Vicki Batman's Blog, page 41

How well do your friends know you? #Handbag and #book #accessories #designerhandbag #MFRWorg

Handbag and Book 
I'd been away from my regular Jazzercise class, and on the second day of my return, a friend came to my side and asked if I'd seen a handbag like the one she had photographed. I gasped. Because I had! Hers was in blue and red colors. The one I purchased is natural colored with gold metal tote handles.

Sometimes, friends know you too well. LOL



This is a large tote, yet it is lightweight. The interior is lined and there is a good sized zip pocket which spans the bag. The label reads "Ricardo" and made in Hong Kong. I did Google the name and a similar one popped up on ETSY with orange beads. I know all my necessaries will fit inside with room for a needlepoint project. Heck, it would make a great project tote. The neutral color will be perfect for summer outfits. I am a short tote handle kind of girl, but lately, am liking crossbody straps for that just in case I want it moment. I can't wait to carry this one.

Does this rattan/wicker style of bag appeal to you?


Do you like to discover new authors? I do! and one of the best ways is to read short stories in a boxed set like the Just You and Me one, coming June 1. And yes, a romantic comedy one by me is included. Grab yours now at:








Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCZWL6N

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-you-and-me…/1125868014

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/just-you-and-me

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1210908031

Merry Christmas in April? #Handbag and #book #christmascraft #needlepoint #needlepointnation

Craft and Book

I love to needlepoint and regularly feature my finished projects here. I’m your basic fill in the blank with some colored threads kind of gal. I especially enjoy taking small projects with me when I travel, such as the stitch n zip cases or small pieces which are put in pillows. Then my eye wandered over to Christmas ornaments....

I found this Merry Christmas ornament on ETSY. I crafted using cotton floss which I love because the dye lots are standardized. I stitched the wording with six strands and used four for the background. This does give a cool texture to the project.

As I worked, I really liked how the ornament evolved and my mind wandered to doing this same one in different colors. How about pink and bright lime green? Silver and blue? I cruised over to ETSY and found the ornament. I can’t wait.  So now, I’ll have to take it to be finished. I going to have to find other ornaments to get an idea of how I want mine completed. No fancy bows and ribbons. I just can’t decide.
Are you crafting for Christmas yet?
Need help deciding what to read next? Try this twelve author boxed set, Just You and Me, which features my romantic comedy short story, “Raving Beauty.” It already has a good review from my sister who said, “Your best yet!” Go to these sites to preorder:  
 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCZWL6N
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-you-and-me…/1125868014
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/just-you-and-me
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1210908031
 
 

#Handbag and #Book w Mia Jo Celeste #accessories #MFRWorg #paranormalromance

Handbag and Book withMia Jo Celeste

 When my favorite shoulder bag finally gave up its ghost, I looked for another, thinking I'd find something more happening, or perhaps, something smaller. Yet, I wanted enough room for my writer's notebook and lots of pockets, including a special one for my phone.  I went through a series of not-quite-right purses and had almost given up hope when I walked into Kohl's Off Aisle Outlet. I paced through their collection, and my gaze landed on this one. It's a Stone & Co. Irene Leather hobo bag. Sigh. It was perfect. It even had a pocket for my phone. I bought the black and tan one because I like having one purse for everything; so it has to go with most of my clothes.  I've had this bag for about three months, and I love it! I don't even miss my old favorite.
Abducted to an 18th century island purgatory, a physician-turned-zombie's destiny is torn between two brothers: a vampire lord who promises a glamorous immortal passion or a human slave who offers an experimental cure and his heart.He materialized in the inky shadow.
Or rather his apparition did. His ghostly frame hovered before her, sinuous and lithe. Against his shadowed form, the string glimmered like liquid silver. Slowly he unwrapped her, tossing the spectral bands to the floor until a coil lay between him and her.
Something inside her chest fluttered. “You followed me.”
An accusation.
He nodded. With a slight shrug, he spread his hands. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
She wanted to turn, giving him her back, but her betraying gaze remained fixated upon him. When he paced around her, she waved him away. “Don’t.”
He caught her hand and placed an insubstantial kiss in her palm. “Let me help you…please.”
A gallant gesture, perhaps, but her skin-slider sensitivity noted the rigidity of his stance, the twitch along his jaw, and the slight narrowing of his eyes. How could he think of helping her when he was in so much pain?
Ordinarily, she might be grateful. Might…if loss hadn’t hollowed her.
She ripped her cooling flesh from his spectral arms. “I don’t deserve kindness.”
“Good.” He gave her a rakish smirk. “Because I’m not kind.”
She shook her head, biting back the emerging smile that had no place on her countenance. She couldn’t be civil, couldn’t risk the involvement. “I can’t go on like this—stuck betwixt life and death.”
“You must. Don’t you see, sweet dove? You’re beyond both. You’re immortal. Like me.”
Find Other Than at: Amazon


Mia, if you had to buy another bag, what color would it be?
 
