The K.I.S.S. rule

Wow did this summer fly by and unfortunately it wasn't as much fun as I had hoped. The nice thing about the change of seasons is the change of mood as well. I've always loved fall, it makes me feel at peace, though I'm not sure why. Could be the beautiful silence that surrounds me from 730am to 330pm *grin*. I've decided to devote this time to myself. After all, I deserve it. I've also decided to simplify my whole approach to my writing career.

I can't wait to get back to writing and promo basics. I've been a bit overwhelmed by the plans I made for this year--especially by the fact that I can't seem to stick to any of them--so I'm going to follow the best advice my father ever gave me: KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. Not that my father ever called me stupid, but he did ask me once, when I was in a similar situation (I tend to overcomplicate things on a regular basis) if I'd ever heard of the "K.I.S.S." rule. Of course I hadn't. He then told me what the acronym stood for. Gotta love that military jargon. It really does apply so often in life. Blog a little, write a couple hours a day, post about blogging and writing. Rinse and repeat as necessary. It really is that simple...it's fighting off the urge to make things more complex that is hard. Wish me luck!
Cheers,
Cindy

cindyjacks.com

#CoverReveal - ASCENSION by A.S. Fenichel

Ascension

Book One

The Demon Hunters

 

A.S. Fenichel

 

Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance

 

Publisher: Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing

 

Date of Publication: October 6, 2014

 

ISBN: 978-1-61650-559-2

AISN:

 

Number of pages: 330 Est.

Word Count: 86,500

 

Cover Artist: April Martinez

 

 

Kensington Publishing Corp. Other booksellers to follow

 

 

Book Description:

 

Ascension

 

The Demon Hunters, #1

 

When demons threaten London, Lady Belinda answers the call. 

 

Lord Gabriel Thurston returns home from war to find his fiancée is not the sweet young girl he left behind. She’s grown into a mysterious woman who guards her dark secrets well. When he sees her sneaking away from a ball, he’s convinced it’s for a lover’s rendezvous. Following her to London’s slums, Gabriel watches in horror as his fiancée ruthlessly slays a man. 

 

Lady Belinda Carlisle’s only concern was her dress for the next ball—until demons nearly killed her and changed everything. A lady by day, and a demon hunter by night, she knows where her duty lies. Ending her betrothal is the best way to protect Gabriel from death by a demon’s hand. 

 

Gabriel soon realizes, like him, Belinda has been fighting for her country. He joins in the fight, determined to show her that their love can endure, stronger than ever. 

 

About the Author:

 

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

 

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

 

Multi-published in erotic paranormal, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.

 

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

 

http://asfenichel.net/

 

http://asfenichel.net/blog/

 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel

 

https://twitter.com/asfenichel

 

https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel

 

https://plus.google.com/113195747154467378107/posts

 

http://pinterest.com/asfenichel/boards/

 

 

 

 

#CoverReveal FINDING JULIA by Desiree Holt

Cover Reveal Today!

 

 

On July 29 FINDING JULIA will be available for preorder. Watch for the links. This is Desiree Holt’s first book for Kensington Publishing’s Lyrical Imprint and I’m helping her get the word out. She has also signed a contract for a football series and is well into the first draft of Book One: Forward Pass. Hooray!

 

Get a taste of FINDING JULIA here: http://bit.ly/1rMi7c5

 

#VirtualBookTour Goddess, Awakened by Cate Masters

Please welcome my guest today, Cate Masters!

Cheers,
Cindy
______________________________________

 

The Goddess Connection Book 1

Goddess, Awakened

by Cate Masters

 

 

Blurb

 

With a little help from a goddess, battling evil is a piece of cake for Jocelyn Gibson.

A descendant of the goddess Iris, Jocelyn Gibson may have forgotten about the realm of magic, but it hasn’t forgotten her. When Eric Hendricks is targeted by a demon, Joss must step in to battle the evil and save the town’s awkward, but endearing, vet…who also happens to be the man she loves.

