FairyTale Romance by M.J. Schiller

Last month I told you about Four and Twenty Blackbirds by M. J. Schiller which is Book 1 of her new series Fairytale Romance.

 If you're a fan of fairy tales in stories, movies, and TV series, you really should read M. J.'s series.

WHY FAIRYTALE ROMANCE

Here's what M. J. said about this new series.

"Like most little girls, I was totally enraptured by the fairy tales involving a knight in shining armor who flies in to save the princess from the dastardly villain. But as an adult, I like for the princess to be able to rescue herself sometimes and rescue the hero on occasion, too. And as I did research for my medieval romance, I realized that happily-ever-afters in that time period were hard to come by.

"Women didn’t have much choice in whom they wed, especially someone who was chosen by a royal. To decline meant death. So, my FAIRYTALE ROMANCE SERIES has its dark moments, but hopefully that makes the happily-ever-after more poignant and satisfying.

"After all, when life keeps throwing someone curveball after curveball, and they come out on the other side, we like to applaud. It means more."

POCKET FULL OF RYE

 If you love reading series, book after book, you'll be delighted to know that the books in the Fairytale Romance series are being published quickly. Book 1 debuted in September. This month Book 2, Pocket Full of Rye, publishes today, October 7.

Once upon a time, a girl married a prince...but that didn't guarantee her happily-ever-after.

A girl named Izzy was wed to a prince, despite the fact that she was in love with his brother. After all, one does not cross royalty. Although the marriage had a rocky start, Izzy learned to love Carac.

But when his ambition brought danger, who could Izzy count on?

In a dark world, can Izzy ever have a happily-ever-after?

Excerpt from Pocket Full of Rye by M. J. Schiller

“Help him,” she pleaded.

Trevarius went on one knee, thinking it odd that his mother looked to him for help and not to the crown prince. He touched the king’s arm. “My lord father, are you in pain?”

The king’s forehead furrowed as if confused, but Trevarius noticed that the wrinkles were only on one side, which was strange. The king managed a slight nod. Trevarius was relieved that he seemed to understand the question but, at the same time, was concerned about the pain.“Is the suffering so great that Your Majesty cannot bear to be carried to your chambers?” he asked tenderly.

The king’s visage remained unchanged.

Trevarius sighed, speaking out loud. “How am I to aid him when we lack all means to speak to each other?”

Izzy, who still watched the queen warily but had cautiously drawn near, interjected excitedly. “His eyes, my lord. Mark how he moves his eyes.”

Trevarius observed the king. His gaze was shifting from side to side.

Izzy bent. “I believe he means to say nay.”

Trevarius seized upon it. “Is that so, Father?”

Again, the king’s chin dipped almost imperceptibly.

“You give us your leave, then, to bear you to your chambers?”

This time, though still small, the nod seemed to convey the sovereign’s impatience. Trevarius stifled a chuckle, relieved that his father was feeling well enough to be his usual choleric self. He looked up and caught Izzy’s smile, too. Then she lifted her head, peering at something beyond his shoulder, and the smile vanished. Trevarius turned, spying the fierce glare that Carac was aiming at his wife. When he twisted back, Izzy had risen and withdrawn, running her hand across the top of her chair, her gaze downcast.

It is not all joy and sweet bliss with them, then.

He was surprised when this realization didn’t bring him cheer, but seeing Izzy’s sorrowful face only brought him pain.

Books2Read Link for Pocket Full of Rye

MEET THE AUTHOR

M.J. Schiller is a retired lunch lady/romance-romantic suspense writer. 

She enjoys writing novels whose characters include rock stars, desert princes, teachers, futuristic Knights, construction workers, cops, and a wide variety of others. 

In her mind everybody has a romance. She is the mother of a twenty-eight-year-old and three twenty-six-year-olds. That's right, triplets! Having recently taught four children to drive, she likes to escape from life on occasion by pretending to be a rock star at karaoke. However…you won’t be seeing her name on any record labels soon.

VISIT M. J. SCHILLER ONLINE

Website: https://mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-J-Schiller/e/B009JOQFQQ

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-j-schiller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Tumblr: http://mjschilz.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mjschiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479377.M_J_Schiller

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you're looking for a different kind of romance, POCKET FULL OF RYE is it. Get your copy today!

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Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Thursday3Some - 3 Tips To Train Your Focus

If you're like me and behind on everything AND feeling as if there are a dozen high priority things you should be doing BUT you don't know where to start, here are...

