Robin Dance

essays on faith, aging, parenting, wandering and wondering

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Oops! Here I Go Again: 3 Things I Don’t Want You To Miss

Posted by on Sep 24, 2019 | 0 comments

~ sponsored by ~

 

Surprise–back to back posts! I’ll be brief, but each of these things is so important to me (for very different reasons), please DO read to the end.

 

My (in)courage post, a $10 “They’re Real” Benefit Deal, and Great News for Hope(full)*Writers

 

 

Can You See What I See?

 

Today’s (in)courage post was inspired by several conversations I had while on our annual business retreat, primarily because Patricia Raybon challenged me to write about what I have been learning for a while now.  I genuinely hope you’ll read the post and then let me know how it stirs your own thinking. If you’ve never thought that yours is a privileged position, I urge you to pray with an open mind and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to see what you might have previously been missing. Not that I’d dare to be your holy spirit…! Don’t miss the comment thread, either. The readers who have already chimed in this morning are one of the best reasons I’m glad I wrote Can You See What I See.

 

Get! Out!! $10 for up to $90 worth of make-up and beauty items including Benefit’s They’re Real mascara? Please and thank you!!

 

I’m a little embarrassed to be touting yet another subscription box service because I’m not exactly a beauty blogger and I don’t want to bombard you with crap you don’t want. I know how this stuff goes. But this deal includes Benefit’s They’re Real mascara, my actual mascara of choice, the mascara I hate paying $25 for but keep coming back to, despite trying other brands friends recommend. Nothing has come close to the wearability of They’re Real, and I begrudgingly shuck out that money time and again (mind you I’m perfectly happy with drugstore blush and lipsticks and glosses). While supplies last, new subscribers can sign up for  Allure’s monthly beauty box and receive top-trending, editor-tested makeup and beauty picks with a $50-$90 value for only $10 for 72 hours (less, because I’m posting after the clock started ticking). After this month, boxes are $15/month

  • Full and deluxe products selected by Allure experts (we test more than 50,000 products a year)

  • A mini-mag with tips, shortcuts, and step-by-steps

  • New member gift: A bonus gift valued at $10+ This is what you’re getting if you sign up pronto:

  • Free shipping

I’m curious to try Allure’s beauty boxes and see what surprises land on my doorstep each month, but mostly I’m excited to get a killer deal on Benefit mascara. They dangled a carrot I couldn’t resist!!

 

Hope*writers is opening membership next week. Wanna know why I love it?

 

For those who aren’t familiar, hope*writers is an online community whose sweet spot is encouraging writers at every stage. This means beginners and well-seasoned writers have access to new information; hope*writers has a resource library with content and video from a broad cross-section of professionals–editors, agents, published authors, book marketers, publicists, strategists, and more.

But why I love it most (beyond my longtime affections for Emily Freeman and Myquillyn Smith, sisters and two of the four co-founders), is the smaller circle of writers with whom I’ve connected who are in the same stage and season of writing as me. Their encouragement, experience, and friendship has been incredibly impactful. Plus, at the end of the day, I consider the monthly cost a professional investment that has added real value to my work.

If you want to find out the moment they open the doors for membership, click any of the links that interest you below, provide your email, and they’ll follow up over the days to come.

 

Want a quick summary? Your wish is my demand!

 

Affiliate links included.

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Clearly I Have Something To Learn About Book Marketing #ForAllWhoWanderBook

Posted by on Jul 16, 2019 | 2 comments

So, it’s 6:30pm on Day Two of Amazon Prime Day, and it JUST occurred to me that *my* book is eligible for the five dollar #PRIMEBOOK19 coupon since it’s already listed on Amazon. Let’s just say it’s been a busy few weeks, and this very minute I have my darling niece and nephew underfoot, and it never occurred to me until RIGHT THE SECOND that it might be a smart idea to share about it. With $5 off, For All Who Wander: Why Knowing God is Better Than Knowing It All is just $11.99!!

