Well, I recieved the news earlier that my book Shanghaied Groom needs a title change. That's to be expected, except that this title fits the story exactly and is referred to a few times in the story as well as in the ending lines. BUT, if I must, here are a few that I tossed out to my editor. We need to get final approval from the senior editor and won't know until early January.
For those of you lurking and would like to win an advance copy of my February release
RENEGADE WIFE, simply post in the comment section the title you think is going to be the winner.
If none of these are picked and a totally different title is chosen, then the very first one to comment will be sent an autographed copy of RENEGADE WIFE!
Here are the choices:
Counterfeit Groom
Abducted at the Altar
Stealing Shane's Heart
The Education of Dorie McCabe
Marriage of Deception
Mistaken Groom
The Reluctant Groom
Good luck! I hope they chose my favorite, but I'm not telling which one that is!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Holiday Recipe Nut Cups
Here's a great recipe for a delicious dessert that'll keep them coming back for more.
It's really easy, but a little time consuming and you'll need those mini cupcake tins. These
are small, but oh so tasty!
NUT CUPS (recipes from Charlene Sands )
1 PKG. CREAM CHEESE 3 OZ.
1/4 LB. BUTTER OR MARGARINE
1 CUP FLOUR
MIX WELL AND CHILL. THEN SHAPE INTO 24 BALLS - ABOUT ONE TSP. AND MOLD INTO CUPCAKE TINS (SMALL ONES)
FILLING
3/4 CUP NUTS (WALNUTS)
1 CUP SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE MORSELS
2 EGGS
1/2 CUP SUGAR
BEAT EGGS AND SUGAR WELL. ADD NUTS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. FILL WITH MIXTURE - ABOUT 1 1/2 TEASPOONS INTO EACH CUP
BAKE AT 375 FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL FILLING IS GOLDEN BROWN. REMOVE FROM TINS WHILE WARM ON PAPER TOWELING. PUT INTO PAPER CUPS AND SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR
It's really easy, but a little time consuming and you'll need those mini cupcake tins. These
are small, but oh so tasty!
NUT CUPS (recipes from Charlene Sands )
1 PKG. CREAM CHEESE 3 OZ.
1/4 LB. BUTTER OR MARGARINE
1 CUP FLOUR
MIX WELL AND CHILL. THEN SHAPE INTO 24 BALLS - ABOUT ONE TSP. AND MOLD INTO CUPCAKE TINS (SMALL ONES)
FILLING
3/4 CUP NUTS (WALNUTS)
1 CUP SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE MORSELS
2 EGGS
1/2 CUP SUGAR
BEAT EGGS AND SUGAR WELL. ADD NUTS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. FILL WITH MIXTURE - ABOUT 1 1/2 TEASPOONS INTO EACH CUP
BAKE AT 375 FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL FILLING IS GOLDEN BROWN. REMOVE FROM TINS WHILE WARM ON PAPER TOWELING. PUT INTO PAPER CUPS AND SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR
Monday, December 19, 2005
Romance News and Reviews!
I'm pleased to say that I've joined my good friend and fellow Desire author's new E-Zine, an online magazine featuring great articles, reports and reviews geared to entertain and educate writers and readers alike. To check out Barbara McCauley's great new free online magazine go to: http://www.romancenewstoday.com/ . I'll be writing articles for the magazine and my books will be featured soon. I'll keep you posted.
And Reviews are in for two movies. Yes, I said movies! I'm starting to catch up on my holiday viewing and thought I'd share with you my thoughts today.
KING KONG was very well done. I'm pleased to say this movie (unlike those in the past) was short on corny jokes and long on the understated -- at least as far as the ape/girl relationship goes. The special effects were magnificent. Never once did it appear fake, even when the ape carries our heroine all over the island, in the palm of his hand. That was a glowing achievement with the movie. Jack Black was great as the overly ambitious film producer too. He was perfectly cast. But where the movie went a little wrong and long was the over the top fight scenes with stampeding dinosaurs. Dinosaurs? Yes, it's a mysterious island with all sorts of creatures, but the original movie had one or two wandering about. It almost felt like we were in a 30 minute version of Jurassic Park. Too much, too long. And the islanders themselves weren't your typical natives. No, these people looked like they came straight out of a Steven King novel. Spooky. I had to wonder about the wisdom of parents bringing their young children to this movie -- as I noted many leaving the theatre with frightened children in tow. All in all, it's worth the price of admission. But the movie, like the ape - has its flaws. It was beauty killed the beast!
