Samantha Verant's Blog, page 7

What's a Happening Wednesday, Hot Stuff: Life in France

So far, it's been a busy summer with no signs of slowing down.At the end of May, we had our bi-annual scuba outing in Colera, Spain.

Then, Jean-Luc and I went to Paris for a quick weekend. I'd love to say that it was a romantic getaway, but we were painting an apartment. On the plus side, we did make time for some fun.

Perhaps we retraced the steps we first took together in 1989.
Perhaps we recreated a new memory.
I'd tell you what we did, but...it will be revealed in the last chapter of memoir book two,which I'm currently working on.

(sssh. it's a secret).
Aside from writing, here's what's a been happening in France.

 A blog post...in (mostly) pictures.


COOKERY NEWS

I've been on a seafood kick this summer, cooking everything from salmon to freshly baked dorade stuffed with fresh herbs from my garden.
Moules marinère with a spicy red pepper and ginger kick.
My Frenchified version of low fat crab cakes.

NATURALLY GOOD GREEN THUMB NEWS. This DIY garden box (if you're brave) is six feet long, two feet high. Which means my tomato plants are over five feet tall.
You should see the cucumbers. And the baby cornichons.

Miam. Miam. The daily yield from our cherry tree. Which means...
It's Clafoutis Time.
MY KIND OF TOWN NEWS: AN AMAZING RACE and LA FÉTE DE LA MUSIQUE 
Last Friday, there was a 10k run in my town. As the runners passed, the children spurred the runners on by chanting "Allez! Allez!" The magic moment came when a dashing paraplegic in a wheel chair rolled by, passing the runners.
What strength! What beauty!Sunday night, was the la fête de la musique,
when old and young gather in the park to listen to music, to eat, to drink and to be merry.

One of the bands put on a show. Watch the video below.


Miam. Miam.

HEALTH AND BIG, BIG LIFE NEWS
I've been working out, getting ready for this summer's big events.
On my sixty minute bike ride, I pass lakes, rabbits, fields, and very friendly goats.
I stopped to check these two out. I swear they were showing off for me.

AS FOR THE BIG EVENT–
MY BABY SISTER, JESSICA, IS GETTING MARRIED
TO OLLIE IN THREE DAYS!!! IN ITALY!!! Jessie Messy and Ollie Dimples. The perfect couple Elvire's 18th birthday is this Friday.
I can't believe it. In fact, I'm stunned how quickly time flies.

Wasn't she just twelve years old yesterday?




BOOK NEWS Barnes & Noble will soon carry my middle grade, King of the Mutants!!! Seven Letters – spotted at Chicago O'Hare... And LAX!!!
Well, that's it for now.
I'm running around like a mad woman, getting ready for the BIG,  BEAUTIFUL weekend.

The cat?
Not so much.
Bella, relaxing.

Per my usual methods of madness, comments are closed on the blog. Please join me on my FACEBOOK page, where every comment is responded to and highly appreciated.
Catch you on the flip side.
Cheers!
xox
Bisous from Toulouse

XAMNESIA by Lizzie Harwood: The Book Launch

Today, I'm thrilled to share Lizzie Harwood's memoir, XAMNESIA, with you. I've known Lizzie 'virtually' for quite some time now, seeing that we're both members of Paris Authors Group – comprised of writers who live or have lived in France who support one another. A few weeks ago, I finally met dynamic Lizzie –author and book editor extraordinaire–in person at a bar in Paris, along with two other writers from PAG (Vicki Lesage and Janina Rossiter). I hadn't read XAMNESIA prior to our meet-up. And I can assure you the conversation would have taken a different turn.
Lizzie's life was wild! Really wild. I thought my life was an adventure...











or ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Xamnesia... where you forget who you were when you landed.

At twenty-three, Lizzie leaves her native New Zealand to work for VIP billionaires in a remote Asian oasis. Legally forbidden to talk about her employers, she starts to call her new life Xamnesia. It's not all bad living in Xamnesia -- she gets a hug from Michael Jackson and diamond watches as tips. But the servitude and secrecy of her new life destroys her self-confidence.

