Am now over the hump of hating this weekly goal thing. It was a small bump in my road. Course so was this cold. (It's not bronchitis!) I can barely concentrate on typing in my password in, let alone word count.
1. Finish act of Covet: A Regency Menage Tale. I separate all my stories into 5 acts, no matter the length, and am nearing the end of Act 3. I so wanted to have this story finished and out by now, but I've been sick and it's not so easy to write when you can't breathe.
2. Review stories I've read while sick. I understand the value of reader reviews and would like to offer reviews for the books I've read. I'm not so good at this, but my goal this week is to write reviews for at least 2 of the stories I've read and post them on GoodReads.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast
Always a good winter recipe, the crockpot pot roast is so tender and juicy it's hard not to go back for seconds. Geez, I sound like a commerical! Well, yes. I suppose I am, but I've made variations of this recipe for a while now and it never disappoints.
Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 8 Hrs
Ready In: 8 Hrs 15 Min
Ingredients
1 onion, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I use unbleached King Arthur cause it's made in America and I don't need to worry about extranious poison in it)
1 (2 1/2 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (1.2 ounce) package dry beef gravy mix
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1/2 cup water, or as needed
5 whole peeled carrots (optional but what's a good roast without veggies?)
Directions
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread the onion slices out into the bottom of the cooker.
Spread the flour out onto a work surface. Sprinkle the chuck roast with salt and black pepper, and roll the roast in the flour to coat all sides. Using the edge of a small, sturdy plate, pound the flour into the meat. Place the floured roast into the cooker on top of the onions. Whisk together beef gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and Italian dressing mix in a bowl, and whisk the mixes with water until smooth. Pour over the chuck roast. Distribute carrots around the meat.
Cover the cooker, set to Low, and cook until the roast is tender and the gravy has thickened, about 8 hours.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 385 Total Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 87mg
Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 8 Hrs
Ready In: 8 Hrs 15 Min
Ingredients
1 onion, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I use unbleached King Arthur cause it's made in America and I don't need to worry about extranious poison in it)
1 (2 1/2 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (1.2 ounce) package dry beef gravy mix
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1/2 cup water, or as needed
5 whole peeled carrots (optional but what's a good roast without veggies?)
Directions
Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread the onion slices out into the bottom of the cooker.
Spread the flour out onto a work surface. Sprinkle the chuck roast with salt and black pepper, and roll the roast in the flour to coat all sides. Using the edge of a small, sturdy plate, pound the flour into the meat. Place the floured roast into the cooker on top of the onions. Whisk together beef gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and Italian dressing mix in a bowl, and whisk the mixes with water until smooth. Pour over the chuck roast. Distribute carrots around the meat.
Cover the cooker, set to Low, and cook until the roast is tender and the gravy has thickened, about 8 hours.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 385 Total Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 87mg
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday Thoughts: SOPA and Wiki
So now that everyone survived a day without Wikipedia, what do you think? Can it be done? Curious minds want to know. Because remember...the library has information for free, too!
That and your take on SOPA.
Mine? Great in theory, will never be executed well. Who's to say what's censorship? One person's interest is another's nightmare. That's why we have the First 
Amendment.
Amendment. Photo from groomforsuccess.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday Sexy Regency: Men
What different kinds of men in the Regency era were there? Loads, but just the obligatory rogue/rake. Those are fun, don't get me wrong, but there are plenty of others out there.
The Buck: The man's man, spirited and sexual. Think Errol Flynn, the handsome debonair man who men wanted to be and women just wanted.
The Beau: Didn't have to be handsome, but did have to be fashionable. Which meant more then than it does now. He needed a certain something-something...think Brad Pitt, a certain swagger and desire for attention.
The Corinthian: Fashionably sporty. Because every man needed fashion, let's face it. Think Iron Man competitors or Johnny Weismuller (of Tarzan fame). Athletic and dashing.
The Dandy: Leader of fashion who spoke of it ad nausea. Yeah, like Beau Brummell. In fact, he was the Dandy's king. Clean clothes, exquisite tailoring, and leaders of fashion, not followers.