Joss’s new inn, a culinary career specializing in cooking with lavender and a new love all make for a fine recipe of disaster. She needs to embrace her inner goddess and harness the powers she never knew she had before it’s too late.

Goddess, Awakened

The Goddess Connection, Book 1

Fantasy/paranormal romance novel

About 89,700 words

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Kensington

 

The Goddess Connection Series

Every woman should embrace her inner goddess. What’s your connection?

 

In each novel of The Goddess Connection series, the heroine is somehow connected to a goddess. Her lifelong quirks will become strengths once she finds her true place in the world, and accepts herself for who she really is.

 

And in each, the heroine is encouraged to embrace her inner goddess. And the hero treats her like one! As it should be for every woman.

 

 

About the Author

Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

 

Contact Details

Website: http://catemasters.blogspot.com

Email: cate.masters@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cate-Masters/89969413736?ref=ts

Twitter: @CateMasters

 

Book video

Direct link: http://youtu.be/_HZ2hb_wcz0

 

Full Excerpt

The sting remained with Joss long after Eric fled the inn. Deep-rooted pain emanated from him when he’d first entered, and his palm against her arm sent an electric shock straight to her bones. The poor man. Grief kept him its prisoner. Joss understood how easy it was to fall into that dark trap. The way he’d held her, he sought escape. Comfort.

He awakened deep-seated sensations in her. In the few moments with him, she’d felt more alive than she had in three years.

So strange. Normally, one look allowed her to see the person inside. With Eric Hendricks, her receptivity went into overload. His soul, pent up for years, stirred to life and churned up love, fear, joy, hopelessness, yearning, jumbled and shifting faster than light. He displayed great strength in his firm stance and gentle touch. Beneath a hard veneer of sheer pain, one other trait came through clearly—purity of spirit, and integrity enough for many men.

The arrival of more guests drew Joss to the foyer again. Another matronly witch and an older man wearing a checked flannel shirt, jeans, and boots stepped inside, followed by a princess and a boy in a fabric turtle shell.

Joss recognized the girl as one of the riders whose horse was boarded at the inn’s stable. After greeting them and pointing them toward refreshments, she returned to Lydia. “Sorry about Dr. Hendricks.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s wonderful you have so many guests.” Lydia fingered the flowers in the vase on the table.

One woman stood in the archway to the front room, her bright-eyed glare directed at Joss. Wearing a short white shift adorned with large red hearts, the woman held a wand topped with a glittering red heart.

Confused by the woman’s malevolence, Joss approached and fought to overcome the negativity oozing from her. “Did you try some of the booscotti?”

The woman tilted up her chin. “I’m not hungry, Mrs. Gibson,” came her familiar nasal reply.

Recognition finally hit. Of course—the girl who worked at the diner in town. “Sheree?”

At her curt nod, Joss forced a smile. “I love your costume.”

Sheree’s gaze darted her length. “Likewise.”

What could be her problem? The woman wielded her wand like a weapon, ready to strike. “Please have a drink and make yourself at home.”

“Thank you.” Her narrowed eyes swept the room as if suspecting an ambush, and then she moved stiffly away.

Joss crossed the room to Lydia. “That was weird.”

Lydia whispered, “Be careful of her.”

“Sheree? I can’t imagine why.” Could she be nervous the inn would take away some of the diner’s business? Though Joss would have liked to think it was the cause of her strange behavior, Sheree’s vibes told Joss otherwise. Business had nothing to do with it. The waitress directed her bad juju at Joss personally. Had Joss unintentionally insulted Sheree? She’d barely met the woman.

Leaning close, her aunt spoke sternly, “I warned you to watch for others who seek the power of this place.”

Sheree? Her aunt must be mistaken. The woman’s terrible attitude resulted from something. Maybe an imagined slight? Joss would find a way to put Sheree at ease.

More guests entered, and Joss excused herself. She left Lydia deeply inhaling the air. Joss couldn’t deny the charged atmosphere was one of the reasons she’d bought the place. Not to tap into any lines of power for herself, but maybe to enhance the lavender field she planned. Joss needed the garden to thrive so the inn would as well.

