22 Fabulous 4th of July Recipes

Ricotta Cheesecake

Strawberry Tart

Berry Filled Cookies

Compliments of Delish.com and the incomparable Martha Stewart, here are just a few fabulous July 4th recipes to wow any party ... from cookies, parfaits, pies, tarts and cakes ... one or all will tantalize your taste buds.

Just click on this link, http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/july-4th/red-white-blue-berry-desserts

Enjoy and have a wonderful, safe and memorable holiday!

Leading Man

Model - Marlon DeGregori

Meet the inspiration for my next romance hero, Jeremy Steele, a rogue FBI agent who is as confident of the covert operations he solos and the women he attempts to conquer ~ Keepers Watch ~ a romantic thrilling suspense coming in August.  Become a fan on Facebook to stay in touch.

Which photo do you like: 1, 2, 3, 4?

Walking For Exercise

College Check List

For those of you with high school grads heading off to college in a few months, here's a great college check list you can utilize to help make the move fun, easy, organized and readjustment a synch.  We all know that going away to college can be a stressful experience for all involved so, why not make it a little easier and plan ahead.

There is an actual online site where you can create a list your son/daughter will need for their dorm room which looks extremely easy to use.  You can register online at http://www.collegepackinglist.com

Crazy Fashion Trends

Okay, I'm all about keeping up with the latest fashion trends ... that is, if my wallet allows it.  There is some craziness going on out there ladies.  Tell me what you think.  What one's do you like, what one's do you think are a waste of your hard-earned dollars.

Cardboard Shoes

I'm all about recycling, saving the planet and using fewer trees as possible.  However, cardboard shoes I'm not too terribly sure about.  Can't wear them in the rain cause you know, will kind of get all soggy and talk about wear and tear ... sorry, couldn't help myself.

Bust Bag

Talk about being BUSTED, well this is right up there ... I absolutely love bustiers but I don't think I'd want to carry one around in public.

 Tattoo

I always wondered if someone sat around in a room somewhere deciding what body part could be tattooed next.  Perhaps this is to help your partner find a certain body part in the dark.  Can you guess what would fit in the circle?  I swear, I'm not making this stuff up!

Hamburger Dress

Talk about taking a bite out of fashion!  But this isn't my idea of trendy.  Wouldn't buy it.  Wouldn't wear it.  Designer Joy Kampia O'Shell, came up with this colorful crocheted hamburger dress. Fashionable ... NO!  Cheesey ... YES!

      The blue/white mix and match pants below ... REALLY !!! Kind of makes me think the designer couldn't quite make up their mind.  This is definitely not a look that would be appealing for any body shape ... oh wait ... stick thin perhaps.

Now this is kind of cute and most definitely would make a statement.  Paula Abdul took product placement to a whole new level when she carried this kooky clutch down the red carpet. My only concern would be, what do you put in it OR, what will it hold?

Pepsi Purse

How To Deal With Intimidating People

Dealing with intimidating personalities, overly assertive individuals and threatening characters is difficult for anyone.  However, being a woman does not mean you have to be dominated, coerced, excluded, humiliated, controlled or, taken advantage of.  Frightening?  It most definitely can be depending on the situation and the individual you’re standing toe-to-toe with.

Are there ways to contend with a person whose physique is as intimidating as their mindset?  Sadly, women are easy targets.  The first step is recognizing whether or not you are in an abusive situation or one of those noted above.  In an abusive situation (not just a relationship) power and control are repeatedly misused by an abuser. Visit this link http://www.womenshealth.gov/violence  and check out the Power and Control Wheel under Publications.  If you feel you fall into one of those categories, this is a wonderful site where phone numbers and assistance can be found.

Listed below are a few suggestions that may help.

-  Owning your power is a very good start.  Showing that you are a confident person and not easily intimidated without appearing threatening is one way of getting your point across.  Fear is an emotion that backs you into a corner.  Humor is a great diffuser if given in an assertive tone.  “I may be a woman but, I’m no pushover.”   

- In today’s environment, women regardless of their size should know the basics of self defense.  If you're petite, the likelihood of encountering an aggressive individual more than once in your life time is highly likely.  Knowledge brought Goliath to his knees, not brute force.  Check your community college, church, local gym, adult education center or YWCA for classes.  Gather together a committed list of 30 women and ask your local police department to give demonstrations for free.

- Honest communication is the best policy and gaining respect is sometimes just as simple as demanding it.  Shift the dynamic by looking them in the eye, relay in a calm yet, intense manner that their actions are not appreciated and will not be tolerated.  In most situations a person is controlling because you allow it.

Awesome Ab Toning

Source: dangshefine.stockphotosweb.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

If You Love Romance ~

I'm soooo excited to finally announce that Book 2 of my historical Iroquois series, Captive Heart, is finally published along with a brand new inspirational contemporary romance, This Too Shall Pass.  This past year has been, to say the least, full of challenges.  Life certainly does not always give us what we feel we deserve and loves to create plenty of detours at times in our lives.   Despite it all, I've brought to life what I feel are two of my best writings ever and if you're looking for good summer reading, I promise you won't be disappointed. And won't you please share the news with all the fabulous women in your life as well?  Let me know your thoughts and thank you so very much for your continued patronage.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe summer season.

Historical Romance

Captive Heart ~ Book 2 - Iroquois Series ~ Historical Romance 

Banished from her Seneca tribe, Nuchzetse (New-zet-see) snubs her punishment as ward to the Shaman of the Oneida Nation. That is, until she comes face-to-face with the striking Oneida Bear Clan Leader, Lone Star. Even though his contempt for her is obvious, she wrestles with the desire to either win his favor or, escape the judgment holding her free spirit captive.

She finds herself caught between two worlds ~ remaining who she is, or the woman she secretly wishes to become. Captive Heart is a soulful tale of spiritual rebirth, and a passionate love story that blossoms during an extremely difficult journey of revelation. 

PAPER BACK  CLICK HERE $5.00 off Summer Discount ~ promo code 8D5DAYHE

Kindle

Palm/Ipad/Nook/Sony Readers  15% off until Aug. 30th ~ Promo Code AM94Z

Contemporary Romance

This Too Shall Pass ~ Contemporary Romance 

Rising from the ashes once you hit rock bottom is not easy for a woman alone. Neither is the journey along the road to self-discovery. The end result proves awe inspiring for Alana Waverly when fate steps in, however, and presents her with the wonderful possibility of not only believing in love, but finding it again.

This Too Shall Pass is an endearing and inspirational love story that teaches the importance of self-love, belief in oneself and knowing that the obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.  

 
PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ~ CLICK HERE TO ORDER   $5.00 off summer discount - promo code Z8VKA9EZ

Kindle

Palm/Ipad/Nook/Sony Readers  15% off until Aug. 30th ~ Promo Code YX33P