december 2015 | volume 4 | issue 12
momtomomnwi.com | like us on facebook
letter from the editor
mom to mom feature
mom you should know: stephanie gordon new year resolutions
ask the doctor
the legend of a famous doll
community calendar mom to mom eats
mindy’s menu - finger foods
trina’s picks
christmas magic & the bite before christmas
fun & games
making holiday memories coloring page
5 10 18 12 14 22 24 6 16
PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Judy Miller Amber Neace Trina Bobrowski Debra Krieg-Lewis Christina Matoski
Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC 103 E. Indiana Ave | Suite B Valparaiso IN 46383 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Amanda Rose Photography Printing Home Mountain Printing 3602 Enterprise Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383
Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. ©2015 Mom to Mom NWI LLC
letter from the editor stephanie vega edwards
I
hope for the holidays
As I prepare to say goodbye to one year and hello to the next, I am excited for what’s to come in 2016. We have some exciting changes in store for Mom to Mom, NWI – I can barely contain myself!! I wanted to give our readers a sneak peak of one of the changes you’ll see next year – our Community Calendar! We’ve decided to change the format so it reads like a true calendar! You’ll be able to find it in the center of the magazine every month – go ahead, take a look at it and then come back to my letter. I’ll wait! OK, now that you are back let me tell you a few other things you’ll see throughout the pages of our magazine. By popular demand we are bringing back our “Kids Eat Free or Reduced Section”. We are going to scour the best deals for families so we can all enjoy a night out with the family without breaking the bank! And speaking of dining, we are going to feature a different restaurant every month. We will check out new spots, hot spots and those that are town favorites. We will be asking our readers to recommend places for us to checkout – so be sure to “like” us on Facebook and message us with your ideas! On the topic of social media and the internet, we are also excited to unveil a new website! We are constantly making changes and upgrades to our webpage but now you’ll be able to download the newest issue right to your tablet and mobile device. And perhaps what I am the most excited about is that we will be offering subscriptions of Mom to Mom, NWI. Over the years, I’ve had many people ask when they could get the magazine delivered to their door. I couldn’t give them a definitive answer – until now!! For just $12 a year, that’s $1 per issue, you can have the newest Mom to Mom, NWI in your mailbox. You’ll see all the details on that new Community Calendar page – did you already notice it? With so much going on next year, how can I possibly contain my excitement until then?? Well, I am getting into the Christmas spirit and doing what I can to spread holiday cheer. In the past, Mom to Mom has helped out with various organizations in the community to give back - this year is no different! We have decided to adopt two families in Lake County and it has truly been an amazing gift to give. This gift would not have been possible without my amazing staff and the readers of this magazine. We took to Facebook to ask for your help in making this a great holiday for our two families and the community really stepped up. I am amazed by the generosity of our community and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful experience. My heart is full and I can’t wait to see what’s next! From Our Family to Yours,
Happy Holidays!
mtm: feature debra krieg-lewis
fun and games: m
C
Christmas is my favorite time of year! With it, comes lots of fun
remember what they wished for!
activities and holiday traditions to continue or start anew! Yes,
The Nutcracker ballet is also a holiday tradition I take my girls to
it’s the busiest time of the year shopping, wrapping, writing hol-
each year! This breathtaking ballet is performed by many differ-
iday cards but, I try to always incorporate as many traditions in
ent companies in the Chicago area. If watching a ballet is not
as I can for my children to enjoy!
your thing you could always try “The Christmas Carol” play or
I love buying a new ornament each year for each of my kids.
“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” featuring the Rockettes.
