Vicki Batman's Blog, page 69
January 16, 2015
.@VickiBatman - fairy tales come true is a good thing? Into the Woods #movie mom #MFRWorg #RLFblog
Tired of action/adventure films? Something else that takes you somewhere you've never gone?
* Movie Mom *
Into the Woods, a musical based on the Stephen Sondheim Broadway show and features Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski, and Johnny Depp. The premise of the movie takes its inspiration from the Grimm fairytales "Little Red Riding Hood", "Cinderella", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and "Rapunzel".
My thoughts: The film opens with the baker and his wife whose wish for a child could be granted by a witch if they procure several items. In doing so, they encounter characters from other tales.
I liked this the movie, but thought a tad long and dark. It made me want to see the Broadway show. The effects were very good. The acting and singing nicely done. The Wolf might be a bit suggestive. The show left me wondering about wishes which come true and the consequences may not be what we want.
FMI: Wikipedia
Are you a fan of fairy tales?
* Movie Mom *
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Into the Woods, a musical based on the Stephen Sondheim Broadway show and features Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski, and Johnny Depp. The premise of the movie takes its inspiration from the Grimm fairytales "Little Red Riding Hood", "Cinderella", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and "Rapunzel".
My thoughts: The film opens with the baker and his wife whose wish for a child could be granted by a witch if they procure several items. In doing so, they encounter characters from other tales.
I liked this the movie, but thought a tad long and dark. It made me want to see the Broadway show. The effects were very good. The acting and singing nicely done. The Wolf might be a bit suggestive. The show left me wondering about wishes which come true and the consequences may not be what we want.
FMI: Wikipedia
Are you a fan of fairy tales?
January 11, 2015
.@VickiBatman - author Silver James on #handbag Monday: Do Cowgirls Cry? #MFRWorg #RLFblog #Harlequin #accessories
* #Handbag Monday *
Second week back with Handbag Monday. And we have a special guest -- Silver James. Let's peek at what she brought:
And here’s a big thanks, to Vicki for hosting me and my fab new handbag today!
I grew up in the days of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and cowboy kitsch. Since I also spent a great deal of my formative years on horseback, I developed a nostalgic fondness for the fashions as an adult. I have boots. I have lots of turquoise bling but I sure needed a new purse to with ’em.
I first saw this handbag on-line in an email. Now I’m a persnickety shopper. I want to feel, open, measure—the straps and cargo area have just right! It was a leap of faith to order it—on sale no less—from the internet. Now that it’s here, the straps are a little short (I like to sling a bag over my shoulder), but the rest of the bag is awesomesauce! The closure strap is real hide, the leather tooling around the bottom kicks my cowgirl fashion sense into overdrive, and the metal working is Celtic knots. This purse ticks off my two favorite styles—Cowgirl Celtic! It also goes with every pair of boots I own. Here’s to boots and bling! It’s a cowgirl thing.
Wow, Silver, this one reminds me of the bag I have made from boot tops.
COWGIRLS DON’T CRY: The wealthiest of enemies may seduce the ranch right out from under her.
Find Cowgirls Don't Cry at: Amazon
Contact Silver James at: Website
What do you think? Are you a cowgirl at heart?
I’ll also happily send an autographed copy of the book to one of the commenters! Yipee!!! and thanks, Silver!!
Second week back with Handbag Monday. And we have a special guest -- Silver James. Let's peek at what she brought:
And here’s a big thanks, to Vicki for hosting me and my fab new handbag today!
I grew up in the days of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and cowboy kitsch. Since I also spent a great deal of my formative years on horseback, I developed a nostalgic fondness for the fashions as an adult. I have boots. I have lots of turquoise bling but I sure needed a new purse to with ’em.
I first saw this handbag on-line in an email. Now I’m a persnickety shopper. I want to feel, open, measure—the straps and cargo area have just right! It was a leap of faith to order it—on sale no less—from the internet. Now that it’s here, the straps are a little short (I like to sling a bag over my shoulder), but the rest of the bag is awesomesauce! The closure strap is real hide, the leather tooling around the bottom kicks my cowgirl fashion sense into overdrive, and the metal working is Celtic knots. This purse ticks off my two favorite styles—Cowgirl Celtic! It also goes with every pair of boots I own. Here’s to boots and bling! It’s a cowgirl thing.
