Vicki Batman's Blog, page 74
October 3, 2014
#Movie Mom : The Drop I'm becoming a huge Tom Hardy #fan #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
-- #Movie Mom --
Handsome and I had another movie marathon. We stood in front of the marquee, looking over the selections and trying to figure out which movie looked good and which we could see within 20 minutes. As we mulled, I remembered #2 said he and #1 went to see "The Drop." #2 had told me how much he liked it and suggested Handsome and I go see it. I was a little hesitant as I cringe at mob type of films. Handsome said yes, and with just enough time to grab popcorn and water, we went.
"The Drop" is a mob drama and delivers great suspense. Starring James Gandolfini and Tom Hardy, this movie is set in a bar and The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2009 short story, "Animal Rescue."
Here's the blurb: "The Drop" follows a lonely bartender through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters - "money drops" in the underworld of Brooklyn bars, only to find himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past.
This is the second film with Tom Hardy that I've seen this year. If you haven't seen "Locke," do! Here's my post about that film:
FMI: The Drop
Do you watch gritty films?
Vicki Batman is a huge film lover and sometimes, takes a side of popcorn with it. Find her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed at: Amazon or at: The Wild Rose Press
Handsome and I had another movie marathon. We stood in front of the marquee, looking over the selections and trying to figure out which movie looked good and which we could see within 20 minutes. As we mulled, I remembered #2 said he and #1 went to see "The Drop." #2 had told me how much he liked it and suggested Handsome and I go see it. I was a little hesitant as I cringe at mob type of films. Handsome said yes, and with just enough time to grab popcorn and water, we went.
"The Drop" is a mob drama and delivers great suspense. Starring James Gandolfini and Tom Hardy, this movie is set in a bar and The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2009 short story, "Animal Rescue."
Here's the blurb: "The Drop" follows a lonely bartender through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters - "money drops" in the underworld of Brooklyn bars, only to find himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past.
This is the second film with Tom Hardy that I've seen this year. If you haven't seen "Locke," do! Here's my post about that film:
FMI: The Drop
Do you watch gritty films?
Vicki Batman is a huge film lover and sometimes, takes a side of popcorn with it. Find her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed at: Amazon or at: The Wild Rose Press
September 30, 2014
.@VickiBatman - a Kate Spade for you? Could be.... #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
I have an affinity for Kate Spade. There. I've said it. I love the classy designs. I feel like...Audrey Hepburn, only taller. lol
On my way to RWA, I stopped at an outlet mall which has a Kate Spade store. I couldn't wait. Once I'd entered the cool, calm, top-notch store, I'd found nirvana.
Then this caught my eye: RED and...
DOTS!
Could it be any better? I think not.
And check out the cute little bow.
Now, here's the really sweet part. Save this date: October 17
Where: Vicki Batman, sassy writer of sexy and funny fiction Facebook page. Here's the link: Vicki Batman, sassy writer
Time: 10-7 cst.
If you leave an email address in the comments during the launch party, I'll have a drawing for the red Kate Spade bag.
I know, I know, it was a hard call to give away. But launching my romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed is worth it.
Hugs!
On my way to RWA, I stopped at an outlet mall which has a Kate Spade store. I couldn't wait. Once I'd entered the cool, calm, top-notch store, I'd found nirvana.
Then this caught my eye: RED and...
DOTS!
Could it be any better? I think not.
And check out the cute little bow.
Now, here's the really sweet part. Save this date: October 17
Where: Vicki Batman, sassy writer of sexy and funny fiction Facebook page. Here's the link: Vicki Batman, sassy writer
Time: 10-7 cst.
If you leave an email address in the comments during the launch party, I'll have a drawing for the red Kate Spade bag.
I know, I know, it was a hard call to give away. But launching my romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed is worth it.
Hugs!
September 28, 2014
.@VickiBatman - #Handbag Monday welcomes Karen Docter. #MFRWorg #KOD #PlottingPrincesses
Karen and I have known each other over the years; however, we met face to face at RomCon 2013 and have happily chatted ever since. Let's get to know Karen:
Bestselling author, Karen Docter, won the Category (Series) Romantic Mystery Suspense unpublished division of the 2005 Daphne du Maurier Award. She's a four-time Golden Heart® finalist and a charter member of RWA® PRO and The Golden Network®. Also a member of CRW and KOD chapters, she writes contemporary romance as Karen Docter and romantic suspense as K.L. Docter. She holds a B.A. in Technical Journalism, has fostered literacy as a speaker at local Jr./High schools, tutored composition and reading classes, and taught college level English.
