Are We Expected To Freeze To Death? #fashion #RB4U #melissakeir

Are We Expected To Freeze To Death?

Thank you for stopping by today! I'm back to talk about something which has become very serious for many of us these days...warmth. The end of December was so cold that people and pets were in danger if they spent time outside, at least in much of the United States' Midwest and certainly here in Michigan. They close schools when it gets too cold for the children to stand out for the buses. Let's talk Jan 5th- The temp was -25F (with wind chill).

Have you done any shopping lately? I needed some new clothes for work and the winter weather but I really struggled. What should I get? What would keep me warm and look cute, too? Were retailers trying to make me freeze? What were they thinking? I wasn't trying to be silly but I was lost as I couldn't find clothes which would cover me from head to toe. I spoke about this with other women who also found some of the new trends a little frightening.....

Here's a few of the new styles which are available at many retailers.

1. Cold Shoulders

Many sweaters have open shoulders. Isn't keeping warm the point of a sweater? 

Yes, these are very sexy sweaters and who wouldn't want to look great like these women do? However, remember Michigan winter. I'm sitting here in my house with gloves on because I don't want to spend a million on heating costs each day. Nor do I want to include a jacket, extra sweater or t-shirt on or under this one, just to stay warm. I don't think doubling up will still give me the sexy look!

2. Distressed Pants
Jeans and slacks come with holes, not just one on the pocket but large slices throughout the legs. Warm is still an issue but also since I like my jeans a little tight, my *fat* erm..skin likes to sneak through.

What message do the distressed pants send? I'm trendy or something else. After all, if I keep wearing my own jeans until they fall of my body, people will pay more for them??

3. Crop tops

First, no one wants to see me in a crop top. After two children, my stomach isn't quite the same but let's go back to Michigan winter. When outside walking the dog or watching students at recess, I'm not about to leave any skin showing.

 A look for the younger crowd for sure, and very cute, if you have a flat belly. 








Sadly, these aren't the only trends in clothes. We have high-waisted mom jeans returning. 

My son's girlfriend works in retail and shuddered when she said that "Mom" jeans were back. Her other words were "What is (this retail store) doing? Are they crazy?"

But "Mom" Jeans aren't all that's stylish this year....Lace on sleeves and pants (see above about skin pushing through), open backs on dresses and sweaters then there's the open neck and shoulders.

All these models and outfits are beautiful and if I lived in Hawaii, maybe I'd wear them more often, but I live Michigan--and it's winter. On New Year's Day, we had wind chills in the below freezing during the afternoon. 

This is more me....

 

I appears I will have to wait until the spring to pick up any of those cute styles or maybe when I move to the equator. Until then, bundle up and enjoy a hot, sexy Cowboy instead....

Fall in Love with a man who works with his hands...a man who cherishes his loved ones...
Love a man who is Cowboy Strong....

The Cowboy’s Secret by Allison Merritt
Can an all-around cowboy make peace with his past and find love with a spunky cowgirl who steals his family’s heart?

Not the End, Cowboy by Autumn Piper 
Hitting humanity with a pandemic isn’t enough for Fate—she’ll make you survive it with the one person you never want to see again.

Bidding for the Cowboy's Heart by Melissa Keir
Going once, going twice, sold. Can a New York socialite find love with a Colorado bull rider she won at auction?

Saving Cowboy by Leslie Garcia
Betrayal embittered them both—can love heal their hurt and help them save a horse named Cowboy?

Welcome Home, Cowboy by Sara Walter Ellwood
Who says you can’t ever go home?
Lorelei Kent fears she’ll never find love again. Back on her ranch isn’t where playboy bull rider Tucker O’Connell wants to be. Will she welcome him home? Or will his secret promise to her ex destroy any chance they might have had?

Her Taylor Made Cowboy by D’Ann Lindun
As a successful model, Taylor Griffin hated being judged for her looks unless Waylon Wainwright can prove he sees the woman, and not just her beauty.

Only $0.99 or #free with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

Until Next Month...

Melissa Keir

www.melissakeir.com

Mind Blowing Facts you (probably) didn't know about the Holidays #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas #RB4U

Did you know that Jingle Bells was originally a song written for the Thanksgiving holiday? 

James Lord Pierpont, an organist from Savannah, Georgia, first performed a song he wrote, "The One Horse Open Sleigh," at his church's Thanksgiving concert. The song was re-published in 1857 and given the title of today.

Bonus fact: It's also the first song broadcast from space. On December 16, 1965, the Gemini 6 crew serenaded Mission Control after they reported seeing a "red-suited" astronaut.



This little-known fact sure surprised me! Did you know that Christmas wasn't always on December 25th? 
Though Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, there is no mention of December 25 in the Bible. (Most historians believe he was actually born in the spring.) It wasn't chosen as the official holiday until the 3rd Century. Some argue that the date was picked because it coincided with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, celebrating agricultural god Saturn with partying and gift-giving.

