On the Twelfth day of Christmas

My true love sent to me: 12 Christmas pudding truffles. Yum!

Click on photo to enlarge picture.

Make your own:  1 small Christmas pudding (grapefruit-sized), 1/2 cup brandy, rum or orange flavoured liqueur, 1 x 375g packet dark chocolate melts, 1/2 packet (approx. 200g) white chocolate melts, red and green glazed cherries or soft gummy sweets to decorate.

Crumble the Christmas pudding in a large microwave-proof bowl. Pour over brandy or liqueur and microwave on high for five to six minutes. Mix well. When cool enough to handle, roll into small, walnut-sized balls. Chill balls in freezer for at least half an hour. Melt the dark chocolate, following microwave instructions on packet. Dip the really cold balls in the melted chocolate (using a special chocolate dipping fork makes this easy). Allow to set on a sheet of baking paper or tin foil. Melt the white chocolate as above and dribble over the top and down the sides to simulate custard. Decorate with red and green cherries or cut up gummy sweets. Do not store in the fridge as chocolate tends to sweat-store instead in a cool cupboard. Makes 20.

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On the Tenth day of Christmas

My true love sent to me:

10 French Kisses;

9 socks to mend- yeah, right…

8 Kiwi Kisses;

7 Shirts to iron; 6 romantic cuddles; 5 chances to win $$$;

4 sexy stories; 3 bad boy articles; 2 loads of laundry

And 1 festive cake to share!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 11 endearments – dearest, love, sugar, darling, honey, babe, dear, lovely, sexy, cherie, sweetheart;

10 French Kisses; 9 socks to mend- yeah, right… 8 Kiwi Kisses;

7 Shirts to iron; 6 romantic cuddles; 5 chances to win $$$;

4 sexy stories; 3 bad boy articles; 2 loads of laundry

And 1 festive cake to share!

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The Fifth day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 5 or more chances to win $$$$$

$100, $50, books, gift card, a Kindle Fire!

Please click on logo to enter contests.

 My review of The Gaia Wars by Kenneth G. Bennett.

This Young Adult novel is set at Torch Lake in  Clement Valley, America. Thirteen year old Warren Wilkes, an orphan who lives with his Uncle Dave, performs a mischievous act of sabotage, against his property developer neighbors, in revenge for the Finleys’ plans to spoil the natural environment.

Warren flees along the forest trails with Finley Snr. and Finley Jnr. in hot pursuit. Desperately trying to cover his tracks, Warren stumbles across something which takes him on an epic adventure into the realms of science, space and fantasy.

Caught up in a frightening world of robot-like clones, the young eco-warrior must fight to save both his own life and those of his fellow refugees.

Suspense-driven, in the style of Indiana Jones, this story kept my interest – with two exceptions: Big chunks of factual narrative, especially in the earlier part of the novel, slow the action. And Warren’s point of view doesn’t seem authentic sometimes. For example: I can’t envisage a 13 year old describing a room as well appointed, or him thinking of a 35 year old woman as young.

Overall, The Gaia Wars provides satisfying, pulse-racing entertainment. It finishes on a  knife-edge of uncertainty… with a teaser – the first few pages of the sequel: Battle for Cascadia.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

6 romantic cuddles;

5 or more chances to win $$$$$;

4 sexy stories;

3 Bad Boy articles;

2 loads of laundry and 1 festive cake to share.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 7 shirts to iron;

6 romantic cuddles;

5 or more chances to win;

4 sexy stories;

3 Bad Boy articles;

2 loads of laundry and 1 festive cake to share!

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

8 Kiwi Kisses;

7 shirts to iron;

6 romantic cuddles;

5 or more chances to win;

4 sexy stories; 3 Bad Boy articles;

2 loads of laundry and 1 festive cake to share!

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 9 socks to mend -yeah, right…

8 Kiwi Kisses; 

7 shirts to iron;

6 romantic cuddles;

5 or more chances to win;

4 sexy stories; 3 Bad Boy articles;

2 loads of laundry and 1 festive cake to share!

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On the first day of Christmas…

my true love sent to me: One festive cake to share.

On the second day of Xmas my true love sent to me:

Two loads of laundry,

and one festive cake to share..

On the third day of Xmas my true love sent to me:

Three Bad Boy articles,

Two loads of laundry and one festive cake to share…

Why women love a bad boy

We all know one, a bloke who lives his romantic life by the motto “treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen”.And the most puzzling thing about him is that he does indeed seem to keep them keen. Despite his complete lack of chivalry and a history of messing women around, they still seem to be queuing up for his attentions.In other words, he’s a living embodiment of the old cliche that women love a bad boy. Here’s why science says that might be so, and how even good guys can get a piece of the action.

Do women really want bad boys?

Studies suggest that the answer is, in some cases, yes. One study found that men who display a “dark triad” of traits – narcissism, thrill-seeking and deceitfulness – had more sexual partners than those who didn’t. “There can be something extraordinarily tempting about bad boys,” admits behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings. “It’s partly the forbidden nature of it all – the rebel in women that still deserves to be unleashed from time to time. Bad boys keep us on our toes, can’t be taken for granted and deliver the sort of fun and excitement that might be lacking in the more conventional, reliable guy.”

Bad boys are fun

According to Hemmings, bad boys are “often passionate, unorthodox in their lifestyles and couldn’t give a toss what anyone else thinks”. And this, she thinks, is just what some women are after. Because if they don’t really care what anyone else thinks, bad boys will be spontaneous, rule-breaking and experimental – in and out of the bedroom. They might be moody, unreliable and shallow, too, but at least life will never be dull. The attraction of a bad boy is the chance to be the only one who can bring out his inner – well-hidden – romantic side.
Sourced from www.ninemsn.com.au
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
4 sexy stories;

3 bad boy articles;

2 loads of laundry; and

1 festive cake to share.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 5 or more chances to win $$$$$

$100, $50, books, gift card, a Kindle Fire!

Please click on logo to enter contests.

My review of The Gaia Wars by Kenneth G. Bennett.

This Young Adult novel is set at Torch Lake in Clement Valley, America. Thirteen year old Warren Wilkes, an orphan who lives with his Uncle Dave, performs a mischievous act of sabotage, against his property developer neighbors, in revenge for the Finleys’ plans to spoil the natural environment.

Warren flees along the forest trails with Finley Snr. and Finley Jnr. in hot pursuit. Desperately trying to cover his tracks, Warren stumbles across something which takes him on an epic adventure into the realms of science, space and fantasy.

Caught up in a frightening world of robot-like clones, the young eco-warrior must fight to save both his own life and those of his fellow refugees.

Suspense-driven, in the style of Indiana Jones, this story kept my interest – with two exceptions: Big chunks of factual narrative, especially in the earlier part of the novel, slow the action. And Warren’s point of view doesn’t seem authentic sometimes. For example: I can’t envisage a 13 year old describing a room as well appointed, or him thinking of a 35 year old woman as young.

Overall, The Gaia Wars provides satisfying, pulse-racing  entertainment. It finishes on a  knife-edge of uncertainty… with a teaser – the first few pages of the sequel: Battle for Cascadia.

 

 

 

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Lovely review

For The Water Baby. Read it here: http://theothersideofthepage.wordpress.com/author/fisherbabenz/

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Taming The Bad Boy

is the title of my new romantic intrigue/suspense novel.

 

Using drastic measures to take what he wants backfires on Luke Knight when he meets solo foster mum, Katie Ryan. Both suspicious of one another’s motives, yet equally determined to protect four year old Emily, they must support one another and learn to co-operate to keep the little girl safe. But, when Emily goes missing, their relationship is tested to its limits.
And discovering the truth turns out to be the biggest test of all.

Read an excerpt on the EXCERPTS page and BUY with one click on the cover. $2.99


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Too busy for love?

The pressures of modern living can leave a busy couple with little time left for creative romantic expression. But psychologists maintain that successful, happy relationships rely on a degree of romance which is just as important ten years in as it was on the first date. If you’re too busy to focus on re-igniting love’s flame – try these quick tips and watch it glow:
1. Arrange a simple candlelit dinner

Candlelit dinners are the staple of romance. Seeing your spouse’s face by candlelight can add a depth of mystery that you may not have seen there in a long time. The vision can remind you of what you saw in him or her that made you want to marry in the first place.

2. Date night: make it a regular event

A quiet, unfamiliar place with luscious food and drink will help you to relax and start a conversation you may not have had for a while. Your relationship probably relies on a practical daily exchange of information so try to discuss philosophical ideas such as books, art, your dreams and ambitions. If you can, make this a regular date.

3. Take long, leisurely walks

Walking together while holding hands can do a lot to increase the level of intimacy in your relationship. The two of you do not have to talk. You can simply enjoy each other’s presence and the fact that you are moving in step. Try a walk at sunset or on a Sunday along the beach.

4. Road trip to romance

Getting away from home and leaving your familiar surrounds and responsibilities will do wonders for your sense of self. It awakens a sense of adventure in a couple which, in turn, heightens the level of intimacy. Make it a point to get away from home at least once a year (without children).

5. Give gifts

Everyone likes gifts and there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to give one. Take time to remember who your partner is and what it is they like. Buy a small gift, wrap it and present it as a surprise. Your partner will feel valued and cherished again.

6. Body massage

After a particularly difficult week offer your partner a candle-lit full body massage with scented oils. Taking some quiet time alone to unselfishly give your partner pleasure will cause you both to remember how special your bond is.

7.Take a romantic bath for two

Wait for a particularly chilly evening (after the kids are in bed!) then suggest a warm and frothy bubble bath complete with a bottle of wine. Take time to relax and enjoy the moment, give your love a foot massage or use the time to discuss any points of tension in your relationship.

8. Write poetry

Write your love a poem that describes how you feel about them; be as detailed as possible. If you think you can’t, or feel too shy, make an effort to read as many love poems as you can and choose one that you feel best fits the way you feel about your love. Write it in a card and leave it under his/her pillow.

9. Light the flame

Visit a cosy bar or restaurant with an open fire and visit off peak. You’ll enjoy the stillness and the sound of the fire as it crackles and spits. Add your favourite drinks and finger food and cuddle. Remember how good it feels to be in love.

10. Champagne picnic

Grab a picnic blanket, a bottle of bubbles (or beer if that’s what your love prefers!) and find a gorgeous spot away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Spend an afternoon or evening with nothing to do but relax and talk. Check in on your partner’s needs, hopes and desires and ensure they know yours. Kiss.

Sourced from www.ninemsn.au

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