And my first time seeing RENT will certainly Not be my last time. Oh, the music, the story, the depth of emotion. I loved it. Not having seen the original play, I can only imagine how great this story would play out on stage in front of a live audience. My daughter, a RENT addict has seen the play at least four times, raving about the music. She knows the lyrics to every song by heart. So, we had to see this movie together. And perhaps that was part of the allure, seeing RENT with someone I love, who in turn, loves the story. Even a die-hard action movie buff like my husband enjoyed it. Definitely a movie worth seeing.
And Reviews are in for two movies. Yes, I said movies! I'm starting to catch up on my holiday viewing and thought I'd share with you my thoughts today.
KING KONG was very well done. I'm pleased to say this movie (unlike those in the past) was short on corny jokes and long on the understated -- at least as far as the ape/girl relationship goes. The special effects were magnificent. Never once did it appear fake, even when the ape carries our heroine all over the island, in the palm of his hand. That was a glowing achievement with the movie. Jack Black was great as the overly ambitious film producer too. He was perfectly cast. But where the movie went a little wrong and long was the over the top fight scenes with stampeding dinosaurs. Dinosaurs? Yes, it's a mysterious island with all sorts of creatures, but the original movie had one or two wandering about. It almost felt like we were in a 30 minute version of Jurassic Park. Too much, too long. And the islanders themselves weren't your typical natives. No, these people looked like they came straight out of a Steven King novel. Spooky. I had to wonder about the wisdom of parents bringing their young children to this movie -- as I noted many leaving the theatre with frightened children in tow. All in all, it's worth the price of admission. But the movie, like the ape - has its flaws. It was beauty killed the beast!
And my first time seeing RENT will certainly Not be my last time. Oh, the music, the story, the depth of emotion. I loved it. Not having seen the original play, I can only imagine how great this story would play out on stage in front of a live audience. My daughter, a RENT addict has seen the play at least four times, raving about the music. She knows the lyrics to every song by heart. So, we had to see this movie together. And perhaps that was part of the allure, seeing RENT with someone I love, who in turn, loves the story. Even a die-hard action movie buff like my husband enjoyed it. Definitely a movie worth seeing.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Be Prepared to Laugh
I wanted to share this with you! It's a hoot. Enjoy!
> > Why, Why, Why
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? <>
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
And my FAVORITE......
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
> > Why, Why, Why
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? <>
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
And my FAVORITE......
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Good Friends - the best kind
Yesterday, I was sitting at a restaurant at lunchtime, waiting for my lunch dates. It's something we try to do every month or so to keep in touch. And as I waited in this adorable cafe, sitting by the window facing out, I had my head down in my yearly calendar plotting my next week of appointments and fun things, like holiday parties. Deeply concentrating on my pocket-sized calendar, finally I heard a knocking on the outside window right in front of me. And when I looked up, there they stood, laughing, making faces in the window, knocking wildly to get my attention -- and I realized at that moment, we were all sixteen years old again. Those beautiful faces of my friends whom I've shared my life with had never changed. Our bodies might have aged some, but our minds and hearts are still those of our youth.
That's what it's like to have grown up with friends from grammar school. I feel fortunate for having kept in touch with many of those dear friends. We've been through marriages and divorces and deaths and babies and we've stayed close and loved each other throughout. It's not exactly the Desperate Housewives or Sex and the City kind of friendship, it's more subtle than that. We don't see each other every day and sometimes weeks go by without communicating, but our friendship never wavers. And no matter how long it's been since we've talked or seen each other -- when we do see each other, we pick up right where we left off.
Being sixteen again never felt so good!
That's what it's like to have grown up with friends from grammar school. I feel fortunate for having kept in touch with many of those dear friends. We've been through marriages and divorces and deaths and babies and we've stayed close and loved each other throughout. It's not exactly the Desperate Housewives or Sex and the City kind of friendship, it's more subtle than that. We don't see each other every day and sometimes weeks go by without communicating, but our friendship never wavers. And no matter how long it's been since we've talked or seen each other -- when we do see each other, we pick up right where we left off.
Being sixteen again never felt so good!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
The Ups and Downs of a Writing Life
Being creative isn't the problem. Most of us who write, have no problem coming up with stories in our heads, developing characters, making a plot work -- okay, I spoke too soon. We have those problems, but through careful thought and consideration we can overcome them to create a story we are proud of, to move a reader to tears, or tease a laugh out of them and even write a book for their "keeper" shelves. But what's so hard sometimes, is the publishing world in general. Nothing is constant. It keeps changing. And with those changes, come publishing woes, missteps and a reversal of policy.
