"How can you give your family the attention they need while working full time and writing so much?"
When posed this question by another author at National Conference, I was halted in my tracks. Guilt is a problem for me. With 1 rude question, this author unknowingly hit me right in the gut. Though I'd love to be Wonder Woman (and hubby would totally dig that outfit!), I know I'm no super hero(ine). I do worry about short-changing my children or my writing, but I can't give up either. I've worked too hard for both.
I can't quit my day job, as much as I'd like to, because my family needs me to work for a steady income. At least for the time being. That's simply life at this moment. And as much as I'd like to complain about it, I won't. My hubby has gone above and beyond to take care of the kids and family responsibilities so I have more time to write. I won't fuss about the demands on my time when he has just as many on his.
So this is a dilemma I have struggled with since I went back to work full-time, particularly when I'm on a deadline or have to say "no" when my kids want something because there aren't enough minutes in the day.
So when I heard Kristan Higgins speak at RWA Nationals, it truly struck a chord. Both lunch speeches were awesome (other was Cathy Maxwell), but 1 particular statement by Kristen pierced my heart. It wasn't the focus of the speech in actuality, probably something she ad-libbed. But it was something I desperately needed at this stage of my career and life.
She talked about a time when her husband worked long hours. She was helping him study for firefighters testing and they had a small baby. In order to help their family out, she strapped the baby to her chest while she cleaned a few houses. "Women do what they need to," she said. "If you are doing what your family needs, be proud of that."
What? I'm a mom. I'm not proud...I'm guilty of not being Super Woman!
But she's right. I should be proud--
-of finding a fulltime job that pays decent without having recent experience.
-of working every day and still chasing my dreams.
-for teaching my children that dreams are worth sacrifice and hard work.
-for focusing on my children in the time I have with them.
-Making an effort to include fun activities or things they want to do when I can.
-expressing my gratitude for and to those who help me, including my husband, kids, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, and many others.
That, I think, is something to be proud of! All of you hardworking moms and dads out there, what are you proud of today? Give yourself a shout out! You deserve it!!!!
Dani
I can't quit my day job, as much as I'd like to, because my family needs me to work for a steady income. At least for the time being. That's simply life at this moment. And as much as I'd like to complain about it, I won't. My hubby has gone above and beyond to take care of the kids and family responsibilities so I have more time to write. I won't fuss about the demands on my time when he has just as many on his.
So this is a dilemma I have struggled with since I went back to work full-time, particularly when I'm on a deadline or have to say "no" when my kids want something because there aren't enough minutes in the day.
So when I heard Kristan Higgins speak at RWA Nationals, it truly struck a chord. Both lunch speeches were awesome (other was Cathy Maxwell), but 1 particular statement by Kristen pierced my heart. It wasn't the focus of the speech in actuality, probably something she ad-libbed. But it was something I desperately needed at this stage of my career and life.
She talked about a time when her husband worked long hours. She was helping him study for firefighters testing and they had a small baby. In order to help their family out, she strapped the baby to her chest while she cleaned a few houses. "Women do what they need to," she said. "If you are doing what your family needs, be proud of that."
What? I'm a mom. I'm not proud...I'm guilty of not being Super Woman!
But she's right. I should be proud--
-of finding a fulltime job that pays decent without having recent experience.
-of working every day and still chasing my dreams.
-for teaching my children that dreams are worth sacrifice and hard work.
-for focusing on my children in the time I have with them.
-Making an effort to include fun activities or things they want to do when I can.
-expressing my gratitude for and to those who help me, including my husband, kids, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, and many others.
That, I think, is something to be proud of! All of you hardworking moms and dads out there, what are you proud of today? Give yourself a shout out! You deserve it!!!!
