Tamela Quijas's Blog, page 6
February 9, 2012
Food Friday and A Valentine's treat for my readers
Image by magzalez via Flickr
Valentine's Day is around the corner and I wanted to post something special for my readers. I like the latest commercial on tv that says Valentine's Day isn't about I Love You, it's about I Love Us. That phrase hit's the nail directly on the head. The day isn't about how much I love someone, but how much I love the way we feel together. To show my appreciation, I cook, and here's my recipe for the day.
Chicken Milanese
Ingredients
¼ cup parsley
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
Salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoon oil
Paper thin slices of lemon
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, garlic, and pepper in a medium size bowl. Moisten with 2 tablespoons of oil.
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick coating. Top the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle remaining oil over chicken and back for 25-35 minutes. Serve garnished with paper-thin slices of lemon.
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February 8, 2012
Book Review: Re-Scue by Laura Tolomei
Laura is a returning author to my site and, for those of you unfamiliar with her, she offers this enchanting bit of insight:
If you really want to know, I was born in 1965 in Rome, Italy, but soon started my travelling career. At the age of five, my parents took me to Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up free and hot like I've never been since. I loved it there and still think of it with nostalgia. Anyway, it was also where I learned English. After my African experience, I was ready to tackle the US. I lived in Atlanta, GA, five teen-age years, attending the Crestwood High School, where I started my writing career by publishing a short story Nostalgia on the Crestwood Journal. Very thrilled about discovering my new talent, I went ahead during college, writing for the Emory University journal The Phoenix. Three articles mark my first-and last-steps in journalism, "The peace Corps", "WAMM, Women Against Military Madness," and "Lesbism".
After my American experience, I moved back to Rome, but still kept living from time to time abroad, spending several months in Mumbay India, a country I always felt very close to me in more ways than one.
Today, I write both in Italian and English, mostly fiction of various genres, from fantasy erotica, to mysteries up to plain ordinary life stories.
For those of you who read Italian, you can simply visit the Italian sections, but if you feel particularly lazy, here's a short summary:
I have a short story on line Incontro Metropolitano (Meeting at the Subway) and two books:
• Piccolo Crocevia a Cinque (Little Five Points, for those who know Atlanta it's a spot near Emory University), printed by Editing Edizioni, to be released December 2008.
• L'Investigatto (loosely translated The Cat Detective), publisher Ennepil Libri, 2009
In English, I write erotica in various genres, mostly fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal, sometimes trespassing into contemporary. Feel free to look over my website in search of more in-depth info.
Find out more about Laura Tolomei at: http://www.lallagatta.com/
Re-scue
Consecutive lifetimes locked in a passionate hunt of blood and sex, but what if the prey wants more?
Only one rule: never fall in love. But the sex and blood is just too good to pass up. So what to do? Blood and sex are the only fair game he, the hunter, allows me, his prey, to have in our passionate chase through time and space. And for his sake, I've had more lives than I care to count. From one life to the next, I played his savage game, hungering for him in a way no amount of blood or sex could ever satisfy me. But not anymore! So how to beat him at his own game and get away with it?
Read an exclusive excerpt at: http://www.lallagatta.com/eng/_rescue.html
Pick up your copy at: http://www.amazon.com/Re-Scue-ebook/dp/B0062P5FKM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328641411&sr=1-1
My Review:
Laura Tolomei has this ability to grab a reader from page one, and Re-Scue was one such book that accomplished just that from the onset.
The heroine, Didri, is tired of her perfect life. She feels everything she does lacks excitement. She feels she's fallen into a ho-hum existence, where nothing new ever happens to her, and everything is meaningless. She's tried everything to spice up her world, and has failed miserably. Even the boyfriends have become miserably predictable. In other words, her life is excruciatingly BORING.
All until Tylean arrives…
Re-Scue was a rollercoaster ride into a world that is breathtaking, unpredictable, and never quite what it seems! Ms. Tolomei writes a passionate tale that catches the reader first assumes is going to be a passé romance centered on a woman's ennui, then turns everything upside down with a passionate flair that causes one to gasp! Brilliant, erotic, choatic, and filled with passion, Re-Scue is an unpredictable ride into lust and adventure!
5 Stars!
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An introduction to a truly talented author—Leslie Davis Guccione
When I first became interested in romance novels, Harlequin and Silhouette Desire Romances were at the top of my reading pile, as well as anything published by Avon. I would scrimp together every penny that I had and run down to the local bookstore, list in hand, seeking the perfect romance novel to add to my ever-growing library.
