Discover A New World of Romance

Last year it was Hot glühwein at the Christmas Markets in Germany . This year it will have to be mulled wine in Minnesota … Mulling Spice Mix The recipe makes 14 spice bags. If you are giving as a gift, be sure to include the recipe instructions. Prep Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 14 double-layer cheesecloth 5-inch squares 14 (10-inch) lengths of white string 3 ounces whole cinnamon sticks 6 whole nutmegs (1 ounce) 1/3 cup chopped dried orange peel 1/3 cup chopped dried lemon peel 1/4 cup allspice berries 1/4 cup whole cloves 2 Tablespoons finely chopped, crystallized ginger (1 ounce) Preparation: Place cinnamon sticks and nutmegs into a heavy freezer bag. Smash into small pieces with a mallet or heavy pan. In a bowl place orange peel, lemon peels, allspice, cloves, and ginger. Stir in small pieces from freezer bag. Place equal amounts of the mix on the center of each cheesecloth square. Secure with string. For gifts remember to ...

Remember when happiness was: An Easy Bake Oven, Electric Football Game, Barbie, G.I.Joe, Legos, Twister and my favorite Tiny Tears doll . Rock Em Sock em Robots, (I’ll knock your block off) Hot Wheels, Spirograph, Kerplunk and Pong video game, mood ring and a pet rock. Now at 50 Happiness is: Family, Health and Love, Safe Travel, Big Smiles and Warm Hugs, Tis The Season….

Classic Romance Revival gives Christmas Mischief 4.5 Wings Amber’s on her way to spend the Christmas holidays with her grandmother, accompanied by her faithful mischief-making dog, Charlie. On a snow covered road in a rural part of the country, Amber gets a flat tire and Charlie locks her out of the car. Enter Tony, a charming resident who helps Amber call a tow. Amber is smitten by Tony, but once he drops her off at her grandmother’s house, she wonders if she’ll ever see the handsome Good Samaritan again. The pacing is just right, leaving the reader, and Amber, worried for her as she tries to get help for her flat tire in the snow-covered road bank. Amber and Tony are characters that embody the Christmas spirit of giving and receiving. The story is told in the first person by Amber and Columbus does a great job capturing Amber’s own unique voice. The romance is “sweet” for CRR. Overall, Christmas Mischief is a heartwarming holiday read. http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=151...

The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was..... Beer. I'm blogging at Dayana Knight . blogspot Stop on over and leave a comment for a chance to win a download of Trust Your Heart. www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com

1. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. (hint: consists of a coconut center topped with an almond and coated with milk chocolate?) 2. A man is sitting on the edge of his bed with a rather ill look on his face and he says "I can't believe I ate the WHOLE thing". (hint: "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz") 3. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's Stockings... (hint: he wore number 12 for the Jets and was quoted saying, “When you win, nothing hurts.” 4. You'll wonder where the yellow went... (hint: The product's manufacturers ran a television advertising campaign for 'New Formula', featuring the 'You'll wonder where the yellow went' jingle from 1948 onwards. 5. What builds strong bodies 12 ways? (hint: Red yellow and blue balloons printed on the wrapper.) Answers: 1. Almond Joy's got nuts / Mounds don't 2. Alka Seltzer 3. Joe Namath 4. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent? 5...

Candy Trivia In 1998, a warehouse worker in the UK was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing more than 300 tons of what candy bar? Snickers, Three Musketeers, Mars Bars, Butterfinger Hint 1.76 ounces is 233 calories.... Mars Bar In 1998, Martin Keys, a former shift manager at an Oxfordshire warehouse, was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing eight lorry loads of Mars bars, worth approximately £70,000 each. Keys attempted to use his knowledge of the warehouse computer system to cover up the thefts. The stolen candy was said to have weighed more than 300 tons! And for those who are wondering about the symptoms of anal glaucoma.... It's when you dial up the boss and say..."I'm afraid I won't be able to come into work today." Of course the boss asks, "What's the matter?" "I have a case of anal glaucoma," you say in a weak, nasal voice just a little bit louder than a whisper. "What the hell is anal glaucoma?" ...

I am the guest blogger at The Word Place on Monday, October 19. ... Stop by for a visit and find out why I believe I have written the perfect country and western story. www. judythewordplace.blogspot.com

What candy bar made its debut in 1912 as a premium 5-cent candy bar, and was met with much success… hint the candy contains a creamy maple center covered with real milk chocolate and fresh unsalted Virginia peanuts.

