Cathy Spencer's Blog, page 9
February 27, 2015
The Great British Baking Show Doughnut Challenge!
It's February 27th in Ontario, Canada, which makes it the dead of winter. My daughter got me watching The Great British Baking Show over Christmas, and I viewed Series 5, Episode 8 online tonight. There were 3 different baking challenges for the 5 remaining passionate amateurs vying to be named the best baker in the United Kingdom, and the third challenge was - doughnuts! Each contestant made 2 different-flavoured doughnuts, and what a variety they came up with. Here's the link to the program so that you can see the doughnuts being made. But, beware! Watching this bake-off will probably lead to serious doughnut cravings. And where are you going to go to get doughnuts like these?
Luis made a cocktail doughnut in a glass with a shot of Baileys in the middle.
Nancy made children's chocolate doughnuts with cute faces and hung them on a tree.
Richard made heart-shaped doughnuts with a rhubarb-custard filling.
Chetna made a braided doughnut with a buttery, spicy glaze.
Martha made doughnuts with a chocolate & passionfruit filling plus a glazed lemon poppyseed.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
Luis made a cocktail doughnut in a glass with a shot of Baileys in the middle.
Nancy made children's chocolate doughnuts with cute faces and hung them on a tree.
Richard made heart-shaped doughnuts with a rhubarb-custard filling.
Chetna made a braided doughnut with a buttery, spicy glaze.
Martha made doughnuts with a chocolate & passionfruit filling plus a glazed lemon poppyseed.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
February 23, 2015
Update - Favourite 2015 Oscar Gown
In my last post, I talked about memorable Academy Award fashions, so it seemed only fitting to follow up with my favourite gown from last night's ceremony. That would be Felicity Jones, nominated for best actress for her role as Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything, wearing a dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The top part of her gown is sculpted with pearl beading, while the bottom is luxuriously full and draped with a short train. It's gorgeous and elegant and looks perfect on her. What a winner!
February 21, 2015
Famous Fashions at the Oscars
Of course I'll be tuning in to the 87th Academy Awards tomorrow night (Sunday, February 22, 2015); I've been watching the show for years. And while there have been a plethora of beautiful gowns worn by actresses over the decades, I thought it might be fun to look back at some of the more memorable Oscar fashions - or outfits that stick out in my memory, at least. You'll notice that I say "outfits" because not all of the ensembles were dresses.
I wasn't around for the 1947 show, of course, but I've seen pictures of the gown Loretta Young wore. This is the only image I could find that shows off the incredible colour. Yowza!
Next are the famous see-through pyjamas that caused a furor when Barbra Streisand accepted the Best Actress Oscar at the 1968 show. I think they would still get a lot of buzz today.
Cher was a stand-out in this Bob Mackie number as she presented the Best Actor Oscar in 1986. She got a laugh when she said, "As you can see, I did receive my Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress."
Madonna played a Marilyn-Monroe look-alike in the movie Dick Tracy and performed "Sooner or Later" from the movie at the 1991 awards ceremony.
Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty in pink when she won the Best Actress Oscar for Shakespeare in Love in 1999.
Bjork had a style all her own in 2001.
Who can forget the exotic dress Halle Berry wore to win the Best Actress Oscar in 2002?
Hilary Swank appeared to be conservatively dressed in this navy gown at the 2005 awards. Until she turned around, that is.
And we'll always remember Jennifer Lawrence literally tripping up the steps to accept her Best Actress Oscar in 2013. But she laughed, and everything was alright.
I hope someone wears a real eye-popper tomorrow night.
Break a leg, Neil Patrick Harris!
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
I wasn't around for the 1947 show, of course, but I've seen pictures of the gown Loretta Young wore. This is the only image I could find that shows off the incredible colour. Yowza!
Next are the famous see-through pyjamas that caused a furor when Barbra Streisand accepted the Best Actress Oscar at the 1968 show. I think they would still get a lot of buzz today.
Cher was a stand-out in this Bob Mackie number as she presented the Best Actor Oscar in 1986. She got a laugh when she said, "As you can see, I did receive my Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress."
Madonna played a Marilyn-Monroe look-alike in the movie Dick Tracy and performed "Sooner or Later" from the movie at the 1991 awards ceremony.
Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty in pink when she won the Best Actress Oscar for Shakespeare in Love in 1999.
Bjork had a style all her own in 2001.
Who can forget the exotic dress Halle Berry wore to win the Best Actress Oscar in 2002?
Hilary Swank appeared to be conservatively dressed in this navy gown at the 2005 awards. Until she turned around, that is.
And we'll always remember Jennifer Lawrence literally tripping up the steps to accept her Best Actress Oscar in 2013. But she laughed, and everything was alright.
I hope someone wears a real eye-popper tomorrow night.
Break a leg, Neil Patrick Harris!