Welcome to #Handbag Monday, Karen! You brought us this bag to highlight today:
Why this one?
I'm all about utilitarian and simplicity now so my handbag is actually hand-sized. I can hold it in my palm to grab a credit card or my keys, and a long strap fits across my torso for hands free carrying. It's black leather so it matches my every day wardrobe, but it's the expanding pouch in the middle that sold me on this one. I drop my keys there, and my phone fits in a smaller inset pouch. No more digging! Two expanding pouches on front and back hold my credit cards, money, breath mints and a few of my trading cards. A place for everything, and everything in it's place!
A blurb from Killing Secrets: Some things are better left dead. Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison. Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm. There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.
FMI:Website
Find Killing Secrets at: Amazon
Karen, this cover is terrific. Thank you so much for being with me today on #Handbag Monday!
Bestselling author, Karen Docter, won the Category (Series) Romantic Mystery Suspense unpublished division of the 2005 Daphne du Maurier Award. She's a four-time Golden Heart® finalist and a charter member of RWA® PRO and The Golden Network®. Also a member of CRW and KOD chapters, she writes contemporary romance as Karen Docter and romantic suspense as K.L. Docter. She holds a B.A. in Technical Journalism, has fostered literacy as a speaker at local Jr./High schools, tutored composition and reading classes, and taught college level English.
Welcome to #Handbag Monday, Karen! You brought us this bag to highlight today:
Why this one?
I'm all about utilitarian and simplicity now so my handbag is actually hand-sized. I can hold it in my palm to grab a credit card or my keys, and a long strap fits across my torso for hands free carrying. It's black leather so it matches my every day wardrobe, but it's the expanding pouch in the middle that sold me on this one. I drop my keys there, and my phone fits in a smaller inset pouch. No more digging! Two expanding pouches on front and back hold my credit cards, money, breath mints and a few of my trading cards. A place for everything, and everything in it's place!
A blurb from Killing Secrets: Some things are better left dead. Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison. Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm. There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.
FMI:Website
Find Killing Secrets at: Amazon
Karen, this cover is terrific. Thank you so much for being with me today on #Handbag Monday!
September 25, 2014
#Movie Mom: The November Man--have you ever went maybe??? #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
Ever heard a review and thought maybe....
#Movie Mom
That's what I felt when I read about The November Man, starring Pierce Brosnan. While away from my regular movie theater, Handsome and I had limited movie choices. Sometimes, my home paper rates movies lower than other review sites. Like a C might resemble a B. The whole thing is subjective anyway. So with the limited choice thought, we picked The November Man.
Blurb: An ex-CIA agent is lured out of retirement by an old colleague and finds himself protecting asocial worker who is a potential source as to the truth about the origins of the Chechen War that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
Based on the novels by Bill Granger.
Thoughts: I liked the movie. Yes, there are some holes, but not insurmountable. Today's movie audience accepts the holes sometimes and goes for the ride. There is a large body count which I could handle fine. I didn't like the hitting folks with large blunt objects. It's an action spy thriller and went very quickly. I was never bored.
FMI: The November Man
#Movie Mom
That's what I felt when I read about The November Man, starring Pierce Brosnan. While away from my regular movie theater, Handsome and I had limited movie choices. Sometimes, my home paper rates movies lower than other review sites. Like a C might resemble a B. The whole thing is subjective anyway. So with the limited choice thought, we picked The November Man.
Blurb: An ex-CIA agent is lured out of retirement by an old colleague and finds himself protecting asocial worker who is a potential source as to the truth about the origins of the Chechen War that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
Based on the novels by Bill Granger.
Thoughts: I liked the movie. Yes, there are some holes, but not insurmountable. Today's movie audience accepts the holes sometimes and goes for the ride. There is a large body count which I could handle fine. I didn't like the hitting folks with large blunt objects. It's an action spy thriller and went very quickly. I was never bored.