 

 

#SneakPeek - Sharing the Courtesan

Hello all! It's been a turbulent spring and summer for me, but I wanted to give a shout out about my upcoming release. It's titled SHARING THE COURTESAN and it's coming to Ellora's Cave later this summer!

Have a look :)

Excerpt:

The guards stormed the courtesan’s suite of rooms. Merewyn shrieked at the sudden intrusion.

“What is the meaning of this?” she demanded, struggling against the men restraining her. Her black hair hung loose around her porcelain shoulders, a dressing gown barely covering her curvaceous form. Ahron felt a twinge of shame at catching the lady in such an informal state.

“That won’t be necessary,” Ahron told his men, who promptly released her.

“Lady Merewyn, I regret to inform you that you must now gather your belongings and then we shall escort you from the castle grounds to The Outlands. You have been sentenced to exile.”

“On whose authority?” She pulled her frightened children closer to her—a boy of two years old and a girl of five. The eldest boy stepped between Ahron and his mother, the chiseled features of the child’s father evident even in his nine-year-old face. He displayed the same bravery Aldfrid would have if faced with the same situation.

“Don’t touch her.” Anger flashed in his ice-blue eyes―the one feature he had inherited from his mother.

Ahron laid a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder. “You show valor beyond your years, but this is not a fight you can win. The queen herself has ordered the exile of your mother and siblings.”

“Exile? That cannot be. The castle is our home.” Merewyn spoke to Ahron, but nudged her son Owain to join the others. Two guards caught the boy by his wrists.

“Owain is to stay here.” Ahron met Merewyn’s gaze. Her eyes widened as his full meaning dawned on her.

“No,” she pleaded, clutching at his hand. “No, you can’t take my son.”

“Milady, I have no choice.”

Two more guards restrained her as the others escorted Owain from the room. The boy put up a fight, as did his mother, but their efforts came to naught. Merewyn collapsed to the floor, screaming and sobbing. “She can’t do this.”

Ahron knelt down and stroked the woman’s perfumed hair. “She can do anything she likes. She’s the monarch de facto. The king’s will names her regent until Owain comes of age.”

Wild-eyed and shaking, she looked up at her oldest boy. “What will be his fate?”

“I cannot speak to that.” Ahron nudged her to her feet. “But I swear you this―I will protect him as much as I can.”

Merewyn shook her head. “I will not accept this.”

“You must.” Ahron gripped her arm, leading her toward the door. “We must go.”

Dragging the boy down the hall, the guards disappeared, Owain’s objections echoing for all to hear.

Tears streamed down his mother’s face and the other children hid sobbing in her skirts.

Ahron produced a handkerchief from his sleeve and handed it to Merewyn. “I’ll give you a moment to collect yourself and some of your belongings. Then, milady, we really must go.”

As he led the shattered family from their suites, he hardened his heart against the woman’s pleas. The cries of the children proved much harder to ignore.

__________________________

Read more Cindy Jacks here: https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/cindy-jacks/

 

#BreastCancerAwareness #Makeup Monday -- And now a word from our sponsors...

Hi y'all! I'm so happy to welcome Kelly back for Makeup Monday. I couldn't agree more: Fuck you, breast cancer, Kelly's going to kick your bitch ass!

Cheers,
Cindy
____________________________________________

And now, a word from our sponsors…

 

This week’s Makeup Monday is being brought to you by the following:

 The letters F and U,

 The color pink,

 Whatever material they make those breast cancer ribbons with,

(and last but likely the biggest…)

 My boobs.

 

Confused? It’s ok, I’m feeling a little “WTF????” myself these days, too. Let me explain. Ya know how every now and then life has to come along and kick you in the ass? Well, let’s just say my rear must’ve had a big target on it! On Friday, I found out I have invasive breast cancer. The real deal. Like, the kind that will require a bunch of breast surgery, radiation, and probably chemo. And I’m only 41. And I have a husband and a 9-year-old. And a job. And a to-do list a mile long. I really don’t have the time or patience to play host to little space invaders in my size D tits. Unfortunately, I really wasn’t given a choice.