Wow, Silver, this one reminds me of the bag I have made from boot tops.
COWGIRLS DON’T CRY: The wealthiest of enemies may seduce the ranch right out from under her.
Find Cowgirls Don't Cry at: Amazon
Contact Silver James at: Website
What do you think? Are you a cowgirl at heart?
I’ll also happily send an autographed copy of the book to one of the commenters! Yipee!!! and thanks, Silver!!
January 9, 2015
@VickiBatman - #Movie Mom & The Theory of Everything
Time to catch up on movies!
* Movie Mom *
The first film to kick off the holiday season was The Theory of Everything, a 2014 biographical drama which deals with Jane Hawking's relationship with her ex-husband, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, his diagnosis of motor neuron disease, and his success in physics.The film stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
My thoughts: excellent. Well acted. Moved quickly. Never boring. Great snapshot into the 60's, 70's, etc. I know very little about Mr. Hawking and was greatly impressed by the love story which moved to his disease, family, and his success in physics. I expect there will be some Oscar buzz with this one.
FMI: Wikipedia
* Movie Mom *
The first film to kick off the holiday season was The Theory of Everything, a 2014 biographical drama which deals with Jane Hawking's relationship with her ex-husband, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, his diagnosis of motor neuron disease, and his success in physics.The film stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
My thoughts: excellent. Well acted. Moved quickly. Never boring. Great snapshot into the 60's, 70's, etc. I know very little about Mr. Hawking and was greatly impressed by the love story which moved to his disease, family, and his success in physics. I expect there will be some Oscar buzz with this one.
FMI: Wikipedia
January 6, 2015
.@VickiBatman - Kathryn Jane a handy beading craft. Is she hearing Voices? #MFRWorg #RLFblog #Romanticsuspense
Hello everyone, and thanks, Vicki for having me here!
First of all, I’m a haphazard crafter. I tend to play at it, and don’t follow rules. Or read instructions. I see something I like and try to make the same. I’m impatient.
My beading endeavors, like everything else I do, grew organically.
It began when I saw metal bookmarks with pretty dangling beads at a craft event, and fell in love. Unable to afford more than one, I agonized over the choices. They were all so dang pretty. Long story short, I thought, why not make my own, and use them as gifts with my books.
Off to Michaels I went, then on to Jo-Ann’s, and eventually Amazon. In just a short few weeks, I’d amassed a lovely collection of beads and things. What fun I had creating and expanding from bookmarks to bracelets, key-rings, zipper pulls, and then my own invention, the senior’s set.
First a bit of a story for explanation. My mom lives in an independent living facility with a large dining room. When residents go for meals, they leave their walkers outside in the hallway because a nice lady or gentleman walks them to their tables, and back out afterward.
Here’s where it gets complicated when a 90 year old woman says, “My walker is the blue one.” Um, there are lots of blue ones, and red ones, and black ones. Some have a luggage tag with a name, some have a pom pom, or a little stuffed animal. But most have very little to tell them apart.
This is why I created the senior’s (walker) set. It consists of one long elastic string of pretty beads with a loop and hook so it can be wrapped around the bar of any walker, a matching key-ring, and a zipper pull, bookmark or bracelet.
Anyone assisting the 90 year old lady can look at her key-ring, zipper pull, or bracelet and find the matching beads on one of the dozens of walkers parked in the hallway.
Best of all, they’re pretty!
My mom loves having something pretty instead of what she calls an ugly or boring luggage tag. Also, if she drops her keys, the staff will be able to match them up with her because of the beads on her walker.
She's desperate to stop a killer, he wants his wife back.
Find Kathryn at: http://kathrynjane.com/
Find Voices at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q06XLAY
First of all, I’m a haphazard crafter. I tend to play at it, and don’t follow rules. Or read instructions. I see something I like and try to make the same. I’m impatient.
My beading endeavors, like everything else I do, grew organically.
