A New Compulsion?

Already, I'm ready to confess. Again. I may have just turned in one habit for another. I've had a lot of time on my hands since the holiday, more than I usually have. So, being a writer, I do what writers (who aren't writing) do. I read. A lot.

I've read a couple of chick lit books, one of my favorite genres. I love the heroine as flawed human, falling into and out of silly scrapes but ultimately finding her way to her destiny. Yeah, I like them.

But I've discovered another line of books that, well, has me intrigued. I've read two so far and enjoyed them both. I won't say which publisher they're from but I will tell you they are short. And hot. Really hot. And very well written. Not a bad way to pass a spare hour or two, believe me!

Um...I wonder what Mickey's going to think of this new interest? ;-)

Happy New Year!

In the closet

It's that time of year again. The time to make resolutions, kick bad habits, begin anew. Right? Fresh start, all that happy stuff?

In honor of New Year's, new beginnings, blah blah blah, I'm doing a bit of housecleaning. Sort of...um, well...sort of taking stock, as it were. Of...well, this and, um...well, that. All right. I'll confess. After the Jimmy Choo incident (yes, that is what Mickey's calling it!) I've decided to (hopefully!) gain control of some of my obsessions. When I say it like that I sound deranged. How about if we call them "compulsions"? Hmm...that still sounds nuts, doesn't it?

All right, I'll just come right out with it. I love shoes. Have a ton of 'em. The JC's are tucked into the closet, high on the shelf so I'm not tempted to take them out, look at them and decide I just might need the other pair I was jonesing for, too. So, Jenyfer, no pics. Sorry! I don't know if I can control myself, at least not yet. It's still early in this New Year, new control on compulsion/obsession/shoe deal.

Ugh. Is life supposed to be this hard? Anything but shoes...

So today I'll be taking stock of my closet. The theory is that if I actually come face-to-face with this (supposed) overabundance of shoes (really, can you ever have too many shoes? I think not.) I'll realize I've got to put a stop to this...whatever it is.

I wonder if that's going to apply to chocolate, too? Would that be a compulsion/obsession thing? Because I've got three boxes of Godiva tucked onto the shelf beside the Jimmys...

Saks and the Single Girl

Ugh. I've done it again. I was supposed to be shopping for post-holiday bargains but, well...they called me. That's right, they called me. So really, it wasn't my fault. Not at all.

Um, do you buy that story?

Didn't think you would.

All right, so I admit it. I caved. I gave in to my obsession. I fell off the wagon. Big time. No little tumble for me. Oh no, when I fall I do it in a big way.

Full price. No sale. No bargain. All right, so they're more of a post-holiday indulgence than a bargain.

But everyone needs shoes, right? And they are the most gorgeous pair of heels I've ever seen. I think I'm in love.

Thank you, Jimmy. Choo, that is. ;-)

Today in the Big Apple

It's all about the shopping today in the Big Apple. After-Christmas sales are out of this world so every year I take advantage of the savings to stock up on gift wrappings, cards and ornaments. I love this day, spend far too much money and usually schlep around until my arms, legs and feet are killing me. Isn't it weird, how one person's nightmare is another's dream day? ;-)

5 Cups for North Pole Naughty!

Looking for a good holiday read? Why not try North Pole Naughty, available from Ellora's Cave?

Coffee Time Romance gave it a 5-Cup Review!

"Steve is the mall Santa and quite a cutie under his beard and Santa costume. He is everything Liz wants, and so much more male than the man that left her.

Liz is confused why she keeps thinking about Steve. What if Rob comes back for her? Should she not at least wait to find out if Rob will come for her? But she cannot deny her attraction for Steve.

Steve does not know she is on the rebound, so he is confused to see her continue to run away when he knows she likes him just as much as he likes her. She thought she was in love, but the man that left her for Alaska did not see it as more than lust. Could she give Steve a chance without feeling guilty?

Filled with fun and sexual tension, this Christmas story was a sweet and sexy romance that was a perfect size for a lunch hour quickie. What a great way to warm up for the holidays. This was the perfect holiday treat."

-Missy,Reviewer for Coffee Times Romance

Tinsel For Lunch Contest

Sigh...

I wish I could have sent gift baskets to everyone who entered this contest. There were so many wonderful traditions sent in. Some made me laugh, others made me teary, but they all gave me smiles and goosebumps. I love it that everyone celebrates with their own special traditions.

At our house we're having the annual Tinsel Luncheon tomorrow. :)

North Pole Naughty

Need a little holiday pick-me-up? A pick-me-up that warms you up...in all the right spots, if you know what I mean?

Why not pick up your copy of North Pole Naughty? Guaranteed to heat your world, one inch at a time!

Santa never looked so good!!

Elf? Did someone say elf?

Your Elf Name Is...

Booty Mince Meat

What's" Your Elf Name?

Hidden Talents

Ever get an email that just puts a huge smile on your face? Sure you have. We all have. I got one this morning. It put a smile on my face and set me thinking, a sometimes dangerous proposition, I assure you. :)

We all have hidden talents, don't we? To the world, we're one thing...doctor, lawyer, Indian chief, author... But behind that "one public persona" we have so much more. Some people paint. Others dance or sing or garden or--who knows?--make origami birds. (Don't laugh. Have you ever tried making origami birds? It's not as easy as it looks!) Others, like this author friend of mine who gave me something to think about with her gorgeous photos, sew.

This woman makes quilts that are beyond pretty. They're breathtaking, the kind that make you forget they are scraps of fabric and not living, breathing art. She's got talent, besides her writing talent (and of course the many other talents she has, most of which are also probably hidden!), but for the most part she keeps it hidden. She sews like the wind and I can't help but be overwhelmed. I sew, too, but nothing like she does. She's good. Really, really good.

So this morning her email sharing her latest creation just made my day. Put a smile on my face, gave me a mind picture that I'll come back to again and again, and gave me something to think about. Hidden talents. Now when I pass someone on the street I don't think I'll be able to help myself...I'll wonder what his or her hidden talent is.

Oh, and me? I play the piano. I don't tell a lot of people that I do, but I do. I love to play and, if I do say so myself, I'm pretty good at it. Not orchestra good, but more than passable. But that's a talent I pretty much keep to yourself.

What about you? What talents do you keep hidden? :)

Christmas Cookies

We make these Butter Cookies every year. Enjoy!

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. orange juice
3 c. sifted flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt

Cream butter until very light. Add sugar gradually and continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add orange juice.

Sift together flour, salt, soda and powder. Add to creamed mixture gradually.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.

Roll out on floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Brush lightly with water and add colored sprinkles if desired.

Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees F for about 12 minutes or until delicately brown. Cool before storing.

Ho Ho Ho!

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring. You celebrate the holidays in an over the top style. If something is cute, you'll buy it. People end up with a lot of gifts from you - and your house is like a holiday wonderland, full of decorations. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Keep 'Em Coming!

Oh my gosh, you guys are awesome! I'm getting so many wonderful responses to the Tinsel For Lunch contest! Thanks, Jenyfer, for posting it to the EC chat loop. I meant to do that myself but truthfully NaNo has had me tied in knots all November long! But hey, that's behind me now so I can settle into living "normal" life again, right?

I've loved reading the responses to the Tinsel For Lunch Contest. I'm amazed by the diversity of everyone's holiday traditions. They're all wonderful and the best part is that each and every one of them is grounded in love.

Keep 'em coming! I'll choose the winner on the 15th!