THREE THINGS:
1.) Lightning struck a tree on my property and it ran all the way down, arced through my land and absolutely blew out (I mean full on burned through and pretty much exploded) my sprinkler system. THAT WAS FREAKY & SO SCARY!!!! Now… the process of getting it replaced. *sigh* Even my neighbors were standing outside watching after they saw the lighting strike.
2.) Tonight is the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens hockey game and might just result in the Stanley Cup win. I’ve lived the first part of my life in Montreal, and the second half of my life (so far) in the Tampa Bay area so… Tee hee!! Who do I vote for? LOL!
3.) My friend and I went plant shopping again yesterday and I bought some beautiful plants (two look like bird of paradise – even the flower) but they aren’t!! I hope they do well here. Then, we went to Portillo’s restaurant and I had Chicago Style hot dogs (which are my ABSOLUTE favorite hot dog). A fun and happy day.
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE 
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Dirty Little Midlife Mistake: A Hunky Movie Star Romantic Comedy (Heart’s Cove Hotties Book 3) by Lilian Monroe <— SINGLE MOM KISSES HOLLYWOOD STAR & THEN RUNS AWAY! “…So, Candice does what any normal, rational person would do: She runs away. Literally. One thing she doesn’t expect? For Blake Harding—actor, Adonis, ladykiller—to lay chase. That’s when Candice finds out she has a very, very big problem on her hands… …because when Blake catches her, he isn’t planning on letting her go…”
- Virile (Whiskey Run: Savage Ink Book 1) by Hope Ford <— TATTOO ARTIST CAN’T KEEP HIS HANDS OFF HER… “...Aiden Savage was happy with his life and his booming tattoo business. He thought he had it all until the night Gracie Franklin arrived at the shop asking for a tattoo. Then he realized exactly what he’d been missing. She was everything he could ever want in a woman, and he couldn’t just let her go. He broke the cardinal rule that night—he touched a client—but he couldn’t keep his hands off her…”
When Villains Rise (Anti-Heroes in Love Duet Book 2) by Giana Darling <— GIANA DARLING’S LATEST!!!! DUET CONCLUSION so it must be read in order!
- Dark Redemption (Dark Intentions Book 2) by Charlotte Byrd
- The Auction (The Original Sinners Pulp Library) by Tiffany Reisz
- Slide into You (Kansas City Kings Book 1) by Miriam Vaughn
- Falling For Temptation: A New Adult College Romance (Good Ol’ Boys Series Book 1) by Mj Hendrix
- Whiskey and Sunset Nights (Single Dad’s Romance) by T. L. Anderson
- Hat Trick : A Hockey Romance by Jennifer Miller
Misleading Lake (Kings Reapers MC Book 6) by Nicola Jane <— THEY CAUSED A MESS!! “…he blew the damn rules right out the window and before I knew it, we were hooking up more often than actual couples in a relationship. I was honest, told him straight I wasn’t looking for anything serious, cos I’m not that type of girl, but the universe had other plans. Now, I’ve got to grow up and take responsibility for the mess I caused. The mess we caused . . “
- The Devil’s Keepsake: A Dark Mafia Romance (East Coast Devils Book 1) by Somme Sketcher <— HE TOOK HER WHEN SHE WAS 19… “…Aged fifteen, he staked his claim on me. He held a fake funeral and told my father that I belonged to him now. Aged nineteen, he made good on his promise. Snatched me from the life I’d carved out for myself. Threw me in his private museum along with some of the rarest, most expensive artifacts in the world. I’m his new, shiny obsession…”
- Lies Don’t Matter by Julia Matthews <— M/M ROMANCE!!
- Sold For The Night (City Hall Book 4) by Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory <— M/M ROMANCE!!
One Night with Frankie: A steamy, age-gap novella by Mimi Flood <— THE SMALL TOWN SHOP OWNER & THE HEIRESS… “...Small town ice cream shop owner Henry Camden just wants to live his life in peace, away from his tainted past. When a stunning and mysterious stranger stumbles into town, he becomes consumed by his eagerness for one night with her. Young New York billionaire heiress Frankie Ashford knows all about secrets and shame. When she returns to the coastal town of Oakwhite Bay where she spent her childhood summers, she’s looking for a place to hide, not for a love affair with an older man...”
