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Archive for the 'Contests!' Category
Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Everywhere I look I’m bombarded with reminders of the impending holidays: Pumpkins, Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas trees, glittery dresses. Don’t get me wrong, I love a pumpkin spice latte once on the first cool morning in October—not August and not every day for the next four months. That leftover turkey sandwich when the house is quiet, the dishes are all done, and I’ve got a moment of peace to reflect on what I am grateful for—heaven. I love the holidays, but I’m overwhelmed by all the effort that goes into hosting the relatives, buying the presents, decorating, cooking, and attending every obligatory event. If you’re anything like me, you’re already precariously balancing a life packed to the seams. But fear not, there is hope. After many years of trial and error, I have stumbled upon the key to not only surviving but thriving through the holidays: found family, self-care, and cocktails.
Family. We all have one. Even the best of them can be hard to take November through January. There’s something better—found family. I had not heard of the term until recently. Mine calls itself Framily, a combination of friends and family, but I discovered there is a real term and trend of found family. These are the non-biologically related people you chose as your support system. I would not have been able to manage life, much less the holiday seasons, without mine. My framily is a group of people I have known for almost a decade. We can discuss politics, not agree with each other, but listen and learn. We’re there for each other through health issues, life issues, and job issues. No matter what we face we know a text to framily will bring an immediate response of love, truth, help, and compassion without the baggage of biological family. When one of us acts bitchy, we’re called out with honesty and sympathy. If one of us suffers a slight, we fearsomely defend. Having a found family means never being alone to face the good or bad. Having a group that will make dinner when you are caught late at the office and entertaining that evening. So, when I’ve lost my sanity and am a raving lunatic, rushing to buy the perfect gift for Aunt Gertrude while simultaneously finishing a work project and planning a holiday meal, they step in and talk me off the ledge, usually over a cocktail. There is a suggestion for the hard-to-please relative, shortcuts to pull off the meal, and a book suggestion with a not-so-subtle hint to take some self-care time. I can laugh at myself, reset, and stop driving everyone crazy. So, find your tribe, those people that unconditionally love and support you, yet keep you grounded and real.
Self-care is another component for surviving the holidays, though you should make it a regular part of your life. If you don’t value and care for yourself, how can others? You can’t be your best for your friends and family if you aren’t at your best. What it looks like is different for everyone. Massage, tea with a friend, bubble bath, whatever makes you feel good. For me, it’s taking time to sit, read, and recharge. Books are an affordable mini vacation. I am transported to different locations, lost in the story, and who doesn’t need that amid holiday parties, school events, relatives’ visits, and end-of-year work projects? There is a book to suit every mood. I, of course, highly recommend Holiday Shorts that just came out this week. As a contributing author, it has something for everyone— holiday-themed stories. There’s love, romance, exploration, fantasy, and lots of toe-curling sex. Whatever book or other self-care regimens you chose, just do it. Make it a priority. You will thank me.
To complete the survival strategy is a cocktail. Much like my main character, Devon, in “The Sugar Rim”, when I am in a stressful situation, my go-to drink is a lemon drop martini. Devon also has a found family, a group of co-workers from the zoo: Peggy, Joe and Felicia. She is a recent addition to a new area with a job she loves, and she wants to share her life with someone. She has a made an artform out of bad romantic decisions, and she no longer trusts her judgment. Her found family helps her craft her dating profile, and they are there to help with the predate jitters and all the ups and downs that come with new love interests. That, and a little help from a sugar-rimmed drink, gets Devon the love she desires.
That brings me to my favorite recipe for a lemon drop martini.
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice—I prefer a meyer lemon
- 2 ounces of vodka—Kettle One from the freezer for me
- ¾ ounce Cointreau—don’t substitute with triple sec
- ¾ ounce simple syrup—yes, I use store bought no matter how easy they say it is to make it
Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice. Turn on the soundtrack to the movie Cocktail and shake it like Tom Cruise. Take your martini glass, use a little of the left-over lemon juice to rim it with sugar. I love the sanding sugars for their colors and size.
- Pour the contents from the shaker into the beautifully sugar rimmed glass
- Sit in your favorite chair or spot
- Put your feet up
- Close your eyes,
- Inhale the citrus scents wafting from your beverage
- Take a sip
- Enjoy the cool, tart, slightly sweet beverage
You are now ready to face whatever holiday challenge comes your way.
I would love to hear about how you cope with holiday stress, your found family, or your favorite drink recipe. Drop a comment for a chance to win a free copy of “Holiday Shorts.” Winner will be chosen within 48 hours.
