Laina Turner's Blog, page 66

What’s In My Closet?

I love polka dots. I bought this dress a couple years ago from The Limited and have only worn it in the summer since it’s strapless and I get cold really easily. However, I always see it in my closet during the winter and am sad because I have to wait for nicer weather to wear it again.

The other day I saw it and wondered what I could do to make it wearable now. When I first thought about trying to put a long sleeved turtleneck underneath I was pretty sure it was going to look horrible. Much to my surprise it didn’t. Now I’m excited to have one of my favorites year ‘round.

How do you feel about polka dots?

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Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Tenders

I think many of us agree that bacon added to anything tastes good. There is just something about it that gives what you pair it with delicious flavor. So when I had the idea to use up the leftover Garlic Basil Bellavitano Cheese Spread as a stuffing for chicken tenders I thought what better way to hold the concoction together but with a yummy strip of think sliced apple wood smoked bacon.

The kids loved the cheese spread and of course they love chicken tenders so I decided to combine them by spreading a liberal amount of the Garlic Basil Bellavitano Cheese Spread on each chicken tender and rolling them up. Wrap the tender in bacon and stick a toothpick through it in order to keep it more stable.

Pop them in the oven, heated to 350, for about 45 minutes. The smell will be divine and after they cool for 5 minutes or so they will be delicious.

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Romance & Revenge – a cozy mystery

The bookkeeper at Jared’s company has been murdered and if that wasn’t bad enough someone is trying to sabotage the company by leaking company documents to other firms who are then upstaging their presentations. Jared asks for her help to find out who is trying to take Sleeping Bear Designs down and while Presley is always willing to help a friend, she is also hoping it will take her mind off obsessing over Cooper.

Presley and Cooper are on a break or are they broken up? It was never really clarified and she just found out he’s in town and he hasn’t called. Is he avoiding her? What does that mean?

Are they done for good?

Available now for Kindle. Available December 16th on iTunes, Nook, and Kobo.

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Finding Your New Hairstyle with Advent Hair Systems

Sometimes, as women, we feel like we just need a new look — maybe something as simple as a a new lipstick shade, a new outfit or possibly even a complete change of hairstyle and color. We all know that finding the perfect hairstyle can give you a completely new look or enhance your current look. If you’re in need of a new style, you may want to consider Advent Hair Systems — they offer a unique collection of stunning realistic-looking hair pieces and full wigs.

All of their hair systems, including hair pieces, systems or wigs, are handcrafted with only the best human hair. The collection includes over sixteen designs for small crown pieces to full heads of hair. There are also hair systems for women to integrate into their own hairstyle for a different but realistic head of hair. If you have naturally short hair today, then by tomorrow your hair can be as long as you want it.

Every hair system is made with the finest salon products and come at an affordable price. Along with your hair piece, the professionals at Advent Hair will also provide you with the perfect products to care for your hair. You will receive one-on-one assistance from Advent Hair’s trained experts — helping you with the purchase of exactly the right product as well as the right color and assistance after your purchase.

If you don’t see something you like, Advent Hair experts can also create specialized orders just for you. Your hair piece will be a unique, individual creation that meets exactly your specifications. Special orders are available using a template which allows you to clearly define the look that you want.

Advent Hair also offers 100% French Lace Systems for women. If you’re interested in trying one on, Advent Hair’s customer service department will happily ship one to you. If you would like more information about all of the hair systems available, learn more here today! You can also browse Advent Hair Systems products by going to their website. 

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Accessories & Alibis – a cozy mystery

Grabbing the wonderful opportunity to buy the now failing retail boutique, Silk, which she used to work at, Presley thinks she finally about to embark on her new career. This is her chance to make her mark on the world.

The excitement is short lived when on the first day of business ownership store manager, Roxanne, is arrested for murdering her boyfriend. Roxanne insists she’s innocent and asks for Presley’s help. Presley believes her and tries to help all while getting the boutique up and running. Things there aren’t going too smoothly as Presley finds out someone has been ordering merchandise using company funds, but none of it can be found in the store. Who is stealing from

Silk? Did she make a mistake in taking this on? And what’s the real story with Roxanne? Has Presley been too trusting?

Purchase now for Kindle. Available on December 16th for iTunes, Nook, and Kobo.

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Friend Friday with R.C. Matthews

For this week’s Friend Friday, we had the opportunity to speak with author R.C. Matthews about her new book — A Night to Remember. See all the fun details about her book below and get a sneak peak into her first chapter. A Night to Remember will be FREE on Amazon the week of December 8th — get your copy here!

