A Peek at My Fall Decor and Crocheted Scarf & Hat

Happy Harvest & Halloween!

I know Thanksgiving and Halloween haven't arrived yet, but I love the autumn season so much that fall decorating around my house begins as early as the fall equinox. I simply can't resist. It's also an ongoing process. It all begins with my stored decorations, but I always add to my collection when I see all the fall decor in stores. I do, however, typically wait until things go on sale (which is pretty early since Christmas hits shelves by early October...which seems crazy)...plus I always grab an online coupon to make my finds extra fabulous ;).

First off, I love to crochet when the cool weather hits. I'm not perfect at it and I'm not a pro, but I find it fun and relaxing. I've been wanting a super soft, fall colored, casual scarf and hat and, when I was in Joann's Fabrics recently, I found the perfect yarn. In fact, it's even called 'Harvest'! It's by Lion Brand Yarns (#377 for those who like to crochet or knit). I also added a rim to the hat using Lion Brand 'Herb Garden' (#410). I'm sorry that I don't have a specific pattern to use because I kind of wing it when I crochet. I can tell you that I mainly used a shell pattern with some single and double stitches in between...and a 6mm hook. I wanted it to have a loose pattern. Here's what I came up with (that's my totally Halloweenish black cat Nimbus inspecting my work in the first pic and his brother Storm peeking down from the upper corner in the second):

Rula's crochet handiwork

Another shot of Rula's crocheted hat and scarf

I also love owls and manage to include them in my decor year round. I have some that I only pull out for fall and others that transition through all seasons. I won't show pics of  all of them, but here are a few I incorporated into my fall decor:

Owl over Rula's fireplace. This one can hold a votive candle.

A recent owl 'bargain' I found, plus fall leaves from my backyard

By the way, I tend to include fall leaves around my home and they were all found on my property then dried/pressed by me. Free decor!

This very heavy owl is always in my kitchen. The mini pumpkins on top of votive candle holders are a substitute for real flames. No fire hazard here!

I seriously love pumpkins too! Talk about multipurpose decorating and getting your money's worth. They go from fall decor to jack-o-lanterns to roasted seeds and pie...and even chicken food! I especially like the white ghost pumpkins. So cool!

Pumpkins at Rula's front door

Pumpkins stacked on a planter at Rula's front door. Quick and easy decor.

Ooooh and then there's Halloween. 

Rula's butternut squash witch

A recent find on sale!

And a bit of spook. My teen son made the vials by filling them with water and food coloring and adding labels like 'Dragon's Blood', 'Basilisk Venom' and 'Mermaid Essence'. Can't have Halloween without some Harry Potter references!

I'm not done decorating and these are just a few of the things I've set out, but the season is young! :) Feel free to pop by this Pinterest board where some of the other Harlequin Heartwarming authors are posting fall/Thanksgiving ideas too!

What's your favorite fall decorating item or theme?

RWA 2016 National Pics Part 2

Wow! August is almost over and only now am I getting the second set of RWA pics I promised posted! I've been a little MIA online because of so much happening this month, but I'll save all that for my next post. In the meantime, here are a few more pics from RWA Nationals this past July. This time I'm focusing on some of the goodies we get at Nationals :).

First, everyone has to wear a lanyard/badge at the meeting and it's tradition (for those who wish) to put meeting pins (we get them annually) and any award pins on our badge. Here's mine from this year:

In my last post, I shared photos from the famous Harlequin Party. Remember the close up of me with my awesome girlfriends Jeannie Watt and Jamie Dallas? Well, let's zoom out so you can see the wonderful booties Harlequin provides at the party for more comfortable dancing. Every year they're a different color and this year they were...

I collect my soft Harlequin booties and use them every winter to keep my feet warm while typing away at a book. I love them!

In fact, green seemed to be the theme this year, which coincidentally happens to be the color for Harlequin Heartwarming. This year, instead of giving us pre-stuffed goodie bags, RWA set up a room where meeting attendees could walk through and stuff their own bags (separate from the 'Goody Room' where authors put promo/giveaway items). The totes this year were sponsored by Harlequin.

and the flip side...

The Harlequin Heartwarming authors were also giving away totes at RWA and they kept with the green theme...even if the shade was a bit different.

Here are a few of the items that were in the RWA tote room, including a selfie stick, fruit juice/water bottle (it has an inner core you can put chunks of fruit in to flavor water) and a pool/beach towel. There was so much more, including tons of books.

Oh and you have to love Harlequin for the book marks they provided at the Harlequin Book Signing (I think I may be missing one but I can't recall what it was!)...

Here are a few pics of San Diego views:

USS Midway

I wish I had pics of everything I got, but suffice it to say my suitcases were full on the trip home. And even with all the goodies we got, the best gifts I brought home with me were the memories of time spent with friends and tons of inspiration.

I'll leave you with a wall plate I won at a Harlequin gathering at RWA Nationals a few years ago. It has been hanging in my office ever since.

And a door knob sign courtesy of brilliant author Kristan Higgins at this year's RWA. It's hanging on my office door and my kids are getting a kick out of it. I hope it works!