It's a sink-or-swim life in the writing world. I know. I've almost drowned, only to have been thrown a rope every so often to keep me afloat. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I've weathered bad storms and managed to keep my head above water. For example, I started out writing for Kensington's new author program, Precious Gems. With the PG line, I got my feet wet as an author and I'm very proud of those three books, but when the line folded, I moved on to write historicals for Harlequin. I thought to myself -- now, I'm secure. Harlequin is successful. I won't have any worries. But after writing four books for them, the news wasn't good. The HH line (Harlequin Historicals) was almost executed, only to have been given a reprieve. Lucky me, I had just sold to Desire - a line I love, BTW, so I knew I'd be okay. Well, luckily, the HH line is holding its own and I just turned in my seventh book which will be out in the next year or so. But, lo and behold, the Desire line is now revamping, and the changes are challenging for the writer.
And most recently, many other lines in other publishing houses have folded, to never be heard from again. The newest line to fold with Harlequin is the Signature Select line which has been cut entirely. This doesn't have too much to do with me, since I don't write for that specialty line, but are you seeing a pattern here? It's a smart move to write for more than one line and for more than one publishing house. One never knows which ship will appear to toss you a rope once you splash down and you need to keep all of your options open.
In this crazy business, I've learned one important thing: The only consistency is the inconsistency. I'll keep reaching for those ropes, as long as someone out there is willing to toss one to me!
It's a sink-or-swim life in the writing world. I know. I've almost drowned, only to have been thrown a rope every so often to keep me afloat. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I've weathered bad storms and managed to keep my head above water. For example, I started out writing for Kensington's new author program, Precious Gems. With the PG line, I got my feet wet as an author and I'm very proud of those three books, but when the line folded, I moved on to write historicals for Harlequin. I thought to myself -- now, I'm secure. Harlequin is successful. I won't have any worries. But after writing four books for them, the news wasn't good. The HH line (Harlequin Historicals) was almost executed, only to have been given a reprieve. Lucky me, I had just sold to Desire - a line I love, BTW, so I knew I'd be okay. Well, luckily, the HH line is holding its own and I just turned in my seventh book which will be out in the next year or so. But, lo and behold, the Desire line is now revamping, and the changes are challenging for the writer.
And most recently, many other lines in other publishing houses have folded, to never be heard from again. The newest line to fold with Harlequin is the Signature Select line which has been cut entirely. This doesn't have too much to do with me, since I don't write for that specialty line, but are you seeing a pattern here? It's a smart move to write for more than one line and for more than one publishing house. One never knows which ship will appear to toss you a rope once you splash down and you need to keep all of your options open.
In this crazy business, I've learned one important thing: The only consistency is the inconsistency. I'll keep reaching for those ropes, as long as someone out there is willing to toss one to me!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Charlene's Newsletter for Dec 2005
December 2005
Happy Holidays to all!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness! It’s a gearing down time for me with writing and a gearing up time for the holidays with shopping (not my favorite thing) decorating and getting together with friends and family.
There are some new happenings on the horizon in 2006. First of all, the new Desire Dynasties Series, The Elliotts, will launch with Leanne Banks’ “Boardroom Proposition” in January and will continue on for entire year with my story Heiress Beware coming in June. See what happens when a sexy small town sheriff falls for a mysterious amnesia victim he promptly names his Jane Doe. There will be more news about that one coming later on!
And if you haven’t seen the cover for my new Harlequin Historical Renegade Wife, take a look at my homepage at http://www.charlenesands.com/. It’s my favorite cover to date and will be hitting the stores in early February.
For a hot summer read you won’t want to miss Bunking Down with the Boss coming this August! It’s another Hope Wells, Texas Desire that will be sure to please.
And check out my newest From the Heart Contest where you could win great prizes and copies of my latest books! Haven’t posted the prizes yet, but there’s jewelry involved – so be sure to enter soon!
I look forward to hearing from you and again,
Happy Holidays!!!
Charlene Sands
Visit www.charlenesands.com
Stop by for chat.
Enter "From the Heart" contest.
Read Charlene’s daily blog.
Happy Holidays to all!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness! It’s a gearing down time for me with writing and a gearing up time for the holidays with shopping (not my favorite thing) decorating and getting together with friends and family.
