Jennifer Shirk's Blog, page 13
March 10, 2014
Misc Monday
Hi, all!
Happy Monday!
A few MISC things going on with me: (if you're interested)
Right now, I am waist high in edits for Fiancé by Fate--which has all the outward appearance of being an April release!
Gulp
and
Woo-hoo
**
Also, I found two cool FREE apps for my IPhone!
One is Vivino: a wine app, so you don't forget wines that you've liked or you can mark down ones you want to try. Sometimes I find myself in a liquor store, thinking to myself "what was that wine I like?" It also recommends wines based on those you've rated.
The second one is Kids Media: it allows you to plug in movies or books or video games by age levels and it also rates them. I love it because if my kiddo says, "Can we rent ____ movie?" I can look it up and it has a section "What parents need to know" and lists exactly what (if any) kind of objectionable material could be in it so you can make a good decision whether you want your kids to see it or not. Awesome.
I use it for my 80 year old mom too, because she goes to the movies a lot with her friends and is often offended by what's out there. So I look up movies for her before she goes and sees them. LOL
**
And lastly, an update on puppy Sox who will be celebrating his first birthday in a few weeks.
He is such a SWEET dog!! Very cat-like: likes to sit in high places and curl up in my lap as I write.
I say the only issue we're trying to break him of is barking when he's outside. Although, honestly, he has a great bark for a small dog. Not yippie. It's kind of throaty and deep. LOL But still...
Here he is:
And that's it for me!
Any cool Apps you've discovered lately?
Happy Monday!
A few MISC things going on with me: (if you're interested)
Right now, I am waist high in edits for Fiancé by Fate--which has all the outward appearance of being an April release!
Gulp
and
Woo-hoo
**
Also, I found two cool FREE apps for my IPhone!
One is Vivino: a wine app, so you don't forget wines that you've liked or you can mark down ones you want to try. Sometimes I find myself in a liquor store, thinking to myself "what was that wine I like?" It also recommends wines based on those you've rated.
The second one is Kids Media: it allows you to plug in movies or books or video games by age levels and it also rates them. I love it because if my kiddo says, "Can we rent ____ movie?" I can look it up and it has a section "What parents need to know" and lists exactly what (if any) kind of objectionable material could be in it so you can make a good decision whether you want your kids to see it or not. Awesome.
I use it for my 80 year old mom too, because she goes to the movies a lot with her friends and is often offended by what's out there. So I look up movies for her before she goes and sees them. LOL
**
And lastly, an update on puppy Sox who will be celebrating his first birthday in a few weeks.
He is such a SWEET dog!! Very cat-like: likes to sit in high places and curl up in my lap as I write.
I say the only issue we're trying to break him of is barking when he's outside. Although, honestly, he has a great bark for a small dog. Not yippie. It's kind of throaty and deep. LOL But still...
Here he is:
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And that's it for me!
Any cool Apps you've discovered lately?
March 7, 2014
Cover Reveal for Linda Kage: To Professor, With Love
Hi, all!
I know. Again, not my usual day to blog, but another bloggy buddy has a cover reveal and I couldn't resist sharing!
Check out Linda Kage's new book! I LOVE this cover!
Don't forget to enter Linda's rafflecopter giveaway (link at the bottom) :)
To Professor, With Love
Forbidden Men #2
By: Linda Kage
Blurb
Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex.
On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in.
These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.
Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.
If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.
-N. G.-
Goodreads:
Link to Follow the Tour
Author Info
Linda grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest as the youngest of eight children. Now she lives in Kansas with her husband, toddler daughter, and their nine cuckoo clocks. She works a day job in the acquisitions department of a university library and feels her life has been blessed with lots of people to learn from and love. Writing's always been a major part her world, and she's thrilled to finally share some of her stories with other romance lovers.
You can find Linda on the web at:
http://www.lindakage.com
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/authorlindakage?fref=ts
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213942.Linda_Kage
https://twitter.com/lindakage
Rafflecopter Giveaway!! ( $10.00 Amazon or B&N GC)
Congrats, Linda!!!!!!
I know. Again, not my usual day to blog, but another bloggy buddy has a cover reveal and I couldn't resist sharing!
Check out Linda Kage's new book! I LOVE this cover!
Don't forget to enter Linda's rafflecopter giveaway (link at the bottom) :)
To Professor, With Love
Forbidden Men #2
By: Linda Kage
Blurb
Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex.
On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in.
These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.
Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.
If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.
