Monday, February 28, 2011

March Upcoming Attractions

    Spring is almost here! To celebrate, we have a fabulous line-up of March guests. Here's our sneak peak:




    March 2: Gerri Russell returns to the Lair to chat with Nancy about the ups and downs of an author's career.




    March 3: Paranormal romance author Lori Handeland makes her Lair debut as Nancy's guest to chat about her new release, Moon Cursed.














    March 4: USA Today bestselling author Julianne Maclean (http://juliannemaclean.com/) visits the lair to tell us about her fabulous new Scottish historical CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER.









    March 5: Mayhem breaks loose over at historical author Ashley March’s blog (http://www.ashleymarch.com/blog/) when the Bandits invade for the day as part of March Madness, a month-long party. There will be prizes--and did I mention mayhem? And look out for Ashley’s visit to the lair in September!


    On March 7th, Jana DeLeon visits with Suz to talk about her first release with Harlequin Intrigue, The Secret of Cypriere Bayou. A steamy mystery set in the Louisiana Bayous, a place Jana know intimately.


    March 16th brings NY best-selling author Brenda Novak back to the Lair as Jo's guest. She'll be talking about the fun and excitement of reader conventions, as well as her upcoming Bulletproof series.















    March 22nd: The fabulous Julie James joins us to talk about her smart, sexy contemporary romances and her latest release "A Lot Like Love."
















    March 26: Ellis Flynn returns to the lair to talk about language and words with Nancy.


    On May 30th, Misa Ramirez returns to the Lair as Jo's guest. She'll discuss her recent promotion and marketing book for writers -- THE TRICKED-OUT TOOLBOX and her romantic suspense release A DEADLY CURSE.


























    March 31: Love Regencies? Love paranormal? Now you can have both. Colleen Gleason will be on the blog March 31 to talk about her new vampire series launching this month. This author of the popular Gardella Vampire Chronicles has created a new world of the Regency Draculia. The Vampire Voss, out this month, launches three back-to-back titles that also include The Vampire Dimitri in April and The Vampire Narcise in May.









    Contests!

    Anna Campbell is celebrating the launch of her brand-new website by sharing some great prizes! SIX lucky readers will receive a luscious reading double! First up, your choice from Anna’s backlist (please check out her Books page http://www.annacampbell.info/books.html if you need help choosing). Each winner will also win a gorgeous hardcover Rhapsody Book Club edition of either Laura Lee Guhrke’s WEDDING OF THE SEASON or Madeline Hunter’s RAVISHING IN RED.

    To be in the draw, just email Anna on anna@annacampbell.info with two pieces of information – your favorite romance read from 2010 and which book from her backlist you’d like to win. Good luck! For more information, please visit Anna’s contest page. http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html And don’t forget to check out her great new website atwww.annacampbell.info, including the excerpt from her forthcoming release MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION. The contest closes 31st March, 2011.

    Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/02/
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Tattoos lizard in Lower Breast

Beautiful with Sexy Girl Tattoos

Love Tattoos in Chest

Butterfly tattoo on Vagina

Star Tattoos on Breast

Sunday, February 27, 2011

TRUE GRIT

    by Suzanne

    Since I write western historical romances, both erotic, (THE SURRENDER OF LACY MORGAN) and just plain sexy, (REFUGE), I loved getting to go see True Grit a while back. When my son and I walked out of the theater after watching this remake of the old classic, we talked about what we like about the movie. One of the things he said to me was, "Mom, the person who had the most grit in that movie, wasn't Rooster Cogburn. It was Mattie." And he was right.

    Mattie Ross had true grit.When her father was murdered hundreds of miles from home, she took it upon herself not only to go collect his body and send him home to be buried, but to find someone to help her track down the low-down murdering sidewinder and see he was brought to justice.She weathered low opinions men of the time had for a slip of a girl, nearly drowning in a river, shooting her first man, tumbling down a huge pit and being bitten by a rattler. (I won't tell you how it ends, just in case you haven't had the time to go see this movie.)

    As this is the last day of the AHA GO RED for Women month and the Bandits celebration of such, I thought we should look at other women who throughout history have shown true grit.

    Queen Elizabeth I: Talk about someone walking into a pit of snakes...the human kind. She took over the English crown when the kingdom was broke, under threat of both the Spanish and French invading, not to mention some rowdy Scots to the north. But her country had just gone through some very bloody years at the hands of her sister. Her kingdom was writhe with spies and traitors, advisors who saw her as nothing more than a brood mare to provide a male heir to take her place.Yet she was able to rule with cunning and a strong will for 45 years. Her country and it's empire grew in land, strength and finances during her rein.

