As you all know, we've had some unusually wintry weather here in the southern US this year. And we're moving into our spring season, which always brings a ton of rainy days. There's nothing I love better on a cold, wet day than soup of some kind. Something about soups and stews warms me from the inside out. Comfort food.
A friend recently raved about a chicken chili recipe she regularly made for family and after trying it myself, she should rave some more!
This recipe made a full big crockpot for less than $20, not including spices – most of which I had on hand already. There was enough soup for me to feed two families and send leftovers home with everyone. In addition to the toppings listed, we served chips and salsa, and cornbread – this is the south, after all. Add a crockpot bags, and clean it was a breeze. I hope you enjoy.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
8 cans White Northern beans
1.5 quarts chicken broth
2 to 3 onions, chopped
3 teaspoons garlic salt
8 oz. green chilies, chopped
3 teaspoons each ground cumin, oregano, coriander
Pinch each of ground cloves and cayenne pepper
Half teaspoon creole seasoning
10 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cooked and diced—I just put in a whole package, which was about 6 large)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and green onions, chopped
Combine beans, broth, garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook until clear. Add chilies and spices, mixing thoroughly. Cook 20 minutes more, then add to bean mixture. Add chicken. Simmer another 20 minutes.
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese and green onions (or whatever toppings you prefer).
A friend recently raved about a chicken chili recipe she regularly made for family and after trying it myself, she should rave some more!
This recipe made a full big crockpot for less than $20, not including spices – most of which I had on hand already. There was enough soup for me to feed two families and send leftovers home with everyone. In addition to the toppings listed, we served chips and salsa, and cornbread – this is the south, after all. Add a crockpot bags, and clean it was a breeze. I hope you enjoy.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
8 cans White Northern beans
1.5 quarts chicken broth
2 to 3 onions, chopped
3 teaspoons garlic salt
8 oz. green chilies, chopped
3 teaspoons each ground cumin, oregano, coriander
Pinch each of ground cloves and cayenne pepper
Half teaspoon creole seasoning
10 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cooked and diced—I just put in a whole package, which was about 6 large)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese and green onions, chopped
Combine beans, broth, garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Heat oil in skillet; add onions and cook until clear. Add chilies and spices, mixing thoroughly. Cook 20 minutes more, then add to bean mixture. Add chicken. Simmer another 20 minutes.
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with cheese and green onions (or whatever toppings you prefer).
Photos used with permission from Wikimedia
Onion photo from Jonathunder
We have some unusual weather here in the southern US recently. Our winter storms usually consist of 1 to 2 inches of snow that shut the city roads down for a day or so. This past week we got 8 inches of snow! Once it started coming down, roads were impassable in about an hour. Schools closed – even my evil day job closed (which never happens).
Was I excited? Yes! About the snow? Well, it was pretty, so yes. But I was more excited about the time off.
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn't nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he's born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here's why:
1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)
2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it's catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.
3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don't do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.
[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
It's a Reader Snowman![/caption]
That's just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!
Dani
I'm about to embark on a treacherous adventure – one fraught with numerous areas of danger and opportunity for failure. Will I come out the other side triumphant – or not?
I'm instituting a Day of Rest.
I know it sounds melodramatic (well, I am a fiction author, after all), but I really am worried this might be something I can't stick to.
You see, over the past year, I've learned something about myself: I'm a workaholic. I will spend all day on the weekend in front of a computer – the sad thing is, I'm not always writing. As an author, there is always a push to do more in terms of promotion, outreach, and yes, getting more books on the shelves – yesterday, if not sooner.
Don't get me wrong. As an introvert, I'm surprised by how much I enjoy interacting with readers online. Planning special events is so much fun. Heck, even just thinking of things to make you smile, well, makes me smile. But an author’s online presence today can be time-consuming. Add in an Evil Day Job, husband, kids, and cats – not to mention all the characters clamoring for attention in my head… Exhausting.
The perfectionist in me won't let me stop. I'm afraid if I do, I'll never succeed. I'm also a little afraid that if I ever do stop, I won't be able to start again.
There's a problem, though. I'll let you in on an artistic secret: the busier an author is, the more stress and concern on an author’s mind, and those characters?
They Go Silent.
It's an author's worst nightmare. One I've experienced too often lately. Yes, I can push through and get stories to work – but why do that when I can prevent it in the first place?
Sounds easy, right? But I know myself too well. The siren call of the To Do list is loud, all encompassing sometimes. I'll have to build my resistance muscles. So if you don't hear from me on a Sunday, you'll know why.
