Live to Love on the Edge Blog - Caridad Pineiro® Romance Author

May 6, 2008May 9, 2017

Tuesday Tip – Perennials in your garden!

The weather’s warmer and I’m already out there working on my tiny ponds and getting my fingers in the dirt. One thing that’s helped me keep the flower beds green and with color is the addition of lots and lots of perennials in my garden! They come up every year, but they do flower at different times so you have to do some research to have constant color. Still the research is worth eliminating the back-breaking labor of replanting big portions of your flower beds every year.

The other nice thing about perennials is that they’re like a living journal of the places you’ve been and the people you meet. For example, I’ve got some day lilies in my garden that were originally given to my mom by a friend in the Rockaways nearly thirty years ago. I took a few lilies from my parents’ home to plant in my first home and took some from there to this house. I’ll likely take a few lilies to my next place as well!

Also have other perennials that my sis and I have shared and some from other friends so every time I see the yard, the memories of them come back to me when I see the plants they gave to me.

Here are some of my favorite perennials. Some of them are very easy to grow and propogate so you can give them to friends or use in other parts of your yard.

Daylily courtesy of Microsoft Word Clip Art Daylily: If you can’t grow these, you’ve got major trouble in the plant department. In fact, many varieties need to be thinned out every couple of years since they propagate so quickly. That’s good because you can move them to other places in your yard and eliminate the bare spots. Daylilies will grow in virtually every kind of soil and sun combo. The other good thing is that you can now get some varieties that flower all year long and in lots of different colors from reds so deep they almost look black to lemony yellows. I’ve even got a version with multiple rows of petals.

Echinicea: You’ve probably heard of these plants since they are used in many herbal remedies. Echinacea are hardy and quite colorful in the late summer. The plant is also commonly known as the purple coneflower, but it also comes in a white version.

Astilbe: Astilbe are shade-loving and throw up tall spikes of small feathery blooms that last for a couple of weeks. They come in all kinds of colors and look lovely swaying in the breeze. Not as easy to propagate, but they do create tiny little plants each year which will grow to maturity within a year or so.

Black-eyed Susan:We first saw these on a trip to visit cousins in Maryland, apropos since it’s the state flower of Maryland. My mom brought some black-eyed Susans back with her and now I have a bunch in my garden which remind me of my mom every time I see them. Black-eyed Susans are quite prolific and can actually become like a weed at times, but the offer lots of late summer cheer and are easy to grow. They are in the Rudbeckia family and there are varieties out there that have other colors, like a deep orange with dark striations.

So, you’ve got some perennials in your garden, but they’re not in bloom right now. What do you do to keep full color for the spring, summer and fall? Well, plant some annuals in between the perennials and you’ll have the best of both worlds. My favorite annuals – pansies for starters. I love the velvety look of their leaves and their intense colors. You can plant viola, a perennial, that looks much like a pansy, but generally has smaller blooms!

Hope this Tuesday Tip gets you going in the garden this weekend!

Also – the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction is in full swing and you can bid on a number of items! I’ve donated a few things and you can click here to bid on a critique and some books! This is for a great cause and there are some amazing prizes, so please drop by.

Finally — a major congrats to Kimberly Lang, from THE WRITING PLAYGROUND who sold her first book to Mills & Boon Modern Heat! I’m going to drop by today to congratulate Kimberly and you can as well! Just click here to visit THE WRITING PLAYGROUND!

May 5, 2008September 4, 2017

Guilty Pleasures Monday – Jason Taylor

He can play football and he can dance! What more can you ask? Well, he’s damn sexy as well!

Today’s Guilty Pleasure is Jason Taylor and if you like today’s picture, you can get it for your desktop at Jason’s site by clicking here.

Jason plays for the Miami Dolphins although there’s a lot of conjecture on ESPN and other sports networks as to whether he’ll be back with the Dolphins this year. Regardless, we’re lucky to be seeing him on Dancing with the Stars. Here’s a widget for you so you can keep track of Jason and what’s up on Dancing with the Stars.

May 2, 2008

Fun Friday – Dancing with the . . .

Caridad and Big John at the Ellora's Cave party at RT This Fun Friday is all about dancing! That’s me and Big John, tripping the light fantastic at the Ellora’s Cave party at RT. Well, at least I’m trying to dance since unfortunately, I’m a Cuban who can’t shake her booty. I can just about keep the rhythm of the beat and maybe do a little move now and then.

I guess that’s why I secretly have watched Dancing with the Stars off and on. I really admire people who can dance. My mom and dad could really dance and as a kid I’d sit on the stairs and watch them during a party when I should have been in bed. They were so graceful and enjoyed it so much.