    Elizabeth Blackwell: Growing up in England where she watched eight of her siblings and eight of her cousins die, Elizabeth decided to go to medical school after her family moved to America. Elizabeth was rejected by 16 medical schools but was finally accepted by Geneva (New York) Medical College. Despite the taunts of not only the other students, but the people in the college town, she graduated on January 23, 1849. While furthering her medical studies in Paris, she developed an eye infection that cost her sight in her left eye. Undaunted, she continued to study. She returned to America two years later and opened a school to help other women become doctors. She also raised money with her sister Emily and opened The New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. Run by women doctors, it was the first of its kind anywhere in the world.



    Marian Anderson: Despite many years of prejudicial treatment, even being refused entrance to a local musical school after graduating high school because of her color, Marian rose to be the first black opera singer to be a regular cast member of the New York Metropolitan Opera. She sang for Kings and Queens, many presidents, including FDR and JFK. She also quietly fought many of the segregation laws that were in place during the early part of her career, by insisting on "vertical seating" in segregated cities. This meant that black audience members would be slotted in seats on all levels of the auditoriums. For many, it was the first time they'd ever sat in orchestra level seats.


    Sylvia and Cristobal Pankhurst and the Suffragettes: (doesn't that sound like a rock band?) At a time when women were little more than chattel, they literally fought for women's right to vote. So passionate about their beliefs they thought nothing of chaining themselves to public building railings, smashing windows, interrupting public debates and even setting off bombs. Many of their followers, including Cristobal herself, went to prison, where they conducted hunger strikes to get their message across. Finally, during World War I political changes were made to give limited voting rights to women in England. In 1920 American Women achieved the right to vote through the Nineteenth Ammendment to the Constitution and by 1928 full suffrage equal to those of men were granted to women in England.

    These are some women who have grit to stick to their beliefs, dreams or goals throughout history. Do you have any favorites you look up to? Admire? Or just appreciate their grit?

    Romance Writers of America and the American Heart Association have partnered to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Visit Go Red for Women to learn how to fight heart disease.
    Sign up for the Go Red Better U Program and receive two free romance e-books. From Feb 1 through May 31, 2011, receive one free romance e-book when you sign up for the American Heart Association's Better U Program and one after you complete week six of the program. And look for the Eat Smart for Your Heart limited edition magazine (that features this offer) on newstands and in a grocery store near you.Go Red for Women is trademarked by the American Heart Association, Inc. Romance novel downloads provided by Belle Books. 

    Here's your heart healty tip for today: Whether cooking or making dressings, use the oils that are lowest in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol – such as canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil – but use them sparingly, because they contain 120 calories per tablespoon. (I personally prefer to mix a small amount of butter with olive oil for most cooking, and vegetable oil for baking.) You can also cut back on sugars and oil in baking by adding applesauce to cake recipes!

    As always this month, one commentor will receive a GO RED for Women pin and today I'll give that same winner a $10 gift card to Amazon.com. (Heck you might use it to buy a copy of THE SURRENDER OF LACY MORGAN or some other book to make your heart race!)Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/02/
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Oscars 2011 Red Carpet

    See what the celebrities wore at the Oscars 2011!

    Oscars 2011 Red Carpet
    Sandra Bullock in red hot Vera Wang gown.

    Oscars 2011 Red Carpet
    Celine Dion in a Giorgio Armani Privé gown.

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    Gwyneth Paltrow in a Calvin Klein Collection dress and Brian Atwood’s gold leather “Martina” pumps.

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    Natalie Portman in Rodarte’s Violet Silk Chiffon Draped Gown and Jimmy Choo shoes.

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    Penelope Cruz in a L’Wren Scott dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.

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    Nicole Kidman in a Dior dress.

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    Reese Witherspoon in a black and white Giorgio Armani Privé evening gown.

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    Cate Blanchett in a Givency Couture dress.

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    Hilary Swank in a Gucci Premiere couture gown.

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    Halle Berry in a crystal encrusted Marchesa corset gown with organza and silk tulle ruffles.

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    Scarlett Johansson in a Dolce & Gabbana dress and Christian Louboutin shoes.

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    Anne Hathaway in a strapless Valentino gown.

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    Jennifer Hudson in an Atelier Versace dress.

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    Amy Adams in L’Wren Scott gown.

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    Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Haute Couture.

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    Mandy Moore in a Monique Lhuillier gown and Jimmy Choo shoes.