There are some new happenings on the horizon in 2006. First of all, the new Desire Dynasties Series, The Elliotts, will launch with Leanne Banks’ “Boardroom Proposition” in January and will continue on for entire year with my story Heiress Beware coming in June. See what happens when a sexy small town sheriff falls for a mysterious amnesia victim he promptly names his Jane Doe. There will be more news about that one coming later on!
And if you haven’t seen the cover for my new Harlequin Historical Renegade Wife, take a look at my homepage at http://www.charlenesands.com/. It’s my favorite cover to date and will be hitting the stores in early February.
For a hot summer read you won’t want to miss Bunking Down with the Boss coming this August! It’s another Hope Wells, Texas Desire that will be sure to please.
And check out my newest From the Heart Contest where you could win great prizes and copies of my latest books! Haven’t posted the prizes yet, but there’s jewelry involved – so be sure to enter soon!
I look forward to hearing from you and again,
Happy Holidays!!!
Charlene Sands
Visit www.charlenesands.com
Stop by for chat.
Enter "From the Heart" contest.
Read Charlene’s daily blog.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Charlene
December 2005
Happy Holidays to all!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness! It’s a gearing down time for me with writing and a gearing up time for the holidays with shopping (not my favorite thing) decorating and getting together with friends and family.
There are some new happenings on the horizon in 2006. First of all, the new Desire Dynasties Series, The Elliotts, will launch with Leanne Banks’ “Boardroom Proposition” in January and will continue on for entire year with my story Heiress Beware coming in June. See what happens when a sexy small town sheriff falls for a mysterious amnesia victim he promptly names his Jane Doe. There will be more news about that one coming later on!
And if you haven’t seen the cover for my new Harlequin Historical Renegade Wife, take a look at my homepage at www.charlenesands.com. It’s my favorite cover to date and will be hitting the stores in early February.
For a hot summer read you won’t want to miss Bunking Down with the Boss coming this August! It’s another Hope Wells, Texas Desire that will be sure to please.
And check out my newest From the Heart Contest where you could win great prizes and copies of my latest books! Haven’t posted the prizes yet, but there’s jewelry involved – so be sure to enter soon!
I look forward to hearing from you and again,
Happy Holidays!!!
Charlene Sands
Visit www.charlenesands.com
Stop by for chat.
Enter "From the Heart" contest.
Read Charlene’s daily blog.
Happy Holidays to all!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness! It’s a gearing down time for me with writing and a gearing up time for the holidays with shopping (not my favorite thing) decorating and getting together with friends and family.
There are some new happenings on the horizon in 2006. First of all, the new Desire Dynasties Series, The Elliotts, will launch with Leanne Banks’ “Boardroom Proposition” in January and will continue on for entire year with my story Heiress Beware coming in June. See what happens when a sexy small town sheriff falls for a mysterious amnesia victim he promptly names his Jane Doe. There will be more news about that one coming later on!
And if you haven’t seen the cover for my new Harlequin Historical Renegade Wife, take a look at my homepage at www.charlenesands.com. It’s my favorite cover to date and will be hitting the stores in early February.
For a hot summer read you won’t want to miss Bunking Down with the Boss coming this August! It’s another Hope Wells, Texas Desire that will be sure to please.
And check out my newest From the Heart Contest where you could win great prizes and copies of my latest books! Haven’t posted the prizes yet, but there’s jewelry involved – so be sure to enter soon!
I look forward to hearing from you and again,
Happy Holidays!!!
Charlene Sands
Visit www.charlenesands.com
Stop by for chat.
Enter "From the Heart" contest.
Read Charlene’s daily blog.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Tuesday's Tidbits
For those of you who are Online a lot, have you noticed that you're spending more and more time on the computer for various things? I'm a pretty sociable person. I like people and up until a year or two ago, my phone was always ringing. Nowadays, I communicate almost primarily through email. Whether for business -- speaking to my editors and critique friends, or personally, setting up lunch dates, telling jokes and keeping up on the latest gossips between best friends -- lately it's mostly done on the computer.
Is that a good thing? I'm not sure. My house is more quiet than ever though. The phone only rings when it's my kids -- and even they tend to email me alot lately. So, whether it's a good thing or not, it's happening more and more. And I'm wondering if that's the case with all of you too. Do you miss the phone calls?
Is that a good thing? I'm not sure. My house is more quiet than ever though. The phone only rings when it's my kids -- and even they tend to email me alot lately. So, whether it's a good thing or not, it's happening more and more. And I'm wondering if that's the case with all of you too. Do you miss the phone calls?
