Vicki Batman's Blog, page 22

Book and Bag w Vicki Batman - It’s really Simplicity, isn’t it? @Simplicitypatterns #craftingwithmom #readromance #MFRWauthor

My sisters and I grew up with Mom making our clothes and hers as well. It made money sense to do so and back then, my parents were all about stretching every penny. There were huge fabric stores like Cloth World and Hancock’s. Sometimes, we would go with Mom to those stores and go through the pattern books, like Simplicity, McCalls, and Butterick, but never Vogue because those were more complicated and she had little time for that. Patterns allowed people to create their own clothing. The books we thumbed through were our version of stylish fashion magazines and offered a glimpse of glamor. We could imagine ourselves garbed in gorgeous outfits. Mom often made us matching dresses for Easter, like these: 

Aren't we cute? 
We would help my mom lay the printed tissue on the fabric and learned how to pin it into place. If we could cut straight (not me, Mom said), we cut along the lines. Mom pinned the pieces together and then sewed them. One time, I did try to make a dress with her help. She was a tough teacher, and mostly, I learned how to rip and sew again. And again. Since ripping was not fun, my creativity did not go into sewing.After I graduated from college, I worked for a local department store. I desperately needed new work clothes. Who did I turn to? Mom! She made me several Chanel-styled suits in various fabrics, sometimes, dresses, and special evening wear. I loved them!In 2018 while shopping in my favorite Joann’s, I ran across several Simplicity collectibles. Memories crowded my head and of course, I purchased a few items, like these: 
Are you into sewing clothes?

And here’s more creative fun—Just Desserts…and other stories, eleven romantic comedy short stories sure to make you feel good.  Amazon ebook   Amazon PB     B&N      Smashwords

Book and Bag guest: #author Dana Ross - Which handbags are her guilty pleasure? #designeraccessories #readromance #MFRWauthor

Tignanello purses are my guilty pleasure. I first discovered the brand at Macy’s and the two bags I purchased were a dream. Roomy pockets, soft, supple leather, but the best part was the comfy shoulder strap. While traveling, I stash a lot of goodies: makeup, hand wipes, business card case, and other “mommy paraphernalia.” After hours of trekking around cities, whilst lugging around a heavy purse, one can get shoulder aches, but my Tagnanello purses combatted the problem by offering a smooth all-leather strap, sans metal embellishments. Yay!
I wore these purses out and when I went back to find them, Macy’s no longer carried the ones I’d mentioned. Fortunately, Poshmark sellers had them, so I bought a few. The new ones didn’t have the straps without metal, but they’re still my favorites. I only wish I’d bought one in every size/color. I highly recommend this style for daytime/nighttime excursions.



When DC Madam Faith Crawley receives a call from former client, Senator William Drummond, it's the answer to her prayers. The money the dirty politician offers her to smear his rival Finn Billings will save Faith's business, her lifestyle, and her girls.
Faith turns Finn into a political powerhouse while obtaining the evidence Drummond needs to destroy Finn's political chances. But Faith falls in love with her mark and now must decide whether to give the sleazy senator incriminating photos of Finn to save her business or give up everything for the sake of love.

About Dana Ross:
Former gemology teacher Caryn DeVincenti, who writes under the pen name Dana Ross, left all things shiny to become a full-time novelist. She is the regional director of the Florida Writers’ Association, Palm Beach County and is an active member of the Women Fiction Writers Association and the Florida Writers Association. Caryn earned her M.F.A. in creative writing from Wilkes University and loves mentoring budding novelists. Her articles on love, divorce, and relationships have appeared on DivorcedMoms.com and The Good Men Project. When not writing, Caryn enjoys dancing to loud 80s music, obsessing over social media, and playing with her insane Cairn terrier. Her first novel: Full Girlfriend Experience, a contemporary romance, will be released through The Wild Rose Press on February 18, 2019. You can read her blogs at mysocalledwritinglife.wordpress.com and https://www.danarossauthor.com
Red, White or Blue? Black is my go-to color, but out of red, white or blue, I choose red; it’s the color of passion, excitement, and rubies.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Spring. It’s the season of color and rebirth. I love the flowers and spring peepers and the colors of spring are pleasing to wear.

Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Hard to choose one favorite, but I always pick cake first. Birthday cake is my kryptonite.
Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Coffee; it’s my writer/mommy fuel.
Country music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble; I love the “crooners.”
Pencil or Pen? Pens. I love the way they feel, and I love to chew their caps whilst writing. Ewww. 
Find “Full Girlfriend Experience” at: Amazon
Find Dana Ross at: Website

Book and Bag: An Unforgettable Valentine's Day in Paris #readromance #travelstoParis #shortstories

Happy Valentine's Day! Handsome and I were chatting and something was said about Paris. He mentioned how long ago we'd gone and how he would love to go back. 