 

After receiving the diagnosis on Friday afternoon, I spent the rest of the day crying, freaking out, and pacing around the house. Saturday was not much better except that I added some wine to my day. When I woke up Sunday morning and looked in the mirror, I realized that it was time to woman up, find my usual humor and positive attitude that I use to deal with any situation, and put some damn makeup on so I could step outside my home without frightening small children. So that’s what I did… except that I put some Visine in my red and puffy eyeballs first.

 

(disclaimer: I had to use this random picture I found on the internet because the real picture of me was so scary that it made my computer crash when I tried to upload it)

 

I’ve always loved how beautiful the right color pink makeup can be. That said, I’ve always hated how difficult it is to wear pink eye makeup without looking like a lab rat with a contagious eye disease. That is, until I learned a trick… It’s called ‘the barrier method’. Please note that despite the name, I’m still talking about makeup, not birth control. The idea is this: if you love a certain color, but the color doesn’t really suit you, find a color that does and use it as a barrier. For example, I have a yellow shirt that I adore, but it looks awful against my skin. However, when I add a black scarf the whole look is fantastic! The yellow looks great with the black; the black looks great with my skin tone. Same concept for eye makeup. The trick is to not put pink tones right up to the upper or lower lash line. You’ll see how I used this technique by applying black liner to the inner rims of my eyes so I could sport some beautiful breast-cancer-beating pink on my eyes. This way, I can look spunky, determined and ready to do battle instead of like the poster child for Insomniacs Anonymous.

 

As usual, I created this look using Younique cosmetics- namely Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powders (eyeshadow) and Moodstruck Minerals Blusher, which are 100% natural, chemical-free, mineral-based pigment powders, free of talc, oils, preservatives, perfumes, synthetic dyes, and parabens. All of their products are naturally based, most are gluten free, and many are vegan. I first applied “Vulnerable” over entire lid, “Curious” below brow bone and in inner eye corners, and the outer "v" of my eyelid was a mix of Heartbroken and Stunning (blusher). For lips and pink part of ribbon, I mixed “Stunning” with some regular chapstick and applied to lips/drew ribbon on eyes with a lip brush. The white(ish) part of the ribbon was done using “Innocent” applied with a damp liner brush. For my inner eye rim and upper lash line, I used “Devious” applied with a damp liner brush (a damp q-tip will work just as well, by the way). Also “Devious” to accent the ribbon. On my cheeks, I just used a tiny bit of Stunning blusher to pull the whole look together. It looks like a lot, but it really didn't take a ton of time. The pigments are so vibrant that it's pretty easy to get creative and create any look you want! (Note: I am NOT an artistic person at all, which goes to show that ANYONE can be successfully creative with makeup!)

 

So there you have it. I’m armed and ready to do battle with breast cancer and WIN! The boob gods don’t know who they’re f-ing with! In fact, I might just use this opportunity as a way to replace my D-cups with cute, perky B’s that won’t look like grapefruits fell into my armpits when I lay on my back . Gotta find the good in things, right? And I’m counting on all you ladies to help me! Here’s how:

 Feel your boobies. A lot. Better yet, have someone else feel your boobies. Check for lumps and bumps while you’re at it.

 Get your yearly mammograms when you hit old age like me, lol.

 Go like my Facebook page “Younique by Kelly Duckworth” so we can stay in touch and share fun and silly things, makeup-related or not! Whatever goes!

 Come check out my products at www.youniqueproducts.com/youniquebykellyduckworth . If you see something you like, please place an order! The biggest customer favs are 3D Fiber Lash mascara and Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powders (eye shadow). For the entire rest of this month (April), I will donate 15% of my profits to BreastCancer.org!

 

#Makeup Monday -- Winter is a Whore

Happy Monday! First, I’d like to give a big shout out to my friend, Spring! Hello? Ummm, hello?? Wait, you’re still nowhere to be found? Well, that’s because your nemesis Winter is being quite the over-dramatic, attention-seeking whore of a season and is trying to ruin the lives of humankind. Ok, maybe it’s just trying to ruin my life, not yours. My bad.

