Nina's Notes

HOHOHO

2008-12-10T01:19:00.000-02:00

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 6/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.

When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Some people believe that all animals can speak on Christmas Eve. But it's bad luck to test this superstition.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

HO HO HO

2008-12-10T01:17:00.000-02:00

You Know a Lot About Christmas

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-07T09:13:00.000-02:00

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.

Reindeer?

2008-12-03T01:10:00.000-02:00

You Are Dancer

Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance.

Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer.

Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Violet Moons, an excerpt

2008-12-02T13:02:00.000-02:00

Violet Moons excerpt:

Beneath the cloudless azure sky they broke camp quickly. A beautiful day was a good day for traveling and they both knew it.
“So, you still have not told me where you are going.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Well?” asked Priam. She had been an enthusiastic lover and they had pleasured each other so often throughout the long night that he felt as if he knew her body intimately, but her hidden personality very little.
His longing to know her mind more fully was as obvious as his desire for her body.
“Well what? I have not told you, no. And I am not certain that I will be telling you, either,” she teased. She rolled her sleeping mat into a tiny ball and stuffed it into her traveling pouch. “And what of it, Priam? You have not told me where you are headed.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Well?”
He ran a hand down his newly bound side tails. They framed his face handsomely, he knew. He did not indulge in vanity but facts were facts and his long thick hair was the envy of many women in his kingdom.
Right now he would have gladly traded it for the chance to read Wathalia’s thoughts.
There were tales, ancient tales, that told of those who could read thoughts. He had always wished that the trait of thought-reading could still be cultivated among the people, but try as he might he could not figure out how to do it.
It would have been a talent that would serve him well at this moment in time.
Something else, he thought. Ask her something else.
“Where are you from, sweet Wathalia? Where did your journey begin?”
She hesitated, but only for an instant, before she answered his question. There could be no harm in his knowing where she had come from. After all, everyone came from somewhere, did they not?
“Vestia. I come from Vestia,” she said. “It is a kingdom about two days’ walk in…” she searched the sky to get her bearings, “in that direction,” she finished, pointing at a distant point somewhere behind them.
“Ah yes, I have heard of Vestia.”
“You have?”
“Of course. It is a place that is known for peaceful living, fertile lands and beautiful women. I have never seen it with my own eyes but I know now that the part about beautiful women has not been exaggerated. If anything, it is an understatement.”
“Ah, you know how to say the right things to make a woman swoon, do you not?”
“Are you swooning?”
She laughed, the easy heart-lifting laughter that seemed to come quickly and often between them. He joined in her laughter as he rose from where he was packing his travel pouch. Reaching for her, he pulled her body against his.
“I wish we had time to linger,” Priam said. He bent his head and touched her lips with his own. “I would like nothing more than to hold you close, feel you shiver and shake against me once more. Last night was a time of wonder and joy for me, Wathalia. You taught me much.”

Pick-me-up?

2008-11-27T07:31:00.000-02:00

Wondering what to do today? Need a quick pick-me-up after a round of holiday shopping? Want to get in the holiday spirit? Why not try NORTH POLE NAUGHTY from Ellora's Cave? It's guaranteed to steam up your holidays!

NORTH POLE NAUGHTY
NINA NASH
Rating: 5 Cups by Missy at Coffee Time Romance!

"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...

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, Coffee Time Romance

Cream Puffs

2008-11-26T06:43:00.000-02:00

I made these last night and they are to die for!

Of course I can't give away the secret canoli recipe from Recipe for Love but I can share one that's always been a hit in our house!I love strawberries. And I love cream puffs. So easy-to-bake cream puffs with strawberry sauce? Enough to steal my heart, for sure.

Okay, here goes. The recipe for Steal-My-Heart Cream Puffs:

Puffs:
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup very cold butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 eggs, whisked together

Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
5 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur

Strawberry Puree:
4 cups strawberries, mashed and passed through a sieve
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.

Pre-heat over to 375 degrees.

Heat water and butter in saucepan over medium heat until water comes to a boil and butter melts. Lower heat to a simmer and add sugar and flour. Stir briskly until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and cool slightly. When dough has cooled a bit, add beaten eggs and mix well. Drop dough by tablespoonsful onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes. When golden colored, remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

While cream puffs bake, whip cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in liqueur.When puffs have cooled, cut in them in half and fill. They may also be filled by using a pastry bag, if you prefer.

If not serving right away, place filled cream puffs in fridge.

Just before serving, make the puree by placing all remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly, until mixture thickens. Cool slightly before serving with cream puffs.

Enjoy!

Tools Everywhere!

2008-11-25T08:38:00.000-02:00

It's always something, isn't it? I mean, when you've got a guy who watches the DIY network, Bob Villa and every other home renovation show on television you're bound to have some dust in your life. And, if you're really lucky (heavy on the sarcasm here!), some power tools. Some, even, with ridiculously long chords.

Arrgghhh!!

When will that man learn not to leave his drill laying around? I can't even begin to count the number of "discussions" we've had about it.

Last night I got up in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep. I headed to the kitchen, thinking a cup of chamomile tea might put me back to sleep. Instead I got a lump on my head that's going to look fabulous later today.

He says I'm clumsy. I say he's irresponsible.

Whatever.

All I know is I tripped over his damn tool. I nearly tossed it out the window, I was so annoyed.

Yeah, it's always something, isn't it?

Melting the Polar Ice Cap

2008-11-24T06:36:00.000-02:00

North Pole Naughty, my second Ellora's Cave title, was released mid-December, 2006. What is the story about? Well, I just happen to have a blurb...

The holidays aren't starting off the way Liz hoped.Arriving in Wyoming the month before Christmas with her belongings in cardboard boxes and her heart in tatters she finds refuge on her sister's couch. While she waits for her ex-boyfriend Rob to come to his senses she takes a job as an elf at Santa's cottage in the local park. And as she focuses on getting her topsy-turvy life back in order she notices something.

Someone, actually. Someone wearing a red velvet Santa suit.

Someone so hot he could melt the polar ice cap. Someone named Steve who is all she ever dreamed of finding beneath her sprig of mistletoe.

Can working as an elf for a few weeks bring Liz a holiday gift that will last a lifetime?

North Pole Naughty

2008-11-23T08:30:00.000-02:00

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!!

Don't Stop Now!

2008-11-22T09:23:00.000-02:00

Oh my gosh, you guys are awesome! I'm getting so many wonderful responses to the Tinsel For Lunch contest!

