When the sun is out and lemonade is flowing, there’s nothing better than a batch of soft, zesty lemon sugar cookies to celebrate the season. These cookies are light, refreshing, and packed with citrus flavor—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or an afternoon snack with iced tea.
Let’s get baking!
🌿 Ingredients:
For the cookies:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
For rolling:
¼ cup granulated sugar
Optional: extra lemon zest mixed in
🥣 Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Shape: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in the extra sugar (and zest, if using). Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just slightly underbaked. They’ll finish setting as they cool!
Cool: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🌞 Pro Tips:
Add white chocolate chips for a creamy twist.
For extra lemon punch, drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days—or freeze for up to 3 months!
📸 Perfect for Summer Snaps
These cookies are not only delicious—they’re photo-ready! Stack them on a vintage plate, pair with fresh lemons, or serve with a tall glass of iced lemonade for a vibrant summer photo op.
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Looking for some last-minute Christmas gift ideas? Here are a few options that are thoughtful, easy to grab, or even order online quickly:
1. Gift Cards
Retailers: Amazon, Target, Ulta, or their favorite store
Experiences: Spa, restaurant, movie theater, or online services like Netflix, Spotify, or Audible
Subscription Boxes: Monthly subscriptions to beauty products, snacks, books, or coffee.
2. Personalized Gifts (Quick Customization)
Photo gifts: Customized mugs, calendars, or photo books (many sites like Shutterfly offer quick turnaround)
Engraved items: Keychains, jewelry, or pens (many online shops can engrave and ship fast)
Custom name items: Personalized tote bags, water bottles, or wallets.
3. Gift Baskets
Pre-made baskets: A wine, chocolate, or gourmet food basket from local stores or online
DIY baskets: Throw together snacks, treats, or mini self-care items into a cute basket.
4. Tech Accessories
Phone cases, wireless chargers, or Bluetooth speakers
Pop culture-themed tech gear (like Star Wars, Marvel, or Disney merchandise)
5. Self-Care Kits
Pampering products: Bath bombs, face masks, lotions, and candles
Essential oils, diffuser, and relaxation sets
6. Books
Best-sellers: Look up the top books of the year or choose from their favorite genres
Cookbooks: For a foodie or someone who loves to cook
Puzzle books: Crossword or sudoku lovers will enjoy this.
7. Quick-to-Order Experiences
Concert or event tickets (upcoming shows, sports games, etc.)
Cooking class or wine-tasting experience
Gift certificates for local experiences like a weekend getaway or adventure activity (like hot-air ballooning).
8. DIY or Craft Kits
Knitting, painting, or craft kits
Cookie or brownie mix in a jar with a cute tag and instructions
9. Food & Drink
Specialty coffee, hot chocolate sets, or tea gift sets
Locally-made jam, honey, or artisan chocolates
Wine or cocktail-making kits
10. Board Games or Puzzles
A classic or newly-released board game
A jigsaw puzzle with a fun theme or personalized design
A lot of these options can be picked up locally, or if you’re running low on time, there are plenty of quick-shipping options from sites like Etsy or any of your fave retailer sites.
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A haunted woman stalked by a serial killer confronts the horrors of fairy tales and the nightmares of real life in a breathtaking novel of psychological suspense by a Bram Stoker Award–winning author.
It started the night journalist Briar Thorne’s mother died in their rambling old mansion on Chicago’s South Side.
The nightmares of a woman in white pleading to come home, music switched on in locked rooms, and the panicked fear of being swallowed by the dark…Bri has almost convinced herself that these stirrings of dread are simply manifestations of grief and not the beyond-world of ghostly impossibilities her mother believed in. And more tangible terrors still lurk outside the decaying Victorian greystone.
A serial killer has claimed the lives of fifty-one women in the Chicago area. When Bri starts researching the murders, she meets a stranger who tells her there’s more to her sleepless nights than bad dreams—they hold the key to putting ghosts to rest and stopping a killer. But the killer has caught on and is closing in, and if Bri doesn’t answer the call of the dead soon, she’ll be walking among them.
GRADE: A
REVIEW:
Briar Rose is devastated by her mother’s death. She can’t seem to focus on her work, nor can she sleep. The first few chapters are a slow fever dream of insomnia perpetuated by grief. But once we meet the serial killer and his intentions to capture and kill Briar so that he can add her to his collection of “beauties” the book really shifts to a faster gear.
I loved the intertwining of Chicago history with the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. The prose was very dreamy-like and evocative, creating clear images in your mind, but also allowing you to feel Briar’s frequent dream sequences that interweave with the past and present. I really liked Isaac, a man she befriends on one of her walks that helps her use her dreams as a way to find out the truth about the past that can also help with the present, and help find out who the killer is. This isn’t your typical plot-driven thriller, but more a psychological supernatural character driven one. Pelayo masterfully weaves horror, fairytale, and true crime into this novel in ways that couldn’t be pulled off by a less skilled author.
