CONTEST CLOSED 12/23/24.....Thanks for entering! All of my novels are available in audio too. ENJOY! I have three audio codes from audiobooks.com for free copies of the audio format of my new Christmas novel: CHRISTMAS IN CHESTNUT RIDGE Enter here before 12/23 for a chance to win one of them! https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/09cdaae653 Enter today!

I promise. Sometimes we run ourselves ragged trying to make EVERYTHING perfect for Christmas, but what's the point if you don't even get a moment to take in the Christmas lights, here the carols in the background and snuggle under your favorite furry throw and sip a cup of cocoa while taking it all in--and maybe add in a sweet Christmas movie at the same time since you are the ultimate multi-tasker! Color and decorate or just sit back and make a wish! My gift to you today is simple, a coloring page and it's up to you how you use it. 1- Steal the colored pens, pencils or crayons and roll back to when you were little and color outside the lines, baby! 2- Print multiple copies (there are several more free download coloring pages on my blog) and saddle the kids with all the supplies to keep them busy, and quiet, while you take that little break. 3- Just look at that pretty ornament and dream BIG my friend! The reason for the season is the top priority. If someone doesn't get a home-baked batch of cookies, or the wrapping isn't quite Macy's couture but rather a string bow, trust me...the holiday will still be as bright as ever. From this girl...to you and your family. Merry Christmas.

Momma’s Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball A year doesn’t go by that my Uncle Sonny doesn’t muse over this cheese ball, and Momma is always happy to oblige. Simple, pretty, and delicious. Serve with your favorite crackers. DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE VERSION Shopping List: 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup diced red or green bell pepper, or both! 1/4 cup thinly chopped sweet onion 2 cans crushed pineapple 8 ounces each, very well-drained 2 teaspoons seasoned salt 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 2 cups pecan chopped   Put it together! PREP TIP: Gather the ingredients and drain the pineapple again to get it as dry as possible to avoid a messy cheese ball that won’t hold shape.   1.    Mix the first 6 ingredients and 1/2 cup of the pecans in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. 2.    Shape the mixture into a ball. ( I like to divide it into two smaller balls ) 3.    Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. 4.    Put in the refrigerator to chill for 8 hours. Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the remaining pecans, maybe even pop a plastic holly leaf on top as a garnish or a fresh herb and berries. Place on a platter and surround with crackers. ENJOY!   This also makes a wonderful hostess gift with a cute holiday cheese spreader, and an outstanding mixture in tortillas and cut into pinwheels as an appetizer. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. From the kitchen of Nancy Naigle www.nancynaigle.com

Grab a sheet of paper and something to write with. Write D E C E M B E R across the top. Get started! Rumor has it there are over 70 words you can make out of DECEMBER. I didn't even come close to that. Can't wait to hear how you do!

If you want a fun cookie swap recipe that is always a hit, here's my very favorite. Super easy to make, beautiful and so tasty. No one will believe how easy they are to make! Our little secret. Download the file here --> If you can't get the recipe to download, feel free to mail me a SASE to Nancy Naigle PO Box 274 Franklin, VA 23851 Include a note with what you'd like me to send (the recipe or a bookmark etc). Hugs and Happy Baking! Nancy #Recipe #CookieSwap #ChristmasJoy #Christmas #Holiday #TIps #Romance #Baking #HopeatChristmas #NancyNaigle #FreeDownload #Share #Joy #Hope

Call me crazy, but sometimes I like to plan my leftovers. Especially, following these big traditional meals when I know there'll be plenty of extras to deal with. Here is one of my favorite Plan-overs for Thanksgiving turkey. In my opinion, you can't beat a good turkey sandwich for leftovers, but here's a soup with a mexican twist that will please your tastebuds in those days after. TURKEY TACO SOUP A quick Turkey Taco Soup that’s perfect from Thanksgiving leftovers and few kitchen staples. Switch it up with some of the optional suggestions for a nice change of pace with Mexican flavor. And the best part? This soup only takes 30 minutes to make! Prep Time:   10 minutes Cook Time:  20 minutes   Total Time:  30 minutes   Ingredients  3 cups cooked turkey, shredded light or dark meat 6 cups chicken or turkey broth 1 cup water 1 can diced tomatoes or RoTel 1/2 tablespoon cumin to add a smoky taste 2 Tbs taco seasoning 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can corn, drained 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro  juice of half of a lime salt and pepper Tortilla chips or strips OPTIONAL:  Diced jalapenos                   Chopped onions Can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed                   Container of Pico de Gallo Get creative!   Instructions  1.    Add ingredients to large saucepan. Simmer for 20 minutes. 2.    Remove from heat and add in cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. 3.    Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4.    Serve immediately and garnish tortilla strips.   Optional garnish: a.    Fresh cilantro b.    Sour cream c.    Diced avacado or scoop of guacamole d.    Shredded cheese e.    Chopped green onions I hope you enjoy this quick and easy plan-over. Nancy