Monday, December 05, 2005
Monday's Musings
I'd almost forgotten how nice it is to sit down and read a book! I know it's hard to believe, but if there was one, and only one thing not great about being a writer, it's that when you're constantly on a deadline, you don't get the chance to read. AND the love of reading is how we all got into this business in the first place. Reading was the road that led many of us down the path to becoming writers.
It's pure joy to sit down with a good book written by many of my friends and acquaintances now, put my feet up and get totally immersed in a story. Lately, I've been doing that. Finished with my deadlines now, with more than half of my Christmas shopping done, and sending off a new Desire proposal this month, I now how the luxury of reading. And I'm enjoying it so much. It's the best way I know how to relax. The other day, it finally got cold enough in Southern CA, so we lit a fire in the fireplace. I sat by the fire and read a book from cover to cover. I know that this won't last. As I'm writing this a new "bible" for the continuity I'll be working on next is winging its way to me, but hopefully the mail will be slow and I'll have a few more days to enjoy my favorite pastime. I do love writing, but sometime I need to be reminded of why I'm doing it. After reading a great story, it becomes vivid and clear. And the inspiration is something that can't be bottled or described. It just IS.
It's pure joy to sit down with a good book written by many of my friends and acquaintances now, put my feet up and get totally immersed in a story. Lately, I've been doing that. Finished with my deadlines now, with more than half of my Christmas shopping done, and sending off a new Desire proposal this month, I now how the luxury of reading. And I'm enjoying it so much. It's the best way I know how to relax. The other day, it finally got cold enough in Southern CA, so we lit a fire in the fireplace. I sat by the fire and read a book from cover to cover. I know that this won't last. As I'm writing this a new "bible" for the continuity I'll be working on next is winging its way to me, but hopefully the mail will be slow and I'll have a few more days to enjoy my favorite pastime. I do love writing, but sometime I need to be reminded of why I'm doing it. After reading a great story, it becomes vivid and clear. And the inspiration is something that can't be bottled or described. It just IS.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Friday's Finds
Did you ever notice that when you were in school, you always knew the day/date? It's because you had to write it on all your papers and homework. Seems like I NEVER know the date anymore -- which tells you it's been a long time since I've been in school. I'm always asking the grocery clerk or bank teller or department store saleslady, what's the date today? Is today the ...? But yesterday I knew it was December 1st! I didn't have to look it up. I didn't see it on a calendar. It was the day, I could officially start decorating my house for Christmas. I've got the outdoor wreath up already! And when my hubby gets our Christmas boxes down from the garage attic, I'm all set to do up Christmas.
If you've read one of my last posts, you'll know that in my neighborhood, already we're behind schedule. Gosh, I still can't believe how many people put up their lights and outdoor decorations so quickly this year. The day after Thanksgiving, I saw a live Christmas tree being carted home in the back of a man's truck. My husband shook his head. "That tree will be dried out and a fire hazard in two weeks." It's true! It's why we sleep better at night now -- we caved in and bought an artificial (but very life-like) tree. It only took one neighbor losing their home to a Christmas tree fire to put us all on alert.
So, I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Anybody else doing the decorating dance this weekend?
If you've read one of my last posts, you'll know that in my neighborhood, already we're behind schedule. Gosh, I still can't believe how many people put up their lights and outdoor decorations so quickly this year. The day after Thanksgiving, I saw a live Christmas tree being carted home in the back of a man's truck. My husband shook his head. "That tree will be dried out and a fire hazard in two weeks." It's true! It's why we sleep better at night now -- we caved in and bought an artificial (but very life-like) tree. It only took one neighbor losing their home to a Christmas tree fire to put us all on alert.
So, I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Anybody else doing the decorating dance this weekend?
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Thursday's Words
Online shopping is going to be my best friend this holiday season. As I wander aimlessly into the malls and shops, I'm finding less and less I want to buy. Most of the things I see aren't unique enough and it's so time-consuming. Like I said in an earlier post, I really like to find gifts that are different and fun for my family and friends. So aside from those day trips I'll make, most of my shopping will be on the internet. This worked so well for me last year too. It means sitting at the computer for long intervals sometimes, but usually I find exactly what I want and if I order it early, it comes well before Christmas.
I guess I'm just not a mall shopper anymore and when I do go, it's in the later evening when there are no crowds. My mother loved shopping. She was born to shop. She would walk my feet off in her earlier days. She'd go and go from one end of the mall to the other and back. I remember those days so clearly. But now, I'm into making life simple. And the internet certainly does that!