Do you enforce a regular day of rest? What usually gets in your way? What do you do to "rest" and rejuvenate?
Dani
I know it sounds melodramatic (well, I am a fiction author, after all), but I really am worried this might be something I can't stick to.
You see, over the past year, I've learned something about myself: I'm a workaholic. I will spend all day on the weekend in front of a computer – the sad thing is, I'm not always writing. As an author, there is always a push to do more in terms of promotion, outreach, and yes, getting more books on the shelves – yesterday, if not sooner.
Don't get me wrong. As an introvert, I'm surprised by how much I enjoy interacting with readers online. Planning special events is so much fun. Heck, even just thinking of things to make you smile, well, makes me smile. But an author’s online presence today can be time-consuming. Add in an Evil Day Job, husband, kids, and cats – not to mention all the characters clamoring for attention in my head… Exhausting.
The perfectionist in me won't let me stop. I'm afraid if I do, I'll never succeed. I'm also a little afraid that if I ever do stop, I won't be able to start again.
There's a problem, though. I'll let you in on an artistic secret: the busier an author is, the more stress and concern on an author’s mind, and those characters?
They Go Silent.
It's an author's worst nightmare. One I've experienced too often lately. Yes, I can push through and get stories to work – but why do that when I can prevent it in the first place?
Sounds easy, right? But I know myself too well. The siren call of the To Do list is loud, all encompassing sometimes. I'll have to build my resistance muscles. So if you don't hear from me on a Sunday, you'll know why.
Do you enforce a regular day of rest? What usually gets in your way? What do you do to "rest" and rejuvenate?
Dani
Sis and I were having a texting meltdown after she'd had one of THOSE days. You know the kind. When everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Yeah, THOSE days.
These conversations make me feel kind of helpless, because there's not much I can say to help – and I feel like I should help. Without thinking, I finally told her to go online, and look at pictures from the place that she was vacationing at later this year. To imagine herself being there, and how much she was going to enjoy it.
[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
Dani in Dublin, Ireland park[/caption]
It wasn't until then that I realized I've been doing exactly the same thing for a month. I got a bee in my bonnet that I wanted to go on a little weekend writing retreat, all by my lonesome, sometime this spring. While hubby was completely agreeable, the decision will rest on the same thing it always does – finances.
So I have no idea if I will get to go, but I've been searching online for hotels, places to eat, walking trails – and with each picture, I feel calm and happy.
That may be sad to some, but I consider it to be self–medicating — without the happy pill. I can take that trip any day. :)
[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Store in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
If you could take a virtual vacation anywhere at all, where would you go?
Dani
I'm excited to be over at The Writer Zen Garden today with A. Catherine Noon to hopefully offer some encouragement to my fellow writers who have to juggle their dream with a day job. Join us with your own ideas or just to be encouraged today!
Photo used courtesy of イーアン正 モール from Dearborn, United States on WikiCommons
Photo used courtesy of イーアン正 モール from Dearborn, United States on WikiCommons
Busy, busy past week with a big Halloween party for my teenager and a wonderful readers' luncheon last Saturday. Including my sister Ella Sheridan's first print signing!
We had a great time with the readers at our table! And dinner with some fellow authors that was entertaining and a great way to fill the well. But I'm still overloaded, so I'll keep this short and sweet. For those of you who have the same affliction: :)
We had a great time with the readers at our table! And dinner with some fellow authors that was entertaining and a great way to fill the well. But I'm still overloaded, so I'll keep this short and sweet. For those of you who have the same affliction: :)
That scary time has once more reached us in the Southern US. No, I’m not talking about Halloween…It’s Football Season! SEC fans are fanatical in the deep South, to the point that families split over rivalries. Scary, scary times.
I’m a rarity in my neck of the woods—a woman who couldn’t give a lick about football (high school, college, or otherwise). But don’t tell any of my neighbors, or I’ll be in for a yard trashin’, at the very least. Luckily, my hubby overlooks this major flaw in favor of some of my other, um, talents.
I never know how to answer the “Alabama or Auburn” question, because people around here don’t respond well to “why the hell would I care?” So I simply say my husband’s favorite, because I trust his judgment in these matters. :)
Heck, I only started attending the local high school football games when Book Worm joined the marching band. Did you know there are people who don’t have kids in school ho go to those games? It boggles my mind.
I’m sure I’m an alien to them too. A working woman and mother who spends all her time with her hands on the keyboard or mind busy dreaming up stories. I do enjoy 1 part of football though: those sculpted male bodies in skin tight athletic pants. That I can watch for a bit! LOL
Are you a football fan? Do you have a fanatical follower in your house?