 

Anyway, last week I was tricked into thinking it was finally Spring. This lasted approximately 3 hours, but it was a darn productive 3 hours for me! I went into Spring cleaning mode and dumped the contents of my makeup drawer in the middle of the bed so that I could begin the task of organizing. After about 30 seconds of staring at it, I had a moment of clarity and dumped it all back in the drawer and closed the drawer. Let’s face it: no matter how well you organize your makeup drawer, you’re just going to have to do it again in a few weeks. Or maybe, just maybe, I’m somewhat disorganized. Again- my bad.

 

After treating myself to a glass of wine (hey, that drawer organizing stuff was exhausting!), I moved on to my second Spring ritual… Shaving my legs. Confession: I’m a little lazy about my leg hair during the winter. I mean, I’m wearing long pants all winter so what does it matter? Besides, it helps add an extra layer of warmth and I save money on knee socks. Unfortunately, my hubby doesn’t really find my Winter “Chewbacca legs” very sexy. His term, not mine. And my son, who was sharing the covers with me while watching Saturday morning cartoons, accidentally brushed his leg against my leg and proceeded to ask me if I was wearing “Velcro pajamas”. His term, not mine. Fine, I got the hint and started the arduous task of razor-wrangling for the warm weather. That’s what took up the rest of the 3 hours.

 

When I got out of the shower and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I cried. I’m totally kidding. I didn’t cry. But I did realize that I had that pale, washed-out, end-of-winter appearance. So, I once again dumped my makeup drawer in the middle of my bed and said aloud “Screw you, Winter!” and decided to play with some Spring-y makeup looks. It was way better than Spring cleaning, by the way! Here is the first pic:

That picture always cracks me up!

 

Anyhoooo…I tried a few looks- The first using some pretty pinks to help bring about that warm-weather glow. It’s a look you can wear anytime, whether going to the grocery store or going out for a nice dinner. Although, I usually look more like the first picture (above) when I go to the grocery store! In this picture, all makeup was by Younique and is 100% natural, chemical-free, mineral-based pigment powders, free of talc, oils, preservatives, perfumes, synthetic dyes, and parabens… ‘Sassy’ Moodstruck Mineral Pigment for my eyes, ‘Stunning’ Moodstruck Mineral Blusher for my cheeks and my lips. To turn the powder blusher into a lipgloss, I just mixed a small amount into some petroleum jelly. Two birds, one stone.

 

Don’t get me wrong. I love the way the right color pinks can really bring out a woman’s features, when worn correctly. (By the way, more to come in a future Makeup Monday about how to select/wear pink tones in makeup without looking like a stoned lab rat with conjunctivitis.) It just didn’t scream “SPRING” as loudly as I wanted.

 

So, you know me- I had to kick it up a notch and get a little creative. It’s funny because I swear I can’t even draw a stick figure that would be recognizable in a game of Pictionary, so the only way I seem to be able to express my artistic side is by drawing silly things on my face. Seems about right, huh?

 

My favorite thing about Spring is when the trees first start to bloom. In case you are wondering- my second favorite thing is when I remember to take my allergy medicine and then I can actually see the trees starting to bloom without my eyes being swollen shut from tree pollen.

 

I started by taking a damp eye shadow brush with a fine tip and applying the branches of my ‘tree’ using a dark color (try Younique’s Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder in ‘Corrupted’ or ‘Infatuated’- again, all the pigments are100% natural, chemical-free, mineral-based pigment powders, free of talc, oils, preservatives, perfumes, synthetic dyes, and parabens.) The cool thing about nature is that it is not perfect, so don’t panic if your lines aren’t perfect and, in fact, appear as though they were drawn on by someone with a severe case of Parkinson’s. You are going to be able to distract from those imperfections once you add your blooms.

For your blooms, you can choose whatever strikes your fancy! I chose pinks, greens, and a dab of yellow (‘Sassy’, ‘Crushed’ and ‘Gorgeous’ respectively- all by Younique) and applied my blooms to the ends of my branches using a damp q-tip. Crazy easy! I also had a drugstore brand white eyeliner pen that I never have reason use that I added to the center of a few of the flower blooms, just for dimension. Add a few flowers to the hair, and… viola!

