Cuban Egg Nog

Blogging about Creme de Vie (or Cuban eggnog) over at the Stiletto Gang today. Recipe included!
Here's the link. And Feliz Navidad!

I love this!

Monkey Bread Recipe!

Check out the fabulous Marilyn Brant's blog today where you'll find Megan Barlog's Monkey Bread recipe, which is also in the back of our winter anthology, Sleigh Ride.

I don't know why they call it Monkey Bread (don't worry, monkeys are NOT an ingredient) but it does sound fabulously delish and not too complicated to make so you know I'll be trying this one out soon!

Books I'm excited about

A couple of my pals have books coming out this week. Books I've been dying to get my paws on.

First, there's A SUMMER IN EUROPE (which seems very Room With A View-ish to me). Here's the info:

On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives and unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea's Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. The prospect isn't entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting -- an engagement ring from her boyfriend -- doesn't materialize, Gwen decides to go.

At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it's the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and beauty of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment -- skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience -- especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor -- Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within...

Sounds lovely, doesn't it? You can check out Marilyn's website right here.

Next up, it's time for dessert. Literally. I mean, this cover is so yummy that it should be at least 10 points on the Weight Watcher's Point scale.

SOME LIKE IT HOT by Louisa Edwards.

A sizzling blend of food, passion—and searing romance—the Rising Star Chef competition brings together the world’s hottest chefs for an all-star cook-off that’s sure to stir up excitement...and melt some hearts.

HE’S FEELING THE HEAT

Sexy, single, and even sweeter than the treats he bakes, New York pastry chef Danny Lunden is trying to stay focused on food—not females. With the Rising Star Chef competition approaching, he doesn’t have time to get all steamed up over the gorgeous woman he encounters on the plane to Chicago. Even if she is Eva Jansen—the billionaire heiress in charge of the contest...

SHE TAKES THE CAKE

Danny assumes that “Eva the Diva” is a spoiled rich girl who doesn’t share his passion for food. But when the two meet up again in an elevator—alone—they share more than just passion. They share a kiss hot enough to start a kitchen fire—and they’re hungry for more. To indulge their new secret craving, Eva and Danny have to break every rule in the cookbook. But—like chocolate and caramel—some ingredients are are so sinfully good together, one scrumptious bite is never enough...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm heading out of town to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family. This is where we will be. Yep, I'm excited!

I have so many things to be thankful for this holiday. My family is all healthy and that's the biggest blessing anyone can hope for.

Oh, and I'm also thankful that JR and Karina won Dancing With the Stars last night! Because if they hadn't... well, let's just say there would have been one very disgruntled fan.

Today, I'm blogging over at Girlfriends Book Club where I'm talking about how grateful I am to be a 21st century writer. And on Turkey Day I'll be at the Stiletto Gang.

See you on Monday!

These should be outlawed

Chick-fil-A's Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshake is the bomb. It's only available seasonally, but man, is it worth the wait.

I've been craving one for weeks now and finally gave in last night. I had a girls' night out- dinner at Food, Glorious, Food and then went to see Seussical at YAT. Megan's first big role was playing Gertrude McFuzz in her high school production and I think to date, it's still my favorite role of hers.

Will be finishing a crit on a fabulous romantic comedy written by my new cp (Jamie!) and then watching the Noles beat up on Virginia tonight (hopefully!)

Happy Saturday everyone!

Another Reason to love Susan Lucci

I admit it. I'm a huge fan of All My Children and have been since I was old enough to watch TV. Now that the show has been cancelled, it's like the world just isn't right anymore (dramatic, I know, but it's the simple things that keep us centered).

Susan Lucci (or La Lucci as I like to call her) has come out and blasted Prospect Park (the company that was going to keep AMC live online). Boo, Prospect Park! You can read it right here. It's just so Erica Kane of her and I love it. Tell it like it is, Susan. I think Brian Frons (the ABC exec who killed the show) and the folks at Prospect Park should go on Santa's Naughty List. Don't you?

PS I found this article through the Carly Phillips' Daily Paper, which is a terrific compilation of news from the romance and publishing and entertainment industry. If you don't subscribe, you should!

Sleigh Ride Giveaways

In order to celebrate the arrival of the new winter anthology, Sleigh Ride, there will be lots of giveaways going on this week

I've already given away a copy on Magical Musings, and today, there's another giveaway over at the Girlfriends Book Club blog. Just click here to comment and be entered.

To celebrate our launch, we're doing several great contests including the 7 Sleighs/7 Days of Giveaways contest (now on day 4) as well as the Big Stuffed Sleigh Contest that ends Nov. 30th ($150 value.)