On Sunday, October 11, 2009 seriouslyreviewed.blogspot.com rated Trust Your Heart by Christine Columbus – Lifetime Keeper to be read and reread. Review: WOW!!!! I am not sure if I have ever wanted to slap so many secondary characters in my life! Ms Columbus, you have done such a fabulous job creating the emotions for this story that I wanted to jump into the pages and wring the necks of a couple of the nasty people who were total jerks to Michelle. Both main characters were so wonderful. Emotion ran rampant and more than once I experienced the emotion right along with them. When I read a story that can do that, I am at a loss for words. The beginning, middle and end left me a very satisfied reader. *Snaps* for a job well done and a toast for more to come from this talented author :) Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Blurb: Michelle, a divorced mother of two preschool children living in a Minneapolis suburb, maintains her subscription to her hometown newspaper. So when she bumps into child...

In Minnesota we say, “Hot Dish.” Which is what we call baked casseroles – You Know… It’s like “Pop” for Soda… Or “Winnner” that season that last six months long and every conversation starts with “Shur is cold out…” If you’d the recipe for Tootin Cowboys check out susanstthomas.blogspot.com How to make Tootin Cowboys

25 calories a piece and made from peanut butter and molasses What Halloween Candy am I? Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses….come in orange and black wax wrappers and have been around since 1884.

Candy Trivia…. 20 million pounds of Candy Corn is sold each year – if the kernels were laid end to end, they would circle the Earth 4.5 times. Candy Corn is made from sugar, corn syrup and honey… ...CANDY CORN BARK.... INGREDIENTS 16 sandwich cookies, chopped 1 1/2 cups broken small pretzels 1/3 cup raisins or 1/3 cup chopped nuts 1 1/2 pounds white chocolate, broken into squares 2 cups candy corn orange and brown sprinkles DIRECTIONS Spread the cookies, pretzels and raisins evenly onto a lightly greased small baking sheet. Melt chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave, stirring frequently until melted. Remove from the heat while there are still a few chunks, and stir until smooth. White chocolate burns easily. Drizzle chocolate with a spoon over the goodies in the pan, spreading the top flat to coat evenly. Top with candy corn and sprinkles. Let cool until firm. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Go to Romance Alley on Sunday September 27th...And find out what you need to do - to be eligible to win a download of Trust Your Heart....The Contest will run Sunday September 27th thru Columbus Day, October 12th. http://www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com/Contest.html

" Trust Your Heart" excerpt... Hello... I'm so excited about my new release... Trust Your Heart available at The Wild Rose Press...or... christinecolumbus.net The rehearsed lines vanished as my vision drank in the sight of a drop-dead gorgeous man three feet from me. I sucked in my stomach and stood taller. My professional demeanor wrestled with curiosity as I strained to keep my gaze on his handsome face. Inquisitiveness won. Broad shoulders, flat stomach, strong, muscular legs, polished shoes and large hands— “Excuse me, miss. If you’re quite done, I’m looking for Mr. Humphrey’s office.” A trace of laughter filled his deep, sensual voice. My eyes widened. “David Lindstrom?” His gaze narrowed. “Michelle Mason?” My heart thumped. The handsome man in front of me was David. He looked different from the teenager who had shared a locker beside mine for four years. Back then, he wore nothing but faded denim overalls, white stained t-shirts, work boots and a baseball cap, bu...

come check me out.... http://www.readingminnesota.blogspot.com/

One moment, it's spring...the next autumn. Time ... I remember my son asking, "Your minutes or my minutes?" "What are you talking about. All minutes are the same," I said. He shook his head. "No, they're not. When you tell me you'll be with me in a minute. Those are the long minutes. When you tell me I have five minutes before it's time for bed. Those are short minutes." He of course was right... not all minutes are the same, but I try to enjoy them all.

But...After hearing my prose read at Bloomington Art Center... and having the gentleman next to me lean over with program in hand and say, "Can I have your autograph?" I realize...it's just a shift in prospective. Enjoy. A Little Water "How little is water?" My son asked sitting in a bathtub filled with plastic boats. "It's as small as rain,” I explained. "Pouring from the sky in a thunderstorm." His voice boomed as his feet turned the tepid bath water into crashing waves, sinking half his fleet. Shaking my head like a dog emerging from a lake. "As small as a raindrop in a gentle spring shower, clinging to a shiny green leaf--" “Eaten by a big fat green caterpillar that gulps down all the leaves before crashing down to the ground.” His palm smacked the surface sending a spray of water. Eyebrows popped up like umbrellas, hands flayed like windshield wipers, but still I got wet. “As small as a tear from an orange monarch--” “But...