3 TIPS TO TRAIN YOUR FOCUS

1. Make a list of every single thing you think you should do. Write it down, don't just think about it and so your brain is spinning around.

2. Look at the list—I mean really look at it. Now, go item by item on the list and mark everything that needs to be done right now—today—with a big N. 

Anything that can be done by the end of  the weekend, mark L for Later.

Anything that really isn't crucial, but it would be nice to do it before the month is over, mark O for Optional.

3. Take your list and write it again. That's right curate your list. Put NOW items at the top, listed in the priority of importance. Later items are next, also listed by how important they are to get done before the month is over. Optional items are last. In looking at them, decide if it's really something you must do or can it be delegated? In fact, is it something that really must be done at all?

Bonus Tip: Keep your curated list where you can read it in the morning to train your focus on what is most important and then in the evening before you head to bed so you can pat yourself on the back because you're using your time effectively.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

The ability to prioritize how you spend your time is a hallmark of success.

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En Vogue Gift Suggestion for Women

Ladies, if you're dropping hints about what you'd like Santa to bring you, may I suggest what I just while shopping on Amazon?

I was looking for a couple of last minute gifts, when my attention was captured by these earrings. 

They're something I probably won't find under the tree. They're also something I would never think to buy for myself if it wasn't Christmas because I have dozens and dozens of pairs of earrings.

However, if my Santa doesn't take the hint in this blog, I think I'll order them myself. For me. After all, I've been a really good girl this year so I deserve an awesome gift from Santa. Right?

Huggie Hoop Earrings by Ana Luisa Eden. These really caught my attention because they're different from the usual hoop earrings of which I have a few pair. 

You can choose 14K Gold Plated as shown at right. A slightly less expensive pair of "gold" ones come with 2 "rows" rather than the 3 "rows" seen her.

You can also get them with Silver Rhodium Plated.  

The earrings are Hypoallergenic, Water-Resistant, and Tarnish-Free. The stones are Cubic Zirconia (what did you expect at this price point?).

"Silver" or "Gold" earrings with 3 "rows" of stones  are $63.75. 

"Gold" earrings with 2 rows of stones are $55.25.

They're not what would be classed as "fine jewelry" but they are distinctive with a nice contemporary look. They'd probably go with any outfit, and I think they look far more expensive than the price  you'd pay for them. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I love it when I find something different and unexpected—especially when it's at a fairly reasonable price. I'll keep shopping. Maybe I'll find something else to share.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Friday Facts - Decorated Christmas Trees

Image by Jim Cooper from Pixabay 

The popularity of Christmas trees have spread beyond Christian homes. 

It's not uncommon to see decorated trees in homes all over the world—regardless of one's cultural background or religious beliefs.

Christmas trees are beautiful, but this tradition that began in Germany several centuries ago didn't feature glitzy, sparkling decorations.

Prior to the 16th century, trees were decorated with nuts and apples and were designed to symbolize religious stories.

Beautiful ornamentation began in the 1800's when blown glass ornaments called baubles were created by glassblowers in Lauscha, Germany.

This tradition of glass ornaments became popular in Queen Victoria's reign in England because of the popularity of Queen Victoria's Christmas tree. 

Tree of Life Glass Ornament

As I said above, Germany was where decorated Christmas trees began, and the Queen's husband Albert—Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha—came from a German principality. 

When he married the Queen in 1840, he brought his German Christmas tradition with him.

Nearly 20 years later, an illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their decorated tree was widely published and was a hit wither practically everyone in the English-speaking world.

The popularity of the royal family's Christmas tree spread to America, and American merchant F.W. Woolworth began importing German glass ornaments to sell in his stores.

Woolworth blazed the way, and other merchants followed which made the decorations available and affordable to most Americans.

Starry Night Glass Ornament

Glass ornaments aren't common in today's plastic world, but they are more beautiful than plastic.

They're also available in many different styles and shapes from round balls to snowflakes and miniature holiday scenes and cultural and religious themes. Even better, you can find them at many price points.

You can find ornaments with Christian, Buddhist, nature, music, and classic art themes, and so much more. Click the links in the caption and explore some exquisite glass ornaments.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

When you begin placing ornaments on your tree, why not lift your eggnog in a toast to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in honor of this tradition? Happy decorating!

9 piece Glass Ball Set

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commission but at no extra cost to you.

* * * * * * * * *

Have fun reading! NOBODY'S CINDERELLA, a spicy Christmas RomCom, on sale. Only 99¢.