-N. G.-
Goodreads:
Link to Follow the Tour
Author Info
Linda grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest as the youngest of eight children. Now she lives in Kansas with her husband, toddler daughter, and their nine cuckoo clocks. She works a day job in the acquisitions department of a university library and feels her life has been blessed with lots of people to learn from and love. Writing's always been a major part her world, and she's thrilled to finally share some of her stories with other romance lovers.You can find Linda on the web at:
http://www.lindakage.com
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/authorlindakage?fref=ts
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213942.Linda_Kage
https://twitter.com/lindakage
Rafflecopter Giveaway!! ( $10.00 Amazon or B&N GC)
Congrats, Linda!!!!!!
March 3, 2014
Read Across America!
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Hey, all!Did you know that today is READ ACROSS AMERICA Day?!
Get ready to grab your hat and read with the Cat in the Hat on Monday, March 3, 2014 for the 17th annual Read Across America Day. The Seussical celebration will kick off a week of reading across the nation as NEA members gather students, parents, and community members together to share their love of reading.
I am heavily involved with my town's library (we have THE best library around) so I was invited to read at the primary school this morning.
However, we got a boat load of snow! And school was cancelled. WAH.
I was assigned a Kindergarten class--and would have been reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. (one of my top ten all- time favorite books)
Hopefully, they'll reschedule.I read to my kiddo a lot when she was young, until about 2nd grade when she felt she wanted to read on her own. More WAH.
My second choices that I thought about reading were Click Clack Moo, Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Where the Wild Things Are, and Diary of a Fly. Fun books!
Well, that's it for me. I need to go shovel. :-)
Have you ever been involved in Read Across America? Do you (did you) read to your children?
What's YOUR favorite children's book?
February 24, 2014
Free Sampler
Happy Monday, all!
Guess what?
Entangled Bliss has something special for readers this February. Download the Bliss Sampler which is absolutely free and contains sample chapters from every single Bliss title (including MINE!)
PLUS...
Take a peak inside two of the upcoming March Bliss releases, Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier and Stealing the Groom by Sonya Weiss.
Also included are never-before-seen deleted scenes from Robin Bielman, Cindi Madsen, Tracy March and Roxanne Snopek!
Pick up your free copy of the Bliss Sampler and fall in love one small town hero at a time.
Happy downloading! See you next week!
Guess what?
Entangled Bliss has something special for readers this February. Download the Bliss Sampler which is absolutely free and contains sample chapters from every single Bliss title (including MINE!)
PLUS...
Take a peak inside two of the upcoming March Bliss releases, Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier and Stealing the Groom by Sonya Weiss.
Also included are never-before-seen deleted scenes from Robin Bielman, Cindi Madsen, Tracy March and Roxanne Snopek!
Pick up your free copy of the Bliss Sampler and fall in love one small town hero at a time.
Happy downloading! See you next week!
February 19, 2014
The Ring of Morgana!!
Hi, all! I know it's Wednesday.
What am I doing here?
Well.
Bloggy bud Donna Hosie has her cover reveal today for her upcoming book:
The Ring of Morgana!
Check it out:
Lovely, isn't it?
BLURB
In a brand new series, Donna Hosie revisits Logres with THE CHILDREN OF CAMELOT.
Sixteen-year-old Mila Roth wants to be normal. It’s a phrase that has been drilled into her by her mother since she was born.
But Mila Roth is anything but normal. For sixteen years her parents have hidden a secret from her. For Mila was born one thousand years ago in the land of Logres, and far from being a math teacher and a housewife, Mila’s parents are the awakened King Arthur and Gorian druid queen, Morgana.
Two worlds, one thousand years apart. And those worlds are about to collide.
The spirit of the malevolent Lady of the Lake has been contained for sixteen years in the fabled Ring of Morgana. When the ring curses Mila’s younger sister, Lilly, the Roth family has no choice but to return Mila to the land of her birth as they face a battle against time itself.
Accompanied by her best friend, Rustin, Mila will have to decide whether to defy those she loves in order to save her sister. Should she trust the Gorian druids and the mysterious Melehan? What is the true cost to Mila’s heart as she strives to master the purple flame? And why have her mother and father denied the truth of her origins for so long?
For she alone has the combined power of royalty and druid magic within her.
And now only Mila can save Lilly and Logres.
THE RING OF MORGANA will be released in ebook and paperback on the 15th June 2014.
More about Donna:Facebook: Goodreads:
Blog:
Congrats, Donna!
What am I doing here?
Well.
Bloggy bud Donna Hosie has her cover reveal today for her upcoming book:
The Ring of Morgana!
Check it out:
Lovely, isn't it?BLURB
In a brand new series, Donna Hosie revisits Logres with THE CHILDREN OF CAMELOT.