Dani
UPDATE: Its been very exciting to spot my book around my own town. I hope you are seeing it around yours! Keep those pictures coming in! I've got some great prizes to be had! (see submission info at the bottom of this post) Dani
A very special event happens this week--well, special to me, at least. My very first print book hits the shelves!!! I've had the pleasure of holding a copy in my hands, a pleasure 10 years in the making...now I'll get to see one on an actual bookshelf!
But over the next week, I hope you (the readers and fellow writers who have supported me so much along this journey) will join me in my excitement by sharing your experience of finding my book WITH ME. Today I'm asking, "Where in the world is my book?"
If you see it, send me a picture of it on the shelf or in your hands or in its shipping box or even checking out at the cashier... :) I'll post random pictures on Facebook and Twitter, and next week I'll reveal the winners of some Great Prizes here on my blog!
Submit the pictures to my email at readdaniwade@gmail.com . Be sure to include your name, email address, and the location the picture was taken from. The first prize winner gets a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes&Noble, the runner up gets a $10 gift card, and a special giftie will be given for any honorable mentions.
All you have to do to enter is answer (in photo form):
Where in the world is Dani Wade's book?
Dani
readdaniwade@gmail.com
A very special event happens this week--well, special to me, at least. My very first print book hits the shelves!!! I've had the pleasure of holding a copy in my hands, a pleasure 10 years in the making...now I'll get to see one on an actual bookshelf!
But over the next week, I hope you (the readers and fellow writers who have supported me so much along this journey) will join me in my excitement by sharing your experience of finding my book WITH ME. Today I'm asking, "Where in the world is my book?"
If you see it, send me a picture of it on the shelf or in your hands or in its shipping box or even checking out at the cashier... :) I'll post random pictures on Facebook and Twitter, and next week I'll reveal the winners of some Great Prizes here on my blog!
Submit the pictures to my email at readdaniwade@gmail.com . Be sure to include your name, email address, and the location the picture was taken from. The first prize winner gets a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes&Noble, the runner up gets a $10 gift card, and a special giftie will be given for any honorable mentions.
All you have to do to enter is answer (in photo form):
Where in the world is Dani Wade's book?
Dani
readdaniwade@gmail.com 
We’re working hard to slim down before RWA Nationals in July through healthy eating, exercise, sharing information, and accountability. Join us any time along the way, introduce yourself and post goals, or just contribute to the conversation! We’re here to share!
Welcome Ella Sheridan, who is sharing with us about rewarding ourselves this week!
When B. F. Skinner coined the term “operant conditioning,” we finally had a scientific name for a concept that has been around since the beginning of time: our behavior is modified by its consequences. Call it reward and punishment, reinforce and punisher, whatever; the truth is, rewards make us do more of an action and punishments make us do less. When it comes to losing weight, rewards are key.
I used to reward myself with food—stupid, I know. I’m trying to get away from food, not use it to feed my addiction. Now I give myself a free meal once a week, including dessert, not because I need a reward but because I understand that deprivation leads to bingeing. If I don’t allow myself to have something on a limited schedule, I’m guaranteed to break at some point and gorge myself on all the things I keep away from myself the rest of the time. That’s a safety net, not a reward.
So what do I reward myself with? Some of you have heard me talk about gold stars. I decided I needed immediate feedback on my daily efforts. I couldn’t reward myself with food, so what did I use? Well, I took a page out of my childhood book and put a gold start beside every day on my food diary where I have fulfilled ALL of my goals for that day. When I get seven of those stars, I give myself a non-food-related treat. A new shirt. An album off iTunes. A trip to the dollar movie theater. I’m not certain it matters what you reward yourself with as long as it makes you feel good. Make yourself a list; check it when you are doing well and boost that good feeling with some positive reinforcement.
