Top Ten Tuesday ~ Clean Regency Romance ~ 11/16/2021

Books to Read if You Love Clean Regency Romance:

I fell in love with reading because of Regency Romance novels.  (And not the "clean" ones if you know what I mean)  I loved the history, the descriptiveness and, yes, the steam!  However, as I grew in my faith, I felt led to read clean romances.  The well-written ones can still be steamy without being smutty.

Following is a list of ten Clean Regency Romances that I enjoyed.  Click on the picture to go to my review :)

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

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Please leave a comment with the link to your Top Ten Tuesday post so I can return the visit :)

Blogging Challenge ~ Paperback, Ebook or Audio? ~ 11/17/2021

This week's topic is:  

Paperback, Ebook or Audio??:

I used to be a paperback reader only and I swore that would never change...

Until...

I read my first ebook which I downloaded for free onto my Kindle!  I soon signed up for Kindle Unlimited and haven't really looked back.

As for audio:  I  haven't really given it a try so I can't say if I would like it or not.

So, what about you?  Paperback, ebook or audio??

Colletta

One Monthly Goal ~ November 2021

 

 

I'm a little late to the party but I just found this awesome motivational link up hosted by Elm Street Quilts!

Even though November is halfway over, I'm going to set my "One Monthly Goal" to be finishing this I-Spy Baby Quilt for my cousin's baby that is due December 28th.  

This means I will have to finish hand quilting the last 10 or so squares and then bind the quilt.

The Baby Shower is December 4th, so it MUST get done this month!   :)

Colletta 

Tuesday 4 ~ My Hometown ~ 11/16/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week, let's talk about your home town or home state.

1. What was your hometown like?   Or home state or both!  My hometown is a small town.  We have one blinking red light, a Post Office, a small-town restaurant, a pharmacy and a Mom & Pop store. Not much goes on in a town that small so we usually travel either 30 minutes north or 30 minutes south to the next bigger sized "towns" to do our shopping and activities.  If we want to have a lot of selection, we have to travel 60 minutes to the closest "city".
2. Did you enjoy where you grew up?  Why?  Yes, I enjoyed it very much.  Small town living was all I ever knew and wouldn't change a thing.
3. How much did where you grew up shape you?  I would say that more than my town shaping me, my family shaped me into who I am today.  Especially my Mom and Dad who were and continue to be great role models.
4. What were some of the best and worst things about where you grew up?  As I mentioned, we have to travel to get ANYWHERE!  That racks up the mileage on the vehicle very quickly.  That would be the worst.  The best thing about where I grew up (and still live) is the sense of security that comes along with a small town.

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/15/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday !

I've been MIA here on the blog as happens once in a while.

Laken has started Cyber Schooling as we are investigating some stomach issues she has been having since the end of August.  We've been working on getting into a new routine and the blog took a back burner.

I want to take a moment to wish my Mom a Happy 65th Birthday which was Sunday the 14th!

Onto the post :)

The weather outside is:

It has really been cooling off here Southern Pennsylvania!  And look at those snowflakes!!

On today's to-do list: 

I'll be helping Laken with her Cyber Schooling when needed.  She does really well with it on her own except for sometimes struggling with Algebra 2.

I also need to get groceries which will probably be happening Monday evening.

Happening this week:

As I mentioned above, we're trying to figure out what is causing her some issues with her stomach.  She has had some tests which have all come back normal.  We finally got in to see the Pediatric GI doctor last Thursday and he ordered some additional tests.  Prayers are much appreciated that we can figure out what is going on.

Kaylee and Shawn have added to their little family with a puppy that will NOT be little for long.  Dahlia, or Dahly for short, is an 8 week old Great Dane little girl and she is so sweet!

The hubby is on 1st shift this week and will probably be working overtime into the evenings as well.

Currently reading:

I haven't been reading much of anything as I've spent most of my time just trying to get through the day.  Friday evening the hubby was on 2nd shift and Laken was doing some work so I charged up my Kindle and started reading "The Lady of Larkspur Vale" by Kasey Stockton.  I haven't actually finished a book in months but so far I'm enjoying it!

