Vicki Batman's Blog, page 55

I've been stitching and zipping- an iPad cover #MFRWauthor #needlepoint #crafting #RssosSisters

 
I'm just a    Crafty gal
Sometimes, needlepoint projects can take me a while. Last summer, I began a Stitch n Zip iPad cover and took it with me on my vacation as it was small enough to fit in my handbag. When I returned, my sister said she thought it cute and said when I was finished it was hers for her birthday.
 
I finished a few weeks ago. And here's the progression:


   Beginning late June, 2015


 July 2015 August 2015  finished November 2015.  I like working with cotton floss and these kits are furnished with those. I do use a different needle than the one which is included in the package. For the center of the flowers, I added a bead instead of stitching with white thread. After all, this was for my sister and she needed some glamor. Because this case was to be used for an iPAD, I wanted to beef up the protection. I cut a piece of black felt on the inside and hotglued on 3 sides. Then I slipped in loose batting (because that is what I had!) and finished gluing. I put a split ring on the zipper for easy grasping and using.  My sister says she loves it.    What crafting project are you working on?      Season of Surprises, a holiday anthology, featuring "Holiday Handbag Extravaganza": Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Kobo  iTunes

    

Organize your chaos with a great #handbag & Jane Gale #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #fashion #shoes

 
*Handbag Monday* welcomes...Jane Gale his handbag is versatile and can carry pretty much everything a lady writer could ever need, just short of an iron. Perfect for those moments when I sit too long in one place and create crazy wrinkles in my clothes. The black is a universal color and the style goes with pretty much everything in my closet.

 I realized early on that the leather material is much easier to clean when I spill the contents of my beverages and splatter spaghetti sauce while slobbishly shoving giant wads of not-so-organized, sauce smothered pasta noodles in my face. The poor handbag has been victim of many a spill and splatter, looking a bit like a piece of evidence from a crime scene more than the fully versatile and functional handbag of a lady writer. 

You are so right, Jane, about leather being easier to clean. :)

 “A Day for Destiny” by Jane Gale A court summons and arrival of a sexy, mysterious man throws Destiny’s mundane life into chaos. Not knowing who to trust, she could lose everything, including her heart.  Destiny cleared her throat while setting the clipping shears and green twining stems on the table and turned. The heated embarrassment blasted her cheeks and tips of her ears with redness. She didn’t have to look in the mirror to know she was redder than the inside of a watermelon. Oh my goodness, how long has this man been watching me? And why in heck didn’t I hear the door open? Did he come to talk about the upcoming court battle with the city? The fine lines of his button-up dress shirt don’t look like anything available at the local stores, but he has an air of seriousness about him, like he’s about to try and take my store away. Did my dad pass away? Destiny felt faint where she stood in the middle of the store. The blood drained from her head while all the terrible possibilities of what this man’s appearance could mean rained down upon her thoughts.                Smoothing the front of her apron covered in painted daisies with her name tag on it, she fidgeted with her hands while trying to get over the utter embarrassment of being heard singing and observed shaking her hips like a crazy person by the black haired, blue-eyed man standing before her.                “Hi, did you need help with something?” Destiny tried to calm the fluttering of her heart. The man standing in her store, in very close proximity, held himself in such a manner that made her weak in the knees. He was devastatingly handsome.                “I’ve come back to town for something I left behind a long time ago. I was wondering if you’d be so kind as to help me reclaim what’s mine.” His words dripped with confidence, and he didn’t break eye contact with her or flinch while speaking.                Destiny didn’t know what to say, he was asking her to do something, to help him get something back that was once his. “I’m sorry, but I own a flower shop, I can’t help you with anything other than floral arrangements. Is that why you’re here? Do you need flowers?”                A heavy thumping began in her chest and the sensation crawled up into her neck. Does the man, albeit sexy as sin, have a mental health problem? Seriously, I can’t catch a break in the boyfriend department, or even men in general. He hasn’t mentioned the court summons, so that’s a relief, but what could he possibly be talking about?                 The man stepped closer to her, forcing Destiny to tip her head back to keep eye contact with him. The stranger’s blue eyes had a spark of mystery and mischief in them, making Destiny wary and excited all at once. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and all she got was a giant dose of his aftershave. A scent Destiny recognized, but couldn’t put a finger on as to why it would be familiar. The scent was pure male, and she couldn’t help but lean closer to get another dose of that exotic smell, despite all the unknown factors related to the mystery surrounding his abrupt arrival and odd request.                “Would you do me the honor of going out to dinner with me tonight, after your shop closes? I will tell you everything you want to know, and then you can decide for yourself if you’re willing to help me.”  Jane hit on a great topic about our ordinary lives all of the sudden aren't. Have you ever felt your life became too chaotic?  For more about Season of Surprises, go to:  Facebook Season of Surprises is a very affordable 99cents at: Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Kobo     iTunes


