One side-effect of staying home for so long has been my increased appreciation for romance. My latest novel, Oak Island Vector, has just been released and I'm feeling all the romance along with it. If you Like mysteries and solving age-old conspiracies, Oak Island Vector is a really entertaining read with a strong dash of heat. I think this is a hard time to feel like there's a lot of romance around us. We are all in this together, home constantly and stressed. But, there are ways to shake up our daily lives and let in a bit of that intoxicating sense of spring romance. Ways to add romance into your everyday, at home routine:Set aside evening time for you take a moment for your own mental space. Put on a nightgown that makes you feel romantic. Spend an extra minute layering smooth lotion on your skin. You need to romance your own spirit as much as you need it from anyone else. If you're apart from your partner you can get silly and sexy with your video calls. I have spent so much time on video chats with all my friends and family to stay connected. But technology can also be a really nice way to re-frame romance in these unusual times. Put a cartoon on the TV for the kids and let yourselves have grownup time for some 5 minutes of peace. I don't mean that in a necessarily erotic way. Adult time can be having a great cookie while you talk with each other. Romance isn't just sexual. You have to focus on your emotional connections as a couple during this strange time of lockdown.
How are you staying connected to your inner romantic right now? You can order your copy of my sci-fi reverse harem right HERE. Come along for a wild ride in The Celeste Saga's universe and let me know which character you feel is most like you.
0 Comments
Why March was Big for Me Bye March, you were a whirlwind month filled with book promotions, YouTube milestones and mama moments I won't be forgetting. This last month my little monkey has turned into a little preschooler and I’m feeling sad about the baby chapter being closed on my son. If you read this blog often you know I love babies, all the babies all the time, and so you can understand how hard it is to move into a different phase as a mom. It’s new, it’s exciting and it’s a little mixed on an emotional level. My second YouTube channel has just been growing like gangbusters and I love hearing from all the new subscribers and viewers. I had a crazy month where a cleaning video went viral; it got over 1.5 million views! How crazy is that? The Wholesome Feed, my main YouTube channel for all things motherhood and parenting, has been steadily growing and I’m amazed at how global it has become. This month has been focused on shooting awesome videos and finally asking for help. I know that’s a hard one for many of us. I wrangled a friend into helping me shoot vlogs that I just couldn’t do on my own and you know what I discovered? I love having more collaboration. So, inspired by a March of madness and creativity I’m planning on collaborating with a whole bunch of fun YouTubers over the spring.
O-to-M-G-goodness, can you believe that little old, slow writing me, published my 3rd novella? March saw slow sales but great feedback on my paranormal romance tale of sexy witches and evil mystery surrounding time travel in hell. It is a super fun read and you’re welcome to order it on Smashwords or Amazon. March was the month where I really put effort into marketing my books. Last year was about writing, learning about my genres and getting a schedule down for writing a book every couple months as a working, full-time mommy with a high-needs toddler. Easy? No! Worthwhile? Heck yeah. A sexy, funny and magical page-turner... A steamy story for readers who love fun paranormal adventure and happy ever afters. What is a coven of witches to do when a demon-cat starts to hunt them down? Between solving the mystery of a very evil pussy cat and discovering a witch’s true soulmate, who even has time to notice time traveling magic has escaped from the pits of hell. Red it NOW You'll never forget this steamy, sweet workout Harriet is finally figuring things out as a single mom with a blossoming action star career when her new, sweet and sexy, trainer Colton makes Harriet realize how much better life is with love. Getting fit for a new movie role becomes a wild opportunity for Harriet to change her life, discover love and dive into happiness, all thanks to a new trainer and the heat of his love. As the hard working personal trainer loses his heart to the talented and caring actress he will have to work hard at convincing her he's the one. Can Harriet decide to trust him and open up her life for love and romance? After all a few years age difference doesn’t dampen their lustful attraction.
Who is an excited monkey? Me, that's who! Mylatest romance book has just been published and I'm so excited to share a few of my tips for getting a little romance in your life- even if it's just in the form of a good book.
A question I'm often asked is where do I get the ideas for my stories? The simple sounding but super complex answer is that they pop into my noggin and I try to remember to write them down. Isn't it funny how both writing and romance share the beauty of inspiration? Sometimes all you can do is put in the work to be ready for when the light bulb goes off. Do you know what I've learned from writing and dating as a single mom? You have to go for it. There is no perfect time or place to start doing what you love. If you want to have romance in your life or finish writing your novel you just have to do it. Terrifying, right? I'm right there with you. Every time I start a new book or agree to meet for coffee I think I must be a little mad.
Another question I often receive is how I balance working, motherhood and writing. Toss in trying to find a great soul to travel through life with and man it is hard to fit everything in. If I'm being super honest I can't do everything all at once. If I want to write I have to put some work on the backburner. If I want to try and date I have to set aside time to put into that.
It is never easy to find the space in our lives to do the things we want to do but aren't wholly obligatory. I have found releasing some mommy guilt over taking time away from my son is okay so I can get writing done. I set him up with a game or an iPad cartoon and we cuddle while I write. Romance is much the same, I have to give myself, as we all have to give ourselves, permission to take time to do something I need. Even if that means our children aren't getting 100% of our attention 24/7, just 95% 22/7. You can find copies of my latest novella on Amazon and all the great spots where books are sold.
Getting rid of internal ageism. The ever present disordered thinking when it comes to age is one of the biggest killers of our joy as we age. What about aging scares you? I know too many women who don't enjoy themselves because they are so worried about getting older. I am getting older, you are getting older and we don't have to be scared. Getting old is a pretty cool privilege. I'm so excited to greet each year of life, to watch my son grow up and to see each year how many people I can help be happy and live vividly. It's an honor to be alive and when I start to freak out over a wrinkle that no longer goes away when I'm not smiling I remember that life is for living not for fearing death.