On the TV:

Hallmark Christmas Movies!!!!  Yay!!!!

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Stand in Faith" by Danny Gokey.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Monday ~  Ham, Cheesy Potatoes

Tuesday ~ Chicken, Noodles

Wednesday ~ Kielbasa, Perogies

Thursday - You're On Your Own (YOYO)

Friday ~ Pizza, Salad

Saturday ~ Soup, sandwiches

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I almost have the I-Spy Baby Quilt done.  I have about 3-4 more days of hand-quilting and then the binding to complete.  The Baby Shower is December 4th so I "think" I'm in good shape :)

I also joined in a Quilt-A-Long (QAL) with Pat Sloan at https://www.ilovetomakequilts.com .  This QAL is called Fall Frolic and is 5 weeks in.  I'm making it for my Mom for her birthday present and she loves all things blue so that is the colorway I went with.  Below are the first 3 blocks.  I haven't taken pictures of the 4th and 5th blocks yet.

  

Picture from the Camera

Here is a picture of Shawn and Dahly.  She's going to be HUGE!

Memory Verse

"Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God."  I Peter 2:16

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Stand in Faith by Danny Gokey

Once again, Danny Gokey hits it out of the ball park with this song!

And the video!

You must watch it.  Stand in Faith!

Colletta

The Good Stuff ~ A Grandpuppy! ~ 10/21/2021

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As the caption reads, I'm getting a Grandpuppy!

That is right!  Shawn and Kaylee will be adding this cutie pie to their little family.

This precious puppy is a little girl and is only 4 weeks old at the moment :)

You might be thinking that she looks older than 4 weeks as I did.  That would be because she is a GREAT DANE!

A girl (woman) I went to school with has both the father and the mother and are Great Dane lovers.  When my friend had 3 of the ELEVEN pups come available again, Kaylee and Shawn knew with a certainty that they wanted this little (big!) girl.

They can pick her up on November 20th and Kaylee is already chomping at the bit :)  She's so excited!

The have a whole month to puppy-proof and get ready for the little miss.  They are going to wait to give her a name and I can't stand the suspense!

Looking forward to some puppy kisses :)

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ October ~ 10/19/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

This week, let' talk about October. Toni sure enjoyed facts about the months and questions on that topic too.

1. What are your feelings about the month of October? Does it bring anything special to mind for you? Do you have memories to share?

I've always loved Fall!  Some of my favorite memories are of being newlyweds in October as we were married in mid-September.

2.Have you ever gone apple picking? Pumpkin picking? Any kind of picking including banjo picking at all? Do you bake pies with those fruits?

I've been strawberry picking and berry picking but not apple or pumpkin picking.  I've been to the orchard for apples but they were already picked, thank goodness!

3. What is autumn like where you live? How about when you were a child?

Seeing as I live where I did as a child, the weather here is usually the same in Autumn.  Chilly mornings, warmer days (but not too warm), crisp air and warm smelling candles!

4.Autumn is not the same as Fall. Fall is the time when the leaves are actively falling.  What activities of Autumn/Fall do you enjoy?  Do you decorate your door or home for the season?

I did not know that!  lol.  I've always been under the impression that Autumn and Fall were synonymous.  I don't decorate much other than one or two pumpkins and some mums on the porch.  But I do start burning the yummy smelling candles I mentioned above .

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 10/18/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday !

The weather outside is:

I love FALL!!!  The temperatures are truly feeling very autumnal.  Actually, it has been downright chilly the past few mornings :)

On today's to-do list: 

Grocery shopping was on the list for today but my parents went for us so I crossed that one easily off the list.  Other than that it was a pretty low-key day.

Laken goes tomorrow morning for a COVID test as it has been floating around again and she's not feeling very well.  Prayers appreciated!

Happening this week:

I guess that COVID test will tell me what will be happening this week...

