There’s something satisfying about finding a deal for something on my mental want list. To be honest, isn’t it absurd that I even have a want list? To be blessed to live in a society where I even fathom to have a list of wants is amazing. Yet still, a few times a week I’ll float my curser over this amazing deal on eBay for a blanket scarf I’ve been wanting or scroll through home improvement blogs or Instagram to research light fixtures for the house. I never hit buy, but the constant hunt for deals and the “visiting” makes for a dangerous combination.

You see, the items somehow become a symbol.

A symbol that we’re making it. That we’ve got our act together. Almost a promise that suddenly I can and will be able to have time to pull off a satisfying meal, taking a moment to smell the sizzling garlic while my kids play joyfully in the background, because if I can one-click that light item then there must be room in the budget which means I won’t have to work as much, which means I can finally start work on my next book, which means… (You see how this snowballs).

And that symbol right there is the problem. It’s a silly scarf, pillow, toy, etc. I don’t need it and the more I think about need versus want, I’m realizing I’m finding more satisfaction in not buying items rather than when I do buy them.

So right now I’m buckling down and trying to grow deeper in that satisfaction. I don’t want to find satisfaction in stuff and I don’t want to be anxious about our bank account.

Would anyone like to join a spending challenge group with me as I tackle the first 7 days of December? Purchasing just needs, not wants. Now, it’s understandable that it is gift giving season, so I’m not saying no to gifts if it fits in your budget, but I want an opportunity to honor the budget. Honor the math, ya know? I want to end this year financially fit and step into 2017 in control.

Who’s with me? Comment below or message me on FB or Instagram and I’ll add you to my Facebook group! Let’s do this!!!

Family Photos and Dinos

Fun facts. I love receiving Christmas cards but I’m horrible at sending them. Life often gets in the way for me when it comes to our own family Christmas card. Whether it’s taking the photos, ordering the cards, or addressing the envelopes, I’d say nine times out of ten I end up chalking up the yearly Christmas card to failure.

But this year, I’m determined to make a Christmas card happen; unfortunately we didn’t have any family photos sitting around that didn’t have one of our hands extended in selfie mode. I wanted a shot that showed all our limbs. Something I could frame. Something where I’m not featuring a double chin. You know, the regular wish list.

Unfortunately, I was a little late on scheduling any professional photos or mini sessions. But, hey! I’ve got a nice camera and lens from my days of baby blogging and doing free newborn shoots, so not having a professional photographer didn’t stop us. We just did it all the old fashion way with a front patio on a drizzling Thanksgiving morning and a willing sister to snap a shot.

And, I’m so glad we did it this way. Because, well, when siblings are involved? It gets fun y’all!

With a six year old, four year old, and near three year old, we knew the moment we walked through the front door of my parents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner that we needed to get our shot ASAP. You know, before gravy dripped down the sweaters or my hair decided to change color again. Seriously, this box dye has been a journey folks. Anyway, we herded the kids onto the front patio in forty degree weather and handed my sister my Nikon D3100. Our traditional Christmas photo ended up being her first shot.

 

And, I love it. But the rest? Oh my. I’ll never forget it! Remember how I said when siblings are involved, it gets fun? Well, let me tell you. My brother knows how to make a memory!

Suddenly, while we are trying to get kids to look at a camera, a creature peeks around from a tree. Yes, a creature! At first, the kids screamed but then slowly (with a little extra info from Dad) their screams turned into giggles of anticipation for what my brother had in store.

The results of this Jurassic encounter are perhaps my favorite family photos ever.

(My hair color in these photos I tenderly call my Fire Stage, one month out from the box dye)

Yup. That’s right. My family is so going to end up on your fridge with a dinosaur this year.

Oh, and sweaters… Let’s talk about them! They are all from Target this year. Yes, we totally indulged in the buy one get one 50% off day last week. How could I pass it up after stalking my poncho for three months? I’ve got to say, I love my blanket poncho. It’s by Knox and Rose, and available at Target and it’s only $34.99! (This is not an affiliate link. I just love it and want to share it with y’all!). The kids sweaters are all by Cat and Jack, and Greg’s is their standard Merona brand. Sort of feel like we all won the sweater lottery this year!