Lets break apart a few common concerns about aging: Your family leaving you alone. This is a big fear I hear from retired family. A sense that their children are too busy for them, that their grand-kids won't know them and that in the end they'll be alone. Building strong bonds with your children as they transition into adulthood will save you a lot of worry down the road. This means being present and mindful as a parent. Once your children have jobs, families and obligations of their own keep in touch and be helpful. Send a box subscription, mail the grand kids snacks or call and ask how their day is going. All these little things will help lessen worries of being left alone.
Becoming less attractive and not being wanted around as you age. This seems to be a really big one for women hitting middle age. Guess what ladies? You're amazing! And, in all honesty, you age way better than men. Think about it, I see amazing lovely and talented women over 50 all the time but men over 50 have a much steeper decline in looks and energy. So when a man, and trust me it's always a dude, tells you that younger girls are sexier just know that it isn't true and you will always be wanted.
Do you fear being isolated and ignored as you age? One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give to both women and men is to cultivate relationships that will grow with you as you age. As a mom it can be imposable for me to get out and spend time with anyone that isn't my toddler. But I make a big effort to see my sisters, my brothers, a friend or two and my extended family regularly. When I can't see them I send emails and cards in the mail with photos and stories. Staying connected will make aging so much easier. Aging isn't simple for us emotionally but it can be a wonderful thing to grow older and know what makes you happy. Do something every week that will make you happier in 10 years. Live an amazingly vivid life and don't let fear control how you age.
Who here is tired? I am! One way I sleep better is listening to podcasts. Often during the night I wake and can't get back to sleep. Flipping on a podcast has been a life saver. The background noise allows my mind to drift off to sleep without worrying.
As great as podcasts are, the voices need to be calming and stories have to be just interesting enough to not bore me but not too engaging. This is a hard balance to find so I wanted to share my personal favorites. Stuff I missed in history class I love listening to these intelligent and witty women discuss history. Some of the casts are downers but I just skip over the dark moments in history.
The smartest man in the world
During this difficult time in US politics I love listening to his humor even more. This is a funny and often silly, vodka infused comedy-cast. The haunted estate I'm hoping she continues this podcast. Great stories and an engaging podcast personality, which are two things that can be hard to find in paranormal podcasts. Earth ancients My mother loves all these theories and I get great topics to chat about. This is a good, longer length when you're having a really hard time falling asleep. 5 things women dealing with infertility need to do get mad: Yell at the air, stomp your foot and allow your anger to bubble up and let it out. You can never deal with and heal from the anger that infertility causes without addressing it head on. Get mad and let that anger flow out. It may take years and it may always be at the edge but you can learn to be happy. eat chocolate: Go for a walk and bring a bar of dark chocolate. Nibble as you walk and let yourself daydream. buy baby clothes: Go to the shops and buy a coming home outfit for the baby you would love to have. Have fun touching the cute clothes, picking the right pattern and hoping for the future. see a specialist: Do not just hope for a baby. Get proactive and find a good doctor. Make an appointment that your husband can come along to. You'll want both your medical records and be ready to undergo tests for fertility. Lean on each other as you travel through this scary phase. eat a salad a day: This is not about losing weight or dieting. Eating a salad takes longer, you have to slow down and chew your food. Fresh and raw greens are great for your health and gives you lots of energy to pursue your hobbies and your baby making. Make a salad of steamed chard, butter lettuce, carrots, peas and bell peppers. Create a daily meal time for you and your sweetheart to enjoy munching and talking together. Supplements and Vitamins for |
| | |
The winter tag: questions
- What’s your favorite thing about Winter?
The chilly days are something I dream of but alas it has been so hot in California that I've been on the beach in shorts all fall. I have great gratitude for the joy surrounding the holidays and watching my son eyeball the tree for the first time is great. - Scarves or beanies?
I love cashmere scarfs. Visiting sisters in Bellingham can get chilly and I always pack warm scarves to wrap around my head to keep warm. I got a lot of stares wandering through campus with a kid strapped to my chest, long gloves to my elbows and a big pink scarf around my head but I sure was warm. - Favorite holiday movie?
White Christmas is my favorite holiday film. I have been coveting the finale song number's dresses for years.
- Favorite winter nail polish?
Oh my, isn't it a nice idea to have the free time to paint my nails. I have not gotten the chance to paint my nails since last Christmas. A bright red is my go to when I paint them.
5. Favorite holiday drink?
A Tucson: dash of lime juice, 2/3 soda water and 1/3 pomegranate juice. Num and it is alcohol free so good for a nursing mommy.
6. Top 3 winter essentials?
Warm robe for easy cuddles in the morning between chasing the dog, writing, studying and cleaning. Vitamin C to fight the devil that is flu season with a toddler; dear god the flu we all just got over was rough. Number 3 are chocolate nibbles; which can be cookies, donuts or a dark chocolate covered almond.
7. What’s 1 item on my Christmas list?
A lake cabin! Ha, don't I wish.
8. Must have winter lip product?
Starlet lipstick and nipple cream for chapped lips.
9. Favorite winter candle scents?
Alas, I can not be around fake scents as they make me sick. But I do love baking with cinnamon this time of year.
10. What’s your Christmas day outfit?
PJ's. Lets be honest, the likelihood of my butt getting into anything other than what I slept in is low.
Archives
October 2020
July 2020
June 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
July 2019
May 2019
April 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
June 2011
May 2011
March 2011
February 2011
December 2010