Whether it be a new activity or sport they are into or a place/
These will surely get you in the Christmas spirit!
vacation that we visited that year! I usually have them personal-
My kids favorite “friend” that appears every December 1st is
ized so everyone has their own. I also started having them write
The Elf on the Shelf. “Red,” as my oldest daughter named him
their Christmas lists on a small piece of paper and rolling it up
7 years ago, hides every night/morning in a new spot watching
small enough to fit inside a glass or plastic ornament ball. I have
the kids. At night he returns to the North Pole to tell Santa about
them decorate it with their name and year, so each year we can
their behavior. He can be very mischievous and can sometimes
mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 6
nwi
making memories cause his own trouble when he returns. “Red’s” wife, “Holly”
ing. Visiting Santa at Santa Land is also fun for the kids! While
comes a couple of times also and they will switch places/fami-
the wait to see him is sometimes quite long, the waiting area
lies for a day! We love waking up to discover where they are
can entertain them for a short bit. Plan to spend a whole day
hiding!
there and spend some time walking down State Street where the
My absolute favorite tradition is heading downtown Chicago
Christkindl Market is nearby as well!
to Macy’s on State Street. This is a tradition that I have been
There is so many ways to make the most of the holidays! Even
doing since I was a child when it was Marshall Fields and I
baking Christmas cookies, buying an Advent calendar or mak-
will continue to experience with my own children.
We try to
ing a Christmas memory book are wonderful traditions! The best
go on a weekday to avoid a big crowd to see the decorated
part about all these is that they are ways to bring your family
windows, eat at the Walnut Room and see the great tree. It’s
together and help them remember each year so you can all look
best to get there early when they first open and head up to the
back at the fun you had someday!
Walnut Room, reserve a spot/pager and shop while you’re wait-
Happy Holidays!! - mtm
your ad here
ask about our advertising specials p: 219.973.5138 e: stephanie@momtomomnwi.com nwi
mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 8
mtm: feature nichole odijk demario
nwi
mom you should know:
A
stephanie gordon
As an undergraduate student, Stephanie Gordon began
their children along when childcare may not be available.
having feelings of uncertainty regarding her career path
She says she has been known to wear a client’s baby from
into early childhood education. When she learned she was
time to time to give moms the opportunity to get their acu-
expecting, those underlying feelings rose to the surface.
puncture treatment.
Through a series of events, she found herself part of a wom-
Gordon became a firm believer in the strength of acupunc-
en’s group centered on holistic medicine. Intrigued and
ture when she was doula. She would often send her clients
inspired, Gordon became a Certified Birth Doula through
to acupuncturists for various prenatal ailments, but had nev-
DONA International and Hypobabies. The birth of her own
er had an acupuncture treatment herself. When she finally
child only furthered her desire to continue to pursue this new
opted to try it she was healed of her battle with regular
found passion. After completing her undergraduate degree,
migraine headaches.
she sought her Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental
Sacred Dunes recently began offering group parties and
Medicine and as the old adage goes, “the rest was history.”
showers meant to rejuvenate attendees that include pho-
Flash forward to this summer when Gordon opened Sa-
tography and refreshments. She is debuting a dance for
cred Dunes Alternative Health in Michigan City, Ind. where
childbirth class where mothers can come during pregnancy
Gordon and her team offer numerous services. Gordon is
to learn birth relaxation techniques through dance or post-
a licensed acupuncturist and treats men, women and chil-
partum with their infants.
dren of all ages. Sacred Dunes also offers yoga classes four
Another unique Sacred Dunes offering, she says, is placen-
times a week, homebirth midwifery care, massage, hypno-
tal encapsulation through her placenta encapsulation certi-
therapy, herbs and nutrition and childbirth education.
fication.
Sacred Dunes hosts free monthly workshops on varying sub-
According to the American Pregnancy Association placen-
jects. Every other Monday, Gordon puts on child friendly
tal encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta
days to give parents and caregivers the opportunity to bring
after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground and placed
mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 10
into pills. The organization lists possible benefits such as
Gordon is a Chicago transplant and only recently relocated
increased release of the hormone oxytocin that helps the
to the area.
uterus return to normal size and bonding with the infant,
“I found something so special and sacred in the [Indiana]
reduces stress levels, decreases post-partum depression lev-
dunes, hence the name of my business. I just felt this im-
els, restores iron levels and increases milk production.
mense connection to this area and knew it needed a busi-
She says public interest in holistic medicine is only growing.
ness like this,” she explains.