For Christmas that year, Handsome had given me two unusual gifts: a girly Walther (I know!!!) and lessons. But the one that surprised me the most was an envelope with tickets to Paris inside. He'd already planned the whole trip with a departure of February 13. 


Paris! Paris! Paris! I was happy dancin'!

We took off, and as we headed over the Atlantic, the plane had to turn back to Newfoundland because a passenger had had a heart attack which we meant we would be arriving a day late. The date being Valentine's Day.

We landed in the afternoon and had to kick off the trip quickly. When I realized we would be in Paris on Valentine's Day, I'd purchased a Hershey's large heart. As we began to deplane, I dug in my bag and handed Handsome the chocolate, saying, "Happy Valentine's Day!" The people around us laughed and giggled. 


That year, Paris in February was really, really cold, but nothing stopped us. I bought a second pair of gloves and wore them over the ones I had on. We visited Montmartre, Notre Dame, walked the Seine, haunted the Louvre and the D'Orsay, strolled through the Jardins of Luxembourg, ate simple meals. 

It was a special trip I will always treasure. 


I write funny love stories. I love the crazy dialogue between two people who are discovering each other. The simple things they do for one another. The spark of wanting "more" as the relationship develops further. The last person they think about before falling asleep and the first when awakening,

So if the weather is rather chilly where you are (like it is at my house today!), why not try something from the Whispers of Winter collection:


Your days and nights don't have to be cold. Immerse yourself in this wintery ensemble from Romance Collections.

Amazon   B&N    Kobo     iBooks
OR: Try this Valentine Fun!
https://www.booksandmore.club/valentinesday-bookfair

Book and Bag: author Ruth A. Casie - Making a book into a #handbag and #newrelease The Pirate's Jewel #historicalromance #readromance

In 2013, I received the cover for my new book, The Guardian’s Witch Book 1 of The Stelton Legacy from my publisher and quickly fell in love with it. The graphic, the color, the everything. I printed it out in color and hung it by my computer. A few months later I met up with my friend, author Julie Rowe at a conference. She sported her book cover on her arm, in the form of a handbag. Before the weekend was over, I ordered mine!
The Pirate’s Jewel part of Pirates of Britannia-The Stelton Legacy crossover. Wesley Reynolds vowed to avenge his family by ruining those who destroyed their livelihood. He’s close to succeeding, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as his victim’s daughter, Darla Maxwell’s kisses. Revelations prove he has it all wrong. Will he find the truth in time to stop what he put in place?  Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself? RELEASES TOMORROWMore about Ruth A. Casie: is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/ marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures. Red, White or Blue? Definitely red. The other colors are too quiet for me.Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Each of these seasons have their appeal. I enjoy the cold weather as long as I’m inside by the fireplace, hot cup of something nearby and reading or writing. In the warm weather I like to be on the deck or by a pool with an ice cold drink reading or writing. I love the Spring with everything blooming. But my favorite is Fall. I love the crisp (not cold) air and the colors. I love the colors.Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Cake, Angel Food with strawberries and whipped creamCoffee, Tea, Champagne? COFFEE in the morning is a must, but it’s tea the rest of the day.Country music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble!Pencil or Pen? Pen Find The Pirate’s Jewel at: AmazonFind Ruth A. Casie at: Website   

Book and Bag: author Linda O'Connor - While Attending a Robotics Competition... #accessories #romanticcomedy #readromance

I bought this purse in Montreal, Quebec. I had been visiting for a Robotics Competition with my son and had been walking from the hotel to the competition venue. I saw this purse in the window of one of the stores I passed and ducked in to take a closer look.
I only own three purses because I rarely find something that I love. Of course, when I’m not looking that’s when I stumble across the perfect find. I bought two purses that day! I love the colours of this one – they’re so bright and happy – and it’s the perfect size. It fits my cell phone, credit cards, cash, and lip-gloss, and I can even squeeze in my glasses if I switch to my sunglasses. It comes with a short strap to carry like a clutch and a long strap that I can use to wear over my shoulder. It’s so versatile and pretty – it’s become my favourite!  