I guess I'm just not a mall shopper anymore and when I do go, it's in the later evening when there are no crowds. My mother loved shopping. She was born to shop. She would walk my feet off in her earlier days. She'd go and go from one end of the mall to the other and back. I remember those days so clearly. But now, I'm into making life simple. And the internet certainly does that!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Wednesday's Words
The holidays are upon us and this year, I'm determined not to get stressed out. I'm planning ahead, shopping early, pacing myself. Don't you find that at times, there's so much to do around this time of year, that you don't find time to simply enjoy the season?
Well, this year, I am going to enjoy everything. I'll make time to go to holiday shows, see my niece's holiday chorus performance, decorate the house at my leisure, cook and bake in advance when I feel like it. It's taken me years to learn how to do this -- but I have a plan in action and it's working. I managed to gear down. I have nothing pressing to do workwise in December. I'm not killing myself finishing a deadline. I'm not going to teach classes after mid-December and I'm not going to do last minute shopping. My hubby has agreed. We're going to do late-night shopping at the malls to avoid the rush. We actually tried this last Friday night when our mall stayed open until 11PM. We went out at 8:30 and shopped without crowds and a big fuss until after 10PM. Most people aren't aware that our malls stay open very late during Christmas time, but it's the way to go.
I love to shop at unique places. A few weeks back I bought Christmas gifts in the scenic town of Ojai -- I found some great gift-buying ideas there and we lunched at a little English pub and had tea sandwiches. Very relaxing and fun. In the next few weeks, I plan on making a shopping trip to Solvang, a Swedish community that again, is a fun place to visit, eat and enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. They have wine-tasting cellars, great bakeries and shops you can't find anywhere else. That's my idea of mixing business with pleasure this holiday season. Hope you find a way to de-stress this holiday season as well. It makes all the difference!
Well, this year, I am going to enjoy everything. I'll make time to go to holiday shows, see my niece's holiday chorus performance, decorate the house at my leisure, cook and bake in advance when I feel like it. It's taken me years to learn how to do this -- but I have a plan in action and it's working. I managed to gear down. I have nothing pressing to do workwise in December. I'm not killing myself finishing a deadline. I'm not going to teach classes after mid-December and I'm not going to do last minute shopping. My hubby has agreed. We're going to do late-night shopping at the malls to avoid the rush. We actually tried this last Friday night when our mall stayed open until 11PM. We went out at 8:30 and shopped without crowds and a big fuss until after 10PM. Most people aren't aware that our malls stay open very late during Christmas time, but it's the way to go.
I love to shop at unique places. A few weeks back I bought Christmas gifts in the scenic town of Ojai -- I found some great gift-buying ideas there and we lunched at a little English pub and had tea sandwiches. Very relaxing and fun. In the next few weeks, I plan on making a shopping trip to Solvang, a Swedish community that again, is a fun place to visit, eat and enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. They have wine-tasting cellars, great bakeries and shops you can't find anywhere else. That's my idea of mixing business with pleasure this holiday season. Hope you find a way to de-stress this holiday season as well. It makes all the difference!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Monday's Musings
Did you all have a great Thanksgiving! We made two turkeys and tons of side dishes as well as some incredible desserts. Trying NOT to eat it all is the hardest part. But it was a fun day with our extended family. The weather cooperated so we played outdoor games -- bocce ball (an Italian bowling game of sorts) and a bean bag toss. My hubby gave out prizes for the winners and nothing makes our competive family more eager than knowing there is a prize at the end of the game!
But this blog is really about the early Christmas decorations going up this year. It's not even December yet! I know the stores and malls have a monopoly on getting out their Christmas decs right after Halloween for goodness sakes! But our neighbors have already put up massive lights, the newest giant inflatable snow globes (have you seen them? They are wonderful!) and their holiday scenes. Wow! Is this true in your neighborhoods too? Or are my California neighbors simply getting into the holiday spirit before everyone else this year? Last week we had 80 degree weather, so maybe they needed something to get into the mood. But this week it's in the chilly 60's. Cold for southern Californians! Well, whatever it is, our decorations won't go up until it's offically December. It's my husband's firm and fast rule. I guess we'll be behind the Jones'.