How about you? Can you shake your booty or move your groove thing (that is about dancing, right? Vertical dancing, correct?)Don’t know what kind of dancing you do?

Well then, check out this very funny take on the Evolution of Dance from Judson Laipply! Watch and try to think about how many of these evolutionary phases you’ve danced through in your life.

May 1, 2008May 9, 2017

Thoughtful Thursday – On Politicians . . .

Clip courtesy of Microsoft Word Clip Art Politics. Lately it’s everywhere you go, unavoidable and unappealing.

Why unappealing? There’s an old joke about lawyers that sums up my feelings lately about politics and politicians and it goes like this:

Question: When do you know politicians are lying?
Answer: When their lips are moving.

Let me make it clear I’m not talking about any politician in general, but rather, the species as a whole and may I point out that there are probably lots of exceptions within the species. But for now . . .

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if our politicians gave us their real opinions, even if they knew they’d be unpopular? Or took a hard stand on something they believed in rather than looking at the polls to see what to do? Wouldn’t it be nice if they actually did something for a change instead of just trying to grandstand one another or win points for either party instead of working for the people?

What would I want them to do? Maybe finally start addressing the following problems which are tops on my list. Are they tops on your list?

1. “It’s the economy, stupid!” People are hurting all over the country and you’re spending millions and millions on campaign ads! Imagine what good you could do if you spent that money elsewhere!

2. Oil prices! 🙁 Don’t you think it’s time to tap U.S. oil reserves and develop new energy platforms?

3. National Security. Stop dismantling the laws that were working and take action against companies and individuals who reveal secrets that are necessary for National security.

4. Health Care. No need to say more on this one. We all get sick and want to get better.

5. The Mortgage Crisis. When you decide what to do, just make sure you don’t take the money from those people who’ve been paying their mortgages regularly.

Some ideas to consider on this Thoughtful Thursday since we’ve still got a lot of campaigning to survive!

April 30, 2008

Wicked Wednesday – A Return To South Beach

The weather here is finally starting to warm, reminding me of Spring Break nights in South Beach, before the heat and humidity of a Miami summer make it unpleasant.

With such thoughts running through my brain (and me wanting to ask my boss if I can sit outside and work!), I figured it was time for a quick trip back to South Beach.

This little excerpt is about Virginia and Pablo, Sylvia’s parents who are in the throes of their own romance during the course of the SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN novel. The original version contained a lot more background about their early romance, but it was just too much to include. I am very thankful, however, that my editors loved the idea of showing a vital fortysomething woman coming to grips with a lost love.

These scene is in SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN and I hope you enjoy it!

The night progressed leisurely, with the two of them talking, mostly about the villa and the renovations, and sharing the delicious meal and of course, Pablo’s wine. She was almost sorry when Pablo took away the dishes for the dessert, since she hated for the interlude to end.

“This has been lovely,” she said, fiddling with her napkin as it sat on the tabletop.

He covered her hand with his. “Who says the night is over?”

As he twined his fingers with hers, he stood and she went with him, following him to the lower landing of the patio near the water. She realized there was a small boombox on the side railing of the veranda.

Pablo detoured by there only long enough to turn it on and adjust the volume until the low melodious tones of the music drifted through the night. With an impatient tug on her hand, he led her to the center of the landing.

Virginia stumbled a bit on one of the slabs, but Pablo caught her in his arms.

“I must have that fixed,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her close.

“Yes, of course. Fix it,” she replied, although she was grateful for the floor’s rather timely intervention since left to her own devices, she would definitely not be pressed to his hard body and that would have truly been a shame.

She laid her head against his chest and swayed with him to the nearly indistinct sounds of the music. The low bass beats carried through the night air, slightly louder. Or maybe it was the beat of her heart. Of his. Low and steady. Close against her breast.

He moved one hand up and placed it in the middle of her back. His skin hot. The roughness of it enticing.

She picked up her head and met his gaze. His eyes seemed an even darker green in the dim light, but his smile was brilliant as he asked, “Are you having a nice time?”

With a nod, she said, “Very nice. There’s only one thing that might make it even nicer.”

His smile broadened and he dipped his head until his lips were only an inch from hers. “De verdad? And what would that be?”

She raised herself on tiptoe, eliminating that final inch of distance. With a whisper against his lips, she said, “This.”

The kiss began innocently enough, with the simple meeting of their lips. Followed by another kiss and then another until they were straining toward each other, hungry for more.

“Maybe it’s time we went somewhere — ”

“More private?” she said and without missing a beat, snagged his hand and led him back toward the limo, where Pablo asked the driver to take them for a ride around town.

