P.A. Moore's Blog, page 6

Looking back at August!

 The last official month of Summer ended with a bang! Managed to get a bunch of stuff accomplished.  Got my kids registered and started in High School.Read one book and wrote review on romantic suspense for publisher that I do preliminary reads for. Hosted extended family for a weekend.Hosted in laws and supported hubby for family reunion. Welcomed college age daughter home from college for the weekend.Ordered tee shirts for family reunion.Purchased supplies for reunion.Purchased food for reunion.Packed and carried stuff to reunion site. Cooked hot dogs and hamburgers at reunion. Cleaned up picnic site.Posed for pictures at site.Decorated site.Posted pictures on Facebook site.  Paid off credit cards, car loan and a few random bills. Planned New Years Eve vacation for hubby and I.Daughter to orthodontist appointment for new braces. Paid off braces. Welcomed hubby home from a weeklong business trip. Added one Big Baby Bratz doll to my collection. Enjoyed Labor Day weekend with family at Mom and Dad's house.  Pedicure with hubby. Lunch date with hubby. Hair appointment for new natural hair style. It didn't last. September Wishlist! Save money. Stick to budget.Exercise.Lose 5 pounds.Read at least 2 books.Write outline for a new novel.List some stuff on ebay to sell.  

Beautiful Curvy Girls I love... & Week in Review!

Beautiful Curvy Girls I love... pinterestpinned from bigfashionrd.tumbler.com  pinterest pinned from curvyisthenewblack.tumbler.com  pinterest.comsource unknown My goal is to lose 25 pounds by the end of the year. That's only 5 pounds a month. 1 1/2 pounds a week. Today is day one of my fast/ detox/ cleanse. Meaning I am not eating anything but drinking lots of water, some relaxation tea and some diet tea.

Although I love my curvy sisters, I am trying to get back to my "playing weight". I am always exhausted an the doctor suggested that I may have some sleep apnea which causes me to wake up during the night and so I don't get fully rested. He suggested that if I lose weight that will also make me sleep better. I also want to look like myself. I haven't since I had my first child 21 1/2 years ago.
I'd love to go on a cruise with hubby in a year or so at my goal weight or better yet start my 50 year (birth day in 2014) looking and feeling my best.

Week in Review!So my week off from work has been busy. It's nice to spend some time at home taking care of stuff  that I don't have much time to do during the regular work week.

This week I had my annual physical.  Took daughter to the orthodontist. Paid deposit. Took her back to have braces put on.  Spent time with parents.  Went to look at landscaping bricks at Home Depot. Realized I don't have the funds after paying for orthodontist.  Interviewed 2 contractors from Craigslist. One turned out to be on the State Contractors Board website for Most Wanted lisf for working without a license, elder abuse in a contracting job and the list went on . The other called me 4 times to postpone until I told him to forget about it. He had his licensed revoked by the State Board. So basically I am done with looking on craigslist for contractors.   Took teenagers to pediatrician for annual physicals.  Had hair straightened. I almost look like myself again. Ate way too much pizza last night. Yum! Trying to fast today.   Wrote blog posts about my favorite bloggers.  Balanced checkbook. Realized I don't have enough money for Scrapbook Expo crop registration. Okay maybe I do but don't want to take it down to the last penny. But I kind of want to go. It is my creative outlet.  I thoroughly cleaned and reorganized my closet last Saturday. Filled a bag with clothes for donation. Started looking a cruises again. I really would like to do something next February but need to pay off the bills from last cruise and need to save a little more cash. Been trying to win a cruise by entering a contest of two that pops up on twitter or facebook. #Fingerscrossed Today is my last official day off from work. I have the weekend but you know it's not really a day off.  Product Review



Tried out the Shea Moisture hair product. Basically it was very greasy and left a sticky feeling. I am looking for soft without the greasy feel. It did make some really nice curly twists when I parted a small portion of my hair and did a two strand twist. I guess it serves its purpose as a leave in conditioner. I won't spend the $12 again on this product. I have decided to go for regular blow outs and curl with stylist Adrienne.


