Vicki Batman's Blog, page 45
December 19, 2016
#Handbag and Book w #author Meredith Bond #MFRWorg #Longchamphandbag #givinggifts #historicalromance
Handbag and Book with
Meredith Bond
My husband knows just how much I love bags. When he goes away on business—which he does often—frequently he’ll bring me home a bag as a gift. After one trip he brought me this beautiful purple Longchamp leather bag (he’d already given me the large one that folds, le Pilage). It quickly became one of my favorites. Now that we’ve moved to Brussels, Belgium, where it rains often, I’ve had to switch to a small version of the Pilage bag, since it’s waterproof—and bright colors are fun! Just like the fact that one bag is great, but two are even better, my newest release is a box set of two of the books in my Regency romance Merry Men Quartet. This is box set #2 with books three and four: The Merry Marquis and A Dandy in Disguise in it. Each book of the series can be read as a stand-alone book, so no need to worry about not having read books one and two before delving into these fun romances. And, as I did with Box Set #1, I include an extra prequel novella showing how the parents of the heroine from The Merry Marquis met and fell in love. I really hope you’ll enjoy reading A Spanish Dilemma.
A Spanish Dilemma Robert Seton is determined to do something for the war effort, despite the fact that his father won’t buy him a commission in the army. With enough pressure, pleading and persuasion, he convinces the Foreign Secretary to give him an assignment. It could have been an empty job observing the talks in Basel, Switzerland between France and Spain, but in Robert’s hands he will use it to make a difference—if only his mind would stop straying to the Spanish ambassador’s beautiful daughter. Isabella Guzman is determined to avenge her brother’s brutal murder at the hands of the French army. She’s accompanied her father to Basel to ensure that he stay strong and that the French get out of Spain as quickly as possible, taking as little as possible. Her efforts, happily, are being helped by the new representative sent by the English government. What’s disturbing is how handsome and charming he is—she could easily get caught in his spell. Can two people from such different backgrounds ever have a chance together when there is so much to keep them apart? The Merry Marquis Through the beauty of music, brings love and the will to live a life lost. It is only at the pianoforte with beautiful music flowing from her fingertips that Teresa Seton is happy. New to English society, she feels awkward and unsure of herself. Only the attentions of her handsome neighbor can convince her that she is where she belongs—a stolen kiss proves that he means what he says. But the kiss is witnessed and the pair are forced to marry for propriety’s sake. Once known as the “Merry Marquis”, Richard, the Marquis of Merrick, now lives the life of a recluse. Finding a beautiful stranger at his pianoforte strikes a chord within him, bringing back feelings he thought were lost with the passing of his wife. He is mesmerized by Teresa and her beautiful music, but can he convince her, and himself, that he can live and love again? A Dandy in Disguise Can he lose the disguise... and find himself? St. John Fotheringay-Phipps has nearly forgotten who he truly is. As the dashing, amusing dandy known to all in society as Fungy, he has hidden himself behind a mask of merriment. But he is reminded that there are pleasures beyond society -- when he finds himself feeling responsible for the innocently lovely and fiercely intellectual Rose, the daughter of a famed archaeologist, and her charming, if socially inept, family. Rose Grace knows that she cannot gamble with her future. She has suddenly been thrust into the role of mother to her two young sisters, companion to her brilliant, distracted father --and family savior. She needs to do the right thing -- to forget her own desires and quickly find a wealthy husband before the creditors come beating at their door. Then why is she distracted by the foppishly handsome Fungy, who seems so very irresponsible and pleasure-loving? Surely he's the last person whose advice she should follow!
Find Meredith's boxed set at: Amazon
Find Meredith at: Website
Meredith's hubby did really well with the Longchamp bags. Would you let your significant one buy you a handbag?
Meredith Bond
My husband knows just how much I love bags. When he goes away on business—which he does often—frequently he’ll bring me home a bag as a gift. After one trip he brought me this beautiful purple Longchamp leather bag (he’d already given me the large one that folds, le Pilage). It quickly became one of my favorites. Now that we’ve moved to Brussels, Belgium, where it rains often, I’ve had to switch to a small version of the Pilage bag, since it’s waterproof—and bright colors are fun! Just like the fact that one bag is great, but two are even better, my newest release is a box set of two of the books in my Regency romance Merry Men Quartet. This is box set #2 with books three and four: The Merry Marquis and A Dandy in Disguise in it. Each book of the series can be read as a stand-alone book, so no need to worry about not having read books one and two before delving into these fun romances. And, as I did with Box Set #1, I include an extra prequel novella showing how the parents of the heroine from The Merry Marquis met and fell in love. I really hope you’ll enjoy reading A Spanish Dilemma.