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
February 14, 2015
"What's the most romantic thing that ever happened to you?" Valentine's Day Contest
Thank you to all those who entered my Valentine's Day contest. It was so much fun reading your stories, and heart-warming too. When it came time to decide who had won, I put everyone's name into a bowl and drew the winner because there was no way that I could decide who had the most romantic story. Congratulations to Nicole Laverdure, who will be sent an autographed copy of The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, plus those Rheo Thompson Mint Chocolate Smoothies.
My thanks to the wonderful people at Rheo Thompson Candies who donated a prize. They make such delicious treats, and you can order their candy online. Here's their website: https://www.rheothompson.com.
And now, as promised, here's three romantic stories from our entrants. Happy Valentine's Day!
I live in Quebec, on Canada's east coast. Several years ago, my husband had to go to Vancouver to work for a week in February. So the day before Valentine's day, he invited me and sent me tickets to fly and meet him. This weekend was so romantic, we went dining at a famous restaurant and spent a wonderful weekend that I will never forget!
Spending a night at the Ritz Carlton in NYC with my Irene.
My husband Ed knew that I was really emotional about our daughter, Deanna, getting married and the fact that she was going to live 2 1/2 hours away from us. He got down on one knee and told me how much he loved me & how our daughter found the perfect man to marry & have her own life with. Ed then placed a beautiful ring on my right hand and as he kept telling things like how he still wanted to spend the rest of his life with me placed two matching earrings in my hand. Then he asked me to turn around & put his arms around me & held out a box with the matching necklace.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
Tags: Valentine's Day, romance, contest, chocolate, novel
January 22, 2015
Another First Prize for My Valentine's Day Contest!
There was something missing from my Valentine's Day contest. Something that would take it from fun to fabulous. A romantic novel and . . . of course! Chocolate.
And not just any chocolate. The generous folks at Rhéo Thompson Candies are donating a box of Mint Chocolate Smoothies®. THE iconic chocolate that built the Rhéo Thompson reputation. The unofficial official chocolate of Stratford.
Therefore, here are the two prizes for the lucky winner of the "What's the Most Romantic Thing That Ever Happened to You?" Valentine's Day Contest. First, your choice of a signed copy of one of two books: The Dating Do-Over, a contemporary romantic comedy, or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, a sweet regency romance.
Plus a box of Mint Chocolate Smoothies.
Contest Details Using the "Contact Cathy" app to the top right of this post, leave your name, e-mail address, and a brief paragraph about the most romantic thing that's ever happened to you. Of course, I won't share your information with anyone else.The contest is open from Friday, January 16 to Friday, February 13 at 6 pm (Eastern time).Contestants are welcome from any country.The top story winner will be mailed a signed, paperback copy of one of my two romances, The Dating Do-Over, or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, plus the Rhéo Thompson Candies Mint Chocolate Smoothies. I'll e-mail the winner for his or her choice of book and a mailing address.The top 3 romantic stories will be posted (with first names only) on this site on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14th. Good luck!
For more information about the books, click on the "The Romances" tab.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
And not just any chocolate. The generous folks at Rhéo Thompson Candies are donating a box of Mint Chocolate Smoothies®. THE iconic chocolate that built the Rhéo Thompson reputation. The unofficial official chocolate of Stratford.
Therefore, here are the two prizes for the lucky winner of the "What's the Most Romantic Thing That Ever Happened to You?" Valentine's Day Contest. First, your choice of a signed copy of one of two books: The Dating Do-Over, a contemporary romantic comedy, or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, a sweet regency romance.
Plus a box of Mint Chocolate Smoothies.
Contest Details Using the "Contact Cathy" app to the top right of this post, leave your name, e-mail address, and a brief paragraph about the most romantic thing that's ever happened to you. Of course, I won't share your information with anyone else.The contest is open from Friday, January 16 to Friday, February 13 at 6 pm (Eastern time).Contestants are welcome from any country.The top story winner will be mailed a signed, paperback copy of one of my two romances, The Dating Do-Over, or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, plus the Rhéo Thompson Candies Mint Chocolate Smoothies. I'll e-mail the winner for his or her choice of book and a mailing address.The top 3 romantic stories will be posted (with first names only) on this site on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14th. Good luck!
For more information about the books, click on the "The Romances" tab.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
January 16, 2015
"What's the most romantic thing that ever happened to you?" Valentine's Day Contest
Valentine's Day is approaching soon, a time I'm sentimental about because my husband surprised me with an engagement ring on that day 28 years ago. So, to celebrate romance and Valentine's Day, I'm holding a contest, the prize to be a signed paperback copy of one of my two romance novels - The Dating Do-Over or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster - plus your chance to see your story here!
The purpose of the contest is to share the most romantic thing that's every happened to you. The stories will be posted on Valentine's Day, so please check back to enjoy them.
Contest Details Using the "Contact Cathy" app to the top right of this post, leave your name, e-mail address, and a brief paragraph about the most romantic thing that's ever happened to you. Of course, I won't share your information with anyone else.Contest is open from Friday, January 16 to Friday, February 13 at 6 pm (Eastern time).Contestants are welcome from any country.The top story winner will be mailed a signed, paperback copy of one of my two romances: The Dating Do-Over, a contemporary romantic comedy, or The Affairs of Harriet Walters, Spinster, a sweet regency (details below). I'll e-mail the winner for his or her choice and a mailing address.The top 3 romantic stories will be posted (with first names only) on this site on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14th. Good luck!