Currently reading:

I started reading Glimmer of Darkness by Robin Patchen one evening last week.  I just can't seem to get my reading mojo going.  Seeing as how my Friday post has been "My Weekly Bookishness" for ages, I was wondering if you have any ideas for a new Friday feature post?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

On the TV:

We watched "Free Willy" last night!  Laken hadn't seen it which isn't surprising because it came out in 1993.  WAY before her time :)  I guess the second and third movies are on the list to watch.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Until Grace" by Tauren Wells.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Monday ~  Irish Stew

Tuesday ~ Chicken, Noodles

Wednesday ~ Creamed Chipped Beef over toast

Thursday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes

Friday ~ Pizza, Salad

Saturday ~ Soup, sandwiches

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I'm still working on the new baby's I-Spy Quilt.  I'm well over halfway there!

Picture from the Camera

Nothing new this week :(

Memory Verse

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."   Psalm 27:14

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Until Grace by Tauren Wells

I'm so very thankful for GRACE!

Enjoy :)

Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ Blogging ~ 10/12/2021

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!

1.  How often do you blog? What helps you blog.. what hinders you?

I try to blog everyday.  Having a "schedule" helps me.  Lack of time hinders me.
 
2.  What benefits do you get from blogging? Are there any?

I think there are many benefits from blogging.  The one I truly started my blog for was the sense of community.  I was a young mom with young girls when I started blogging.  I found many new "friends" in the blogging world :)

3.  Have you ever changed your blog theme? 

Not really.  My blog has always been "Colletta's Kitchen Sink".  It has evolved over the years but I wouldn't say it has changed completely.

4. Where do you get your ideas for blog posts?

Like I mentions in #1, I have a schedule that I pretty much follow every week.  Most of my "ideas" relate to the post theme for that day.

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 10/11/2021

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello, and Happy Monday !

The weather outside is:

Another BEEEAAUUTIFUL week ahead :)

On today's to-do list: 

Other than my normal day-to-day routine, I'll be grocery shopping with Kaylee.  She is off work offered to go shopping with me.  Now that she has her own house, I expect that she will do some shopping of her own :)

Speaking of Kaylee having a house of her own, I also want to hem a curtain that she asked me to shorten for above kitchen window.  That is also on my to-do list for today.

Laken is off school, but has some catch-up work to do for a little bit.

The hubby is on third shift this week so he's getting ready for work as I type this Sunday evening.

Happening this week:

I'm working on getting my morning and evening routines to where I actually accomplish them!

Other than that:

Monday:  Groceries and curtain

Tuesday:  Annalea and next week's schedule

Wednesday:  Laundry, weekly cleaning

Thursday:  Annalea, Bills

Friday:  Catch-up day and menu/grocery list for next week

Currently reading:

I'm really looking forward to "trying" to read "Glimmer in the Darkness" by Robin Patchen this week.  My goal is to actually have a review posted on Saturday.  (Don't hold me to it!)

On the TV:

Not much.  I've not watched much lately other than youtube videos.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Even at My Worst" by Blanca.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Monday ~  Kielbasa, Cheesy Potatoes

Tuesday ~ Spaghetti, Garlic Bread

Wednesday ~ Creamed Chipped Beef over toast

Thursday ~  Breakfast for supper

Friday ~ Pizza, Salad

Saturday ~ Soup, sandwiches

Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I'm almost halfway done with hand-quilting the I-Spy Quilt for my Cousin's baby due at the end of December.  The Baby Shower is December 4th, so I think I'll have plenty of time...  I hope!

Picture from the Camera

Nothing new this week :(

Memory Verse

"Listen to advice and accept discipline, So that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the Lord will stand."   Proverbs 19:20-21

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ Even at My Worst by Blanca

I've heard a few songs from Blanca.  Have you heard of her?

Enjoy!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 10/8/2021

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

Unfortunately, I didn't finish reading anything this week :(

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Nothing could get her home…but this.

Cassidy Leblanc worked hard to shake off her tragic childhood. As a foster child with a mother in prison for murder, she was an outcast in her small New Hampshire town until she met James. But she and James’s sister, whom she was babysitting, were kidnapped. She escaped, but Hallie didn’t survive, and everybody assumed Cassidy killed her. Like mother, like daughter, after all. With public opinion and the authorities united against her, young Cassidy fled. Now, a decade later, another little girl has been kidnapped, and Cassidy may be the only person who can find her.