Dani
My author friend Andrea Laurence has an awesome new book out featuring a former professional football player turned coach and the sexy rock star who wrote a song denigrating his man parts. It’s hilarious! Check it out on Amazon here.
In this sizzling and hilarious contemporary e-book romance, pop sensation Ivy Hudson returns to her small town to face her ex. Only trouble is, she made her Taylor-Swift-like career with the hit song “Size Matters”—and the football hero has had to live it down ever since.
Six years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters,” hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships.
When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.
For fans of Kristen Proby and Colette Auclair, Facing the Music hits a perfect balance between small-town romance and big-time success. Follow Ivy and Blake as they fall back in love and figure out what does matter in the end…
I’m a rarity in my neck of the woods—a woman who couldn’t give a lick about football (high school, college, or otherwise). But don’t tell any of my neighbors, or I’ll be in for a yard trashin’, at the very least. Luckily, my hubby overlooks this major flaw in favor of some of my other, um, talents.
I never know how to answer the “Alabama or Auburn” question, because people around here don’t respond well to “why the hell would I care?” So I simply say my husband’s favorite, because I trust his judgment in these matters. :)
Heck, I only started attending the local high school football games when Book Worm joined the marching band. Did you know there are people who don’t have kids in school ho go to those games? It boggles my mind.
I’m sure I’m an alien to them too. A working woman and mother who spends all her time with her hands on the keyboard or mind busy dreaming up stories. I do enjoy 1 part of football though: those sculpted male bodies in skin tight athletic pants. That I can watch for a bit! LOL
Are you a football fan? Do you have a fanatical follower in your house?
Dani
My author friend Andrea Laurence has an awesome new book out featuring a former professional football player turned coach and the sexy rock star who wrote a song denigrating his man parts. It’s hilarious! Check it out on Amazon here.
In this sizzling and hilarious contemporary e-book romance, pop sensation Ivy Hudson returns to her small town to face her ex. Only trouble is, she made her Taylor-Swift-like career with the hit song “Size Matters”—and the football hero has had to live it down ever since.
Six years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters,” hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships.
When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.
For fans of Kristen Proby and Colette Auclair, Facing the Music hits a perfect balance between small-town romance and big-time success. Follow Ivy and Blake as they fall back in love and figure out what does matter in the end…
Last week, my mother, sisters, niece, and daughter hit the road! We left the boys behind and enjoying a girls’ only trip to historic Savannah, GA.
Savannah is a city of old Southern values, quirky traditions, modern entertainment, and beautiful views. Visiting it has a similar feel to some of the cities I saw in Ireland, where forests and water happily coincide. But the sheer spirit of the city seemed peaceful and quiet to me, even with all the people (and dogs) there.
With every trip I take, I find myself facing a dichotomy within myself. You see, I’m a full blown introvert. I enjoy people in small doses, because prolonged exposure seriously wipes out my energy levels. At the same time, I love to travel, see new places, and meet new people.
As a creative soul, I enjoy absorbing the atmosphere, the colors and traditions of different places. Its one of the things that “refills my well”. I think I also love it, because it also breaks me out of my daily grind. I forget all the bathrooms I have to clean, all the mindless typing for my day job, and ‘extras’ that come along with a job as an author. New places and sights clear my mind and spark my imagination. So, though I can’t indulge as often as I’d like, travel is definitely one of my favorite pastimes.
Where is your favorite place to visit? I’d love to have new cities to explore!
Dani
FYI: Tune in next week for a special edition of 'Funny Signs of Savannah', a co-blog with author Ella Sheridan!
Savannah is a city of old Southern values, quirky traditions, modern entertainment, and beautiful views. Visiting it has a similar feel to some of the cities I saw in Ireland, where forests and water happily coincide. But the sheer spirit of the city seemed peaceful and quiet to me, even with all the people (and dogs) there.
With every trip I take, I find myself facing a dichotomy within myself. You see, I’m a full blown introvert. I enjoy people in small doses, because prolonged exposure seriously wipes out my energy levels. At the same time, I love to travel, see new places, and meet new people.
As a creative soul, I enjoy absorbing the atmosphere, the colors and traditions of different places. Its one of the things that “refills my well”. I think I also love it, because it also breaks me out of my daily grind. I forget all the bathrooms I have to clean, all the mindless typing for my day job, and ‘extras’ that come along with a job as an author. New places and sights clear my mind and spark my imagination. So, though I can’t indulge as often as I’d like, travel is definitely one of my favorite pastimes.
Where is your favorite place to visit? I’d love to have new cities to explore!