It began when I saw metal bookmarks with pretty dangling beads at a craft event, and fell in love. Unable to afford more than one, I agonized over the choices. They were all so dang pretty. Long story short, I thought, why not make my own, and use them as gifts with my books.
Off to Michaels I went, then on to Jo-Ann’s, and eventually Amazon. In just a short few weeks, I’d amassed a lovely collection of beads and things. What fun I had creating and expanding from bookmarks to bracelets, key-rings, zipper pulls, and then my own invention, the senior’s set.
First a bit of a story for explanation. My mom lives in an independent living facility with a large dining room. When residents go for meals, they leave their walkers outside in the hallway because a nice lady or gentleman walks them to their tables, and back out afterward.
Here’s where it gets complicated when a 90 year old woman says, “My walker is the blue one.” Um, there are lots of blue ones, and red ones, and black ones. Some have a luggage tag with a name, some have a pom pom, or a little stuffed animal. But most have very little to tell them apart.
This is why I created the senior’s (walker) set. It consists of one long elastic string of pretty beads with a loop and hook so it can be wrapped around the bar of any walker, a matching key-ring, and a zipper pull, bookmark or bracelet.
Anyone assisting the 90 year old lady can look at her key-ring, zipper pull, or bracelet and find the matching beads on one of the dozens of walkers parked in the hallway.
Best of all, they’re pretty!
My mom loves having something pretty instead of what she calls an ugly or boring luggage tag. Also, if she drops her keys, the staff will be able to match them up with her because of the beads on her walker.
She's desperate to stop a killer, he wants his wife back.
Find Kathryn at: http://kathrynjane.com/
Find Voices at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q06XLAY
January 5, 2015
.@VickiBatman ~ simply delightful: a red clutch stole my heart #MFRWorg #RLFblog #handbag
When I first started purchasing needlepoint handbags, I looked on eBay and ETSY. This one caught my eye because I love RED!
*Handbag Monday*
This adorable clutch is covered in petit point, a kind of tiny needlepoint,and measures 9 1/2 in by 4. The inside is covered in a dark salmon with a flat pocket on one side and a gathered pocket on the other. For more information on petit point versus needlepoint, go to: stitch
Red is the dominate color; however, the colorful flowers of red, pink, yellow, ivory and cornflower blue stands out nicely.The case is silver metal and the catch is quite unusual. There is no identifying mark.
This bag looked superdooper with the black wool crepe dress I wore for New Year's this year.
Have you ever carried a needlepoint handbag?
Vicki Batman obsesses over handbags and loves a great bargain. Her stories regularly feature them too. See for yourself in her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, at: Amazon
*Handbag Monday*
This adorable clutch is covered in petit point, a kind of tiny needlepoint,and measures 9 1/2 in by 4. The inside is covered in a dark salmon with a flat pocket on one side and a gathered pocket on the other. For more information on petit point versus needlepoint, go to: stitch
Red is the dominate color; however, the colorful flowers of red, pink, yellow, ivory and cornflower blue stands out nicely.The case is silver metal and the catch is quite unusual. There is no identifying mark.
This bag looked superdooper with the black wool crepe dress I wore for New Year's this year.
Have you ever carried a needlepoint handbag?
Vicki Batman obsesses over handbags and loves a great bargain. Her stories regularly feature them too. See for yourself in her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, at: Amazon
December 28, 2014
.@VickiBatman - who can resist a RED handbag? Not me & not author Merry Holly #MFRWorg #fashion #accessories
I have to say I am thrilled when a guest shows up with a RED handbag. I adore RED. RED! RED! RED! and since RED is one of the Christmas colors...perfection.
*Handbag Monday*
Today, guest is Merry Holly (*finger across lips* aka Marian Lanouette), a Season of Magic fellow author. Let's take a peek into her background:
Unbeknown to her parents, at the age of five, Merry Holly, started reading the New York Daily News story about the murdered nurses in Chicago and the investigation. Marian followed the story every day as authorities rushed to solve the brutal crime. To this day, she stills checks her closet before going to sleep.
Wow, Merry, no wonder you write in that other genre.