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!

Today in the Big Apple

2008-11-21T09:25:00.000-02:00

Walking the streets of New York is always interesting. You see all sorts of things. Some good. Some not so great. Today I saw something that made my heart sing.

Was walking past the tree in Rockefeller Center. A woman and a small child were standing there, looking up and talking. She was explaining to the little boy what was going on. He listened intently, and when she was finished he asked a question that really, truly grabbed me.

"So will they put a star on the top so the three kings will know where to go?"

Sweet. Very sweet and innocent. And it brought the holiday to a new level in a flash.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

2008-11-20T09:18:00.000-02:00

A few days ago Mickey and I watched the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree go up. Every year I think the tree can't get any better but every year I think this year's tree is the best of the bunch. Funny, isn't it?

Take it from me, this year's tree is breathtaking. Huge and full and pretty even without lights. I can't wait to see what it looks like all decorated for the holidays.

We have a real tree every year. If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? And what kind of tree do you favor?

Ours will go up the day after Thanksgiving. So exciting!

NaNo Noveling

2008-11-19T09:14:00.000-02:00

I have been writing a NaNo novel. It's a compulsion, I think, to challenge myself to write a 50,000-word novel in under 30 days. I have so much fun doing the challenge that I can't imagine what November would be like without this event.

I'm almost done with my new novel. I had a blast writing without editing and it just about wrote itself. I plan to put it away until after the new year, then settle down and work on rewrites. Very different from what I usually do, or what I usually write.

Have you ever done (or are you doing) the NaNo challenge? If you're doing it this year, I hope it's going well for you! Remember, we're just past the halfway point so keep writing.

I've got to get back. Chapter 19 awaits!

Holiday Gift Shopping?

2008-11-18T09:09:00.000-02:00

Need a holiday gift? One that's a little bit exotic, a tad racy? Why not try my first EC novel, Cairo By Moonlight? It's perfect for stuffing a stocking!

Two Lips Reviews gave it four lips!

Part of the Two Lip Review:

"...Cairo by Moonlight is a suspenseful story about two people relearning their importance to one another. As Layla and Caleb fall in love all over again, their passion ignites the pages. The love scenes are blissfully frequent and erotically creative. Rarely have I read a book that is so sensual in nature. I would have enjoyed understanding more about how they grew apart or even why they married since their issues seemed deeply ingrained into their personalities. That aside, Nina Nash has provided for her readers an engrossing story full of history, culture, suspense, romance and hot sensuality that I recommend reading. The ending alone will leave you wanting more..."

Thanks, Two Lips!

Tinsel for Lunch Contest

2008-11-17T09:06:00.000-02:00

I know, Tinsel For Lunch sounds crazy, doesn't it? But in our family it's a phrase that's as ordinary as "Good morning" or "Pass the salt, please." I was three, and it was Christmas Eve. Lunchtime. My mother asked what I'd like to eat. I think she was considering pb&j or grilled cheese. I answered, "Tinsel for lunch." Then I insisted it looked like spaghetti, and that nothing else would do. She served spaghetti with butter sauce which apparently looked similar enough to tinsel to satisfy me. Every year since, tinsel for lunch is something we have around the holidays. Of course, the spagetti has grown more sophisticated but the annual Tinsel Luncheon is one of our family traditions.

Please share one of your holiday traditions with me. As my way of saying "Thank you for sharing!" I'll enter you in the Tinsel For Lunch Contest. The winner will receive a large wicker gift basket filled with holiday goodies ... Godiva chocolate, bubble bath, a NY snowman sweatshirt, a gift card, a couple of holiday DVDs and a bunch of other stuff that will, I hope, make the winner's holiday season a bit more festive. So what have you got to lose? Share a memory, enter a contest and everyone's a winner because I believe remembering past holidays makes the present one even more special. A grand prize winner will receive my stuffed holiday basket!

And you don't even have to eat Tinsel For Lunch!

Email me at ninascontests@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!The drawing will be held on December 15th. I'd like the basket to arrive at the winner's house by Christmas Eve. And yes, there will be fixings in the basket to make Tinsel For Lunch, too. ;-)

Old Favorite

2008-11-14T06:11:00.000-02:00

maggie and millie and molly and may

maggie and millie and molly and may
went down to the beach (to play one day)

and maggie discovered a shell that sang
so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and

millie befriended a stranded star
who's rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing
which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and

may came home with a smooth round stone
as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea.

--E. E. Cummings (American poet 1894-1962)

Angel Wings

2008-11-13T06:14:00.000-02:00

Aren't they gorgeous?

Almond Sand Dollars

2008-11-12T06:08:00.000-02:00

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg, separated
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sliced almonds

Preparation
Beat 1 cup softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until well blended. Add 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk, beating until blended.

Combine flour and baking powder. Add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Shape dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.

Roll dough to an 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut with a 3-inch round cutter.

Place on lightly greased, parchment paper-lined baking sheets; brush with lightly beaten egg white.

Stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over cookies. Gently press 5 almond slices in a spoke design around center of each cookie.

Bake at 350° for 4 minutes; remove pan from oven, and gently press almonds into cookies again.

Bake 4 more minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

Gearing up for the holidays!

2008-11-10T06:07:00.000-02:00

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

Recipe for Love

2008-11-09T06:05:00.000-02:00

"Recipe For Love was a super hot, comical short tale that will have you glued to your seat and eagerly turning the pages until the very last words are read. I gobbled this wonderful novella up in one quick setting. I was constantly being flip-flopped between full-blown lustful images to moments that had me bowing over with laughter. Gabi’s Nonna was a hoot and a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely not your typical granny. The sexual encounters displayed in Recipe for Love were deliciously naughty and fun-loving. I really enjoyed reading this Valentine’s Day story and it certainly had me wishing for a sample the famous recipe." - Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews

Key West Pasta

2008-11-07T18:02:00.000-02:00

When we're here in Florida we often eat at a small restaurant nearby. I won't divulge the name of the place but the chef has seen us so often he comes out and talks to us almost every time we stop in. Mickey and I both love his pasta primavera. Last night I finagled the recipe out of him...more or less. You'll see what I mean when you read it. There are no measurements--just a handful of this and a pinch of that, he says. Adjust it to suit your own tastes, I guess. Anyhow, here's the best (if somewhat sketchy) pasta primavera recipe I know. Enjoy!