The Prizes
The winner can choose between an autographed copy of . . .
School teacher Viv Nowak has a sympathetic heart and abominable taste in men. She expects an engagement ring when her live-in lover of six years lands a terrific job in a new city. Instead, she gets dumped . . . on Valentine’s Day! Everyone, from her best friends to her father to her estranged mother, has an opinion on how she should fix her life. Her friends even insist on a dating do-over. But will they like her choice when she finally knows what her heart wants?
or . . .
Harriet Walters, a twenty-six year old spinster, is evicted from her home and sent to live with a persnickety aunt. Resigned to the life of an unpaid companion, fate intervenes and Harriet becomes an heiress. Leaving her small town life for the glittering attractions of London, Harriet chooses an unconventional path to happiness and love.
Welcome to the Regency world, where life is slower, people are more courteous, and men and women court each other. So, pour yourself a cup of tea or chocolate, sit back in your chair, and enjoy an old-fashioned, sweet romance.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
Tags: Valentine's Day, book giveaway, contest, romance novel
January 12, 2015
eBook Survey from "The Fussy Librarian"
Jeffrey Bruner, The Fussy Librarian, whose eBook recommendation service I have used, has devised a survey to determine the reading habits of eBook buyers. He used suggestions from authors to choose the questions, and his outcome will help us to market our books more effectively. If you have 5 minutes, would you please take the survey? Thank you!
January 4, 2015
The Anna Nolan Mysteries on "Print Book Paradise"
Indies Unlimited is a site that celebrates and supports the independent author. Every Sunday, they offer a promotion called "Print Book Paradise" that allows authors to feature their paperbacks available for $15 or less. Today my 3 Anna Nolan mysteries are featured. Just scroll down through the comment section to see them. Cheers! Print Book Paradise
Framed for Murder Winner of the 2014 Bony Blithe Mystery AwardAnna's ex-husband just turned up again . . . dead!Paperback can be ordered from your favourite bookstore, Amazon and Amazon Europe, and CreateSpace.Canadian readers please purchase paperbacks directly from the CreateSpace store to avoid delays.
Town Haunts It takes a witch to catch a ghost.Paperback can be ordered from your favourite bookstore, Amazon and Amazon Europe.Canadian readers, please purchase paperbacks directly from the CreateSpace store to avoid delays.
Tidings of Murder and Woe Christmas can be murder on families.Paperback can be ordered from your favourite bookstore, Amazon and Amazon Europe, and CreateSpace.Canadian readers please purchase paperbacks directly from the CreateSpace store to avoid delays.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
December 22, 2014
New Interview on "Pebble in The Still Waters"
"Pebble in the Still Water" is hosting me for an author's interview today. If you'd like to read it, it's at http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspot.in/2014/12/author-interview-cathy-spencer-framed.html.
December 20, 2014
Our Must-See Christmas Movies
Every Christmas season, my two grown-up daughters insist we watch the following movies. Most of them are fun for kids as well as for adults, although you may want to hold back on the last movie until your kids are older. See if your list matches ours.
#1 The Santa Clause
Santa falls off Tim Allen's roof, and Tim becomes the big guy. My younger daughter developed a crush on David Krumholtz as Bernard, the arch-elf, in his days before the TV series, Numb3rs.
David Krumholtz as Bernard
#2 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The cartoon version of the Grinch from the classic Dr. Seuss book. Boris Karloff narrates. Theodor (Dr. Seuss) Geisel also wrote the lyrics for that memorable song, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
#3 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Apparently you can never have too much Grinch. This one is the hilarious Jim Carrey version with Jim stealing the movie with his over-the-top antics, although it's hard to take your eyes off Christine Baranski as the sexy object of his affection, Martha May Whovier.
Christine Baranski as the lovely Martha May
#4 The Muppet Christmas Carol
Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge with Kermit as the good-natured Bob Cratchit and Miss Piggy as his feisty wife. There are lots of songs and laughs added to this adaption of the Charles Dickens' classic tale.
#5 A Child's Christmas in Wales
After all the high emotions and zaniness of the former films, it's nice to have a change of pace with this movie adaptation of the classic Dylan Thomas poem. A grandfather shares his recollections of Christmas while growing up in a small town in Wales. We had to order this DVD from an online retailer, however; I don't think I've ever seen it on TV.
#6 Love Actually
Warning: because of the sexual content, you will not want to share this movie with the kiddies, so wait until after they've gone to bed to enjoy it. There are several story lines with lots of romance, humour, and tugging of the heart-strings. The cast is fabulous with Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Martin Freeman, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Rowan Atkinson, and too many more to mention.
If you would like to receive an e-mail when a new Cathy Spencer novel is released, just leave your name and e-mail address with the "Contact Cathy" app to the right of this post.
