#FitnessFriday Abs Workout from Popsugar

It’s almost summer and with it, concerns about how you look, especially your abs. More importantly, strengthening your core is something you need to do for health reasons, but what if you don’t go to the gym and have lots of equipment.

Well, you don’t need a gym or equipment for a lot of workouts, like this one from Popsugar. Even better, it’s only 10 minutes long and who doesn’t have 10 minutes to improve their health?

I also like what I think is an alternative to the burpees everyone is always going on about (see minute 1 of the slide back and forth). I have issues with my big toes (seriously, I do) and that move back onto them in the burpee is painful.

If you have a Swiss ball, do a similar move that’s called a prone jacknife to help with those lower abs.

Click here if you can’t see the Popsugar video and please visit their site at www.popsugar.com. They have lots of awesome workouts, fashion, recipes and tips for you!

#WriteWed Summer & My Little Balcony

My favorite time of year is the summer! I look forward to long strolls along the boardwalk, time spent reading romance novels on the beach, fireworks, and last but not least, writing on my little balcony.

It’s not big in size, but it’s immense in the peace it brings me as I sit out there writing or just hanging out with my hubby, enjoying a summer day.

I write a lot more on that little balcony than I do during the winter months when I’m trapped indoors by the cold. Brrr. Winter is so not my favorite time of year.

This morning I’m sharing with you some photos from that special space and hoping I can go out there again soon!

Summer Splash Blog Hop!

With the rains over for a bit, it’s time to think about summer and what better way to get the party started than with the Summer Splash Blog Hop.

I am participating in a Splash Into Summer Blog Hop. Just leave a comment saying “I want to splash into summer with a book by (insert the name of the author)” on any blog post between today, May 25 and midnight EST on May 31 for a chance to win a $1o gift card, autographed copies of both SINS OF THE FLESH and STRONGER THAN SIN, plus a T-shirt for THE LOST and some other goodies.

Also check out all the other blogs participating for a chance to win other cool giveaways.

For those of you who are new visitors, take a moment to check out my upcoming releases: THE FIFTH KINGDOM, a romantic suspense from Carina Press; and THE LOST, a paranormal romance from Grand Central Publishing. Here are some excerpts for you to read, download, etc.

FIFTH KINGDOM Romantic Suspense by Caridad Pineiro and Carina press

The LOST Paranormal Romance by Caridad Pineiro

Thoughtful Thursday – Summer is Here!

We seem to have shot straight from winter to summer in New York City, going from nights in the thirties to days in the eighties overnight.

But I’m not complaining because I am so not a winter girl. I live for the spring and summer months because I love being outdoors. Whether it’s working in the garden or taking long walks along the beach, there is something about being closer to nature that energizes me.

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago during one of those walks. It’s of a huge kite that was flying in Belmar, New Jersey during a weekend kite festival.

That’s another thing I love about being down the shore. There is always something going on and its usually within walking distance! What could be better?

How about you? What is your favorite season and why do you like it?

Boats entering Shark River Inlet
This is a photo of boats entering the Shark River Inlet located between Avon-by-the-Sea and Belmar

Also, if you’d like some thoughts on how to deal with a day job and a writing career, take a moment to visit with me at the Savvy Authors blog!

Romance in the Back Seat Fun!

Since today is Fun Friday and we’re having downright balmy weather in the sixties here in NYC, I’d thought I give you a little blast from this summer past!

I had a fun time recording these videos with the wonderful website Romance in the Backseat! Just a word of warning – my boobs are really not that big. They just look that big on account of the camera angle. Seriously. LOL!

Enjoy the videos and keep an eye out for some of the great Jersey Shore highlights in the background. We actually filmed these videos in Bradley Beach, where SINS OF THE FLESH is set, as well as in nearby Avon-by-the-Sea.

If you can’t see the videos below, you can also follow these links to the videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ssr7eld3sU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF3Hoxga3pM

Hope you all have a fun and fabulous weekend!


Thoughtful Thursday – The Signs are all around us . . .

The signs are all around us.

Only 75 days until the end . . .
Hurry before it’s too late . . .
Act now, before it’s over . . .

Okay! I get it! It’s hard enough dealing with the end of summer without everyone beating me over the head with information about sales and all the back-to-school supplies that I’ll need to buy.

Summer is probably one of my favorite seasons. Fall is next followed by Spring. Unfortunately, if you live in the Northeast you know that we’ve barely had a summer this year.

June was a washout and July wasn’t much better. August has been sweltering and so my one hope is that we’ll be lucky and have an Indian summer.

Is that PC anymore? Indian summer? According to Wikipedia, “Indian summer is a name given to a period of sunny, warm weather in autumn, not long before winter. Usually occurring after the first frost, Indian summer can be in September, October, or November in the northern hemisphere, and March, April, or early May in the Southern hemisphere.”

As for whether it’s PC or not, according to Wikipedia, the name might mean “false summer” since settlers considered the Native Americans to be deceitful. Really? I’m therefore banning that phrase – Indian Summmer – from my vocabulary!

But I still can wish for a late summer, with nice sunny skies and temperate weather to replace the wet dreary summer we had. Maybe then I’ll get to stick my toes in the sand a little longer and take some more energizing walks down the Shore before the weather gets too cold. Hang out on the balcony and write like a demon in those very creative morning hours.

How was your summer? Are you getting your kids ready for school? Dreaming about some nicer weather before winter settles in?

summer

P.S. – I’ll be picking the winner of yesterday’s guest blog contest over the weekend and will announce the winner on Monday. Many thanks to all of you who visited with my friend Amanda McIntyre and took the time to leave a comment!