1. Chanukah or Hanukkah? I'm a fan of Hanukkah, but I have been known to Hannukah.
2. Latkes : applesauce or sour cream? Sour cream.
3. How many menorahs in your house? Just the one, but Big Boy is pushing for his own.
4. How much have you lost at dreidel? An entire bag of peanut m&m's
5. Do you wrap Hanukkah gifts? Of course!
6. How do you decorate for Hanukkah? Window stickers, placemats, towels...if it is gawdy, odds are I have it.
7. What is your favorite Hanukkah treat? sufuganyot (jelly doughnuts)
8. Ever wished you had Christmas instead? Not since learning Santa wasn't bringing the gifts.
9. Favorite Hannukah memory :: BigBoy's first Hanukkah he had a visit from most his unlces on different night sof Hannukah. It was grand.
10. Do you like when Hanukkah falls early or late in December? late, especially if it overlaps with Christmas.
11. Favorite Hanukkah gift? Honestly, I buy them myself now and say look what you got me, honey?
12. Your menorah : oil, candle, or electric? Candles.
13. Favorite Hanukkah song? Hanukkah oh Hanukkah
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Trying to make memories for the boys so they'll be more interesting when they fill out these things.
15. Gelt : cash or chocolate? Sadly, chocolate.
16. What is your favorite Hannukah tradition? Reading the story of Hanukkah to the kids so they can realte the ritual to the history.
17. Hanukkah or Christmukkah? Please. Hanukkah. There is no such thing as a Hanukkah bush.
18. SNL fave: Hanukkah Harry or Adam Sandler's Hanukkah song? The Hanukkah song, original version.
19. Do you cheat at dreidel? Not with kids.
20. Latkes: potato or vegetable? Potato. Anything else is uncivilized.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Married in a Rush by Julie Cohen
When flirtatious Joanna Graham spies sexy Bruno Deluca in an art museum, the spontaneous drama teacher thinks he is more beautiful than the art around them. When the handsome stranger takes her hand and leads her into a broom closet, she thinks he is the perfect answer to her summer of boredom. Until he turns her world upside down.Jo is all for being impulsive, but when the pregnancy test comes back positive, she realizes a baby is something she should plan for with her partner in crime. Bruno hasn’t called since their marathon night together, but she thinks telling him is the right thing to do, until he proposes marriage!
Bruno keeps Jo racing and twirling until she doesn’t know how she feels, let alone what they should do about it. Smart, sexy, and brilliantly romantic, this is a story sure to lift anyone’s spirits. With every turn of the page, you are drawn to these passionate characters until you want to cheer along with the crowd at the happy ending. All I have to say is…you mean I have to wait until February for her next book?!? Drat.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Temptation Tuesday
I'm going to get a reputation soon! I've been getting around lately. Today, I am definitely being spreading myself around!Monday, December 04, 2006
Weeds, Seeds & Avocado Salad...aka Cameron's demise
Lauren knew how to tease a man insane. Everything about her tonight seemed to be trying to seduce him, even the promise of getting whatever he wanted in return for tasting her food. Since the flow of air through the dining room felt like her caress on his skin, no doubt the salad, a strange concoction of weeds, seeds, avocado and oranges, was charged with the same sexual energy.
She couldn’t expect him to eat and talk at the same time. He pushed the salad around with his fork, hoping to make it look like he’d eaten as he tried to keep the conversation at the table flowing. But he felt the weight of her narrowed gaze, though he avoided it since he saw the challenge she set in front of him. Avoided her and the golden wrap dress she’d donned. It tied with a sash, making him wonder if he untied it, would the whole thing would fall away?
To keep sane, he focused on work. Far easier to understand the motivations of the attorney, professor, former CEO, and the two men trying to convince them all no better investment existed than using recycled restaurant grease to fuel automobiles.
“We’re turning an environmental burden into a conservation benefit.” Even in a suit, Henry Moss looked like a college senior who’d rolled out of bed and jumped into the only thing clean left.
“But this is currently a niche market. I can’t power my car with cooking oil.” He speared what looked like an orange and hoped for the Moss would delve into the sales pitch long enough for him to take a few bites. Avocado first. It would melt in his mouth.
“With the slightest adjustments, it can. Making those adjustments available to everyone is what we provide.” Moss’ partner, John Pratt barely looked more presentable with his shaggy hair and fuzzy goatee.