The reader is quickly sucked into the mystery of trying to figure out who the killer is, why Briar has been seeing an older gentleman passing by her home for many years, and who exactly is Mary – the famous ghost known was the Vanishing Hitchhiker of Archer Avenue. There are moments when walking with Briar along the most haunted places in Chicago that the reader can’t help but feel more terror for the characters encountering live people on their trail than any ghosts – as Pelayo likes to remind us that very often it’s people who are the real monsters, and not the supernatural.
This is a must-read for those who love fairytale retellings with a modern, true-crime twist to it. If you have enjoyed Pelayo’s previous books, then you will love this one a lot, as she has truly mastered her literary brand of intertwining magical realism with the grittiness of true crime. Read this for a haunted, and unforgettable experience.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Many writers dream of scaling their freelancing ventures into full-fledged businesses. Making this leap requires not just a shift in mindset but also a methodical approach to transforming a personal brand into an operational enterprise. This article from The Inkblotters outlines a strategic framework to guide writers through the complexities of evolving from freelancers to business owners, providing a structured pathway to success without detailing the operational specifics.
Craft Your Blueprint
When you decide to scale up your freelance operations into a business, writing a clear and structured business plan is your first step. This document will serve as your roadmap, detailing your business goals, strategies, and financial forecasts. A well-crafted business plan helps you navigate the journey ahead with confidence and precision, ensuring that you have considered all critical aspects of your new business venture. Make sure to tailor your business plan to reflect both your immediate and long-term objectives.
Legal Groundwork
It’s crucial to understand the legal requirements involved in operating a business. Research and obtain any necessary permits and licenses specific to your business activities. This compliance not only protects you from potential fines and legal issues but also enhances your credibility in the industry. Being proactive about legal compliance can streamline your business operations and reduce unnecessary stress.
The LLC Advantage
Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is crucial for writers looking to professionalize their freelance endeavors. An LLC safeguards personal assets from business-related debts and legal judgments, providing a crucial layer of security. It also grants operational flexibility and potential tax advantages that can significantly benefit a business’s financial health. For those considering an LLC in California with ZenBusiness, this service streamlines the setup process, making it easier to focus on growing your business.
Marketing Mastery
Developing a dedicated marketing plan is as important as your initial business plan. A targeted marketing strategy enables you to reach and engage with your intended audience effectively. This plan should outline your marketing goals, the strategies to achieve them, and the metrics for measuring success. Whether it’s through social media, email campaigns, or traditional advertising, a solid marketing plan guides your efforts to promote your services. Always adapt and evolve your marketing strategies to align with changing market trends and customer preferences.
Build Bridges
Networking is a powerful tool for any business owner. Building professional relationships can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and avenues for growth, says Jamie Johnson Writes. Attend industry conferences, participate in writing workshops, and engage on professional social media platforms to connect with peers and influencers who can support your business journey. Remember, the relationships you build today can turn into tomorrow’s business opportunities.
Resume Refresh
Transitioning into a business owner necessitates keeping your resume current to reflect new skills, experiences, and milestones. Updating this vital document ensures you present the most accurate and compelling picture of your professional evolution. If your resume is a PDF, choosing an effective PDF editor is crucial, as it allows for straightforward modifications. Simply upload your resume to the editor, adjust as needed, and download the updated version ready for distribution.
Secure Your Business
Investing in the right insurance coverage is essential to protect your business from unforeseen events. This coverage can range from professional liability insurance to property and health insurance, depending on your specific business needs. Ensuring that you’re adequately insured is not just a precaution—it’s a smart business practice. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your insurance coverage ensures that it continues to meet your business’s changing needs.
Transitioning from a freelance writer to a business owner marks a pivotal chapter in a writer’s career. It demands diligence, foresight, and a commitment to growth and professionalism. By following a systematic approach to business planning, legal structuring, and market engagement, writers can successfully navigate this transformation, setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous business venture.
Guest blog post by Stephanie Haywood, read her previous guest blog post HERE and HERE or visit her website: MY LIFE BOOST.
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The directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan is trying to fill her father’s footsteps in this twisty dark film. Dakota Fanning is Mina, a haunted American artist who lives in Ireland, away from her twin sister who tries to get in touch with her, but she ignores. One day her boss from the pet shop asks her to take a parrot to a remote area of Belfast and unbeknownst to Mina, it’s an area that’s notorious for people going missing. When her car stops in the middle of the forest, she has no choice but to try to find help.