The Nonsuch: The epitome of the well-rounded man. Fashion, sports, a leader among men. People defer to him in all things. George Clooney. Nuff Said.
Pinks and Tulips: I do not make these up. They did! Honest. A Pink showed the height of fashion and a Tulip dressed exceptionally well. Georgio Armani.
The Fop: Almost exactly like the Dandy, but loved to talk and talk and talk, and had ostentatious adornments like Elton John and Liberace.
The Fribble: Not the milkshake, but more like an effeminate fop.
Bartholomew Baby: Tawdry or gaudy clothes. Maybe Steven Tyler from Aerosmith? Possibly yes.
Coxcomb: Foolish and concerted. Or foolishly conceded fop. Take your pick of any politician or ego-centric actor.
All information came from Georgette Heyer's Regency World by Jennifer Kloester
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Guest: Lucy Felthouse
A wedding, an evil plan, a love story and a sacrifice are the order of the day in this modern retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman.
Susie White and her stepmother-to-be have never seen eye to eye, despite all of Susie’s best efforts to be friendly. Eager not to spoil her father’s happiness, Susie still agrees to be bridesmaid at their wedding. When the big day comes, she meets Louise’s right hand man, Scott. Susie had never believed in love at first sight until that moment. The pair hit it off, sharing a mutual dislike of Louise and her wicked ways. Their camaraderie quickly develops into something more, and they date in secret until it’s time for Susie to leave for University – and freedom. Unfortunately, Scott has an earth-shattering revelation, which means the two of them of them must work together to unravel Louise’s evil plan, before it’s too late.
More info and buy links
Excerpt:
I should have known my stepmother was up to something when she offered to help me move all my stuff to my University digs. It wasn’t like her to be civil, much less helpful, but I figured that she was happy I was moving hundreds of miles away, and therefore would do anything to make sure it happened as quickly as possible.
As my father’s only child, I’m the sole heir to White’s Bites, a massively profitable confectionary company based in Wiltshire, England. My stepmother had made no secret of the fact she resented that she wouldn’t get a stake in the business, should anything happen to my father. Of course, the reason for this was that my father knew the first thing the witch would do was put the business on the market to get her greedy little hands on the cash. I, on the other hand, loved White’s Bites and would continue to run it to the best of my ability.
We’d never seen eye to eye, my stepmother and I. However, it wasn’t the usual ‘child resents someone trying to replace their parent’ syndrome, it was her that resented me.
My mom had died of cancer when I was fifteen. My father and I were devastated, as you’d expect, but I’d always urged him to get on with his life. After all, it’s what mom would have wanted, and I certainly didn’t want my dad to be lonely when I got married and left home.
So, a couple of years later, when dad met Louise and they started dating, I was thrilled. He was happy, therefore so was I. Soon it became more serious and dad wanted me to meet her. I was excited, but nervous.
When the time came and Louise had walked into our house, I’d been in awe. Don’t get me wrong, my mom had been beautiful, but in a natural way, as if she didn’t realise, or care. But Louise clearly did. Her gorgeous hair was perfectly quaffed, and her attractive features were enhanced by expertly applied makeup. Her outfit looked like something from a fashion magazine. I managed to pull myself together before she saw me standing there, all slack-jawed and stupid-looking. Walking towards her, I’d held out a hand.
“Louise!” I’d said, beaming, “I’m so pleased to finally meet you. Dad’s told me so much about you.”
She’d smiled thinly and without any real emotion. “Charmed, I’m sure, Susan.” She’d shaken my hand gingerly, as though she was afraid she’d catch something. I’d half expected her to wipe her hand on her clothes afterwards.
“Oh please, call me Susie.” I’d said, ignoring her odd behaviour. I’d been eager to get on with the woman, knowing it would please my father. “Everyone does.”
Another tight-lipped smile. I’d tried hard to make conversation with her and make her feel comfortable in our home. But I never felt like I was succeeding. At first, I put it down to her being nervous or shy, but as weeks and months passed, I still never felt as though Louise warmed to me. I never bothered my father with my concerns. After all, as long as she liked him, what did it matter?