I also give myself a number-related reward. Every five pounds. Every ten pounds. Every two pounds, doesn’t matter as long as you have a set schedule and stick to it. Knowing when you hit that five-pound mark and you get that new pair of jeans to replace the ones that are too big for you right now might just be the incentive you need to get through the week of hormone-related, I-can’t-get-enough-chocolate-to-save-my-life cravings from he**. My next incentive, when I hit the ten-pound loss mark, is a new bra and panty set from Soma. It’s been so long since I felt beautiful in my underwear, none of which is pretty. I can’t wait to go pick out something I can enjoy every time I put clothes over it—or when I take them off. c;
Challenge: So what’s your reward list? How often do you reward yourself? Do you need to do it more often? Let’s throw out some ideas to help each other build our list of “operant conditioning reinforcers”—and yes, cabana boys and chocolates count, if they’re real, not virtual (Bonnie! c;). 
There’s very little that’s hotter than the south in summer! With 100 degree temperatures and high humidity, stepping outside can be like stepping into a sauna sometimes. And unlike some places we don’t get the relief of a daily rain shower. Nope, just sweat, sweat, and more sweat.
But sometimes that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s the perfect combination to get those hot heroes to take off their shirts for ya. Maybe when they’re working on the lawn, or out in the field, or on the car…After all, it’s hot. And so are they – glistening muscles under the southern sun.
Of course, that’s not the only reason they take off their shirts. Swimming is an epidemic during a southern summer. Pools, rivers, lakes…heck, even a pond will do. Anything wet.
Maybe that’s why my hero in FINDING HER RHYTHM has a million-dollar pool at his mansion outside Atlanta, GA. It’s a long-held dream of mine, ever since I saw a bare bones version at a hotel once. But Michael Korvello, famous rock star, doesn’t go for bare bones anything. He likes his pool like his woman, curvy and lush. Slides, smooth rock formations, a waterfall, a little cave…all over the top, surrounded by lush tropical plants. The perfect way to cool down (or in his case, heat it up – his heroine accuses him of having a thing for sex in water).
So share with us your favorite way to cool down in the summer! One lucky winner will get an Amazon or B&N gift card from me. All commenters are eligible to win the grand prizes through the rafflecopter!
FINDING HER RHYTHM
A Backstage Pass Novel
Struggling after the death of her parents, Taylor let her hormones lead her into the biggest mistake of her life. Now she has a dangerous ex who still wants to own her and a desperate need for safety. What could be safer than her new job as a rock star nanny? Except now she’s locked herself in with a man who is potentially more dangerous…to her heart.
Michael Korvello has a dominant nature and a lonely heart that he keeps firmly under wraps. His kids have suffered enough for the mistakes of his past. But his new nanny has those dark desires howling at the gate. The only thing keeping him in check is the fear lurking in those brilliant green eyes. Can he earn her trust, and the right to transform all her desires into reality?
Just when neither can deny their need for each other, Taylor’s ex shows up like an unlucky charm, intent on taking back what he considers his…even if he has to destroy Michael’s world to get to her. Can two kindred souls protect the passionate love they ache for from an outsider bent on ripping them apart.
Don't forget to visit the other blogs on this hop for more fun, prizes, and hot, hot, hot!!! The list can be found here.
Most of the Playfriends are gone to the Romantic Times convention this week, so I thought I'd host a little party on the Writing Playground blog! Come check out the hunky hero I most wish I could party with and comment to win some Release Week goodies!
[caption id="attachment_61" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The Playfriends from The Writing Playground (L to R) Dani Wade, Kimberly Lang, Kira Sinclair, Andrea Laurence, Marilyn Puett[/caption]
The Playfriends from The Writing Playground (L to R) Dani Wade, Kimberly Lang, Kira Sinclair, Andrea Laurence, Marilyn Puett[/caption]
I'm celebrating release day for Finding Her Rhythm, my new Indie release, with the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood today! Join us for a party and the chance to win an Amazon/B&N gift card.
