Some Random Things That I Love...

Here are somethings that I love:

• Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo & Conditioner- this stuff rocks on my naturally curly hair!
• Victoria Secrets Drenched in Pink Sweet & Flirty body lotion- this is my 'everyday' lotion. Just smelling it makes me happy :-)! There's just something wonderful about Sugar Berry & Grapefruit that makes me smile...(May I suggest~SPLURGE, get the All Over Body Mist too! It's a happy maker, too!!
• Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Cream Body Wash & Lotion. This I save for those 'special' days that I just need a little something special. You know what I mean...
• Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara- this is the best mascara that I've found and I've tried alot...
• Cover Girl TRUblend Micromineral Foundation- It puts some color on my white, pale face without looking like I'm wearing foundation.
• Cover Girl TRUblend Micromineral Blush- Again, it puts some mahvelous color on my pasty face. As long as I have the foundation, blush, and MK mascara on, I can actually leave the house and not be embarrassed if I run into someone I know...
• My Plan Ahead Mother's Planner. -Nope, I don't use it much to keep track of my kids, I use it to keep track of my reviews, bunco nights with the girls and the ever popular dr.'s appointments. Oh I also keep track of book & movie releases that I want to read and see! I keep it right on my computer desk...

That's not all I love. There's more. Those are some of my favorites though...What is something you can't live without?

Friday 56...

Friday 56 is hosted by Tonya at Storytime With Tonya and Friends.

Why don't you join in the fun?

Rules:* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like)

along with theseinstructions on your blog or

(if you do not have your own blog)

in thecomments section of Tonya's blog.

*Post a link along with your post back to Tonya's blog.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual.Use the CLOSEST.

Watching her eyelids close in appreciation as she sipped the wine he'd bought. Watching her lick the sweet almond tart filling from her fingers and the crumbs from her lips.

A Touch Of Scandal
by Jennifer Haymore

Blog Tour~To Sin With A Scoundrel by Cara Elliott

A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham, the Earl of Hadley is not accused of murdering anything—save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London’s newspapers.
Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl’s proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she had no choice but to make a deal with the Devil.
And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives—not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It’s a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don’t watch their step.

about the author~
(from the authors website)
I began my writing career at age five with a number of lavishly illustrated Westerns, which were lovingly preserved for posterity by my first fan (Thanks, Mom!) As you can see, I believe in immersing myself in the mood and character of my stories!
I have since moved on to Regency England, an era that has fascinated me ever since I picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice. (Sorry, no picture of me in my ballgown and tiara!)
Books have always been an important part of my life. I’ve always been a voracious reader, and I’ve always had a very vivid imagination . . . so much so that I think at times it worried my parents that I was so happy in my own little world, drawing pictures and creating stories. My teachers will also tell you that I was the class history geek, even in grade school. I don’t really know why, but I have always been fascinated with the past.
As an undergrad at Yale, I majored in art and went on to get a MFA in Graphic Design. So storytelling got put on the back burner for a while. But The Muse kept whispering in my ear, and one day I sat down at the keyboard . . . and realized that writing is what I love.

my thoughts~

I really enjoyed reading this book! Lady Ciara is accused of murdering her husband while the Earl of Hadley is only interested in having "fun" (yep, I'm wagging my eyebrows up & down! You know what kind of fun he's interested in!!). So the two come to an arrangement to help each other.

To Sin With A Scoundrel is the first book of what I think will be a great series!

I'm already looking forward to the second book in the series~ To Surrender To A Rogue. It will be available June 2010!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday

Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood. But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425233685

Isn't it April yet??? Oh, and I'm not as crazy for this cover. *sigh* I really liked the last 2...but I know, it's about the caterer, so the cover makes sense. It's just the other 2 covers were, I don't know, more dramatic. Oh, well, maybe it's just me. I'm buying the book as soon it hits the shelves!

Romance Novel Sluts

I just joined a new group that was formed over on Facebook, Romance Novel Sluts (Savy Ladies (and Lords) Unearthing Treasured Stories) and they, I mean we, now have their own RNS site! I was over at the new site and read a post that Slut Sarah (really, that is her username!) had written: I wasn’t always a romance novel slut. And she asked at the end who contributed to my romance novel passion. Here is the comment I left:

My Mom. She started it all. I started sneaking her romance novels when I was 12 or 13.

That comment really didn't do it justice. I didn't just sneak & read her romance novels. I devoured them. It didn't matter to me who wrote it. It didn't matter what genre it was (heck, back then I didn't know what a genre was!). I just grabbed the books that had the sexiest covers. As a matter of fact, I think the majority were either historical or based around Native Americans with the white woman as a slave. All that mattered to me was that it had to be a Happily Ever After. Thats it. It just needed a HEA. And even now, a HEA is necessary for me to enjoy a book. If it doesn't have a HEA, I won't read it again.

Do you know what else I loved to sneak & read?

I loved her True Romance magazines (do they still sell those?)too. I just loved how you got so many short stories that were true in a magazine! It just made my young, young, teen heart go pitter patter! And for the early 80's I think they were a little risque, too!

So. I ask you this. Who contributed to you becoming a Romance Novel Slut?

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme
is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:

Grab your current readOpen to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!
You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add
the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

That the sinfully sexy Earl of Hadley happened to be in it with her last night added and awkward twist to the sheets. One thing was certain, she couldn't make a habit of it. For any number of compelling reasons.

To Sin With A Scoundrel

by Cara Elliott

page 282

Tasty Tuesday! Loaded Baked Potato Soup...

There's nothing I enjoy more (except maybe coffee) on a snowy winters day than

a pot of homemade soup. Below is the recipe that I use when I'm in the mood for

some really great Loaded Baked Potato Soup...