For All Who Wander will release January 14, 2020!!

 

The book will release January 14, 2020, but it’s available right now for pre-sale; if the price happens to fall between now and launch day, you’ll be charged the lower price. And if you’ve already pre-ordered the book (DO tell me in comments if you have–you have NO idea how that will encourage me!), pick up the companion Journey Guide for just $4.99!

For All Who Wander Journey Guide will help you find YOUR story within the pages of mine :).

 

Okay, friends…I’m off to wrangle a wildling or two or maybe teach them the joy of catching lightning in the palms of their hands. Thank you in advance if you end up buying the book!

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Want To Do Something Wonderful And Important Today?

Posted by on May 14, 2019 |

I suppose I’ve had a case of Irregular Blog Syndrome for years now, posting sporadically and with increasing infrequency with the exception of my monthly (and beloved) posts for (in)courage. Daily postings were once my norm and practice, hard to believe in today’s climate; blog posts would now be considered long form compared to Twitter, FaceBook, and Instagram. But it’s not that I haven’t been writing at all — I’ve penned well over 80,000 words in For All Who Wander and its companion Journey Guide. Apparently IBS is not the same thing as IWS (Irregular Writer Syndrome).

Still, my blog has been largely neglected for a lot of reasons, some of which are explained in my book, and others that simply reflect the general, downward trend. Have I considered closing up shop for good? Sure. So, why do I keep it around? Because there are elements I still love after all this time–

One of my favorite reasons for continuing to blog is to lend my voice to those who are hidden, marginalized, or never had a voice to begin with.

With that in mind, I’m excited to spotlight Mercy House Global Giving Day, a day set aside to let all women know they are priceless, and to raise awareness and funds for four special organizations.

Each group has a specific ask, and you can trust that your dollars are going to a worthy cause. Click the logos below to learn more, and then open your checkbook and give generously. When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, you will have done something truly important and wonderful :).


Beauty For Ashes
Mercy House Global

Search the hashtags #SheIsPriceless and #PutOnYourPearls to see and learn much, much more! And, thank you in advance for sharing this post; a simple Like and/or Share using the blue FaceBook buttons below is an easy way to do so. Bonus points and extra love for inviting your friends and family to support these opportunities, too.

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Powerful, Remarkable, and Beautiful Truth About Easter

Posted by on Apr 20, 2019 |

Today is Easter Eve, though I’ve never heard it called such a thing, and I’m finding myself on a sweet stroll down memory lane. Won’t you join me?

What characterized the Easters of your childhood? What made this cherished church holiday special for you? A brand new outfit? Waking up to an Easter basket brimming with goodies? A sunrise service or Sunday afternoon feast with your family, close and extended? A city-wide egg hunt ablaze in color and chaos? Day-by-day deconstructing a Resurrection egg set to examine tiny symbols that represented the life of Christ?

With a big grin and a bit of horror, I recall the coordinating pastel dresses my sister and I wore when I was about four, complete with crunchy crinoline skirts, white bowler hats, and shiny patent leather shoes. “Fancy” is relative, yes? I also remember being a beast when it came to hunting for Easter eggs. Never was I more fierce or competitive than when a contest for most eggs found or a golden egg was at stake. It was in your best interest not to get in my way because you just might come face to face with a 35-pound steamroller determined to win a prize.

Are your earliest Easter memories similar or something entirely different?

Fast forward many years to when I became a mother with three children of my own. It never occurred to me until right now how closely the practices of my own childhood inspired Easter traditions for our family. New, coordinating outfits for our daughter and two sons; maybe not crinoline for Rachel, but all three matchy-matchy (until I finally learned that didn’t actually have to be a thing). Baskets filled and waiting right outside their bedroom doors. Attending church somewhere, wherever we happened to be that morning. A glorious lunch with our extended family (or friends when we had to be apart), anchored by glazed ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, and way too many sweets. And an egg hunt — always an egg hunt — except now my competitive beast mode for finding the prized or most eggs was proffered for my babies.