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s “fiancée” for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor. Sam O’Brien, aka “Dr. Eye Candy,” is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down.  But when his “fiancée” helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his “fiancée” ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted. Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven! 
More about Linda O’Connor:  Award-winning author Linda O’Connor started writing romantic comedies when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at a local home décor store. Her books have enjoyed bestseller status. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic. She shares her medical knowledge in fast-paced, well-written, sexy romances – with an unexpected twist. Her favorite prescription to write? Laugh every day. Love every minute. 
Red, White or Blue? Blue Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Pie Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Tea Country music or Michael Buble? Country music Pencil or Pen? Pen 
Find Perfectly Honest at: Amazon 
Find Linda O’Connor at: Website

Blog: Book and Bag - Holly Bargo shares her "winter purse" and her #book Bear of the Midnight Sun #readromance #MFRWauthor

Shown here is my "winter" purse. For summer, I have one that's "natural" colored macrame. I've had it for over a decade and can't remember where I bought it. I've purchased other handbags since, but I keep going back to this one because it hits all my criteria. 
I prefer simple purses, the smaller the better, but large enough to hold my Kindle for those times when I have the opportunity to read, such as when I'm a passenger instead of the driver. A strap sufficiently long to hang the bag from my shoulder is a must--and that strap must be comfortable. I cram a lot into a small purse. I need the bag to be secure, because I often have to deal with four-legged critters and risk dropping or dumping my bag all too often. 
Polar bear shifter Sindre meets and recognizes his mate on the stage of a Las Vegas talk show. He takes action and the show's hostess takes advantage of the publicity-generating opportunity. Railroaded into a quickie marriage on national television, Miranda finds herself plunged into a world she never knew existed with a new husband she isn't sure she wants.

More about Holly Bargo: Holly Bargo is the author's pseudonym and really did exist in the form of a temperamental Appaloosa mare. The author and her husband live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie of cats, horses, and one very big dog. They have two children, one graduating from university in 2019 and the other enlisted in the military.
Red, white or blue? Holly can't choose between red or blue--both are great colors. But white? Nope. When you live on a farm, white is not a good color. 
Spring, summer or fall? Generally Holly prefers fall--after frost kills off most of the bugs and the weather cools to a more comfortable temperature.
Chocolate pudding, cake or pie? Cake, but pudding comes a close second.
Coffee, tea or champagne? Holly is a diehard tea drinker. Champagne's nice for special occasions. She simply doesn't like coffee. You know that if Holly's drinking coffee, then she's in desperate need of a strong caffeine jolt.
Country music or Michael Buble: Country music. Holly tends to prefer the 1980s country music stars, but the youngsters day are producing some pretty good stuff, too.
Pencil or pen? Holly writes with a pen, a habit developed decades ago in college.
Find Bear of the Midnight Sun at Amazon
Find Holly Bargo at Website 
Thanks, Holly, for sharing your Book and Bag with me! 

Vicki Batman - At the Movies! "They Shall Not Grow Old" and oh boy, is it cold outside! Find a #goodbook #MFRWauthor #readromance #anthology

Handsome and I are huge movie fans. So when our sons talked about a new WW1 movie, we were excited to see it. Entitled "They Shall Not Grow Old" was directed by Peter Jackson, Hobbit and Ring director. 

It's a 2018 documentary, created using original footage of World War I from the Imperial War Museum's archives (most of it previously unseen) with oral histories done by British servicemen. The film was colorized, sounds added like explosions. Footage of soldiers talking were lip read and the words were added. Mr. Jackson takes a moment at the end of the film to explain the different techniques used to make it. Very captivating.
 Do you remember when you experienced the moment in the "The Wizard of Oz" when the film went from black and white to color? The moment this happened in the "They Shall Not Grow Old", my breath caught. The soldiers became real. I flinched at the cannon firing. I felt anguish seeing men trapped in the barbed wire. I laughed at their antics and fun comments.
This world war was awful. The film began with statistics, like how many people died-23 million. Heart breaking.
Truly one of the best films ever. It earned a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary. My advice-skip the ones you've been hearing about recently. I've seen most of them and they do not compare to "They Shall Not Grow Old." 
Intrigued? Read more at: Wikipedia
Many of you are freezing out there. I'm so sorry. At times, it's been colder than usual here. My favorite thing to do is read! Grab a great book, like Whispers of Winter, a favorite beverage, a fun snack, and plop on the sofa for a whopping good time.  Find your e-copy at: 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNX2LZ/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-of-winter-nicole-morgan/1129416841?ean=2940161939208/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/whispers-of-winter-2/
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/whispers-of-winter/id1441003491?mt=11&fbclid=IwAR0adp-71OzhnmSp40SB-AzIgj8s5B01xgKM5ePnUFgk_dY_dq17AhVY5G8/