I’m one of ten kids, and I was taught to look for a bargain. I also have a penchant for Leather, no, no no…not like that. I love good leather bags and shoes. One day while out outlet shopping with my niece, I happened upon this red leather beauty. To my amazement it was 70% off the regular price. What happened next really made my day—the saleslady handed me a coupon for 25% off the sales price. Well, I didn’t think twice, I grabbed up this beauty, hugging to my chest and ran, not walked to the checkout counter.
Oh, did I also mention that red is one of my favorite colors.
Merry, why didn't you buy one for me??? It's gorgeous. And did I mention I love red?
Merry Holly has written a delightful story for the Season of Magic anthology entitled Noel Noel Noel. Let's take a peek at the blurb:
Dumped and lonely, is it possible to find love at the local mall? Noelle thinks not, but a chance encounter with Chase Clayborne while Christmas shopping has her rethinking her rigid set of rules, as sparks flare between them.
Adorable--right?
Find Noel Noel Noel in Season of Magic at: Amazon
Find Merry at: Website
Thank you so much, dear, for showing off your RED bag today!
December 24, 2014
.@VickiBatman - A happy holiday gift for you #MFRWorg #RLFblog
Every year, I travel to a small town for their Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. We visit historical homes that have been decorated for Christmas. After my friends and I tour the homes, we go to the park. It sits in a square surrounded by very old houses and a church. Quite picturesque.
Here's the entrance with two soldiers standing by:
My sister introduced me to a very short holiday movie produced by Warner Bros, Star in the Night. This is my gift to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXjdB...To you and yours, I wish a very
December 22, 2014
The last Day!! Celebrating Romance Books this Holiday Season, the Mistletoe Hop #MFRWorg #RLFblog
This year, Merry Holly, Cara Marsi, Gerri Brousseau, Bobbi Lerman and I collaborated on a holiday boxed set, The Season of Magic. So to tickle your fancy, I thought I'd share a bit from the first kiss from A Cinderella Christmas by Cara Marsi ~ Jessica Gallo no longer believed in fairy tales or happy endings. And she certainly didn’t believe she’d find her Prince Charming at Saks Fifth Avenue. Her Fairy Godmother thought differently.
Stephen’s eyes darkened and he bent toward her. “Jessica,” he said on a husky whisper.
She dropped the bag and moved closer.
He kissed her slowly, tentatively. When she pressed against him and returned the kiss, his lips firmed over hers.
Jessica heard a bell ringing and her toes curled. Magic surrounded them.
Find Season of Magic at: Amazon
What is your favorite holiday goodie? (Leave your email in the commentS to be eligible for a $25.00 Starbucks gift card!)
Click here to link back to the other Mistletoe Hoppers: linky list
Rafflecopter for grand prize!
December 21, 2014
December 21: Celebrating Romance Books this Holiday Season, the Mistletoe Hop #MFRWorg #RLFblog
This year, Merry Holly, Cara Marsi, Gerri Brousseau, Bobbi Lerman and I collaborated on a holiday boxed set, The Season of Magic. So to tickle your fancy, I thought I'd share a bit from the first kiss from Noel Noel Noel by Merry Holly ~ Dumped and lonely, is it possible to find love at the local mall? Noelle thinks not, but a chance encounter with Chase Clayborne while Christmas shopping has her rethinking her rigid set of rules, as sparks flare between them.
It took twenty minutes to say good-bye to everyone. Everyone had to hug and kiss her. It was dizzying. Her family never showed affection, nor had Ken's. Minutes later, Noelle found herself alone in the dark parking lot, pinned between Chase and her car. Not that she minded. His body threw off so much heat she hardly noticed the frigid air piercing her skin through the thin dress. Shivering, at a loss for words, she leaned deeper into him.
"You're cold. Do you want to leave your car here, and drive with me?" He pointed to the black SUV running on the other side of her car. "It's already warm."
"Where are we going?"
"I'd like to say my place." He grinned. "But I was planning on Roberto's. Do you like steak?"
"Yes, I'll meet you there. I live on that side of town."
"It's not a very big town. I think I can manage to take you back here after dinner. Come on, get in my truck before you freeze to death." He pulled the lapels of her coat closer around her, his mouth a mere breath from hers.