Tripping the Christmas lights fantastic! OR What my dad did on Christmas Eve! #Christmaslightdecorating #twinklelights #holidays #RssosSisters #MFRWauthor

As a child , my family spent Christmas Eve at my grandmother's house. Everyone brought a dessert and a side. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins came and we had a wonderful family reunion. The ones nearest my age played killer Uno in grandmother's bedroom.

But when the party was over...

Dad began driving the loooonnnnggg way home. We piled into the family station wagon, turned on the Christmas tunes and sang our lungs out. He wound through neighborhoods so we could view the sparkly creations set only at this time of year.

Did I mention I have an affinity for Christmas lights?

This year, I spotted this tree:
My photo doesn't do the fiery red and neon green justice.

And I traveled to a small town for their Candlelight home tour and have these shots:


















Handsome likes to put up yard art:

Do you decorate with lights? If so, any special colors you use?


Did you get something special for Christmas only to misplace it?Christmas Countdown is on! Hunk-a-licious customer, Jack Treadaway, pesters boutique owner, Callie Woods, to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town "Holiday Handbag Extravaganza" is at:
Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Kobo  iTunes

#Easy Peasy Recipe: Judy Penz Sheluk shares Anneliese's Almond Cresent #cookies & her new #mystery The Hanged Man's Noose #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #SistersinCrime

An Easy Peasy Recipe from...Judy Penz Sheluk

In The Hanged Man’s Noose: A Glass Dolphin Mystery, Glass Dolphin antiques shop owner Arabella Carpenter is known for her love of Scottish shortbread. I also love shortbread, though my particular passion is for Almond Crescents. My mom used to make these every Christmas. She would let me twist the dough into crescent shapes, and if I was really good, sprinkle powered sugar over them after they were freshly baked.
Anneliese’s Almond Crescents
Ingredients:1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature1 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real deal, not the artificial kind)2 teaspoons almond extract2 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour1 cup ground almonds (bulk food stores are a good place to find these)1 cup powdered sugar (put in a sifter for best results)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Grease cookie sheets (enough for 45 cookies). Mix together butter with sugar and beat with a mixed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and almond extract and continue to beat until incorporated. Stir in the flour and almonds. Work flour mixture into a firm dough.
Working with 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, shape into logs. The log should be slightly
A freelance writer. An antiques shop owner. A greedy developer. The Hanged Man’s Noose: where small town secrets, high stakes real estate wrangling, and subterfuge lead to murder.
Find Judy Penz Sheluk at: Website
Find The Hanged Man's Noose at: Amazon

Read the first four chapters free at: Barking Rain Press

Enticed by alligator & romance. Bobbi Lerman shares a holiday #anthology & a #handbag #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #accessories #fashion

Handbag Monday welcomes...
Bobbi Lerman



I like to go a bit out of my usual color scheme of black, brown and more black. With this little alligator clutch, I have something a bit different to go to when I get dressed up in my go to black dress. The clutch is festive, yet elegant and just the right size to hold my license, credit card, and phone. What else do I need?

Oooh, Bobbi, this is simply delicious. I have a red clutch, but it's not alligator.
Accused of theft, Amy Beale flees a New Year’s party and the detective determined to arrest her. An accident sends her traveling back in time for one last chance to clear her name and find her fate in a love that transcends time and space.
            The band struck up a fast-paced dance tune. Amy watched as couples began to whirl past her, the gowns of the women billowing out as they were spun in their partner’s arms. She made her way to a chair with a high, carved back and a red velvet seat, wondering if Charlotte had found her ‘Mr. Right’ to twirl her about yet. She hoped so.             Sinking into the luxuriant seat, Amy took another sip of champagne and enjoyed the warmth of the liquid as it seeped through her. She closed her eyes, listening to the music. The sound, joyful and wonderful, filled her ears. If she could just sit like this all night she would be more then delighted.             She tapped her foot softly on the parquet floor in time to the music as she raised her glass to her lips for another sip of her champagne. She would definitely want seconds on the bubbly, she thought happily, when she was struck by the strangest sensation.             Bolting upright, the hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention as if electrified. Amy scanned the dancing couples. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for anything or anyone out of the ordinary. No one paid any attention to her at ll. Unnerved, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched as ice-cold needles skittered up and down her spine. The sensation grew stronger by the minute. She had to get out of there.             Amy wasn’t certain her legs would hold her. Her breath seemed to have solidified in her throat. Fear knotted her stomach and goose bumps covered her arms. She didn’t have a clue as to what exactly she was so afraid of. She only knew the fear was real. Something bad was about to happen.       Find Season of Surprises at:  Amazon  FacebookFind Bobbi Lerman at:  Scribblers Ink