He helped her into the back seat, slipped in beside her and immediately put up the privacy screen. After, he reached for her and eased her onto his lap where once again, they resumed the kiss.

Virginia opened her mouth to his, accepted the thrust of his tongue. He tasted like his wine and the sweet berries they had shared for dessert. In between kisses, she said, “Sylvia warned me about this.”

“Really? But who kissed who first, amorcito?” he teased and worked his way to the edge of her mouth and then down to the crook of her neck and shoulder.

She held his head to her, shuddered as he sucked there and then soothed the spot with a kiss. “That feels good.”

“Hmm. I’d like to feel that, too,” he confessed and with clumsy fingers, she undid his tie and shirt collar, bent her head and sucked on him.

His skin was salty. Undeniably masculine. The muscles of his upper shoulder firm. She bit down and he groaned, slipped his hand to the middle of her back and urged her closer.

But the only way to accomplish that was to straddle his legs, which she did, bringing the hard length of his erection to nestle between her legs.

She paused at the pressure of him there and looked down at him. “You do have protection, don’t you? I promised Sylvia I’d be responsible.”

Pablo chuckled and laid his hands at her waist, keeping her hips immobile. “I’ve heard it said that children get in the way of romance. I just never thought it would happen quite like this.”

Virginia laughed and cradled his face in her hands. “Is this a romance or are we two sad, old people grasping at our youth?”

The mirth on Pablo’s face softened, but didn’t completely recede. With care and patience, he slipped his hand beneath the edge of her dress. Slowly moved upward until he was cupping her naked breast in his hand. Her nipple beaded immediately and he smiled at that.

“Old? I’ve always heard that a woman in her forties is at her prime sexual peak.” As if to emphasize his point, he grasped the tip of her nipple and gently caressed it, drawing a gasp from her.

“It seems that may be right,” he said . . .

April 29, 2008July 14, 2023

Tuesday Tip – Making Chocolate Count!

Image courtesy of Microsoft Word Clip art Okay, it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it! Reuters is reporting that researchers in the United Kingdom “will explore whether compounds called flavonoids found in chocolate and other foods can reduce the risk of heart disease for menopausal women with type 2 diabetes. . .”

In order to conduct the studies, they need volunteers. I suspect they may find themselves with a waiting list of volunteers.

Actually, not eating the chocolate is one of the hardest things about my diet/lifestyle change. I love chocolate. Actually, who doesn’t love chocolate (although come to think of it, my daughter doesn’t like chocolate!).

So what can you do to make the chocolate count?

Well, according to some, dark chocolate can help lower high blood pressure.

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which are anti-oxidants and can protect against free radicals which can cause heart disease. These flavonoids are present in red wine, tea, all kinds of berries, nuts and other fruits and vegetables. The flavonoids in chocolate are called flavonols and they help build nitric oxide in your body.

What does nitric oxide do? Some studies suggest that this compound helps keep blood flowing and prevents platelets from sticking together to cause clots, leading to a healthier heart.

A CNN report indicated that chocolate can also improve your skin, boost memory and attention span by increasing blood flow to the brain! Not to mention that dark chocolate has been linked to reducing bad cholesterol!

So, have a bit of chocolate (the darker the better), but remember that chocolate has lots of fat and usually sugar so moderation is key. I found some organic sugar free dark chocolate that only had about 200 calories per serving and was pretty tasty. The serving size on that bar was 9 squares of chocolate which was more than I needed for the typical craving, so I was able to keep calorie/fat down by eating less of it each time.

The Hershey’s Sugar Free chocolates are pretty good as well and according to their nutrition facts, a 16 gram bar has 80 calories (35 from fat).

Also try Almond M&Ms, which have 200 calories per serving (100 fat calories however). The Almond M&M’s have the added benefit of the almonds which are also high in antioxidants.

Want to share your love of chocolate? Check out Virtual Chocolate, on online website totally dedicated to what else — chocolate!

Hope this Tuesday Tip helps with your chocolate cravings!

April 28, 2008October 30, 2018

Guilty Pleasure Monday – Jesse L. Martin

Seems apropo to bring you Jesse L. Martin this Monday since last week was Martin’s final episode on the long-running Law & Order show. Always elegant and professional, Martin’s presence on the show helped soothe the loss of Jerry Orbach. Martin and Orbach were perfect together and both will be sorely missed.

As for whether Martin is hot . . . Well, I always thought he was a totally sexy man and so did many of my friends! There’s just something so silently sensual about his look and the way he moves . . .

Besides being a hottie, Martin is an accomplished actor who has been on numerous shows and was also one of the original cast members of the popular Broadway show RENT. He reprised his role in the recently released film version of that show.

Here’s a clip from that final show courtesy of the NBC website!