FMI: The November Man
September 23, 2014
.@VickiBatman - Tried a new #craft and love it! #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
* Crafting Mom *
I glanced up my stairs from the breakfast room one day and though that looks so boring. I'm like a lot of you, I read magazines on home improvement and decorating, go through Pinterest, and ETSY. I knew a grandfather type of clock would be cool, but it would stick out and make the turn into the bedrooms tight. But then, I saw this clock and I just had to have it.
The clock is a sticker/decal from BLIK I found on Amazon (there is a store with great how to do videos). The face is one I bought at Target. Handsome and I found the center of the space we wanted to hang the clock body. We had a two part installation as this clock came with a pedestal. We decided to crop the pedestal which gave us a good starting spot.
From the back, we rubbed the decal all over. We aligned our centers, pressed and smooth, retreating to eliminate bubbles. Once that step is done, we peeled away the clear transfer, making sure the black pedestal stuck--AND it did.
For the clock body, we trimmed off excess, and repeated the rubbing steps, aligning, etc. This time, we pulled the back off in small increments, smoothing as we went. Eventually, I reached the top where Handsome was holding it on center. Then we peeled off the clear transfer all the way to the bottom, again in increments. Then we hung the battery operated clock face. TADA!
We are about to bust buttons at our new craft. We walk by and think this is way cool.
How did I do?
Vicki Batman isn't just a sassy writer; she's a crafty gal too. Find her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, on preorder at: The Wild Rose Press
I glanced up my stairs from the breakfast room one day and though that looks so boring. I'm like a lot of you, I read magazines on home improvement and decorating, go through Pinterest, and ETSY. I knew a grandfather type of clock would be cool, but it would stick out and make the turn into the bedrooms tight. But then, I saw this clock and I just had to have it.
The clock is a sticker/decal from BLIK I found on Amazon (there is a store with great how to do videos). The face is one I bought at Target. Handsome and I found the center of the space we wanted to hang the clock body. We had a two part installation as this clock came with a pedestal. We decided to crop the pedestal which gave us a good starting spot.
From the back, we rubbed the decal all over. We aligned our centers, pressed and smooth, retreating to eliminate bubbles. Once that step is done, we peeled away the clear transfer, making sure the black pedestal stuck--AND it did.
For the clock body, we trimmed off excess, and repeated the rubbing steps, aligning, etc. This time, we pulled the back off in small increments, smoothing as we went. Eventually, I reached the top where Handsome was holding it on center. Then we peeled off the clear transfer all the way to the bottom, again in increments. Then we hung the battery operated clock face. TADA!
We are about to bust buttons at our new craft. We walk by and think this is way cool.
How did I do?
Vicki Batman isn't just a sassy writer; she's a crafty gal too. Find her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, on preorder at: The Wild Rose Press
September 21, 2014
.@VickiBatman - author Suz de Mello returns with a family treasure #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
Back to wow us with a vintage handbag is Suz de Mello. Let's see what Suz is sharing on...
Handbag Monday
I have been a guest at Vicki’s handbag Monday blog before but alas, I forgot which bags I featured.
I’m pretty sure I haven’t talked about the bag I got from my mom, who was quite the fashion plate in her time. In 1947 or ‘48 she was, literally, a beauty queen, having been crowned “Miss Isle of Wight” while on holiday there from London with her family.
So the bag probably dates from the late 1940s--postwar Britain--unless it was a hand-me-down from my grandmother, who in her time was also a social butterfly. So it’s possible that the bag may date from the Roaring Twenties, or ever earlier.
In fact, it may be a forgotten bit of Victoriana. Do you think that the heroine of Sherlock’s Scandal would have carried a bag like this one?
In case you’re curious, here’s the blurb for Sherlock’s Scandal, my bit of erotic Victorian fanfic:
A bored Sherlock is a dangerous Sherlock. His twin vices of cocaine and sex could prove his undoing, until he meets his match in elusive, enigmatic Irene Adler. Hiding her heart, Irene deserts Sherlock in the midst of their affair. He schemes to win her back, but the lady won’t come easily to hand. Instead, she forces him to compete for honor, glory and love.
Buy Sherlock's Scandal at: Elloras Cave
Suz! this bag is beautiful and one that is relevant today! You should be so happy that it was handed down to you. Take care of this precious treasure.