A Spanish Dilemma Robert Seton is determined to do something for the war effort, despite the fact that his father won’t buy him a commission in the army. With enough pressure, pleading and persuasion, he convinces the Foreign Secretary to give him an assignment. It could have been an empty job observing the talks in Basel, Switzerland between France and Spain, but in Robert’s hands he will use it to make a difference—if only his mind would stop straying to the Spanish ambassador’s beautiful daughter. Isabella Guzman is determined to avenge her brother’s brutal murder at the hands of the French army. She’s accompanied her father to Basel to ensure that he stay strong and that the French get out of Spain as quickly as possible, taking as little as possible. Her efforts, happily, are being helped by the new representative sent by the English government. What’s disturbing is how handsome and charming he is—she could easily get caught in his spell. Can two people from such different backgrounds ever have a chance together when there is so much to keep them apart? The Merry Marquis Through the beauty of music, brings love and the will to live a life lost. It is only at the pianoforte with beautiful music flowing from her fingertips that Teresa Seton is happy. New to English society, she feels awkward and unsure of herself. Only the attentions of her handsome neighbor can convince her that she is where she belongs—a stolen kiss proves that he means what he says. But the kiss is witnessed and the pair are forced to marry for propriety’s sake. Once known as the “Merry Marquis”, Richard, the Marquis of Merrick, now lives the life of a recluse. Finding a beautiful stranger at his pianoforte strikes a chord within him, bringing back feelings he thought were lost with the passing of his wife. He is mesmerized by Teresa and her beautiful music, but can he convince her, and himself, that he can live and love again? A Dandy in Disguise Can he lose the disguise... and find himself? St. John Fotheringay-Phipps has nearly forgotten who he truly is. As the dashing, amusing dandy known to all in society as Fungy, he has hidden himself behind a mask of merriment. But he is reminded that there are pleasures beyond society -- when he finds himself feeling responsible for the innocently lovely and fiercely intellectual Rose, the daughter of a famed archaeologist, and her charming, if socially inept, family. Rose Grace knows that she cannot gamble with her future. She has suddenly been thrust into the role of mother to her two young sisters, companion to her brilliant, distracted father --and family savior. She needs to do the right thing -- to forget her own desires and quickly find a wealthy husband before the creditors come beating at their door. Then why is she distracted by the foppishly handsome Fungy, who seems so very irresponsible and pleasure-loving? Surely he's the last person whose advice she should follow! Find Meredith's boxed set at: Amazon
Find Meredith at: Website
Meredith's hubby did really well with the Longchamp bags. Would you let your significant one buy you a handbag?
December 15, 2016
Recipe and Book w #author Nancy Lee Badger and Highland #boxedset #MFRWorg #Rssosisters #Scottishbooks
Recipe and Book withNancy Lee Badger...
loves chocolate-chip shortbread, wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clang of broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, Nancy moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Association of Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers. Nancy and her family volunteer each fall at the New Hampshire Highland Games surrounded by…kilts! 
Happy holidays! While thinking of what to share with readers, here, I have decided to post one of my favorite recipes. Chocolate-Chip Scottish Shortbread is a modern variation on a historical sweetbread commonly found in the Highlands, lowlands, and islands that make up Scotland. Shortbread required only a few ingredients, cooked quickly, and traveled well. I mention Scottish shortbread in most of my Scottish-themed romance novels, and since my boxed set Highland Games Through Time was released on December 5th, sharing it today is timely. Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened * 1 cup sugar * 2 teaspoons vanilla * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat sugar and butter together. When light and fluffy, add vanilla and salt. Slowly add flour, and mix well. Gently fold in the chips. Divide dough in half. Press into two shortbread molds OR two 8” or 9” round cake pans OR spring-form pans. Bake about 18 minutes or when the edges are golden and the middle looks fairly solid. Do not overcook! Score each shortbread round into 8 wedges, without cutting all the way through. Leave in pans and cool on rack 10 minutes. Invert carefully onto racks. When cooled completely, break into wedges. Share!
Nancy Lee Badger has used her love of all things Scottish, as well as years as a volunteer at a Scottish festival, to bring her readers this four-book boxed set. The set includes three full-length time travel novels as well as her award-winning novella, Dragon in the Mist. Three Scottish time travel romance stories and an award-winning novella combine to give you nearly 900 pages of love, battles, and intrigue. Find Highland Games Through Time ebook for 99 cents at: Amazon
Connect with Nancy Lee Badger via: Where Happy Ever After Takes the Road Less Traveled
Nancy, are you of Scottish ancestry?