While Louise and my father were just dating, things weren’t too bad. They went to restaurants, the theatre, the cinema, and so on. I didn’t see her very often, and therefore didn’t have to put up with her frosty behaviour towards me.
Naturally, everything changed when dad told me he was going to ask Louise to marry him. He’d sat me down to break the news – fortunately – and I’d done my best to act delighted. Luckily, dad hadn’t noticed anything was amiss, and as he’d chatted about ceremonies, honeymoons and Louise moving in, a cold shiver had run up my back. This could not end well.
About the Author:
Susie White and her stepmother-to-be have never seen eye to eye, despite all of Susie’s best efforts to be friendly. Eager not to spoil her father’s happiness, Susie still agrees to be bridesmaid at their wedding. When the big day comes, she meets Louise’s right hand man, Scott. Susie had never believed in love at first sight until that moment. The pair hit it off, sharing a mutual dislike of Louise and her wicked ways. Their camaraderie quickly develops into something more, and they date in secret until it’s time for Susie to leave for University – and freedom. Unfortunately, Scott has an earth-shattering revelation, which means the two of them of them must work together to unravel Louise’s evil plan, before it’s too late.
More info and buy links
Excerpt:
I should have known my stepmother was up to something when she offered to help me move all my stuff to my University digs. It wasn’t like her to be civil, much less helpful, but I figured that she was happy I was moving hundreds of miles away, and therefore would do anything to make sure it happened as quickly as possible.
As my father’s only child, I’m the sole heir to White’s Bites, a massively profitable confectionary company based in Wiltshire, England. My stepmother had made no secret of the fact she resented that she wouldn’t get a stake in the business, should anything happen to my father. Of course, the reason for this was that my father knew the first thing the witch would do was put the business on the market to get her greedy little hands on the cash. I, on the other hand, loved White’s Bites and would continue to run it to the best of my ability.
We’d never seen eye to eye, my stepmother and I. However, it wasn’t the usual ‘child resents someone trying to replace their parent’ syndrome, it was her that resented me.
My mom had died of cancer when I was fifteen. My father and I were devastated, as you’d expect, but I’d always urged him to get on with his life. After all, it’s what mom would have wanted, and I certainly didn’t want my dad to be lonely when I got married and left home.
So, a couple of years later, when dad met Louise and they started dating, I was thrilled. He was happy, therefore so was I. Soon it became more serious and dad wanted me to meet her. I was excited, but nervous.
When the time came and Louise had walked into our house, I’d been in awe. Don’t get me wrong, my mom had been beautiful, but in a natural way, as if she didn’t realise, or care. But Louise clearly did. Her gorgeous hair was perfectly quaffed, and her attractive features were enhanced by expertly applied makeup. Her outfit looked like something from a fashion magazine. I managed to pull myself together before she saw me standing there, all slack-jawed and stupid-looking. Walking towards her, I’d held out a hand.
“Louise!” I’d said, beaming, “I’m so pleased to finally meet you. Dad’s told me so much about you.”
She’d smiled thinly and without any real emotion. “Charmed, I’m sure, Susan.” She’d shaken my hand gingerly, as though she was afraid she’d catch something. I’d half expected her to wipe her hand on her clothes afterwards.
“Oh please, call me Susie.” I’d said, ignoring her odd behaviour. I’d been eager to get on with the woman, knowing it would please my father. “Everyone does.”
Another tight-lipped smile. I’d tried hard to make conversation with her and make her feel comfortable in our home. But I never felt like I was succeeding. At first, I put it down to her being nervous or shy, but as weeks and months passed, I still never felt as though Louise warmed to me. I never bothered my father with my concerns. After all, as long as she liked him, what did it matter?
While Louise and my father were just dating, things weren’t too bad. They went to restaurants, the theatre, the cinema, and so on. I didn’t see her very often, and therefore didn’t have to put up with her frosty behaviour towards me.
Naturally, everything changed when dad told me he was going to ask Louise to marry him. He’d sat me down to break the news – fortunately – and I’d done my best to act delighted. Luckily, dad hadn’t noticed anything was amiss, and as he’d chatted about ceremonies, honeymoons and Louise moving in, a cold shiver had run up my back. This could not end well.