Thank you, Delilah for the opportunity to share my survival guide with your lovely readers. Here’s to a fun, fantastic 2022 Holiday season.
XOXO,
Candy
To connect with me – email: Candy@CandiceLaBria.com Facebook www.facebook.com/CandiceLaBria, Twitter or Instagram @CandiceLaBria
Tagged: anthology, contemporary romance, erotic romance, recipe, short story
Posted in Contests!, General | 7 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Anna Taylor Sweringen - Debra Guyette - Beverly Blank - bn100 - ButtonsMom2003 -
Friday, October 21st, 2022
UPDATE: The winner of the Amazon gift card is…Amy Fendley!
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So, first—that’s a horribly unflattering picture. 🙂
Had to get that out of the way. We dressed for messy fun, and it was cold outside, so…layers!
What is this? A big painty mess! The local art guild that I’m a part of held an acrylic paint pour. Most of us had never tried it. Mine turned out an awful mess, but I had a blast and learned something new.
When I first started writing and publishing, I tried all kinds of genres. Over time, I’ve found my groove, but I had to experiment a lot. Now, that I’m there, I’m just a little bored with the entire process.
Thank goodness for art! I’m obsessed learning new media, playing with color, making messes… All of it is a learning journey. Is paint pouring for me? Probably not, but it did teach me how fluid acrylic paint can act, and I have some ideas for “mini-pours” that might be something I could work into collaging or pendants… See? My mind won’t stop. And that’s a good thing.
Anything that keeps us excited and engaged is good—especially as we grow older. It really does keep us young.
So, my question to you is, do you have anything new you’re trying or want to try? Have you taken steps to DO IT?
Comment below for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
Tagged: arts 'n' crafts, painting
Posted in Contests!, Real Life | 13 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Mary Preston - Debra Guyette - Beverly Blank - ButtonsMom2003 - Delilah -
Wednesday, October 19th, 2022
UPDATE: The winner is…ButtonsMom2003
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Two quick notes!
First, thank you to everyone who got their copy of Guarding Hannah! And an extra thanks to those who took the time to post reviews! Thank you, thank you! Readers trust other readers to let them know a book is good!
Second, there are still release party contests ongoing on Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors Facebook group. I have three separate ones; the other TEAM WOLF authors have several more. Go play! 🙂
The Contest!
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what you would find most spectacular about Yellowstone! And have you ever been there?
Tagged: game, puzzle, word nerd, word search
Posted in About books..., Contests! | 19 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: bn100 - flchen1 - Debra Guyette - ButtonsMom2003 - Delilah -
Monday, October 17th, 2022
UPDATE: The winner is…Mary Preston!
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If you were to say that Madame C.J. Walker was the first female African-American millionaire, you’d be wrong. Before Madame C.J. Walker there was Annie Turnbo Malone. The archives of the State Historical Society of Missouri records that Annie was a millionaire by the end of World War I.
Annie Turnbo was born free in 1869 of formerly enslaved parents in Metropolis, Illinois. She was raised by an older sister since her parents died when Annie was very young. Frequent illness kept her from graduating high school but did not stifle her interest in chemistry. She focused on creating hair care products for African American women that did not damage their hair and scalp.
By the turn of the century, she had created a hair care product for African-American women she called Great Wonderful Hair Grower and sold it door to door. Because of high demand for her product, she opened a retail outlet at the 1904 Chicago World’s Fair. As a matter of fact, Sarah Breedlove, aka Madame C.J. Walker worked for Annie as one of her salesforce. The rivalry between the two women has been dramatized in the movie Self Made. How accurately depends on who you ask.
Annie founded Poro College, which had its grand opening in 1918. The school specialized in the teaching and study of Black cosmetology. The college had thirty-two branches by the mid-1950s. She donated $25,000 to Howard University College of Medicine, $25,000 to start a Black YMCA in St. Louis and donated generously to the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home, which in 1946 was renamed after her.
Unfortunately, an ugly divorce, lawsuits, and tax problems plagued Annie’s later years. Eventually, the federal government took over and sold her business for taxes. She died of a stroke in 1957. Fortunately, her home state has not forgotten her legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The annual Annie Malone May Day parade in St. Louis began in 1910, and children’s books like Wonderful Hair help keep Annie from being totally forgotten.
For a chance at a $10 Amazon gift card, share in the comments your thoughts on Annie’s story or share about a woman in history you know of who needs to be given her place in the sun again.