Recipe and Book w #author Nancy Lee Badger and Highland #boxed set #MFRWorg #Rssosisters #Scottishbooks
Recipe and Book withNancy Lee Badger...
loves chocolate-chip shortbread, wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clang of broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, Nancy moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Association of Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers. Nancy and her family volunteer each fall at the New Hampshire Highland Games surrounded by…kilts!
Happy holidays! While thinking of what to share with readers, here, I have decided to post one of my favorite recipes. Chocolate-Chip Scottish Shortbread is a modern variation on a historical sweetbread commonly found in the Highlands, lowlands, and islands that make up Scotland. Shortbread required only a few ingredients, cooked quickly, and traveled well. I mention Scottish shortbread in most of my Scottish-themed romance novels, and since my boxed set Highland Games Through Time was released on December 5th, sharing it today is timely. Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened * 1 cup sugar * 2 teaspoons vanilla * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat sugar and butter together. When light and fluffy, add vanilla and salt. Slowly add flour, and mix well. Gently fold in the chips. Divide dough in half. Press into two shortbread molds OR two 8” or 9” round cake pans OR spring-form pans. Bake about 18 minutes or when the edges are golden and the middle looks fairly solid. Do not overcook! Score each shortbread round into 8 wedges, without cutting all the way through. Leave in pans and cool on rack 10 minutes. Invert carefully onto racks. When cooled completely, break into wedges. Share!
Nancy Lee Badger has used her love of all things Scottish, as well as years as a volunteer at a Scottish festival, to bring her readers this four-book boxed set. The set includes three full-length time travel novels as well as her award-winning novella, Dragon in the Mist. Three Scottish time travel romance stories and an award-winning novella combine to give you nearly 900 pages of love, battles, and intrigue. Find Highland Games Through Time ebook for 99 cents at: Amazon
Connect with Nancy Lee Badger via: Where Happy Ever After Takes the Road Less Traveled
Nancy, are you of Scottish ancestry?
December 12, 2016
Handbag and Book w #author Gerri Brousseau #holidayanthology #shortstories #Christmasstories #MFRWorg
Handbag and Book with
Gerri Brousseau
Thank you, Vicki, for inviting me here today to show off one of my handbags. This little deep red leather purse is one of my holiday favorites. It’s no secret that red is one of my favorite colors and no matter what I’m wearing, one of my red handbags is the perfect complement – my fashion statement. Oh, and the chenille gloves with the faux leopard trim are just the perfect touch to show a little of my, shall we say, less tame side.
This is my favorite time of year. I am in love with the holiday season, which is why I enjoy writing holiday novellas for the “Season of Series”. This year’s book is entitled, Season of Promises, and I think it’s the perfect title because the magic of Christmas does often lead us to the promise of love and surprises. This year my story in the holiday anthology is “A Promise of Forever.” I write historical romance, but if that’s not your bag (pun totally intended), this anthology contains 5 contemporary romances that will make you laugh and warm your heart. And now I would like to share a little blurb and excerpt from my story with your readers.
Her virtue is lost, and her reputation in tatters when a twist of fate sends Lady Roxanne Rothchild from London to the vibrant city of Venice, and into the arms of the handsome and intriguing Danté. But she is not the only one vying for his affection. Anna Maria Delafino de Padova will use everything in her power to drive a wedge between Danté and Roxanne and win his favor, including revealing the truth about Lady Rothchild. Will Roxanne be able to put her blemished past behind her and find love, and will she have the courage to reach for a promise of forever? Here is a little excerpt from my story: Roxanne sat in silence on the cold marble bench. Was I so brazen with Stuart? Throwing myself at him, giving myself to him, thinking that would gain me his love. Tears stung her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. How could I have been so vane to think he would make me his wife because I allowed him to bed me? How could I have been so stupid? “Signorina?” Danté said in a voice just above a whisper. Roxanne jumped at the sound. She hurriedly wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. “Signorina, something troubles you?” He sat upon the bench beside her and took her hand in his. His touch sent a tingle from her finger tips to her shoulders. His gaze sought hers, concern etched upon his brow. “No, Danté. I am fine, really. I was just being sentimental over something I was reading.” She indicated the book in her lap. He drew her into his embrace and ran his hand down her back. Warmth flooded her and pooled low in her belly. “Do not be troubled, cara. It pains me to see you cry,” he said. She buried her face in his neck, savoring the scent of him—clean linen, soap, the warmth of the sun and the smell of the earth. I would care not if he were really only a servant. I could spend the remainder of my days in his arms. She shook her head and drew slightly back from him. “I really am fine. Thank you for your concern.” His gaze locked with hers. Tears lingered upon her dark lashes, and he reached up to wipe them away. He’s so handsome. His lips are . . . but before she could complete her thought he lowered his head and his full lips brushed gently over hers. Her heart raced. She brought her hand up to his shoulder, yet she did not push him away. He drew her further into his embrace and kissed her, this time deeper, his lips begging hers to part. ~~~~~ I hope you like my holiday handbag as much as I do, and I hope that you enjoyed the little peek into A Promise of Forever. If you would like to read more, and also enjoy the 5 other great romance novellas in the anthology, you can pick up your copy here: Amazon
Gerri! This is exactly the kind of handbag I love to carry. Readers, do you like fancy gloves?