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Saturday Share - Let's Make Honey Bun Cake

 When I was a kid, my older brother Vernon loved honey buns. This was a snack cake made created in North Carolina by the Griffin Pie Company back in the 1950s.

By the time honey buns reached our state, they came from Flowers Foods. I don't know if this was a licensed product or a merger of companies.

I do know that my brother's lifelong love for this golden brown treat still makes me smile. Little boys—and girls—grow up but they don't abandon the delights of childhood.

I think these snack cakes found at convenience stores are now made and sold by Little Debbie.

GENESIS OF HONEY BUN CAKE

Southern home cooks are always looking for ways to recreate something popular which is how the Honey Bun Cake came into being. Today's recipe was in my sister-in-law's collection. Judy was an amazing home chef. I don't think she ever made anything that wasn't mouthwateringly delicious even though she often used a box cake mix because she was a busy woman and needed timesaving methods.

By the way, you'll be serving the cake in the baking pan so if a "pretty" table is important to you, invest in a pretty baking pan for your casseroles and cakes.

You can buy Honey Buns but the taste isn't the same.

Judy's Honey Bun Cake

Ingredients - Batter

1 yellow cake mix

3/4 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

8 ounces sour cream

Ingredients - Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Pretty 9x13 Baking Dish from Amazon

Ingredients - Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons hot water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. (175° C.). Prepare a 9"x13" baking pan by spraying with baking spray or lightly buttering. You'll be serving the cake from this pan.

2. Mix the batter ingredients well. The batter will be thick.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the filling ingredients.

4. Pour half of the batter into the baking dish and smooth. Sprinkle the filling over this. Then spread the rest of the batter on top.

5. Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes until cake is done. If in doubt, insert a toothpick into the middle of the cake top layer. If it comes out clean, it's done.

6. Remove from the oven and cool in the pain for about 15 minutes. While the cake is cooling, mis up the glaze. If the glaze is too thick add more hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each until it is pourable. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes in the cake and evenly pour the glaze over the cake while it is still warm.

7. Cut into squares and serve. People go absolutely crazy over this cake.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

This is a delicious dessert. It's not something you'd eat every day, but for special occasions, you can't beat it. Brew some coffee to go along with the cake. Bon appetite!

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Have some reading fun this weekend!

Scoop up one of Joan's popular RomCom books for only 99¢

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Halloween Treat - Hearts Flush by MJ Schiller

M. J. Schiller, a bestselling author of the Rock Romance sub-genre, is one of my favorite authors. She blends emotion, great characters, and a compelling plot into a book you can't put down.

Now, she's written and published, HEARTS FLUSH, a book in a different genre—historical western romance—and it's awesome.

I'm excited to tell you about it so let's start with a blurb.

HEARTS FLUSH

For him, everything was riding on this hand.

The year is 1858. Banker Alistair Lynn hires four brothers to protect his family as they travel west.

Jessie Weston, the youngest of the four, is different. Thoughtful, Jessie tries to hide his reading from his brothers, who tease him incessantly for it. 

Piper Lynn, the youngest of the Lynn sisters, is also “different.” Forever with her head in a book, she often speaks with a frankness that others find off-putting. 

When their trip leads them through trials and tragedies, Jessie and Piper fall in love. But, as neither of them is experienced with the opposite sex, they often misunderstand each other. Will these difficulties tear them apart or will it be one of the dangers on their journey that ends their budding courtship in a more permanent way?

Amazon Only Link

EXCERPT FROM HERO'S POINT OF VIEW

JESSIE

If I’d known what I was going to be wagering for, I would have listened to my stupid brothers when they explained poker. Everything important to me was riding on this one game. 

Sweat broke on my brow. Could I remember their card playing advice? I had to, or she’d be leaving with another man, and, in a convoluted way, it would be my fault. 

I glanced up into Piper’s face. The color had gone out of her usually rosy cheeks, her lips quivered slightly, and hers were the eyes of a trapped animal. She was scared to death. And she should be. She lowered her head, looking ashamed and embarrassed. And she should be. 

McDiver ran his gaze over her lustily, and my skin crawled. My opponent rubbed a knuckle along the side of Piper’s finger on the table, and she recoiled. McDiver laughed at her, and my jaw tightened. I would not allow this pig of a man near Piper, even if it cost me my life. 

I studied my cards. A five of hearts, jack of spades, two of clubs, queen of hearts, and an ace of hearts. Could I have a worse hand? They didn’t even come close to matching.