Bloomington Theatre and Art Center Literary Council presents Waters: a fusion of music, dance, art and spoken word Sept 11, 12 - 7:30 pm Sept 13, 2:00 pm Black Box Theatre Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 W Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN Admission: Adults - $18 Seniors - $16 Students - $14 www.bloomingtonartcenter.com 952-563-8575

Check out this fun new link...It will be coming out every other Monday http://www.thewildrosepress.com/publisher/newsletters/Ros e_Clippings_Aug_10-09.pdf

In Germany, I drank a Radler, although I thought everyone was saying "Rattler" What is a Radler? A beverage that is a half-and-half mix of blond lager (usually Pils or Helles) and lemonade. This drink originated in Bavaria in the early 20th century. I think Leinenkugels - Summer Shandy taste a lot like a Radler/Rattler And if you want to make your own... Ingredients 1 tall glass Fill 1/2 the glass with beer - ADD carbonated lemon-lime beverage (7-up or Sprite) or you can substitute lemonade Drink....

Reported... One Missing Bowling Ball

We had a blast at the Whiz Bang Day Parade...

Guaranteed Sterile Unless Opened – this is what was printed on the outside of a Band-Aid (of course not a brand named Band Aid) just adhesive tape with a rectangular patch of gauze – the color of the tape would match silly putty, so if you ever have a ball of silly putty with a wound in the shape of a rectangle – I have the band aid for you – of course if you open the package I can’t guarantee it will be sterile. So, I figure it’s safe to say that this is post is guarantee amusing unless anyone reads it or damages it in any way, shape of form. Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July…and with the amount of fireworks being shot off – for some it might have been the $th of July.

Kytaira... Congrats Check Back Monday for Blah Blog...(right here...at Discover a New World of Romance) Just what everyone needs - Words of Wisdom to start the Week... Like what in the heck is PPMM?

As of Today Everything I Need To Know - I've Learned - Of Course I'm 50 not 16 So this time it's different. It's easier to be an Aunt than a Mom, Laughter is the best medicine - there are no deductible or co-pays. If you're not a brain surgeon or a pilot - it's only key-strokes, copies and Hello's or Heat Brown Water, donuts and napkins. At the end of the day - Nobody is dead. Finally... Big Hands and Big Feet - only mean Big Gloves and Big Shoes. Leave a comment for your chance to win the following downloads: Coffee and Love To Go, Uncle Mike's Love and Christmas Mischief I will draw a winner from those who leave a comment on my blog. Please check back tomorrow to see if you're the Lucky One... For more chances to win visit the following authors... www.AnnWhitaker.blogspot.com www.bethcaudill.blogspot.com www.blog.skhyemoncrief.com www.catemasters.blogspot.com www.donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com www.eroticcravings.blogspot.com www.happyendingsbl...

Getting together with fellow writers...is always a reason to Celebrate... Other Reasons for Celebrating... I had to go to work this morning... I'm employed, getting a paycheck and living the dream... I still have ten pounds to lose... I'm health and being 10 pounds over my normal weight means I can still fit into my clothes...they are tight, but at least I don't have to go out and buy new things...beside you never know when an ad might appear - Needed Woman to Stress Test Zippers... I've got experience. And it's raining...(I hate watering the flower and vegetable gardens) I also hate doing dishes and laundry... I wonder if I could set the basket of dirty clothes out on the front steps along with the dirty dishes?

When I was young my brother and I would illegally race mini bikes up and down the alleys in Minneapolis. Hoping no one would call the cops… And this morning driving my scooter (big mini bike) to work – I passed a cop, flashed a smile and thought…It’s amazing how things have changed. I still can’t believe that having this much fun is legal.

Sometimes it's best to keep an eye on the situation...a low profile, unassuming pose and wait and see if anything develops. When someone complains instead of jumping in with suggestions, or pointing out to them that they have nothing to complain about, or becoming defensive… take a lesson from Ruth, just sit and listen to all they have to say without interrupting, without telling them how to fix it, just wait until they have finished saying everything they want to say…and then decide if you should bark, wag your tail or just keep an eye on the situation.

As of Today Everything I Need To Know - I've Learned - Of Course I'm 50 not 16 So this time it's different. It's easier to be an Aunt than a Mom, Laughter is the best medicine - there are no deductible or co-pays. If you're not a brain surgeon or a pilot - it's only key-strokes, copies and Hello's or Heat Brown Water, donuts and napkins. At the end of the day - Nobody is dead. Finally... Big Hands and Big Feet - only mean Big Gloves and Big Shoes. Leave a comment for your chance to win the following downloads: Coffee and Love To Go, Uncle Mike's Love and Christmas Mischief I will draw a winner from those who leave a comment on my blog. Please check back tomorrow to see if you're the Lucky One... For more chances to win visit the following authors... www.AnnWhitaker.blogspot.com www.bethcaudill.blogspot.com www.blog.skhyemoncrief.com www.catemasters.blogspot.com www.donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com www.eroticcravings.blogspot.com www.happyendingsbl...

…”Sometimes it’s who wears the thong in this family.”

No place like home… Poor Ruthie spent Memorial Weekend up at the lake; she was chased by a very friendly Golden Retriever and Mikey who didn’t understand that you can’t place dogs into boxes, pound on the lid and say you have a present. Life…sometimes you’re the entertainment.

So, thought for the day… You can’t grasp the pleasure of today if you’re busy holding on to the pain of the past.

If you could have back any hour of your life...which hour would you like to get back... Ruth says, "When you do what you love... You want to live every hour of your life over again, which is pretty much what I do--eat, nap, play a little." ...and Ruth also spends time guarding the ones she loves.

The Perfect Country and Western Story My editor wrote - the final reader contacted me this morning and this is what she had to say: One of the best things a good story has is wonderful characters, I fell in love with all of them, but I must say Patrick was my favorite. I did cry in a part or two which added to the flow of the book. All in all great job, loved the story. I can't wait to announce a release date....

I have a web site… Let's just say that after 12 hours of hard labor... the pain is beginning to fade... and I have given birth to a web site: http://www.christinecolumbus.net/ The page is hard to find… a google search won’t get you there … you have to type in the whole dang address…. Another Christine Columbus Discovered the Internet Before I Did…

Yes, I too have survived another Minnesota Winter and will began nesting on my patio...with my laptop...

The Wild Rose has one of my short, short – stories for free…. http://www. thewildrosepress. com/index. php?main_page=index&cPath=180&sort=7a&filter_id=25&alpha_filter_id=0 Enjoy if the above link doesn't work... Just go to www. TheWildRosePress. com and under Categories Click on FREE READS From the Drop Down ALL AUTHORS Choose me - Christine Columbus

5. A sense of Magic, a slight of hand, 6. A reader – well actually lots of readers 7. The story to be satisfying – for me and the reader 8. Fun Which according to the review from The Romance Studio… I have managed to do… http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/christmasmischiefcolumbus Christmas Mischief Christine Columbus Contemporary romance Available from The Wild Rose Press December 2007 Heading to her Grandma’s, out in the country, for Christmas, Amber gets stuck with a flat tire. Then her dog accidentally locks her out of the car without her coat, her cell phone and no way to call for help. She’s caught acting like a fool trying to get back into her car by a very handsome stranger, who after helping her out and flirting like crazy, doesn’t even ask for her phone number. What else could possibly go wrong? What a cute story. Amber and Tony make a very cute couple. You know that any man who would help a little old lady who was recently widowed would make a great guy to spend yo...

On my Florida Romance Writers Cruise... I found one way to answer the question is to make a list of 20.... Writing I want: 1. Characters who aren't bound by fear 2. A reader to laugh out loud 3. A beginning, middle and an end 4. The premise of the story to be possible http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2009/January/StephanieB-MasterSergeant.htm Like Kelli Zel's Master Sergeant Lola Moore is tired of the same tired type of guy she’s been dating, and hasn’t had a good date in a long time. A chance meeting with a US Army Master Sergeant and a winter storm are about to change all that! When Lola encounters the sexy Sergeant in the grocery store their attraction is instantaneous and they flirt as they pass each other through out the store. But it isn’t until Lola accidently runs into him with her cart that she decides to do anything about it. Fearing he might really be hurt and that if she lets him walk away she’ll never see him again, Lola takes him home. One thing is for certain, i...

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