Sleigh Ride is a collection of short stories, all involving a sleigh ride. My story is titled Noche Buena and is of course, a romance, which was lots of fun to write and involves characters from my next work in progress (to be titled later!). Here's an excerpt:

North of Havana, the town’s only Cuban restaurant, was the last trip on Maggie’s “Goodwill Tour of the Fruitcakes.” Every December 23rd, a representative of the Daughters of the Spanish Explorers (the town’s most prominent women’s club) brought a fruitcake and a Christmas card to all the local merchants. This year, as the club’s secretary, the task had fallen on Maggie. She’d purposely kept North of Havana as her last stop. It had given her something to look forward to.

The smell of simmering pork and sofrito made Maggie’s mouth water. She scanned the empty dining room with its scrubbed down Formica tables and brightly colored walls with the mural scenes of old Havana’s Malecón. Nestor had painted those murals himself.

She would never forget the first time she laid eyes on Nestor Vega. It was two years ago that she’d taken Lily, her Bison Frise, for her nightly stroll through down town when she’d spotted the lights in the abandoned restaurant building. Greg, Maggie’s brother-in-law and president of the First Coast Bank and Trust, had mentioned someone had bought the building, but he hadn’t given her details. As a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, Maggie’s curiosity had been aroused. She had put on her best “welcome to Old Explorers Bay” smile and prepared to greet the newest member of the business community, the Cuban immigrant from Miami who’d moved to Old Explorer’s Bay to open his own restaurant.

Faded jeans. No shirt. No shoes. Standing on a ladder and painting the restaurant walls fast and furiously to the sounds of Celia Cruz blaring from a portable CD player. Nestor, with his rough good looks and suave voice with the accent. He was Javier Bardem and Antonio Banderas wrapped up like the finest tobacco leaves to form the perfect Cuban cigar.

Adventures in Painting

This is what I did over the weekend. I painted my interior French doors black. With, I admit, a little help from my friends, those friends being Mike Geraci and Motrin (800 mg usually does the trick).

The hardware is still missing in this picture and the glass isn't scraped and cleaned, but what do you think? I love it. Formerly, these doors were painted a dull and predictable white (see outside door in the sun room). Those babies don't know it yet, but next weekend they are getting the same treatment because once you go black, you never go back (okay, sorry, I just had to say that).

My sister, Carmen (the fabulous owner of Soho Interior Design) and a kick ass decorator told me not to do it. You see, these doors in are in the "great room" (would love to know who came with that expression) and my "great room" has no windows. The only sunlight it gets is from the windows in the surrounding rooms, which a lot of time is okay, but sometimes not so okay. She thought the black doors would add to the poor light situation, but I don't think so. I think it makes my room "pop."

On a side note: painting your interior French doors black is a messy job. My manicure is now ruined, which means I'll have to hit the nail salon tomorrow (and I might as well get a pedi while I'm there too). Plus, all this work really builds up your appetite and take out Chinese on Weight Watchers is a real point hog (just sayin', although the sesame chicken was totally worth it!)

Truffles is Faking It

I think Truffles Geraci is moonlighting as a cover model...

Weight Watchers Day One

Okay, so if you follow me on FB you probably know that I joined Weight Watchers this week (Thursday to be exact) after going to the doc and discovering my blood pressure was 145/87 I figured I had to do something about all this extra weight I've been carrying around. Not even in the throes of hardest labor have I ever had a bp that high and since it's been 18 years since I've had a baby I figure it's time to get rid of the baby fat (ahem!) I also made Mike Geraci join because he's been talking about losing weight for years now and talk is all it is.

So I played around with the points thing on Thursday and made us a really healthy dinner. Yesterday, I had to renew my ACLS (that's Advanced Cardiac Life Support) for you non-medical folks and went out to lunch with my pals. We ended up at Crispers and I ordered their scrumptious signature summer salad (but only the half version) which turns out is 11 points. Now, 11 points might sound like a lot, but that half salad kept me full till dinner, where I admit, we went a little wild in the kitchen (point wise, not anything else in case you have that sort of mind).

After dinner, I tossed all the tempting stuff out the door or put it in deep freeze so that I can't get to it. I also hit Costco to stock up on chicken breasts, salmon and lean meat. That's where I discovered this: Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bars. 4 points. I can basically eat 7 of these a day and still stay withing my points. Not that I plan to do that or anything.

Writing short stories

Today, I'm over at the Stiletto Gang talking about how I learned to write a short story.

My first published short story will come out this November 11 in the winter anthology, Sleigh Ride. You can read all about it right here.

