Long-Distance Lovers Will Release On March 9th!

I’m very excited to announce that Karen Booth and I have a release date for our co-authored erotic romance novel, Long-Distance Lovers. It will be available starting March 9th! Can’t wait for you to meet Tim and Jenna. At long last, the British are coming! :)

British musician Tim Wentworth trades his London flat for an apartment in NYC so he can record with a promising American band, but when he arrives in Manhattan he learns the gig has been canceled. With no job and a two month stay in the States he wonders if the trip has been a waste of time, until he meets the charming and talented jewelry designer, Jenna Bradford.

Unlike the groupies who throw themselves at Tim after shows, Jenna couldn’t be less impressed by his music credentials. Bad experiences have caused her to have a strict “no musicians” policy. When Tim rescues Jenna from an obnoxious drunk she bends her rules and they embark on a sensuous courtship filled with steamy, passionate nights and intense, unexpected emotions. As they try to find a way to prolong their time together, a family tragedy forces Tim to return to England. Jenna and Tim must each decide how far they’re willing to go to see if their whirlwind romance can lead to a lifetime of love.

 

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Gingerbread Cookies

 

I spent years looking for a good gingerbread recipe that used butter instead of shortening, but I never found one I loved, so I made up this one. Whether you like your gingerbread cookies soft and chewy or nice and crispy, this is the perfect recipe. The dough is easy to work with, the cookies are flavorful but not overpowering, and they last for weeks in an airtight container. In a word: yummy.

 

 

Gingerbread Cookies

 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

confectioner’s sugar and milk (for glaze)

 

Place butter in large bowl and beat with electric mixer for one minute or until soft and creamy. Add sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until well combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in molasses, egg and vinegar. Beat in flour.

Divide dough in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 in thickness. Cut with cookie cutter and place one inch apart on cookie sheet (works equally well with large cookie cutters or the little mini-cutters).

Bake for 5-6 minutes until cookies become a lighter brown. Cool on sheet for a minute or two before transferring cookies to a rack to cool completely.

Decorate as desired. (I mix 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of milk, until the mixture is a good drizzling consistency, then I drizzle the cookies with the glaze. They can be iced entirely or decorated with the glaze or frosting of your choice.)

Layer between slices of waxed paper and store in airtight container.

Note: if you prefer a chewy cookie, take them out of the oven while your finger still leaves an indentation in the dough, if you like a crunchy cookie, bake a few minutes longer.

Enjoy!

 

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

 

After years of trying different Chocolate Crinkle recipes I finally settled on this as the best one. They stay soft and chewy for at least a week if packed in an air tight container, which makes them perfect to make ahead for an event or to ship to out-of-town friends who may be in need of a chocolate care package.

Soft. Fudgy. Delicious.

Try them. You’ll like them.

 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 ounces unsweetend chocolate, melted

1/2 cup oil (I use expeller pressed canola, any vegetable oil will do but do NOT use olive oil)

2 teaspoons baking power

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

confectioner’s sugar

 

Melt chocolate in large microwave safe bowl. Add sugar, oil, baking powder, vanilla and eggs. Beat with hand mixer on medium-high speed, scraping sides of bowl, until well combined. Mix in as much flour as possible using mixer. Stir in last bit of flour by hand. The dough will be quite firm. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1-2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Scoop dough into 1 inch balls (I use a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon). Roll each ball in confectioner’s sugar and place on cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Press down on each ball just enough that it won’t roll off the sheet when you’re putting it in the oven (trust me on this—powdered sugar burning onto the bottom of your oven is not something you want to deal with).

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges of each cookie are set and the tops are all crackled. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in air-tight container. You can redust them with fresh confectioner’s sugar if needed.

Enjoy!

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New Cover Art!

I’m very excited to share the cover art I just received for my upcoming Ellora’s Cave release MARRY ME! Enjoy! (Blurb coming soon!)

 



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Updates, news and a tease

Once again I’ve taken an extra long hiatus from the blog—too much going on, but thankfully it’s all been good!

My lovely critique partner Karen Booth and I have our fabulous cover to share with you and we’ll be getting to work on edits very soon. Our novel, Long-Distance Lovers will be available by the end of this year or beginning of next!