“We’re not a healthy country. People are fed up…they’re
Gordon says raising her daughter in Northwest Indiana as
waking up to the realization that their quality of life and
she is working to grow her local business has been nothing
how they feel physically, mentally and emotionally is not
short of incredible.
top notch. It’s not where it should be and they want to feel
She says, “My daughter tells me regularly how proud of me
better.”
she is. It’s so exciting and empowering. It’s really good for
For those uncertain of the legitimacy of holistic medicine she
her to see me as an entrepreneur, but also someone who
stresses her credentials, training and extensive background.
helps people. It makes me beam she knows there are many
She emphasizes her understanding of Western medicine in
ways to make someone feel better.”
order to incorporate an Eastern approach.
To learn more about Sacred Dunes, Gordon and her team,
She prides herself in her involvement with the community
she will have an introduction to acupuncture massage on
and role in the revitalization of Michigan City. She partic-
December 15 at 6:30 pm at her wellness center located
ipates in the Uptown Art District’s Merchant Association,
at 225 W. 6th Street in Michigan City. Additional infor-
Michigan City Chamber of Commerce and Lakefront Ca-
mation may be found at www.sacredduneshealth.com, on
reer Network for youthful entrepreneurs.
Facebook where she posts regular specials and updates or
“Sacred Dunes is a symbolic piece of the beautification of
call 630.881.2644. Gift certificates are available. - mtm
this area. We are literally healing the community,” she says.
mtm: ask the doc dr. sandee clark
T
the legend of a f the history that af
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of a doll that still remains
poisoning and called it malpractice. The seventh, being the head
a household name, Raggedy Ann, and there’s a bit of import-
of the school board and a supporter of vaccination, declined to
ant history worth sharing. As the story goes, Johnny Gruelle’s
comment.
daughter, Marcella, found a doll in her grandmother’s attic that
Obviously, Raggedy Ann was not originally conceived by Gru-
was ragged and torn up. This doll sparked Johnny’s creativity, so
elle as an iconic symbol representing injury and death from vac-
he painted a face on her and fixed her up. His thought was that
cines, yet the doll is uncanny in its evocation of a child who has
since Marcella loved this doll so much, maybe there was some
become limp like a rag doll from a vaccine injury. The expression
magic there.
“like a rag doll” immediately conjures up the qualities of listless
The only problem is that Marcela never got to celebrate the suc-
and lifeless, those same qualities that accurately described Mar-
cess of her favorite doll. Before her father had secured a patent
cella’s frail body after an injection with deadly inoculations.
for the doll, the 13-year-old died from complications from a small
The United States introduced compulsory vaccination on a
pox vaccine which had been given to her at school without pa-
state-by-state basis. Although there is no mandatory federal
rental consent. The artist moved forward with the patent of this
vaccination
soon to be much loved doll for his little girl. That love was a lot of what Johnny brought to life in Raggedy Ann. Reports indicate that after the initial inoculation Marcella had, “lost her appetite, and became feverish and fatigued.” Amazingly, more inoculations were given despite her negative reaction from the first jab. Predictably Marcella’s health continued to decline to the point where she lost all muscle control, “becoming listless and lifeless like a rag doll.” While all this was going on at school, her parents knew nothing about it and had never given their consent for any vaccinations. Sadly, Marcella died a slow and agonizing death. The Gruelle’s were convinced beyond any doubt that the vaccination was the culprit behind the death of their only child, even though school authorities and vaccination proponents insisted Marcella had died from a preexisting heart defect. Ultimately, seven leading physicians were called upon to comment about the cause of her death. Six consented it was the result of vaccine induced
famous doll and ffects us still today law, all 50 states require children who attend public school to
• Aluminum - A light metal that causes dementia and Alzhei-
be vaccinated. Vaccination exemptions are issued in all states.
mer’s disease.
According to a published report, all 50 states issue medical exemptions, 48 states (excluding Mississippi and West Virginia)
• Antibiotics - Chemicals that promote superbugs, which are
permit religious exemptions, and 19 states allow an exemption
deadly antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
for philosophical reasons. So we go back to the age old question, “Are vaccines safe?” The
• Formaldehyde - A “pickling” chemical used to preserve ca-
best way to know and make an informative decision is to really
davers.
do your homework and research the various vaccines. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s vaccine additives
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) - A neurotoxic chemical
page, all of the following ingredients are routinely used as vac-
called an “excitotoxin.” It causes brain neurons to be overex-
cine additives:
cited to the point of death. MSG is toxic even when consumed in foods, where it causes migraine headaches and endocrine system damage. • Thimerosal - A methyl mercury compound that causes severe, permanent nervous system damage. Choosing to vaccinate or not is a choice that everyone has to decide at one point in their life. It is not something to take for granted, nor should it be forced on anyone.
