After a long, hard winter, I feel this desperate need to get outside and get my hands dirty. The problem? For my area, it's too early. I live in Zone 7, where we are advised to not plant before April 15, as that is typically the last frost of the season. To check your zone, click here and enter your zip code.

Since we are still in danger of frost and possible snow flurries (ugh! so over winter!), here's what I'm doing while I wait for the magical date for safe planting of tender plants.

1. Make a plan. Plan out your garden(s). Research plants you want and create a timeline. Use this tool from Gardener's Supply to create your raised vegetable garden. Or this tool from Better Homes and Gardens to plan your flower garden.

2. Purchase seeds and start them inside in a sunny location. This way when they are seedlings, past the last frost guidelines, you can move them to a cold frame to harden off before getting them in the ground. Here's a great site called SeedSavers which carries heirloom, preservation and non-GMO seeds.  Order bare root plants or live plants and the companies will send them when it's the right time to plant for your area. Better yet, plant native plants which will grow better and support indigenous birds and insects. Find a local native plant seller and guide by clicking this link.

3. Spread compost and turn the soil. You can prepare the garden by taking your prepared compost and turning the soil, integrating the nutrient rich materials and aerating. This link is a guide to raised bed gardening and preparing the beds before planting.

Doing these small things now will make your planting all the more enjoyable when the weather is warm. Ready, set, plant!

This week our question comes from Betty Bolté, author of Samantha's Secret, a historical romance set during the American Revolution. This is the third book in her series set in South Carolina and releases April 21, 2015. 

If you've hopped over from the fabulous J.J. Devine, welcome. Make sure to hop back to visit with her if you missed her!

The question: Do I celebrate St. Patrick's Day and/or how I'd like to? 

In a word: No. I do not regularly celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I have two kids in school, both hubby and I work full-time plus and the teachers don't recognize St. Patty's Day as a homework holiday.

Would I like to celebrate? Hell yes!

Let's go with my top three ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day:

3. Having a pint of Guinness or two fingers of Jameson in a small pub in County Kerry or County Cork surrounded by locals having a good time.

2.  Visit St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in County Armagh. While the church itself has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since it was founded by the saint himself in 445 A.D., it's the ground where St. Patrick walked and preached.

1. Waking up to a traditional Irish breakfast in an Irish bed-n-breakfast. What could be better than breathing in the moist fresh air on a soft morning, the plaintive bleating of lambs on the breeze.

An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
For everyone who is partying, enjoy one for me! 

Now on to the ravishing Raine Balkera, contemporary author. Can't wait to see how she celebrates this holiday!

If you're starting a newsletter or need to change to a new format, try LucidPress. Make it even better by linking it with your Google Drive account. Use one of their simple to modify templates to create a professional newsletter yourself. I've used it for a simple (and last minute) chapter newsletter and was able to complete it in less than an hour. The first time. Share with your subscribers via URL for a more interactive experience. Embed links to your book's trailer, your buy links and links to your social media.

This is a super easy recipe to make and customize.

Ingredients (for family of 4):
2 tsp olive oil
4 green, red or yellow peppers (or a combination which is what I like)
1 to 2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped (or dehydrated flakes)
2 tsp minced garlic or 1fresh garlic clove, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (I use petite diced) 
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Wash peppers and remove seeds and white membranes. Simmer for five minutes in water.
2. Preheat oven to 350. 
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Brown onion and garlic, then add drained can of tomatoes. Add ground beef, crumbled, to mixture and brown until no longer pink. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Fill peppers with beef mixture and place peppers in baking dish. (I use parchment paper underneath.)
5. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes then top with cheese. Cook an additional five minutes to melt cheese.

The next time I make this, I will include rice during the browning of the beef and a little cheese throughout when stuffing. Picky hubby ate entire pepper, too!