Pasta Primavera
green beans, trimmed
broccoli florets
asparagus slices
red bell pepper, chopped
olive oil
chopped onion
minced fresh garlic
pinch crushed red pepper
fresh green peas
pinch salt
chopped fresh basil
shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
pasta of your choice

*we've been eating fettucine*

Cook green veggies until just tender; drain. Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and cook until soft. Add cooked vegetables, stir and then add herbs and spices. Serve over pasta. Add generous helping of cheese over top. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy!

Need a cooling off?

2008-07-01T00:29:00.001-02:00

"North Pole Naughty is a story about relationships and endings and new beginnings. It delights the reader with its quick pace and erotic love scenes. Ms. Nash does a good job of relaying her story in the length allowed in quickies. I enjoyed the extras as much as the main characters and would love to see either Jean or Brenda have a story of their own. All and all, this is a fun read that can be enjoyed in a day." - Debbie, Gotta Write Reviews

China

2008-06-18T00:27:00.000-02:00

Does anyone wonder what's going on there now? I saw where they are blowing up some of the lakes created by the quake so there is less threat of flooding. I can't help but wonder how all those homeless people are doing. Such a sad thing...

I

Renovation Woes

2008-06-16T00:22:00.002-02:00

Yes! I'm still woeful about the renovation mess here! The man thinks it's all wonderfully fantastic to have power tools, dust and hammers around the place. Me? I think it pretty much stinks. I'm constantly tripping over tools and bits of sheetrock--don't ask! There was no sheetrock supposed to be involved in this renovation project but you know how that works. One day it's paint...the next day it's a new freaking wall.

Ahh!

I could just pack it in and head to Florida until Mickey and the crew are done. But who knows what I'd find when I got back?

Uh uh. I'm staying here so I can see what's going on. But until the renovation project is over, I'm gonna be complaining. Just warning you!

So what's going on in your world? Any dust involved? Sheetrock? Power tools?

Recipe for Love

2008-06-14T15:09:00.000-02:00

Interviews

2008-06-12T00:19:00.000-02:00

Last week I was asked to do an interview. I have to admit I declined. I'm just not really, really comfortable with giving interviews. I love it that other authors enjoy talking about themselves because I very much enjoy reading interviews. I just feel kind of weird talking about myself.

So, I took a pass on the interview. Maybe next time...but for now, I'm staying kind of quiet.

:-)

Holmes on Broadway

2008-06-11T15:04:00.000-02:00

Katie Holmes Cruise is set to perform in the Broadway production of All My Sons. I'm hoping to get tickets to the show. It should be a hard one to get a seat for but I'm going to give it a go! I think Katie Holmes is a super actress, and I'm looking forward to having her play in the Big Apple. I'll bet a lot of others are, too!

Babysitting

2008-06-10T03:00:00.000-02:00

All right, baby Kate is getting cuter by the day! I watched her last night so Mommy and Daddy could catch a movie (the new Indiana Jones, in case you're curious) and I think I had a better time than baby Kate did! It's not like she cried or anything, but really I laughed so much my sides hurt by the time her parents came home! This kid is sooooo sweet, just giggling and happy all the time. Is that normal? Are babies supposed to be that happy every minute?

And she didn't even poop. Not once. So I got off without having to chance any yukky diapers. Yay!

Shoes and swearing

2008-06-09T03:57:00.002-02:00

I've been watching the Denise Richards show, It's Complicated. I've got to admit I'm enjoying it. I have to give credit to any woman who's had a rough time of it but seems determined to move forward. I hope it all works out for her.

And her kids are so cute! :)

The part of the show that makes me laugh out loud is that she and her dad have a little cuss-reducing pact going on...every time Denise swears she's got to choose a pair of (gorgeous! and very expensive!) shoes to donate to Goodwill.

I think I'd be finding my Mary Poppins mouth if I had to part with Prado, Jimmy Choos and all her other pricey footwear!

China

2008-05-22T06:01:00.000-02:00

Doesn't your heart break every time you turn on the news? It seems like every few days there's a new horror to tear me in two. This whole China tragedy touches me deeply. We have friends who have recently returned from time in China. Two weeks ago we had dinner with them. Saw the pictures. Heard the stories. Now some of the places in the pictures are gone. The smiling people? One can only guess where--or how--they are.

Sorry for the sad post. But really, my heart is breaking over this. My thoughts and prayers go out to those personally touched by this horror. So many lives lost, so many families shattered. Every heap of rubble is a life, a hope, a dream.

The world mourns.

Kate

2008-05-20T06:59:00.000-02:00

Just a quick hello this morning. Heading out to take care of little Kate. This weekend I bought the little dolly a pair of sweet pink baby shoes. I'm hoping to instill a love for shoes early on! Think it'll work?

What have you got planned for the day? I hope it's filled with sweet moments. I know mine will be!

Dust and plaster

2008-05-19T07:54:00.001-02:00

Oh my God, have you ever renovated anything in your house? I'm a newbie to the idea of plaster dust and dirt all over...everything. Yes, we've jumped into the dining room renovation with both feet and I'm shocked. This weekend we began dismantling things and even though we've only just begun the whole place looks like a bomb went off.

Oh. My.

I don't know if I'm going to make it to the end of this ordeal.

So much dust! Where did it all come from? And how the hell do I get it out of here?

I hope your weekend was much less dusty than mine was!

Ignorance is bliss?

2008-05-16T07:34:00.000-02:00

Today I'm ignoring him. Really. Him and his big, dirty power tools. I'm going shopping and he can knock the whole house down for all I care.

Yeah, there's a big rumble in the Big Apple today, at least in our house! I figure if I'm blissfully unaware of the commotion then I don't have to deal with it. Brilliant, don't you think?

I'll keep myself occupied by perusing the aisles, maybe having lunch out. What am I saying? I'm definitely having lunch somewhere. Anything to stay away from the noise here!

Did I mention yet that there's a shoe sale at Macy's? Hmm? See you there!

Renovation woes

2008-05-12T05:30:00.000-02:00

We are renovating our dining room. It should be an easy task, considering our idea of renovation is a new light fixture, some paint and new flooring. No big demolition or anything like that. So, easy, right?

Yeah. Right.

Oh. My. God. Why do men think that any little old thing that involves sprucing up should also involve power tools? And dirt? And dust? And crap all over the house?!

We may hurt each other before this is all over. If we live through it, I'll try and post photos. That is, if he doesn't end up squashing the camera with one of his big, heavy power tools.