 

Karen and I have been putting together our new website TheKarens and it will be up and running soon. In the meantime you can follow us on Twitter @realTheKarens 

I’ve been hard at work formatting Meant To Be and Holding On for my editor at Turquoise Morning Press. I’ll be beginning edits on them in December. Can’t wait! (And hope to have covers to share by early next year.)

I’m also hoping to have good news to announce in the next few days regarding another project, so stay tuned….

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What I’ve Been Up To…

I know I’ve had a rather sudden and mysterious absence from my blog, but I’m glad to say that it was with very good reason. I’ve been waiting all that time so that I can share some extremely exciting news. In the past three months I have been offered contracts to publish three of my works of fiction!

The first contract I signed was with Ellora’s Cave. I’m delighted to announce that my erotic romance novella ALWAYS YOU will be released on September 2, 2011. You can read the blurb on the website by following this link to the Ellora’s Cave site. (If you’re over 18 feel free to read the excerpt!) In the meantime, here is a peek at my cover!


 

The second contract I signed was with Turquoise Morning Press. They will be publishing my women’s fiction novel MEANT TO BE in 2012.  Those of you who have been following my path to publication know that MEANT TO BE is a project that is incredibly near and dear to my heart and I couldn’t be happier that it’s being published. It will be available in both trade paperback and e-book format and I will let you all know the second I have a release date and a preview of the cover. I can’t wait to introduce Daniel and Marienne to the world!

The third contract I signed was also with Ellora’s Cave and it’s on a short novel I co-wrote with my awesome critique partner Karen Booth. The second we wrap up our paperwork I’ll fill you in on the title and some other juicy details, in the meantime I’ll just tell you that I can’t wait for you to meet the characters we cooked up together!

I’ll be resuming a more regular blog schedule, posting more recipes and maybe even doing some more commentary on some of the Bachelor franchise shows, but for now I’m focusing on getting all of the books ready to be read. Stay tuned for more updates and thanks for following me on this AMAZING JOURNEY (drink!). :)

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Flashback Friday Feature: Kiptyn Locke

When I first had the idea for Flashback Friday Features I wanted to focus on all the charitable work I knew past contestants were doing. I was aware that there were a wide array of charities and that many of them had started their own organizations, but some of them literally dedicate themselves completely. Today’s guest exemplifies that level of commitment in a manner that is nothing short of amazing (drink). Whether you remember him as the lovable California surfer from Jillian Harris’ season of The Bachelorette, or the fair-minded, loyal friend from Bachelor Pad, it’s clear that Kiptyn Locke is one of the good guys.

 

 

 

1.What was your favorite experience while on the Bachelorette or Bachelor Pad?

I feel like one would expect something from Hawaii or Spain here. Honestly, though, one of my favorite memories was snow shoeing at Emerald Lake (Alberta, Canada). On the final group date of our season. The guys and Jillian were all having a blast. I grew up around the ocean with sun and surf, so running around in the snow was a fun new experience. Emerald Lake was stunning as well.

Surfing - Oxnard


2.What was the most difficult aspect of being on the show?

Initially, getting used to cameras being around and adjusting to all the things that go into a TV show being made. Pretty foreign to my prior life experiences. Overall, not being able to communicate with my friends, family and the closest people in my life.

3.How did the experience of filming Bachelor Pad differ from your Bachelorette
experience? Was it easier/harder/more or less fun?

I’d have to say Bachelorette was more fun than Bachelor Pad. With Bachelor Pad you’ve got people who are already friends, put into a competitive situation where everyone is second-guessing everything each person is doing. I’m generally very trusting, and being in that situation was pretty uncomfortable. I’m hoping in future seasons of Bachelor Pad the Bachelor producers will have a better understanding of the show they’re trying to make and put it together better.

 

4.What unexpected thing happened as a result of being on these shows?
Friends? A new way of looking at things?



This is one of those “all of the above” answers. So much has gone on since the show and I’m incredibly appreciative for and in love with the life I have. I’ve met some amazing people from all over the spectrum and each of these people in one way or another affect/shape the way you think and live. Of the greatest impact is definitely the increased support for my philanthropic ventures.