Dani
FYI: Tune in next week for a special edition of 'Funny Signs of Savannah', a co-blog with author Ella Sheridan!
Summer is tough for me—not in the same it was when I was a Stay At Home Mom. Instead of going stir crazy at home with my kids, wondering what they’re doing, how can I arrange for them to have more fun during the summer, and always, always—have I made choices that are shortchanging my kids?
I’m never with them during the weekdays anymore, so I have to ask other people to watch them (which doesn’t always equal fun). I feel guilty for asking other people to take them places, do things with them. When I’m not at the Day Job, I’m trying to write, which is also not fun for them. Though sometimes I take them to things and write while they’re occupied. I try to say “yes” to weekend activities, then feel guilty when I get zero writing done.
Motherhood isn’t just tough, it’s a tug of war.
I never thought I’d resent having to leave someone else with my children every day—I also never understood the guilt that accompanies having no choice but to do that.
What do I give up? Where do I cut back? What does that mean in terms of my writing career? I’m already slow to release my books because of my other obligations.
No one said parenting would be easy. It’s the hardest, most emotional investment I’ve ever made. In the end, the question of whether I’ve made the best choices can’t be answered. Maybe after they’re grown and gone and its too late for me to change anything. But as a counselor friend of mine once said, “The fact that you question yourself makes you a good mother. Some mothers never do.”
What's the biggest thing you question as a mom?
Dani
I’m never with them during the weekdays anymore, so I have to ask other people to watch them (which doesn’t always equal fun). I feel guilty for asking other people to take them places, do things with them. When I’m not at the Day Job, I’m trying to write, which is also not fun for them. Though sometimes I take them to things and write while they’re occupied. I try to say “yes” to weekend activities, then feel guilty when I get zero writing done.
Motherhood isn’t just tough, it’s a tug of war.
I never thought I’d resent having to leave someone else with my children every day—I also never understood the guilt that accompanies having no choice but to do that.
What do I give up? Where do I cut back? What does that mean in terms of my writing career? I’m already slow to release my books because of my other obligations.
No one said parenting would be easy. It’s the hardest, most emotional investment I’ve ever made. In the end, the question of whether I’ve made the best choices can’t be answered. Maybe after they’re grown and gone and its too late for me to change anything. But as a counselor friend of mine once said, “The fact that you question yourself makes you a good mother. Some mothers never do.”
What's the biggest thing you question as a mom?
Dani
Every day, I work on stories of couples that forge over mountains and crawl out of valleys to find their Happily Ever Afters. Yes, there’s some fun and sex along the way, but these men and women end up working hard to stay together…forever.
And every day, I live my own Happily Ever After. Its just as messy, hard, fun, and sexy as my books (at least I think so). I’m one of the lucky ones. My husband and I both have our faults, but this week we will celebrate 19 years of forever together, and the commitment we spoke to each other when we were barely more than kids still stands strong. For both of us.
My husband was a romantic young man, and he’s still as romantic, just in a different way. Then he brought me flowers, set up special dates, and said things to me that made me feel wonderful. Now he puts the kids to bed so I can have a few minutes to myself, learns all the ways he can help support me in my career as an author, and still says sweet, sexy things that make me feel wonderful. He spends his vacations keeping the kids so I can go to conferences. Does our laundry, and even occasionally washes dishes (even though he hates dishes).
So my hero may be killing dust bunnies rather than stalkers, but he’s still a hero! The hero for me!
Nineteen years ago, I wasn’t thinking about what our lives would look like in 20 years, but he has certainly stood the test of time!
Dani
*Photo used courtesy of WikiCommons
And every day, I live my own Happily Ever After. Its just as messy, hard, fun, and sexy as my books (at least I think so). I’m one of the lucky ones. My husband and I both have our faults, but this week we will celebrate 19 years of forever together, and the commitment we spoke to each other when we were barely more than kids still stands strong. For both of us.
My husband was a romantic young man, and he’s still as romantic, just in a different way. Then he brought me flowers, set up special dates, and said things to me that made me feel wonderful. Now he puts the kids to bed so I can have a few minutes to myself, learns all the ways he can help support me in my career as an author, and still says sweet, sexy things that make me feel wonderful. He spends his vacations keeping the kids so I can go to conferences. Does our laundry, and even occasionally washes dishes (even though he hates dishes).
So my hero may be killing dust bunnies rather than stalkers, but he’s still a hero! The hero for me!
Nineteen years ago, I wasn’t thinking about what our lives would look like in 20 years, but he has certainly stood the test of time!
Dani
*Photo used courtesy of WikiCommons