“Well? What’s it gonna be? Ya want ta draw?”

Oh, yes. I can git different cards ta possibly make what I had better. But what to keep? The ace, because it was highest?

I so wished Dawson was around instead of being occupied with a woman. Or, if Amycus weren’t completely drunk, with his head on the bar, he may be able to advise me. 

I glanced up in hopes that Dawson was winding his way down the steps but was disappointed. I picked the four other cards surrounding the ace and was about to lay them on the table when I remembered. 

If I can git them all the same…what did they call it? What does it matter, all with the same symbol on them—that was a good hand. But will it be good enough? 

I kept my three heart cards and removed the other two.

Besides, I’ll have more chances ta match whatever cards the jackass is gonna give me.

I threw my two cards on the table, and he dealt me two more, face down.

He took two cards fer himself, checked them, and grinned. My gut clenched.

It all hinged on these two cards. 

If these cards aren’t the ones I’m lookin’ fer… I need more time ta think of a plan ta git her out of here, the little fool.

If I pull my gun, I’ll have a dozen trained on me before I even git ta my feet.

I could maybe throw the table over, grab Piper, and we could make a run fer it… But the idea of putting my back, and, more importantly, Piper’s, toward this mongrel, well, it didn’t sit comfortably to say the least.

“Well…?”

My heart was beating like a Lakota war drum. 

It was showdown time. 

APPLAUSE FOR THE AUTHOR

M.J. Schiller is a retired lunch lady/romance-romantic suspense writer. She enjoys writing novels whose characters include rock stars, desert princes, teachers, futuristic Knights, construction workers, cops, and a wide variety of others. In her mind everybody has a romance.

She is the mother of a twenty-eight-year-old and three twenty-six-year-olds. That's right, triplets! So having recently taught four children to drive, she likes to escape from life on occasion by pretending to be a rock star at karaoke. However…you won’t be seeing her name on any record labels soon. 

VISIT M.J. SCHILLER ONLINE

Website: https://mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-j-schiller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Tumblr: http://mjschilz.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mjschiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479377.M_J_Schiller

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-J-Schiller/e/B009JOQFQQ

BUY LINKS — HEARTS FLUSH 

Books2Read 

Amazon

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you're looking for a new release that's got heart and soul, pick up a copy of HEARTS FLUSH by my friend, M.J. Schiller.

You'll be glad you did.

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The Remarkable Cup of Joe

Are you one of the 1 billion people worldwide who starts the day with a cup of coffee? I am.

Since today is International Coffee Day, let's talk about that deliciously roasted bean.

A billion? Seriously? Yes. It's difficult to get precise statistics on a global scale, but the estimate is a billion peoplee. Some studies say 66% of the global population are coffee drinkerss.

That's estimated globally to be more than 2 billion cups of coffee each and every day?

In the Western countries, coffee rules supreme, followed by tea consumption which is very popular in Asian countries. Here in the U.S.A., about 66% of adults drink coffee every day.

CUP OF JOE AND A CUP OF JAVA

Growing up, it was common to hear someone order a "Cup of Joe" or a "Cup of Java" in a diner. In 1935, a record was released by The InkSpots called Java Jive. The song remains popular today with a capella groups. 

Cup of Joe and Donuts

When one of our sons was in the  The Texas A&M Singing Cadets, he was part of their quartet called The Aggienizers. One of their most popular numbers was Java Jive sung in a slightly faster tempo than the original.

How the two expressions for a cup of coffee came about aren't really known, but there are theories.

Josephus Daniels Theory of a Cup of Joe

In 1914, the Secretary of the Navy was Josephus Daniels. He  banned alcohol from U.S. Navy ships. The sailors had to find another common drink which was coffee so the sailors called their replacement drink a "Cup of Joe."

 

Of course, that phrase didn't actually appear in print until the 1930s. Does that mean it took that long for the phrase to become popular enough to be written about? Or does it mean that the theory doesn't hold coffee—uh, I mean water?

The "Average Joe" Theory of a Cup of Joe

This theory seems to have come about in the Great Depression and suggests that a "Cup of Joe" is coffee for the "average Joe," an ordinary person. The phrase really took off in the 1930's.

Joe Martinson Theory of a Cup of Joe

In the 1890's, there was a coffee merchant named Joe Martinson in New York who marketed his own coffee blend which became known as "Joe's coffee" or a "Cup of Joe."