The facts about vac-
cines and diseases are out there - we just need to educate ourselves and decide what makes sense to us. Remember, living a healthy life requires work and healthy choices. Exercise, healthy food choices, reducing stress, getting adequate amount of sleep and having a strong and healthy nervous system creates a healthy you. - mtm
sunday
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursda
1 The Nutcracker Star Plaza Theater 7:00pm www.ibtnw.org
December Community Calendar 6 Holiday Affair Vendor and Craft Show Patrician Banquet Center Schererville 10:00am-3:00pm
7 Breakfast with Santa 1st United Methodist Church Crown Point 11:00am $6 and $4
13
14
Pancake Breakfast Stanislaus Church East Chicago 7:00am-1:00pm
Holiday Farm Frenzy Fair Oaks Farm 10:00am-4:00pm $10
27 National Fruitcake Day
21
Candy Cane Plum Creek C Dyer 1:00pm-2:3
8 Holiday Songs Crown Point Library 6:00pm
15 National Lemon Cupcake Day
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2
22
9 Lunchtime Cabaret Series Memorial Opera House 1:00pm-3:00pm
Christmas M Merrillville 4:00pm-7:0
16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
National M Syrup D
23
First Day of Winter
Christm Eve 28
29
National Chocolate Day
mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 14
30
New Year’s E
ay
friday 3
e Hunt Center
30pm
saturday 4
Art Walk and Uptown Holiday Open House Michigan City 5:00pm-8:00pm
5 Holiday Bazaar St. Mary of the Lake Gary 9:00am-2:00pm
mom to mom subscriptions! Hey Readers, We are SO excited to announce in 2016 we will begin selling subscriptions of our magazine! For just $1 an issue, you can get
10
Market e HS 00pm
11 Duneland Advent Festival St. Patrick Catholic Church Chesterton 7:oopm
12 Touch a Truck for Toy for Tots Central Park Plaza Valparaiso 11:00am-2:00pm
Mom to Mom, NWI delivered to your home. The first 200 subscribers will be featured in a special “thank you” we will run in 2016. To subscribe, send an email saying SIGN ME UP with the subject SUBSCRIBE 2016 to Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com We look forward to hearing from you!! Download the Magazine Every Month at momtomomnwi.com
16
Maple Day
18
19 Cookie Walk Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church Hall 10:00am-1:00pm
Bake Cookies Day
Do you “like” us on Facebook? Join the over 3,000 who already have and tell us what you think!
24
25
26 “Love this magazine and page!!! Love looking forward it every month. Great articles about what’s new around the area, tips for moms and others!!”—Elyse K.
mas
w Eve
stephanie vega edwards
Christmas Day 31
“This magazine had been phenomenal about spreading awareness of disabilities and providing it’s readers with advice and information. Hats off to the wonderful staff!!” – Joy A.
