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Interesting People #81: Lori Swerda (Author of Star-Spangled Scandal)

Lori Swerda is a Frederick based author who discovered a little corner of American history that has taken on a life of its own. We talked about how Thomas Johnson was the catalyst for the book, the challenges of publishing in 2019, and the mystery before a murder!

Website: https://loriswerda.com/|
Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Spangled-Scandal-Novel-Lori-Swerda-ebook/dp/B07P73K9P8

iTunes – https://goo.gl/7HS1u4
Google Play – https://goo.gl/Whff9U
Spotify – https://goo.gl/dDqa9o

Every Interview – https://www.wfre.com/interesting-people-podcast/

Based on the true story of an 1859 murder that occurred in front of the White House in Washington D.C.

Philip Barton Key, son of Francis Scott Key, carried on a love affair with the young, beautiful wife of Congressman Dan Sickles. The affair is revealed in an inflammatory anonymous letter to Dan, the author of which remains a mystery to this day.

Follow the trail back in time through history to when the country was young, Abraham Lincoln was still a nobody, and the Civil War had not yet begun. Through the eyes of the victim, the adulteress, and the family of Francis Scott Key, discover the events leading to the murder and the disastrous fallout after. Ask yourself the shocking question, could Abraham Lincoln be to blame for the death of Francis Scott Key’s son?

IT CHAPTER TWO TRAILER – Are old ladies scarier than clowns?

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{Katie’s Baby Blog} My First Mother’s Day

This weekend I will celebrate my first Mother’s Day!

I have mixed emotions as we head into the weekend. I am super excited to get my first little Mother’s Day gift from Lily’s daycare even though she has no clue she made it 🙂

Also, I think this holiday will be even more special to me though for another reason…celebrating my own Mom; now knowing the feeling of being a mother myself.

A lot of people say, they’ve never really thanked their Mom for everything she’s done for them through their life, but it really hits you hard when you’re looking down at your own little baby and realize that your Mom once held you in her arms and worried about the little things, like you are now, and laughed and cried as she watched you grow up.

Lily and Nani

I almost want to say “I’m sorry” for all the tough times, and for leaving to go to college and for ever being mad at her for anything that I got in trouble for because now I know the type of unconditional love that she has for me. I feel that for my little Lily and it is so strong and powerful.

So this Mother’s Day I want to make it extra special for my Mom; or Nani, as we now call her for Lily. She’s not only the best Mom, but now, shes also the best Nani. Side note– It’s a great feeling seeing how much your Mom loves her grandchild and how excited your parent’s get when they get to hold and play with them.

I am also excited to celebrate all of the challenges, scary and overwhelming feelings as a new Mom. They’ve only made me stronger and more confident as a parent.

We’re all figuring it out and doing our best and that’s all anyone can ask for.

Being a Mom is also the best feeling in the world and I am ready to celebrate with a mimosa and my family all together!

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!

<3 Katie Ryan

 

 

 

 

{Katie’s Kitchen} Chickpea Avocado Summer Salad

This quick easy salad is my new favorite lunch, side dish and anytime snack!

I make it all of the time and love to eat it on fresh corn chips or by itself with a fork and it’s packed with protein!

This recipe is a toss and go…throw everything in the bowl and mix it up and you’re done. Grab a mixing bowl, chop up your avocado into small cubes, chop your cilantro, cucumber (I didn’t add this to mine and it was still great), and red onion into small slices. I also chopped my cherry tomatoes in half. Add in your chickpeas- I used a whole can.

Then, combine all of the ingredients into the bowl and add virgin olive oil, lemon juice minced garlic, salt, pepper, and feta cheese to top it all off. Toss to coat!

 

 

Ingredients: I found the recipe here! 

  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice from 1 large lemon
  • 1 garlic clove pressed or minced
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 English Cucumber halved and sliced
  • 15 oz chickpeas (drained, rinsed)
  • 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 4 oz feta cheese diced

Midland, Blake Shelton & More On Laura’s Weekend Anthem

Check out the latest music videos you NEED to be watching this weekend!

 

#1

Watch Dennis Quaid star as \”Mr. Lonely\” in Midland\’s new hysterical music video!

#2

In my opinion, this song ROCKS. Check out the music video for Blake Shelton\’s latest song \”God\’s Country\” and let me know if you like it as much as I do.

#3

Who else was left \”Speechless\” from Dan + Shay and Tori Kelly\’s performance at the Billboard Music Awards? Get chills all over again and watch it again!

#4

Russell Dickerson released his music video for Every Little Thing.\” Check it out!

#5

Start your weekend off right with the brand new music video from LANCO. It\’s called \”Rival.\”

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