 
 

 
 


  

Looking back at July!

I spent the afternoon at my parents house. All they wanted to do was watch their cowboy shows on television. After a half hour or so I was hooked on episodes of Gunsmoke, Cowboys and all things Old West.
Cowboy things I love...  Cowboy Cookies http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/08/30/cowboy-cookies/
Cowboy Cookies  Cowboy Television Old Gunsmoke television episodes  
 Black Cowgirls! http://pragmaticobotsunite.com/thursday-open-thread-african-american/
Mary Fields
for her.

 Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary, was the first African-American woman employed as a mail carrier in the United States, driving her mail route by stagecoach from Cascade, Montana to St. Peter’s Mission, Montana. She was only the second American woman in all to work for the United States Postal Service. Born a slave circa 1832 in Hickman County, Tennessee (the exact year of her birth is uncertain) she was freed when American slavery was outlawed in 1865. For some time she worked repairing the buildings of a school for Native American girls in Montana called Saint Peter’s Mission a Catholic convent, eventually advancing to forewoman. While there, she formed a strong bond with Mother Amadeus. When the nuns moved to Montana and Mary learned of Mother Amadeus’ failing health, she went west to help out. Having nursed Mother Amadeus back to health, she decided to stay and help build the St. Peter’s mission school. She protected the nuns. Mary was a pistol-packing, hard-drinking woman, who needed nobody to fight her battles

Stagecoach Mary and the Cascades (The Cascade, Mt baseball team)
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/fields.html
I love baseball too.Historical Romances with African American Characters Night Song - Best. Story. Ever.  Today was the first day of my one week staycation. I took this week off intending to take the July California Bar exam but cancelled my registration a few months ago and stopped studying so that I could study more casually for another year. Sigh!

I don't have many plans for this week except to go get a physical exam. Completed that today, Take my kid to the orthodontist for a consultation ( already know they need the braces) , Pediatrician for back to school/sports physical. I would also like to purchase the brick pavers for the short retaining wall in my garden. I am also trying out a new product for my natural hair. It is called Shea Moisture Brand Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie with silk proteing and Neem Oil. $11.99 at Target. I will write a review next week.

 Week in ReviewI took out my hair extensions.Scheduled hair appointment for deep condition and trimOrdered hair accessories online from ebay.Deep cleaned/ organized closet.Clear manicure/ French pedicureVisited parents. Watched 3 episodes of Gunsmoke which is my dad's favorite television show.  

Week In Review!

Things I love about summer!  Amusement parks   Beach Boardwalks   Watermelon  Week in Review!Flat tire on the way home from work. Purchased 2 new rear tires. Lunch date with hubby! Attended Bible Study on Wednesday.

Attended summer soiree last Friday.

Returned a bunch of stuff to Nordstroms. Followed RWA convention on twitter.  Finished up pulling front yard overgrowth.  "I dream of a world where chickens can cross the road without their motives being questioned."

Week in Review! Mid-Year Goal Re-Cap!

Painted nails and toes but need to do it over again this weekend. Self mani/ pedi never last as long as when the salon does it.
Attended Church on Sunday & Women's Bible Study on Wednesday!
Organized past month's bible study stuff into binder for quicker reference.
Won Camy Tang's Novel Giveaway
Won Dooney & Bourke Denim Cabriolet Travel Overnight bag on Ebay Auction.
Won $20 on California lottery scratcher!
Collected low water garden ideas pictures onto Pinterest.
Pulled 5 bags of  overgrowth from front yard.
Fertilized tomotoes and other veggies in container pots.
Purchased 4 plants for front yard planting.
Visited nursery with hubby for new garden inspiration.
Cleaned kitchen, bathrooms.