Isn't the cover lovely?

Making Progress with Truffles

Anyone who has ever met Truffles Geraci will agree she is one hot mess. This is her Halloween picture from last year. She is dressed as a pumpkin, and yes she is one cute hot mess, but still there you go.

Yesterday I got some advice from my pals at The Stiletto Gang on Truffles' latest problem (ie: not wanting to go on walks anymore). Thanks for the all the great advice, ladies! I did crate her yesterday afternoon, and that seemed to help.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Still Working Away

Edits. And more edits. And then some more edits. It's the only way a manuscript gets better. Yep, still plugging away at the manuscript that was due forever ago. Thank God I have a patient editor.

Meanwhile, whenever I have a spare second, I'm reading Little Black Dress, by the lovely Susan McBride. I can hardly put it down!

Two sisters whose lives seemed forever intertwined are torn apart when a magical little black dress gives each one a glimpse of an unavoidable future.

Antonia Ashton has worked hard to build a thriving career and a committed relationship, but she realizes her life has gone off track. Forced to return home to Blue Hills when her mother, Evie, suffers a massive stroke, Toni finds the old Victorian where she grew up as crammed full of secrets as it is with clutter. Now she must put her mother’s house in order—and uncover long-buried truths about Evie and her aunt, Anna, who vanished fifty years earlier on the eve of her wedding. By shedding light on the past, Toni illuminates her own mistakes and learns the most unexpected things about love, magic, and a little black dress with the power to break hearts… and mend them.

---

Why Writers need other writers

Today I'm over at the Stiletto Gang talking about how writers need other writers.

Oh, and I'm also talking about my dream kitchen. Here it is. Isn't it pretty?

Once Upon a Time

I'm so excited about this show! Check out the awesome trailer.

Little Things Make Big Differences

Today, it's my turn to post over at Magical Musings. I'm talking about the importance of literary reviews and how little things can make big differences. You can check it out right here.

I'm also going to be driving home to visit the folks and attend STAR's Super Saturday which will be featuring Candace Havens. I've been excited about this for a long time!

And last but not least, going to Super Saturday means I'm giving up my FSU vs. Oklahoma football ticket, but that's okay, because Mike Geraci is taking the middle child (20 year old GAtor son) to the game. I hope my boys have a great weekend bonding and GO NOLES!

How Mel is getting her groove back

Today, my good pal Mel is gust blogging over at Magical Musings. It's a fabulous post, so go check it out~

Everyone But You

Check out this wonderful collection of short stories by fellow Girlfriends Book Club author, Sandra Novack. You can download a FREE copy of one of the stories by clicking on this link

EVERYONE BUT YOU

A diverting blend of plaintive sex and literary references. --The New York Times

Novack follows her lauded debut, Precious (2009), with an electrifying collection of sexy, gutsy, imaginatively compassionate stories. Her female characters are frank and assertive, even when they’re clueless, and Novack writes equally convincingly from a man’s point of view. Vividly tactile, funny, irreverent, and incisive, these stories of imperiled relationships are also richly plotted. In the blisteringly funny and tough “Fireflies,” a hot number calling herself Lola picks up a guy named Harold as they watch a used-car lot go up in flames, ultimately teaching him a thing or two about the treacheries of love and the persistence of class divides. The arrival, via priority mail, of her long-estranged, now-deceased father’s wooden leg jolts a young woman into awareness of how empty her casual sexual conquests are. In “White Trees in Summer,” an elderly man who helped his acutely suffering wife die is harassed by teenagers. Novack’s keen and spirited tales delve into the crazy and cruel situations we helplessly devise and marvel over how unfathomable we are to each other and ourselves. — Donna Seaman, Booklist

“Novack is fascinated by those on the edge: of insanity, of break-ups, of self-discovery fraught with acute pain.”—Publishers Weekly

Title Change

I've been a bad blogger lately. That's because I've been busy trying to finish and polish up my manuscript that was due August 1 (thank God for understanding editors!). On another note, The Ugly Girlfriend is no more. It's now titled A Girl Like You. At least, that's the current consensus, unless something changes. I really can't wait to see the cover for this one. I cover conferenced with my editor a couple of weeks ago and the ideas we threw around are really exciting. Of course, it's all up to the art department at Berkley, but I'm really hoping they do a tie in cover to Boyfriend of the Month Club (even though the books are completely different.) We'll see.

In a couple of hours Mike Geraci and I are off to see our youngest daughter for parents weekend at UCF. Should be a fun time. The Knights are playing Boston College tonight and I'm really hoping for a home town win.

Have a great weekend, everyone. And go Noles!