Memories are golden when they connect our present to happy or special moments from our past, aren’t they? While it’s unhealthy to live in the past or to become stuck in a rut of longing for the “good ol’ days,” telling and re-telling the stories of our lives can build unity, familiarity, and identity among family members. These are good things.

Easter traditions, in terms of norm and practice, vary from family to family, church to church, denomination to denomination, and even culture to culture. How we commemorate this holy holiday doesn’t matter a bit, but why we celebrate Easter is essential. 

Please continue reading The Powerful, Remarkable, Beautiful Truth About Easter over at (in)courage. And, please, do share your thoughts in comments!

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Change Your Attitude For the Better Right Now! (Plus, a giveaway–scroll for details)

Posted by on Jan 18, 2019 | 17 comments

I had totally missed it — noticing I ended 2018 similarly to how I began: writing about an attitude of “getting to” do this or that instead of “having to” in both January and December. Maybe once the idea slipped into my psyche, it quietly settled there and began changing my entire outlook from that point forward.

I’m a fan and advocate for choosing a Word of the Year, #OneWord that sets a compass point (in contrast to a destination), a trajectory, a direction for life. It’s not a think intended to confine or box you in. On the contrary, it’s liberating.

If you can love a word, I loved my entirely-made-up word from last year–OYTO. Sweetly inspired by a tee shirt a friend gave me, OYTO was a fierce battle cry, wrapped opportunity-gifts that begged to be opened. My intention stirred awareness that led to results. Simply put, I saw things differently because I wanted to see things differently, and that affected how I responded.

The same is true for being a Get-to Girl. Shifting my attitude from having to do everything — even needing to do anything — gives me a sense of control because I understand I have a choice about my attitude. Necessary chores that could potentially seed resentment, martyrdom, or leave you feeling taken for granted suddenly become opportunities to serve your family. Irritations that stem from people being so human and imperfect are a catalyst for you to remember everyone is fighting a battle, and this is your chance be kind, to live the gospel by your response.

We aren’t always able to control our circumstances or the obstacles and opportunities that come our way, but we can control our response. That’s powerful.

To me, the essence of being a Get-to Girl is 1 Corinthians 10:31: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. (CSB) Every move you make, including the attitude that companions action, can be offered to the glory of God. Should be done for the glory of God. It’s one thing when we’re facing opportunity or favorable circumstance; that’s when it’s easy. But there have been seasons when my life feels out of control, when a situation is bearing down, or relationships that matter to me are fractured, or grief feels unshakable, or I don’t know what else…. Knowing I can choose how I respond gives me at least a modicum of control, which is incredibly encouraging and empowering.

This is much more than turning a frown upside down. It’s an intentional decision to frame your life and everything within it in light of The Light. Even if “Get-to” isn’t your word of the year, will you join me?

Giveaway time!!

Today, DaySpring is releasing A Workbook Guide to Bible Journaling, “filled with fun techniques for painting, hand lettering, stickering, and stamping…” and I’m here to tell you, SO MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE NEWBIE BIBLE JOURNALER. But the content is substantial enough to offer the long-time journaler plenty of new tips and ideas.

If you’ve wanted to try your hand at Bible journaling but didn’t have a clue where to start, consider this a master class featuring Shanna Noel and others at a bargain price. The first 600 people who order a copy will also get a free set of two pens, perfect for Bible journaling.

DaySpring was kind enough to offer me a copy, and I get to give one away, too! Entry is simple:

You must subscribe to my blog (new or existing subscriber) and “Like” my brand-spanking new Facebook Author Page, then leave a quick comment on this blog post telling me how you’ll use this book, why you want to win, what your #OneWord is, or something you GET-TO DO that you previously viewed as “having to.” Or pretty much any sort of comment at all–easy peasy! (Only U.S. addresses are eligible to win. Entry deadline is Friday, January 25th at midnight EST.)

