Please welcome my friend, author Jill Kemerer, back to Inspired by Life... and Fiction.  On this Black Friday, she's spreading Christmas cheer with a giveaway just for you!  - Becky Thank you, Becky, for letting me hijack your scheduled day! I hope all our American readers had a lovely Thanksgiving, and for everyone else, let’s all celebrate that it’s almost the weekend. Woo … [Read more...]

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you already know that my friend Katie Ganshert and I are embroiled in a hard-fought 'Fall Pinterest War'.  We're currently 3 weeks into a 4 week long war.  Each Monday, we find an enticing pin on Pinterest.  (Typically either a craft, a photo, a beauty tip, or a recipe.)  Then we both attempt the challenge.  We post our results on Fridays and invite … [Read more...]

His Highness and I just returned from a trip to Eureka Spring, Arkansas.  Are you familiar with Eureka Springs? It's an historic town that became popular around 1880 because locals believed its many natural springs had healing powers.  Eureka Springs' Main Street runs down the bottom rib of a valley.  The rest of the streets and structures snake upward from there.  What's absolutely astonishing … [Read more...]

Hooray!  It's one of my favorite days of the year.  Cover reveal day. Those of you who like to peek at your Christmas presents early -- fine.  Go ahead and scroll down for a look at the new cover.  Those of you, like me, who obediently wait to unwrap your Christmas presents on Christmas morning -- kudos!  Read on. I'll begin by saying that after I turned in Her One and Only, the final … [Read more...]

Are you a familiar with the show Fixer Upper on HGTV?  We're fans!  It's fun and inspiring to watch run-down houses renovated and decorated gorgeously.  Plus, the husband and wife team of Chip (contractor) and Joanna (interior designer) are wonderful together.  They're talented.  Funny.  Sweet to each other.  And their farm house and kids are adorable. The only liability of watching Fixer … [Read more...]