Among those delicious stories, there was one author that stood out, and whose work I still love to this day. I know her as Leslie Davis, the queen of those sultry, suspenseful romance novels I loved so much in the 1980s.
Ms. Davis didn't write only those endearing and timeless romances, and she has quite a few feathers in her cap that would make any writer proud!
Join me while I bring a woman whose work is much loved, and applauded, in my home!
With the simultaneous sales of a YA and adult romantic suspense novel, Leslie Davis Guccione left public relations and fundraising copywriting to concentrate on fiction. To date she has published thirty-one novels for adult, middle grade and teen readers, as well as articles on the craft of writing. Her books have garnered awards, starred reviews, and genre fiction bestseller status.
Her work for adults began with two Avon romantic suspense titles. She moved to Harlequin/Silhouette where every title for the Desire line topped B. Dalton, Waldenbooks and other bookstore bestseller lists. Two were featured as "Man of the Month" lead titles and her single title Bittersweet Harvest evolved into the six-book Branigan Brothers series. She was Harlequin/Silhouette's "Author of the Month" during the release of Borrowed Baby for the Yours Truly line.
Her work has been translated into eight languages. She has been a finalist and judge for the RWA RITA awards. As Kate Chester, she created and wrote the six book HEAR NO EVIL series for Scholastic. Six books for teen readers feature deaf protagonists; TELL ME HOW THE WIND SOUNDS has been optioned for television. Her works for young readers have been book club and readers' choice selections as well as classroom required reading. Two titles have been featured in Hornbook Magazine's "Musings" column.
In 2000, she took a break from fiction to teach, write articles on the craft and establish WORDS @ WORK, her manuscript review service. She is currently mentor and adjunct faculty member for Seton Hill University's masters program: Writing Popular Fiction. Professional memberships have included The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America (RWA), and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
PUBLISHING HISTORY
(as Leslie Davis, Leslie D.Guccione, Leslie Davis Guccione and Kate Chester):
ADULT FICTION:
(As Leslie Davis) A Touch of Scandal, Avon, 1985
(As Leslie Davis) The Splintered Moon, Avon, 1985
Silhouette Desire (all bestsellers)
Before the Wind, 1985
Bittersweet Harvest, 1986
Still Waters, 1987
Something in Common, 1987
Branigan's Touch, 1989
Private Practice, 1990
A Gallant Gentleman, 1991
Rough and Ready, 1992
A Rock and a Hard Place, 1992
Derek, 1993
Major Distractions, 1994
Branigan's Break, 1995
Silhouette Yours Truly
Borrowed Baby, Silhouette, 1999
Middle grade and YA awards and achievements:
· Something Out There (Pocketbooks):
My Weekly Reader Bookclub selection
Finalist, 1986 RITA Awards (Romance Writers of America)
· Tell Me How the Wind Sounds(Scholastic):
IRA (International Readers Assoc.) Best Books/Teen Choice 1991
Scholastic Bookclub selection; Iowa Teen Choice, 1992
Optioned for television; featured in Hornbook Magazine "Musings"
· Nobody Listens to Me (Scholastic):
IRA international choice; featured in Hornbook Magazine "Musings"
· (as Kate Chester) Hear No Evil series:
Scholastic Bookclub selection; Reluctant Readers book lists
· Come Morning (Lerner/Carolrhoda)
"Best Books," School Librarians International, 1996
Multiple state junior book awards; "Best Books," PA School Librarians Assoc.; mother-daughter bookclub selection
Multiple titles on required or recommended reading lists; picks for reluctant readers; Kirkus, School Library Journal starred reviews
NONFICTION:
"Where Do I Go From Here?" reprinted in Many Genres/One Craft, Headline Books, Inc. 2011 (a 5 Star read from my 2011 books! tq)
*Finalist Business: Writing and Publishing category of The USA Best Books 2011 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.
* #5 The Writer Magazine; Dec. 2011 "10 of This Year's Terrific Writing Books"
* Guest blogger: "Writing Under a Pseudonym," thesecretwriterblog.blogspot.com. May 9, 2011
*Interview: "Heidi's Pick Six," ambasadora.livejournal.com. April 13, 2007
*"Where Do I Go From Here?" Book Markets for Children's Writers, Writers Institute Publications, 2006
*"Writing For and About Children With Disabilities," Children's Writer, newsletter, Writers Institute Publications, 2004
"Travel Writing in Today's Market–Editors' Tips for Tenuous Times,"
The Best of the Magazine Markets, Long Ridge Writers Group, 2003 edition
*"Dialogue: The Key to Effective Storytelling," Pointers from the Pros,
*Long Ridge Writers Group, 2002
*"The View From Here—One Day at Time" The Duxbury Clipper; Duxbury, MA.