Find your contact/website/facebook at: http://www.miaceleste.com/

#Handbag and #Book w Mia Jo Celest #accessories #MFRWorg #paranormalromance

Handbag and Book withMia Jo Celeste

 When my favorite shoulder bag finally gave up its ghost, I looked for another, thinking I'd find something more happening, or perhaps, something smaller. Yet, I wanted enough room for my writer's notebook and lots of pockets, including a special one for my phone.  I went through a series of not-quite-right purses and had almost given up hope when I walked into Kohl's Off Aisle Outlet. I paced through their collection, and my gaze landed on this one. It's a Stone & Co. Irene Leather hobo bag. Sigh. It was perfect. It even had a pocket for my phone. I bought the black and tan one because I like having one purse for everything; so it has to go with most of my clothes.  I've had this bag for about three months, and I love it! I don't even miss my old favorite.
Abducted to an 18th century island purgatory, a physician-turned-zombie's destiny is torn between two brothers: a vampire lord who promises a glamorous immortal passion or a human slave who offers an experimental cure and his heart.He materialized in the inky shadow.
Or rather his apparition did. His ghostly frame hovered before her, sinuous and lithe. Against his shadowed form, the string glimmered like liquid silver. Slowly he unwrapped her, tossing the spectral bands to the floor until a coil lay between him and her.
Something inside her chest fluttered. “You followed me.”
An accusation.
He nodded. With a slight shrug, he spread his hands. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
She wanted to turn, giving him her back, but her betraying gaze remained fixated upon him. When he paced around her, she waved him away. “Don’t.”
He caught her hand and placed an insubstantial kiss in her palm. “Let me help you…please.”
A gallant gesture, perhaps, but her skin-slider sensitivity noted the rigidity of his stance, the twitch along his jaw, and the slight narrowing of his eyes. How could he think of helping her when he was in so much pain?
Ordinarily, she might be grateful. Might…if loss hadn’t hollowed her.
She ripped her cooling flesh from his spectral arms. “I don’t deserve kindness.”
“Good.” He gave her a rakish smirk. “Because I’m not kind.”
She shook her head, biting back the emerging smile that had no place on her countenance. She couldn’t be civil, couldn’t risk the involvement. “I can’t go on like this—stuck betwixt life and death.”
“You must. Don’t you see, sweet dove? You’re beyond both. You’re immortal. Like me.”
Find Other Than at: Amazon


Mia, if you had to buy another bag, what color would it be?
 
Find your contact/website/facebook at: http://www.miaceleste.com/

He asked #AprilFool'sDay #thequestion #proposal #MFRWorg

My April Fool’s Day Proposal
My oh my how time flies.

Since I've been blogging, I like to use the April 1 date to share Happy Proposal Day! For those who didn't know, Handsome proposed marriage on April Fool's Day. He pulled me on his lap and asked The Question. I did say yes, but after he left, I began to have strange thoughts when I realized what the day was. Did he mean what he asked? Was he joking? What should I do?

I did what any red-blooded girl would do. I checked in with him. LOL. I asked (very tentatively), "I was wondering... Did you mean what you asked yesterday?"

He started playing with me. "Asked you?"

My gut went oh crap. "You know, about asking that question."

"Question?"

"You know, the question."

"Oh that. That question." He smiled. "Why are you asking?"

"I thought I'd check since yesterday was April Fool's Day."

He laughed.

"Would you mind asking again?"

He took my hand and did so a second time. I said yes a second time. With great relief. It certainly felt more real than the one on April Fool's Day.



Find this fabulous twelve author anthology, which includes my loverly short story, "Raving Beauty," for 99cents at: Amazon

I needed #retailtherapy #designerhhandbag #accessories #MFRWorg

Handbag and Book 

You know how life can be challenging at times? And when we are challenged, some of us turn to food, exercise, chocolate. But I turn to retail therapy.

Writing "retail therapy" sounded strange. lol

Specifically, I shop for handbags. I know you aren't surprised. In all fairness, I culled five bags from my stash recently.

So I found this loverly Kate Spade bag:
It's pretty roomy and with the long handle and worn crossbody, surprisingly light. Some stash pockets on one side and on the other, a zipper pocket where I stored the crossbody handle. But the real reason I jumped on this beauty?

Polka dots.

I love polka dots. I have polka dotted pajamas, sweaters, sheets, and more. To me, polka dots look happy and there's nothing wrong with happy.

Speaking of happy...

Kelly Ackerman is happy when her new surgeon makes a pass at her. But it's up to Daniel Ackerman to show her who really loves her. Find "Raving Beauty," a romantic comedy short story from the Just You and Me boxed set at: Amazon

There's a sequel! Love Actually #moviewatching #favoritefilm #loveisallaround #MFRWorg

Want to revisit Love Actually?
My sister sent me a link yesterday and I HAD to look. It was about a FAVORITTE movie-Love Actually...

and actually,

there will be a sequel!

That's right!! A sequel. Can you hear me squealing?