 Title: A Night to Remember

 Author: R.C. Matthews

 Genre: Holiday Romance

 Release Date: October 27, 2014

 Book Blurb:

Going once…going twice…and the irresistible Anna Karenina goes to…

When Brett Montgomery is forced to attend a New Year’s Eve charity event for his law firm, he is deliciously surprised to learn that the Irresistible Women in History Auction has been organized and hosted by the woman he desired more than any other during his college years. Beautiful, sexy, and seemingly immune to his charms, Anna was the only woman to refuse him, and the only one he wanted to claim. Finding her again, posing as the alluring Anna Karenina, he wins her for the night. But that’s not enough. They share many of the same passions in life and love, and Brett is determined that he’ll have no other woman by his side.

Anna Cosgrove has spent her life helping others. She is a giver, a self-sacrificing champion of great and humanitarian causes. She’s pledged to help her best friend in his mayoral pursuits by posing as his fiancée and marrying him. In return, he’ll give her the greatest gift she could ever hope for before her time runs out. But when her old college crush attends her charity event to fight for her hand, and wins, she decides to give in to her own desires. For one night, she will be his. When the morning comes and she must say goodbye, she realizes that her one night of selfishness has cost more than she bargained for. Her heart.

The pieces are set. The stakes are high. There is more to lose than gain. Should they risk moving forward? Or leave their hearts and wishes behind in the place where they shared something magical, where they embraced A Night To Remember…

 About the Author:

R.C. Matthews was raised in the Metro-Detroit area along with three sisters and a brother by deaf parents. Her father is a voracious reader and that gene lives on in all of his children. Now the reading gene is sprouting in her own two sons who love to read J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan and may others. In fact, R.C. Matthews plans to try her hand at writing a teen fantasy fiction based on her son’s favorite board game Talisman … someday.

R.C. Matthews graduated from a liberal arts college with a B.A. in Accounting and German and continues to work as a certified public accountant. She lived for four years in Germany and two years in Boston, MA. and she enjoys traveling with her family (loving husband, two sons and a stepson), reading, down-hill skiing and playing board games with her family.

Five Fun Facts about R.C. Matthews:

Fun Fact 1: I stole my pen name from my husband. In fact, it’s my personal dedication to him on every single book I write. He is so special that his mother gave him a first name and two middle names – R.C. Matthew. I’ll let you guess what R.C. stands for, but I added “s” onto Matthew.

Fun Fact 2: A little piece of me and my life finds it’s way into every book I write. For example, in “A Night To Remember”, the hero is named after the first boy I ever kissed, Brett. And it was on a dance floor. See the connection? Brett and Anna meet again after eight years apart at a charity event and waltz together on a ballroom dance floor.

Fun Fact 3: My entire Wish Come True series was written just for fun for my nieces and nephew. Each book has a character mirrored in looks and personality after my nieces and nephew (Jordan, Jared, and Tyler). Of course Jared didn’t care one way or the other, but Jordan and Tyler love, love, love having a book written especially for them.

Fun Fact 4: I have, in fact, started writing a teen fantasy book for my son. David is having a blast coming up with the plot along side me. He and my husband have an amazing talent for high level plotting and I bring it to life in words. It is going to be a three book series. And, as I said in #2 above, little pieces of my life are mirrored in the book. I’m using the names of all of my friends children (and my own children) as characters in the book. My pen name is the first names of my two sons together – David N. Sebastian. When you say it really fast it sounds like David and Sebastian. Okay, I’m weird that way. It’s just for fun and they love it.

Fun Fact 5: I was raised by deaf parents and I think that is reflected in my writing style. You won’t find long, drawn out passages of prose in my books that are flowery. Probably because I grew up speaking to my parents in sign language, which focuses heavily on key words in a sentence. It’s a very direct and to the point language.

Connect with R.C. Matthews at:

www.rcmatthews.com

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

First Chapter Preview:

Oh, the Memories

Anna

Anna Cosgrove slipped into the shadows of an alcove at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel and peeked around the burgundy gossamer curtains for a closer look. Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest as she ogled the man standing a mere eight feet away, engrossed in conversation with two others. Although the buzz of the crowded ballroom drowned out their words, she could still hear his hearty laugh. The sensuous sound resonated deep within her, sending delicious little chills racing down her spine. She closed her eyes and savored the moment; it had been too many years since she’d last heard the rich timbre of his voice.

     “Why are we snooping?”

     Anna jerked back and bonked heads with her assailant. “Christ, Ellen!” She turned to glare at her best friend while her hand quickly assessed the potential damage to her exquisite up-do. “Could you give me a little warning next time? Maria will kill me if you ruin my hair before this charity event is over.”