“But what kind of traction can you show?” Dean Walters laid his fork across a clean plate and leaned back in his chair. The man had acted as smug as befit a former CEO of the largest vehicle manufacturer in the country.
“For our size, we have generated significant revenue.” Moss said, leaning forward. “Our profits will be exponential. The more people who take on the responsibility of alternative fuels, the higher the demand, and the easier they are to access.”
“It’s admirable gentlemen.” Professor Volk laid his napkin next to his empty plate. “We all wish consumers would be environmentally accountable for their choices. But Americans go for cheap and easy. The gas station on the corner is simply more convenient than the one alternative fueling station in the metro area. There are many fuel alternatives – ethanol, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, fuel cell, electricity, methanol, and the list goes on. You have a double challenge, getting people to choose biodiesel, and choose your method.”
To keep from answering the question himself, Cameron shoved and orange section into his mouth. Except it had to be the most acidic, bitter orange he’d ever tasted. Swallowing it down he realized it wasn’t an orange, but a grapefruit. Leave it to Lauren to find the one fruit he detested to make him look like a finicky eater.
Pratt cleared his throat. “What we are offering is ease and economy, a way to convert a consumer’s existing car into a more efficient model. It’s an investment that pays them back in just over a year for the average person, sometimes as quickly as six months for commuters and sales people who rack up the mileage.”
Lauren stood, collecting the plates. Everyone else was as enthralled by the debate as he should be, if he weren’t so distracted by Lauren. He had two options to get his focus back at dinners. Either end the arrangement now, or sleep with her to take the edge off. Really, he had no choice at all.
AVOCADO CITRUS SALAD
1 avocado sliced
1 grapefruit, supremed Reserve the juice (or use the pre-sectioned grapefruit in the deli case)
1 orange, supremed. Reserve the juice (or use a can of mandarins, discard the water)
2 T pine nuts, toasted
1 bag pre-washed Mesclun mix
Toss the sliced avocado in the citrus juices. In a large bowl toss together all ingredients. That's it! There's no dressing to this salad. The ingredients meld so well there is no need!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
I'm in Australia!
Well, my book is. Just One Spark is on sale now! Someday I will make it there. This time of year, too. I want a piece of their summertime!AND...Cooking Up A Storm is sold out on Mills & Boon. Maybe all this promo is paying off!
The Coffee Time Review of Cooking Up A Storm is up. "..an intense and steamy romance that will have you on the edge of your seat." 4 cups again! I'm on a roll with them!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Cooking Up A Storm excerpt
Cameron Price preferred to sit on the sidelines at parties and watch everyone else show their colors. But tonight, he was the one on show, the one under everyone’s microscope. He’d barely unpacked his suitcases, could hardly make it into the office without getting lost, and he already had to put on a show for the team of people who probably all thought they should have been given his job.
He stood on the landing and leaned over the railing, taking in the view of the downstairs. Come For Dinner catering earned every penny, no matter what they charged him. The house looked better than he’d ever seen it. Sonja Anders had decorated everything in white. Sterile, stark, cold. Now the rooms were washed in warm light, red scarves covering the lampshades and adding to the ambiance.
It was intimate, without being romantic. Classic, without being feminine. Everything he needed it to be. A weight lifted from him as he descended the stairs. He liked that it looked different, not wanting to seem like junior filling in for the old man.
The change in lighting, red pillows and throws on the couches, lush green plants in shiny silver pots, and little vases overflowing with red roses lining the dining room table and scattered on every other open surface made a statement. Saying to all who entered he was here to make his mark on the company. He’d never let on it really meant he’d gotten lucky when he hired a caterer.
At the base of the staircase he checked his watch. Ten minutes until the party started, guests would be arriving any minute. He wiped his damp palms against the gray wool of his slacks and closed his eyes, enjoying the solitude while he could.
A warm force plowed into his chest, opening his eyes with a start. He gripped the whirlwind by her slim shoulders and looked into her large round eyes framed by long blonde eyelashes. He couldn’t help but grin at the startled look in that gold flecked green gaze. Without letting her go, he pulled back taking in the smattering of freckles crossing her button nose, the long strawberry blonde hair pulled tight into a braid, and the milky skin of her shoulders, bare but for the thin spaghetti straps of her gauzy black dress. He blinked hard, bringing himself out of shock and dropped his hands, running one through his hair.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone had arrived yet.” Cameron looked about the room for her date, but saw no one. She looked vaguely familiar, but both of the female executives invited were old enough to be this woman’s mother. “Who did you come with?”