- Arrogant Matchmaker: A Hero Club Novel by Rory Reynolds
- Our Little Secret: A Fake Marriage Secret Baby Romance (Fake and Forbidden) by Sofia T Summers
Mister Masher: A Hero Club Novel by Angela Nicole <— THE BASEBALL STAR & THE SINGLE MOM!! “…They call me Mister Masher. I’m the homerun king on the field… and off. With a glitzy life full of parties, money, and beautiful women, settling down was the farthest thing from my mind… until I met her. Fiery redhead, Addie, has the kind of luscious curves that turn my thoughts to a line drive up the middle. But every charming pitch I throw at the single mom is a swing and a miss. I soon learn Addison’s son is critically ill and she is willing to make any sacrifice necessary to ensure he gets the best possible care…“
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PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )
- The Turnout by Megan Abbott – July 6th 2021
- The Stranger in the Mirror: A Novel by Liv Constantine – July 6th 2021
- Capture the Crown (A Gargoyle Queen Novel) by Jennifer Estep – July 6th 2021
- Nine Lives: A Novel by Danielle Steel – July 6th 2021
- The Betrayed by Kiera Cass – July 6th 2021
- Lost&Found (PASS Series Book 4) by Freya Barker – July 12th 2021
- All These Warriors (All These Monsters) by Amy Tintera – July 13th 2021
- Such a Quiet Place: A Novel by Megan Miranda – July 13th 2021
- Leashed (Hellhounds Book 2) by Katja Desjarlais – July 13th 2021
The Therapist: A Novel by B. A. Paris – July 13th 2021- Exposed (VIP Book 4) Kristen Callihan – July 13th 2021
- The Brazen (Calamity Montana Book 3) by Willa Nash – July 15th 2021
- Last Guard (Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 5) by Nalini Singh – July 20th 2021
- The Good Lie by A. R. Torre – July 20th 2021
- Totally Folked (Good Folk Book 1) by Penny Reid – July 20th 2021
- The Ice Duchess: Prequel to the Duchess Society Series by Tracy Sumner – July 22nd 2021
- Pretty Falling Pieces by Isabelle Culpo – July 25th 2021
- The Muse: A Beautiful Magic Standalone by Lauren Blakely – July 26th 2021
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Omg glad everything else was ok (and you!) except your sprinkler system of course. I vote root for Montreal, since they’re more known for hockey, I’m assuming.
Sally Thorne’s Second First Impressions is on sale for 2.99 for a limited time. I’ve not read it yet, but what a steal!
1. Didn’t do a ton of exciting stuff this weekend, spent time at the campgrounds with both sets of parents, went out on the boat for the first time this year. A short time, but glad we got to do it a little. Watched The In Crowd, it was ok. And more of Queen of the South’s last season. 4 more eps. to go. That last episode hit me hard. And then 1st episode of Sex/Life. Planning on watching A Quiet Place and Fear Street this week. I want spooky!
2. Only read for about a half hour, an arc, Just One Look by Lindsay Cameron. Way too early in to be totally hooked yet. Making time to read feels like a chore lately. 🙁
3. Got outdoor lights put up on the house, gutters on, and a firewood rack almost finished, siding started on the shed. Feeling pressure searching for the right mailbox, house number, and now I’m dead set on replacing our old birdhouse the birds ❤️d with a hand carved wood spirit one. Etsy has me overwhelmed/excited. If our porch was to be completed wholly this year, I feel like it would be easier. But, I need the whole picture to make decisions. Like, what if I want to put the house number on the columns instead of the siding, where do I want to put the post for the mailbox? Or do I want it on the porch? Previous one was attached to the house. And what color stain will I do the columns? That affects if I do wood tones on the box…And then the garage color. I plan on painting it in the fall when it isn’t so hot, but there are factors with the style of the porch that could play into it. It’s got me 🤯
Wow, Tasha, your house will be amazing! Lots of work but worth it!
Thanks, I like it a lot so far. Wish the inner windows were white as well as the trim around them, but that could change a decade from now. It works and curb appeal is so much better! I always stress about making decisions, lol!
LOL! I knew “vote” wasn’t right. 😉 Tee hee!!!
Now due to the storm we’re having tomorrow, I need to bring in all my beautiful plants into the garage so they don’t get destroyed or flung around.