     “Here,” she said in a hushed tone, thrusting a flute of champagne at Anna. “I thought you might want one before the auction kicks off. Now answer my question.”

     When a mischievous grin curled up Anna’s lips, her friend’s platinum blond head disappeared around the corner of the curtain for a second. Her dark brown eyes grew to the size of saucers. “What the…is that guy for real?”

     Anna chuckled and flipped open her fan, waving it to cool her flaming neck and cheeks. If only Ellen knew the fantasies she’d conjured in the moments before her arrival. There was something about a man with a slightly crooked nose that lent him a distinguished—or perhaps mysterious—quality like he wasn’t above getting dirty if need be. And that plump lower lip of his, a touch thicker and fuller than his top lip, screamed to be sucked into her mouth. Or was it his piercing blue eyes that enthralled her? So translucent and bright it was like a gateway to his soul.

     She downed her champagne and indulged in another peek of her own. “Brett has always been smoking hot! Like a good wine, he keeps getting better with age.”

      “Brett?” Ellen’s mouth gaped open. “You know him?”

     “Umm…hmm,” she confirmed with a nod. “We went to college together. He was my ballroom dancing partner. He was also the star quarterback…president of his fraternity…you know the type. Nearly every woman on campus wanted in his pants.”

     Ellen’s brow shot up. “Every woman except you, right?”

     A guttural laugh bubbled out of Anna’s chest and she tapped her friend on the shoulder with her fan. “Shhhh…I’m the irresistible and daring Anna Karenina tonight. Don’t blow my cover with stories of my prudish ways.”

     “Prudes don’t read erotica,” Ellen said, rolling her eyes. “It was a lucky guess. A relationship with Mr. Popularity probably would’ve scared the crap out of you back then. You never were into the whole tailgating and party thing, were you?”

     “Unfortunately not!”

     The women gasped in unison as they whipped around to face the intruder poking his head through the back side of the curtain. A sexy smile tugged at the corner of Brett’s mouth, slowly revealing perfectly white teeth and a dimple in his right cheek. How many times had she dreamed of kissing that mouth? A thousand? Ellen was right. Anna had been overwhelmed by his bigger than life personality and popularity but that didn’t mean she hadn’t secretly lusted after him. She sighed and smiled back at him.

     “I would recognize your throaty laugh anywhere,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her toward him. He leaned in, whispering in her ear, “Hello, Anna. It’s been way too long.”

     Warm lips brushed against her cheek within an inch of her mouth, causing a riot of tingling sensations to explode in her stomach and radiate throughout her body. His familiar musky cologne washed over her and bathed her in the memories of their twelve weeks together; the contours of his muscular body as it pressed against hers, the hooded eyes blazing a sensuous trail to her most private parts, husky words followed by an even huskier laugh. Surely he must see the desire flashing in her green eyes as they raked over him, taking in the fine figure he cut in his black tuxedo. What she wouldn’t give for another chance to dance in his embrace. No doubt he still rocked a six pack under his finery.

     A sharp elbow to her side ripped her back into reality.

     “Hello,” she said, pulling her hand out of his and gesturing to her friend. “This is my best friend, Ellen.” Her eyes connected with his again. “And this is Brett Montgomery.”

     Ellen shook his hand briskly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

     Seconds ticked by in silence as they gazed upon one another.

     “Excuse me,” Ellen said, clearing her throat. “I should speak with the conductor. We’ll be starting the festivities soon.”

     Brett lifted his chin in acknowledgment when she wandered away, never once breaking eye contact with Anna. As soon as they were alone, he took a tentative step closer. The air between them charged and nearly vibrated in its intensity. She stepped back further into the alcove, only to find her back suddenly up against the wall. A lazy smile crept over his face as he advanced on her and she braced herself for the onslaught of emotions that were sure to come.

     “If the look on Ellen’s face is any indication, you’ve still got the touch,” she said, falling easily into the flirty banter from their college days.

He chuckled and reached out to twirl his finger in the dark brown lock of hair dangling over her shoulder where it rested on the swell of her bosom.

     “I’m rather enjoying the look you’re giving me. You’re so beautiful…but still trying to evade me.” He hesitated before grabbing her left hand and placing a soft kiss on her bare fingers. “Dare I hope this is a sign you’re single?”