 

So, ladies, welcome to spring! It had better stick around for a few weeks, or else I will channel my inner Chewbacca and Velcro myself to Mother Nature herself until she gives in 

 

All products can be seen and purchased at www.youniqueproducts.com/youniquebykellyduckworth and I’d love, love, love it if you’d drop by and “like” my Facebook page at Younique by Kelly Duckworth.

 

Let me know what else you’d like to see!

 

Xoxo,

Kelly

STEALING HIS HEART by Ella Jade #booktour

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m thrilled to announce the release of my newest erotic, contemporary romance Stealing His Heart. If you like your men hot, dirty and southern, I may have just the thing for you.

 

 

When the players take the field this spring come meet my players...

 

Blurb:

Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?

Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.

Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He's signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don't mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.

While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?

Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content

 

Beachwalk Press Buy Link

 

Excerpt

 

“Can I walk you to your car?”

“Thank you.” Sophia got up from the table and took his hand. “I’m parked right out front.”

Pax led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.

“It’s that one.” She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she’d bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. “Probably not as nice as what you drive.”

He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.

“I have a feeling I’m going be seeing you in my dreams tonight.” He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. “Give me something to remember these next few days.”

She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she’d experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.

As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.

When she moaned into his mouth, he placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away. He looked at her for a moment, pressing his forehead to hers, as he stuttered a few words.

“That was...well, I’ve never...” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You have me tongue-tied, sugar. That doesn’t happen often.”

Now she wanted to know what else he could do with that tongue.

“You best get in that car and drive away before I...”

She’d never wanted to have a one-night stand more than she did at that very moment. Maggie had said if there was ever a guy to have one with, Pax would be the one. He was a no-strings-attached player. Why hadn’t he asked her to go home with him?

“Be safe driving home.” He reached for the handle and opened her door. “You have some sweet dreams. I know I sure will.”

Sleep? That was the last thing on her mind.

About Ella

 

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.

You can connect with her at:

Blog: http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellajade1

 

GIVEAWAY

 

I’m giving away a Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer, A Keychain with the cover art and signed swag to three winners throughout the tour. Enter here...

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NmM2YzcyYmY4NTI0NDdlMmExZTQ4OGE5ZTU2NTExOjU=/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll consider adding Stealing His Heart to your TBR pile.

 

#Makeup Monday - Peacock!

I’ve always been infatuated by Peacocks. They are gorgeous birds, full of vibrant colors- blues, greens, purples, yellows… Kind of like my colors after a not-so-graceful tumble down the stairs (which I manage to do at least twice a year). Of course, the odd thing is that only the males have these striking colors. The female, also called a Peahen, is actually a greyish-brown. Boring. They are probably just dirty from having to stay home and clean up after all the male Peacocks (Peafowl, appropriately named) and their little offspring Peachicks. In any case, I still think these birds are beautiful.

When I first became a presenter for Younique, I was amazed at how brilliant their eyeshadow pigments were! I have been able to create so many looks using their colors! They apply seamlessly, blend beautifully, and last until I wash them off. Plus, there are so many pigment colors to choose from! Since Younique’s eyeshadow pigments are 100% natural, mineral-based pigment powders, I can never say ‘no’ to just one!

While playing Clue one afternoon, it was actually my 9-year-old son who suggested I figure out a way to do “Peacock Eyes”. Little genius. It’s almost like he knew that this has become one of the popular recent makeup trends… and what better makeup to pull it off than Younique?!

I HATE HATE HATE before pictures (Did I mention I HATE before pictures?), but I always use them because I am personally someone who needs to see that a look can be achieved on any average woman, without the use of Photoshopping! So, once again, a ‘before’ picture:

Ugh. Thankful that part is over with. 