Oh. My.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T08:25:00.000-02:00

Happy Mother's Day! Are you doing something wonderful for or with your mom today? Hmm? My parents are actually on vacation so I sent my mom flowers a week before they left and when she gets home we'll have lunch together.

But today my two goddaughters are taking me and their mom out to brunch. I love these girly get-togethers, so I'm pretty stoked. We'll talk boys, clothes, shoes, boys, clothes, shoes, boys...you get the idea. It's going to be great fun!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Friday fun

2008-05-09T08:19:00.002-02:00

Hi all! Sheesh, I've been absent again, haven't I? The best-laid plans and all that, I suppose. Anyhow, thought I'd check in and see how you're all doing. Are you enjoying spring and the warm weather? The flowers? Birds? That's exactly what we're doing here. Yesterday I was in Central Park and it was gorgeous. Warm-balmy almost-with lots of people out on their lunch breaks. I saw frisbees flying, so it must be springtime in the City!

A Kate update: The little darling is growing so quickly! Of course she's still tiny but it seems she learns something new to enchant us every day. Yesterday, when I was changing her, she tried to talk to me. Really, I mean it. I'm convinced she's brilliant because when an infant attempts communciation the way this one did it's got to mean something big is in her future, right?

Oh, what did Kate tell cousin Nina? I'm not quite sure just what it was she said, but I'm certain it was something very, very important!

Yeah, I'm nuts over the kid!

So bad!

2008-04-04T09:29:00.003-02:00

OOH, I'm so bad at blogging! But I suppose I don't have to tell you that, do I? I have great intentions but don't they say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions? Right-o.

So I'll try and be a better blogger.

What have you all been up to in the past weeks? Mickey and I have been busy. He with his job and me with family issues. My cousin had a baby recently and man, is this kid cute! The whole family is gaga over little Kate. It's hard to stay away, especially since Jess needs so much "help". Yeah, right. Jess's got everything under control; I suspect we well-meaning family members are really getting underfoot. But hey, I've just got to deliver Chinese take out or some sweet little thing I've found in the baby department at Macy's, don't I? And really, who's a better diaper changer than cousin Nina? Who?

That's right. No one. So you see, I've been up to my elbows in the life of a real little doll. All that shopping, picture taking, diapering, cooing...it really sucks up the hours, LOL.

Will try and check in more often, I promise!

Today in the Big Apple

2008-02-19T09:08:00.002-02:00

I really can't talk about life here in New York City without mentioning the naked cowboy. You know the guy who stands in Time Square wearing tighty whities, cowboy boots, a guitar and a cowboy hat? Real cute.

I'm not going to say a word about the litigation between the cowboy and the makers of M&Ms candy, something that lately seems to be the hottest topic here in this grand city! I'm just going to say I don't mind --not at all-- seeing that guy on the news night after night.

So glad to be living in the Big Apple!

I Want Candy...

2008-02-19T09:00:00.002-02:00

Aren't the Candy covers gorgeous? I'm thrilled to have a story in each one! What more could a girl ask for, than to be nestled into a beautiful package and surrounded by lots of other tempting, tasty and sinfully delightful morsels? Not a thing!

The books can be purchased here.

Heading South

2008-02-15T12:02:00.002-02:00

It has been rainy, snowy and miserable in the Big Apple this week. I've had enough!

Mickey and I are heading down to Florida this evening and plan on staying where the sun shines and the water is warm until the middle of next week. What's the sense of having a place in Key West if we don't use it? During the summer it's beastly hot down there but right about now it's just perfect. So, we're off!

Have a great weekend!

What a week

2008-02-08T12:00:00.000-02:00

Sometimes a week feels like...three weeks. Don't you just hate weeks like that?

This past week we've spent most days and evenings at the hospital. Mickey's uncle is ill and although it's been a scary few days it looks like things are going to be all right. Thank God!

Anyhow, hope you've all had a great week. I'm looking forward to catching up on laundry, mail and life.

The best laid plans

2008-02-02T12:15:00.000-02:00

Even though Mickey and I were jazzed about going to the movies last night, hoping the weather wouldn't shut us down we didn't go. Really. And not because of the weather, either. In the end we just got rain. No ice. No snow. Just rain.

But we got a great surprise. Friends of ours, Brian and Jenna, were in town from Florida because Jenna's friend from college just had a baby. A girl, by the way. Emily Rose--just gorgeous! The photos are beautiful--she's got big blue eyes and a round face, really sweet looking. Anyway, Brian and Jenna originally planned to go straight back home but we convinced them to stay the weekend.

We were up waaay too late last night. Ordered in Chinese which was amazing. The three bottles of wine we drank made for a very happy evening. Actually I'm surprised I don't have a headache this morning but I don't! Thank God!

Today, Tribeca. Lunch out. Maybe tonight a movie, but probably not. There's a new Thai restaurant Mickey and I have been thinking of checking out. What better way to do that than in the company of good friends? Yeah, Thai sounds good to me...

Today in the Big Apple

2008-02-01T11:31:00.000-02:00

We're under a winter storm watch. Ugh. Right now the sky is just cloudy but the prediction is for ice. Actually, ice balls. Ugh.

All I want to know is, will we be able to keep our Friday night movie date tonight? Really, I'm going to be peeved if we have a power failure and Mickey and I can't go see the movie I've picked. I'm not going to tell you what one I'm jonesing to see because I want to see it first, then tell you what I think. And, too, ask whether or not you've seen it--and what you thought!

So let's hope the ice balls hold off. The rest of the weekend is going to be taken up by the whole Superbowl thing!

The Love Month begins...

2008-02-01T11:24:00.000-02:00

You Would Do Most Things For Love

You are willing to go pretty far for love - but not far enough to compromise your core values.
Love is a priority for you, and you'll go further than most people to hold on to someone you love.
But killing for love? Or even taking a bullet? Probably out of the question.
No matter what, you love yourself the most!

Would You Do Anything For Love?

Countdown to Valentine's Day

2008-01-29T11:56:00.000-02:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching! Are you in the mood for love? If you are, or even if you're not quite there yet, my Valentine Vixens title, Recipe for Love, just might be what the love doctor ordered! I've gotten lots of great reader feedback on it. I've gotten lots of requests, too, for the "secret recipe" but I'll just have to keep that little secret to myself. *BG* Although if any of you have secret love recipes you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them!