Sheila’s Pecan Snowball Cookies from Christmas in Chestnut Ridge In the cozy mountain town of Chestnut Ridge, these melt-in-your-mouth pecan snowball cookies aren’t just a holiday favorite—they’re a little piece of community love. When Sheila teamed up with Tucker to bake a huge batch for the town fundraiser, they knew these cookies would help raise funds for the Jacob family who’d been displaced from their home in the fire at Thanksgiving. Fair warning: there might be a friendly fight over these (no, they won’t get thrown…this time!). Light, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans, no one can stop at just one. Bonus: the dough freezes well so make extra a freeze for a batch in the future.  So be sure to bake plenty—you’ll want to make enough for both sharing and sneaking a few yourself! These pecan snowballs have the warmth of Chestnut Ridge baked right in. Enjoy, and remember, a little holiday magic goes a long way!       Ingredients: Yield 5 dozen ·       1 cup unsalted butter, softened ·       ½ cup confectioner’s sugar ·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract ·       2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ·       1 cup very finely chopped pecans ·       ¼ teaspoon salt ·       ⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar, or more as needed   1.    Preheat oven to 350° F 2.    Place butter, ½ cup confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl and cream with mixer on medium speed until smooth. 3.    Gradually add flour and mix on low speed until flour is just mixed in. 4.    Add the chopped nuts and salt. Gently stir to combine. 5.    Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 2” apart on an ungreased baking sheet. 6.    Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are light brown. The tops will still be pale, but firm. Don’t over bake.   7.    After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet while you load the next batch in the oven. By then, you can transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool and set, but not cool completely. 8.    Place the confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl or plastic bag. 9.    Roll each baked cookie ball in the confectioner’s sugar while still a little warm so the sugar clings, and set aside until completely cooled. 10. Roll in confectioner’s sugar one last time before packaging them up to gift away! www.nancynaigle.com

This recipe is straight from the pages of my newest Christmas release, CHRISTMAS IN CHESTNUT RIDGE. Ingredients       16 oz. block of extra-sharp cheddar cheese       1 cup butter, softened       2 cups all-purpose flour       2 tsp Worcestershire sauce       1 tsp salt       2 cups crisp rice cereal         Optional: Ground cayenne pepper, Tajin, or diced jalapeño peppers for extra kick.   Directions Preheat the Oven to 350°F. Grate the Cheese (yes, the entire block of cheddar by hand) Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference. Don’t shortcut the star of this recipe. Mix the Dough in a large bowl, combine the grated cheese, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and any spices you like. Mix until the dough forms a ball, pulling in all the flour. Fold in the Cereal  gently to avoid crushing them. This is the secret to that extra-crispy texture. Shape the Crisps  into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten the Balls  with a fork in a crisscross pattern, or however you like. Bake for 15 minutes, or until firm. Cool  crisps on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a hot bowl of tomato soup or as a delightful snack on their own.   Bonus Idea These also freeze well, so keep some on hand for that last-minute hostess gift. Store in an airtight container and pair with a jar of candied bacon jelly or make a spread by mixing pepper jelly with cream cheese.

DOWNLOAD to PRINT 🍂✨ Welcome to day seven of our 7-Day Gratitude Journey! ✨🍂 Day 7: Gratitude for Nature Each day's prompt has meant to combine reflection, an actionable tip, and something tangible to engage with. I hope you've found this journey both meaningful and fun! PART ONE of TWO Question/Statement:   What in nature do you feel most connected to, and how does it uplift you? Tip:  Spend 10 minutes outside, focusing on one thing you're grateful for, like the crisp air or golden leaves, bird watching, or watching the clouds go by. I have always felt connected to the stars. If there's the slightest chance to see meteor showers, I'll set my alarm and go outside in the middle of the night to capture a glimpse of those shooting stars. Another is lightning bugs, or fireflies, depending on where you're from. I can sit and watch them light up for hours. Did you know there are different colored lights in some regions? It's true. I'm from Virginia and we see lightning bugs flash not only the common yellow, but also blue, white, orange, green, and even a reddish color. The most rare lightning bug is the blue ghost firefly. These rare fireflies emit a steady, eerie blue light instead of blinking. They can be found in the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike other fireflies, blue ghost females don't fly, but instead stay on the forest floor and glow faintly. Share your love for nature with someone today. PART TWO OF TWO Add-On: Simple Craft: Nature Pressed-Leaf Bookmarks Collect fallen leaves during a nature walk. Press them between heavy books for a few days until flat and dry. Decoupage to cardstock with watered-down white glue, or decoupage media. Punch a hole for a ribbon. Each time you use the bookmark, reflect on the beauty of nature. Easy Recipe: Herbal Infused Water Combine fresh mint, slices of cucumber, and lemon wedges in a pitcher of water. Let it infuse for an hour, then serve for a simple way to celebrate nature’s bounty while staying hydrated. As we wrap up this 7-day gratitude journey, I hope it’s brought you moments of reflection, joy, and connection. Whether you’re surrounded by many or spending the day in quiet solitude this Thanksgiving, may your heart be full of thankfulness for the blessings big and small. Remember, gratitude is a gift we give ourselves—it turns the simplest of days into something extraordinary. Wishing you a beautiful, thank-filled Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and peace. 🧡🍂 Happy Thanksgiving! Nancy #GratitudeJourney #ThankfulHeart #CountdownToThanksgiving #Grateful Share with friends - https://www.nancynaigle.com/post/7-day-gratitude-walk Join Nancy's newsletter at www.nancynaigle.com to be the first to hear about sales, new books or movies and newsworthy happenings.