I wanna see what birdhouse you choose!! 😀
https://www.etsy.com/listing/907928311/wood-spirit-birdhouse-hand-carved?ref=hp_rf-4&frs=1&cns=1
I like the look of this 1 and the description is super interesting to read.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/931071424/female-carved-wood-spirit-cedar-wood?ref=hp_rf-3&frs=1
This one is probably too big, but so different.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1009864916/spirit-birdhouse-faye?ref=hp_rf-2&frs=1
All of these from this shop w/their glass eyes are CREEPY and I’m here for it. 😂
https://www.etsy.com/listing/482691234/happy-wood-spirit-birdhouse-hand-carved?ref=hp_rf-1&frs=1&bes=1
And this is similar to what drew me to them in the first place.
Still falling down this rabbit hole, but fun to explore.
1. Maryse, I’m happy that you’re ok – wow, I can only imagine how scary that lightning would have been.
2. It was a surprise that Montreal Canadien advanced as far as they did. But think they’re toast. Good news is that it’s keeping the guys happy back here – hockey in July! 🏒😉🥅
3. I’m at the lake for the summer now. Beaver sightings. Dinners on the dock. Mice in the cottage. Gs&Ts. A water snake. No bats in the cottage yet. I keep reminding myself we’re in their home. 😎
*shivers* Mice in the cottage? You’re very brave! When we had them in our garage and even shed a few years ago, I wouldn’t go out there for 6+ months. 😂
LOL…kinda used to it now. They seem to come in cycles…like every 5th year or so. Not that I understand it all…
I’d take them over the bats though. I think. 😱
No, I changed my mind. Imagine while you’re sleeping, them in the room. Gah!
Hockey in July is CRAZY!!! LOL! I love it.
That’s scary Maryse! We had lightning strike super close a couple weeks ago. We couldn’t tell exactly where but it was close enough it knocked off our pool equipment for a few hours. Luckily everything came back on when the schedule changed speeds.
I am having an issue with my garage door sensors too… so they may have to be replaced. But you should see the pic of the blacked-out burned out sprinkler system and the black mess all over the garage concrete wall behind it.
P.S. Everyone… tomorrow we’ve got a tropical storm/possible hurricane heading right for us (in my Tampa Bay Area), so while I don’t think I’m in any danger, I may be out of power for a day or more.
I’ll try my best to post updates somewhere (even if it’s just on Facebook) via my phone (though I’ve lost cell service in the past here with these storms)… so it’s all up in the air.
Right now I’m in prep mode for charging everything, tons of ice packs in my freezer, washing all my clothes, probably will fill my bathtubs with water etc etc…
Stay safe.
Thank you bev!!
take care Maryse
Random, has anyone ever done a crab boil? Like with the crab legs/potatoes/corn? I’ve eaten at one and trying to talk my in laws into doing one but want a simple, tasty recipe and there are a lot on pintrest.
I’ve EATEN a few crab boils (one of my favorite things in the world). But I’be never made one myself.
We do them fairly often Tasha! And like my lasagna, this has been a constant work-in-progress recipe. We went from Zatarans to Old Bay the last time we made it and like it much better. We use a HUGE pot and cook outside on a gas burner, but it can be done inside. If you use anything frozen like shrimp or corn, make sure you thaw it first or the timing will be off.
INGREDIENTS for 6 people
2-4 lemons
7.86 oz (*3* 2.62 oz jars or 1.5 cups) Old Bay seasoning plus more for garnish *considering using 4 jars for extra spicy**
8-16 cloves garlic smashed
1 large onion peeled and cut into 6 pieces
1.5 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes (or larger ones halved)
4 ears corn on the cob cut into 3 pieces each
3 lobster tails (optional)
1 pound mussels and/or clams scrubbed (optional)
3 crab clusters (separate legs and they’ll fit in pot better)
1 pound smoked sausage cut into 1 inch pieces, kielbasa or andouille are preferred
1+ pound shrimp peeled and deveined (we like jumbo shrimp, but it all works!)
3 tablespoons butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the lemons into quarters.
Fill a large pot with 2 gallons of water. Place the quartered lemons in the water along with the Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil.
Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes (6 if baby sized).
Add the lobster tails and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the clams, crab, and corn, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Drain the seafood mixture from the pot, reserving 1 cup of the broth.
Melt the butter in a small bowl and whisk it into the reserved broth. Pour the broth over the seafood mixture.
wow wow wow!
Love this, thanks so much! That’s what I was worried about, the different timing of things bc I don’t want to overcook 1 and undercook another. Well, that and the flavor.