This one I already knew, but wonder if any of you did as well. :) The marketing geniuses over at Coca-Cola came up with the red suit for Santa Claus in an effort to tie their famous red and white logo with the tradition of Christmas. 
Well, Santa wore a variety of colorful suits through the years — including red, blue, white, and green — but legend has it that the popular image of his red coat came from a 1930s ad by Coca-Cola.

For more mind-blowing facts about Christmas and this wintery holiday season, check out this link:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/18-mind-blowing-facts-about-the-holidays/ss-BBG1TzW?ocid=ems.msn.12102017

Let It Snow

It has been quite a week.

Blizzard Juno hit the northeastern US in full force this week and, unfortunately, my city got caught in the middle of it. We hit a record-breaking snowfall of 34.5 inches (0.91 meters for you metric folk). That's a lot of snow. To give you an idea, here is a picture I took of our front sidewalk.

Nice, eh? It kind of reminds me of the movie Star Wars when the X-wings were flying down the tunnel in the Death Star. No laser beams or technical equipment here, although I could have used the Force to move some of that snow, lol.

Thirty-four and a half inches. Almost three feet of the fluffy, white stuff. There was so much snow that people had no idea where to put it. There are snow drifts on my street that are higher than my five-foot-three frame, which can make it difficult to see around corners, lol.

Winter isn't over yet, however. Oh, no, they are forecasting more snow Friday and into Saturday -- another half a foot -- with the possibly of more Monday night.

Needless to say, I think I'm going to be burried for a while, lol. 