Sixteen-year-old Mila Roth wants to be normal. It’s a phrase that has been drilled into her by her mother since she was born.
But Mila Roth is anything but normal. For sixteen years her parents have hidden a secret from her. For Mila was born one thousand years ago in the land of Logres, and far from being a math teacher and a housewife, Mila’s parents are the awakened King Arthur and Gorian druid queen, Morgana.
Two worlds, one thousand years apart. And those worlds are about to collide.
The spirit of the malevolent Lady of the Lake has been contained for sixteen years in the fabled Ring of Morgana. When the ring curses Mila’s younger sister, Lilly, the Roth family has no choice but to return Mila to the land of her birth as they face a battle against time itself.
Accompanied by her best friend, Rustin, Mila will have to decide whether to defy those she loves in order to save her sister. Should she trust the Gorian druids and the mysterious Melehan? What is the true cost to Mila’s heart as she strives to master the purple flame? And why have her mother and father denied the truth of her origins for so long?
For she alone has the combined power of royalty and druid magic within her.
And now only Mila can save Lilly and Logres.
THE RING OF MORGANA will be released in ebook and paperback on the 15th June 2014.
More about Donna:Facebook: Goodreads:
Blog:
Congrats, Donna!
February 17, 2014
Muscle Talk
Happy Monday, all!
So...I'm starting my 6th week of P90x3 and I already see some muscle definition. Woo-hoo!
But a good chunk of the reason why is probably because the hubby and I have changed our diet. We've pretty much eliminated any added sugar. What I mean by that is we usually like a little sugar after dinner. I was big on Weight Watcher ice cream and the hubby liked hard candies.
No more!
(Or at least while we're doing this training program...)
Plus, we've been incorporating PowerBar protein bars and protein shakes into our diet as well. Muscle Milk is
pretty tasty and my shake of choice after a workout! We've added vitamins, including D and Omega oil supplements, too.
Sheesh. I think it's a sign I'm getting old. LOL!
But I feel good so that's all that matters. That and the free t-shirt matters.
You see, if you send in your "before" and "after" pictures to the website you can get a "Crushed It" P90x3 T-shirt. :)
I want one.
Nuff said.
Have a great and healthy week, everyone!
Have you ever tried protein bars or shakes? Do you think they work?
So...I'm starting my 6th week of P90x3 and I already see some muscle definition. Woo-hoo!
But a good chunk of the reason why is probably because the hubby and I have changed our diet. We've pretty much eliminated any added sugar. What I mean by that is we usually like a little sugar after dinner. I was big on Weight Watcher ice cream and the hubby liked hard candies.
No more!
(Or at least while we're doing this training program...)
Plus, we've been incorporating PowerBar protein bars and protein shakes into our diet as well. Muscle Milk is
.png)
pretty tasty and my shake of choice after a workout! We've added vitamins, including D and Omega oil supplements, too. Sheesh. I think it's a sign I'm getting old. LOL!
But I feel good so that's all that matters. That and the free t-shirt matters.
You see, if you send in your "before" and "after" pictures to the website you can get a "Crushed It" P90x3 T-shirt. :)
.png)
I want one.
Nuff said.
Have a great and healthy week, everyone!
Have you ever tried protein bars or shakes? Do you think they work?
February 10, 2014
Marriage Matters
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Happy Monday, all!Hey, did you know it's National Marriage Week? (Feb 7th -14th)
I saw this on the news and forgot about it, but then I started going through old folders and finding cards my hubby and I sent to one another when we were first married and now I'm all nostalgic. :)
My hubby is famous for decorating the outside of the envelope to any card he gives me (see card above) --creating the stamp, etc... And yes, he calls me "bun", short for Hunna Bunna.
Long story...
Okay. Not really long, just saving you from rolling your eyes or getting sick.
Sadly, marriage is on the decline when you look at the statistics. So the goals of this week, based on the website are:
1) To elevate marriage as a national issue in the media and with policy leaders.
2) To promote the benefits of marriage, that stronger marriages bring economic stability to individuals and to the nation, and provides the best environment for thriving children.
3) To create a national calendar for existing, trusted marriage classes, conferences and events where people can find the help they need, or reach out to help others.
Anyhew, this song by The Proclaimers reminds me of my hubby and when we got engaged.
Enjoy...
Are you married? Does your hubby call you any special term of endearment?
February 3, 2014
There was a Super Bowl?
Happy Monday, all!Well, our Super Bowl party was great! However, when I say that I saw NOTHING of the game, I really mean it.
Not one single commercial.
Not the National anthem.
Not the halftime show.
NOTHING.