December 8, 2016
Craft and Book w @VickiBatman #crafting #Christmasgifts #MFRWorg #Rssosisters
Craft and Book with Vicki
Every year, I make something for my daughter in law and friends for Christmas. This year, I embroidered holiday aprons.
This is an easy craft. I bought plain white aprons from Joann's, stamped a holiday saying on the bib, embroidered in fun colors, and added large rick-rack. 
This one with Seasons Greetings I stitched in blue with silver rick rack. Because the transfer was vintage, I penciled in lettering in some places.
I found the Christmas greetings transfer in eBay. It is vintage and took a little extra heat to transfer, but well worth it.And the finale...
I'm really pleased with how they turned out and my friends "say" they like them. Do you make gifts for friends and family?
In my holiday story, "The Littlest Angel," from the Season of Promises anthology, I talk about an ornament my neighbor gave my mom. You can find a copy at: Amazon B&N Kobo iTunes
December 5, 2016
Get to Know author Penny Estelle and #newstory #MFRWorg #MIUP #Christmasromance #holidaystory
Let’s Get to Know...Penny Estelle
I write for all ages, from the early reader to adults. My books range from pictures books for the little ones, to fantasy, time-travel adventures for ages 9 to 13. I also write adult stories, including a family drama and contemporary, paranormal and historical westerns romances, under P. A. Estelle.First, let me thank Vicki for having me on her blog today. As always, she is a gracious hostess. Second, I want to thank everybody for stopping by! Below is a blurb and excerpt for one of my Christmas stories, The Unwanted Christmas Guest! I would love to offer a free digital copy to a chosen commenter! Be sure to leave your email address!
Elizabeth McMurphy is an up and coming high powered attorney and is after vengeance, involving one of the richest and most powerful families in Colorado. Steve York is an obnoxious reporter that thinks the ice queen has gone too far and does all he can to get under her skin.
When one of the worst blizzards in history, hits CO and leaves a hurt Steve York, stranded with Elizabeth in a mountain cabin, will she must decide to either take care of him, or throw him out to fend for himself.
“What’s going on here? Where the hell are my pants?”
Elizabeth practically jumped out of her skin. Steve stood in the bedroom doorway, wearing only some tight fitting pink sweats.
“I found you after your car went nose to nose with a tree.” She crossed her arms. “The question is, what were you doing up here in a snowstorm? Were you coming up here to spy on me?”
“Jesus, my head hurts.” Steve groaned and sat at the kitchen table. “And don’t flatter yourself.” He brought up his hands to rub his eyes and push on his temples. He started to say something when a giggle and a round of undistinguishable sounds caught his attention. Steve stared at the little girl, a whisper of a smile on his pale face. “You have a daughter?”
She chose to ignore the question. “Again, Mr. York, you were headed…where?”
“I was going to see some friends in Granby, then on to Steamboat to spend the holidays with my family.”
“You figured on taking a short cut on Badger Springs Road?”
“Basically,” he muttered. “I had a phone in my pants pocket…” Steve looked down at the pink sweats. “Yours, I presume?” At her nod, he asked with a smirk, “And you’re the one that took my clothes off?”
“Junior, my neighbor.”
“If you’ll allow me to use your phone, I’ll call Triple A and get myself and my car out of your life.” He reached over to Katy and she latched onto his finger, the brightest smile ever illuminating her sweet face.
Elizabeth quickly picked her up, as if he would contaminate her by his touch. “Phones are out.”
“Internet?”
“Nope.”
“How the hell do you live here?” he asked irritably.
Find The Unwanted Christmas Guest at: Amazon MUIP
Find Penny Estelle at: Website Facebook Pinterest
Penny, what made you write a holiday story?
December 1, 2016
Handbag and Book w #author Laurel Wanrow #steampunk #DIY #leathercraft #MFRWorg
Handbag and Book with
Laurel Wanrow I grew up in the 70s, what I remember as my first decade of DIY. We did every craft imaginable, most of them traditional since my dad ran an Appalachian Craft Center for a National Park. There, I learned leather craft, and sewing with my mother taught me how to make a pattern. Last year when I wanted to put together a Victorian outfit like the characters in my The Luminated Threads novels, I decided on a riding outfit and wanted a leather reticule to go with it to carry my necessities. After all, I had given my heroine Annmar a leather satchel to carry her sketchbook and pencils.