In the forest, she meets another group of people who have been missing for several months but haven’t been able to leave the forest. At night, strange creatures haunt the forest and the group tells her they cannot be outside during that time. The bunker they call “The Coop” has a mirrored wall, where the strange creatures they refer to as “The Watchers” spend hours of the night gazing at them.
The movie has a mysterious atmosphere and the cinematography of the forest is very visually captivating. However, the movie loses its charm somewhere along the way when we’re spoonfed exactly what the creatures are and shots of them are shown. Somehow, the film worked best when “The Watchers” were mysterious beings we knew little about.
I can see why this film flopped at the theatres, but it’s okay to watch on streaming for its strong performances (Fanning is excellent) and original twist. It’s currently streaming on MAX.
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What It Is: A lightweight face serum with collagen and peptides that helps preserve youthful-looking skin and softens the look of expression lines with plumping hydration.
What It Does: Softens and eliminates the look of fine lines and hydrates dry skin.
Active Ingredients: Collagen, Peptides, and Algae
Verdict: This serum works best for those who have dry or combo skin, but despite having oily skin, I liked this serum and felt like it helped keep my skin hydrated without it feeling too sticky or slick. If your skin is acne-prone (like mine) you’ll love the fact that this serum doesn’t clog pores and is rather lightweight. Not to mention that it absorbs really fast so you can wear this beneath makeup if you wish to (although I only wore this at night). It really gives you a healthy glow and can be paired with other skin care products without any problem. One pump is enough for your whole face and neck area, so a little goes a long way. The price point isn’t crazy and it lasts a long time, so I do recommend this serum for being effective and for being rather inexpensive compared to others.
Price: $44
Where To Buy It: Ulta and Sephora
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If you do die, on the other hand, we’ll almost never see you again, and certainly, no one will miss you.
PLOT SUMMARY:
A finalist for the PEN Literary Award for Translation, this courageous, inventive, and intelligent novel tells the story of a suicide and what follows. Viola Di Grado has given voice to an astonishing vision of life after life, portraying the awful longing and sense of loss that plague the dead, together with the solitude incited by the impossibility of communicating. The afterlife itself is seen as a dark, seething place where one is preyed upon by the cruel and unrelenting elements.
Hollow Heart will frighten as it provokes, and enlighten as it causes concern. If ever there were a novel that follows Kafka’s prescription for a book to be an axe for the frozen sea within us, it is Hollow Heart.
GRADE: B+
REVIEW:
I read this book because it takes place in my birth town of Catania, Sicily, and because the protagonist dies by suicide but remains alive as a spirit of sorts as she gets to witness her body decomposing. I loved the novel’s first half, the rich descriptions of what happens to one’s body after death, and the listless feeling of seeing life move on without you. Dorotea Giglio spends her ghostly life still working at the stationery shop she worked at while still alive (her boss is the only living person who can see her), meeting up with other ghostly entities, and falling in love with a living young man. The book is incredibly short at 177 pages. Still, the second half of the book didn’t read as easily as the first half (until Dorotea meets Alberto, the young man she falls in love with – it felt like she finally had a purpose instead of simply existing as a ghost). The book was well written (I’d say it’s more literary than any other genre) and it did offer some insight into life after death, and it isn’t your typical ghost story (she isn’t lingering because she’s seeking revenge or anything of the sort). The book had an ending that I would expect from an Italian book (meaning more realistic and not necessarily happy or hopeful as the American market tends to lean towards).
I recommend this book if you’re interested in the afterlife, or want a ghost story that isn’t on the horror spectrum.
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Last week we lost Shannen Doherty at the age of 53. After a decade-long battle with cancer, we had to say goodbye to one of the most iconic actresses and bonafide cool woman. As someone who grew up in the 90s, my first introduction to Doherty was through the series Beverly Hills 90210 as the ultra-cool but always fierce Brenda Walsh. Doherty had a way to capture the hearts of viewers even when she was in a cast with other talented actors. There was something about her that made us tune in every week. When Doherty left Beverly Hills 90210 (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen replaced her exit), the show was never the same ever again.
Another series that everyone loved was Charmed, where Doherty portrayed Prue Halliwell the bravest and most powerful witch of the charmed one sisters. Again, once Doherty left this series (this time she was replaced by Rose McGowan), the show wasn’t the same ever again either. Doherty left a mark in each of her series where those who watched the series when she was in them and then watched the episodes without her, know the importance and weight she carried in each of her characters.
Doherty was also in Heathers, a cult-classic that stars Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Even in this case, she became the most iconic Heather – her wit and comedic nature on full display, stealing every scene she was in.