When it's snowing outside, I love to curl up with a good book by the fire, don't you? Since we have another storm coming, I'll need to expand my TBR (to be read) pile. Tell me, what are some of your favorite winter-themed romances?

~~~

Looking for a good winter read yourself? Then check out my new erotic eserial, coming out from St. Martin's Press on February 3rd! (You can preorder now!)

AT HIS SERVICE

~ A modern-day erotic Downton Abbey… ~

By Suzanne Rock

Four-part erotic romance e-serial

Available February 2015

An exclusive and red hot mini-series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Rock.

Leo Perconti's life is spinning out of control. As head of his family’s hotel conglomerate, it’s his job to save his family from bankruptcy. At the center of his turmoil is Karin Norell, a quiet, alluring housekeeping manager who compliments his dominating personality and lets him feel in control once more.

As Karin explores her passion her feelings for Leo deepen. Unfortunately, Karin and Leo come from different worlds, and when the two worlds collide, the cost can be devastating. As the service staff at The Palazzo rise up against the Perconti family, both Leo and Karin are faced with losing what each of them holds most dear. Together they must learn that true power comes from vulnerability and trust that can only happen when you let your insecurities go.

Read the first chapter exclusively at Heroes and Heartbreakers! 

Release Information: 

St. Martin’s Paperbacks, an imprint of Macmillan

ASIN: B00NKB9TZ8

Now available for order and pre-order. Each installment = $1.99. Full book = $7.99

Release date Part One: February 3, 2015 / E-serial

Release date Part Two: February 10, 2015 / E-serial

Release date Part Three: February 17, 2015 / E-serial

Release date Part Four: February 24, 2015 / E-serial

Release date Volume: June 2015 / Print

Buy Links:

AT HIS SERVICE: PART ONE

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Google Play

Macmillan (St. Martin'sPaperbacks)

For more information and buy links to the other parts in the series, visit my page at St. Martin's Press.

What Makes Your Winter Special?

What’s your favorite holiday treat? Mine is gingerbread cookies and peppermint hot chocolate. This question got me wondering about what makes winter special. 

 

Some of us embrace this coldest, darkest season for its warmth of spirit, while for others it is bleak. 

No matter what religious system you do or don’t belong to, most of us equate this time of year with memories – good and bad. 

And then there’s the role of tradition. Those with family traditions seem to love winter more... As we mature, we put our own spin on it all. We create new traditions, often blending them with those of our partners or the influence of cultures and places we’ve lived and visited.

Growing up in the tropics where Christmas was spent on the beach instead of the slopes, my family skied on water instead of snow. 

As an adult, I took childlike pleasure in snowy winter adventures and après ski. The sound of silence as snow fell in the forest during an afternoon winter walk thirty five years ago inspired deep reverence that touches me to this day.

Here are a few things that can make the winter season special~~

 

The scent of pine blended with that indefinable aroma that rises from a crackling fire

Bells of all sorts jingling

Oldies playing, like “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”

The clear harmony of a choir composed of childlike voices

Icicles hanging from roofs, sparkling in weak winter sunlight

A freshly stacked snowman on the front lawn of a family home

The long echoing whistle of a distant train cutting through an icy night, reminiscent of Polar Express 

Lights sparkling on bejeweled trees in the front windows of homes

Main streets and lanes glowing with external lights that adorn and beautify our world

The aroma of warm gingerbread cookies, baked with blended spices to create kitchen magic we often only use from October to year’s end – nutmeg, cloves, ginger and cinnamon

Peppermint red and white candy canes dissolving in hot chocolate

Bustling gift markets where happy vendors share their inspired creations

Peace, Goodwill and Respect For All Life

Since ancient times, humans have honored winter as the season of endings – death before rebirth. It is the time of longest darkness and shortest light… the perfect time for inner reflection, meditation, being still, releasing and letting go.  

If you love this season of magic, and are counting your blessings, consider reaching out to touch someone who is struggling. Many people feel despair in winter, whether for economic lack, loss, loneliness or spiritual discord. A gesture of goodwill from a friend or stranger can trigger the renewal of their spirit of hope. 

During this season of generosity we give, share and make peace with others and with ourselves. As the year winds down, we let go of what didn’t work and craft bright new beginnings. 

Here is a recipe for the popular Glühwein of the Alpine countries. It warms body, mind and spirit – and makes you glow – glow wine. There’s nothing more magical after a walk in the snow, than warming your bones and turning your icy cheeks toasty as you stare into a crackling fire with a mug of Glühwein between your palms. 

Enjoy, and experiment with the flavors according to your tastes. Who knows, it may start a new winter tradition…

***GLÜHWEIN – WARM MULLED WINE*** (8-10 mugs) (Recipe Contains Alcohol)

2 bottles of dry red wine 750 ml each—Beaujolais, Merlot—any type you like

2 cups of water

2 oranges + 1 orange for squeezing juice

2 sticks of cinnamon

6 cloves

Put wine, water, cinnamon sticks, and the juice of 1 orange into a saucepan. Stick the cloves into a slice of orange peel and drop it into the liquid. Dice the other 2 oranges and add to the liquid. Warm on high and stir. Reduce to a simmer when it almost boils. Turn off heat and remove orange peel, cloves and cinnamon. Serve by ladling into warm mugs and garnish with a slice of orange. 

Some recipes add cardamom pods, star aniseed, ginger slices, vanilla pods. If you are entertaining, you can set this punch-like brew up in a slow cooker but remember it will take longer. Prost! (Cheers)

Please leave a comment and share a favorite winter memory, or what you love most about this time of year. 

Happy Holidays!

Enjoy Gemma’s two seasonal novellas – Autumn Masquerade and Christmas Spirits.

GEMMA JULIANA is a multi-published author who lives in an enchanted cottage in north Texas with her handsome hero, teen son and a comical dog. She loves making new friends and hearing from readers. Exotic coffee and chocolate fuel her creativity. You can buy Gemma’s books on Amazon as well as at other ebook stores as found on her website: http://www.gemmajuliana.com. Read about and download the FREE A Holiday Anthology she participated in at http://www.gemmajuliana.com/blog.

Follow @Gemma_Juliana on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gemma_juliana

Remind Me with @AuthorNicMorgan

Welcome to Romance Books 4 Us everyone. I'm your tour guide for the day, Nicole Morgan and as some of you may have noticed I drop by with a new post on the first of every month and either ramble like a fool or amaze you with my intellect. LOL. Okay, yes that last one was a stretch, but...I've got you smiling now, don't I? Now that you're good and loosened up, go ahead and kick your shoes off, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Remind Me