A fashion plate from the 1860s provided an unusual shape that fit with the leather pieces I had on hand. (Thanks to www.katetattersall.com for originally posting this gem!) After tracing the pattern on the leather and cutting, I punched holes along the edge and began lacing the pieces together with a flat leather needle. (Note, this did require a bit of counting to make sure of the fit!)
The reticule is designed to hang from a belt. Before lacing on the flap to close the top opening, I made two strips the right length, and laced a loop at the top of each. They were then sewn into the back through two sets of holes.
My worst dilemma was finding a closure when I ran out of time before my event. I looked around the house...and found one of my stone Zuni carvings had a pinched belly, perfect for looping several rounds of waxed string with beads and a piece of leather lacing.
And tah-dah! My reticule works well for smaller items, such as my keeping my real glasses handy.
To protect those she loves, Annmar faces an impossible choice. If she uses her luminated threads to harm, she loses them...but fighting without the threads will bind her new homeland to a madman. Mixing witches, shapeshifters and a coming-of-age historical romance in a secret corner of England, The Binding delves deeper into the exciting steampunk fantasy world introduced in The Unraveling and The Twisting. The Luminated Threads series: The Unraveling, Volume One The Twisting, Volume Two The Binding, Volume Three A thrill of excitement shivered down Annmar’s spine. To the tunnels. Clothes rustled, a hand clutched her elbow…and a new tunnel formed around them. She blinked in the lighter space and released her breath. Plenty of sparkling rocks doted these walls, surrounded by roots and insects and the loveliest smell of earth and damp. “You brought us here the last time.” Annmar pointed to a stone encircled with roots, its one side dull and pockmarked and the other sparkling with crystalline bits—the very rock Old Terry had had Annmar touch to bind them into this promise of guiding her. “Clever you are, my pet,” Old Terry rumbled with pleasure. “I couldna ask for a better guide.” Annmar bit her inner cheek to keep from smiling. Noticing a rock like that was easy when dozens of luminated blue threads circled it. Their movement attracted her threads as well, causing her finger threads to squirm more than when she’d touched Daeryn. Jeptha, who’d been craning his head this way and that, his eyes wide with wonder, bent to the rock. “Bloody brilliant,” he whispered and reached a hand to a swollen spot on a root, one that glowed. Old Terry slapped his hand down. “Rule number two: Do not touch the roots.” She glared at all three of them. “Do not disturb them or the soil around them. For your safety.” Mary Clare pressed closer to Annmar. “You said last time that we’d be safe.” “If you follow the rules.” Find The Binding at:
Amazon
Find Laurel at:
website
Readers: Have you every made your own handbag?
Laurel Wanrow I grew up in the 70s, what I remember as my first decade of DIY. We did every craft imaginable, most of them traditional since my dad ran an Appalachian Craft Center for a National Park. There, I learned leather craft, and sewing with my mother taught me how to make a pattern. Last year when I wanted to put together a Victorian outfit like the characters in my The Luminated Threads novels, I decided on a riding outfit and wanted a leather reticule to go with it to carry my necessities. After all, I had given my heroine Annmar a leather satchel to carry her sketchbook and pencils.
A fashion plate from the 1860s provided an unusual shape that fit with the leather pieces I had on hand. (Thanks to www.katetattersall.com for originally posting this gem!) After tracing the pattern on the leather and cutting, I punched holes along the edge and began lacing the pieces together with a flat leather needle. (Note, this did require a bit of counting to make sure of the fit!)
The reticule is designed to hang from a belt. Before lacing on the flap to close the top opening, I made two strips the right length, and laced a loop at the top of each. They were then sewn into the back through two sets of holes.
My worst dilemma was finding a closure when I ran out of time before my event. I looked around the house...and found one of my stone Zuni carvings had a pinched belly, perfect for looping several rounds of waxed string with beads and a piece of leather lacing.
And tah-dah! My reticule works well for smaller items, such as my keeping my real glasses handy.