Even transferred to Paris, she depends on champagne, cigarettes, and hotel concierges on speed dial to help fulfill all VIP requests. Will smuggling a million dollars be what snaps her out of her fog? And can she forge a real life after so many years in 'Xamnesia'?

An illuminating, no-holds-barred travel memoir about money, myopia and men. 


HERE'S WHAT I SAID ABOUT XAMNESIA...

"When Lizzie Harwood blindly accepts a job to work for a billionaire family on a remote island in Asia, she jumps at the opportunity, taking a risk not many of us would dare to think of attempting. XAMNESIA is intense, unapologetic, and gripping. From page one, I was swept into Harwood's wild adventure and found myself devouring her tale in one sitting. Wow! What a story! And it's true!!!"

Seriously, it's a must read! 

BUY XAMNESIA
Amazon


CONNECT WITH LIZZIE 


To learn more about Lizzie’s books and editorial services, visit her website at www.EditorDeluxe.com or follow her on Twitter.


Per my usual methods of madness, comments are closed on this blog.



xox 

LUCK HAPPENS: The launch of FENG SHUI & CHARLOTTE NIGHTINGALE by Pam Ferderbar

First, a confession: I've known Pam Ferderbar for well over ten years now. And I've been anxiously waiting for FENG SHUI & CHARLOTTE NIGHTINGALE to hit the shelves ever since I read an early draft of the manuscript many moons ago. A few months ago, Pam sent me an advance reader copy, reminding me why I fell in love with the story and Charlotte many moons ago. THIS BOOK IS HILARIOUS, OFF-THE-WALL, and FABULOUS. It's no surprise New Line Cinema bought the film rights...before the book ever came to market. (We're all still crossing our fingers they give it the green light...)

Anyhoo, FENG SHUI & CHARLOTTE NIGHTINGALE releases today, people! Today! I'm taking this opportunity to tell you all about it.

Note: This book is not recommended for people who don't like to laugh.


WHAT I HAD TO SAY ABOUT CHARLOTTE

"Feng Shui and Charlotte Nightingale is a fast-paced, hilarious rom-com of a romp that's not only laugh-out-loud funny, it touches the heart. I couldn’t help but to root for Charlotte as her luck changes and, once a hot neurotic mess, Charlotte metamorphoses into a woman she is proud to be – thanks in part to a handsome Chinese food deliveryman and some on-the-sly Feng Shui. In her debut novel, Ferderbar has created a lovable and relatable heroine in Charlotte. Add in the cast of wacky characters and smart-as-a-whip wit and Ferderbar’s comedic genius shines. Get ready for a wild ride. Get ready for Charlotte Nightingale."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Feng Shui and Charlotte Nightingale is an uplifting and hilarious fable about empowerment and perception, and the magical things that happen when we begin to see the glass as half full.
Charlotte Nightingale has the worst luck in the world. Her cluttered apartment is the poster child for shar chi—poison luck in the realm of Feng Shui. Her boyfriend’s a jerk, her job sucks, she’s broke and her own family seems to hate her. Every day is a bad hair day. Kwan, a handsome Chinese food deliveryman and aspiring Feng Shui practitioner, takes pity on Charlotte. While Charlotte searches for the money to pay for the Emperor’s cashew chicken Kwan has delivered, he surreptitiously begins to move things around in Charlotte’s apartment in accordance with the ancient art of placement—hoping to improve her life. Charlotte’s luck subsequently appears to change in a big way. It goes from bad to worse—or so it seems.

Charlotte finds a photo of her boyfriend with another woman, her car dies, she is fired from her job, the plumbing in her apartment explodes, and making matters worse, Charlotte’s perfect perky designer-obsessed blonde sister is about to marry a square-jawed, richer-than-god, insanely handsome plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills and the entire family loves nothing more than to rub Charlotte’s nose in it.

Is it bad luck that sends Charlotte careening through calamity after calamity, or is it merely a matter of perspective? Without a loser boyfriend, beater car and crappy job, Charlotte is free to embark on a great adventure that will awaken in her a world of possibility where nothing is as simple as it seems. Until, in the end, Charlotte realizes that everything she ever wanted was right under her nose the whole time.