And if you are interested in the dino, get it here. You won’t regret it. I promise!

 

 

 

Obsessed with Hamilton

 

Guys, I’m late. Super late. But, still, I have to share. You see this summer I fell in love with all things Hamilton.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway play Hamilton is everything my soul has been searching for in pop culture. A new musical. And not just a “musical” but a pop cultural phenomenon that celebrates intellect! It’s judgmental for me to say this–wait, I’m in my thirties now so I’m going to say it anyway–but our country dropped our character bar sometime when the Kardashian family stepped into entertainment. Now, I don’t know much about this family of drama and fashionistas but considering they’ve been around for umpteen thousand years it’s hard for me to notice that the longer they are around the more superficial the news and social networking becomes. I’m not saying there is a direct correlation or anything, but hey… [Insert obvious issues here]. Right?

You see, our society was due for Hamilton. Over due. The placenta’s of our minds (hang in there with me, my background is from a birth center) were providing the last sustaining burst of energy and nutrients as we entered our forty third week of pregnancy type over due ness.

Then God plucked Hamilton from Lin-Manuel’s mind and gave birth to a movement. Seriously, thank God for Hamilton.

Oh Hamilton. How you make me think! How you’ve challenged the world with your musical styles, callbacks, rhyme schemes, references, and the delicious view and diverse portrayal of history as we are now. As I dig in my heals and try to figure out exactly where I fit in this world, My Shot has become my theme song.

We’re at the point where my kids wander around the house constantly singing “I’m not throwing away my shot!” and “…the greatest city in the world!” We’re up contemplating how our founding father’s and mother’s would view the upcoming election and issues weighing on our country. Agreeing and disagreeing, both with them and sometimes with one another.

Beautiful conversations. Delicious conversations. The types of conversations you imagine your grandparents had over their dessert coffee and brownies on a Sunday night after the kids went to bed.

The type that makes marriages stronger. Last longer.

My husband and I dove headfirst into Hamilton podcasts, biographies, every You-tube video about Hamilton the person and Hamilton the play, the PBS Liberty Series (remember that from middle school?), and HBO’s John Adam’s mini-series. We’ve watched them all.

And–yes, I’m late to the game–but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t spread how wonderful this musical is to my little corner of the blogosphere. Hell, even my younger brother (think engineer type) loves the soundtrack.

Go buy it. Get the script from B&N while your at it. And if you fall head over heals buy Ron Chernow’s biography as well.

And to those who are wondering, my current favorite character from the play is Aaron Burr because his voice makes me drool and he’s insanely complicated.

And my favorite historical figure? (Because obviously you were asking) It’s Eliza Hamilton. My goodness that woman knows how to work and do HARD things. I think Lin needs to write Part 2 and focus on all the kick ass things Eliza did during her husband’s career and after her husband’s death to shape and change our country. And peeps, I’m not just saying this because I not only share the same first name as this lady and we both have XX chromosomes, but because she really is that amazing.

Anyway, don’t let Hamilton slide past you. Buy it. Love it. Devour it. Then pass it along. Maybe we can improve this country with a few rap battles between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

 

So good.

Air is so sweet. So good. As is a space to rest with a comfortable quilt, gazing out a trees with branches billowing with leaves.

It’s so good to finally be at home, at ease.

The technological world whispered goodbye to my old blog during a time of life where I barely could tread water, but in reflection it’s so good to know what I went through. And even greater to move on.

Sailboats racing a storm on Lake Superior in Duluth, MN

Behind the scenes, books have been born.

Houses bought.

A well lived in home. :)

Children grow.

But there’s a whisper, almost a gentle nudge in my gut, telling me there is more. Write! It says and I look around. “Aren’t I writing all the time?”

No, you have more to say to the world than what you fold into your books.