Do you have the Big-time Holiday Spirit? #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #Christmastree

I Have Big-time Holiday Spirit!
I love the holidays. As I’m writing this, I’m preparing for a special trip with girlfriends to a small town for the Candlelight Home Tour. The historic homes are decorated, great meals, lots of laughs. As we journey to our destination, we stop at a huge flea market. Here is where I truly indulge for you see I love adore ADORE!! vintage holiday decorations. I especially collect beaded satin ornaments and sequined felted table runners and tree skirts. Here’s a sample of what I found this year:
I also pick up the odd and end vintage decoration. I found this recently:    And let’s not forget the Christmas tree. In my house, we have a real Fraser fir. The end is cut for sap, the whole thing is washed for pollen and dust.  
Last night during the Grinch, #2 son and I added the new LED lights. I really-really like them. I also mixed things up a bit and put the satin beaded ornaments on the tree. Around the star, I stuck gold twigs. Throughout the branches, I added floral sprays. How did I do? Note: I don’t pretend to be a professional. LOLMost importantly, I need to remember the holidays are about family and friends. This year, my family dynamics changed dramatically—my parents, nephew, and my old cat passed. Thanksgiving was weird and I’m sure Christmas will be without them too.
 
So are you into vintage ornaments, new mod ones, on something your child has made?    

Melissa Keir with delicious scones & #new book! #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #cowboy #westernromance

Cooking with... 
Melissa Keir, 
author of Cowboy Mine. Today, she's sharing her favorite scone recipe!

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a movie reviewer, owner of a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice—a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.
Perfectly Proper SconesIngredients:2 cups all purpose flour1/3 cup sugar, plus a teaspoon for sprinkling 1 teaspoon baking powder¼ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt8 tablespoons (one stick) cold unsalted butter½ cup dried currants (I use cherries or blueberries)½ cup white chocolate morsels (I don’t measure and just throw them in)½ cup plain yogurt1 large egg
Frosting Topping: powdered sugar, milk
Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut up the butter into small pieces and work into the flour mixture with your fingers (mixture should resemble wet sand). Stir in currants and chocolate.In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and egg until blended.Using a fork, stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (Warning: this will get sticky!)Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and pat into about an 8 inch circle. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp sugar. Use a sharp knife (I use a butter knife) and cut the dough into 8 parts (like you’d cut a pizza). Place the scones on a baking sheet (lightly greased or lined with parchment paper), about one inch apart. Bake unil tops are just golden, about 20 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes or so.
Mix the powered sugar and milk in a small cup until it resembles a thick liquid. Pour over the scones. Let dry and then enjoy! Oooh, Melissa will you bake some and mail them to me! Looks yummy.  Excerpt from Chalkboard Romance:One minute she remained all grace, next her poise went down the drain as her shoe broke. Mac lurched to his feet and ran over to help the stunning woman.
“Are you hurt?” He reached his hand out to help but instead of the tears he expected, Mac heard laughter coming from under the waterfall of hair which hid her face. He ached to touch the burnished-bronze length. 
She reminds me of Dad’s favorite colt, a little skittish, but feisty. I like spirited women.
Not wanting to see her sitting there on the floor, Mac scooped her up in his arms. Whoa. She was like a foal, all legs, and she fit perfectly in his arms. He could hold her all day.
“Sir, is the woman okay?” The bartender stood in front of Mac. He couldn’t tell if the guy wanted to grab her out of his arms for himself or to protect his hotel from a lawsuit.
Mac couldn’t help but growl like a dog defending his territory. “I haven’t checked yet. She appears fine. Why don’t you get her a glass of water?” Anything to get rid of him. He wanted to keep her in his arms.
Mac pulled her close to his chest. At the thought of letting her go, his heartbeat sped up. Maybe I can convince her to have a drink with me. He reluctantly set her down in a chair at one of the bar tables.
Melissa loves hearing from readers!www.melissakeir.comhttp://www.facebook.com/melissaakeirhttp://www.facebook.com/authormelissakeir(fan page)www.twitter/melissa_keir 

#handbag Monday w Historical #author Gerri Brousseau who's going Bohemian #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #fashion

Handbag Monday welcomes...Gerri Brousseau


Autumn is my favorite time of year and this fun little handbag is one I use to knock around in. Featuring rows of glittery cord, polished shells, and burnt orange beads, it has a real Bohemian flavor. I love this little bag because it goes with everything I wear in the fall.  