    Photo Source: Just Jared
    Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/02/
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2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards Best Dressed Celebrity

    Beautiful white dresses, colorful attires and nude gowns seemed to be the most prominent trend flaunted by celebrities at 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
    Unlike, other red carpet events, there were lesser number of black dresses and heavily embellished gowns onto the red carpet. Hollywood’s most glamorous actors of big and small screen went for “wow” factor dressing in breathtaking and elegant designer outfits.
    Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis, Christina Hendricks, Sofia Vergara and many more divas of Hollywood walked the red carpet and showed off some of the biggest trends on the season on (Sunday) January 30, 2011, in Los Angeles.
    Check out celebrity fashion at 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards:
     Pregnant actress Natalie Portman showed off her baby bump in a strapless white gown with embellishment detailing along the neckline by Azzaro.
    She styled her hair in an elegant updo hairstyle and accessorized her look with diamond bangles, small drop earrings. Natalie Portman toted up a black clutch and looked super sophisticated.
    Kim Kardashian wowed the audience in a striking purple one shouldered gown with embellishment detailing from Marchesa Resort 2011 collection.
    She accessorized her look with luxury Lorraine Schwartz jewels. This time, this hot babe went for dewy makeup and unveiled a beautiful natural look.
     American actress, Eva Longoria chose a Winter white gown for 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Talented actress walked the red carpet in a skin-baring gown from Georges Hobeika Spring 2011 Couture collection.
     Mila Kunis was one of the best dressed celebrity at 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards. She was clad in a gorgeous red printed strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline from Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 collection. She opted for smokey eyes and styled her hair in wavy manner.
     Winona Ryder, sexy Hollywood actress looked like a doll in an Alberta Ferretti gown. She sport curly updo, smoky eyes and black purse which looked breathtaking with her white strapless gown.

    Dressing in an exquisite floor-length Louis Vuitton floral printed strapless gown, Claire Danes was looking nothing less than amazing.
    She pulled off her gown brilliantly which she paired with Roger Vivier shoes. Claire added some color to her look with hot pink lip color.
     Lea Michele looked stunning in a glitzy embellished gown with a deep v-neck from Oscar de la Renta. She finished off her look with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and a chic clutch by Daniel Swarovski.

     Heather Morris hit the red carpet in a blush colored strapless gown with a rosette bodice by Romona Keveza. Heather wore natural makeup, nude lip color and kept her super straight hair loose.
     Christina Hendricks showed off little leg in a long sleeved glitzy black L’Wren Scott dress. She rocked a glittering clutch, smoky eye and light pink lip shade.
     Sofia Vergara was one of the Hollywood actresses who opted for a colorful gown for the red carpet event. She showed off her best assets in a bright blue, curve-hugging Roberto Cavalli gown. Sexy Sofia spiced up her red carpet look with a diamond cuff by Chopard.
     Beautiful Jayma Mays was looking super adorable in a peach colored floor-length gown from Jenny Packham Spring 2011 collection. She finished off her look with strappy metallic sandals by Jimmy Choo.
     Sarah Hyland looked hot and sexy in a orange Max Mara gown paired with heels by Stuart Weitzman. With wonderful curly hairstyle and Me & Ro jewels, she was looking fabulous.
     Hilary Swank donned a peach Versace one-shoulder gown with with embellishment detailing along the strap and the side. She went for loose, sexy curls and nude lip shade.


    Source: fashionfame
    Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/02/
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Top 5 Red Carpet Hairstyles from SAG 2011

    From sleek straights to curly, retro style to modern look, Hollywood ladies pulled off many hairstyles for 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards. The divas were seen flaunting their gorgeous designer dresses and trendy hairstyles onto red carpet. Hollywood award functions always inspire the hottest hair looks and 2011 SAG was no exception.
    These stars know that when it comes to red carpet event, gowns aren’t the only glowing thing in the limelight. Along with beautiful red carpet gown, complementing hairstyle is also necessary. Beautiful ladies rocked the 2011 Screen Actors Guild awards with hairstyles that will definitely set the trends for year 2011.
     Christina Hendricks hairstyle was as perfect as her chic dress at the award night. The actress opted for defined curls that rested gorgeously on her shoulders. Christina Hendricks red glossy curly hairstyle was looking perfect with her glitzy black L’Wren Scott dress.
     Kim Kardashian went for a soft, natural look for 2011 SAG awards. This time, Kim ditched her trademark hair extensions and completed her look with a loose updo hairstyle. She wore her dark hair in a slightly deconstructed updo and looked gorgeous.
     January Jones rocked a retro sculpted updo at 2011 Screen Actors Guild awards night. January Jones hairstyle was equally glamorous just like her red carpet dress. She sported very unique and different side-sweeping, quiff-fronted updo. This look was dramatic, sharp and amped up January’s natural beauty.
     Julia Stiles was also one of the celebrities who rocked the best red carpet hairstyle at the event. Julia wore her beautiful hair in wavy manner and looked super sophisticated. Julia Stiles wavy hairstyle looked amazing with dark smoky eye and vintage-looking earrings. The long waves were a perfect complement to her red carpet outfit.
     Dianna Agron merged the vintage and modern look together by donning a chic low bun. She styled her hair in a loose, side-swept chignon. Dianna Agron one-sided knot bun with fringe was eye-popping and head turning.Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/02/
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