What happened? All I know is that I ate like a pig and chatted up with friends I haven't seen in awhile. So...good times. :)
Apparently, those Italian sloppy joes I made were a hit. And I made pull-apart touchdown cupcakes that were adorable (if I do say so myself) and yummo! (see above)
Today, I'm finishing up edits so I can get them out the door and then I'm going to do some serious plotting in the next few days for a second book in the series.
This week is my transition week in P90x3, but it was Isometrics today--which is the hardest part of yoga! Some transition... :(
Anyhew, what commercials did I miss? Any really good ones?
January 27, 2014
Smaller, darker, stronger...
© Yanik Chauvin | Dreamstime Stock Photos Happy Monday, all!Sorry I haven't been around lately. Just wanted to let you all know that I AM alive and well. :)
I've taken on some new roles in my life and I didn't realize how much time these volunteer positions would be taking from me. But things are slowly starting to settle. So all good. For now.
Anyhew, getting back to my title: smaller, darker, stronger.
Um, those words are supposed to describe... ME.
Smaller:
I'm pretty thin now. (Part diet, part stomach flu) So much thinner that when my mom saw me recently she freaked and told me I need to gain weight and that she's afraid I have an eating disorder.
Really, mom?
Darker:
I went a little darker blonde in my hair color for winter.
I LOVE it!
Stronger:
Guess what?!
I started P90X3 !! And it's GREAT! I love that each day is only a 30 minute workout yet still tough enough that I feel stronger and am getting toned. I feel awesome too. Although that first week I was sore, sore, sore.
My only complaint: yoga day.
I don't like yoga, but even I feel you need longer than 30 minutes. Other than that, I highly recommend. :)
Still working on edits right now. I'm having a very tough time with them. I think because I'm tightly connected to these characters and hesitant to change them. *sigh*
My editor isn't going to be happy with me...
That's it for me.
We will be hosting a Super Bowl party this Sunday. Hubby is making a chicken gumbo and I will be making Italian sloppy Joes (new recipe). I never eat at my own parties, so I'll probably just gorge on the veggie platter and drink my grapefruit cocktail.
How about you? Any plans for the Super Bowl?
What's your favorite Super Bowl food? I usually looooooove chili. Especially this vegetarian chili recipe my hubby makes, but he's making gumbo instead this year. Boo-hiss!!
January 13, 2014
2014 Still Smells like Cheese
HI, all.
Instead of saying something stinks or is bad, my kiddo's friend says, "That smells like cheese."
My daughter says that is her "hook phrase". LOL
Well, I'm stealing it. :)
2014 still smells like cheese in my opinion. I think it probably has something to do with attending two viewings, having a six day stomach flu, and being forced asked to be the President of our governing Library Board of Trustees.
Ugh.
Needless to say, I had to do a lot of work researching on how to chair a board meeting.
The good news is I think I'm finally prepared.
The bad news is once I get through the meeting today there will be a ton of work to be done for the year.
The good news is that I'm feeling better and I'm a size smaller. (thank you, stomach flu)
The bad news is that I had to order new pants and shorts.
The good news is I managed to get them all on sale online at my favorite store.
The bad news is I still managed to spend $200.
And lastly, I have at least one great piece of good news.
I sold another sweet romance to Entangled Publishing's Bliss line!! It will be called Fiancé by Fate and I'm super excited to start working on the edits. Hopefully, it will be out early this year. :)
And that's how my few weeks of 2014 have been going.
Anything new with you? How's 2014 treating you so far?
Instead of saying something stinks or is bad, my kiddo's friend says, "That smells like cheese."
My daughter says that is her "hook phrase". LOL
Well, I'm stealing it. :)
2014 still smells like cheese in my opinion. I think it probably has something to do with attending two viewings, having a six day stomach flu, and being forced asked to be the President of our governing Library Board of Trustees.
Ugh.
Needless to say, I had to do a lot of work researching on how to chair a board meeting.
The good news is I think I'm finally prepared.
The bad news is once I get through the meeting today there will be a ton of work to be done for the year.
The good news is that I'm feeling better and I'm a size smaller. (thank you, stomach flu)
The bad news is that I had to order new pants and shorts.
The good news is I managed to get them all on sale online at my favorite store.
The bad news is I still managed to spend $200.
And lastly, I have at least one great piece of good news.
I sold another sweet romance to Entangled Publishing's Bliss line!! It will be called Fiancé by Fate and I'm super excited to start working on the edits. Hopefully, it will be out early this year. :)And that's how my few weeks of 2014 have been going.
Anything new with you? How's 2014 treating you so far?