Weekend Wish List
Start Sugar/Flour Detox!
Church on Sunday.
Finish cutting back of plant overgrowth in front yard.
Photograph for before and after pictures for blog.
Meet new woman friend at the Summer Soiree this Friday.
Return Stuff to Nordstroms
Cut up Nordstroms Credit Card
Cut up / Cancel Visa Credit Card.

Mid-Year Goal Recap!
Socialize
I have joined the women's bible study at church and have a group of women to pray and study with.
I enjoy it. I have made an effort to go out with people after work when there is an event. Darryl and I have gone to a few events. Not so many lately. I hope to have more opportunity to socialize with people I might meet at churc in the coming months. I joined meetup.com for a minute but decided to cancel. I joined the Outdoor Afro group which seemed to have good activities for families but my family isn't interested in doing anything. So...I just backed out of it to let someone else who was more motivated do it. I will stick with church right now. It is offering me the combination of spiritual support and safe activities. There appear to be a number of women going through similar things or have gone through similar things as I going through...i.e. raising teenagers. We support and pray for each other and I like that.



Save
I haven't saved anything. I have continued to buy nice things for myself to wear to work. I have increased my contributions to my retirement savings.





Study
I did identify some great resource material to study for the California Bar. I began studying than realized I wasn't going to be able to do what I needed to take and pass the July exam. I still have the materials and am planning to devote 10 hours a week for the next year. Might be enough!


I've kind of put off studying my writing craft. I am focusing on creating and improving my front and back landscaping. I don't know much about landscaping or gardening so I am making that the focus of my study for the next few months.

Sightsee
I did manage to get to the Caribbean with Darryl this past February. Other than that I did a weekend trip to Stockton and have another shorter trip to Livermore planned for this fall. My husgand's family reunion is planned for August but it is right her local. I would like to pay down my debt and save some money so travel is not in the picture right now. I cancelled the reservations I had for a condo in Hawaii for Thanksgiving week. Airfare for 5 people was just too high. The kids are in high school and don't seem to like to miss school.

Savor
I have made numerous attempts to improve my diet in the past 7 months. I am planning to begin another detox this weekend. Sigh!

   Goals for the next 5 months July - December 2013. Blog weekly to acknowledge my accomplishments and track goals.Attend church on a regular basis and nuture relationships outside of my work and home.Walk or exercise 3-4 days a week.Revamp front yard lawn area with low water plants and landscaping.Paint fencing.Cut back overgrowth in backyard. Update backyard landscaping. Paint and repair gazebos and pergolas.

More things I love about home.

Mom's 4th of July decorations.   Flags stuck in the flower pots.  Flag covered pillows.
enjoying the heat on the deck   Socializing with family on the 4th
  The deck. View from the yard. 
The big backyard.   My son playing with his grandpa's dog.  Week in Review!Enjoyed BBQ at parents house on 4th of July.Took kids to the dentist appointment.Napped one afternoon when off from work.Worked 3 days.Bought and read two In Touch tabloids, 1 National  Enquirer, 1 Vanity Fair magazineRead Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young Free Read on B&N nookRead sample of In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCordRead Love Inspired When Night Falls by Margaret DaleySigned up for Meetup Joined a groupWon a copy of Camy Tang's new Love Inspired novelSigned up for an event coming up in SeptemberSigned up for September Scrapbooking EventHair touchup  Weekend Wishlist Manicure-pedicure

 Lots of Naps  Long Nap by Josh Agle- shag.comhttp://www.shag.com/MerchantofMenace/LongNap.html  Attend Church  Straightened closet and bedroom  Write reviews for books completed.Outline new novella.    

Things I love about home.

We spent 4th of July at my parents house. It's the same house I grew up in. My mothers rose garden.
The way my son helps out with daddy's garden.
The lemon tree.
The plum treee.
daddy's garden

Looking back at June! Welcome Summer!