Lovely, Gerri! This bag would be perfect on so many occasions!
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A Scottish Laird captured the heart of a titled Englishwoman from the first moment she laid eyes on him, but would his clan and her family ever approve of their forbidden love?
Excerpt from Enticed by a Laird:
         Later that evening the Dowager sat across the table from Angus McClellen. The room was lit by only a few candles and once the meal was set before them, the servants scurried away. 
        Angus reached across the table and took Esther’s hand in his. Her heart raced at his touch.          “I’ve missed ye, Esther,” he said. His gaze met and held hers.          “I’ve missed you as well, Angus.” Her stomach fluttered.           “I’ve a bit of a surprise for you,” a smile slipped across his lips.           “The plaid was quite a bit of a surprise.”           “I’m no talkin’ o’ the plaid.” He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.          “No? What then?”          “Would ye accompany me tomorrow? I wish to take ye for a short ride.”          “Doctor Hanover said absolutely no travel, but I suppose what he doesn’t know couldn’t hurt.”          “You’ll no be disobeyin’ yer healer’s orders now. We’ll wait one more day. It will keep.”           “Will you at least tell me what it is?”           “No, if I tell ye then it wonna be a surprise now would it?”           “I suppose not.”          “Dinna ye say there was a gathering tomorrow evenin’ so Robert could present his beloved to the family?”           “Yes. You will be joining us, won’t you?”          “I wonna miss it.”          Esther smiled.          “Ye fail te understand,” he said with a tilt of his head.          “Fail to understand?”          “Aye, I’m not goin’ anywhere, not without ye.”          “Moving to London are you?” She smiled.           “Let’s eat a’fore our food grows cold.”           “I know you, Angus McClellen. You’re up to something.”           “Aye, my lady love, ye should know me well enough to know I’m always up to something.” 

Find Season of Surprises at: Amazon

Find Season of Surprises on : Facebook

My love affair with Handsome all began with James Bond, Spectre #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #spyfilms #Ilovemovies

Movie Mom
I love movies and most weeks, Handsome and I go see one. In a pinch, we watch them on television. I like old films too. 

When we met, I was supposed to go to the movies with my friend, Charlie, who lived around the corner from my roommate and I. He and his roomie worked for Arthur Andersen. Earlier in the day, I asked Charlie if he had any plans for the evening and he said no. I asked if he wanted to go see the new Bond film with me. And he said yes. 

But Charlie had had a little too much fun in the sun. Around 4 o'clock, I went to check on him. Yup, he was sunburned and a little hungover. As I was about to leave, his doorbell rang. Charlie answered and found a co-worker, a good-looking guy wearing a flannel shirt--Memorial weekend is hot where I live. 

Charlie's friend kept thinking he was interrupting something and I remarked several times he had not. I explained how we were supposed to go to see the new Bond film and behind my hand, I leaned his way and said softly, "But he's a little wasted and can't go."

Charlie said, "You take her." 

My insides went what??? And his friend looked just as stunned. I said, "It's okay. You don't have to go." And yet, he said, "No, I want to go." 

I had just got together with a stranger. I gave him a wan grin and said, "Pick me up around the corner at..." I can't remember the exact time. 

As you know, the opening credits of any Bond film feature a lot of naked girls dancing around and this one did as well with Sheena Easton singing. Yikes. 

I can say, I did most of the talking. LOL

And Charlie's friend kept calling. So every Bond film is a little anniversary party for us. 

Recently, we saw Spectre. The filming was awesome. The story moved fast. I was never bored. Christoph Waltz is the best bad guy. I really liked Moneypenny, Q, and M having more to do. 

But then, I'm a huge Bond fan. <VBG> FMI: Wikipedia

What is the first 007 film you ever saw?

Thanksgiving Greetings! #MFRWauthors #RssosSisters #holidaycheer

For each of you and your family, I wish

Vicki