“I am excited every month to get my hands on the new issue!!!” –Kerisa G
o H lidays y p p ! Ha
mtm: feature kimberly blaker
Setbacks are not failure; they bring wisdom and insight for future
success
nwi
Y
new year resolutions - why they fail and how you can succeed
“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” --Hal Borland The New Year is a great time to take inventory, set goals, and take charge of your life. But if you’re like most, making resolutions is much easier than keeping them. Rather than focus on the idea of a new beginning, which can lead to disappointment at the first slip, keep in mind that self-improvement is an ongoing endeavor. Setbacks are not failure; they bring wisdom and insight for future success. Before making a split decision as to this year’s resolutions, make a list of goals and changes you’d like to make. Then review your list, and cross off any you do not feel truly devoted to. Whether you resolve to spend more time with your family, quit smoking, or lose weight, you’re more likely to succeed if you feel a strong personal commitment rather than ‘I should.’ One reason people don’t keep resolutions they make is the resolutions are often made to silence the pestering of a loved one. If you decide to quit smoking to get your husband off your back, you’re less likely to succeed. If you decide to quit smoking to feel healthier and be able to enjoy physical activity without being winded, you’re more likely to experience success. Choose one or perhaps two of the resolutions on your list to which you feel most committed. Then choose one or two you feel confidant you can do with ease. These last couple can be used as positive reinforcement for the more challenging first choices. The next step is to make a clear plan for adhering to your resolutions. Put each resolution in writing, and detail the steps to achieve them. If your resolution requires a routine or schedule such as an exercise routine, a new diet, or steps toward completing your education, then create a goal chart, a detailed plan, and a checklist to track your progress. Also, post notes in strategic places such as the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or steering wheel as reminders of your resolutions with tips on how to overcome temptation. Make certain your family understands the importance of your resolutions. Family support and their positive reinforcement can be most helpful. If your resolution is something your family has been nagging you about, ask for their encouragement but explain that pressure and pestering, particularly during setbacks, could undermine your resolve. Determine how each family member can help you to achieve your goal perhaps by taking on additional household chores or through affirmations of your continued success.
Adjust your environment to enable success. If eating healthier is your goal, don’t fill the cupboards with junk food for other family members. Find healthy snacks they’re willing to substitute. If you’re trying to quit smoking, avoid people, places, and things that remind or tempt you, at least until you have it well under control. Don’t go it alone. If you have a friend with a similar resolution, make a pact. Work together to create a plan, and then make a point to check in with each other regularly for encouragement, praise, and support. If you resolve to get more exercise, do it together. Having a commitment and someone to accompany you will go a long way in helping you to succeed. Finally, reward yourself, not just once you’ve achieved your goal, but periodically for your success so far. Small, periodic rewards can be motivation enough to keep you strong when you’re ready to throw in the towel. Remember, whatever New Year resolutions you choose, success awaits you if you resolve to never give up trying. - mtm
If you have a friend with a similar resolution, make a pact.
mindy’s menu mindy gear
nwi
finger foods
T
Spinach Artichoke Bites I love spinach artichoke dip! Having it available in individual cups is a great party
Tis the season to be jolly! In our
bite. So much easier to serve and eat. You could prebake wonton wrappers and
house, being jolly means spending
fill with a warm dip. Either way they are delicious!
time with our friends and family. And at the center of these celebrations – food!! Here are a few great finger food recipes to serve at your holiday gatherings. - mtm
Ingredients 1 Tube seamless crescent dough (the sheet, not cut for crescent rolls)
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 can artichokes, chopped (15 oz can) ¼ cup Mayonnaise
8 oz cream cheese ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 3 cloves garlic, minced or chopped Dash of salt/pepper
¼ cup sour cream
Directions Preheat oven to 375°. Unroll crescent dough and cut into 24 squares. Press into mini muffin tins. Mix remaining ingredients and scoop into cups. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before removing to serving tray. Store leftovers in refrigerator. mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 22
Reuben Sandwich Dip This dip is rich and delicious. I love Reuben sandwiches, but they are typically huge and messy. This dip gives you the flavor of the sandwich without all the fuss. You will want to keep eating it!
Ingredients ½ lb corned beef, diced
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 oz cream cheese
¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp ketchup
1 cup sauerkraut, drained
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
¼ cup sour cream
Directions Grease a 1 qt baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°. Using electric mixer, blend cream cheese, sour cream, ketchup, mustard until smooth. Stir in sauerkraut, ¾ cup swiss cheese. Spread into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup swiss cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated thru. Serve with: rye bread, crackers, bagel chips…anything
Meatballs & BBQ Sauce Meatballs are such a simple dish to make. Easy to make ahead of time and just heat up when you are ready. You could always use a frozen bag of meatballs, but homemade meatballs are much yummier! When preparing meatballs for a party, I prefer BBQ sauce. Spicy and amazing!