Jamoke Theory of a Cup of Joe or a Cup of Java

This theory is an explanation of both common expressions. Some unnamed person theorized that "Cup of Joe" came from part of a made-up word, "jamoke," a combination of Java, for the Indonesian Island of Java where coffee was grown, and the port city known for coffee exports, Mocha, or Al-Mokha, in Yemen on the Red Sea. 

Back in the 17th century, the Dutch introduced coffee plants to their colonies in Southeast Asia, especially the island of Java where coffee plants flourished. The island's name became the common term used for coffee thus "Cup of Java" was a well-established phrase.

TODAY'S COFFEE

Most coffee today comes from countries in the "bean belt" region, a latitudinal region with similar climates. 

Coffee was introduced in South America in the 18th century and then spread across the continent and to the Caribbean. 

Today, Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia are the top 3 global producers with over 40% of the world's coffee output.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

So whatever brand of coffee you drink—I'm firmly a Dunkin' Donuts coffee fan—lift your cup and let's toast that lovable bean that gets us going every morning. Here's looking at you, Cup of Joe!

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Do you subscribe to Joan's newsletter, I LOVE READING? If not, why not? To receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases, SIGN UP TODAY.

Saturday Share: Let's Make a Pound Cake

You're going to love today's Recipe Share. I know it holds a special place in my heart. I thought of it because "renovating" a recipe ebook I published years ago.

When I first published FRIDAY IS CAKE DAY, I didn't know much about ebook formatting, and the way to link pages to a table of contents has changed since then. That means that the linked items are no longer linked.

I did a quick clean up job of the front and back matter of that ebook back in the spring, but I needed to do more so it will look as good as the content is.

The recipe I'm sharing, Big Mom's Pound Cake, is one of the 52 recipes in that ebook. I plan to turn the ebook into a print book in the next few months at the request of some family members.

WHO WAS BIG MOM?

Big Mom was Minnie Sims, a lovely, gracious lady who was the grandmother of one of my dearest friends. Big Momma and Big Daddy—yes, they really were known by those nicknames to their grandchildren and the grandkids' friends—had hearts as big as their sizes. By that, I mean they were both very tall. Big Mom was moderately overweight as many women in their 70s are.

Nordic Ware Bundt Pan on Amazon

Big Daddy was big in every way. He was fond of saying, "Some people eat to live, but I live to eat." Still, he was healthy and active and lived to a ripe old age.

The two of them owned a very popular restaurant in a small town near a military post where they served thousands of soldiers over the years. Everything they cooked was delicious.

I wish they'd published a cookbook with the recipes they used for decades in that restaurant. Every week, Big Mom made this pound cake in a bundt pan. I loved the cake so much I bought a bundt pan like hers. 

(I've had my bundt pan for decades. It's heavy, non-stick and has baked probably a thousand cakes or more. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Amazon had a Nordic Ware Bundt Pan that looks just like the one I bought years ago. It's a bit expensive, but if it lasts as long as mine, it's a great investment. However, they do have pans at lower price points.

I'm honored to present today's recipe which I've always called...

BIG MOM'S POUND CAKE

Ingredients

1 cup butter at room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

5 eggs

2 cups self-rising flour, sifted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the bundt pan or other type of baking pan by either greasing with a small amount of ghee or shortening and dusting flour on all the surfaces or by spraying with Pam Baking Spray.

Flour Sifter on Amazon

2. Measure out 1 cup of flour into a flour sifter. Sift into a clean bowl. Scoop the flour into a metal measuring cup, the kind used for measuring dry ingredients) and use a knife edge to level off the excess.

Do the same for the second cup of flour. Set it aside until time to add it. (Return the excess flour to the canister.)

If you don't have a flour sifter, get one because sifted flour is the key to baking success.

The one show is a Bellemain 3 cup. It's like the one my grandmother used. You can get various styles, sizes, and price points.

3. Cream the butter and the sugar together until thick and creamy.

4. Beat each egg in one at a time, mixing thoroughly.

5. Now, you'll incorporate the flour. Add about 1/4 cup at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well on medium speed after each addition until all the flour has been incorporated.

6. Add the vanilla and mix well.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, and bake at 325°F. (162.28°C.) for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting toothpick and checking that it comes out clean, meaning no moist batter clinging to it.

8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a rack or a cake plate.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I miss Big Mom. Making her pound cake reminds me of happy memories. Make some memories in your own little world with this cake shared with family and friends.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Prime Day Guide for Senior Citizens

I find it's difficult to give a meaningful gift to older relatives in the family.