DOWNLOAD to PRINT 🍂✨ Welcome to day six of our 7-Day Gratitude Journey! ✨🍂 Day 6: Gratitude for Relationships PART ONE of TWO Question/Statement:   Who has been your biggest supporter, and how can you show them gratitude this week? Tip:  Call for no reason. Plan a simple gesture of appreciation, like making their favorite dessert or spending quality time together. PART TWO OF TWO Add-On: When we talk about relationships, it's natural to think of our spouse, best friends and family, but don't ignore other important relationships in your life. Take a moment to extend your thoughts past your family tree and your best friends. Other relationships we sometimes take for granted are: The Mentor or Teacher Relationship These individuals guide us, share their wisdom, and inspire us to grow, whether professionally, academically, or personally. The Neighbor Relationship Friendly neighbors can create a sense of community and belonging. They’re often there for casual chats or help in emergencies, yet their role in our lives can go unnoticed. The Service Provider Relationship People we see regularly, like baristas, mail carriers, or hairstylists, often bring consistency and small joys to our routines. The Co-Worker or Work Acquaintance Relationship These are the people we spend significant time with, sharing professional goals and challenges. They may not always become close friends, but they contribute to our work-life environment and well-being. The Self Relationship It's easy to put ourselves last when we're taking care of others, or we are busy, but the relationship with ourselves is fundamental. Taking time to nurture self-awareness, self-care, and self-compassion is crucial for overall well-being and balance. Don't forget to add these people to your gratitude journal today. I can't believe we only have one more day together, Nancy #GratitudeJourney #ThankfulHeart #CountdownToThanksgiving #Grateful Share with friends - https://www.nancynaigle.com/post/7-day-gratitude-walk Join Nancy's newsletter at www.nancynaigle.com to be the first to hear about sales, new books or movies and newsworthy happenings.

DOWNLOAD to PRINT 🍂✨ Welcome to day five of our 7-Day Gratitude Journey! ✨🍂 Day 5: Gratitude for Small Joys PART ONE of TWO Question/Statement:   What small, everyday thing brings you joy? Tip:  Don't overthink this. For me, it's the time my mom and I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. No matter how busy I get, we take that time to ground ourselves for the day and be thankful for each other. Maybe for you it's getting that little nose nudge from your dog. Spend a moment to smile and appreciate that small thing. PART TWO OF TWO Add-On: Start a gratitude journal. It can be a sheet of paper or a flashy journal, but no matter what it's made of let it have a moment of your weekly schedule to reflect on old entries, put stars to the ones that are still bringing you joy and adding new ones. Looking forward to catching up tomorrow—thank you for being my partner in gratitude, Nancy #GratitudeJourney #ThankfulHeart #CountdownToThanksgiving #Grateful Share with friends - https://www.nancynaigle.com/post/7-day-gratitude-walk Join Nancy's newsletter at www.nancynaigle.com to be the first to hear about sales, new books or movies and newsworthy happenings.

DOWNLOAD to PRINT 🍂✨ Welcome to day four of our 7-Day Gratitude Journey! ✨🍂 Day 4: Gratitude for Challenges PART ONE of TWO Question/Statement:   What is one challenge you've faced in the past few years and what has it taught you? Tip:  Write a letter to yourself, or sit quietly and meditate about how you've grown through that experience. Stick with me on this one. I realize that challenges... well they are challenging! But with enough time and thoughtful consideration, we can generally see that we've learned something during those difficult times that has made us better prepared, wiser, more empathetic, maybe even healthier. PART TWO OF TWO Add-On: I love this Add-on. A gratitude wreath is a simple, heartfelt craft that’s perfect for this season of thankfulness! 🍂✨ I'm going to teach you how to make a gratitude wreath. Don't think you have to do it alone. You can get the whole family involved. What you'll need: Any wreath Strips of paper Markers or pens Optional Individually wrapped Candy Canes Optional Clear Tape Hang a holiday wreath on a door somewhere in your home. Write the things you are grateful for on the strips of paper. It might be a line or two about a specific thing, or it can be one word. Family. Health. Work. You get the idea. Go simple and scroll the note and tuck it into the wreath. OR... Wrap the note around a candy cane, tape it to secure it, then tuck the candy cane into the wreath. At first glance, it's just a wreath with candy canes, but when the going gets tough, or you or a special someone needs a positive nudge, pull out one of those candy canes and be inspired and grateful over the thoughtful note. I can't wait to hear how things are going. Looking forward to catching up tomorrow—thank you for being my partner in gratitude, Nancy #GratitudeJourney #ThankfulHeart #CountdownToThanksgiving #Grateful #WriterGIrl Share with friends - https://www.nancynaigle.com/post/7-day-gratitude-walk Join Nancy's newsletter at www.nancynaigle.com to be the first to hear about sales, new books or movies and newsworthy happenings.