Onto the fun part. It took me less than 5 minutes to create this look! I began by using “Famous” over my entire lid and inner eye. I then blended “Heavenly” at the center of my eyelid and center of my lower lid. For the outer part of my lid (both upper and lower, I applied “Regal”. To give my eyes that extra POP of sparkle, I dabbed a bit of “Gorgeous” into the inner corners of my eyes. Again, less than 5 minutes!

 

My husband and son loved the look, but I just kept feeling like something was missing. Aha! Feathers! However, since I don’t keep a stash of multi-colored feathers in my pocket, all of our Elmer’s Glue has been used by my son to make “peeling skin hands”, I was at a bit of a loss.

I opted to use a wet liner brush dipped into “Precocious” pigment, and completed the look. Check closely- it’s just dots and dashes, ladies- and you don’t need to know Morse Code to do this! It can even be a little sloppy, because nature isn’t perfect and that is exactly what makes it beautiful!

By the way, a Peahen chooses her partner by the length, width, and coloration of the Peafowl’s tail. Ummmmm… sound kinda familiar? ;-)

Check out these natural ingredients:

Place YOUR order at www.youniqueproducts.com/youniquebykellyduckworth and post your before and after photo on my Facebook page- Younique by Kelly Duckworth!!!

See you next week!

Kelly xoxo

#Fitness Friday -- Screw the pursuit of perfection

Typically on Fitness Friday, I post exercise tips or healthy recipes, but today I feel like talking about mental fitness. This morning I caught myself being overly critical, not about my son or my guy, but about myself.

The usual barely controlled chaos began at 5am. I helped the hubs get ready for a 24 hour shift, then the boy got up and I made him breakfast. Cleaned the morning dishes, got dressed, made sure my son got dressed (and brushed his teeth, combed his hair, put on deodorant...etc, etc). After all that I checked my email, made a to-do list for the day and then packed DS in the car to take him to school.

As I'm in the turn lane, he groans. "Mom, you forgot to give me a note so I can ride home with my friend."

Damn it, he's right. We have a play date--ahem, sorry--a scheduled time to "hang out" with his friend after school today. While still at the light, I frantically grab a pen and a notepad from my purse and try to scribble a few perfunctory lines, but of course, the light turns green. I toss the writing tools aside and drive. In the school parking lot, I pull into a stall and finish the note, all the while berating myself that I forgot this critical detail for  the day. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I'm not a detail person, never have been, never will be. I have accepted this about myself...or have I?

Even after I dropped my son off and was heading home, I was still thinking what a flake I am. How could I forget the note? I've been thinking about this appointment all week because it also means I get to hang out with MY friend for some much needed whine-and-wine time. I should have done it yesterday when I first thought about it. Or if I were really organized, I'd prep a few and keep them in the car just for cases such as these. Wait...what? Who does that?

And then a car commercial played touting their brand as the pursuit of perfection. Boy, I'm so far from perfect, the LIGHT from perfect takes a million years to reach me. Then, I remembered what I always tell my son when he's being too hard on himself: nobody is perfect, but you're pretty darn good, kiddo. So why can't I give myself the same pep talk? Instead of getting down on myself about one tiny oversight, why not pat myself on the back for having a notepad and a pen I could readily lay my hands on? And what about the 200 other things I did right already and it's only 8am?

I say screw the pursuit of perfection. How about shooting for "good enough"? And I'm fairly certain I can reach "not too shabby" on a regular basis. I'm 100% positive I can achieve "didn't totally suck" each and every day. Accentuate the positive such as I didn't pee a little when I coughed this morning. WOOT! Those Kegels are paying off. Pursuing for perfection only sets me up to fail because nothing and no one is perfect.

So, if you chose a salad for lunch with low fat dressing, but ate half a pizza for dinner, give yourself props for the wise lunch choice instead of shame spiraling about the less than ideal dinner choice. Instead of beating yourself up because you missed a workout, think about the days you did squeeze in some exercise. Instead of looking in the mirror and seeing your (fill in the body part you hate here), look at your amazing (fill in the body part you love here). Take a moment to tell yourself: hey, I am good enough. Because you ARE, just the way you are.

To quote fitness guru Tony Horton: "Do your best and forget the rest!"