Experience as a volunteer at the Family Assistance Center following the events of 9/11
*Edited Duxbury Bay by Frank and Margaret Lawson; Duxbury Rural & Historical Society, 1992-3
*Profile: Roger Crawford boatbuilder–the Melonseed Offshore Magazine c.1987
Recently, Leslie has brought her magic back to the heart of devote romance fans with the novel, The Chick Palace. The Chick Palace has joined my ever-growing TBR pile, and I hope it ranks in yours, as well:
THREE DILEMMAS, TWO FRIENDS, ONE DESERTED TREE HOUSE…
The friendship of Boston bred Johanna Lawrence and Two Rock, South Carolina's Lilly Covington spans, well, decades. From their days as college roommates through their years as lakeside neighbors, they've offered each other sympathy, support and solace for life's rough edges. Summer's come round again and with a new crop of concerns, they commandeer their sons' long-deserted tree house for morning coffee, evening margaritas and soulful contemplation.
Happily married Johanna has a family reunion to organize, a husband needing attention, a daughter wanting advice, and a son sweeping Grand Central terminal as community service for graffiti violations. Fresh from her mother's memorial service, she carries her small bag of ashes on morning walks around the lake, "waiting for wisdom" as she grapples with her emerging role as materfamilias. Who has she become? How did she get there so fast?
Single again Lilly, bemoaning her fresh status as an empty nester and the second divorce from her only husband, hopes to seek refuge in her aging bungalow next door~~until "Ex-ex" announces that he and his paramour, graphic designer Cat Gallordi, intend to use it on alternate weekends.
Complications deepen at the far end of picturesque Lake Allamuchy. Johanna's first love, the bad boy she used years ago to defy her parents, suddenly appears. Quicker than he can dub their tree house The Chick Palace, he embroils Johanna and Lilly in a triangle, steals hearts and turns summer upside down. Just as he did one long-ago August.
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-chick-palace-leslie-davis-guccione/1108055479
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Chick-Palace-ebook/dp/B0072HYDSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327698240&sr=8-1
If you want to find out more about this beautiful and talented author that still manages to take my breath away, drop on over to Leslie's website at: http://lesliedavisguccione.blogspot.com/
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February 7, 2012
Simply magical and timeless…
Image via Wikipedia
Anyone that has ever seen a silent film, or flipped through the pages of any coffee table book written about old Hollywood, knows the man who changed our viewing world on this day in history.
Charlie Chaplin, who arrived in the United States in 1913 from England, hadn't started out on his best foot in the silent movie world. His English sense of humor wasn't quite understood, and his first film wasn't one that portrayed his true talent.
His boss at the time, Max Sennett, saw something in the dark-eyed man. Patient, feeling there was more to Charlie than the others could ever see, he gave the man one last chance to prove his worth. He wanted, above all, for Chaplin to appear in a silent film entitled Kid Auto Races at Venice.
Perhaps nervous, anxious, and wondering if he'd ever make it on the brutal film set, Chaplin raided the Keystone closets to create a now-famous look that we all associate with him. His desperate attempt to find just the right costume was a success and his essence on-screen became magical. The character he developed became his alter ego, loved by his audience, and everlasting despite the advancement of time.
Today, in 1914, the endearing character known as The Little Tramp made his first appearance on the silver screen.
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February 5, 2012
What's on my reading list this week? Re-Scue by Laura Tolomei
The darkness of life has slipped into my reading pile, Re-scue by prolific author, Laura Tolomei. Laura's latest tale promises to deliver a lush story that will envelop me into an entirely new series.
Laura is a returning author to my site and, for those of you unfamiliar with her, she offers this enchanting bit of insight:
If you really want to know, I was born in 1965 in Rome, Italy, but soon started my travelling career. At the age of five, my parents took me to Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up free and hot like I've never been since. I loved it there and still think of it with nostalgia. Anyway, it was also where I learned English. After my African experience, I was ready to tackle the US. I lived in Atlanta, GA, five teen-age years, attending the Crestwood High School, where I started my writing career by publishing a short story Nostalgia on the Crestwood Journal. Very thrilled about discovering my new talent, I went ahead during college, writing for the Emory University journal The Phoenix. Three articles mark my first-and last-steps in journalism, "The peace Corps", "WAMM, Women Against Military Madness," and "Lesbism".