Hope you have fun preparing for Valentine's Day. It's easily my favorite holiday!

"Recipe For Love was a super hot, comical short tale that will have you glued to your seat and eagerly turning the pages until the very last words are read. I gobbled this wonderful novella up in one quick setting. I was constantly being flip-flopped between full-blown lustful images to moments that had me bowing over with laughter. Gabi’s Nonna was a hoot and a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely not your typical granny. The sexual encounters displayed in Recipe for Love were deliciously naughty and fun-loving. I really enjoyed reading this Valentine’s Day story and it certainly had me wishing for a sample the famous recipe."
-Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews

Psyche? Color? Hmm?

2008-01-27T11:50:00.000-02:00

Your Psyche is Violet

You are spiritual, intuitive, and serene. People trust you to rescue them from bad situations, and you usually come through.While you are quite enlightened, you find that your path is very lonely.
When you are too violet: you can't connect to ordinary life or ordinary people
When you don't have enough violet: you lack wisdom and can't learn from the past

What Color Is Your Psyche?

Friday Night at the Movies

2008-01-26T11:07:00.000-02:00

Last night Mickey and I went to the movies. Typical Friday night behavior, isn't it? Yeah, we're predictable. But hey, we still hold hands, even after longer than I'd care to admit! Still honeymooners!

Anyhow, enough about our love life. ;-)

I love going to the movies. Always have, ever since I was little girl. My parents would dress me in my pajamas, pack me into the family station wagon and head to the drive-in on Friday nights. I loved it. Friday is still my favorite night for going to the movies. Mickey indulges me but I'm not allowed to wear my pjs anymore! At least not to the theater!

So last night we saw Juno. If you haven't seen it yet I definitely suggest trying to catch it. It does deal with the issue of unplanned teen pregnancy in a way that doesn't diminish the serious situation this young girl finds herself in but also doesn't over-the-top dramatize it. I mean, young girls get pregnant. It happens. This girl has a supportive environment and is concerned about the life of her unborn child. This coming-of-age tale is entertaining. I enjoyed it, and Mickey did too.

Or maybe Mickey was just in it for the popcorn. I can never tell with him. :)

Coming Soon, a Craving!

2008-01-26T10:42:00.000-02:00

Isn't this gorgeous?

Life in the Big Apple

2008-01-25T11:38:00.000-02:00

In the mid-winter grey, slushy, gross messiness there is a bright spot. Actually several bright spots. Lots and lots of bright, shining, glittery, flourescent spots. Do you know what I'm talking about? Hmm?

That's it! You're right--the spring clothing lines are out in the stores. Everywhere you look the messy greyness of winter is banished, replaced by bright colors. Spring is in the air even if slush is on the ground.

Me, I'm into retail therapy. Big time. My closet is filling with gorgeous colors, shimmery fabrics and some things that are already new favorites.

I can't wait for warm weather! Unti then, I've got to, uh, go shopping.

Taxi!

Wicked Winter is Available!

2008-01-18T10:10:00.000-02:00

I'm so excited! North Pole Naughty is now available in print! It is part of the Wicked Winter volume, available now! Buy the book here.

Valentine's Day shopping!

2008-01-17T12:50:00.000-02:00

There are lots of skimpy things in the Florida shops that just scream Valentine's Day at me! Yesterday I saw a red lace camisole and thong set that I would have luuuurved to buy but, unfortunately, I wasn't shopping solo.

Mission for today? Go back and retrieve sexy undies.

Maybe, find something in black. Hey, a girl can't start shopping for Halloween pretties too early, can she? ;-)

Pasta, Key West style

2008-01-15T09:57:00.000-02:00

Mickey and I have been enjoying the Florida sunshine. Soooo glad to have missed the snowstorm in the City! Sooo glad to have been walking on the beach instead of dodging piles of grimy snow.

When we're here we often eat at a small restaurant nearby. I won't divulge the name of the place but the chef has seen us so often he comes out and talks to us almost every time we stop in. Mickey and I both love his pasta primavera. Last night I finagled the recipe out of him...more or less. You'll see what I mean when you read it. There are no measurements--just a handful of this and a pinch of that, he says. Adjust it to suit your own tastes, I guess. Anyhow, here's the best (if somewhat sketchy) pasta primavera recipe I know. Enjoy!

Pasta Primavera

green beans, trimmed
broccoli florets
asparagus slices
red bell pepper, chopped
olive oil
chopped onion
minced fresh garlic
pinch crushed red pepper
fresh green peas
pinch salt
chopped fresh basil
shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
pasta of your choice *we've been eating fettucine*

Cook green veggies until just tender; drain. Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and cook until soft. Add cooked vegetables, stir and then add herbs and spices. Serve over pasta. Add generous helping of cheese over top. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy!

A Lick and a Promise

2008-01-04T10:58:00.000-02:00

That's what my grandmother calls it when you do what I'm about to do today. The plan is to run through the house, dusting and vacuuming almost at the same time, straightening up enough so the place looks good enough to -- leave. Yeah, Mickey and I are heading down to Key West for a couple of days. The flight leaves tonight and I've just got a "thing" about coming home to a messy place. So, I'm going to give it a lick and a promise and try not to think about the dust bunnies beneath the couch.

Have a great weekend!

Love is in the air

2008-01-04T10:52:00.000-02:00

I love reading reviews. This one is from Contessa over at Fallen Angel Reviews. Four angels for Recipe for Love!

"Recipe For Love was a super hot, comical short tale that will have you glued to your seat and eagerly turning the pages until the very last words are read. I gobbled this wonderful novella up in one quick setting. I was constantly being flip-flopped between full-blown lustful images to moments that had me bowing over with laughter. Gabi’s Nonna was a hoot and a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely not your typical granny. The sexual encounters displayed in Recipe for Love were deliciously naughty and fun-loving. I really enjoyed reading this Valentine’s Day story and it certainly had me wishing for a sample the famous recipe." - Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T12:47:00.000-02:00

Happy New Year!

From one of my favorite books...

I do think New Year's resolutions can't technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve, smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally but really need to be free to consume whatever is necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if resolutions began generally on January the second. ~Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary

A New Compulsion?

2007-12-31T09:29:00.000-02:00

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

2007-12-29T11:10:00.000-02:00

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

2007-12-28T09:07:00.000-02:00

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

2007-12-26T12:55:00.001-02:00

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!

2007-12-17T10:03:00.000-02:00

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.