WATCH THIS AMAZING BOOK TRAILER (presented by Charlotte's sister)!



BUY THE BOOK (you know you want to...)
Amazon


CONNECT WITH PAM
(she's rock star cool and hilarious!!!)

Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram




Comments are closed on this post! Go connect with Pam!


xox

Wednesday is all write! Hot summer travel book deal! For Nook and Kindle!

Get it while it's hot!I'm pleased to announce that Barnes & Noble has included Seven Letters from Paris in their summer travel book blitz! Nook readers, Seven Letters can be yours for $2.99 (cheaper than a Starbucks latte). And for you Kindle readers, Amazon has matched the price!  This deal lasts until June 8th. So, if you haven't read my book yet...what are you waiting for? Dare to open your heart-- to live and to love big.
Here are the links:
 B&N
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!!!! Good karma points will be coming your way. I don't make moolah with these deals, but I do gain exposure. And this little book that could needs all the exposure it can get-- as in you two tell two friends, and they'll tell two friends, and so on...and so and and so on. That's my plea. And I'm sticking to it. (More on the life of a reluctant book pimp later...)
xox
 ---
A few readers have asked me to share the original blog posts I sent to Jean-Luc on May 7th, 2009, part of my twenty-years delayed apology. I'm pleased to announce that you can find them by clicking...     RIGHT HERE!

xox
Bisous from Toulouse,
Samantha

Per my usual methods of madness, comments are closed on the blog.
Please join us on my Facebook page, where we can talk about this post and more.

Cheers!

Wanderlust Wednesday: Colera and Cadaqués, Catalonia (Spain)

This past weekend Jean-Luc and I loaded up the car and drove three hours to Colera, Catalonia for the bi-annual scuba diving trip. I'd say we went to Spain-- but the Catalans are very proud to be Catalan, so much in fact they have their own flag, and so Catalonia it is. The kids stayed behind on this trip. Le fils had a weekend outing with his rugby team and la fille stayed behind to study for the BAC (the French version of the SATs, which takes place at the end of this month).
Thanks to his accident*, Jean-Luc wasn't able to dive with the group, but he was still able to profit from the mini-break, the weather sunny and a warm -- just like the Catalan people. A bonus about being one of the only Americans? Everybody at the dive center knew my name.
All suited up on the Zodiac...and smiling.


Jean-Luc insisted that I dive to keep up the practice, so I did – but only on the morning outings. I was a bit worried about the finger I broke three months ago, which is still on the mend, but I was able to manage just fine. (I just needed a little help carrying my equipment and lifting it to suit up).
Our friendly Catalan dive masters. (David, right, took me on my first dive. 26 meters- or around 80 feet.)
Note: I'm on the French diving system and have my PE-40, which means I can dive up to 40 meters
with a monitor. At 26 meters, though, the water was FREEZING-- about 14 degrees celsius. Brrrrrrrrrrrr.
It will be warmer in September...)
Although the water hasn't quite warmed up yet, it was still a lovely underwater experience. I'm happy to say that I'm a confident diver now. This was a three-year work in progress. Goal = accomplished!!! I'm looking forward to the next outing in September, where Jean-Luc and I will be able to dive together. Good hand in good hand.
*Jean-Luc's hand is healing nicely! Phew!
Life is an adventure!

We stayed at a 'Camping' site. Here's our cute little bungalow.
Two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom = awesome!
Beautiful grounds.

After eating lunch with the dive group, Jean-Luc and I spent the afternoons exploring nearby attractions. Colera is a sweet little village, but besides the camping/dive center, there isn't much to do there. One day, we drove to the local beach and caught up on our reading, which was nice and relaxing, (I finally read The Rosie Project), but the highlight of the trip was exploring the beautiful town of Cadaqués...
We meandered the streets and popped into boutiques.
We wanted to visit Salvador Dali's home in Portlligat (three minutes from Cadaqués by car),
but we didn't have reservations. Tant pis! (Too bad!) Next time!
We spotted this boat decorated with olive branches, the man waiting for a wedding party.
This is beautiful Cadaqués!!!!
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend getaway.