So here I am. Thirty one years old (Love being in my thirties by the way. Seriously the best decade ever!) and on a quest to embrace a joyful mindset and create a healthy body and home. Three months of clean eating and exercise has strengthen more than my biceps. I’ve found myself again and something within me demands to step out and be bold.

To toss my words out into the universe and see where this little blog can take me with a cup of tea in hand and something worth sharing.

Just to have the opportunity to write words to share to whoever may stubble upon them is something I’m thankful for.

So cheers. For life is so good.

Here we go!

Another year, another battle, Pitch Wars!

I’m thrilled to be joining Pitch Wars as a mentor once again! I always look forward to this time of year, a time to pause my own writing and ghost writing to snag an opportunity to dig in to someone else’s manuscript.

If you’re on my page and considering me as a mentor, allow me to acknowledge that–yes–my blog is not up to date. In fact, my last post was my Pitch Wars plug from last year! I used to spend more time blogging but now that time is put toward hitting word count on my YA books and some ghost writing in women’s fiction. So just because my blog may seem pretty flat, it doesn’t mean I’m not fab!

This year, I’m mentoring young adult fiction. I’ll take any genre, just make sure it has a hint of romance. What can I say? I love the love! I write contemporary fiction and category romance, but I often find my head buried in books filled with witches. So, really, as long as the book hooks and there may be a blush or a hot kiss, then I’m open to it!

My background is a bit obtuse for this literary world. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and I’m certain that of all the kids in my high school advance lit class, my teacher would have never guessed that I’d go on to become the published author. In 2013 my first book, Effortless With You,  was picked up by a small press and did quite well. Sales numbers seem silly to spout, but the fact I got to push out a sequel makes me pretty proud! The second book of the series, Perfectly Messy, released May, 2014. I self published Bring the Rain in 2015 as my own side project. It was an invaluable experience and I’m so happy I took the opportunity to go hybrid. I’ve never been a girl who fits in a clique so straddling small press, self press, and medium press seems more my schtick (yes, I’m aware that rhymes but I’m having a glass of Malbec right now so it seems pretty awesome.) Recently, I’ve recently a contract with Entangled Crush to work on a fun boarding school series! I can’t wait to show this to everyone!

My critiquing strength lands in helping the writer reach the reading through emotional character development. I know how to pull out the right threads to weave your characters right into your readers hearts. And an agents.

So submit to me! On top of books we can talk about chocolate, exercise (got to get my daily work out in), and sushi (wish I could fit in a daily sushi run too!).

I can’t wait to read what you’ve got!

Pitch Wars is ON!

It’s Pitch Wars time again, and this year I’m thrilled to be a mentor, accepting submissions in the YA category.

 

 

Are you having trouble connecting your audience to your character? Is  your character’s history essential to your plot but it’s tough to present in a way that doesn’t seem like a lecture? Is your story not captivating your reader the way it should?

Then I’m the mentor for you!

Character development is where I like to dig in while critiquing. I’m a firm believer that a bit of backstory is important and, when well placed, can do wonders for a novel. Is the middle of your book struggling with hooking your beta readers? I totally feel you! With my first novel, Effortless With You, I went through TWENTY ONE drafts to get it balanced right. …That’s right, TWENTY ONE. So trust me, I’ve learned the art of pacing.

 

What I’m Looking For:

 

I love emotional books. I love books after the heart and development of a character.  Think inner beauty, redemption, and coming of age. If you really want to hook me, toss in a thread of romance!

What can I say? I love the love! I’m accepting manuscripts from all YA categories. I write contemporary young adult romance. My work has made it into the top two hot new releases on Amazon and have established international amazon category bestseller ranks. Check out Effortless With You, Perfectly Messy, and Bring the Rain to see how I roll. My favorite books are Eleanor and Park, The Harry Potter Series, The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Fault of our Stars, The Giver, Indian Captive,  Anne of Green Gables, and, of course, Pride and Prejudice.

 

Do I have further credentials? Well sure… Behind this fierce (okay, very friendly) author, you’ll find a degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota. I’m a science geek so if you happen to have chest pain or questions about your premature baby, I’m your go-to gal.