-Missy,Reviewer for Coffee Times Romance

Tinsel For Lunch Contest

2007-12-15T11:23:00.000-02:00

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

2007-12-10T12:35:00.000-02:00

Elf? Did someone say elf?

2007-12-10T12:34:00.000-02:00

Your Elf Name Is...

Booty Mince Meat

What's" Your Elf Name?

Hidden Talents

2007-12-04T09:53:00.000-02:00

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

2007-12-03T13:15:00.000-02:00

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!

2007-12-01T11:32:00.000-02:00

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!

2007-12-01T11:25:00.000-02:00

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!

Recipe for Love review

2007-11-29T10:31:00.000-02:00

I love reading reviews. This one is from Contessa over at Fallen Angel Reviews. Four angels for Recipe for Love!

"Recipe For Love was a super hot, comical short tale that will have you glued to your seat and eagerly turning the pages until the very last words are read. I gobbled this wonderful novella up in one quick setting. I was constantly being flip-flopped between full-blown lustful images to moments that had me bowing over with laughter. Gabi’s Nonna was a hoot and a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely not your typical granny. The sexual encounters displayed in Recipe for Love were deliciously naughty and fun-loving. I really enjoyed reading this Valentine’s Day story and it certainly had me wishing for a sample the famous recipe." - Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews

Ta Da!!

2007-11-28T12:52:00.000-02:00

Last night I finished my NaNo novel in the wee, wee, wee hours of the morning. Today I'm beat, but happy. Later I'll actually sign up for NaNo. I didn't even bother to do that, figuring that if I didn't finish my book I'd just take up space over there. Besides, the rules say you can sign in up till the last day of November so I'll just do it today.

So glad I did it. Now to find coffee...lots and lots of coffee!!

Almost done with my NaNo novel!

2007-11-26T12:34:00.000-02:00

Hitting the final week of NaNo at breakneck speed. Almost done with my new novel. I had a blast writing without editing and it just about wrote itself. I plan to put it away until after the new year, then settle down and work on rewrites. Very different from what I usually do, or what I usually write.

Um...I've got to get back. Chapter 22 awaits!

North Pole Naughty

2007-11-24T11:49:00.000-02:00

NORTH POLE NAUGHTY
NINA NASH
Rating: 5 Cups by Missy at Coffee Time Romance!

"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...

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, Coffee Time Romance

Tinsel For Lunch Contest

2007-11-23T11:09:00.000-02:00

I know, Tinsel For Lunch sounds crazy, doesn't it? But in our family it's a phrase that's as ordinary as "Good morning" or "Pass the salt, please." I was three, and it was Christmas Eve. Lunchtime. My mother asked what I'd like to eat. I think she was considering pb&j or grilled cheese. I answered, "Tinsel for lunch." Then I insisted it looked like spaghetti, and that nothing else would do. She served spaghetti with butter sauce which apparently looked similar enough to tinsel to satisfy me. Every year since, tinsel for lunch is something we have around the holidays. Of course, the spagetti has grown more sophisticated but the annual Tinsel Luncheon is one of our family traditions.

Please share one of your holiday traditions with me. As my way of saying "Thank you for sharing!" I'll enter you in the Tinsel For Lunch Contest. The winner will receive a large wicker gift basket filled with holiday goodies ... Godiva chocolate, Peppermint Stick bubble bath, a NY snowflake sweatshirt, a couple of holiday DVDs and a bunch of other stuff that will, I hope, make the winner's holiday season a bit more festive. So what have you got to lose? Share a memory, enter a contest and everyone's a winner because I believe remembering past holidays makes the present one even more special. A grand prize winner will receive my stuffed holiday basket!

And you don't even have to eat Tinsel For Lunch!

Email me at ninascontests@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

The drawing will be held on December 15th. I'd like the basket to arrive at the winner's house by Christmas Eve. And yes, there will be fixings in the basket to make Tinsel For Lunch, too. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T09:29:00.000-02:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope your holiday is wonderful. Mickey and I will be having a full house here and, surrounded by family and friends, we'll count our blessings. There are many and we are very, very thankful!

Oh, did I mention we plan to take in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? We usually do. I mean, we're right here in NYC so it seems almost sacrilige not to head on down and watch the balloons! And I love seeing Santa come to town!!

We'll wave to you all if a camera turns our way, all right?!

Gobble Gobble!!

Cairo By Moonlight

2007-11-22T09:26:00.000-02:00

Need a holiday gift? One that's a little bit exotic, a tad racy? Why not try my first EC novel, Cairo By Moonlight? It's perfect for stuffing a stocking!

Two Lips Reviews gave it four lips!

Part of the Two Lip Review:

"...Cairo by Moonlight is a suspenseful story about two people relearning their importance to one another. As Layla and Caleb fall in love all over again, their passion ignites the pages. The love scenes are blissfully frequent and erotically creative. Rarely have I read a book that is so sensual in nature. I would have enjoyed understanding more about how they grew apart or even why they married since their issues seemed deeply ingrained into their personalities. That aside, Nina Nash has provided for her readers an engrossing story full of history, culture, suspense, romance and hot sensuality that I recommend reading. The ending alone will leave you wanting more..."

Thanks, Two Lips!

Finally!

2007-11-16T10:04:00.000-02:00

First, let me apologize for not choosing a 100th Post Contest winner sooner. I have been in bed all week with the flu, feeling feverish and sneezy and definitely very un-contestish. But lo and behold this morning when I woke I felt human. Well, almost. So thanks, everyone, for their patience.

Just a few minutes ago I put everyone's name on a tiny slip of paper, put each slip into my (empty) coffee mug, put my hand over the top of the mug and shook it around a bit. Then I had Mickey pull a slip from the mug. Very scientific, no? :)

The winner of the 100th Post Contest is... Jenyfer Matthews! Congrats, Jenyfer!

Then, I had Mickey pull a second slip from the mug before I emptied it and filled the mug with coffee. Hey, a girl's gotta have her morning cup, right?

The second name Mickey pulled is... Erin! Congrats, Erin!

Yes, two winners! I figured since everyone waited for me to stop sneezing it was the least I could do. Thank you everyone for entering. Please check back often as I feel a holiday contest coming on! *hint, hint!*

Jenyfer and Erin, please email me at ninanash@gmail.com and let me know which of my titles you'd like to receive as your prize and I'll send it right out.

Have a great day, everyone!

100th Post!