NOTE: If you’re a first-time commenter, there might be a slight delay in approval; comments have to be moderated and it could take up to 24 hours. 🙂

  • Link to subscribe: http://eepurl.com/dkH4uv
  • Link to like my new Facebook Author Page (yippee!!): https://www.facebook.com/RobinBDance

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How Can a Dessert Be So Delicious, Fancy, AND Simple?

Posted by on Dec 28, 2018 | 1 comment

A Tiramisu Recipe ANYONE can make

I still remember the first time I heard the word “tiramisu;” I didn’t even know what it was and had to ask our friends Christi and Frankie to repeat themselves a few times before I finally understood. They had returned from a trip to Italy, and if memory serves me correctly, they were raving about one of their favorite things–a decadent, delicious Italian dessert I have since come to know, love, and make for special occasions, or really, any occasion that calls for a smidgen of fancy.

The first time I tasted tiramisu was when my friend, Isabel, made it. It’s possible I had more than my share of dessert. This is telling because typically I want only a bite of something sweet after dinner. To devour a complete serving (or two) is high compliment to its maker. The benefit of a dessert’s enjoyment has to outweigh the cost of its calories. In other words…

  • Mercy! Just look at those layers of deliciosity!! Mmmmm!

Tiramisu’s deliciousness > the cost of its calories.

Since then, I’ve lost count of the times my dinner has ended with tiramisu. I’ve had it at chef-owned restaurants and large Italian chains; I was lucky enough to order it in Italy and Germany the year we lived abroad. And, remarkably, this ridiculously easy recipe stands up to them all (or maybe I’m just lowbrow with a common, unsophisticated palate). A more traditional recipe calling for eggs and milk is all well and good, but for the taste and simplicity, I really do prefer this recipe.

If you’re looking for a magnificent dessert to wow your family and friends, do try this one! A New Year’s gathering would be the perfect time to try it. And if you do? Please come back and let us know your thoughts.

Tiramisu

Ingredients:


Ingredients:

  • 1 8-ounce container of mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups of whipping cream, divided
  • 1 cup of strong coffee/espresso*
  • 1?4  cup of Baileys Irish cream (coffee liquor)
  • 2, 3-ounce packages of lady fingers
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa or shaved dark chocolate

Instructions:

  • Beat 2 cups of the whipping cream (not all!) until soft peaks form; be sure they’re stiff enough to hold their shape.
  • In larger bowl, beat cheese, sugar, and remaining ½ cup of whipping cream at medium speed until incorporated and creamy.
  • Fold whipping cream into cheese mixture.*
  • Stir Baileys into coffee.
  • Carefully split lady fingers in ½. Place one set (one quarter, depending on your package) in the bottom of a trifle bowl or on a platter.
  • Evenly and generously brush the cut side of the lady fingers with the coffee mixture (use about 1?4 cup per layer).
  • Top with 1?4 of the cheese/whipped cream mixture.
  • Repeat layers three times.
  • Chill at least two hours and sprinkle with cocoa or chocolate shavings just prior to serving.

Additional notes:

  • Isabel’s original recipe called for 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules. If you don’t have espresso/strong coffee, that substitution works fine.
  • The lady fingers will be very moist; don’t let that intimidate you. Use the entire amount of liquid in your recipe.
  • A silicone pastry brush is preferred to nylon or natural bristles; I’ve found they’re less likely to shed when using.
  • I don’t quite spread the cheese/cream mixture to the edge of the lady fingers; when I add the next layer, they kind of squish it to the edge automatically.
  • A trifle bowl (or deep dish) is better in the sense you can cover it without messing up the dessert. Since the last layer is the cheese/whipping cream layer, it would stick. I have made this on a platter before and not added the last layer until I was ready to serve for this reason.


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