But this blog is really about the early Christmas decorations going up this year. It's not even December yet! I know the stores and malls have a monopoly on getting out their Christmas decs right after Halloween for goodness sakes! But our neighbors have already put up massive lights, the newest giant inflatable snow globes (have you seen them? They are wonderful!) and their holiday scenes. Wow! Is this true in your neighborhoods too? Or are my California neighbors simply getting into the holiday spirit before everyone else this year? Last week we had 80 degree weather, so maybe they needed something to get into the mood. But this week it's in the chilly 60's. Cold for southern Californians! Well, whatever it is, our decorations won't go up until it's offically December. It's my husband's firm and fast rule. I guess we'll be behind the Jones'.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Wednesday's Words
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MEAL WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. ENJOY THE WEEKEND!
SEE YOU BACK ONLINE NEXT MONDAY!
GOBBLE! GOBBLE!
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MEAL WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. ENJOY THE WEEKEND!
SEE YOU BACK ONLINE NEXT MONDAY!
GOBBLE! GOBBLE!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Friday's Finds
We just made some adjustments to our website. Look and see my great new February Historical cover that's up there! I'm so happy with it. I really love the colors, the scene and the back cover description. It fits the story so well.
And Congratulations to the winner of my Autumn in the Air contest for 2005, Cindy Marciel! The goodies are on the way. And the new contest is up and running for 2006, so don't delay, sign up to win. I'll be gathering new prizes and posting them up in January -- but an autographed RENEGADE WIFE will certainly be in the list of new prizes!
And Congratulations to the winner of my Autumn in the Air contest for 2005, Cindy Marciel! The goodies are on the way. And the new contest is up and running for 2006, so don't delay, sign up to win. I'll be gathering new prizes and posting them up in January -- but an autographed RENEGADE WIFE will certainly be in the list of new prizes!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Wednesday's Words
Thanksgiving isn't even upon us yet and already I'm thinking about Christmas and all the shopping and decorating I intend to do. In our neighborhood, I'm amazed at how many homes are decorated with Christmas lights, reindeer, Santas in a bubble and much more, already! This is the earliest I've seen decorations go up EVER. Wow, people must really be in the holiday spirit. Or, with the soaring temperatures here in CA reaching record heights, maybe they are trying to compensate. :)
The shopping malls keep reminding us it's the holiday season and we're all aware that we should start on our Christmas lists soon, if we are to get in the great one-day sales! I'm not a shopper by any means and I do make lists so that I'm not going crazy in the stores, but last year I did a good deal of my shopping online. It worked out great as long as you do it early enough to get the goods in proper time. It's easier to navigate some of the sites and buy, then fight the crowds in the malls. This year I'm sure I'll do both, but as our kids get older, it's harder and harder to find the right gifts for them. My hubby said to put the fun back into our gift-giving, this year we're all going to get one "toy". Either a game, puzzle or something different that we can open up and enjoy on Christmas day. I like the sound of that!
The shopping malls keep reminding us it's the holiday season and we're all aware that we should start on our Christmas lists soon, if we are to get in the great one-day sales! I'm not a shopper by any means and I do make lists so that I'm not going crazy in the stores, but last year I did a good deal of my shopping online. It worked out great as long as you do it early enough to get the goods in proper time. It's easier to navigate some of the sites and buy, then fight the crowds in the malls. This year I'm sure I'll do both, but as our kids get older, it's harder and harder to find the right gifts for them. My hubby said to put the fun back into our gift-giving, this year we're all going to get one "toy". Either a game, puzzle or something different that we can open up and enjoy on Christmas day. I like the sound of that!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Tuesday's Thoughts
It's the middle of November already and here in California we're having our Santana Winds and very warm weather. Yesterday it was in the mid 80's. Today the temps should soar even higher with those warm winds. It's hard to believe it'll be Thanksgiving soon!
For those of you that haven't entered our contest, today's the last day. We'll be picking a winner tonight! So don't delay. There are some great prizes in the package that go along with a copy of Like Lightning and The Courting of Widow Shaw. There's still time to enter!!
For those of you that haven't entered our contest, today's the last day. We'll be picking a winner tonight! So don't delay. There are some great prizes in the package that go along with a copy of Like Lightning and The Courting of Widow Shaw. There's still time to enter!!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Monday's Musings
Had a great weekend, meeting up with my high school friends and catching up on news! It's funny how much more your lasting friendships mean to you when you get a little bit older. Some of the girls I've known since grammar school! But it was a nice surprise to get together at the last minute to have lunch -- all of us living in different areas and doing different things in our lives.
And now, as promised here's another great recipe for Thanksgiving. This one is borrowed from one of the Harlequin Hussies -- our online chat group -- and it's a nice alternative to regular cranberry sauce.