The reason why saying goodbye to Doherty is so difficult is not only because she portrayed iconic characters that we all loved, but also because she was the embodiment of bravery, with a tenacious will to live. During a time when being viewed as a “difficult woman” for speaking up could be detrimental to someone’s career, she decided to never make herself small and forge her own path. Any role Doherty touched was gold, even when she filmed indie horrors like Bethany or when she had a small role in Riverdale after the passing of Luke Perry, touching the hearts of so many viewers with her heartbreaking role.
Shannen Doherty will forever be remembered for her bravery unapologetic bad-ass attitude and quick wit, and yes, even for being an undeniable charismatic beauty.
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Let’s be honest, sometimes the happiest season of the year can be rather downright scary. Stores overrun with people, last minute gift-shopping, having to deal with problematic relatives, trying to avoid cringe-worthy office parties, I could go on and on. These movies explore the horrors of the Christmas season, packing a scary punch!
BLACK CHRISTMAS
Forget about the remakes, they all suck. The original with Olivia Hussey (best known for her role as Juliet) is the one to watch. As winter break begins, a group of sorority sisters, including Jess (Olivia Hussey) and the often inebriated Barb (Margot Kidder), begin to receive anonymous, lascivious phone calls. Initially, Barb eggs the caller on, but stops when he responds threateningly. Soon, Barb’s friend Claire (Lynne Griffin) goes missing from the sorority house, and a local adolescent girl is murdered, leading the girls to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. But no one realizes just how near the culprit is.
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
An orphan raised by nuns (Lilyan Chauvin, Gilmer McCormick) grows up to be a killer toy-store Santa Claus. At the time, this movie was a box office hit, earning 2.5 million out of a $250,000 budget.
THE LODGE
Not gonna lie, this is probably one of my favorite Christmas themed movies out there. During a family retreat to a remote winter cabin over the holidays, the father is forced to abruptly depart for work, leaving his two children in the care of his new girlfriend, Grace. Isolated and alone, a blizzard traps them inside the lodge as terrifying events summon specters from Grace’s dark past.
THE ADVENT CALENDAR
This was so creepy and twisty, I watched it for the first time last year and was left wanting more. When Eva receives an antique wooden advent calendar, it seems at first that it only guarantees a countdown to Christmas filled with sweets. However, with the calendar comes a set of rules and the promise of wish fulfillment for those who follow them.
WIND CHILL
If you want suspense with a dash of creepy then you might want to check this one out.
Just before their university campus goes quiet for the winter break, a young woman (Emily Blunt) asks a classmate (Ashton Holmes) for a lift home. The two students set off on their trip and begin to get to know each other. But, when a reckless motorist drives them off the road, they find themselves stranded in the snow on a remote highway. As the night grows colder, the two are confronted by a horde of menacing apparitions — and struggle to escape with their lives.
INSIDE
I don’t know what it is about the French when it comes to horror, but they really go above and beyond. This may fall in the category of “torture porn” but it’s still worth the watch. A scissor-wielding psychopath (Béatrice Dalle) terrorizes a pregnant widow (Alysson Paradis) on Christmas Eve.
SILENT NIGHT
Watch this for the ensemble cast alone, as it’s got some of the best Brit actors. A couple invites their closest friends to join their family for Christmas dinner at their idyllic home in the English countryside. As the group comes together, it feels like old times — but behind all of the laughter and merriment, something isn’t quite right. The world outside is facing impending doom, and no amount of gifts, games or wine can make mankind’s imminent destruction go away. Surviving the holidays just got a lot more complicated.
KRAMPUS
More of a horror comedy than full-on horror. While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.
P2
Who doesn’t like to see Wes Bentley being creepy? Just me? Angela (Rachel Nichols) is working late on Christmas Eve. When she finally decides to leave, she goes down to the parking garage to get her car, but it won’t start. Thomas (Wes Bentley), the garage’s security guard, offers to help. He also invites Angela to dinner, but she refuses. Thomas, crazed, knocks her out. She wakes up in Thomas’ office, chained to a chair and in different clothes. Now Angela must fight for her life in order the escape from the garage.
BETTER WATCH OUT
Another dark comedy with a psychological horror twist. Ashley travels to the suburban home of the Lerners to babysit their 12-year-old son Luke during the holidays. She must soon defend herself and the young boy when unwelcome intruders announce their arrival.
Which ones are you going to be checking out?
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Perfect For: Contact Lens wearers and those who have sensitive eyes.
Verdict: The formula for this mascara is absolutely silky, meaning it will leave you with soft, smooth elongated lashes that are completely clump-free! The bristles are classic and the wand leans on the classic side too, none of the hard plastic bristles nor strange angles. This mascara creates natural-looking lashes that look both longer and fuller. I only used two coats and it really made a huge difference. This is an absolute 10/10 recommend mascara, especially if you’re leaning towards a natural lash look rather than an exaggerated fake lash look.
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The Inkblotters 