Book News: 
Look what a little cyber-sleuthing uncovered...
The Czech cover of Seven Letters! The Slovak cover of Seven Letters!



A few readers have asked me to share the original blog posts I sent to Jean-Luc on May 7th, 2009, part of my twenty-years delayed apology. I'm pleased to announce that you can find them by clicking...     RIGHT HERE!

xox
Bisous from Toulouse,
Samantha

Per my usual methods of madness, comments are closed on the blog.
Please join us on my Facebook page, where we can talk about this post and more.

Cheers!

Wednesday is All Write: The Original Blog Posts I Sent to Jean-Luc in 2009...REVEALED

A few readers have asked me to share the original blog posts I sent to Jean-Luc on May 7th, 2009, part of my twenty-years delayed apology. I'm pleased to announce that you can find them by clicking...     RIGHT HERE!

xox
Bisous from Toulouse,
Samantha

Whatcha' Reading Wednesday: Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard

One of the most amazing benefits of being a writer is connecting with other writers. 
A few years ago, I read Elizabeth Bard's fabulous novel, Lunch in Paris, one of my favorite memoirs of all time. Truly.  Before my own memoir was published, I contacted Elizabeth to ask her if she would be willing to endorse Seven Letters from Paris. And I hoped and I prayed that she'd say yes. After giving my book a read, she did! I'm so very thankful!
But I'm even more thankful for Elizabeth's friendship. Although we live five hours away from one another, on our yearly trip to Provence, Jean-Luc and I were able to meet Elizabeth, her husband, Gwendal, and her adorable son, Alexandre, two summers ago at their ice cream shop in Céreste: Scaramouche. Ermagad. BEST ICE CREAM AND SORBETS EVER! (My favorite is abricot fantasme). Before dessert, though, Elizabeth had us over for a lovely impromptu lunch – fresh vegetables and hams and cheeses and wine. One thing is for sure: Elizabeth is just as delightful in person as she is on the page. Last year, we had her family over at our house in Toulouse to celebrate Thanksgiving (or as they say here: Tanksgeeving).
Long story short: I was thrilled when Elizabeth asked me to blurb her latest memoir, Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes, which released on April 7th of this year. A few months before the publication date, her publisher sent me an ARC (advanced reader copy) and I inhaled one delightful page after the over. I simply adored this book...and here's what I said:

My advance copy of Picnic.


"A journey to the true heart and soul of living la vie française. Warm, thoughtful, and beautiful–– a memoir to be savored one delicious chapter (and recipe) at a time. From truffle hunting to harvesting saffron, readers will discover that there is way more to France than just Paris. The simple things in life -- love and cooking with love -- make every struggle and adjustment worth it. Bon app!"






So, if you're looking for a fabulous summer read that will transport you to the south of France, DO pick up a copy of Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes. It's one delectable read! Highly recommended!!! (Ice cream at Scaramouche and lunch at Elizabeth's house not included...)

p.s. You'll find an endorsement from yours truly on the back cover.

xox 
Samantha

Per my usual methods of madness, comments are closed on the blog. Please join us on my Facebook page, where we can talk about this beautiful book and more...