Things I love about summer:Weddings
  http://jenniferstano.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html


Graduations
  www.tickledpinkinvitations.com
 

Summertime Beauty Queens

http://pinterest.com/pin/126171227031984435/





Month in Review!   Signed up for day crop in Stockton with www.queenofthecropscrapbookingretreats.comAttended day crop in Stockton.Completed scrapbook for February 2013 Cruise with Hubby.Prepared a different dinner every night for two weeks. Went off diet.Rocked my own natural hair for one week.Exercised with daily walksPlayed one game of tennisRead six new novellasJoined a new church www.hilltopcommunitychurch.comAttended women's bible study two weeks in a row.Wrote reviews of erotic romance. Decided to switch to inspirational romance. Reviewed Ellora's CaveWon $16 on Fantasy 5 lottery ticketResearched health care providerMade appointment with new health care providerSpotted vintage trailer in my own neighborhood during a walk.Signed up for September crop with www.queenofthecropscrapbookingretreats.com  Weekend Wishlist! Stay cool!Find free inspirational romance novellas to read on nook.Purchase new cleats for son.Read.Relax.     My erotic romance novella Penthouse Heat is still available for purchase at:Liquid Silver Bookshttp://www.lsbooks.com/penthouse-heat-p434.php Penthouse Heat is available on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Penthouse-Heat-ebook/dp/B0055LH49O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337317871&sr=8- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/penthouse-heat-p-a-moore/1109483072?ean=9781595788337  

Free Read Review - Ellora's Cave Presents: Ellora's Cavemen ~Tales from the Temple I

I've heard about Ellora's Cave for a quite a while but I hadn't taken the time to purchase and read one of their books. I found this book at Barnes & Noble as a free erotic read and downloaded it. It is entitled Ellora's Cave Presents : Ellora's Cavemen Tales from the Temple I.  It is 239 pages on my Nook color and has six very different erotic romance novellas in it. For what it is worth, Amazon is selling a paperback copy of this for $13.49.

All the novellas were excellent but some were very forgetable. All the stories were the right length.  I didn't feel like I wanted to read any more of the stories. This book was published in 2004 but I will look for other books from Ellora's Cave and purchase more of their novels. All the stories are very erotic and have explicit sex and language.

Joshua 4.0 by Sahara Kelly
Joshua 4.0 is about a graphic designer who is beta testing an erotic computer program that becomes a virtual reality experience that becomes an in person experience. This story got hot and heavy quickly. There was enough backstory to keep it interesting but not enough to detract from the story. Someone who is a computer geek or interested in internet erotic fantasy may find this story especially appealling.

Barbarian by Kate Douglas
This is a BDSM story set in the future. The story opens with the heroine torturing some guy that she believes kidnapped her sister and made her and other girls sex slaves. The hero spend the next four years unable to have an orgasm so he finally reunites with the heroine and they have to recreate some BDSM so that he will be able to orgasm. Interesting but forgetable.  I had to practically re-read the entire story to remember what it was about.

Manimal by Lani Aames
This is a cute story about a bodyguard for a rich guy who turns out to be a werewolf. Of course he is in love with his boss's girlfriend and the girlfriend turns out to be in love with him. When the heroine breaks up with hunky rich guy, the bodyguard/wolf follows her out to her friend's cabin to watch over her and she almost hits him with the car while he is in the middle of the street naked on a snowy night all while shot in the belly. She nurses him back to health while he proclaims that he needs sex immediately to regain his strength. From there the fun begins and then of course they proclaim their love for each other and intend to live happily ever after. That is until bodyguard number two shows up and sees bodyguard one shape shift. Bodyguard number one and number two fight. Body guard number one turns out to be a secret agent and calls in the calvary to drag away bodyguard number two and close in on the hunky rich guy/ ex-boyfriend who turned out to be a bad guy. *Whew*