After my American experience, I moved back to Rome, but still kept living from time to time abroad, spending several months in Mumbay India, a country I always felt very close to me in more ways than one.
Today, I write both in Italian and English, mostly fiction of various genres, from fantasy erotica, to mysteries up to plain ordinary life stories.
For those of you who read Italian, you can simply visit the Italian sections, but if you feel particularly lazy, here's a short summary:
I have a short story on line Incontro Metropolitano (Meeting at the Subway) and two books:
• Piccolo Crocevia a Cinque (Little Five Points, for those who know Atlanta it's a spot near Emory University), printed by Editing Edizioni, to be released December 2008.
• L'Investigatto (loosely translated The Cat Detective), publisher Ennepil Libri, 2009
In English, I write erotica in various genres, mostly fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal, sometimes trespassing into contemporary. Feel free to look over my website in search of more in-depth info.
Find out more about Laura Tolomei at: http://www.lallagatta.com/
Re-scue
Consecutive lifetimes locked in a passionate hunt of blood and sex, but what if the prey wants more?
Only one rule: never fall in love. But the sex and blood is just too good to pass up. So what to do? Blood and sex are the only fair game he, the hunter, allows me, his prey, to have in our passionate chase through time and space. And for his sake, I've had more lives than I care to count. From one life to the next, I played his savage game, hungering for him in a way no amount of blood or sex could ever satisfy me. But not anymore! So how to beat him at his own game and get away with it?
Read an exclusive excerpt at: http://www.lallagatta.com/eng/_rescue.html
Pick up your copy at: http://www.amazon.com/Re-Scue-ebook/dp/B0062P5FKM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328641411&sr=1-1
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February 2, 2012
Food Friday and Roasted Potatoes are on the menu
Image via Wikipedia
I love a simple recipe, one where I can cook everything without pulling out any more pots than necessary. This is one of those delicious sides that can be thrown in the oven with the pork roast!
Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables
Ingredients
2 lbs potatoes–boiled until fork tender but NOT SOFT
1 green, yellow, and red pepper–washed, stemmed, seeded, and diced
1 onion–diced
3 Tablespoons minced garlic
1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
5 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
(For a side note–occasionally I add chopped bits of precooked carrot to this!)
Pre-heat oven to 350ºF.
Peel potatoes. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Mix potatoes, green peppers, and onion in mixing bowl. Add oil, garlic, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.
Arrange mixture in a single layer in a casserole dish or cookie sheet.
Bake for 30-45 minutes
Serve immediately.
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February 1, 2012
Book Review: Scentsual by Victoria Blisse
After a week of tests, birthdays, and writing, I'm back with my review of the latest book in my reading list!
For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to read some of Victoria Blisse's spicy novels (and do I mean SPICY!), here is a little insight into her.
Victoria states that she is a mother, wife, Christian, Manchester United Fan (YEAH!) and an award-winning Erotica Authoress.
She's equally at home behind her sizzling laptop, or a cooker, and she loves to create–anything from stories,poems, cakes and biscuits that make people happy. She was born near Manchester, England and her northern English quirkiness shows through in all of her fabulous stories!
Passion, love and laughter fill her works, just as they fill her busy life.
Find out more about Victoria at: http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk
Now, on to Scentsual!
Scentsual is a femdom story written by leading erotic author Victoria Blisse and set in the seaside town of Scarborough… Kelly is dominant and has a heightened sense of smell, so many of her memories, thoughts and feelings revolve around scents. She meets Rob on a trip to Scarborough and seduces him; their lust is instant but is Rob the submissive man Kelly really needs to fall in love with?
Pick up your copy (and read an exclusive excerpt) at:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thevictoriablissecollection-517432-144.html
MY REVIEW:
Relying on the senses, Scentsual pulls the reader into a first person tale that steams up a
January 31, 2012
The Magic of the Goldwyn Touch
Image via Wikipedia
I have a weakness for Hollywood.
Of all people, I can blame it on my dad, who made it a point to show to me the glory of films. I'm not talking about the ones that were all the rage when I was a kid. We watched what we termed as classics at the theater…anything by John Wayne, Charlton Heston, or the other greats that existed in a world far different from that we know now.
Some of the younger crowd out there may think Hollywood is the glamour of Demi Moore, Tom Hanks, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Others are just naming out films that are gracing the box office this week. They don't realize Hollywood is so much more than that!
Once nothing more than a quintessential little town out on the California coast, Hollywood blossomed into the city we know today. Movie producers and actors avidly sought the solace and the year round warm weather for the latest endeavor to hit the public…The movies.