To protect those she loves, Annmar faces an impossible choice. If she uses her luminated threads to harm, she loses them...but fighting without the threads will bind her new homeland to a madman. Mixing witches, shapeshifters and a coming-of-age historical romance in a secret corner of England, The Binding delves deeper into the exciting steampunk fantasy world introduced in The Unraveling and The Twisting. The Luminated Threads series: The Unraveling, Volume One The Twisting, Volume Two The Binding, Volume Three A thrill of excitement shivered down Annmar’s spine. To the tunnels. Clothes rustled, a hand clutched her elbow…and a new tunnel formed around them. She blinked in the lighter space and released her breath. Plenty of sparkling rocks doted these walls, surrounded by roots and insects and the loveliest smell of earth and damp. “You brought us here the last time.” Annmar pointed to a stone encircled with roots, its one side dull and pockmarked and the other sparkling with crystalline bits—the very rock Old Terry had had Annmar touch to bind them into this promise of guiding her. “Clever you are, my pet,” Old Terry rumbled with pleasure. “I couldna ask for a better guide.” Annmar bit her inner cheek to keep from smiling. Noticing a rock like that was easy when dozens of luminated blue threads circled it. Their movement attracted her threads as well, causing her finger threads to squirm more than when she’d touched Daeryn. Jeptha, who’d been craning his head this way and that, his eyes wide with wonder, bent to the rock. “Bloody brilliant,” he whispered and reached a hand to a swollen spot on a root, one that glowed. Old Terry slapped his hand down. “Rule number two: Do not touch the roots.” She glared at all three of them. “Do not disturb them or the soil around them. For your safety.” Mary Clare pressed closer to Annmar. “You said last time that we’d be safe.” “If you follow the rules.” Find The Binding at:
Amazon
Find Laurel at:
website
Readers: Have you every made your own handbag?
November 28, 2016
Handbag and Book with #author Merry Holly #MFRWorg #Rssos #christmasbook #holidayanthology
Handbag and Book with
Merry Holly!
I love my leather mauve Coach bag that I snagged at one of their outlets. I was having a wonderful time shopping with my niece. As we walked into the store the clerk handed us each a 25% discount coupon on any purchase. Well, I found this bag on the clearance rack with 70% already marked off. And to my delight they took the extra 25% off at the register.
There’s nothing like a good leather purse in my opinion, and I use this all year round.
Suzette has a firm policy of no dating within the company, but Dirk is impossible to resist. Then she discovers the truth. Has she fallen for a corporate spy? Or has Christmas given them a most delicious, unexpected holiday bonus? Several calls later, and contracts for the Welch deal signed, she swirled her chair toward the wall of windows as she took in the skyline. Yep, New York was her city. She had it by the horns. Everything she’d set out to accomplish ten years ago, she had. At thirty-two she was the youngest CEO this company had ever had. Where did she go from here? That was the question. She loved the wheeling and dealing, but she lacked a personal life. Didn’t her masseuse always say she needed balance to appreciate it all? Balance—no one explained what that meant. It was something, she guessed, you had to figure out on your own.
Christmas was the only time of the year she truly felt alone. Damn Norman for falling in love before the holidays. How could she envy her go-to companion? She hoped he’d found happiness at last. But darn, couldn’t he have at least waited until after all the holiday parties were over. Though he and Jay had offered to escort her, she’d turned them down. Three’s a crowd and all that. She would miss their commiserations on New Year’s Eve, though, as they shared their loneliness. Lord she hated going stag. Too big for her britches. A woman in a man’s world. The whispers always drifted her way. People never tired of gossip. And her mother—where did she find all those single men to throw at her? Find Season of Promises at: Amazon Find Merry Holly at: More Than I Wished For
Mauve, Merry? I don't have a handbag in that color! Right now, I want orange. But your brand is a good one.
Merry Holly!
I love my leather mauve Coach bag that I snagged at one of their outlets. I was having a wonderful time shopping with my niece. As we walked into the store the clerk handed us each a 25% discount coupon on any purchase. Well, I found this bag on the clearance rack with 70% already marked off. And to my delight they took the extra 25% off at the register. There’s nothing like a good leather purse in my opinion, and I use this all year round.
Suzette has a firm policy of no dating within the company, but Dirk is impossible to resist. Then she discovers the truth. Has she fallen for a corporate spy? Or has Christmas given them a most delicious, unexpected holiday bonus? Several calls later, and contracts for the Welch deal signed, she swirled her chair toward the wall of windows as she took in the skyline. Yep, New York was her city. She had it by the horns. Everything she’d set out to accomplish ten years ago, she had. At thirty-two she was the youngest CEO this company had ever had. Where did she go from here? That was the question. She loved the wheeling and dealing, but she lacked a personal life. Didn’t her masseuse always say she needed balance to appreciate it all? Balance—no one explained what that meant. It was something, she guessed, you had to figure out on your own.