     The man hadn’t lost his touch one bit. She licked her lips and marveled at the myriad sensations coursing through her. Lord help her. If they were alone, she might already be ripping open his shirt. Was she single? At this moment she was single, and she would be until about two weeks from now when she announced her engagement to her best friend, Jorge Village. But it was a marriage of convenience—and he was gay. So that didn’t count until it was official, right?

     “Why would it matter?” she asked with pursed lips. “I was never your type.”

     His beautifully sculpted brow shot up in question. “You’ve always been my type—but stubbornly resisted my charms—despite all of my best moves.” He shook his head softly. “It was cruel and unusual punishment.”

     She bit her lip, recollecting every one of his moves. Such sweet torture he had put her through! Probably along with a host of other females.

     “You tried your best moves on all the ladies,” she said, poking her finger into his chest while a smile spread across her face. “I would’ve been another drop in the bucket.”

     He captured her chin between his fingers and thumb. “That’s not fair. As I recall it was the other way around. The ladies were making the moves on me.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Can’t hold that against me. Being the star quarterback came with some drawbacks.”

     A grin tugged at her lips. “Oh, really? Most guys are dying to have women crawling at their feet.”

     “Guess I’m not most guys.” He caged her between his arms, bracing his hands against the wall. “All I ever wanted was you.”

     She dragged in a rough breath and her gaze lingered on his sinfully full lips for a moment, imagining how they’d feel pressed against hers. Not soft and feathery, rather hard and possessive. Out-of-control. A finger crooked under her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his bold stare. The intensity of it set her body on fire, igniting a burning ache between her thighs.

     Could his words be true? Had she made him out to be a rogue because of her own insecurities and fears that she might not be enough for him?

      “How about a dance for old time’s sake?” he asked, stepping back and holding out his hand. “Let me hold you in my arms again.”

     A well of emotion bubbled up in her and she longed for the chance to rekindle their friendship. Why hadn’t he shown up in her life six months ago? The orchestra music suddenly trailed off on a single, elongated note and she closed her eyes, taking a deep, calming breath.

     “I can’t—that’s my cue.” She grabbed the voluminous skirt of her blood red gown and twirled gracefully before him. “Tonight I’m Anna Karenina and unfortunately my dance card is already full. It’s for a wonderful cause, you know, to fight cervical cancer.” A sparkle glinted in her eyes, recalling the joy of dancing in his arms all those years ago. “You used to dance with me for free in our ballroom dancing course. Imagine paying five hundred dollars per waltz now.”

     He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her roughly to his chest, the gesture in stark contrast to his soft and husky voice. “I’d pay one thousand. You’re going to be mine tonight, Anna. When does the auction begin?”

     “After the dancing.” She took full advantage of the moment and splayed her hands across his chest, feeling his rock hard muscles. It might be her one and only chance to touch him again. “You didn’t read your invitation. Only the eight men who paid for the privilege to dance with me are allowed to bid on me at auction.”

     He pulled out his dance card and scanned it. A deep furrow settled between his brows when he came to the same frustrating realization that she had; Anna Karenina was not on his list.

     She cupped his face in her hands and searched his eyes. How she wished tonight would be a night to remember with him before she committed herself to Jorge. Jorge would be the first to tell her to go for it.

     Just once she wanted to feel Brett’s lips on hers. She slid her fingers through his luxuriously thick blond hair and pulled his mouth down to hers. His lips were soft as velvet. Once…twice…she raked her mouth over his and on the third time her tongue slipped between his lips. His hand grasped hold of her neck, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss, while his tongue boldly explored her mouth. Within seconds the kiss exploded, taking on a sense of urgency, as if they both knew it was now or never.

     “Ladies and gentlemen,” the commentator announced, his booming welcome echoing throughout the ballroom.

     Anna pulled back, gasping for air. How had she ever resisted him? Surely the man could make a sinner out of a saint. She held her fingers briefly against her ravished lips and soaked up the remnants of desire glowing in Brett’s eyes before she trailed her finger along his square jawline, committing it to memory.

     “You’re still smoking hot,” she said with a wide grin and then turned to rush toward the stage.

Love what you’ve read so far? Get your copy at Amazon now!

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Great Deals at Zazzle and enter to WIN!

This is a compensated post but all opinions are mine.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas shopping is upon us in full force? Where has the time gone this year?

While I love shopping just as much as the next woman the years spent in retail gave me a huge distain for getting out and about participating in Black Friday shopping. I’m not a fan. I would rather relax at home eating leftover pie and shopping online.

Which is exactly what I will be doing today. One of the spots first up on my list is Zazzle. I got part of Sydney’s halloween costume at Zazzle and shop for things several times a year and have always been happy with the products.