THANKSGIVING CRANBERRY MOLD
2 CANS JELLIED CRANBERRY SAUCE
1 BOX ORANGE JELLO (LARGE)
12 OZ SPRITE OR 7 UP
COOK CRANBERRY SAUCE , STIRRING UNTIL BARELY BOILING AND MELTED.
ADD JELLO POWDER – STIR UNTIL BOILING BARELY
TURN OFF HEAT
PUT IN FRIDGE FOR 20-30 MIN TO COOL
PUT SPRITE IN AND STIR
POUR INTO JELLO MOLD WITH NON-STICK SPRAY
UNMOLD IN HOT WATER – IF RUNNY- PUT IN FREEZER FOR A FEW MIN.
It makes a colorful addition to your table when you surround the mold with fresh leaves and orange or lemon slices. Try it! And enjoy. Let me know what you think! (Do I sound a little like Martha Stewart?)
And now, as promised here's another great recipe for Thanksgiving. This one is borrowed from one of the Harlequin Hussies -- our online chat group -- and it's a nice alternative to regular cranberry sauce.
THANKSGIVING CRANBERRY MOLD
2 CANS JELLIED CRANBERRY SAUCE
1 BOX ORANGE JELLO (LARGE)
12 OZ SPRITE OR 7 UP
COOK CRANBERRY SAUCE , STIRRING UNTIL BARELY BOILING AND MELTED.
ADD JELLO POWDER – STIR UNTIL BOILING BARELY
TURN OFF HEAT
PUT IN FRIDGE FOR 20-30 MIN TO COOL
PUT SPRITE IN AND STIR
POUR INTO JELLO MOLD WITH NON-STICK SPRAY
UNMOLD IN HOT WATER – IF RUNNY- PUT IN FREEZER FOR A FEW MIN.
It makes a colorful addition to your table when you surround the mold with fresh leaves and orange or lemon slices. Try it! And enjoy. Let me know what you think! (Do I sound a little like Martha Stewart?)
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Thursdays Thoughts
Shanghaied Groom, my latest historical is happily winging its way to my publisher. So, with this year's work completed, my focus is on the holidays. I love to bake and will share some of my favorite holiday or any day, recipes with you.
This is one is easy, but a little time-consuming since there's a few stages. But you'll love the outcome. They're pretty and so delicious!
Enjoy!
Anybody care to share their favorite recipes?
This is one is easy, but a little time-consuming since there's a few stages. But you'll love the outcome. They're pretty and so delicious!
NUT CUPS (Great for the holidays!)
1 PKG. CREAM CHEESE 3 OZ.
1/4 LB. BUTTER OR MARGARINE
1 CUP FLOUR
MIX WELL AND CHILL. THEN SHAPE INTO 24 BALLS - ABOUT ONE TSP. AND MOLD INTO CUPCAKE TINS (SMALL ONES)
FILLING
3/4 CUP NUTS (WALNUTS)
1 CUP SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE MORSELS
2 EGGS
1/2 CUP SUGAR
BEAT EGGS AND SUGAR WELL. ADD NUTS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. FILL WITH MIXTURE - ABOUT 1 1/2 TEASPOONS INTO EACH CUP
BAKE AT 375 FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL FILLING IS GOLDEN BROWN. REMOVE FROM TINS WHILE WARM ON PAPER TOWELING. PUT INTO PAPER CUPS AND SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR
Hint: Be sure to use cooking spray for the muffin tins.
Sometimes those smaller paper cups are hard to find. If you can't find them, they are pretty without them too, just be sure to sprinkle with powdered sugar. 1 PKG. CREAM CHEESE 3 OZ.
1/4 LB. BUTTER OR MARGARINE
1 CUP FLOUR
MIX WELL AND CHILL. THEN SHAPE INTO 24 BALLS - ABOUT ONE TSP. AND MOLD INTO CUPCAKE TINS (SMALL ONES)
FILLING
3/4 CUP NUTS (WALNUTS)
1 CUP SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE MORSELS
2 EGGS
1/2 CUP SUGAR
BEAT EGGS AND SUGAR WELL. ADD NUTS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. FILL WITH MIXTURE - ABOUT 1 1/2 TEASPOONS INTO EACH CUP
BAKE AT 375 FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL FILLING IS GOLDEN BROWN. REMOVE FROM TINS WHILE WARM ON PAPER TOWELING. PUT INTO PAPER CUPS AND SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR
Hint: Be sure to use cooking spray for the muffin tins.
Enjoy!
Anybody care to share their favorite recipes?
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