Christmas was the only time of the year she truly felt alone. Damn Norman for falling in love before the holidays. How could she envy her go-to companion? She hoped he’d found happiness at last. But darn, couldn’t he have at least waited until after all the holiday parties were over. Though he and Jay had offered to escort her, she’d turned them down. Three’s a crowd and all that. She would miss their commiserations on New Year’s Eve, though, as they shared their loneliness. Lord she hated going stag. Too big for her britches. A woman in a man’s world. The whispers always drifted her way. People never tired of gossip. And her mother—where did she find all those single men to throw at her? Find Season of Promises at: Amazon Find Merry Holly at: More Than I Wished For
Mauve, Merry? I don't have a handbag in that color! Right now, I want orange. But your brand is a good one.
November 24, 2016
#HappyThanksgiving - getting #crafty #MFRWorg #decoratingfortheholidays #Rssos
May your day be ever so joyful!****Easy Holiday WreathRecently, I happened to be in JoAnn's and as I checked out, I found this:
Beautiful bronze and dusky gold berries on a grapevine wreath.Hmmm. How about making a wreath which will transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas? 
I found this dark celery wired ribbon edged in gold and fashioned bows with long tails. Here's how to make bows (yes!!! you can do this!!!):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS7hK9dau50 
On the back of the wreath is a loop. I looped a plain ribbon through and knotted the desired length. Note: I have a nail on the back of each door specifically for hanging wreaths.
And here's the finished one. Because I use wire to make my bows, I tied the wired bow on the ribbon for hanging. I combined the two tails into one and passed it through the opening, pinning it together. I left the tails because I may want to fasten the bow to the wreath and hot glue the tails in a fancy way. November 21, 2016
Handbag and Book w #author Krista Ames #accessories #giftfromhubby #MFRWorg #Rssos
Handbag and Book with
Krista Ames
I love this handbag! I received it as a gift from my hubby but it surely wasn’t that easy. I’d been in Wilson Leather so many times and drooled over this purse each time but I’m not really one to just buy a purse because. I only have one at a time usually and don’t get another until I’ve worn one out.
I’m not sure why hubby and I were at the mall but he wanted to go in the store so I showed him which one I liked and he told me to just buy it. I kind of crinkled my nose, not sure I wanted to spend the money. (It was only $30) So he just grabbed it and took it to check out and I had a new purse.
Dr. Miranda Chase didn’t want to be back home but she’d do just about anything for her dad including temporarily taking over his veterinarian practice. However, once she met Garrett, she wanted to drop everything and run. Cocky cowboys just weren’t her thing.
Garrett Jackson cares more about his horse than himself or anyone else and when a tiny bit of a thing calling herself a vet blows into his life like a tornado, he’s literally knocked for a loop. He doesn’t have time for women.
But, when Garrett’s horse turns up missing, Miranda isn’t going anywhere. Forced to work together, they’ll learn a little bit about each other or die trying. No matter, apparently her family dynamic, or lack thereof, meant nothing to this sour man. She would bow out gracefully. He had enough on his hands at the moment. “Ahem.” She cleared her throat in the hopes of stopping his grumbling. I was sent by Doc Chase, not that you would care, but I’m just going to leave. I think you have bigger problems here than my…how did you put it?...cute little ass and doctor bag?” She shifted to her left, ready to head out of the barn. “When you find your horse, call Doc’s office, and they’ll find someone else to come out.”
He stared. She turned to walk away.
“Wait.”He ran after her, grabbing an upper arm. “What do you mean when I find my horse?”
“Exactly what I said, Mr. Jackson. Your horse was not in the stall. I’m Miranda Chase, Doc’s daughter, and while I’d love to go back to wherever the hell it is I came from, which by the way is Montana, where I have my own practice, I can’t. And, right now I have more important things to do than stand here while you call me names. Good day, sir.” She curtsied, like a smartass, turned, and stepped away again.
Normally Miranda didn’t let men direct her or tell her what to do, yet when this man yelled, it stopped her in her tracks. When he’d grabbed her arm, she pretended not to have any reaction, but his hands had such a gentle roughness, she suddenly wanted them all over her body.
Now, hearing his stern voice “sexy, deep, and extremely Southern” she felt a quiver run straight to her core. Damn, she did not need another man distracting her. They all turned out to be no good. Maybe that’s why her daddy never acknowledged her as family? Maybe she was too much trouble for him, and he”d wished all along she had been a boy!
She turned toward the sexy voice of the tall, dark and dreamy cowboy, and for a second time, he walked right up into her personal space.
“I’m confused. We can talk about you and Doc and why you’re here later. Why isn’t my horse in his stall?”
“How the hell should I know?” Miranda shrugged. Did this guy have shit for brains? Total outer package, and yeah…she glanced lower…that part of the package appeared outstanding too, but nothing going on upstairs so far as she could tell.
“You were in my barn, what did you do to him? You’re coming with me.” Without giving her a chance to answer, he latched onto her upper arm, dragging her back to the barn.