An impish grin played on her pouty pink lips. She held out her hand. “I’m Lauren Brody, with Come For Dinner catering.”
“Oh. I apologize for assuming.” Stupid ass. Caterers could be pretty and well dressed. “I just never expected…wait, have we met?”
Her head jerked back and she gasped, her hand pressing against her stomach. Then just as quickly as she reacted, she calmed. “No we haven’t been introduced. But I’ve catered parties for the Anders’.” Her voice was breathy, almost to the point of a whisper.
“Have you decorated this way before?” His stomach sank. He’d look like a Bob Anders clone, the king of suck-ups.
“No.” She shook her head. “Mrs. Anders had her own sense of style. But I assumed since you had so little time to organize the dinner, you wouldn’t have time to decorate as well. It’s a service we provide for many of our single male clients.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “How did you know I was single?” And did she care?
“I asked your assistant. I needed to know if you would have a date for the evening, for the seating arrangements.”
He nodded furiously. Right, seating arrangements. Couldn’t just tell people to plop down wherever at a formal dinner. Thank goodness Lauren had him covered on that end. For two years Sonja Anders had been gently reminding him he should have a wife, but lately her approach grew more direct. As in blatantly telling him he couldn’t handle his new position without a wife. As if he had the time or energy to devote to a relationship.
Sonja Anders was obviously wrong. He didn’t need a wife, just Come For Dinner catering.
“If you’d like,” Lauren began, “I could give you a run through of how the night will go.” She crossed the room, turning on the stereo and picking up butane lighter from an end table. Cameron had to smile as the sounds of Pink Martini filled the large room.
“Isn’t that a little loud?”
“You want it just a smidge to loud at the beginning. Nothing is worse than stepping into a silent house. Gets the social swirl moving. Do you like it? I have six CDs in the rotation if it’s not your style.”
“No, I’m a fan. The founder went to Harvard, so they’re pretty big back there.”
“You went to Harvard?” Cameron nodded. “Impressive. And a relief. I started with Sympathique, but Hang On Little Tomato is disc five.”
Cameron liked her before, but with eclectic tastes in music mirroring his own, she was dancing in dangerous territory. If he had time, or cared to risk his reputation with trying a relationship, she’d be an option. But showing his vulnerability to the world was not.
“I’ll turn it down as we start serving cocktails. Raspberry Martinis, and of course, Chivas for Mr. Anders. We’ll be serving potato crisps with a caviar dip.” She slid about the room lighting candles. Did she know he needed to romance the team into trusting him?
“For dinner I’ll lower the volume more. Anita Baker should get us through the salad, and beef filet. I’ll crank it when it comes round to Pink Martini again and serve a flourless chocolate cake with raspberries for dessert.”
He watched as she walked around the room like she owned the place, far more comfortable there than he was. But then, she knew how to throw a party. He was in uncharted territory.
“Thank you for putting all of this together tonight. It’s exactly what I needed.”
A gleaming smile lit her face, lifting her rosy cheeks. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope –”
The shrill peal of the phone interrupted her. Cameron held up a finger so she would hold that thought and stepped to the side table lifting the receiver. Before he got out so much as a hello, the doorbell chimed.
He stood on the landing and leaned over the railing, taking in the view of the downstairs. Come For Dinner catering earned every penny, no matter what they charged him. The house looked better than he’d ever seen it. Sonja Anders had decorated everything in white. Sterile, stark, cold. Now the rooms were washed in warm light, red scarves covering the lampshades and adding to the ambiance.
It was intimate, without being romantic. Classic, without being feminine. Everything he needed it to be. A weight lifted from him as he descended the stairs. He liked that it looked different, not wanting to seem like junior filling in for the old man.
The change in lighting, red pillows and throws on the couches, lush green plants in shiny silver pots, and little vases overflowing with red roses lining the dining room table and scattered on every other open surface made a statement. Saying to all who entered he was here to make his mark on the company. He’d never let on it really meant he’d gotten lucky when he hired a caterer.
At the base of the staircase he checked his watch. Ten minutes until the party started, guests would be arriving any minute. He wiped his damp palms against the gray wool of his slacks and closed his eyes, enjoying the solitude while he could.