I'll be posting again soon because I have news! :)

RWA 2016 Nationals Pics Part 1

I'm back from RWA (Romance Writers of America) Nationals in San Diego where the weather was absolutely spectacular! It was heavenly and the entire meeting was infused with a more relaxed California vibe. Loved it!

The best part about Nationals, for me, is getting to see everyone in person. I always look forward to reconnecting with my dear friends and RWA roomies, Jeannie Watt and Jamie Dallas. They're my rocks and I can't imagine RWA without them. For those of you who are new to my blog (or to my writerly history), Jeannie is the incredible western romance author who befriended and mentored me years ago...and wouldn't let me leave a Harlequin Heartwarming open house (where, at the time, Senior Editor Victoria Curran was taking pitches) until I pitched an idea. That pitch turned into my first sale and debut, The Promise of Rain. You can re-read the details of that Call story here.

I absolutely loved getting to see all of my other friends, including the lovable and unstoppable Harlequin Heartwarming crowd (I like to call them the Heartwarmers). This is an amazing group of women who are like one big family. This year was extra special because I finally got to meet Heartwarmer Catherine Lanigan in person. Catherine and I have been Heartwarming blog sisters forever now and we clicked from day one. She's simply a gorgeous, genuine and an all around phenomenal woman who I'm honored to know. Getting to meet and spend time with her in San Diego was the highlight of this trip.

In fact, Catherine and I were thrilled that our awesome Heartwarming sis Kate James made it to Nationals! We had a wonderful time hanging out and catching up :).

I'm afraid to leave anyone out, so forgive me if you don't see your name or pic here! I saw soooo many wonderful people that it's impossible to name them all. If I forget to mention you, know that I still love you and loved seeing you. I'm running out of hours today so I'm just going to post the pics I have. Enjoy!

I autographed books at the Harlequin Book Signing with Catherine Lanigan. Note the photograph of her with actress Kathleen Turner on the set of Romancing the Stone. Catherine wrote the novelizations (as Joan Wilder) of both Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. 

Rula and Catherine Lanigan at the Harlequin Signing

Anna J Stewart, myself and Catherine Lanigan at the Harlequin signing. 

At the RWA Literacy Autographing

My set up for the RWA Literacy Autographing. I was giving away canvas totes with the book cover on them and matching bookmarks.  It was an honor to be signing among a group of big name, incredible authors. And great news! This year, RWA succeeded in hitting the million dollar mark for funds they've raised for literacy!! 

And pics from the famous Harlequin Party...

My besties Jamie Dallas and Jeannie Watt 

Me and Jamie

Jeannie Watt, me and Cheryl Harper

Kate James, Elizabeth Heiter and me

Me and the lovely Roz Denny Fox

Roz Denny Fox, Kate James and Catherine Lanigan

The ever fun loving Carol Ross, Anna J Stewart and Cari Webb

Marion Ekholm, Amy Vastine and me

Me and girlfriends Catherine Lanigan and Kate James

Kate and Catherine

The sweet Cheryl Harper and me

And at the RITA/Golden Heart ceremony...

Kristan Higgins

Robyn Carr accepting her award

And just to show you how much fun the Harlequin party is. I present you with the Heartwarmers.

There were more pics and a repeat of a selfie from two years ago for old times sake, but I need to hunt them down for a part two to this post!

Stay tuned!

Harlequin Heartwarming Paperbacks in Walmart...and on Amazon/B&N!

Hi everyone and Happy New Year! 

I had a rather eventful end to 2015 including, but not limited to, the hard drive on our main computer dying (luckily it was still under warranty, but diagnosis and repairs stole a chunk of time), my line edits on Through the Storm being due (did I mention computer issues?) and...the biggie...the septic system alarm going off on New Year's Eve. We'd been having heavy rains and I thought it might be related, but it turns out a pipe in one of the septic tanks had broken. Luckily, the septic company called me back right away, instructed me not to use water (as in dishes, showers etc...) and the guy came out on New Year's Day for repairs (not warrantied). I'm so thankful that nothing backed in the house and everything was caught in time, so no major complaints here :).

And...I got my line edits done! So the third book in my From Kenya, with Love series, Through the Storm, is good to go! I haven't seen the cover yet, but it's already up on Amazon for pre-order and they have the blurb for the story up too. And I have awesome news!!! Starting this month, print copies/paperbacks of all Harlequin Heartwarming books will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online!!! 

He's the biggest risk she'll ever take

Tessa Henning is no damsel. But she's definitely in distress. If her husband really is involved in the ivory trade, he'll come after her when he finds out what she's uncovered. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Mac Walker. Stubborn, fiercely independent, danger-loving bush pilot Mac Walker—with whom she shares custody of their orphaned nephew. Though Mac's no knight in shining armor, he can keep her and their nephew safe in the Serengeti while they wait out this storm. But he can't protect Tessa from the strange weather brewing inside her, stirring up feelings for Mac she wishes she could ignore...