Better To Marry Than To Burn
Wife Wanted: Marital relations as necessary. Love not required nor sought…
A bridal lottery seems the height of foolishness to ex-slave Caesar King, but his refusal to participate in the town council’s scheme places him in a bind. He has to get married to avoid paying a high residence fine or leave the Texas territory. After losing his wife in childbirth, Caesar isn’t ready for romance. A woman looking for a fresh start without any emotional strings is what he needs.
Queen Esther Payne, a freeborn black from Philadelphia, has been threatened by her family for her forward-thinking, independent ways. Her family insists she marry. Her escape comes in the form of an ad. If she must marry, it will be on her terms. But her first meeting with the sinfully hot farmer proves an exciting tussle of wills that stirs her physically, intellectually, and emotionally.
In the battle of sexual one-upmanship that ensues, both Caesar and Queen discover surrender can be as fulfilling as triumph.
Excerpt from Better to Marry Than to Burn…
Caesar sucked his teeth and crossed his arms. If white-sheeted Knights of the White Camellia hadn’t succeeded in running him off, neither would the Purity Patrol.
A tap on his left shoulder blade turned him around.
“You know what they’re saying is right, Caesar.”
He uncrossed his arms and took off his hat in deference to the tiny, wiry woman speaking to him.
“Not moving on is a betrayal of the past,” Mother Maybelle Jenkins said. “Ain’t you still a young man?”
A gentle chiding colored her tone. The compassion in her gaze slayed his resentment.
“Thirty, ma’am.”
“You was only twenty five when you and Emma arrived here?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She shook her head. “Well, the Bible tells us it’s not good for a man to be alone. Emma and your boys been gone five years now.”
Caesar patted her hand gently. Five years. Where had the time gone? Seemed like only yesterday he’d placed flowers on their graves for the first time.
“Don’t let heart-hurt rule you.” Mother Maybelle cupped his cheek. “A race without children is a race without a future.”
Buylink: https://amzn.to/2KTaGPH
Tagged: African-American, erotic romance, Guest Blogger, historical, historical romance
Posted in Contests!, General | 19 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Mary Preston - flchen1 - Debra Guyette - Paula - ButtonsMom2003 -
Saturday, October 15th, 2022
UPDATE: The winner of the GC is…K. Campos!
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It’s Saturday. I’m posting a little late for no good reason. I’ve been piddling. I have edits to work on and rooms to clean. I have to get started, but I’ll piddle some more, no doubt.
I found this picture for the puzzle. It appeals to me because it represents things I love. The item in the background represents my work. The item on the left is my drink of choice. The one on the right is something I love to paint.
If you were to find a picture of things to represent yourself, what would be in the picture?
Solve the puzzle then comment below for a chance to win!
Open Contests
- What our stories are about! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE anthology!
- Gabbi Black: How I wound up writing a BDSM trilogy (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
- Puzzle Contest! (Plus, Open Contests!) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
- Carol Burnside: It’s Christmas…in October? (Contest & FREE Book!) — Win an Amazon gift card!
- Amber Daulton: Interview with Benjamin Starwell from ARRESTING BENJAMIN — On Sale for $0.99! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
- Guarding Hannah Word Search! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
- Genevive Chamblee: Fall Fun and Giveaway — Win an Amazon gift card!
Tagged: game, jigsaw, puzzle
Posted in Contests!, Real Life | 11 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: K. Campos - Debra Guyette - flchen1 - ButtonsMom2003 - Delilah -
Friday, October 14th, 2022
It’s that time of year. We’ve said goodbye to summer, and it’s officially the fall season. Now, as a summer lover, this is a bit sad for me. For that reason, I have to pump myself up to get excited about changing seasons. Of course, I do live in the bayou, and “autumn” is a little bit of an odd season here. While much of the country begins speaking of sweater weather, The South is sweating out humid nights of eighty degrees while watching Friday night football games from wooden stands. Rather, we mark the beginning of fall not by the calendar but by when the mosquitos stop biting. Additionally, fall temperatures don’t always stick around for long. Don’t let a sixty-degree morning “chill” fool you. By midday, the temps could well be approaching ninety. And even if cool air sticks around for much of a day, it likely will vanish the next week to not be heard from again for weeks. Yeah, it’s all really fun stuff.