2007-11-09T12:11:00.000-02:00

I love milestones. Here on my little blog this is one of those moments. It's my 100th post. In honor of that, I'm hosting a spur-0f-the-moment contest. Anyone who comments on this post will be entered to win their choice of any of my book downloads. So please, post away.

And have a great weekend!

Fast contest

2007-11-08T11:02:00.000-02:00

Tomorrow I'll post my hundreth blog entry. Everyone who comments on that post will be entered to win a copy of a download of one of my titles. Any one, winner's choice. :)

It's official

2007-11-07T10:30:00.000-02:00

We just got back from Key West last night. The trip was super. We had a great time and got the beach house in order. We actually spend a lot of time down there during the winter. Yay, winter!

This morning I'm going to sign on for National Novel Writing Month. It's only the first week and I think I can do it. So if I'm not as visible as I usually am, it's because I'm writing like crazy. I'm very, very excited about taking this on. Wish me luck!

Almond Sand Dollar cookies

2007-11-02T10:30:00.001-02:00

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg, separated
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sliced almonds

Preparation

Beat 1 cup softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until well blended. Add 2 eggs and 1 egg yolk, beating until blended.

Combine flour and baking powder. Add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Shape dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.

Roll dough to an 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut with a 3-inch round cutter. Place on lightly greased, parchment paper-lined baking sheets; brush with lightly beaten egg white.

Stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over cookies. Gently press 5 almond slices in a spoke design around center of each cookie.

Bake at 350° for 4 minutes; remove pan from oven, and gently press almonds into cookies again. Bake 4 more minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

Loving every minute of it

2007-11-02T10:24:00.000-02:00

maggie and millie and molly and may

maggie and millie and molly and may

went down to the beach (to play one day)

and maggie discovered a shell that sang

so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and

millie befriended a stranded star

who's rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and

may came home with a smooth round stone

as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea.

--E. E. Cummings (American poet 1894-1962)

Pssst!

2007-10-31T10:35:00.000-02:00

Mickey's sleeping but I'm watching the morning light stream across our back porch. Oh, how I love the beach! We're here in Key West and I am loving it. The house is in need of a serious pre-winter cleaning but I don't mind that one bit. Cleaning at the beach is a chore I'll gladly endure.

If I hurry, by this afternoon we'll be at the beach!! YAY!

I love these! Angel wings!

2007-10-29T09:11:00.000-02:00

Today in the Big Apple

2007-10-29T09:01:00.000-02:00

Mickey and I spend some of the cold wintery months in Florida. We have a small place down there, sort of off the beaten track, where we can go snorkeling, beachcombing and generally kick back and relax. It's nothing fancy but it's ours and we love it.

Today I'm tossing a few things into a bag and getting our NY life in order so we can take a quick trip down to the beach house. We'll only stay for a few days, just to give the place a cleaning and stock the pantry. In a couple of weeks we'll go down for a longer stay, but for now we're just zippping down, then zipping back up at the end of the week. Hmm...sounds like fun, doesn't it? The zipping part, I mean. Not the cleaning!

So today in the Big Apple I'm grabbing my flip flops and sunscreen. Yeah, life is good. :)

Just something to think about!

2007-10-26T10:21:00.000-02:00

Today in the Big Apple

2007-10-17T13:36:00.000-02:00

Oh, it's so normal, the things that are going on here today. Baking, dusting, vacuuming and writing. Yep, just a normal housecleaning day in the Big Apple. Working on some stories that have a deadline so I'm pretty much consumed by them now. But I can share the cookie recipe I'm using this afternoon. This morning I made Peanut Blossoms. This afternoon it's going to be Butterscotch Cookies. Yum!

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T. vanilla
1 1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
4 c. flour
1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips

Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Blend until creamy. Add salt, baking powder and flour. When blended, add the chips.

Drop by teaspoon on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Just gotta love a good review!

2007-10-17T13:32:00.000-02:00

Amy at Gotta Write Network gave Violet Moons an awesome review. Here's a tiny bit of it:

"...I could go on forever about Violet Moons by Nina Nash, it's that good. Violet Moons is an excellent, well crafted fantasy story that brings romance to bloom in a world filled with magical creatures. The hero and heroine are sympathetic and believable. There is a scene with a dragon that is brilliant and witty. I recommend that anyone who likes fantasy or romance read Violet Moons. You won't be disappointed! I wasn't. This book has put Nina Nash on the top of my auto-buy list."

Thank you, Amy!

National Novel Writing Month

2007-10-16T11:04:00.000-02:00

It's nearly time again for the kick-off of National Novel Writing Month. I'm thinking of taking the challenge to write a novel in a month -- 50,000 words in 30 days. I think it'll be fun, an interesting way to spend the month before the holidays.

I've got a suspense/thriller plot in mind...

What about you? Are you up to taking the NaNo challenge? C'mon! It's going to be fun! ;-)

Today in the Big Apple

2007-10-15T08:44:00.000-02:00

There's a shoe sale I've got to go to. That's right, a shoe sale. God, I love shoes. I am almost a slave to shoes. Ask Mickey and he'll tell you they're one of my minor obsessions. Because a shoe doesn't mind if you gain a pound or two. It still looks gorgeous. And a shoe can change an outfit from ho-hum to hubba-hubba in a heartbeat. Reallly, what's not to like? What's not to love?

Me, I adore shoes, so today I'm getting up bright and early so I can be one of the first through the door and into the inner sanctum of--

Oops! I nearly gave it away, didn't I? Maybe tomorrow I'll let you know just where I'm shopping today but for now I'm going to keep that to myself. I don't want you to get there first, do I? Who knows? You might be the one to see the last pair of size six, perfect little black sandals in the store. And I wouldn't want to have to tackle you for them, would I? ;-)

Hope you have a fab day!

Fall, the best time to fall in love?

2007-10-15T08:33:00.000-02:00

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness ... thou hast thy music too." - John Keats

There is scientific evidence to substantiate the theory that fall is the best time to fall in love. Novelty, dopamine, anticipation, testosterone...so many things come into play during the autumnal rush to find love and sex. I suspect all of these things take place at the change of every season, but isn't it kind of fun to think it only happens in autumn?

The entire article is here.

So what are you waiting for? Why not snag yourself some of that love and sex that's just taking us by storm? I know I'm going to... Mickey. Yoo hoo, Mickey dear...