A.D. 2203: Adam & Eve by Ravyn Wilde
This is another shapeshifter werewolf story. It is set in the future where the heroine is a researcher. The world they live in contains werewolfs, vampires and some other creatures. Anyway, the heroine comes into "heat" and instead of locking herself into the airtight chamber in her home three days earlier to protect herself from a wolf looking to mate for life she forgets and rushes home and takes a shower. The wolf who has been looking for her for quite a while shows up at her doorstep and she opens the door and lets him in. Then she lets him bite her after a short rant about why she doesn't want to be a subserviant wife. A bite signifies that they are mated for life and of course then they get to the sex. Actually a really cute story but the problem with this story is that she gives in way to easy.

At his Mercy by Doreen DeSalvo
This was a light BDSM story about a woman who has psychic abilities. A man who doesn't believe her until he experiences a connection with her.

Time Share:Ameila's Journey by Lora Leigh
This is a male female male story about three people trapped on Venus.

Free Read Friday - Reviews of Free Erotic Novellas from Nook

This week I downloaded a bunch of free erotic novellas from barnes and noble. All of the following stories were free this week. I searched erotica and then sorted by price low to high. I selected a few of the books that had the higher ratings and didn't address taboo subjects. There are quite a few items available for free but much of it is not in the erotic romance genre that I prefer. I like a happily ever after or happily for now ending. Basically alot of the free stuff under erotica is just porn with borderline taboo issues. The following are the reviews for the books that I selected.    
Oh No! Forced  to Comply by Natasha Stories is a story about being forced to comply. This story is about a woman pulled over by a copy and is forced to comply. I didn't care for it as I prefer my erotica consensual and romantic. There was nothing consensual or romantic about this story... so for what it's worth, I consider it porn.

The story was definitely "hot" especially if you have  police officer/ cop fantasies. I guess some men in positions of power are fantasizing about handcuffing a woman and getting her to do whatever you want.  Ummm..so basically this is a mild bondage story without the consent. *shrug* I didn't care for the story. I'm deleting it from my library.

Cooking Naked by Adelaye Hearst was a fantastic erotic romance novella. It is well written and entertaining. The author kept the story moving with a quick pace. You could feel the connection between the characters.

Basically this story centers around a guy who wins a radio contest for a cooking class. It has an interesting twist and he does end up cooking naked. The recipes sounded delicious. Yes, the characters get into intimate situation very quickly but it was a delicious interaction between them. I enjoyed this erotic read. I will definetly look up and purchaed another story from this author.

Bus Stop Bench was another free novella that I downloaded. It was cute story with fantastic characters. This story is about a guy who fantasizes about a girl he sees at a bus stop every day on his way to work.

The author kept the story moving along even though the events took place over a period of time.  You can't help but root for both characters and hope that they get together.  I enjoyed this story and will look forward to reading more from this author.

Desire Awakened by Lisa Bradley is another erotic romance that I enjoyed. It is a story about a woman who doesn't understand what is wrong with her marriage until someone helps her awaken her desire. It is a quick read that was entertaining and arousing. You get to know a bit about the characters and you can't help but want to read more. The author unfortunately left me wanting more. I want to find out how her newly awakened desire plays out. I definitely want to read more about this heroine if there is more. Either way, I will be looking for more from this author.


Kamikaze by Moira Rogers is the first novella in the Last Call series. In this bar, each drink has a special meaning. The bar caters to paranormal types werewolfs and such. A female werewolf comes into heat and needs a mate to satisfy her until she is satisfied. A male werewolf comes to her rescue. The pair retire to a private room upstairs from the bar.

The characters are interesting and seem nice enough. They get right to business of satisfying her desire. The author gives just enough background to complete the characters with out dragging or slowing the story down.

The truth of the matter is the bar is a character in itself. I want to read and find out more about it. The author has written a numbe of stories set in the bar. At this bar each drink has a special meaning. I look forward reading more from the author. I hope that we find out more about the author as well as any long term relationships that result from the special drinks.