Kiptyn & Tenley with Ali & Roberto

5.What are you working on now?

I’m working with the same three companies that I was involved with before the shows. I’m also working on creating a new online business that has a charitable focus. Recently a couple new show ideas have been presented to Tenley and me, but I’m not sure where any of these conversations are going. For me, I’m just keeping my focus on my business and upcoming projects in the charitable or health and fitness space.

Kiptyn & Tenley on ET Emmy Party Red Carpet

6.What charities have you supported? Have you teamed up with any other
past contestants for charity projects?

Wow, in the last couple years I’ve supported a few dozen or more different causes. The charities I’m most regularly involved with include Cystic Fibrosis Foundation , and Cancer Angels of San Diego ,a non-profit my mother that I’m on the board of.

I’ve been working with the band Switchfoot for seven years now. The beneficiary for the Seventh Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am is Stand Up for Kids. We’ve worked with Stand Up for Kids for four years.

Presenting at the Classy Awards - honoring non-profits and volunteers

A number of different Bachelor contestants have joined in supporting events. It’s pretty amazing because so many of them have their own causes they already support. I think we all try to help each other with our respective charitable ventures.

After School All Stars Dodgeball Group

Also, the Bachelor Franchise started “Bachelor Gives Back” in late 2009 so at least a coupe times a year they pull past contestants together to support causes. I’ve done a few events with them as well.


Speed Round:

1. Take out or dine out? Dine out.  (I love cooking too.)

2. Plain or peanut? Peanut.

3. Coke or Pepsi? Neither, generally. If either, Coke.

4. Beach or lake? Beach!

5. Breast or thigh? Breast.

6. Pajamas or nothing? Nothing. (Pending temperature or company.)

7. Out to the movies or home with the DVR? DVR lately.

8. Popcorn or Twizzlers? Popcorn.

9. Fancy restaurant or local diner? Favorite local diner.

10. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate. (With the peanut from question 2. Mmmm.)

11. Power to fly or power to be invisible? Invisible.

12. Boxers or briefs? Boxer briefs.

Give Back Hollywood Red Carpet

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Flashback Friday Feature: Chris Lambton

While most past contestants from The Bachelor/Bachelorette will agree that the best aspects of being on the show are the AMAZING (drink) travel opportunities and the number of lasting friendships they make, many also believe in using their time in the spotlight to bring attention to causes they hold dear. All of the above is true for today’s featured guest. Fans will remember him as the lovable, big-hearted Cape Cod boy from Ali Fedotowsky’s season of the Bachelorette. Time to catch up with Chris Lambton….

 

1. What was your favorite experience while on The Bachelorette?

Favorite experience was definitely the travel. I mean when can you travel around the world for “free” and stay in beautiful hotels and do crazy adventures!

2. What was the most difficult aspect of being on the show?

The most difficult experience about being on the show was being away from my family and friends. I talk to my family every day and have a really close group of friends, so to not be able to talk to them AT ALL was the hardest part.

3. What unexpected thing happened as a result of being on the show? Friends? A new way of looking at things?

The most unexpected part of the show was the great group of friends I made.  You would think that all those guys together competing for a girl would cause drama and hatred, but it caused just the opposite on our season.  I came out of it with some really great friends who I talk to all the time and get together with as much as possible. And Roberto, who I “lost to” is one of my close friends too.

4. What are you working on now?

I am now back on Cape Cod working with my brother and dad, landscaping for our company. My brother and I own our company, E. Lambton Landscaping, and are just working and living!


5. What charities have you supported? Have you teamed up with any other past contestants?

I have supported Compassionate Care ALS (organization that helped my mom when she was sick, that I help all I can), the NOAH Shelter which helps homeless on Cape Cod, any military/soldier charity benefit I can do, and anything to do with hospitals and nurses as my mom was a nurse!

I have teamed up quite a bit with people for charity. I have run a race for Compassionate Care ALS with Tyler Vermett (from my season), I’m also doing a fundraiser dinner for Compassionate Care ALS with Kasey Kahl (also my season) and Peyton Wright.