Have you ever needed to be reminded? I think we all have a time or two. Sometimes we forget to feel while we're just going through the motions. So this holiday season please don't forget to hug and kiss your loved ones. Life is just too short. Happy Holidays everyone! 

After 12 years of marriage, Priscilla Blackwood has decided to leave her husband. Retreating to their mountain cabin, she hopes the time away will help heal the heartache she feels from leaving the only man she’s ever loved.

When Max Blackwood returns home to find out that his wife has left him he is devastated. Refusing to give up on her or the life they’ve built together, he sets out to find her before it is too late. When a winter storm hits, his plan to rescue their marriage careens off course.

Will being stranded together in a blizzard be enough to repair their broken relationship? Or will Max be forced to say goodbye to the woman who stole his heart so many years ago.


Adult eXerpt 

His chest contracted and expanded in painful successions. Everything he'd become had been inspired by her. She'd walked by his side, fought for their life together, and become more than a wife...she'd become his reason for being. To not have her, to live without her, it was too unbearable for him to consider.

He couldn’t help himself from reaching down and wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. To his surprise, he didn’t feel clothing or pajamas. He couldn’t remember much of what happened after he got here. Feeling her naked skin made the rest of it inconsequential.

She felt unbelievably good under his touch. His fingertips gently rubbed at her back, trailing along the curves of her shoulders and sides. As he allowed his hands to wander further down, he felt the round globes of her ass and palmed them in his hands.

His cock instantly responded to her soft body and began to thicken and harden underneath her. He breathed in deeply and took in the scent of her hair. The familiar smell of that minty shampoo she always used made the moment that much more real.

“Cilla,” he whispered while gently brushing the hair from her face.

She stirred in his arms and looked up at him through sleepy eyes. “Max. Are you okay?”

“I am now.”

“Your head. It looks worse this morning.” She reached up to touch it, but her actions were halted.

He raised his arms and placed them underneath hers, pulling her up to him. He didn’t wait for an invitation or a sign of acceptance. He just took what he wanted, what was already his, and what he had no intentions of letting go.

He crushed his lips against hers and swiped his tongue inside her mouth. The delicious flavor of her kiss had never tasted so sweet. Her soft body melted against his as she met every part of his kiss. Her tongue stroked against his as they fed off of one another.

Her acceptance was one of the many things he loved about his Cilla. Such a sweet and loving wife, but in bed she could set his soul on fire. She never held back or pretended to hide her true self. She embraced her sexuality and how good they were together.

He lifted his hips and ground his cock against her body. Dropping his hands, he slid one between their bodies and searched for the warmth between her thighs. It didn’t take him long before he found exactly what he had been pursuing. Her closely shaven hair felt like freshly spun silk underneath his calloused fingers.

He let out a groan filled with a combination of frustration and delight. He loved Cilla anyway he could get her, but he’d always preferred a smooth shaven pussy. It was a predilection of his that she never seemed to forget. Proving, as always, that she loved to please him.

He slid his fingers past the slick folds of her pussy and dipped his middle finger inside. A whimper tore from her, which he quickly swallowed. He loved feasting on the lascivious noises that came from her. They were like fuel to his fire, encouraging him to take more.

Hot juices coated his finger as he continued to play with her, ensuring her readiness for him. He pulled his finger out and worked her wetness up and down along her slit. With his thumb he pressed against her clit and strummed it. He alternated his pressure, touching soft and then hard, moving faster and then slower. He continued the taunt until her body started to squirm against him. His cock twitched in anticipation when he felt her start to move. He knew his Cilla and knew she was past the point of no return.

Pulling his hand out from between them, he lifted her up, effectively breaking their kiss. They stared at one another breathlessly as he pushed her back until she hovered over his cock. She straddled him as he positioned himself at her entrance. With his cock fisted in his hand he looked into her eyes like he had so many times before. They were blue and absolutely breathtaking. There wasn’t a spec to her irises that he didn’t know. He studied every microscopic millimeter of those eyes and knew them as surely as he knew her body. He sensed her hesitation despite her readiness. He knew they needed to talk about her letter, about why she did it and about so many things. This wasn’t the time, though. He needed this, and from the gaze he saw in her eyes, he knew she did, too. She didn’t say a word as he pushed himself forward. Her head dropped back and her body arched into his thrust.

Sweet Jesus.

Max grabbed onto her hips and squeezed her soft skin. She held him so snug in her wet heat. Each and every time felt like the very first. He couldn’t count the moments he’d told her their bodies were made for one another. It was a fact that had been proven to him over and over again. Her pussy held him like a velvet laced vice. There was nothing as exquisite as having his cock held by his Cilla. 

Purchase links:

Publisher: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/remind-me-by-nicole-morgan

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Remind-Me-Romance-Nicole-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00PPE2GZI

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-remindme-1681979-149.html

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remind-me-nicole-morgan/1120799345?ean=2940046412567

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/remind-me/id943290150?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/494005

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/remind-me-mf

That's all for me this months, guys and gals. 

I'll see you here next month,

Same bat time...Same bat channel.

Nicole Morgan is an author of erotic romance novels, which more often than not have a suspenseful back story. Erotic romance mixed with good old-fashioned whodunit. While she's written everything from contemporary to paranormal her leading men will more than likely be wearing a uniform of some kind. From military to police officers, she has a love for writing about those who protect and serve. From her very first novel about Navy SEALs to her more recent releases you will be sure to find a few twists and turns you were not expecting.

She also has a recurring monthly column in Book & Trailer Showcase's eMagazine, is a proud member of the Romance Books 4 Us Gold Authors, as well as Sweet and Sexy Divas. In addition, Nicole is one third of the scintillating trio, Mile High Muses and is the twitter coordinator for Marketing for Romance Writers.  

Find out more about Nicole and her books by visiting her website, blog, Google + Page, Twitter, Facebook and her Yahoo Group, Nicole’s Think Tank.

Keep up to date with Nicole:

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