Ingredients~
8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
chopped green onion
salt and pepper to taste


Directions~
Place cubed potatoes into a glass dish, and cook in the microwave oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until soft.
While your cooking the potatoes, melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat using your whisk blend in the flour until smooth, then stir in the milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Stir in the potatoes and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon bits until melted and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is great with yeast rolls!

And The Winners Are...

Congratulations!!

for Ecstasy Unveiled:

Cecile

Tetwa

Scorpio M.

xxsquigglesxx

Meljprincess

for Countess of Scandal:

Jane

Sandy Jay

Rachie G

Patti

Wendi P

I will email you soon, please respond back within 24 hours with your mailing address! Thanks!

Fire Gazer by Kevin Burton McGuire

Follow Ben Jennings around an Asheville, North Carolina that Thomas Wolfe would not have recognized.Ride along as Ben encounters visions of Zelda Fitzgerald, pagan rituals, a sub-culture embedded in the city’s infrastructure, and fires of unknown origin.Ben becomes enamored by DC, a charismatic drifter with a dark world vision, and he is forced to confront DC’s rejection of culture and the art it produces.Through Ben’s private journal entries, learn about his struggle to overcome DC’s destructive cynicism and his pursuit of an artistic vision. Will Ben follow his own artistic calling, or will he adopt DC’s anti-social lifestyle? Hang on, as these two personalities collide and events spiral out of control!

about the author~
Kevin Burton McGuire, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, received his MA in literature from Marquette University. He is the author of numerous short stories and a book of poetry, When It Rains in Carolina. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

my thoughts~
This was a quick & easy book to read. It took less than 6 hours to work my way through. It was well written and I enjoyed reading it, though this isn't my normal type of book to read. I'm glad I tried it, I liked it...


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of this book.

I was trolling Twitter tonight...

I was trolling Twitter tonight and found Conan O'Brien (personally, I feel as though he was royally screwed by NBC & Jay, I'm just sayin') and so in finding Conan, I followed his twitpic link to 'his' 92 Ford Taurus. While reading the comments that people left, someone left a link for Dirty Car Art and if you haven't seen it, you should visit! What this man does with paint brushes and a dirty car window is AMAZING!! Don't believe me? Look for yourself~

Mona Lisa with Stary Nights in the background! Wow!

View from the back

and its just a regular Pet Fest!

See? Isn't that amazing? I would hate to wash my car if I was lucky enough to have something like this on my car! I think Scott Wade is truly talented! Just awesome!

Ending Today!

Last chance~ ends tonight at midnight!

GO HERE TO ENTER!!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.
If you haven't visited her blog, you should!

8th Confession by James Patterson~

APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING At the party of the year, San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle...while someone is watching—waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder.
BUT THE TRUTH CAN BE DEADLY While Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile killings, someone else is found brutally executed—a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it and soon discovers the victim may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.
LET THE CONFESSIONS BEGIN As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and Lindsay's partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: Will love destroy all that four friends have built?

To Sin With A Scoundrel by Cara Elliot~

A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham, the Earl of Hadley is not accused of murdering anything—save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London’s newspapers.
Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.
Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl’s proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she had no choice but to make a deal with the Devil.
And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives—not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It’s a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don’t watch their step.

Surviving Your Doctors by Richard S Klein, M.D.~

Every year, 90,000 patients die in our American hospitals due to medical error. The price to individuals, families, and society at large is in the billions, and yet wrongful medical outcomes are often swept under the rug. Patients need to know how to avoid medical blunders from the minute they step foot in their doctor's office or hospital. This book, written from an insider's perspective, walks readers through the potential hazards of healthcare and offers guidance for how to avoid injury or worse.

Quick & Easy Tips To Lose Weight by Georgina Salgado Chavez~

Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight by health and wellness expert Georgina Salgado Chavez is for any person who has been struggling to lose weight and is looking for a permanent solution to keep the pounds off, and intends to boost their health to optimum levels. These tips are as practical as they are easy to do, and they can help anyone feel better, and gain strength, balance and energy. Written in reader-friendly prose, Chavez’s book takes a holistic and modern view of weight loss, addressing stress factors, chemical toxicity, movement and proper nutrition, as well as diet. Whether readers want to shed a few pounds or many, Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight is the sensible and effective way to do it.

Silent Scream by Karen Rose~

When a teenage girl dies in a suspicious fire, Detective Olivia Sutherland is assigned to track down the arsonist. Then she discovers something more sinister: a vicious blackmailer who preys on young people and murders without hesitation. Making her work even harder is sexy firefighter David Hunter. He's not only sharing the case but sparking memories of their long-ago night of passion, when feelings were left unspoken and hearts were broken.David has his own ghosts, and a million regrets. But while he and Olivia try to face the wall of pain between them, a diabolical puppet master is pulling strings to make a group of twentysomethings do his bidding. Soon Olivia and David are scouring the city for a calculating criminal who seems tantalizingly close--and is moving in for the kill.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies-Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith~

In this terrifying and hilarious prequel, we witness the genesis of the zombie plague in early-nineteenth-century England. We watch Elizabeth Bennet evolve from a naïve young teenager into a savage slayer of the undead. We laugh as she begins her first clumsy training with nunchucks and katana swords and cry when her first blush with romance goes tragically awry. Written by acclaimed novelist (and Edgar Award nominee) Steve Hockensmith, Dawn of the Dreadfuls invites Austen fans to step back into Regency England, Land of the Undead!

Well, thats all that was in MY mailbox this week...WHAT was in yours?