True Love is...Taking the Bad with the Good

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On Friday, February 13th (the night before Valentine's Day), I broke my ring finger by smashing it into a short pole. It was my first girls' night out in Toulouse and, perhaps, I was a tad excited to be out on the town. All I wanted to do was DANCE!  Fine. Cocktails were involved...but it was still an accident. A very, very stupid one. I went to the pharmacy in the morning and, instead of selling me a splint, the pharmacist urged me to get my butt to the ER for x-rays. There was just one major problem: I couldn't get an x-ray with my ring on... and, with a sausage sized finger, I couldn't get the ring off. A kind old man suggested I soak my finger in warm salt water to reduce the swelling. So that's what I did for four hours. But it didn't work.
Okay. There were two major problems. JL and I had 8:00 dinner reservations – a five-course meal at a romantic manoir. Our Valentine's dinner! Canceling wasn't an option! Time was ticking down.
JL: Honey, we have to go. They'll just have to cut your ring off.
Me: Noooooooooooooooooo!
JL: Let me help you get it off. Where's the soap?
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JL wrapped my finger with an elastic cord. I huffed and puffed, but didn't cry or scream. Fine. I may have let out a yelp. And a few choice curse words may have slipped from my mouth.
Sacré bleu! Purée! Mince!
Unfortunately, this method didn't work.
HOWEVER, the cord compressed my finger so much – with a little soap and some teamwork- SUCCESS! We raced to the ER. By the time we arrived home, I had 45 minutes to get ready for our dinner. JL offered to help me wash my hair. 4 weeks in a splint. 3 more months of physical therapy.@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.separator, li.separator, div.separator { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Since then, I've had to see a hand specialist three times and I have 30 sessions with a physical therapist. Currently, my finger has 30% mobility. My doc is hoping for 60%. My ring finger is still buddy-taped to my index finger and I still can’t get my rings on. (I’m crossing the fingers on my right hand). Anyhoo, for the first month, I had to rely on JL to help me do the things I couldn't  – like lifting heavy pans, bringing in the groceries, etc. 
Fast forward to this past Wednesday. 
What goes around comes around.

JL took a couple of vacation days and was building me a garden box (pictured below). He used leftover wood from our deck for the base – Brazilian Ipe to be precise, described as being "tough as nails." A regular electric saw wouldn't cut through the wood. So he pulled out the dreaded circular saw. The saw slipped and he ended up cutting his right hand, slicing through three tendons. (Makes my broken finger seem like child's play). I raced him to the emergency room. Luckily, a hand specialist was able to operate that very same day.
La fille asked, "Did Papa cry?"
I said, "Like a baby."
"Really?" she asked.
I raised a brow. "You know your father. He's Jean-Luc. Of course, he didn't cry."
6 weeks in a splint.On Friday, his doctor unwrapped the ham hand bandages (very top picture), replacing them with a hand/half-arm splint. Now, he walks like an Egyptian. Thankfully, he hasn't been in any pain. And, thankfully, JL was wearing gloves. If he wasn't...
'Tis Only a Flesh Wound!
JL was adamant to finish the garden box...with my help, of course. (Two hands are better than one). We went to the local hardware store and bought 20 euros worth of pine planks, which, compared to the Ipe wood, cut like butter with a regular electric saw. Good hand and good hand, we finished the project on Saturday. All the garden box cost us was 20 euro, a trip to the ER, and six weeks of me tying JL's shoes, peeling his apples, and buttoning his buttons.

6 feet long/ 3 feet high
Sure, we're both a bit busted up, but we make a good team – taking the bad right along with the good.
And that, my friends, is what love is all about.


BOOK NEWS:
Super news! Latvian and Hungarian rights to Seven Letters from Paris sold last week!
I had a wonderful author event at Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica when I was back in California for a week! A huge thanks to B&N and to those who came from near and far to support me and my book, including authors Jennifer L. Scott (At Home with Madame Chic) and Teresa J. Rhyne (The Dogs Were Rescued and So Was I). Did I mention this was the first time I'd seen my book in a store?
Pinch me! (Wait don't- I bruise easily...)


A proud moment! I brought my own hummingbird along...


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Please join on us FACEBOOK.


Cheers!

xox and bisous from Toulouse,
Samantha

Author Event at B&N in Santa Monica! My first! Ever! Come one, come all!

Join me on April 15th at 7:00 pm at the Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica (Third Street Promenade) to celebrate the recent release of my memoir Seven Letters from Paris. I will be reading from the book (without the cat), signing copies, and answering questions. I'll also be bringing a little taste of France (macarons) and giving away a little piece of Paris (a special surprise for all guests). 



 Hope to see you!
Please DO share this invite! Merci!!!!!
Bisous from Toulouse.
xox
Sam

Tasty Tuesday: Macaron Monday part deux

Welcome to day two of MACARON MANIA! Can I say I'm fiercely proud of the results? I am. Okay. Fine. My first batch of macarons came out looking like merde...
I added LIQUID food
coloring to the first batch.
BIG MISTAKE! HUGE! OH, SO WRONG!