A warm force plowed into his chest, opening his eyes with a start. He gripped the whirlwind by her slim shoulders and looked into her large round eyes framed by long blonde eyelashes. He couldn’t help but grin at the startled look in that gold flecked green gaze. Without letting her go, he pulled back taking in the smattering of freckles crossing her button nose, the long strawberry blonde hair pulled tight into a braid, and the milky skin of her shoulders, bare but for the thin spaghetti straps of her gauzy black dress. He blinked hard, bringing himself out of shock and dropped his hands, running one through his hair.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone had arrived yet.” Cameron looked about the room for her date, but saw no one. She looked vaguely familiar, but both of the female executives invited were old enough to be this woman’s mother. “Who did you come with?”
An impish grin played on her pouty pink lips. She held out her hand. “I’m Lauren Brody, with Come For Dinner catering.”
“Oh. I apologize for assuming.” Stupid ass. Caterers could be pretty and well dressed. “I just never expected…wait, have we met?”
Her head jerked back and she gasped, her hand pressing against her stomach. Then just as quickly as she reacted, she calmed. “No we haven’t been introduced. But I’ve catered parties for the Anders’.” Her voice was breathy, almost to the point of a whisper.
“Have you decorated this way before?” His stomach sank. He’d look like a Bob Anders clone, the king of suck-ups.
“No.” She shook her head. “Mrs. Anders had her own sense of style. But I assumed since you had so little time to organize the dinner, you wouldn’t have time to decorate as well. It’s a service we provide for many of our single male clients.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “How did you know I was single?” And did she care?
“I asked your assistant. I needed to know if you would have a date for the evening, for the seating arrangements.”
He nodded furiously. Right, seating arrangements. Couldn’t just tell people to plop down wherever at a formal dinner. Thank goodness Lauren had him covered on that end. For two years Sonja Anders had been gently reminding him he should have a wife, but lately her approach grew more direct. As in blatantly telling him he couldn’t handle his new position without a wife. As if he had the time or energy to devote to a relationship.
Sonja Anders was obviously wrong. He didn’t need a wife, just Come For Dinner catering.
“If you’d like,” Lauren began, “I could give you a run through of how the night will go.” She crossed the room, turning on the stereo and picking up butane lighter from an end table. Cameron had to smile as the sounds of Pink Martini filled the large room.
“Isn’t that a little loud?”
“You want it just a smidge to loud at the beginning. Nothing is worse than stepping into a silent house. Gets the social swirl moving. Do you like it? I have six CDs in the rotation if it’s not your style.”
“No, I’m a fan. The founder went to Harvard, so they’re pretty big back there.”
“You went to Harvard?” Cameron nodded. “Impressive. And a relief. I started with Sympathique, but Hang On Little Tomato is disc five.”
Cameron liked her before, but with eclectic tastes in music mirroring his own, she was dancing in dangerous territory. If he had time, or cared to risk his reputation with trying a relationship, she’d be an option. But showing his vulnerability to the world was not.
“I’ll turn it down as we start serving cocktails. Raspberry Martinis, and of course, Chivas for Mr. Anders. We’ll be serving potato crisps with a caviar dip.” She slid about the room lighting candles. Did she know he needed to romance the team into trusting him?
“For dinner I’ll lower the volume more. Anita Baker should get us through the salad, and beef filet. I’ll crank it when it comes round to Pink Martini again and serve a flourless chocolate cake with raspberries for dessert.”
He watched as she walked around the room like she owned the place, far more comfortable there than he was. But then, she knew how to throw a party. He was in uncharted territory.
“Thank you for putting all of this together tonight. It’s exactly what I needed.”
A gleaming smile lit her face, lifting her rosy cheeks. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope –”
The shrill peal of the phone interrupted her. Cameron held up a finger so she would hold that thought and stepped to the side table lifting the receiver. Before he got out so much as a hello, the doorbell chimed.
Friday, December 01, 2006
AVAILABLE TODAY!!
COOKING UP A STORM, the latest Modern Extra release from Jenna Bayley-Burke is on sale this December!Available from Mills & Boon and AmazonUK.
When it comes to relationships, sexy venture capitalist Cameron Price sticks firmly to casual flings. But when relocation takes him to Seattle, his boss insists that finding a girlfriend will be a smart career move.
Still content with snacks rather than a full banquet, Cameron makes a deal with caterer Lauren Brody. To keep the husband hunters at bay, she will pretend to be his girlfriend, and in return he'll hire her to cook at all his corporate events!
But their first kiss is incredibly tasty! Soon, the chemistry between Cameron and Lauren is electric, and their shared passion is threatening to boil over - which isn't part of Cameron's plan!
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