Book and Bag: #author Patricia Kiyono - crafting and sewing and a #historicalromance #readromance #MFRWauthor

I enjoy sewing and crafting, especially when I can make something out of an older, ready-to-discard item. That’s why I was thrilled when my aunt in Japan sent me this little purse she made out of one her husband’s neckties! 
It measures about 8 inches across and 7 inches high, and has a snap closure. It’s perfect for dress up occasions, and I’m hoping I can get the instructions to make one for myself someday.    Selina Davison once enjoyed life as a countess, but now must provide for herself by making hats for her former friends and acquaintances.
James Benton is an earl’s son, but he’d rather work in the gardens than socialize in the city. When James secures a commission to create a Winter Garden in Highgate, he’s lost... literally, and Selina helps him find his way. 
More about Patricia Kiyono : Patricia Kiyono lives in West Michigan with her husband, not far from their five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. When not writing, she teaches music education courses and spends lots of time on her many hobbies.   Red, White or Blue? Blue Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Chocolate cake Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Tea Country music or Michael Buble? Michael! Pencil or Pen? Pencil

GIVEAWAY (US only): a handmade drawstring bag of swag (made of cotton, not made from my husband’s neckties!) full of swag, plus a signed copy of Lost in Lavender! To win, leave a comment telling about something you or someone you love has “repurposed” into something useful. 
Find Lost in Lavender at: AmazonFind Patricia Kiyono at: Website

Book and Bag: Vicki Batman - Switching to PlanB #needlepointproject #Christmascrafts #readromance

I had good intentions.

Really. I intended to make a handbag for my daughter-in-law. I'd found a box bag kit from the late sixties on eBay and said , "Yes!" with a fist pump. The frame was constructed of wood, had all the parts--hinges, handles, etc. All I had to do was stitch the cute popart insert. So I got to work and did it.

In the meantime, I found another box bag kit with a crewel insert. I didn't particularly care for the butterfly and flower pix; so I got on ETSY and ordered an initial "B" to fit the framework. 


I had a grand plan--stitch pop art for my DIL and the B for me. 

I finished both needlepoint projects right before Christmas. I got out the heavy cardboard backing and glued the pop art pix on it. Then I began to assemble, only...

The picture didn't fit. What was I going to do? I needed to do something fast as Christmas was eight days away. So far, I had one bag that didn't work and  one for me. 

I had to decide. I gave my DIL the "B", making sure I used the correct backing for gluing (I did!). Now, on to assembly.

Handsome put on the hinges and the latch. But I was still a little wary. You see, the bag couldn't be used for every day. It was incredibly fragile. Another decision to make. Handle or no?

I went with no. 

Christmas came and my DIL opened the package with the bag. She exclaimed greatly. Then I explained how it could be a handbag, but was her choice. She opted for a beautiful box and I am
relieved. 



Bake a prize-winning cake for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off is easy? And then disaster strikes. Plan B.

The Great Fruitcake Bake-off is part of the Whispers of Winter winter anthology: Find yours at: 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNX2LZ/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-of-winter-nicole-morgan/1129416841?ean=2940161939208/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/whispers-of-winter-2/
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/whispers-of-winter/id1441003491?mt=11&fbclid=IwAR0adp-71OzhnmSp40SB-AzIgj8s5B01xgKM5ePnUFgk_dY_dq17AhVY5G8/

Book and Bag with Judythe Morgan - extra, extra special #handbag #firstbook #readromance

This little handbag is extra, extra special. The Pendant’s Promise was my first published book. My oldest daughter was as excited as I was. For Christmas that year, she took the cover and created this cute little purse. I love it!
I don’t carry it often-too small to hold all the stuff I carry with me, but it’s a fabulous conversation starter when I do. Readers are fascinated when I display it at book signings and book talks. 
A teenage girl fabricates a marriage and widowhood because her baby's soldier father is MIA in North Vietnam, but when he turns up twenty years later at her daughter’s wedding, the fiction shatters her comfortable world.
More about Judythe Morgan:Red, White or Blue? Patriotism is ingrain in this military spouse…all three.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Winter by a roaring fireplace with a good book.
Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Make it chocolate pie and I’ll gobble it down.
Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Tea, preferably Irish blends.
Country music or Michael Buble? Good ole twangy country music for this Texas girl.
Pencil or Pen? Pencil, that way I can change my mind and erase.

Find The Pendant’s Promise at: AmazonFind Judythe Morgan at: Website