Thus, when I start hearing all the fall hype on television, I don’t become all that stoked. It takes a little extra effort to get me into the spirit of it, especially with the whole Christmas in July movement. As a quick aside, can I say how much I dislike this trend? Merchants move straight from Independence Day and fireworks to setting up displays of Christmas trees and ten feet of snow. Heck, we’re lucky to get ten inches. Shoot, what am I talking about? We barely get two inches per year, and when we do, it’s a red-hot booty mess. Cities shut down. Most of us simply aren’t equipped for that sort of thing. Hurricanes, yes? Twisters, yes. Snow and ice, not so much. Even our pets are confused by it. (Now, back to our regularly scheduled post.) But as many hunters would comment, without fall, there would be no deer season.
I say all that to say because I’m one of those people who when fall rolls around, the pools and snow cone stands close, and the days grow shorter, I need a reminder of ways to entertain myself and ways in which to keep occupied. (By the way, I have no idea why they close the pools when they do. My guess is it is to reduce maintenance costs or because there is some city ordinance that public pools must be closed by a certain date. Or maybe it’s just part of the façade to make people believe autumn is a real thing.)
In any case, here is a list of activities to enjoy and keep you busy. Do them alone or with loved ones at a time most convenient for you.
- Decorate for fall
- Decorate pinecones
- Decorate acorns
- Make a fall craft
- Make an autumn wreath
- Create a fall playlist
- Visit a pumpkin patch
- Visit a zoo
- Visit a farmer’s market
- Attend a football game
- Attend a basketball game
- Attend a fall festival/Octoberfest/fair
- Jump in leaves
- Rake leaves
- Play a game of darts on a bale of hay
- Bake a pie
- Bake pumpkin bread
- Make smores
- Roast marshmallows
- Roast pumpkin seeds
- Make caramel apples
- Make homemade applesauce
- Make apple crisps
- Make homemade soup
- Grill corn on the cob
- Watch a fall move
- Watch a Halloween movie
- Watch the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade
- Watch a sunset
- Read a fall book
- Drink apple cider
- Drink hot chocolate drink
- Drink a fall cocktail
- Eat or drink something pumpkin spice
- Eat candy corn
- Eat a bowl of chili
- Eat a pot pie
- Visit a haunted house
- Visit a corn maze
- Attend a holiday party
- Attend a costume party
- Go apple picking
- Go on a hike/ nature walk
- Go star gazing
- Go to a bonfire
- Go on a hayride
- Go trick or treating
- Go on a scavenger hunt
- Go bird watching
- Go camping
- Count your blessings/Write a gratitude list
- Donate can goods/food to a food bank or shelter
- Take fall photos
- Carve a pumpkin
- Buy a scarf
- Buy a fall mug (for hot chocolate)
- Snuggle in a blanket
- Curl up in front of a fireplace
- Wear fuzzy socks
- Cuddle with someone special
- Light a fall-scented candle
- Tell a ghost/scary story
- Declutter summer clothes
- Go shopping for sweaters
- Buy a fall perfume
- Plant a fall garden
So, I guess with that, it’s time to say Happy Fall Y’all. Did I miss anything? What’s on your list? Will you try any of these activities? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou. Keep reading for information about the free giveaway.
Get ready. It’s almost time to hit the ice again.
Future Goals Coming soon.
When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.
Preorder your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W
Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.
Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit https://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.
Penalty Kill (Book #4) takes the ice again. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.
For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub or TikTok.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.
***SALE & GIVEAWAY***
HTP Friends to Lovers! This 99 cents sale begins on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 & runs through Tuesday, October 18th, 2022. There is a $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway via Rafflecopter; entries are earned via BookBub follows and Tweets about the sale. The links for the sale and the giveaway are listed below.
Promo Page: https://www.hottreepromotions.com/friends-to-lovers-sale
Rafflecopter Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b228b3067/?
Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
Tagged: contemporary romance, Guest Blogger, sports romance
Posted in Contests!, General | Someone Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Debra Guyette -
Thursday, October 13th, 2022
UPDATE: The winner of the GC is…Sherry Gloag!
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Pre-order Now!
In Print Now!
So, I have this book coming out next Tuesday, October 18th, and I can’t wait for you to read it. I’m kind of obsessed for you to read it. So, I created a word search puzzle with the first things about the book that popped into my head.
Solve the puzzle then tell me which of these “things” about the story inspire you to read it! Enter to win an Amazon gift certificate!
Tagged: game, puzzle, word nerd, word search
Posted in Contests! | 13 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Debra Guyette - ButtonsMom2003 - miki - Elaine Swinney - Delilah -
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