I’m running the Tough Mudder with Kasey Kahl and Tyler Vermett and some Real World, Biggest Loser and Big Brother people for the Wounded Warrior project for soldiers.

Reality people have a soapbox so we should use it for good and for giving back!

(Editor’s note: The Tough Mudder is this weekend, 5/7/11, so please join me in wishing Chris and the others good luck!)

Speed Round:

1. Take out or dine out? Cook it myself…. I’m a great cook!

2. Plain or peanut? Plain

3. Coke or Pepsi? Don’t like soda….not good for you

4. Beach or lake? BEACH. I’m a Cape Cod boy, that’s the only answer!!

5. Breast or thigh? Breast

6. Pajamas or nothing? Boxers

7. Out to the movies or home with the DVR? DVR

8. Popcorn or Twizzlers? Reese’s Pieces

9. Fancy restaurant or local diner? Local diner or dive bar, all the way

10. Chocolate or vanilla? Black Raspberry

11. Power to fly or power to be invisible? Fly, all the way

12. Boxers or briefs? Boxer briefs

 

with Shawn Thornton of the Bruins

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Flashback Friday Feature: Kirk DeWindt

One of the main things that has always impressed me about the contestants on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette is how much time they devote to supporting charities. This week’s Flashback Friday guest is a stellar example. Viewers will remember him as the kind-hearted, charming  Midwestern guy who won a hometown date on Ali’s season. When he’s not helping people  improve their lives with his personal training business, he’s busy volunteering at numerous local charitable organizations. Keep reading to catch up with Kirk DeWindt.

 

 

 

 

1. What was your favorite experience while on The Bachelorette?

The best part about being on The Bachelorette was the friendships I made with the other cast members. Although it is a “dating” show, the guys spend way more time together than they do with “the bachelorette” herself. Naturally, we got to know one another much better than we got to know Ali during our time there. The travel and wild experiences were great, but the friendships are what have lasted since the show ended.

2. What was the most difficult aspect of being on the show?

The hardest part of being on The Bachelorette was being let go after the hometown date. It wasn’t difficult because my relationship with Ali ended, it was more difficult because when it happened it was the first time I reflected back and said “Wow, the entire nation is going to see me get dumped on national TV!” Not an easy pill to swallow. My biggest concern was that my family didn’t think it was any part their fault for me leaving the show when I did—of course they knew it wasn’t their fault and they grinned and were happy to be a part of the experience.

3. What unexpected thing happened as a result of being on the show? Friends? A new way of looking at things?

Two things: 1) I realized there is an ENTIRE world out there I have yet to explore. The travel was unbelievable and opened my eyes to the fact there is so much more out there than the Midwest and the United States. 2) By going through the process of the show it helped me realize I am indeed ready to find the person to spend the rest of my life with.

4. What are you working on now?

Since the show aired I moved from Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN. I left my corporate sales job and started my own personal training business. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the US for different social and charity events, as well as do a good bit of television and radio in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mostly my life has consisted of “normalcy”—work, fitness, family, friends, and being social, of course.

5. What charities have you supported?

Most of the charity work I’ve been involved with has been in the Minnesota and Wisconsin area. Up to this point I’ve donated time and services to:

1) Children’s Cancer Research Fund   (www.dateforlifemn.org)

2) Minnesota Special Olympics (http://specialolympicsminnesota.org)

3) Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (http://no2benefit.org)

4) Minneapolis School District (www.mpls.k12.mn.us)

5) Minnesota Zoo Foundation (www.mnzoo.org)

6) Village of Prior Lake (http://priorlakerotary.org)

I’ve also been meaning to team up with past Bachelorette contestant Kasey Kahl and his “Guard and Protect Hearts” (www.guardandprotecthearts.com) campaign.