Have a happy and mentally healthy week, see ya next Friday.

Cheers,
Cindy
Fiction for the bad girl in every woman
http://cindyjacks.com/

#Makeup Monday -- #SaintPatricksDay Eye Color Looks

I come from a long line of pranksters.  My family has done it all:  the Saran Wrap on the toilet seat, the sugar in the salt shaker, the alarm clock re-set for 2am, the ‘short sheet’, the rubber snake/fake vomit/squirting ink pen/hand buzzer/Whoopie Cushion, etc.  I’ll also openly admit right now in front of God and everyone that I am the one who put Tobasco sauce in the dorm humidifier on April Fool’s Day many years ago in college (sorry Hall 3B).

However, my family doesn’t discriminate.  Oh no, we don’t save our pranks only for April Fool’s Day.  In fact—and maybe this is due to our Irish blood—most of our “shenanigans” tend to happen on or around St. Patrick’s Day so we can blame everything on that mischievous leprechaun!  

On St. Patty’s Day two years ago, I swapped all of the contents of my husband’s dresser drawers with my son’s dresser drawers.  My hubby woke up and reached in his underwear drawer only to find Lego pieces, a shark tooth, leftover pieces from various board games, a Rubik’s Cube (stickers not in their original locations), and a Magic 8 Ball.  He looked at me and said “What the f**k?” and I smiled innocently, shook the Magic 8 Ball and sweetly replied “Ask again later.”  My son then woke up and reached in his sock drawer and came up with adult boxer briefs, a few Breathe Right strips, Axe body spray, and a broken Christmas ornament.  Next thing I know, my son walks into my bedroom wearing:  adult boxer briefs, a billion sprays too many of Axe body spray, and a broken Christmas ornament that he taped to his abdomen with a Breathe Right strip.  Lord help me.  

The following St. Patty’s Day, the joke was on me… or so they thought ;-)   Knowing the night before that my husband and son had been practicing their pinching technique to achieve maximum brusing-ness, I prepared myself and laid out my outfit for the next day:  Jeans, a green v-neck sweater, green shamrock earrings, green socks, and an adorable green feather boa just for fun.  I awoke to find every one of those items missing… and then some.  In fact, each and every thing in our entire house that contained any trace of green was gone.  And I honestly mean everything. Vanished. Poof. Exit stage left. Well, everything except for the matching bright green sweatsuits my hubby and son wore. All day long.  A**holes.  

But alas, they weren’t as smart as they thought… I’m  always prepared just in case some Leprechaun (ahem, family member) decides to hide everything green in our house in the bed of his pickup truck on March 17th.  Ok, not really.  More like:  I was lazy and didn’t bring in my “just in case I get snowed in at work” bag from the car that also contained a large stash of Younique eyeshadow pigments.  Yes, including green.  Those foolish boys.  As I applied my pigments, I felt like I had struck gold!  You DO know that Irish gold is green, right??

In case you are curious, here are a couple of pictures of me that fateful day:

Oops, wrong pictures!  Let’s try this again…

Are you green with envy over my eye shadow pigments?  I thought so, but I’ll let you in on my colors, all by Younique (of course, my favorite!):  Empowered on browbone, Famous on lid, and Crushed in crease and lower lash line.  I topped it all off with Younique’s 3D mascara-  those are not falsies, they are my real lashes after applying the mascara! Gotta love those all natural ingredients!!!

Of course, after having a few Irish Car Bombs and an Irish coffee, I started to play with some crystals and stickers I found on sale at a local craft store.  So much fun!

Wanna see some more fun up close?  (That’s what HE said ;-))

Now it is your turn to be lucky!  Place an order in the next week and I’ll throw in a free green pigment of your choice!  www.youniqueproducts.com/youniquebykellyduckworth 

Questions?  Come visit me on Facebook at Younique by Kelly Duckworth!

Get ready, ladies!  Saint Patrick’s Day is only seven days away and those silly

Leprechauns are up to no good!

 

Have a green… I mean GREAT week!

 

Xoxo,

Kelly