4 Ribbons for Cairo by Moonlight!

2007-10-11T09:59:00.000-02:00

A new review for CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT from Romance Junkies! Here's part of what Jenn L. said:

"CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT is a hot sexy romp through a land full of mystery and intrigue. While the center of the story is the rekindling of lust and love between Layla and Caleb, Ms. Nash still manages to weave enough mystery and suspense throughout to keep you guessing.

I won’t deny that the sex in this book takes center stage, and trust me it’s as hot as the desert sun, but beneath was real life situation we all face in life. Sometimes the simple act of day to day living forces us away from the passion we once shared with our significant others. CAIRO BY MOONLIGHT is a sexy and sensual reminder that life is more than just obligations and material possessions—it’s about finding a balance and reconnecting with those we love. Ms. Nash delivers a story that will cause you to think and have you seeking out a little adventure in your own life."

Today in the Big Apple

2007-10-11T09:57:00.000-02:00

I'll be hunkering down. I'm finally on to a new story that has me reeled right in and I can't stop writing. I was awake until 2am this morning working on it. Then I got up just a while ago and am anxious to get back to it. Ooh, I love it when a story grabs me like this!

Today in the Big Apple there'll be lots of intrigue and mystery. And some smooching, too! ;-)

Alpha Female?

2007-10-11T09:53:00.001-02:00

You Are an Alpha Female

Powerful, confident, and successful - you are definitely a dominant force.You control social and dating situations. It's clear that you're always in charge.

Are You an Alpha Female?

Rocks, Walls and learning to let go

2007-10-09T09:06:00.000-02:00

I told you all last week that I've finally begun rock wall climbing. My first lesson was last week and I loved it--just LOVED the experience. I think I may have found a new passion. It's like being a human fly, scaling a wall with only your wits and whatever muscles you have keeping you from falling. Oh, and the harness that could probably hold a two-ton gorilla if it had to! That's another thing that keeps the adventurous climber in the air, LOL.

The hardest part of learning to climb rock walls in my local fitness club was learning to let go. That's right. Letting go. Just having faith that when I sit back and take my hands from the wall, I'm not going to fall. It's frightening, especially the first time you actually let go. I mean, instinct says to hold on at all costs. Let go? That's ridiculous...isn't it?

My instructor was patient and waited the full three or four minutes *that felt like an hour or two* while I psyched myself up to removing my fingertips from the wall. But when I did...it was like Heaven. I hung suspended and didn't feel one iota of fear, not after the first two seconds anyway.

Letting go can be liberating.

Today I'm going rock climbing. What have you got planned? I hope that at some point, on some level, you get to let go.

Today in the Big Apple...

2007-10-08T13:17:00.000-02:00

the sun is shining, the air is warm and the sky is blue. Why oh why wasn't it like this yesterday, when we were at Jones Beach?

Yesterday it was dull and foggy, but I had time to relax on the damp, chilly sand. Today, I've got errands to run, a dentist appointment to keep and no time to lounge on what is surely warm, soft sand! AAHHHHH!!

Yep, today in the Big Apple...

Habla Espanol?

2007-10-04T09:23:00.000-02:00

Do you speak any language other than English? Mickey and I spend our time between New York City and Key West, so I've picked up a good amount of Spanish. Granted, some of it is the kind of stuff best saved for private company ;-) but I can get by in the real world if I have to.

Yesterday afternoon I was on my way to pick up the dry cleaning, just walking along the sidewalk minding my own business, when I began to pick up bits from the conversation the two men walking ahead of me were having. They were talking about a woman who was walking ahead of them. Get the picture?

The men were speaking Spanish.

Their conversation, roughly translated:

"Ay! Look at that! Now that's what I call a nice ass."

"Yeah, round, just like I like 'em best."

"Wonder how much it'd cost to get a piece of that?"

"I dunno, man. Doesn't look like she's selling."

Apparently the woman with the "perfect" behind had a brain to go with her posterior. She, too, had guts and a grasp on the Spanish language.

Turning to face the two men, she put her hands on her hips and answered, "You're right. It's not for sale. And I can assure you, boys, that if it was--it'd be way out of your price range."

I nearly wet my pants. I laughed until I cried.

Why don't they ever think we can understand them? We may not always understand men, but most times we understand them. Understand?

Today in the Big Apple

2007-10-02T09:22:00.000-02:00

I'm going to write. That's right. After a long hiatus, I'm going to sit at my keyboard and knuckle down. A new story is brewing in my head. It has been for a while and I've been rudely ignoring it. Now, though, it's percolating so loudly I know I've got to begin writing it. It's time.

So there you have it, my return to writing. I'll probably work for a few hours this morning, then take a walk. Research, that's what I call the walk. After all, if I can't find characters along the sidewalks of New York, where can I find them?

Have a great day!

Countdown to October Contest Winner Announced!

2007-10-01T17:22:00.000-02:00

Wow, I had no idea there would be so many entries! I spent all morning printing out, then cutting apart, the lists of names and dates comments were made. A lot of people commented several times! That's great! I'd hoped people would stop by more than once!

I put all the slips of paper into a big basket, tossed them around a bit and then let my neighbor put her hand in and pull out the winning entry. Without furter ado, the entry she pulled was

Jo G., September 21st

Jo G., please email me at ninanash@gmail.com with your snail mail address and I'll get your gift basket out to you.

Thanks to everyone for entering The Countdown to October Contest. It was loads of fun! I plan on having another contest before the holidays, so please check back often.

Last day to enter contest :)

2007-09-30T09:31:00.000-02:00

Don't forget, today's the last day to enter my Countdown to October Contest! All you've got to do is leave a post on my blog to be entered to win the overflowing gift basket. I know this thing is going to cost a mint to mail but that's all right. Tomorrow's October 1st and I'll be celebrating by pulling the name of one lucky entrant from a hat. Will that person be you? Enter as many times as you wish!

Sunday in the Big Apple

2007-09-30T09:28:00.000-02:00

Ah, the bliss. The absolute bliss of it all...

Mickey went out early for bagels and bialys while I made a huge pot of coffee. We took everything into the bedroom and are here now, with papers scattered across the bed, coffee mugs on the night tables, lounging in our night clothes. Love having our home all to ourselves again. Oh, and I'm on my laptop talking with all of you. Cozy, isn't it?

Eventually we'll rouse ourselves and probably head to the park. It's a gorgeous day in New York--sky is bright blue and there's a nip in the air. Perfect day for a game of Frisbee.

Hope you enjoy your Sunday! Have fun!