How cold was it this morning when I left my house? 2 degrees Fahrenheit. 2! How cold is that really? Well take a look at this snapshot of the Bryant Park fountain which was freezing over from the arctic chill.
Well, we definitely have to generate some heat to combat that arctic chill and what better way than with a nice hot Guilty Pleasure? But with it being so cold, we need a man who can heat us up in the kitchen as well with something so delectable we’ll be shivering in anticipation. So today’s Guilty Pleasure is Curtis Stone, celebrity chef. Curtis has been on a number of television cooking shows both in his native Australia and here in the States. You may remember how nice he dressed up when he appeared on Celebrity Apprentice.
I hope you enjoyed today’s Guilty Pleasure.
Curtis Stone Photo Credit: Joseph Trotz@en.wikipedia.com
Well, yesterday you read about one of those changes I want to make for the New Year and some of you may possibly have the same goal – to lose weight.
My friends and I at the Liberty States Fiction Writers have even set up a loop for members to share ideas on how to lose weight and also, to encourage each other so we will feel fabulous for our March 19th conference! That’s one of the things I love about this group – that everyone is willing to be supportive of one another, whether with respect to writing, losing weight, sharing sorrow or savoring success. They are there for each other. LSF Writers, you rock!
But back to the weight loss. Here are some free sites that you can use to help you keep track of your goals, plan menus, etc.
The New Year has come roaring in and I’m trying hard not to make resolutions. I guess because I always think that it’s more than about just making a promise for the short term, it’s about making a long term change for the better.
Despite that, I can’t help getting caught up in the New Year’s frenzy of promises, so here are a few things I’m going to try to do for myself and others.
1. Lose weight. A continuous battle for me.
2. Be more patient. I am so not patient at times.
3. Work harder. Seems impossible and yet I truly believe in the American Dream that all things are possible thanks to the fruit of hard labor.
4. Rethink promo. Been there done that so many times and all for naught. There has got to be a better way.
5. Play more. All work and no play makes Caridad a grumpy girl.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Any fun things you’ve got planned for the coming year?
There’s an interesting discussion by Keri Stevens over at the Carina Press blog. Keri is talking about her latest release, STONE KISSED, and what she does with those scenes that need to get cut.
It’s just part of the revision process that sometimes you, or more often an editor, chops scenes from a book. In STRONGER THAN SIN I dropped a number of scenes which showed Liliana interacting with the Carrera family even though I hated to do that. I loved Mick and Cat from SINS OF THE FLESH and thought you might like to see what was happening with them as well as the other Carrera family members. Unfortunately, as much as you love those scenes you need to understand that you have to focus on the main characters and not distract readers with old characters.
But I do know that many of you asked about the other Carreras and I appreciate that you grew that attached to them that you didn’t want to see them go. Believe me, I didn’t either and that’s why I’m going to be offering up a number of deleted bits featuring the Carrera family from the various SINS books
So here goes! This scene was originally in STRONGER THAN SIN, but it really didn’t portray Liliana as a woman capable of making her own decisions although it reinforced the importance of family to Liliana. To add action, I replaced it with a scene where Liliana and Mick are jogging and Liliana realizes she is being followed. In the new scene, although Mick offers his help, Liliana decides to go it alone to avoid bringing any more trouble into her brother’s already complicated life.
There is just something about Christmas lights that brings joy to my heart. They are so festive and full of fun. I love to see kids faces lighting up as they gaze upon the wonder of seeing all the colors in the night sky.
There is one house on the way home from the train station that even has the lights timed to music that plays on a FM signal that they broadcast. Just seeing that house on the way home says that it’s Christmas.
Now I know that there are those who say it’s a waste of energy and that the lights are not about the Christ and yes, I do understand both of those points.
But if people put up these lights to share their love of the Christmas season and if they enjoyed doing so with their families and if they bring other people joy with these lights, isn’t that in part what Christmas is all about? Love, sharing and joy?
So on that note, take a moment to check out these photos of some really amazing Christmas light displays. Just click here or cut and paste this link into your browser:
Yes, it’s back and while I normally make it a point to not leap over Thanksgiving to get to Christmas, for some reason this year I find myself doing just that. Getting the e-mail announcement about ELF YOURSELF returning did not help.
So please pardon me for jumping the gun, but I just could not resist! Hope you enjoy this Fun Friday rendition of me having a little holiday fun, surfing style. Seemed somehow appropriate since both SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN are set down the Jersey Shore.
It’s finally here! STRONGER THAN SIN has hit bookshelves and is available online at various vendors. Join me for the rest of this month and all of November as I celebrate the release of STRONGER THAN SIN with some very special contests and an assortment of giveaways! But first, take a moment to watch the exciting new video for STRONGER THAN SIN. If you can’t see the video below, you can click here to see the video premiere.
Starting November 1 you can sign up for my newsletter and be entered for the ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH? contest (as well as all future monthly contests!).
Grand Prize in the contest is a PRS300SC Reader Pocket Edition (silver), copy of SINS OF THE FLESH, STRONGER THAN SIN t-shirt and tote bag, Bath and Body Works Shower Gel, Jesse Bradford rubber ducky, bookmark, cover flats and other goodies.
Second Chance Bonus Prize $25 Gift Card
You can be eligible for a Second Chance Bonus Prize. Start gathering bonus points right now and you’ll have a chance to win a $25 Gift Card! The winner will be selected from all individuals who have entered the main contest and have also hunted up 5 bonus points. To get those points, you can do any of the following:
Post a review of STRONGER THAN SIN at one of the online bookstores for 4 points. Just e-mail me a link to the review at caridadpineiro @ gmail dot com.
Leave a comment on any of the blogs on my upcoming blog tour. You can click here for a list of the blogs on the tour. (Maximum 3 blog comments for 3 points. Each comment must be on a different blog). Some blogs are also doing giveaways, so this is another chance to win a fun prize!
Twitter this phrase exactly: PLZ RT Author @CaridadPineiro STRONGER THAN SIN Release Party/Contest LIVE: https://www.caridad.com #giveaway
1 point per tweet (maximum 3 points for 3 tweets. Please don’t tweet them all at the same time. Please spread them out throughout the day or they won’t count)
Place one of these banners on your website or blog for 3 points. Just e-mail me a link to the banner at caridadpineiro @ gmail dot com.
Special Pricing on SINS OF THE FLESH E-book Version
Starting November 1, you can download the SINS OF THE FLESH e-book for only $1.99. Visit your favorite online bookstore on November 1 to obtain the special pricing!
Well, yesterday you read about one of those changes I want to make for the New Year and some of you may possibly have the same goal – to lose weight.
There’s an interesting discussion by 