This first installment in the Backstage Pass series is up on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords. Find it here:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Rhythm-Backstage-Series-ebook/dp/B00CJJIDXQ/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367209600&sr=8-1&keywords=Dani+Wade+Finding+Her+Rhythm
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-her-rhythm-dani-wade/1115212849?ean=2940016725956
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/310438 
Today is April 15th, and the Tax Man cometh...whether you're ready or not! I know, I too could use something to smile about after the stress of paying taxes (not to mention the stress of getting the paperwork right!). So I played my usual mind games to help myself forget about the stress and deadlines. I usually take a mental break and dream about my characters, but instead I dreamed of what might happen if the Tax Man looked like this:
Or maybe like this:
Or if, when he showed up, it might end up something like this:
But no...I just had to pay instead. *cries* Oh well, at least I get to spend the day with great readers like y'all!!! I love hearing from readers too, so share with us who YOUR fantasy Tax Man would be (actor? singer? book hero?). Comment with your email address and be entered to win an advanced electronic copy of my newest release, Finding Her Rhythm! Its not available until April 30th for everybody else!
Find more Tax Day Fun at these cool websites:
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Crock Pot Cooking, Part 1 -- Party Food!
December tends to be full of parties and potlucks where the obligatory dish must be provided. Then there’s the issue of having food that tastes better warm, but goes cold while its on the buffet. The answer: Crock Pot!
I have to admit I’ve fallen in love with mine since going back to work. Add in the new slow cooker bags and clean-up is as easy as a wipe down.
So in hopes of making your holiday parties easy AND enjoyable, I’m sharing a few recipes with you today.
Cheese Dip
1 block Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese
1 pound hamburger meat, browned and drained
1 can green chilies, drain most of the juice out
Chop the cheese into smaller squares and melt in the microwave. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and mix well. Serve with tortilla chips.
Barbequed Smokies
2 packages Little Smokies, favorite brand
1 bottle barbeque sauce, favorite brand
These are super easy and will keep all day! Just dump both ingredients into the crockpot and simmer until the smokies plump up.
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
2 bags frozen meatballs
20 ounces ketchup
¾ large jar of grape jelly
3 heavy dashes of Red Hot sauce
Thaw meatballs in the microwave. Whisk the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl (jelly will still be a little lumpy). Put meatballs in the crockpot, set to high if you’re in a hurry or low if you have plenty of time. Pour the sauce over the top. Let simmer until heated thoroughly. (or if you prefer traditional meatballs, just cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce)
And don’t forget my quick Apple Cider recipe at http://daniwade.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/autumns-harvest-blog-hop/
So share your quick and easy party recipes with us today! Or your favorite party eats! :)
One lucky commenter will win a prize pack from yours truly, including a $5 Amazon gift card.* Comment with your email address to qualify!
It's a Happy Holiday from your favorite Authors and Bloggers. While we know everyone celebrates a different way, we wanted to make sure that you guys knew how much we treasure you all. So from Dec 14th to Dec 17th, all 200 or so of us will be blogging about the holidays and what they mean to us. We may talk about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, gifts, reads, heroes, and so much more. We want to hear about what you do for the holidays, what you read, and who you'll spend it with. We hope to see you here and happy hopping!
And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.
But that's not all....
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
December tends to be full of parties and potlucks where the obligatory dish must be provided. Then there’s the issue of having food that tastes better warm, but goes cold while its on the buffet. The answer: Crock Pot!
I have to admit I’ve fallen in love with mine since going back to work. Add in the new slow cooker bags and clean-up is as easy as a wipe down.
So in hopes of making your holiday parties easy AND enjoyable, I’m sharing a few recipes with you today.
Cheese Dip
1 block Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese
1 pound hamburger meat, browned and drained
1 can green chilies, drain most of the juice out
Chop the cheese into smaller squares and melt in the microwave. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and mix well. Serve with tortilla chips.
Barbequed Smokies
2 packages Little Smokies, favorite brand
1 bottle barbeque sauce, favorite brand
These are super easy and will keep all day! Just dump both ingredients into the crockpot and simmer until the smokies plump up.