Tune in for the NBC short film on May 25  as part of The Red Nose Day Special  and on March 24 for Red Nose Day in the UK on BBC1.  Writer-director Richard Curtis, the founder of Red Nose Day, wrote an original script, revisiting the movie’s characters to discover what they’re up to in 2017. Featured cast members are Hugh Grant, Andrew Lincoln, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Colin Firth, Lucia Moniz, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Olivia Olson, Bill Nighy, Marcus Brigstocke and Rowan Atkinson.

I can't wait to be front and center for this film.

For more information, go to: Love Actually


Are you a big fan of the movie and if so, what character do you love?



  My heart bled for the guy who was in love with his best friend's wife. In "Raving Beauty," Kelly falls for her doctor, but is he the right guy for her? Find out more at:  Amazon

Handbag and Book: delectable silk #accessories #luxuryhandbag #MFRWorg #JustYouandMe

Handbag and Book

Long ago, I went to a trade fair with a friend, and yup, my eyes caught my favorite accessory--handbags. Only these were no ordinary ones. They were handmade of Thai silk and very affordable. I bought three. For Handbag and Book, I present this one:
The fabric goes with many things. I added the pin because I liked it. The handles are shorter and made of the fabric, twisted into a rope and stitched in a circle. I like this because it represents ingenuity. Inside, the lining is turquoise, and there is a zippered pocket. As you can see, I draped a tie over the edge. There's a matching one on the other side. When looped into a bow, the shape changes to this:
I don't carry my fabric ones consistently because of fraying, and frankly, I like them too much to throw away. With leather bags, there will be wear on corners too, as well as the metal fastenings, and handle. All bags have to be cared for lovingly.


Here's some fun! The Amazon bestseller, Just You and Me, boxed set, features my romantic comedy short story, "Raving Beauty." Although a handbag isn't carried by my heroine like in my other works, she does have fun pajamas. Discover the fun at: Amazon

Peepalicious! #Eastercandy #indulgence #MFRWorg #Rssos

Peepalicious
Peeps! Who can resist the cuteness? With Easter around the corner, there's a plethora of bunnies and chicks. I love how their simple shapes look happy. But as for eating them--no. They are a tad sweet for me. HOWEVER: at Christmas I found chocolate covered mint ones. Yeah, that was yummy.

[image error] Where do Peeps come from? Peeps are produced by Just Born, a candy manufacturer located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Sam Born, who had immigrated from Russia. 

They're flavored in a myriad of flavors--orange, chocolate, vanilla, fruit punch, mystery, and raspberry. They come in the well-known bird shape as well as a bunny and occasionally, special holiday themes like stars, snowmen, eggs, pumpkins, and trees. and in a variety of sizes from small to large.

And there's gifts, too!

One year, my family and my sisters' families gathered for Christmas dinner. Just for fun, I picked up Christmas tree peeps and said make something with this in thirty minutes. The kids participated, but to my surprise, so did Handsome and my brothers in law. There were a lot of giggles. The bell dinged time up and the judges went to work. The winner was Handsome. He'd turned the tree on it's side, added toothpick legs and antlers, making a reindeer.

For Peep fun, go to:  All Things Peep

For more on history, recipes, and indestructability, go to: Wikipedia


Peeps--are you in or out?


The only thing pink Peep I have is the bunny on the insulated cup. However, in my romantic comedy short story, "Raving Beauty," from the Just You and Me boxed set, my heroine wears pink polka-dotted pajamas. Intrigued? Find out more at: Amazon

I never thought I'd say this #MFRWorg #Rssos #candy

Vicki Chat

Several years ago, my sister, my youngest and I took a trip. We stopped at a gas station and picked up treats, specifically cherry sours. We stopped to tour something (can't remember), and because it was warm outside, #2 put them in the glove box. We returned to the car and #2 said, "Want a cherry sour? They're warm from being in my glove box."
Yea, he was quoting the girl on the bus at the end of Ferris Buehler's Day Off.

We took one and they were warm from being stored. For all these years, we have a running joke and buy each other cherry sours.

Recently, Handsome and I had to make a road trip, and yes, we stopped at a huge gas station and I picked up bags of the treat for #2 and my sister. When I gave them their present, my sister tore into her bag. Over the weekend, we snacked on the deliciousness. When it came time for #2 to leave, I said, "<his name>, take your candy home with you."

A pretty funny moment. I'm pretty sure I've never said those words to him before. 

You know, I hope for the rest of our lives, the three of us trade our favorite candy and giggle as we remember that time we spent together.



What else is funny? My story "Raving Beauty" from the Just You and Me boxed set. What if the love of your life was in front of you all along? 

It began innocently with a few margaritas… Kelly Stinson is persuaded to represent Yahoo! Ranch Steakhouse in the Chamber of Commerce’s beauty contest. After an unexpected swan dive off stage, her heart goes pitter patter over the orthopedic surgeon who repaired her ripped up ankle.

Daniel Ackerman has always had the hots for his twin sister’s best friend. Much to his dismay, her doctor has taken notice of the dark-haired beauty and invaded his territory. That’s about to change when he moves in to help Kelly recover physically and open her eyes to what’s been in front of her all along.

Discover more at: Amazon


Do you have an inside story you share with someone?