This year I have some fun things on my list I need to purchase from there and these items (plus more) are up to 60% off. Go to the Black Friday page at Zazzle  to see all the AMAZING deals!!!! The discount code for these great offers is:  ZAZBLACKDEAL

Mugs

Calendars

Pillows

Good gifts for anyone because there are enough choices to get one which reflects the recipients personality and to me that’s important.

To make Black Friday shopping from your couch even more fun enter to win a $25 gift card – courtesy of Zazzle. Just leave a comment below sharing your Black Friday plans and you’ll be entered to win!

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I’m Very Thankful

Thanksgiving is our yearly time of thanks. The time where we take a step back and look at what’s going on in our life. To give our appreciation for family and friends and all the great things that have happened to us throughout the year.

Like everyone else, I sometimes get the blues and think how much life sucks and yada – yada – yada but really, I am unbelievably blessed.

I am very lucky for all the friends, family, and great things in my life and I should make a more concentrated effort to be thankful year ‘round. Not just at one time of the year.

This year I am especially thankful. My kids are healthy, do well in school and are a joy to be with. I got engaged to a wonderful man I’ve spent the last 6 years with, and we are looking forward to being married next year. My professional career in writing (books and blog) has continued to move forward in the right direction, and I have an awesome new website that will be launching in January. Which is the accumulation of over 6 months of hard work. I have super awesome friends who are always there for me in whatever way I need. I’ve made wonderful friends in the blogging community and attribute much of my success to their advice and support through this past year. And I appreciate all the readers who have supported me both in my fiction books and my blog. Without their support, I may not have made it through the rough times.

These are just a few of the things this year has brought me, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

Thank you, everyone!

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One Awesome Dress

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Being asked to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding is an honor. I know the few times I’ve been a bridesmaid I was so happy to be able to play a part of something so special to a good friend.

What I haven’t always been happy about is the dress. Anyone who was a bridesmaid in the 1990’s know that the dresses weren’t the most attractive in the world, and they still cost a fortune. Today dresses are much more stylish, but cost is still a factor. Choosing a bridesmaid dress that is pretty and won’t break the bank is important. If you can find one that is fashionable, it can be worn for other occasions after the wedding all the better. Especially in the great selection of Bridesmaid dresses at Weddington Way.

I’m getting married next July, and one of the things that was important to me was picking out dresses that my bridesmaids could wear for more than just the wedding. That way I wouldn’t feel so guilty asking them to spend their hard earned money on a dress and shoes.

If you choose the right dress, such as this one from Weddington Way, there are so many options to turn a dress from wedding day wear to night on the town to a more casual look. It just depends on the accessories you pair with the dress.

Take this beautiful silver dress for instance. Paired with classy, understated shoes and accessories that fit within the wedding theme it’s wedding all the way.

To take it more into an evening situation I would take a rich hue like dark burgundy to create a more dramatic look.

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To dress it down a bit for an everyday look I would throw on a jean jacket, a casual staple item. Then some chunkier jewelry in more fun, bright tones. Put on a pair of brown boots and you could wear this dress anywhere.

 

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Nutter Butter Marshmallow Treats

I love Rice Krispy treats. I mean who doesn’t? Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t associate these yummy things with childhood memories? I know I do. They were a staple in my household growing up in the winter. My mom always made sure we had the ingredients on hand so when it snowed she would bust them out and whip up a batch.

I even remember one time we woke up to a couple feet of snow and were out of what we needed. She sent my dad to the grocery store on the snowmobile. Those were the days. That memory is one of my favorites.

I was going to make the treats for my family the other day and spotted the package of Nutter Butters in the pantry. One of the family favorites when it comes to cookies and thought, hmmm……maybe I could combine them somehow and make Nutter Butter Marshmallow treats. I tried it and surprisingly it worked. Most of my experiments don’t usually turn out so I was thrilled this one did.

Making them is just as easy as the originals.

 

Nutter Butter Marshmallow Treats 2014-11-23 18:59:55






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Save Recipe Print Ingredients 2 Rows of cookies form a package of Nutter Butters 1/2 cup butter 10.5 oz bag of marshmallows Candy corn for garnish – optional
Instructions Crumble the cookies into a bowl. Over medium heat melt the mutter and then add marshmallows. Coat 8 x 8 pan with cooking spray or butter. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Stir slowly until marshmallows are melted. Take off heat and add crumbled Nutter Butters. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread into greased 8 x 8 pan. Cool, cut, add garnish, and serve.
Laina Turner http://www.lainaturner.com/
Try them….I promise you’ll like them.

 

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