Sucking in the freezing air, she forgot to let it out. Dizziness, warmth and then hot boiling fire shot straight through her. His breath warmed her lips as he spoke. "I think we need to get in the truck before we have an audience."Dropping her lapels, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her to his truck. At the truck he opened the door. Heat rushed out washing over her as he helped her in. The hot air made her body shiver uncontrollably.
Find Season of Magic at: Amazon
What is your favorite holiday goodie? (Leave your email in the commentS to be eligible for a $25.00 Starbucks gift card!)
Click here to link back to the other Mistletoe Hoppers: linky list
Rafflecopter for grand prize!
December 20, 2014
December 20: Celebrating Romance Books this Holiday Season, the Mistletoe Hop #MFRWorg #RLFblog
This year, Merry Holly, Cara Marsi, Gerri Brousseau, Bobbi Lerman, and I collaborated on a holiday boxed set, The Season of Magic. So to tickle your fancy, I thought I'd share a bit from the first kiss from Matchmaker Matchmaker by Bobbi Lerman ~ With Chanukah around the corner, is there enough magic left for a matchmaker to bring Molly's cynical heart back to life.
Ben pushed the button for the elevator. It was empty. They quickly stepped in and Ben hit the button for the eleventh floor. "I thought we'd take a ride before hitting the party," he said and pulled her into his arms as the doors closed. "Have I told you how stone cold amazing you look tonight, Molly?" He cradled her face with his hands, and kissed first her left cheek and then her right. "You take my breath away," he whispered and then took her mouth in a mind-numbing kiss.
Molly felt herself turning to liquid. Sighing, she reached up and threaded her fingers through his hair, holdng on, wishing for this moment to last forever.
And here's a second tease from Yuletide Bride by Gerri Brousseau ~
The Dowager Duchess’s decree that her grandson must marry before Twelfth Night or relinquish his title and fortune sends him into a tail spin. Without any prospects and with only two weeks until Christmas will Stuart Nelson find himself destitute or will he find The Yuletide Bride.
“His Grace, Lord FitzGerald, the Lady FitzGerald, and Ladies Brianna and Claire FitzGerald,” the butler’s announcement drew Stuart out of his thoughts. His gaze rose tiredly to the top of the staircase. It wasn’t until Lord and Lady FitzGerald descended the first few steps that he got his first glimpse of Lady Brianna.
Her copper colored hair was piled up upon her head, but unruly curls had escaped the coiffeur. Ribbon that matched her deep green gown was woven through her curls and accented with pearls. Stuart’s heart hammered against his chest and he struggled to breathe. The strains of music and the buzz of conversation seemed to slip away. She’s the loveliest creature I have yet to encounter. Were I to select any of those set before me this night, it would surely be her.
The family stood speaking to his grandmother, but Stuart’s gaze was frozen upon Lady Brianna. His father’s voice broke his trance. “Allow me to introduce my son, Stuart, The Marquess of Winescroft.”
“A pleasure, Lord FitzGerald, Lady Fitzgerald,” Stuart said.
“This is our daughter, Claire,” Lord FitzGerald said gesturing to his right, “And this is Brianna,” Lord FitzGerald drew the girl to stand at his side.
There eyes met, hers green and sparkling with her smile. Stuart’s mouth went dry. All he could manage to muster was a slight nod.
“Milord,” the girl said in a tender voice that held the same melodic lilt as her father’s.
Stuart took her hand in his and bowing slightly, he brought it to his lips. Finally finding his voice he said, “It is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Milady.”
A slight shade of pink stained her cheeks, but the blush only enhanced her beauty.
“I would be delighted if you would honor me with a dance this evening,” Stuart said.
“It is I who would be honored, Milord,” she replied.
Her voice is like music. Her accent is completely charming.
“I shall greatly look forward to it,” Stuart replied.
The butler announced yet another family, but Stuart didn’t hear a word that was said. His attention was focused on Lord FitzGerald’s family making their way into the ballroom.
Find Season of Magic at: AmazonWhat is your favorite holiday goodie? (Leave your email in the comments to be eligible for a $25.00 Starbucks gift card!)
Click here to link back to the other Mistletoe Hoppers: linky list
Rafflecopter for grand prize!