Ingredients 2 ½ lbs ground beef
(I use half beef and half pork)
¾ cup plain breadcrumbs ¼ cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
pepper
1 Tbsp mustard
2 large eggs
½ tsp salt 1 tsp fresh ground black
Directions Mix ingredients together and shape into desired size meatballs. Place on tray and refrigerate about 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and brown in skillet. About 5-7 minutes per batch making sure to brown on all sides. Remove from pan and drain on towel. If you are not going to use right away, cool and place into freezer safe container. Freeze in small portions for later use. Otherwise, place meatballs in baking dish (single layer). Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over meatballs and bake at 350° 30-45 minutes.
Oven Roasted Parmesan Shrimp Cocktail Who doesn’t love shrimp cocktail? Try this roasted version. It takes just a few minutes to make and can spice up your gathering.
Ingredients 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Drizzle of olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ grated parmesan cheese Juice of lemon
Sprinkle of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions Preheat to 400°. Grease baking sheet for shrimp. Toss shrimp with coating of olive oil, garlic, cheese and salt/pepper. Spread shrimp into single layer and cook until slightly pink, but cooked thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
mtm: trina’s picks trina bobrowski
“Christmas
E
Book Reviews of Magic” & “The Bite Before
Every Christmas Eve I read the wonderful story “Christmas Magic” to my two daughters. This book has become part of our holiday traditions. I particularly like this tale because if focuses more on friendship and family during Christmas time, than presents. Reading this story together has become somewhat magical to us and hopefully to you and your family as well. Emily feels there is something different about Christmas this year - magic. Later on that night she sneaks out of bed to find her cat and dog singing Jingle Bells – this is just the start of her night time adventure! There are mice in the kitchen cooking, presents and stockings dancing around, and the snow-woman Emily built earlier in the day has come to life. And that’s not all – the new boy living next door built a snowman and his came to life too! His snowman became an enchanting man dressed in a tuxedo, who dances the night away with the bejeweled snow-woman. The best part of all this holiday magic is the friendship Emily begins with the new boy next door. “Christmas Magic” is such a lovely story - heartwarmingly delightful. Michael Garland has coupled this wonderful story with beautiful illustrations, depicting Emily’s Victorian home and neighborhood. Every page is well thought out with presentations of the magical events that take place on Christmas Eve. This book is an exuberant reminder, that no matter what your holiday may bring, the true meaning of Christmas is about family and friends. •••••••••••••••••••••••• December is a busy time of year – but that doesn’t mean we have to put down our books! This month I’m recommending a fast and fun read - “The Bite before Christmas”. This book contains two novellas - “The Gift” by Lynsay Sands and “Home for the Holidays” by Jeaniene Frost. Each author has written a story encompassed in Christmas cheer – but did I mention
Christmas”
that they happen to be about vampires? That’s right, these two novellas delve in the supernatural, with a twist of romance and a side of action. In Lynsay Sands’ “The Gift” Teddy Brunswick doesn’t have any family to celebrate Christmas with. So instead of sticking around, he decides to rent a cabin and relax. Teddy wakes up the next morning snowed in and without power. Things seem bleak for him, but then he runs into a beautiful young woman who is staying in the cabin down from him. Katricia Argeneau isn’t as young as she looks, she actually is over fifteen centuries old and is a vampire. After meeting Teddy, she realizes he is her life mate and can’t hide her excitement. Unfortunately, Teddy just sees her as a young girl his sixty plus years shouldn’t have feelings for. Now Katricia will have to convince Teddy that there love is real and he needs to realize it is something to fight for. “Home for the Holidays” by Jeaniene Frost, starts off with a surprise birthday party for Bones, a very old and powerful vampire. His wife Cat has invited her husband’s friends and family to attend, but one guest hasn’t shown up. The group later finds out the missing guest Annette, has been attacked at her hotel room and doesn’t know who the assailant was. To add even more drama, a surprise guest shows up to the party. This vampire holds many secrets about Bone’s past, secrets that eventually turn him and several other vamps against his wife. With the help of some ghosts, demons and a flirtatious vampire, Cat has to save her people just in time for Christmas. Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost are two of the hottest writers in the supernatural romance genre. Both authors have included characters from Sands’ popular Argeneau family and Frosts Night Huntress series. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t familiar with these characters - both stories hold their own. I have yet to read any of the other books in the series and thoroughly enjoyed both stories. - mtm
mom to mom nwi | december 2015 | page 24