The much debated question ... which is better? Sex or chocolate? You'll have to decide that for yourself, but the decision is that much tougher when you throw this chocolate bar into the equation! 

 
​The trip was bliss, really. Although, I do know the grass is always greener. I mean I had to remind myself after a day of traipsing through Manhattan that I hated every minute of rush hour, commuting, and sometimes rude people when I worked there. The snow was beautiful in the burbs, but I can say for certain that I do not miss shoveling it. We went to a play at my kids' former high school and instantly felt more engaged in a school building than I had since moving. But ask me how much I hated the gossipy, Queen Bee mom scene when we lived there!
     More than anything else, I miss my friends. The way they all went out of their way to spend time with me only made me realize more how lucky I am to have them. They really are a life line through calls and social media. Hubby is lucky I love him so much--he was one of the few reasons my daughter and I got back on the plane. :)

So, does it get easier to move the more you do it? 

Thanks so much to everyone who took part in my Valentine's giveaway! I really appreciate it. The winner (drum roll please ....) is

Kate Rock
Congratulations, Kate! 

When I wrote Jigsaw Hearts, one of my goals was to develop and transform two people who filled in the empty places felt in heart, soul, and day-to-day life for each other. So I loved this necklace set when I saw it and had to add it to my Valentine's Giveaway Pack! But I want to ask you ... barring super personal stories ... unless you feel like sharing them, how does your significant other complete the puzzle that is you? Or, if currently single, what quality do you seek in a life partner to help you become a better, more fulfilled person?
Two examples from me:

• I gravitate toward things that are different from status quo ... sometimes I become a bit anti-establishment and quirky. While that makes for an interesting life at times, it's not always easy to click with new people off the bat without the frustration of filtering what comes out of my mouth. Usually, hubby--while he might not always understand my sudden passion for a topic--seems to enjoy my offbeat moments. So, he fills in a missing pieces with unconditional acceptance.
• I loooooove planning and throwing parties. I go all out and enjoy adding little time-consuming details. While the party might be fantastic ... DON'T look in my kitchen. I have never mastered the art of cleaning as I go. Over time, my husband has learned that when we throw a party, I handle the creativity, he makes up for my lack of focus on the practical matters. It makes for a great team.

And you?

Ninety percent of the stuff in the store I was in last week was supposed to ring up 40% off. The one thing I wound up actually wanting was this mug--which, of course, was part of the less thrilling 10% of merchandise that sat at full price. It didn't matter, though. "Great things never came from comfort zones," has become my mantra over the last couple of years. Combine the words with the color and I was sold.

At the time, I didn't realize the mug was part of a campaign by Natural Life (www.naturallife.com) called Fearless. The campaign aims to educate, empower, and reduce the stigma of anxiety disorders. Well, I could certainly get on board with that considering how many people I know with various forms of anxiety--including myself.

One of the things that used to give me anxiety was reliance on comfort zones. Truthfully, I'd be lying if I said that I never craved them anymore, but I find myself more anxious over giving in to them these days than wanting them. Maybe that's because I look back and see how much of my time they wasted. 
​
There's nothing like losing a huge array of comfort zones all in one shot to make you realize that life does go on without them. It might not be pleasant--in fact, losing your stomping grounds, the close proximity of friends, the assurance that certain family members would always be there for you, financial security, and a bit of your identity all in one swoop can be breakdown material. When it's all over, though? You have to stop reaching for what is no longer there and move forward. It's then that you learn some things:

• I didn't have to censor my views or even my writing. It's not like the new environment I've found myself in will ever come as close to my heart as what I lost. So I don't fear losing it if I'm ridiculed or not accepted for the topics I write about, my views, writing style, etc.
• Change is freeing. I don't need to cling to one or two writing nooks at the cafes I frequented because I happily knew what to expect there. Instead, I can explore new places to take my work outside my office. I might never call a spot my own again, but who needs that anyway? What do they call it when you go through your day as a mere observer? A student of life?
• The people who let you go without a second thought due to distance aren't worth my need for them to be in my life. But those friends who keep up with your life and share theirs with you frequently by phone and social media? Well, they have risen above comfort zone material to something much nicer. No, they are pure platinum ... they are fixtures of the heart.

Have you axed any comfort zones lately?

It's a short but sweet flash giveaway!
What's up for grabs?
A 2018 Wall Calendar of hot dudes reading around
New York City
and an ebook copy of
Pieces of You, Pieces of Me, by me, Danica Raimz

What about the bottle of champagne, you ask? Sorry, that's for me! It's been a rough year, and I've got a ton of work to do in 2018. Going to start it off with a hopeful celebration!

Entries begin 12/27/17 at 12:00 am (EST)
and end 12/30/17 at 12:00 am, meaning...
​
ONLY TWO DAYS TO ENTER!
Why am I doing this quickie giveaway?
1) I miss New York
2) I like to be unpredictable
3) I love to watch hot guys reading and I assume you do, too!

Every year, I find myself wanting to display a whole new look for the holidays. In particular, I would love to go with a more 'natural, folksy' sort of Christmas theme this year, but it's just not going to happen. For one thing, I'm not about to spend the money it would take for a full set of new decorations. Tougher though, is the idea of not displaying the ornaments and do-dads my family has used for years. They have become tradition and something would seem amiss if I didn't put up the same decor each year. On the other hand, I know people who go for a new look each year. 

What's your take? Do live to create a new look each holiday season? Or would it seem like a crime to ditch your Spode this year? I would love to know! And while we're at it, do you have a favorite piece of decor or holiday tradition?

Enter to Win!
Prize Pack includes:
$25 Amazon Gift Card Book Mark
Signed and ANNOTATED print copy of Jigsaw Hearts by Danica Raimz
Cozy sherpa throw
Birch/Cedar scented candle