Among those, Metro Goldwyn Mayer was one of the largest studios. The king of the company, Goldwyn (born Schmuel Gelbfisz in Poland), prided himself in the fact that his company produced the finest films in the movie industry. He was known for "the Goldwyn Touch", where everything he handled became a masterpiece.
Among his greats was my all time favorite, The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). The film, which dealt with the subject of three WWII veterans returning home after the war, lit on the previously unmentioned problems that we now know as PTSD, aging, family life, and the public's general attitude of 'thanks for the job, but you're over-qualified for the workplace." Heartwrenching, beautifully acted, and dramatic, the film won 7 Oscars and a Golden Globe, each all well deserved. If you've seen the motion picture, Harold Russell's portrayal of Homer Parrish makes me cry every time I watch the film, even after all these years.
On this day in 1974, the man with the Goldwyn Touch, Samuel Goldwyn passed away. On his death, his obituary in the New York Times called him "a Hollywood legend, a motion picture producer whose films, always created on a grand scale, were notable for those most elusive of traits–taste and quality."
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January 30, 2012
What's on my reading list this week? Scentsual by Victoria Blisse
I'm back to the latest book on my TBR list, and this one looks like a chance to dive into a realm that is far, far away from any intergalactic war or vengeance.
I've picked up a novel entitled Scentsual by prolific author Victoria Blisse. For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to read some of her spicy novels (and do I mean SPICY!), hears a little insight into her.
Victoria states that she is a mother, wife, Christian, Manchester United Fan (YEAH!) and an award-winning Erotica Authoress.
She's equally at home behind her sizzling laptop, or a cooker, and she loves to create–anything from stories,poems, cakes and biscuits that make people happy. She was born near Manchester, England and her northern English quirkiness shows through in all of her fabulous stories!
Passion, love and laughter fill her works, just as they fill her busy life.
Find out more about Victoria at: http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk
Now, on to Scentsual!
Scentsual is a femdom story written by leading erotic author Victoria Blisse and set in the seaside town of Scarborough… Kelly is dominant and has a heightened sense of smell, so many of her memories, thoughts and feelings revolve around scents. She meets Rob on a trip to Scarborough and seduces him; their lust is instant but is Rob the submissive man Kelly really needs to fall in love with?
Stay tuned for my review and pick up your copy (and read an exclusive excerpt) at:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thevictoriablissecollection-517432-144.html
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January 26, 2012
Food Friday and a sinfully delicious Monte Cristo sandwich!
Image by andy castro via Flickr
The cold weather brings on dreams of summer, where I long for sparkling water, sandy beaches, and my favorite place on earth (next to my Momma's house). This cold chill made me whip together my all time favorite, and the hell with what the doctor says about my cholesterol. 
There's many of you out there that know I'm a big Disney fan. Whenever possible, I make it a point to spend an extended vacation at Disneyland, savoring the warmth of the California sun. While there, the family and I dash on over to the enchanting . The cost for meals is astronomical, but the atmosphere is worth every moment and penny! The Blue Bayou is a moonlit restaurant with fireflies lighting the faux night sky and the elegant sounds of the Deep South filling my ears. My favorite meal in that delightful little place is their signature Monte Cristo sandwich.
How does one describe a Monte Cristo?
To put it simply, imagine French toast stuffed with cheese and meat, and topped with snowy powdered sugar. There's a wonderful currant jelly sauce to dip each decadent wedge into, sending the diner further spiraling into a world that is indescribable.
Don't be watching your calories if you plan to eat this, and there's enough cholesterol in the entire thing to send your heart into a tizzy. Never mind, the sandwich is definitely worth it, especially if you crave an item so decadent it's renowned the world over!
INGREDIENTS:
4 slices of white bread
2 slices of deli turkey
2 slices of Swiss cheese
2 slices of deli ham
Vegetable oil for frying
Batter:
1 egg
¼ cup water or milk
Pinch of salt
½-cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
6 oz. red currant jelly
½-tablespoon water
Garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting
Currant Jelly sauce
Directions
Make 2 sandwiches, placing cheese between ham and turkey. Cut into fourths and place a toothpick in each quarter.
Mix water, egg, and salt in a bowl and mix well. Add flour and baking powder and mix until batter is smooth. Chill.
Jelly sauce: Mix jelly and water well. Chill.
Heat approximately ¼ inch of oil in a skillet. Dip sandwiches in batter. Deep fry until golden brown, turning as needed, until sandwiches are crispy and brown.
Remove from oil. Drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Remove toothpicks. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with currant jelly.
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