Handbag Monday
I have been a guest at Vicki’s handbag Monday blog before but alas, I forgot which bags I featured.
I’m pretty sure I haven’t talked about the bag I got from my mom, who was quite the fashion plate in her time. In 1947 or ‘48 she was, literally, a beauty queen, having been crowned “Miss Isle of Wight” while on holiday there from London with her family.
So the bag probably dates from the late 1940s--postwar Britain--unless it was a hand-me-down from my grandmother, who in her time was also a social butterfly. So it’s possible that the bag may date from the Roaring Twenties, or ever earlier.
In fact, it may be a forgotten bit of Victoriana. Do you think that the heroine of Sherlock’s Scandal would have carried a bag like this one?
In case you’re curious, here’s the blurb for Sherlock’s Scandal, my bit of erotic Victorian fanfic:
A bored Sherlock is a dangerous Sherlock. His twin vices of cocaine and sex could prove his undoing, until he meets his match in elusive, enigmatic Irene Adler. Hiding her heart, Irene deserts Sherlock in the midst of their affair. He schemes to win her back, but the lady won’t come easily to hand. Instead, she forces him to compete for honor, glory and love.
Buy Sherlock's Scandal at: Elloras Cave
Suz! this bag is beautiful and one that is relevant today! You should be so happy that it was handed down to you. Take care of this precious treasure.
September 19, 2014
#Movie Mom : Literally, just across the street--The Hundred Foot Journey
I am a huge Helen Mirren fan. She is so classy, and besides, who could resist seeing her in RED and RED 2 with big guns?
- #Movie Mom -
The Hundred Foot Journey is a feel-good story. The film stars Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon. The film is based on the novel The Hundred-Foot Journey , written by Richard C. Morais.
Here's the blurb: An Indian family opens a restaurant in a French village and upsetting the Michelin restaurant owner across the street.
I loved this movie. Yes, it is predictable to an extent. So what? Why not enjoy something for what it is? Enjoy the verbal sparring between the father and the restaurant owner. Enjoy a blossoming relationship. Enjoy a young man coming into his own. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery. And then leave...
Happy. What's wrong with that? Not a blessed thing.
FMI: The Hundred Foot Journey
Do you not go to a movie because it might be predictable?
- #Movie Mom -
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The Hundred Foot Journey is a feel-good story. The film stars Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon. The film is based on the novel The Hundred-Foot Journey , written by Richard C. Morais.
Here's the blurb: An Indian family opens a restaurant in a French village and upsetting the Michelin restaurant owner across the street.
I loved this movie. Yes, it is predictable to an extent. So what? Why not enjoy something for what it is? Enjoy the verbal sparring between the father and the restaurant owner. Enjoy a blossoming relationship. Enjoy a young man coming into his own. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery. And then leave...
Happy. What's wrong with that? Not a blessed thing.
FMI: The Hundred Foot Journey
Do you not go to a movie because it might be predictable?
September 16, 2014
.@VickiBatman - Welcome to Paloma Beck with 2 new projects #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
Today, Handbags, Books...Whatever welcomes Paloma Beck! who has two new projects to talk about. Here's a bit about Paloma:
Paloma Beck is a Romance Author living a life of contradiction... She's a happily married carpooling mom writing steamy romance. It's almost naughty, but she loves it! Paloma writes both contemporary and paranormal romances that are anything but PG. She published her first book in 2012 and hasn't slowed down since. Look for more information on her Website.
With her husband and three sons, the Blue Ridge mountains have been her home for nearly twenty years. There's still a special place in her heart though for New England where she spent her childhood. The lakes of Maine call her name and someday she hopes to find her way back there.
"There's just nothing like sipping coffee in the morning out on a dock. As an admitted caffeine and book addict, I believe a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better."
Blurb from Coming Home:
Rachel Porter, a romance writer, has told her three sons tales of finding their true soul mate since they were just boys. She lives with the belief that there is but one match for every person. Now as men, they have yet to discover their soul mates. That is, until they come home… Ryan Porter, Rachel’s oldest son, needs a change from his busy city lifestyle. After five years of living in New York and establishing his own real estate firm, something is still missing. When a family tragedy brings Ryan back to his family’s rural home, he meets Tyra. She just might be the catalyst for the change he needs, redirecting the course of his life. But first he must accept his relationship with his parents and embrace Tyra’s secrets.