“Let me go, you lunatic. I didn’t do anything with your horse. I came to do his physical, just like I was scheduled, and since your horse isn’t here, I’m moving on to my next appointment.” Her struggle was pointless; he was too strong to pull away from. She glared at him, but apparently intimidation wasn’t her thing, he continued without being affected.
“Oh no, not until we get to the bottom of this.”
“You’re a damned arrogant ass. Why is this my problem?”
“How do I know you didn’t do something with him?”
“Oh my God! And what, may I ask, would I do with a 2000-pound animal, hide him in my cute little doctor bag?” Find Roping the Cowboy at: Amazon
Find Krista Ames at: Website
Krista! This is exactly the kind of bag I look for and shall be visiting a store soon!!!
Krista Ames
I love this handbag! I received it as a gift from my hubby but it surely wasn’t that easy. I’d been in Wilson Leather so many times and drooled over this purse each time but I’m not really one to just buy a purse because. I only have one at a time usually and don’t get another until I’ve worn one out. I’m not sure why hubby and I were at the mall but he wanted to go in the store so I showed him which one I liked and he told me to just buy it. I kind of crinkled my nose, not sure I wanted to spend the money. (It was only $30) So he just grabbed it and took it to check out and I had a new purse.
Dr. Miranda Chase didn’t want to be back home but she’d do just about anything for her dad including temporarily taking over his veterinarian practice. However, once she met Garrett, she wanted to drop everything and run. Cocky cowboys just weren’t her thing.
Garrett Jackson cares more about his horse than himself or anyone else and when a tiny bit of a thing calling herself a vet blows into his life like a tornado, he’s literally knocked for a loop. He doesn’t have time for women.
But, when Garrett’s horse turns up missing, Miranda isn’t going anywhere. Forced to work together, they’ll learn a little bit about each other or die trying. No matter, apparently her family dynamic, or lack thereof, meant nothing to this sour man. She would bow out gracefully. He had enough on his hands at the moment. “Ahem.” She cleared her throat in the hopes of stopping his grumbling. I was sent by Doc Chase, not that you would care, but I’m just going to leave. I think you have bigger problems here than my…how did you put it?...cute little ass and doctor bag?” She shifted to her left, ready to head out of the barn. “When you find your horse, call Doc’s office, and they’ll find someone else to come out.”
He stared. She turned to walk away.
“Wait.”He ran after her, grabbing an upper arm. “What do you mean when I find my horse?”
“Exactly what I said, Mr. Jackson. Your horse was not in the stall. I’m Miranda Chase, Doc’s daughter, and while I’d love to go back to wherever the hell it is I came from, which by the way is Montana, where I have my own practice, I can’t. And, right now I have more important things to do than stand here while you call me names. Good day, sir.” She curtsied, like a smartass, turned, and stepped away again.
Normally Miranda didn’t let men direct her or tell her what to do, yet when this man yelled, it stopped her in her tracks. When he’d grabbed her arm, she pretended not to have any reaction, but his hands had such a gentle roughness, she suddenly wanted them all over her body.
Now, hearing his stern voice “sexy, deep, and extremely Southern” she felt a quiver run straight to her core. Damn, she did not need another man distracting her. They all turned out to be no good. Maybe that’s why her daddy never acknowledged her as family? Maybe she was too much trouble for him, and he”d wished all along she had been a boy!
She turned toward the sexy voice of the tall, dark and dreamy cowboy, and for a second time, he walked right up into her personal space.
“I’m confused. We can talk about you and Doc and why you’re here later. Why isn’t my horse in his stall?”
“How the hell should I know?” Miranda shrugged. Did this guy have shit for brains? Total outer package, and yeah…she glanced lower…that part of the package appeared outstanding too, but nothing going on upstairs so far as she could tell.
“You were in my barn, what did you do to him? You’re coming with me.” Without giving her a chance to answer, he latched onto her upper arm, dragging her back to the barn.
“Let me go, you lunatic. I didn’t do anything with your horse. I came to do his physical, just like I was scheduled, and since your horse isn’t here, I’m moving on to my next appointment.” Her struggle was pointless; he was too strong to pull away from. She glared at him, but apparently intimidation wasn’t her thing, he continued without being affected.
“Oh no, not until we get to the bottom of this.”
“You’re a damned arrogant ass. Why is this my problem?”
“How do I know you didn’t do something with him?”
“Oh my God! And what, may I ask, would I do with a 2000-pound animal, hide him in my cute little doctor bag?” Find Roping the Cowboy at: Amazon
Find Krista Ames at: Website
Krista! This is exactly the kind of bag I look for and shall be visiting a store soon!!!