But that's not all...right now, print copies of current releases are also available in select Walmart stores nationwide (find a store near you by using the link on this page at Harlequin) and the Heartwarming authors are hosting a tour and Rafflecopter giveaway to celebrate! Read on for entry details...

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're thrilled to be spreading the word about Harlequin Heartwarming books now being available in local US Walmarts. Join in the fun by taking some selfies with a Heartwarming book or two to win a Walmart gift card. Heartwarming titles are also 35% off at Walmart through the end of January!

Ten Heartwarming authors are sharing their own selfies and messages at each stop of the tour! Stop by each day to check them out...

January 4th: I Am A Reader - Amy Vastine

January 5th: Mel's Shelves - Anna J. Stewart

January 6th: deal sharing aunt - Cari Lynn Webb

January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower - Carol Ross

January 8th: Katie's Clean Book Collection - Catherine Lanigan

January 10th: Babs Book Bistro - Leigh Riker

January 11th: Love, Laughter, Friendship - Melinda Curtis

January 12th: Heidi Reads... - Pamela Tracy

January 13th: Christian Chick's Thoughts - Rula Sinara

January 14th: Bookworm Lisa - Tara Taylor Quinn

January 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

15 - $10 Walmart Gift Cards

- Rules: To enter, take a selfie at a local Walmart with a Heartwarming book and post publicly on social media (can be your hands, your face, etc. with a Heartwarming book). Can enter once each day with a different picture each time. Those who post the same picture multiple times will be disqualified. Those who only post privately (so that it can't be viewed publicly) will also be disqualified.

- US Only

- Ends January 20th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I may have had a rough end to 2015, but 2016 is off to a great start! I hope you all have a fabulous, healthy, happy and peaceful year :).

A Harlequin Heartwarming Thanksgiving Event: A month of FREE online reads, GIVEAWAYS & more!

Happy November, everyone! I told you I'd be back with an exciting post :). You're in for an entire month of FREE online reads at Harlequin.com, opportunities to win prizes, including Visa and Amazon gift cards, autographed books, Thanksgiving accessories and more! I'm one of thirteen Harlequin Heartwarming authors who've written Thanksgiving themed short stories that will be posted on Harlequin for all to enjoy. That's 3-4 stories a week, through Thanksgiving! 

Check out the schedule below. Mine is called The Sweetheart Tree, due to go live Nov. 25th, and it's linked to my 'From Kenya, with Love' stories (though each stands alone). In fact, many of the stories will be loosely tied to the various series written by Harlequin Heartwarming authors. What a treat! In fact, Amy Vastine's Snow Day Baby kicked off the month today! And it's not just about the free reads. There'll be fun, games and prizes at multiple online venues! Check out the links to each week at the Harlequin Community Event here (note: they won't go live until that specific week/day):

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

There's also a Prism Book Tour for the month long event. Enter a Rafflecopter drawing for fabulous prizes and read posts by each author on their 'release' day for behind the scene peeks at their stories. Check out the link for the tour schedule and list of prizes/drawings!

Giveaways include:

Goodreads - 13 books up for grabs! Enter HERE.

Pinterest - Thanksgiving table accessories (See the tour link to enter)

Tour prizes - A year long subscription to Harlequin Heartwarming (US/Can), $40 Visa card (US), 13 Harlequin Heartwarming book prize pack and 8 book prize pack (ebook if international, otherwise print on the book prizes)

More prizes - There'll be even more giveaways (details to come), including at our Facebook Party Finale on Nov 30th (consider yourself invited...just click the link and hit 'going':). All I can say is that there'll be tons of giveaways, such as these handmade, natural olive oil soaps and Thanksgiving towel, Amazon gift cards and more!

Discounts - ALL HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING BOOKS WILL BE ON SALE FOR 30% OFF DURING NOVEMBER AT WWW.HARLEQUIN.COM! That's $1 off per book. Just enter the code HEART1115 at checkout. See details HERE.

Okay, I need to catch my breath! I think this is the first November where something fabulous enough to take my mind off stuffing and mashed potatoes has come along. Don't you love that books are calorie free? Oh and remember...the online reads above are free, but be sure to enjoy them during November and December...before it's too late! You can keep up with what's going on here (or on any of my social media sites), Facebook, at Harlequin.com, at the Heartwarming Author's blog, or Twitter using #HarlequinHeartwarming.

See you around and enjoy the fun!

Harlequin Heartwarming Valentine's Giveaway & Upcoming Tour!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and the Harlequin Heartwarming authors are giving away extra special prize packs in the name of romance and love :). Treat yourself to a chance to win or chance to win a prize for a loved one. My upcoming March release, After the Silence, is in one of the prize packs (yay!), but I'm humbled to be included with so many extraordinary authors...I know you'll be wishing you could win them all! Check out the prize pack on Rafflecopter. Enter here or at our original announcement at the Heartwarming Authors Blog HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But that's not all...

I have a pre-release tour in February with even more fab prizes, including swag and a $100 Amazon gift card :). Check out the tour announcement and details at Prism Book Tours HERE or sign up to get involved with the tour HERE.

So many ways to win! February is going to be a fabulous month :). Spread the love. See you around!