But you can learn from my mistakes. The second batch came out AWESOME! For this batch, I let the egg whites sit until they were at room temperature (around three hours), not overnight.
Because Martha Stewart said I could.
And you don't mess with Martha.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Powdered Almonds (Ground Almonds/Almond Flour)*
1 cup Powdered Sugar
2 Egg Whites (room temperature/or left out in a covered container overnight)
1/4 cup Finely-Granulated Sugar
1 pinch of cream of tartar (alt: squeeze of lemon juice )


FOOD COLORING: Use powdered or gel, not liquid!!!

*If you can't find powdered almonds, you can make your own...if you have a food processor. Check out this YouTube video for the HOW to: Almond Powder. (Pulse for better results. You don't want an oily paste!) STEPS ONE AND TWO: Pulse the powdered sugar and almond powder in a food processor using the mix attachment (not a blade). Once mixed, sift the mixture into a bowl (2x). If it's going slow, use a spoon or a small rubber spatula to move things along.
STEPS THREE, FOUR, FIVE, AND SIX: Beat your egg whites until they are creamy/foamy.

Just Beat It, Beat It, Beat It, Beat It
No One Wants To Be Defeated...
Add the granulated sugar, gradually. Add the squeeze of lemon and beat for another eight to ten minutes until the mixture is thick and shiny and beautiful. Then, sift your powdered mixture into the egg mixture, folding it in until smooth and creamy. If you have GEL or POWDERED food coloring, now is the time to add it. Today, my macarons are going au naturel.

Note: different strokes for different folks-- 50-65 folds should do the trick. The consistency should be like magma, they say. 

STEPS SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, TEN, ELEVEN, AND TWELVE: Fill a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch tip with your macaron mixture. Pipe 3/4 inch circles, leaving an inch in between each. (It took quite a few attempts to get this technique right, which is why some of my macarons are bigger than others...) Here, I've used a silicon baking mat placed onto a baking tray, but parchment paper is an option, too.

IMPORTANT: Before placing your shells in the oven, let the shells sit for fifteen minutes to a half an hour. This an important macaron making rule.

Place your tray in your pre-heated oven (325), one batch at a time, and bake for about 10 minutes. Let cool for about two-three minutes, then move them macaron shells to a wire rack.

Once the shells have cooled down, it's time to fill them. I made my fillings yesterday (a violet liqueur buttercream and a vanilla bean buttercream) and you can find les recettes here. One teaspoon of filling sandwiched in between two macaron shells does the trick.
Looky, looky! Have a cookie!

Miam. Miam. (Yum. Yum.)
Really, this second batch came out great – not too shabby for my first, er, second attempt. Now I want to order some powdered food coloring. And I want to play around with different fillings. Like chocolate. And mango. And raspberry. And...and...and..

I also want to experiment with the shell's flavors. Apparently, you can add three tablespoons of dark cocoa powder to this recipe. Not only will the shells be chocolate flavored, they will also be dark brown (no food coloring necessary). I'm also on the hunt for mango powder...

So many macarons, so little time!
Seriously, this recipe is a keeper. Try it. Remember, macaron day is March 20th. You have plenty of time to experiment! Okay, I'm off to deliver some macarons to my neighbors...
I've closed comments on the blog. Please join on us FACEBOOK, where I can reply to you directly.


----


BOOK NEWS:
I'm heading back to Los Angeles in April, where I'll be having my very first ever author event! (I'll also see Seven Letters from Paris on the shelves for the very first time! Wow! Can't wait!) Anyway, if you're in southern California and can make it to the Barnes & Noble on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, I'd love to see you! I'll be talking about Seven Letters, reading a passage, signing books, and answering questions. Plus, I'll be bringing macarons and giving away little pieces of Paris – a surprise!

Time: 7:00 pm 
Date: April 15th, 2015
Place: Barnes & Noble on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

Tell your friends! 


xox and bisous from Toulouse
Samantha