Goodreads : Review
Find Coming Home at: Amazon
Blurb from Never Coming Home:
I have a story to tell, a story I promised never to tell. Hell, it isn't even one I wanted to live through. I just can't keep it inside anymore... now that they're both gone. I have to tell My Story. Rachel Porter tells her sons about the love of her life, about their father and about their life together. This novella tells the story of the beginning of the Porter family through the Vietnam War, too many losses and a new beginning. It's a tale her sons won't forget, and one that could change them for all time
Goodreads: Review
Find Never Coming Home at: Amazon
Find more about Paloma at:
Website
Giveaway: Rafflecopter
September 12, 2014
#Movie Mom - Magic in the Moonlight #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
- #Movie Mom -
I like Woody Allen's work and when the promos for Magic in the Moonlight came out, I knew I wanted to see this film.
Blurb: Big time illusionist can spot fakes--or can he?
Colin Firth plays an illusionist who is asked by a childhood friend, also a magician, to figure out if a young woman, Emma Stone, is truly a clairvoyant and a mystic. He's rather arrogant and doggedly tries, but then something happens and he falls under a spell...
The whole cast is very good. Set in the 1920s in the French Riveria, this period piece is lush. The costuming is fabulous. The dialogue is witty and fast. Colin Firth owns the movie with his acting.
I liked the film a lot. It's light and fun. And even left it thinking about the big question on personal faith. Interesting.
FMI: Magic in the Moonlight
I like Woody Allen's work and when the promos for Magic in the Moonlight came out, I knew I wanted to see this film.
Blurb: Big time illusionist can spot fakes--or can he?
Colin Firth plays an illusionist who is asked by a childhood friend, also a magician, to figure out if a young woman, Emma Stone, is truly a clairvoyant and a mystic. He's rather arrogant and doggedly tries, but then something happens and he falls under a spell...
The whole cast is very good. Set in the 1920s in the French Riveria, this period piece is lush. The costuming is fabulous. The dialogue is witty and fast. Colin Firth owns the movie with his acting.
I liked the film a lot. It's light and fun. And even left it thinking about the big question on personal faith. Interesting.
FMI: Magic in the Moonlight
September 10, 2014
.@VickiBatman : I've been crafting and just call me Isadora #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses
As in Isadora Duncan, the dancer with the long flowing scarves!
Recently, a friend asked several of us if we would be her guinea pigs. She was interested in presenting a class on felting on silk. Always eager to learn new stuff, I said yes.
First, we studied her technique, then tied on our aprons, picked out a silk scarf, and laid it out on the table. She showed us how to place roved wool on the silk. Second, we wet it thoroughly, then agitated with a sander four times. Three, we rinsed in hot water and balled and flung our scarves 150 times. Four involved soaking in vinegar. Five used a conditioner soak. Six meant dry.
Here's mine:
I picked a dark green hand dyed scarf and embellished with blue flowers topped with a scarlet center. The stems and leaves are light green. Wisps of brown are along the base of the flowers.
This was an amazingly easy project, taking about 2 1/2 hours. Because the silk is so lightweight, the scarf dried quickly.
A close up of the flowers:
How did I do? What is your favorite craft?
Recently, a friend asked several of us if we would be her guinea pigs. She was interested in presenting a class on felting on silk. Always eager to learn new stuff, I said yes.
First, we studied her technique, then tied on our aprons, picked out a silk scarf, and laid it out on the table. She showed us how to place roved wool on the silk. Second, we wet it thoroughly, then agitated with a sander four times. Three, we rinsed in hot water and balled and flung our scarves 150 times. Four involved soaking in vinegar. Five used a conditioner soak. Six meant dry.
Here's mine:
I picked a dark green hand dyed scarf and embellished with blue flowers topped with a scarlet center. The stems and leaves are light green. Wisps of brown are along the base of the flowers.
This was an amazingly easy project, taking about 2 1/2 hours. Because the silk is so lightweight, the scarf dried quickly.
A close up of the flowers:
How did I do? What is your favorite craft?