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
2 bags frozen meatballs
20 ounces ketchup
¾ large jar of grape jelly
3 heavy dashes of Red Hot sauce
Thaw meatballs in the microwave. Whisk the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl (jelly will still be a little lumpy). Put meatballs in the crockpot, set to high if you’re in a hurry or low if you have plenty of time. Pour the sauce over the top. Let simmer until heated thoroughly. (or if you prefer traditional meatballs, just cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce)
And don’t forget my quick Apple Cider recipe at http://daniwade.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/autumns-harvest-blog-hop/
So share your quick and easy party recipes with us today! Or your favorite party eats! :)
One lucky commenter will win a prize pack from yours truly, including a $5 Amazon gift card.* Comment with your email address to qualify!
It's a Happy Holiday from your favorite Authors and Bloggers. While we know everyone celebrates a different way, we wanted to make sure that you guys knew how much we treasure you all. So from Dec 14th to Dec 17th, all 200 or so of us will be blogging about the holidays and what they mean to us. We may talk about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, gifts, reads, heroes, and so much more. We want to hear about what you do for the holidays, what you read, and who you'll spend it with. We hope to see you here and happy hopping!
And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.
But that's not all....
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $200 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!
*Winner from Dani Wade blog must claim gift within 5 days of being notified they've won.
Dani Wade Style!
Autumn is my favorite season, for more than the averages reasons. Yes, it’s cooler and at this stage of my life I have a deep appreciation for cooler temperatures. Yes, the turning and falling leaves are magical here in the southern US. Some of my favorite colors even make their appearance in fall – coppery orange, buttery yellow, rich burgundy, and chocolate brown.
But my favorite part of fall is the cooking! Hot soups on cool nights, dark rich hot chocolate, a crockpot of apple cider, and just about anything pumpkin. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to make your fall that much spicier!
QUICK & EASY APPLE CIDER
This hot, spicy drink is a must for every family gathering at our house from November 1st to February! I hope it spices up your get-togethers too!
64 oz apple juice
2-4 cups each of orange and pineapple juices (to your particular taste)
3 cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
2 allspice
Equipment: large crockpot, tea strainer ball
Combine all juices into crockpot. Drop cinnamon sticks into mixture. Place cloves and allspice into tea strainer ball and float in the liquid. Heat on high until juice comes to temperature then switch to low. Set out with plenty of cups and a ladle so guests can help themselves throughout the party.
PUMPKIN BREAD
(recipe courtesy of Emeril Legasse via FoodNetwork.com)
1 teaspoon butter
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup buttermilk
Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Grease 9X5 loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. With an electric mixer, cream shortening and sugar until smooth. Sift flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt together in separate bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed mixture. Add pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk.
Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes (should be golden brown) and a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool before serving. Can be served with cream cheese icing.
What's your favorite fall recipe? I'm always looking to add to my collection.
Commenters between now and Monday night will be entered to win my goodie package: Candles and Chocolate Kisses (including a Fall Festival candle, Godiva Chocolate Caramel Gems, and a $5 Amazon Gift card). Please include your email address in your comment!
Romance author Dani Wade writes sexy suspense novellas, the first of which was released in October 2012. She also writes sexy contemporaries for Harlequin Desire, where she will debut in August of 2013. You can see more about her books on the BOOKS page, including info on Snow Bound - her debut release.
What do you love about Autumn and Fall? What does it remind you of? What about reading? Do you think it's a good subject to read? Tell us your favorite Autumn stories! Well, we authors are ready to share our favorite Autumn stories and why we love snuggling in the cold. *wink* Starting on Friday and ending on Nov 12th, over 200 Authors and Bloggers will share their favorite things about those sexy men we know and love.
And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger. You can find a complete list of participating blogs at http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/ ! And don't forget to check back in on Tuesday to find out the winner!
But that's not all....
We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains 10+ paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!
Thanks for participating.
Dani