Celebrity date auction for Children's Cancer Research Fund

"Polar Plunge" for Special Olympics Minnesota

Speed Round:

1. Take out or dine out? Dine Out

2. Plain or peanut? Peanut

3. Coke or Pepsi? Coke

4. Beach or lake? Lake

5. Breast or thigh? Breast

6. Pajamas or nothing? Nothing

7. Out to the movies or home with the DVR? DVR

8. Popcorn or Twizzlers? Popcorn

9. Fancy restaurant or local diner? Local diner

10. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

11. Power to fly or power to be invisible? Invisibility

12. Boxers or briefs? Sport trunks

 

 

 

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Flashback Friday Feature: Peyton Wright

This week’s installment of Flashback Friday features an amazing alumnus from not one, but two Bachelor-related franchises. Longtime viewers of The Bachelor will remember her from Andy Baldwin’s season, newer fans will recall her more recent appearance on Bachelor Pad. Regardless of where you may have seen her first, odds are you think of her as the sweet, down-to-earth Texas gal. While she may not have made an ideal connection on either season, the show is responsible for bringing her together with her current love.  Without further ado, let’s catch up with the lovely Peyton Wright.

 

 

 

 

1.What was your favorite experience while on the Bachelor or Bachelor Pad?
The drag racing date on Bachelor Pad was my favorite experience. It was
something I have never done before and I love new adventures. I am a dare
devil!
2.What was the most difficult aspect of being on the show?
It was a challenge to be cut off from the outside world. I talk to my family
almost every day so that was tough for me.
3.How did the experience of filming Bachelor Pad differ from your Bachelor
experience? Was it easier/harder/more or less fun?
Bachelor Pad was completely different from Bachelor. It was easier to relax
and have a good time because we had been there before. It was hard because
we didn’t know what to expect. Having guys and girls in the same house was
much more fun. We didn’t have as much catty female drama because the guys
really kept it mellow.  Competing for money was much more realistic than
competing for a man and we all really had a good time. I loved Bachelor
Pad!! We had the greatest group to test the waters for the first season.
4.What unexpected thing happened as a result of being on these shows?
Friends? A new way of looking at things?
My season of Bachelor was 4 years ago so I wasn’t a name people really
remembered. I was not a part of the reunions or trips so I thought I would
be completely outcast from the existing groups of friends. I was so wrong! I
made the most wonderful friends and really have such respect for all of my
cast mates. When you watch the show, you only get to see a glimpse into our
lives. I was so surprised and loved getting to know more than what I saw
about these people on television. It taught me not to be so quick to judge
and there is more to a person than a first impression. I also ended up
meeting my boyfriend and love of my life in a round about way because of the
show. Jesse Beck introduced me to Chris Lambton and I have never been so
happy!
5.What are you working on now?
After the show, I immediately went back to work as a Sales Rep for Varsity.
I sell cheer and dance apparel in east Texas.
6.What charities have you supported? Have you teamed up with any other
past contestants for charity projects?
My sorority, Tri Delta, entered into a partnership with St. Jude Children’s
Research Center  ( http://www.stjude.org/waystohelp )to coincide with our philanthropy when I was at University
of Tennessee. We did a letter writing campaign and a golf tournament to
support the hospital. Each year we raised around $50,000!! When I graduated
I went on to work for Tri Delta’s Executive Office as a traveling consultant
and then Marketing Coordinator. As a member of the marketing team, I was
responsible for our partnership with St. Jude and encouraging all chapters
to create their own events that would raise as much money as possible. I was
able to visit the hospital several times and had the honor of meeting many
children and families who were patients. Each had such a wonderful story and
they were all so grateful for St. Jude. As a patient of the hospital, you
are not required to pay anything that your insurance doesn’t cover. The main
focus is the child and finding a way to cure their disease. Hope is the
theme and you can see it in every child as you walk the halls. It is not a
sad place. Everyone is very happy and the staff is so uplifting!

 

Speed round

1. Take out or dine out? Dine in
2. Plain or peanut? Peanut
3. Coke or Pepsi? Coke
4. Beach or lake? Beach
5. Cake or frosting? Cake
6. Heels or flats? Flats
7. Out to the movies or home with the DVR? DVR
8. Popcorn or Twizzlers? Twizzlers
9. Fancy restaurant or favorite local diner? Local diner
10. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla
11. Power to fly or power to be invisible? Invisible
12. Armani suit or t-shirt and jeans? T-shirt and jeans

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