I’m also a proud mother to three under five years old, and I love to laugh (hint, hint).

 

Earl grey tea and green tea are my go-to beverages. Dark chocolate is my fourth child, and I could eat sushi everyday until I die.

Am I the mentor for you? I certainly hope so! I can’t wait to open my inbox and dive into your work!

 

It’s here- on sale & giveaways!

 

“A beautiful story of discovering who you are, who to fight for, and where you belong. BRING THE RAIN is about rebirth and romance…and stars a sexy cowboy who turned my heart into sticky goo. Lizzy Charles has become one of my favorite authors, and this is a must-read for any fan of sweet romance. A new favorite!”

~ New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris

 

Wow! I can’t believe the day has finally arrived–Bring the Rain is finally LIVE! It’s available for ebook AND print. The journey was long but it’s so worth it. I hope you’ll love Autumn and Colt as much as I do! They are a big part of me, so enjoy the little piece of my soul.

I’ve set the price at 99 cents for release day because I love my readers and I want to make sure this is nice and affordable for you to snag! It’s only 99 cents today, so grab it while you can!!!

Amazon US: http://tiny.cc/yrd7tx

Amazon UK: http://tiny.cc/0td7tx

B&N: http://tiny.cc/pqd7tx

Also available on iBooks & Kobo

I’m over on Facebook today celebrating big with giveaways of some other amazing author books, signed copies of Bring the Rain, Effortless With You, and Perfectly Mess, AND an H&M gift card! If you want to come check it out, like my page and check out the top pinned post for the main giveaway! LIZZY CHARLES FACEBOOK.  COME PLAY!!!

Introducing Bring the Rain

Hey world!

I’m excited to announce I have a new book coming out on Feb 17th, 2015!

Bring the Rain is a contemporary YA romance novel! It’s got a lot of heart, and a lot of attitude!

Here’s the blurb:

One summer to make the choice of a lifetime…

Everything is waiting in Paris for Autumn—her new home, her mom, the Louvre, and a life where she can experience art, and not just look at it. But to get there, she’ll have to survive the summer in the least colorful place she can imagine — her father’s Oklahoma cattle ranch.

Autumn finds the perfect summer distraction in Colt, the one cowboy hotter than the July sun. But Colt is her father’s ranch hand, and he won’t go for the Manhattan-style fling that she’s used to. The closer they become, the more she questions which side of the ocean she belongs.

Then her father reveals an unforgivable secret, and Autumn’s illusions shatter. Will the secret destroy everything? Or could Oklahoma hold the greatest masterpiece of all—a love that could mend her heart?

I absolutely adore the cover that Berto Designs created! I hope you like it too!

Bring the Rain is available on Amazon for Pre-order and don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads TBR pile!

Also– I love giving away free stuff so don’t forget to enter to win a $20 gift card and advance reader copies here! Yeehaw! Let’s get this show on the road!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

One Week!

Eee! Guys! ONE WEEK until the release of Perfectly Messy! I’m feeling generous and doing a $10 amazon gift card giveaway over on my FB Page! If you want to enter, I’d love help spreading the news that EFFORTLESS WITH YOU is on sale for 99 cents! Thanks!!!

Post by Lizzy Charles.

Nurses Week Giveaway

Oh my goodness! In three weeks, Perfectly Messy will be out in the world. I can’t believe it. It’s not out yet, so technically there is no reason to celebrate … But, wait, what’s that?

It’s nurses week?

And I’m a nurse!

That’s a reason to celebrate! I love my fellow nurses so much. My coworkers are amazing and bring me such joy in watching them serve their patients. Here’s a previous post I did on nurses week over on my life blog about Nursing. I’d love if you checked it out. It’s such an amazing career.

SO, because I love nurses, I thought I’d do a good old fashioned Effortless With You autographed print copy giveaway (US Residents only). How about that? You don’t have to be a nurse to enter, just makes sure to pass on your appreciation to nurses all around you.

Here’s the giveaway link! I can’t wait to send a copy out (with extra awesome bookmarks too). *Pumps fist into the air* Let’s go!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway