Is It Really Safe?

One of the positive things that happened throughout the divorce was my weight loss. It wasn't intentional. It started with a bad case of bronchitis that caused me to lose my appetite. From there, I just kept at it. I didn't diet but cut out processed sugars and processed foods. That sounds difficult, but it really wasn't.

What I found was I felt better and no longer had heartburn or water retention. I didn't link the two together and assumed it was from my weight loss. The other day, I had to go out for awhile, so  I went to get a bottled water off the shelf. Unfortunately, I found someone had taken the last one and didn't add it to the grocery list, so I grabbed a CLEAR AMERICAN flavored water that was my ex had purchased from Walmart instead. I was blown away by how sweet the taste was and really didn't want to drink it, but had no choice because of the location I was at.

Well, that bottle of water, put me in misery for days! I had a serious headache (we are talking migraine level)  for 4 days along with lots of water retention, bloat and the heartburn was back. I was miserable. I was dealing with feeling tremendously sad and blamed it on being under the weather. I couldn't believe it was just that bottle of water. However, after reading the label, I no longer have any doubts. The label says Naturally Flavored Sparkling Water Beverage with other natural flavors. However, when you read the ingredients, it lists Aspartame and Phenylalanine. I know the side effects of Aspartame, but what about Phenylalaine? I did a search on WebMD and found THIS INFORMATION about it. Phenylanlaine is considered POSSIBLY SAFE. After reading what it can do, why is it in my drink?!!!! This beverage is marketed as a good alternative to sodas, something with no calories, no sodium and no caffeine. Well... I just discovered what I was doing to myself when I drank this.

It took those 4 days to get that stuff out of my system. I am back to normal and am back to being processed foods free. I feel good again and am much more careful of what I grab in a pinch. I used to be skeptical of the claims that these things really can cause so much damage to your system. Now, skepticism has been tossed out the window.

Do yourself a favor and read the labels and check out what the ingredients of the items you ingest can do to you. You will be stunned at what you find!!!!

Book Review: Unforgettable by Cherie M. Hudson

Australia.... yes, you are going to hear a lot about it. It's what's consuming my time and energy these days. With the preparations to leave and the phone conversations with my mate, I'm growing more and more excited. When I was offered Cherie's book to read, I was quite bogged down with life, but but this was one that I had to read.... It was by an Australian writer and was centered around an Australian and an American. How could I pass that up?!!! 

Unforgettable
Always Series Book #2
Author: Cherie M. Hudson
ISBN-13: 978-1760301798
Publisher: Momentum (October 22, 2015)
Paperback: 284 pages
Also available in Kindle format.
Genre: Fiction, Romance, New Adult

About the Book:

My name is Brendon Osmond. I'm a 25 year old post-graduate student who knows three things with absolute conviction. I know damn near everything there is to know about keeping in peak physical shape. I have a plan to make a lot of money from that knowledge. I'm an optimist who's not easily rattled. But then the girl I fell in love with almost two years ago texts me out of the blue and everything I know is thrown out the window.

Am I rattled?

No.

Not until I fly to the other side of the world and discover the girl I fell for has kept a very big secret from me.

A secret that mocks all my knowledge of the human body and how to keep it healthy.

A secret that shatters my plans for my own personal training business.

A secret with my eyes.

A secret who needs me more than I can comprehend.

Ask me again if I'm rattled.

Now ask me if I'm still in love.

My Thoughts:

Brendon Osmond.... the man every female dreams of. He's a fitness expert, handsome, passionate, and very much in love with a girl from the United States. Nothing wrong with that, except he's from Australia and they are no longer together. Then, out of of the blue, he hears from her and he decides to fly to California to see her.

Cherie does an amazing job of writing from the male point of view. I swore it was written by a male - since Brendon is so true to character. Since Brendon is an Aussie, be prepared for the Aussie slang and their use of curse words. It's not overwhelming, but it's there and made Brendon extremely believable.

This is one of those heartwarming stories that makes you fall in love with the main character, Brendon. He's every bit a sweet and loving Aussie that loves his woman, Amanda, with ever fiber of his being. His life gets turned upside down when he finds out the secret that has been kept from him and his reaction to it will make your heart break, hurt, and sing as you get to know Brendon and his situation. I will warn you, when you start, make sure you block off a good amount of time, because it's difficult to put down. My advice is to find nice cozy spot and have your favorite beverage and plenty of tissues nearby. Just like the book title, this story is Unforgettable!!

Although this is the second book of the series, I found no problem with starting here. There was enough backstory that I wasn't lost. After reading "Unforgettable" I want to read the rest of the series now!!

***Please note:  Being a New Adult Romance, be prepared for some sex scenes. They aren't overly descriptive but they are there.


About the Author:

Cherie M. Hudson is happily married to the man of her dreams, a busy mum of two little girls (one nine going on sixteen, the other five going on twenty), a proud cat owner (although she suspects the cat thinks she owns her) and an insanely manic writer. She has written over forty erotic romances under the pen name Lexxie Couper. A long time ago she gave up trying to suppress the stories in her head constantly trying to escape and has been blissfully happy ever since. 

You can follow Cherie on her website, on Facebook, Twitter. and Pintrest

I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Creamy Rice Pudding

As I try to decide what to take with me, and what to keep, I came across a my aunt's recipe box. She was somewhat of an adventurous cook for our family. She had given me her collection after her husband died because she could never see cooking these for just herself. She had lost her passion for cooking and sadly reverted to plain and simple. No longer were the fantastic and unusual items coming from her kitchen and we no longer saw these creations at our family gatherings. She has since passed, but these recipes will always keep her alive for me. I am currently scanning all my family recipes and will pass them on to my children in their original form.

This was one recipe I had to share. I've had Rice Pudding before but this is my favorite hands down. It is easy and no precooking of the rice. All goes into a greased casserole and into the oven. There was no time given, so I stir it every so often and keep an eye on it until it is thickened to the way I like it. I have covered it and cooked it uncovered. It is very forgiving and tastes great. Unfortunately, I've never timed it, so it truly is one of those heirloom type recipes. I hope you enjoy!

 

Creamy Rice Pudding

1 quart milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup raw rice

1 Tablespoon butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup raisins

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. In a greased casserole (1-1/2 quart) combine all ingredients. Add raisins the last half  hour of baking.

For thicker pudding, increase rice to five tablespoons. 

Serves 6.

90 Days to Decide

I have 90 days from the time of the divorce finalization to decide where to go. The house, most of the contents and cars went to the ex. I got a small bank account, a little retirement and what I can take with me, depending where I go. The bank account isn't going to last long, and with not working for the last 25 years, it's made life interesting.

Opera House in Sydney

My first choice is Australia. I've been enamored by it since high school, when we hosted a student from there. Family has lived there in the past and my best friend lives there. So, I'm really, really considering there. I have  all 18 pages of my VISA completed. I need forms certified to attach and another look to make sure everything is in order, then off it goes.

There is a huge drawback at my age. I cannot work while there on the VISA. I couldn't qualify for a working VISA because of my age, and I didn't qualify for the jobs posted because of my lack of education. The promise of allowing me to finish college never happened, and now I'm paying the price all around. That's just a minor setback. I'll find another way.

King's Canyon

I opened up a bank account and made sure I could transfer funds internationally, the cost, etc., etc....  I also looked into health insurance - wow!!! What a difference between there and here! I can do better as an international there than buying it here as a native and staying. I was dumbfounded to say the least.

Cost of living depends on where you decide to stay. I'm looking at a suburb of Sydney right now. The rent is about the same price as the area here, food costs are quite close, and wages are decent (if I decide to stay and can get sponsorship). I found a snag with apartment hunting though. They want me there and showing me apartments before they will discuss if I can rent or not. I've contacted different agencies and they said that all the owners want to meet their tenants before they will consider renting. That makes it a bit difficult and expensive on my end. I have to rent a hotel or something before I can consider looking. How long that will take? I have no idea.

If I do go this route, I leave the house with 2 suitcases and a carry-on. I start all over again from scratch. I leave everything behind except what's in those cases. My son says that it's a clean fresh start - to go for it. My daughter says I'm nuts leaving everything behind because I can set up house here with things and save that money. Yes, that's true, but with no vehicle, I must rent something to move as well plus maybe a storage unit if I don't find something right away.

There are so many IF's and MAYBE's. I'll have a little help from my friend, but everything hinges on everything else right now.

I'd love to hear your opinions. What would you do?

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

I never thought I'd be writing this. let alone experiencing it. After 25 years of marriage, I am facing life on my own after a divorce. It's been a painful process and one that took me away from this blog while I became centered again. I was lucky to have support of family and friends, but was terribly saddened by those friends I lost along the way.

My grandmother always said, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." I'm finding out that it's true. I've found a direction, focus and desire that I didn't have before. There is so much to life that I want to experience and now I get that chance.

You are going to see a different focus on this blog. It will no longer be just a book focus but a focus on life with recipes, tips, hints, reviews of books, services and products plus a focus on my new adventures. Things are going to be more personal and fun - not just "this is a book or product and here are my thoughts..." You will finally meet the person behind this blog.

I invite you to join me for the ride of my life. Get ready - it's going to be fun!!!

Suspense Magazine Tour - PICT

Suspense Magazine

by John Raab

on Tour June 2015

Suspense Magazine is an all digital magazine that was founded in 2007. We publish short stories, interviews, exclusive excerpts, articles and more. We have also in the past published alternate endings to very popular books, IE: Sara Paretsky's book "Critical Mass".
"Suspense Magazine is chock full of stunning artwork, intriguing fiction, and interviews It's a winner!"
—Tess Gerritsen, International Bestselling Author

Get Your Subscription:

Buy Now!

My Thoughts:

Suspense Magazine has so many features - short stories, articles by authors, amazing artwork, book reviews, etc. - everything you would want in a good magazine. I received the June 2014 issue to read for this tour, and it is truly everything I would want and look for in a suspense type magazine.

The articles as well as the short stories were well written and did captivate me from beginning to end. I loved the Featured Artist and the international Reader's Corner features. They were among my favorites of this issue.

If you love suspense and enjoy a full featured magazine, then Suspense Magazine is the perfect magazine to add to your must reads. I'm sure you'll not only enjoy the subscription, but want to pick up back issues as well.

More About John:

John Raab founded Suspense Magazine in 2007. Also the host of three radio shows on Suspense Radio Network (Inside Edition, One on One and Beyond The Cover) also the producer for two more shows, Crime and Science Radio and The Story Blender.

The CEO / Publisher of Suspense Publishing a book publisher that publishes #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Paul Kemprecos, along with several other authors.

Catch Up: 

Still on the Fence? Enter to Win:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for John Raab & Suspense Magazine. There will be 1 ebook winner of Cornerstone by JM Leduc, 1 ebook winner of The Lone Wolf by Joseph Badal, and 1 winner of the next e-release of Suspense Magazine. The giveaway begins on June 1st, 2015 and runs through July 3rd, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Tour Participants:

 
 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

I received a copy of this book from PICT courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Suspense Magazine Tour - Guest Post - PICT

The number one question I’m asked is “How do I sell more books?” If I had a nickel for every time we are emailed that, I wouldn’t have to know the answer because I would be retired. Well I’m about to answer the most important question any author can ask, are you ready?

First let’s start by saying this. If you are an author and are looking to retire from your writing, or sell a million copies, get out now. It will only cause you heartbreak. While there are a handful of authors that actually do accomplish this goal, it’s the same as a young kid right now putting all his eggs in a basket hoping to play professional sports, have a backup plan.

I’m not saying it can’t happen, but it is very, very difficult. However I have the answer that will get you on your way. “How do I sell more books?” Yep, that’s what you want to know. Ok, so the answer is….

Ok, hold on. I know you really want to know this, but I’m going to tell you a quick story first, because if I tell you now you probably won’t read the rest of this post, and I’ll just be typing to nobody. When we got into the magazine business, our goal had zero to do with money. We wanted to help out authors. We wanted all authors, regardless of their sales or listing on any bestseller list to have voice. I will let you in on a little secret, every time you walk into a Barnes and Noble and you see all those books up in the front on the table or on the shelf, the publisher paid for those spots. That is not Barnes and Noble being nice, it’s pay to play for them. Most authors end up in the stacks, where less than 5% of all people actually go and look around. By starting the magazine we wanted to change the game and put the authors in control, and so far we have done a good job.

But now I think it’s time to reveal the magical answer once and for all. After all I’m a professional, an expert in the field you might say (except my wife since she knows what I wear to bed, but we will leave that for another post), I’ve done several years of research; I see what works and what doesn’t work. I’ve sat in conferences, given speeches, taught classes and talked with some very intelligent person. The answer to the question “How do I sell more books?” Write the absolute best book you can and work your butt off marketing it.

Oh come on, you didn’t really think I had fairy dust and could solve the problem that has been asked by authors for hundreds of years did you? The basic answer is there is no answer. There is no formula; there is only hard work before you write the book, during the writing process and after it’s finished. If you are not willing to put in the work, that’s fine, but don’t complain when your royalty check is under $10.00.

Writing is like everything else, a job. Either you are willing to put in the hours to make yourself better at your job, or you are just punching a time clock. The choice is yours to make.

John Raab founded Suspense Magazine in 2007. Also the host of three radio shows on Suspense Radio Network (Inside Edition, One on One and Beyond The Cover) also the producer for two more shows, Crime and Science Radio and The Story Blender.

The CEO / Publisher of Suspense Publishing a book publisher that publishes #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Paul Kemprecos, along with several other authors.