Most older people already have everything they want. They do NOT want some cute decorative item that is a dust catcher, a food item not keyed to their dietary restrictions, clothes that may not fit or be to their taste, things that don't fit their lifestyle, etc.

The gift of last resort is usually a generic gift card, but wouldn't it be nice to give something the recipient would really appreciate?

Most senior citizens are on fixed incomes so  giving something they would enjoy but don't buy for themselves is a good thing.

Also, giving something they ordinarily buy to relieve some of their monetary stress. Let's focus on those 2 areas—wants and needs—with this post for seniors or for those who give presents to seniors.

PRIME DAY DEALS FOR OLDER LOVED ONES

1. First up is a Prime Membership Gift. This will allow the gift recipient to:

• stream music, movies, and TV series
• get free shipping on most products
• read free from a rotating selection of ebooks and  magazines
• get exclusive deals and discounts especially on Prime Day
• store unlimited quantity of photographs with Amazon Photo
• save 10¢ per gallon at participating gas stations when you link a  Prime account
• Grubhub+ free delivery on orders for a year
• Amazon Pharmacy for fast, free delivery on prescriptions
• Membership Sharing of some benefits with another adult in your household, and
• Prime Access—Discounted membership for those receiving government assistance.

2. Audible Membership will be a blessing to an older adult who loves to read but who may be visually challenged.

3. Kindle Unlimited Membership is great for an older adult who reads but who needs large print books. 

With a Kindle or Kindle Reader app on a cell phone, the text can be made so big that it's better than a large print book.

If you don't want to give a Kindle, a little pricey if you don't take advantage of today's Prime Deals, then look at #4 below.

4. For Low Vision Seniors, a Prime Day Deal, Large Magnifying Glass that offers a full page view with Cool and Warm Light with 3 Modes and a Folding Handle. Reduced from $22.99 to $15.49. This will help in reading books, magazines, and newspapers. It might even help in viewing the monitor display.

5. Gift of Health Supplements since many senior citizens take health supplements to counter the aging effects. I'll mention the ones Darling Hubby and I have taken for many years.

DISCLAIMER: This is not a recommendation for you to take them. I'm not a doctor or a  nutritionist. Do your own research. If you have any kind of medical condition, ask your doctor before taking any supplement or starting an exercise program.

We want to be like the happy senior citizens in the photo at left—happy, healthy, strong, and with full possession of our mental faculties.

That's why I think there's a place for supplements and why I always research everything before adding it to our supplement list to make sure it is safe and has proven effective in double-blind studies.

(I YouTube channels focused on medical and health information like Dr. Brad Stanfield, a real doctor, not someone who posts scraped content from other channels.

I also highly recommend a medical teaching channel staffed by researchers and doctors called MedCram.

Having given all those disclaimers, here are supplements we actually take which are on sale as I write this. 

Vitamatic Colostrum

For healthy immune system. Reduced in price today.

Nutricost Taurine

We started this a year ago after watching several doctors' videos about the health benefits to body and brain. It's a Prime Day Special.

Zebora CoQ10

We've taken this for 20 years. Supports heart health and energy.

Nutricost K2 + D3

A lot of people take Potassium and a lot take Vitamin D3. Many do not know that taking them separately does little good. They need to be taken in combination. That's what this K2+D3 is.

6. Heating Pad for Neck Shoulders & Back Pain Relief

Yes, older people have aches and pains. This heating pad may help bring relief from the stiffness and aches in hard to relief muscle groups in the shoulders and back.

7. Last but not least, give a YouTube Premium Gift Subscription via a Google Play Gift Card—I'll explain that below. Millions of videos that educate, entertain, and offer armchair vacations in technicolor.

Staying interested in life is one thing every senior citizen needs especially when family is far away, friends are now fewer in number, and physical llimitations often prevent getting out into the world.

YouTube Premium gives a commercial free experience for $13.99/month, about $170 for a year, much less than Netflix! 

(Watching without ads/commercials is why we subscribe to YouTube Premium.)

You can't directly give a YouTube Premium subscription. What you do is give a Google Play Gift Card for the amount you want to give, and your recipient then uses the gift card to purchase YouTube Premium. Do it and help your senior set up the subscription. Google Play gift cards come in digital and printd forms.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Really give some thought to gifts for the older relatives in your life. They'll deeply appreciate your time in finding something they wanted and/or needed.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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