The timing on this works perfectly. If you don’t do lobster, just cook the potatoes 11-13 minutes, then add the crab and corn. I assume you’re doing shrimp and sausage, but if not, then just keep cooking after crab is added for 7-8 minutes.
Thank you! You’ve put so much detail in I think it might be fool proof for a newbie like me. ☺️
And really, for a super simple seafood boil, all you really need is shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and seasoning (any brand works). The main thing is the timing of each ingredient and the ratio of seasoning to water. The recipe that mine is derived from only called for 1/2 cup of old bay to a gallon of water and that was wayyyy too mild for us.
Also lots of butter… very decadent.
all the butter!
I just added one of many photos of my lightning strike disaster. 😉 Just to give you an idea of what I walked in on…
Yikes!! Looks dangerous with the electrical stuff.
I was FREAKING OUT!! I called my landscaper who came over immediately and the minute he saw it he said… lighting strike. Then we went out on my property and saw that actual “lighting bolt arcs” in my land from the tree to my garage…
I took photos of that too. CRAZY.
Hey, girls, hey! *Waggles fingers*
I’ve missed you all! I know, I’ve been a right ghost for the past while. It has been a very long time since I’ve checked in and I’m terribly sorry I’ve been such a crappy friend. I wish I could say that it was because I’d done something sensational…like won the lottery and skivved off to some little island in the Mediterranean that doesn’t have internet…. however, that would be a lie. The truth is, the past year/18 months has been pretty much a nightmare and I’m only just now starting to read for myself again.
Catch me up, tell me everything! And PLEASE gimme some good book recs, I’m pretty much starting new from January of 2020…other than books I’ve edited and a few others here and there. I did read Brittainy Cherry’s latest – The Mixtape…and it was fantastic!!
Maryse, holy crap, girl, that’s crazy scary. We had a power surge this week d/t storms at my house and it blew up the water reservoir on my oxygen concentrator. But NOTHING like what you’ve got going on. Please be safe!!
OMG GREEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
I miss you so much!! I’m so glad you’re here and ANY time you can drop by is perfect. I hope all is well or getting better and I totally get you. This has been a rough year or two in SO many ways and for so many people.
Great, I don’t know what kind of books you like…here are some CR reads that were popular & that you might like..
Broken French by Natasha Boyd
The Love Interest by Kayley Loring
Flock & Exodus (duet) by Kate Stewart
The Takeover by T.L. Swan
Boss in the Bedsheets by Kate Canterbary
Beautifully Cruel & Cruel Paradise by J.T. Geissinger
One Moment Please by Amy Daws
Happy reading!
I would say cheer for Carey Price but 0-3 is super difficult to come back from. I had the same sort of problem last season. Dallas vs TB. I was cheering for Dallas though, they somehow won me over and are now my faves.
Your pic reminds me of the House Flipper game. Crazy! I like storms, probably because we hardly get rain, but since it’s desert-like around here it just means there’s going to be a fire somewhere.
I read The Mixtape.. kinda disappointing. Plus a piece of the story wasn’t resolved. I don’t know if it’s a me thing but I haven’t been connecting with a lot of stories lately.
Hi Jody!
Thanks for the feedback on Mixtape…
and now I’m curious about this house flipper game.
Also… *secret* I think I’m voting for Tampa Bay. <--- GASP!!!! Tee hee!! 😮 😂
Haha. Yea.. The Avs were my fave for a long time but the Varly years were tough to watch. I don’t recall exactly when I started paying attention to the Lightning but they became a close 2nd. Bishop is my fave player, when they traded him, I followed him. In this Era of the salary cap, it’s easier to be a fan of a player vs a team. While I still love the Avs, I’d be happier if they got rid of a couple of guys. I’d better stop myself here, I could ramble on forever about hockey.
There is a version for PC and mobile. I just started playing mobile… it feels more like a “pay to win”. I definitely prefer PC. But beware, it will suck you in and you’ll think you’ve been playing for 20 mins but really it’s been 5 hours. 😆
The library finally got Last Strand in. I started it last night. As per usual, I put a bunch of books on hold and regardless of where I was on the list, they’re all becoming available!
How are you liking Last Strand??
It was good. I didn’t think in the beginning I’d stick with this series. I remember the first few books there was too much rehashing. And now that this was the last book, for now, I’m kinda sad. 😆