About the Author:Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, House of Erotica, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour and Seducing the Myth. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter. You can also subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
Monday, January 16, 2012
Weekly Goals #3
I know exactly why I never make resolutions and why something like 80% of resolution makers never follow through with them.
Good God, this goal thing is HARD! It's bad enough keeping up with it but what more do I need to say? I write I work I don't get enough sleep. I wake in the morning and do the whole thing again. Family, friends, keeping in touch.
But I'm going to try, after all this is only week THREE. I'm not even out of January yet!
I did manage to watch cute baby animal videos because they're all over the web. What? It's a good way to de-stress after aggravation at work. And I have almost 15,000 words in Covet, a story I absolutely adore.
Weekly goals:
1. Covet. I need to get this story finished. I'm finally in the heads of my characters and I'm so close to where I want to be.
2. The Escape...polish it and send it off to the editor.
3. Get out of this rut I'm in. Winter Blues? Not really but early darkness doesn't help.
Good God, this goal thing is HARD! It's bad enough keeping up with it but what more do I need to say? I write I work I don't get enough sleep. I wake in the morning and do the whole thing again. Family, friends, keeping in touch.
But I'm going to try, after all this is only week THREE. I'm not even out of January yet!
I did manage to watch cute baby animal videos because they're all over the web. What? It's a good way to de-stress after aggravation at work. And I have almost 15,000 words in Covet, a story I absolutely adore.
Weekly goals:
1. Covet. I need to get this story finished. I'm finally in the heads of my characters and I'm so close to where I want to be.
2. The Escape...polish it and send it off to the editor.
3. Get out of this rut I'm in. Winter Blues? Not really but early darkness doesn't help.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday Recipe: Chicken and Ginger Soup
I read this recipe in the January 2012 Bon Appétit magazine. It was in a section on how to cleanse and restore yourself after the overindulgance of the holidays. (Their photo, not mine.) I altered this recipe because I don't like ginger and when you eat it as is it's hot.
Ingredients:
1 onion, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
8 ounces unpeeled scrubbed ginger, cut into 1/2"-thick slices (I recommend less. Far, far less unless you absolutely adore ginger and don't mind the overpowering flavor of it!)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
10 whole black peppercorns
1 3-pound whole organic chicken, cut into 7 pieces (2 breasts, 2 legs with thighs attached, 2 wings, 1 back) (I used Perdue. Were they organic? Nope. But they were delicious!)
Kosher salt
Cilantro leaves (optional--which I didn't add)
Preparation:
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large heavy pot. Add chicken, placing breasts on top. Add 6 quarts water (preferably filtered or spring water--my water isn't so bad that boiling it won't kill whatever I need to); bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cover with lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to low; simmer until chicken breasts are just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate; let cool, then cover and chill. Continue to simmer soup, uncovered, until broth is fully flavored, about 2 1/2 hours longer. Return breasts to soup to rewarm, about 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, coarsely shred meat; discard skin and bones. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large pot; strain broth, discarding solids in strainer (you should have about 8 cups broth). Season with salt.
Rewarm soup. Divide chicken among bowls. Pour hot broth over, dividing equally. Garnish soup with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Ingredients:
1 onion, sliced2 celery stalks, chopped
8 ounces unpeeled scrubbed ginger, cut into 1/2"-thick slices (I recommend less. Far, far less unless you absolutely adore ginger and don't mind the overpowering flavor of it!)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
10 whole black peppercorns
1 3-pound whole organic chicken, cut into 7 pieces (2 breasts, 2 legs with thighs attached, 2 wings, 1 back) (I used Perdue. Were they organic? Nope. But they were delicious!)
Kosher salt
Cilantro leaves (optional--which I didn't add)
Preparation:
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large heavy pot. Add chicken, placing breasts on top. Add 6 quarts water (preferably filtered or spring water--my water isn't so bad that boiling it won't kill whatever I need to); bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cover with lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to low; simmer until chicken breasts are just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate; let cool, then cover and chill. Continue to simmer soup, uncovered, until broth is fully flavored, about 2 1/2 hours longer. Return breasts to soup to rewarm, about 5 minutes.
Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, coarsely shred meat; discard skin and bones. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large pot; strain broth, discarding solids in strainer (you should have about 8 cups broth). Season with salt.
Rewarm soup. Divide chicken among bowls. Pour hot broth over, dividing equally. Garnish soup with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
So this week has been all screwy for me. I posted my Wednesday Sexy Regency on Tuesday and I'm fairly certain I deleted the post I had for Tuesday. It's been hellacious at work! Like running around non-stop crazy.
Every have days like that? Yeah, all the time, huh. Rather than dwell, because we all have them and they can happen on a regular basis, I'm going to put it behind me. Today's funnies are brought to you by Week #2 of 2012 (it's gonna get better!) and Funny Pictures 24.
Every have days like that? Yeah, all the time, huh. Rather than dwell, because we all have them and they can happen on a regular basis, I'm going to put it behind me. Today's funnies are brought to you by Week #2 of 2012 (it's gonna get better!) and Funny Pictures 24.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Wednesday Sexy Regency
Gentleman's Club
Mostly found on St. James Street, a street where women were not allowed on unescorted. Very racy street. The original Red Light District.
Why go there? Gambling, drinking, sex.
What kind of sex? The discreet kind. Sure, meeting a prostitute or having an affair is fine, but homosexual sex as well. Discretion was the key to these clubs, but even homosexual sex needed to be kept quiet.
The servants were key to this, and it was imperative to have ones that could keep their mouths shut!
Everything of Interest to a Romance Writer
Historical Hussies
Mostly found on St. James Street, a street where women were not allowed on unescorted. Very racy street. The original Red Light District.
Why go there? Gambling, drinking, sex.
What kind of sex? The discreet kind. Sure, meeting a prostitute or having an affair is fine, but homosexual sex as well. Discretion was the key to these clubs, but even homosexual sex needed to be kept quiet.
The servants were key to this, and it was imperative to have ones that could keep their mouths shut!
More if you're interested:
Jane Austen's WorldEverything of Interest to a Romance Writer
Historical Hussies
Monday, January 9, 2012
Weekly Goal #2
Las week's recap: I did write every day. WOOT! And I have the finished product of The Escape to prove it. Well, finished as in done, not finished as in edited...still. Done!
Week #2:
1. Continue work on Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale, which I started over the weekend.
2. Watch cute baby animal videos. What? I think they're adorable! Like this one of Siku a baby polar bear from a few weeks ago.
Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale
The truest torment is wanting something you know you can never have. Charlotte Tremaine knew this feeling all too well. She covets the freedom to do as she pleases, but has never let herself dream of being with the man she loves. The problem is, she loves two men.
For the last three years, Charlotte has survived her stifling home life by living through correspondence with two childhood friends now off at war. Once they return, will she be able to summon the courage to tell them of her feelings? Or will she let the convenience of mourning an aunt she despised keep her hidden and isolated?
Fear lurks in the shadows and threatens to keep her cloistered. When William Stanton and Grayson, Lord Warrington return from war, she teeters on the brink of having what she’s always wanted. Torn between William and Grayson, Charlotte must first learn to trust herself before she can trust her heart and body to them.
Week #2:
1. Continue work on Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale, which I started over the weekend.
2. Watch cute baby animal videos. What? I think they're adorable! Like this one of Siku a baby polar bear from a few weeks ago.
Covet: A Regency Ménage Tale
The truest torment is wanting something you know you can never have. Charlotte Tremaine knew this feeling all too well. She covets the freedom to do as she pleases, but has never let herself dream of being with the man she loves. The problem is, she loves two men.
For the last three years, Charlotte has survived her stifling home life by living through correspondence with two childhood friends now off at war. Once they return, will she be able to summon the courage to tell them of her feelings? Or will she let the convenience of mourning an aunt she despised keep her hidden and isolated?
Fear lurks in the shadows and threatens to keep her cloistered. When William Stanton and Grayson, Lord Warrington return from war, she teeters on the brink of having what she’s always wanted. Torn between William and Grayson, Charlotte must first learn to trust herself before she can trust her heart and body to them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)