He doesn’t know who to trust.

James Sullivan never believed that Cassidy killed his sister, no matter what the authorities said. When his best friend’s daughter goes missing a decade after Hallie's murder, James keeps his opinions on the matter to himself. But when he finds Cassidy sneaking around his property, his thoughts turn dark. If she’s not behind the recent kidnapping, what is she doing back in Coventry? Her answer—that she’s returned to find little Ella, and she needs his help—has him reeling. Can he trust Cassidy, despite what the police tell him? If there’s any chance he can save Ella, he has to try.

Danger lurks on the mountain.

Together, they search for the elusive cave where Cassidy and Hallie were taken, but somebody will stop at nothing to make sure they don’t find it or, if they do, that they don’t come out alive.

First Lines:

My name is Ella, and I am precious.

56%/Page 56

"Cassy!" James's shout reverberated off the narrow stone passageway as he crawled out.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

She's just his secretary…until he needs someone on his arm to convince his mother that he can take over the family business. Then Callie becomes Dawson's girlfriend—but just in his text messages…but maybe she'll start to worm her way into his shriveled heart too.

Callie:
Dawson Houser makes sure everyone who comes into the office knows I'm "just his secretary."

Heck, I've even said it to suppliers and CEOs when they smile knowingly at the two of us during business meetings. He scowls and grumps around the office afterward, as if the two of us dating is the most ridiculous thing on the planet.

Dawson can handle them. I can handle them—and him too, once they leave. And he's no picnic, let me tell you.

Who can't we handle?

His mother.

When Lila Houser comes to town with her faux furs and fashion sunglasses, she only has one question for her spoiled rotten son: When are you going to get married, Dawson, darling?

I expect him to laugh and tell her he's never getting married. I mean, I've heard those exact words come out of his mouth.

Instead, he pulls me to his side and says, "Maybe sooner than you think, Mother."

Oh, that Lila Houser can make a woman feel two inches tall with a simple up-down look. I think I'm a pretty good catch...no matter what my last three boyfriends say.

When Lila says, "I thought Callie was just your secretary," I suddenly want to prove her dead wrong...

Get ready to laugh out loud in this hilarious, sweet workplace romantic comedy! The romance is clean, the jokes witty, and the office grump swoon-worthy.

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Book Haul:

 

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What spooky creature and/or setting do you never get tired of reading about? (submitted by Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books)

A. I'm going to be the odd woman out this week!  I do NOT like ready spooky things of any kind especially those that involve creatures.  I do like a good suspense though :)

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

The Good Stuff ~ 10/7/2021

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It has been a busy couple of weeks and I haven't blogged in almost as long.  I enjoy focusing on good stuff so here we go :)

~All Moved!  Kaylee and Shawn all basically all moved into their new house.  They are so excited!  We've been helping them move their things, paint and do minor updates.  It is all bitter sweet for this mama.  I'm so happy for them to be becoming "adults" but at the same time, Kaylee will always be my little girl.

~Sewing Area!  Now that Kaylee's art desk, art supplies and computer desk are moved out of the Family Room, I once again have a space to set up a sewing area!  I can't remember if I mentioned on here that the hubby got me a new sewing machine for our Anniversary, but I spent all day Wednesday working on setting up my area.  So exciting!

~Quilting Again!  Now that I have my sewing machine all set up (and don't have to put it up and down whenever I want to sew), I'm getting my quilting bug back :)  I've already pieced an I-Spy Quilt that I'm currently working on hand-quilting.  I also have turquoise and red fabrics cut out to make a quilt for the back of our couch.  I've never made myself a quilt so I'm excited!

~The New Testament!  My aunt, my mom and I are reading through the Chronological Bible in 2021.  After reading in the Old Testament for 9 months, we finally made it to the New Testament!  I can't believe we only have 2 1/2 months left of this year!

What has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta