Okay, so before we get to Amazing Race and Good Wife dish, was that Apolo Anton Ohno making his acting debut on Hawaii 5-0 last night? If not, it sure as heck looked like him. I’m surprised that news wasn’t splashed everywhere. Also? An interesting episode. I like it when they involved Hawaiian culture and history. One complaint…how is it that Danny has already been dating someone for 3 months? Come on! Don’t jump ahead on us, we want to see the romance blossom. Or did I just miss something? I’m assuming he’s still carrying the torch for his ex, so this relationship will be inconsequential, but then…why have it? I like the police procedural, but after so much personal development before, it feels almost anti-personal development now, with all the main characters. I miss that.

So…Amazing Race. Welcome back, Phil and his amazing eyebrow! All in all, some interesting and fun teams. I’m not a huge fan of teams where one person is all “YES! This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done!” (Which would be me) who was silly enough to pair themselves with the “We’re all going to die! I hate heights! I can’t run! Waaaah waaaah waaaah why did I do this?” partner. Seriously? That dynamic would make me nuts. Didn’t Partner A know this going in before choosing Partner B? Also, I never watched Big Brother, so I don’t know that couple from Adam, but enough with the stunt casting. Unless it’s more Harlem Globetrotters, or someone fun. This couple looks like drama to me. And not in a good way.

I did like the location, and from the previews, looks to be another stunning series of views this season. Looking forward to the teams defining themselves a little more and seeing who we’re going to root for. I like the seasons when teams are mostly likable and it’s just a matter of who figures out how to run the race the best. We’ll see….

Then, on Good Wife… !!!! Show of hands: who thought from the previews that Will was taking that bat to something aka Kalinda? Yeah, kind of disappointing, that part. But I definitely didn’t see him just taking that suspension. I figured we were going to be in for a nice, juicy deliberation where, hopefully, Wendy Scott Carr would get hers. Again. But no. So….do you think Peter knew that Wendy would continue with her vendetta when Peter’s plan didn’t work out…so Peter still wins and gets his wife’s lover almost disbarred or at least unable to practice law for six months? Hmmmm… Also, they were talking like him taking a 6 month break would put him so hopelessly behind that he’d never come back. In six months? Really? Individual cases drag out for years. Six months, they’d hardly know he was gone. Intrigued with the upcoming Kalinda investigation, now that Will is no longer on the hot seat… Also? Whoever is suddenly styling Eli’s hair needs to stop it. What WAS that?

And, finally….last night was Man Candy Monday. Yes, Castle and Hawaii 5-0. We’ve covered the latter, but I thought Castle was rock solid this week. Definitely intense. And Jennifer Beals was awesome. Liked the banter with half the team not being allowed to know what Castle and Beckett were involved in. The sinking car scene was nail biting. And I’m loving Castle and daughter quasi working together. And Beckett’s jealousy over Sophia…then Sophia having to go and ruin it by reminding Beckett that getting involved will likely just screw things up between them. Thanks, Sophia! Still….much goodness going on!

Also watched The Voice last night. Covered that via Facebook & Twitter. Jump in and join the fun if you haven’t already! Check out the buttons up there in the right hand column under the photo of Moi.

Also, while you’re at it, don’t forget to enter this week’s Amazing Final Release Month Giveaway! Check out Monday’s blog for the entry details.

Then get right back over here and DISH!

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

When did Sunday become the biggest Must Watch night for tv? For me last night it was a delicious line up of Once Upon a Time, The Good Wife, the season opener of Amazing Race and the season finale of Downton Abbey. Whew!

And speaking of delicious, how delectable was that Downton Abbey finale? Julian Fellowes (who writes the series) must be having happier days, because, for once, he actually allowed a few characters to experience happiness! And he even allowed the show to close with us still smiling and sighing, managing, somehow, to refrain from taunting us with portents of future gloom and doom. Bless you, Sir Julian. And well done, you! (And the short Behind-the-Scenes documentary afterward was a surprise treat. But wow, the modern day make up and hairstyles of some of the actresses was a bit….startling, wasn’t it? On the other hand, Guy Who Played William? Wow. Next time get cast in something where you play rugby or construct heavy things. Preferably shirtless. K? Thanks!)

So many highlights, I don’t know which to touch on first. The news of Sybil’s pregnancy and Cora’s determination to bring her daughter back into the fold? Thomas trying to win trust by finding Lord Grantham’s “lost” dog, then losing the dog for reals and comically chasing after it? (And thank you also, Julian, for not killing the dog. I was worried!!)

Or was it Mrs. Pattmore and the Ouija board, instructing Daisy to go to William’s farm? Even better, was it Williams father, finally getting Daisy to see the light by making her see that being special to someone is a Good Thing. (And about time, because boy was she getting tedious with it.) Also tedious, the whole Bates drama, so thank you, Julian, for quasi-wrapping it up without lingering about for too long, and actually giving us some touching-not-icky scenes between Bates & Anna. Then my love for Anna grew when she exposed Rosamund’s horrid maid for the conniving trollope she is. And though I know we should feel sorry for puir auntie Rosamund, given how she twisted up Mary’s life with her meddling, I daresay I didn’t mind so much.

There’s the wondering about Edith and her older, now crippled potential paramour. She’s the only Crawley sister left out of the romantic fold by show’s end, so…that could be interesting. Loved the Gentleman’s Ball, where belowstairs and abovestairs all dance together on New Years Eve. Although even more gratifying was the set down (and fisticuffs!) with the nasty piece of work that was Richard. I adored Dowager Violet’s response to Richard’s announcing that they may never see each other again. “Do you promise?”

But no….the highlight had to be the ending, when Matthew finally comes to his dithering, overly dramatic senses and finally proposes to Mary. About time!! I was never so thankful to see the credits roll on a season ender as I was last night, before Julian could cave to temptation and add some nasty little twist. Thank you for giving us that.

And, the deliciousness will continue next season, as the word is that Mary’s New York grandmama (Cora’s mama) will be played by none other than Shirley Maclaine. I know!!! I’m guessing Mary doesn’t depart for New York now that she’s engaged, which means that Grandmama will be coming to Downton. And that means Shirley and Maggie as opposing grandmama’s having what is bound to be the Most Entertaining Scenes Ever. Oh…I can hardly stand the wait already!

Then it was on to Once Upon a Time, where the writing wasn’t quite as brilliant, but the show nonetheless entertaining. I am adoring this show and all the twisted turns and such, but the one area where I feel the writers really dropped the fairytale ball was in portraying the angst of David in Storybrooke. They’ve done a good job of making him Princely and Charming in the Enchanted Forest world, but in SB, he’s just wishywashy and non-commital and not handling anything (or anyone) particularly well. Now, I get that it’s the curse and his unusual entry into it, being as he was unconscious when the curse was enacted, woke up to Mary Margaret, experienced the kiss with her…then didn’t get his cursed “memories” of Storybrooke until he saw the windmill in Gold’s shop…and by then, he was all conflicted and messed up, straddling two worlds and not able to comprehend why. But they haven’t done a good job, at all, about making us really understand that world-straddling and his inner confusion. He just comes off looking ineffectual and weak. Not very Charming.

I was happy to see that they tried to take a step forward into that this week, and it’s clear they thought they’d have time to wind us slowly into the whole thing. I’m just hoping that, perhaps, given that’s the only storyline really getting viewer backlash, they’ll jump a little faster into developing it, given it’s a cornerstone character of the entire series who we really can’t afford to become this disenchanted with so early into the story.

In other news… Very interesting that we learn a wee bit more about August aka The Stranger. So, what’s the deal with him and Henry’s book, and all those wet hanging pages he’s restitching into Henry’s book. Will Henry see there is something different about it? Does it have different stories, or different details to the stories? Has Henry read the whole book already? So many unanswered questions, show! You answer a few, then bring up a whole slew more!

I did like the resolution of the Frederick/Princess Abigail story…but wonder what’s going to happen with their Storybrooke counterparts. Will be interesting to see what happens there, and not just because of the MM/David elements. Also…why was Granny so keen on August and his motorcycle? Is he the Big Bad Wolf? Hmmm…..

Okay, okay….we’ll leave today’s MAC here (tune in tomorrow for Good Wife, Amazing Race, and Man Candy Monday MAC!) and get on with the final Release Month Giveaway!!

I want to thank everyone who came out to the fabulous signing at Turn the Page in Boonsboro MD last Saturday. We had a blast, the weather was stunning, and the crowd was amazing. I signed with the fabulous Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books fame, suspense author Mary Burton, Nora Roberts/JD Robb, and women’s fiction author Mary Kay McComas And how adorable are we? I know!

So…to celebrate this final week, I’m doing a spectacular giveaway including signed copies of SUGAR RUSH & SWEET STUFF…..AND a signed copy of Nora’s newest JD Robb release, CELEBRITY IN DEATH, which hits the stands tomorrow! Cool? I thought you’d like it!!

To enter, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Give me Cupcakes and give me In Death!” in the subject line. I will draw one lucky Blog Babe’s name from the entry stack and announce it here in Friday’s blog. Don’t forget to check back to see if you’re the winner!

So…ready….set…ENTER! Then head back on over here and DISH about Downton and Once!

Tags: Writing // 10 Comments »

Hello Happening Blog Babes!

I know there is no contest this week, but there are still chances to win free stuff!

I am dishing over at Chick Lit Central today, where they’ve posted an interview with me and are giving away copies of SUGAR RUSH and SWEET STUFF! Click here and drop in for a bit.

Then, later this evening, I’m doing a live author chat with Mo’s Book Buzz over at RomRevToday, where we’ll also be giving away copies of both Cupcake Club books! Click here to go to the home page, then click on RRT Chat!

There is also behind the scenes excitement today as I got a sneak peek at the cover for Cupcake Club Book #3, BABYCAKES!! And !!!!!!! We have a few finishing touches to put on it, before I can share, but it’s SO CUTE!

And no, I haven’t forgotten all about the MAC, I just haven’t caught up with everything yet.

I did catch NCIS last night. (I never miss my date with Mark Harmon) and I thought it was a really good episode. I also loved that the writers found just the right balance with Tony this time around. I mean, he can be adorably sophomoric, but it’s nice to see the other side of him, too. Will be intersting to see if the Old Flame returns. With her last line before departing…I can only assume so! Also? The superheroes and Abby were hilarious.

I also caught Castle, and wow, what an intense episode! No, the kiss above is not from last night. I’m totally cheating. But it is one of my favorite kisses and happens that I mentioned it in that Chick Lit Central interview today….so it ties in. Does too!! And after all that intensity, it ends with a cliffhanger “to be continued” ending? I know!! Also? I love Jennifer Beals and she’s great in this. Also love that Beckett has to think a little about how much she doesn’t like it that Castle and Miz Beals’ character had it going on earlier in his career. Let’s shake things up a little! Also loved Castle’s daughter working with the ME! Lot’s of goodness and intensity in this episode, after the fun fling of last week’s Let’s Play Dress Up epi.

And then…Yes, tonight marks the season opener of Survivor:One World. You know, every season I think I’m over it, and this season might be no different. But they go and put both tribes on one beach this year, so….YES, I’ll be at least tuning in for the opening night. Dammit. At least I gave you a little Survivor man candy to make it easier to…you know…swallow.

And, finally, YAY! This Sunday Amazing Race is back, with Our Phil and his amazing eyebrow, and then all will be right in my reality world, so I can give Probst at least one week to prove to me why I should tune in. Again. After swearing I wouldn’t. Again.

What’s on your Must See TV list this week? DISH!!

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

Let’s get right on with the dish, shall we?

Last night was a bonanza of entertainment, beginning with the Grammy’s. If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll have had the ringside seat to all the commentary I had on the proceedings. (What, you haven’t jumped in? Well, check out those handy little buttons there to the right, and come join the fun!) I won’t repeat myself here, other than to say that I thought LL Cool J handled his post as master of ceremonies far above and beyond anything I could have hoped for. Well done, Cool James! Adele pulled off the grand slam, sweeping all six of her categories, and Jennifer Hudson stepped up under almost impossible conditions and delivered a tribute song to Whitney Houston that was stunning. There was plenty of other fun (Taylor Swift, could she be more adorkable?) and a few glaring missteps (who won’t get more print from me), but, all in all, a wonderfully entertaining evening!

Moving on…it was the penultimate episode of Downton Abbey. (Can you believe we’re only one episode away from the end of the season??? Say it ain’t so!!) But wow, what a packed episode this was!

The soldiers have finally moved out, but the Spanish flu has moved in. In the course of things, it takes Lavinia with it, but not before she implores Matthew to take Mary as his wife instead. Of course, the Always Melodramatic Matthew declares that it was his love for Mary that killed Lavinia and how their love is cursed and blah blah get-over-yourself-Matthew. I used to like him but my goodness, he has the vapors over everything. Lord Grantham is also overcome…with a housemaid. With Cora’s interests being consumed with work, he turns to Jane the maid. Show of hands, who believed that duo? Not me. Less than zero chemistry, but hey, even if I did buy into it, it just continues to show Grantham as an ineffectual kind of wimp. I mean, I know he’s facing a life crisis, but can any of the men show a little spine?

Well, Branson, the chauffeur certainly did. Bates did, I suppose, by finally marrying Anna, but only after she more or less told him to, or else. (And please, can we not ever see Mr Bates naked in bed again? Ever. Thank you.)

The women, however, are made of all sorts of spit and steel. Ethel decides to keep her bastard child (and wow, what a nasty piece of work the colonel’s daddy was, eh?) The kid might have had more opportunities in life, but who could subject their child to that pile of hate? Sybil claims her chauffeur despite the family’s disdain, and eventually papa knuckles under the pressure. (Duh.) Cora fights her way through the fever and reclaims her husband and her rightful place in the now hospital-free manor. But, most sparkling of all, as always, was the grand Dowager Violet. Aka, the glorious Maggie Smith. From trying to talk Matthew into marrying Mary, to accepting the chauffeur into the family, while already scheming on just how they can try to claim him properly….I adore her. She’s really the reason to watch the show.

We also got to see O’Brien come to face to face with her secret, and Thomas finally get the downfall he so very richly deserved. Not that I think either of them will ever become all things goodness and light, but it was nice, for an evening anyway.

Next Sunday’s episode ends the season, and it promises to be a kicker! (Although, and maybe it’s just me…but I’m a bit fatigued with the Mr Bates drama. Can we just let them be married and move along with it all? I’m worn out, and Anna deserves more than five minutes of bliss.) Yeah, I’m not holding my breath, either.

And then, the absolute best part of the evening, Once Upon a Time. Now, I had pretty grave misgivings about how on earth they were going to portray Rumpelstiltskin as the Beast, entranced by his Belle in any possibly plausible way.

But, what do you know? They pulled it off, and way, so much waaaaaay more. I loved how it deepened the story of Rumpel. I actually felt sorry for him. And then they were contrasting that against his Mr Gold character acting, even for him, extremely out of character, in terms of meting out some vigilante justice that I honestly didn’t think he was capable of. (He seems the sort to let evil befall others without getting his hands personally dirty.) but there he was, beating the crap out the guy. But then….oh, but then, we find out the real truth. Regina/Queen and Rumpel/Gold admit they both know who the other really is…and how the fun stuff? Oh yeah, that’s just barely beginning.

In the midst of all this, we see Cinderella get her guy in Storybrooke, which makes Mary Margaret think twice about her true love. And when he gives her the wrong Valentine (oops — but honestly, I woof you? Honestly?) she realizes it’s really not okay to screw around on another man’s wife. (Well, thank goodness for that. I hated - really hated– that storyline. It wasn’t in keeping with their fairytale at all.) David/Charming is coming off almost as wimptastic as Lord Grantham, so I hope they write him back up on that white horse and soon.

And, in the end? Oh yeah…Belle does too live on in Storybrooke. Hmm….. (And, show of hands, but how luminous was Emilie de Ravin as Belle? Wow. Truly beautifully delivered.)

I think that might be one of my most favorite episodes. In terms of character development, the writers really showed their chops this week. And ooooh, I can’t wait for next week!!!

Like I said…a veritable plethora of television goodness! And tonight? We get Castle AND Hawaii 5-0. Man Candy Monday is back. Add Smash to that, and it’s pretty sweet to be a Monday!

Okay, okay…so enough dishing! Let’s get on with the contest winner announcements!

Drum roll, please! The winners of last week’s Release Month Contest are:
Winners of the book of their choice from my website bookshelf are: Theresa N & Dawn Lynn!!!

And the Grand Prize winner, who receives both SUGAR RUSH & SWEET STUFF and a Valentine’s Day package of goodies is? Bonnie Y!!!

Woo hoo!! Thank you all for participating, the response has been tremendous! Theresa and Dawn, send me addresses and a few title ideas from my bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice.) And Bonnie, send me your address, and if you already have either book, please feel free to substitute something from the bookshelf as well.

Prize packages for all the February contest winners thus far will be shipped out tomorrow, February 14.

BUT! (Of course there’s a but!) Release Month isn’t over…so why should the fun be over?

I will be signing the Cupcake Club books, as well as BAD BOYS IN KILTS & THE GREAT SCOT this Saturday, February 18, at Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, Md. Click here to check out the website to see all the details.

If you can’t attend, also check the website for their virtual signing. Order the books ahead of time from any participating author, we’ll sign them for you at the event, and then the books will be shipped to you afterward. Hope to see many of you there!

So….what does this have to do with the ongoing Release Month contests? Well, check back in Monday, February 20th for the final contest of the month, where I’ll have a special grand prize package that will include signed books from myself AND a signed book from Nora Roberts, who will also be signing with this weekend! I know, the fun never stops with me.

Okay, so now? Let’s DISH!!

Tags: Writing // 5 Comments »

Hello intrepid cupcake bakin’ blog babes!

I know, it’s been awhile! But I haven’t left the kitchen. I’ve been hard at work in the test kitchen, finalizing the recipes that will appear in the next Cupcake Club book…BABY CAKES (out this October.) So my life has been filled (and filled, and then s’more) with cupcakes, but I haven’t been able to share all that hard work here. BUT! Those recipes are done and ready to go, so I can finally come back and play with you all!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so to celebrate the holiday, I decided to attempt a recipe I saw online: The Heart of a Cupcake cupcakes! Now, those of you who have been with me since the beginning of this journey, know that I can be somewhat…shall we say…challenged by the more complicated recipes. It has been said that I’m more Lucy Ricardo than Julia Child, and well, Lucy was probably a better baker, too, so I hate to disparage her like that! But, I’ve come a long way in the past year (because, frankly, what other direction could I have gone in, really?) So I figured, why not! Let’s DO THIS!

Um…Yeah.

So….my results, perhaps not exactly on par with the original recipe I’d chosen to use. Not because there’s anything wrong with the recipe. Nooo, no, no. The recipe is great, and easy even. If…you know…you have the right tools. It’s just…me. Anyway, you’ll understand as we move onward. However, for the purposes of giving you a recipe and photos that will actually guide you toward cupcake nirvana, and not running screaming from your kitchen, I’m going to give you the recipe I found over on Desert Living as well as thank the chef, Amanda Szot, for letting me use her delightful and very useful photos, rather than…well, rather than mine.

Now, in her version, she used a frosting made with pink Laffy Taffy. Here’s the link to the site, so you can get that recipe, too, if you’ve a hankering for it! But, given this is the holiday that all but begs us to indulge in our inner chocolate diva, I had to top these fun cupcakes with a little decadence! Okay, okay…a LOT of decadence.

Oh yeah, we’re talking ganache. Dark Chocolate Ganache. Mmmmm. Because THAT? I can make. I mean, come on, it’s three ingredients. How badly could I screw that up? (Hey! I heard that! Rough crowd.)

I promise you, that regardless of how the results look, the taste? SO worth it!

So…here we go!

Heart Cupcakes

Ingredients:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs

2 t. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

the seeds from half a vanilla bean
 (or 1 tsp vanilla)
1/4 tsp salt

2 1/2 cup flour

1 1/3 cup whole milk

red food coloring

Directions:


Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees (F) Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

1) Mix the butter and sugar together at medium speed for about 90 seconds, until fluffy.
2.Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets well combined.
3.Add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla and mix until the batter is smooth.
4.Finally, alternate between the flour and milk, beating on med-high speed until the batter is light and creamy.

NOTE: So…about vanilla beans. I was just going to sub vanilla extract, but hey, I’m trying to learn here, so off I went on the hunt for vanilla beans. And, if you can find them, definitely give it a try! Really rich, full flavor!

5.Pour a little more than 1/3 of the batter (about a cup and a half) into a smaller bowl.
6. Add red food coloring until you get your desired pink or red color.
7. Pour the batter into a non-stick (or lightly greased) 8×8 baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes until the edges of the cake start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8.Allow to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, loosen the edges away from the pan with a knife and then invert the pan onto a cutting board.
9. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a dozen cake hearts that are small enough to fit into an average-sized cupcake pan.

Right. So…I was good until I got this point. Now, I had the photos. Looks simple. How cute are they, all dunked in the cupcake batter! I knew I needed a little heart cookie cutter. And I had a little heart cookie cutter. Well..it looked little to me! Turns out you need a TINY heart cookie cutter. Compared to the muffin cups, mine where like the Red Cake Hearts that Ate Manhattan! The King Kong of red cake hearts. Anyway, you get my drift. So…when shopping for your heart cookie cutter, take a paper muffin cup with you for guidance. Just sayin! Now…back to our recipe….

10. Spoon two heaping tablespoons of the remaining batter into paper-lined cupcake tins, so they’re about half-full. Put one heart into each tin and press it point down into the batter.

Okay, just to be clear: HERE IS THE PART YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO!

11. Keep all the hearts facing forward in the pan. !!!! Seriously, do this.
12. Cover with another teaspoon of batter
13. Bake for 24 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting.

14.Here’s where it gets a bit tricky.

Oh, she is SO not kidding! Sure, sure, I kept the hearts facing toward the short end of the pan when I stuck them in. Easy right? Ether end of the pan, doesn’t matter. However!! When you take the cupcakes out of the pan you need to put them on the rack in the same direction.

Right. So easy, and yet? Epic fail on my part. I cut through three of them, trying to figure out how the hearts went, and, well, I’m just trashing cupcakes, essentially. Hopeless.

15. You need to keep the cupcakes facing forward so you get the right cross-section of the heart when you cut or bite into the cupcake (to get the full heart effect). After frosting, put heart candy on them (or some other decoration) that can also face forward so you know which way to cut the cupcake in order to see the heart shape inside (if you cut the heart in the wrong direction you just get a rectangle shape—not very romantic!).

Dark Chocolate Ganache:
1 lb bittersweet chocolate, chopped (use semi sweet if bitter’s not for you)
1 pint heavy cream
5 ounces unsalted butter

Directions:

1) Bring cream and butter to a simmer.
2) Pour over chocolate and stir/whisk until melted and smooth.

Seriously. Even I can do it. You can let cool and thicken a bit before frosting the cupcakes. You can also dip the cupcake tops in the ganache and swirl when it’s still soft, but then good luck in figuring out which way your hearts go! I recommend the cooling process first, then frost as usual.

And then?? Sink in! It’s worth every bite!

Oh, and don’t forget, there’s a contest going on! We’re celebrating Book Release MONTH! This week, TWO lucky Happening Blog Babes will win a copy of any book from my website bookshelf (including the Cupcake Club romances) and ONE lucky grand prize winner will receive both Cupcake Books AND a little cupcake treat package, including gorgeous designer cupcake wrappers, fun flag toppers, and an adorable silicone Valentine cupcake pan! I’ll post photos of the prize package in tomorrow’s blog. But you can enter rightthisverysecond!

Just drop an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Still a Happening Blog Babe…still want to WIN!” in the subject line. I will draw three winners from the stack and announce them right here, next Monday.

Deadline to enter is Sunday, 2/12 at midnight, EST. Winner announced right here in the blog on Monday, Feb 13. Don’t forget to check back to see if you’re a winner!

Good luck!

To keep up with all the latest fun and frivolity, click the Facebook and Twitter buttons over there in the side bar and come on over! We’ve spent the past week building our Harem. No, really. (Build it and they will come, right?) Well…come on over and ogle–er, I mean, meet them!

Tags: Writing // 3 Comments »

First, before I forget! SUGAR RUSH is the Fresh Pick over at Fresh Fiction today! Check the site out and add to your Must Read list. SO many goodies over there…

Okay, so…not as enthralled with the second installment of The Voice last night. Some good singers, but it didn’t stand out for me the way the first night did. I thought a lot of the singers were close, but not quite all there. A lot of pitchy and, in some cases, not enough power/oomph. I do think the judges did a pretty good job on not turning around for the less-than-stellar. (Comparatively speaking. The talent bar is high this year.) Speaking of which, I love Prince, so it was a tough sell for me on their tribute opener. Although I did like the southern mix there at the end. Kinda cool, slant!

I liked the HIV guy (I’m sorry, that’s a horrible way to refer to him, but you now know who I’m talking about, right?) It was a bit patchy, but he brought it home. I expected to like, and didn’t, the Alicia Keys back up singer. He’s got pipes, but he needed to dial it way back on the push, and then later, dial it back even more on the arrogance. Dude. You’re not All That. I liked Fiona Apple girl well enough. There were a few more that were in that realm, but just didn’t pull it out, that I wished had. (Katy Perry chick, I’m looking at you.) And I thought the military chick singer did better on her You Tube performance. Not enough growl for Pat Benatar. So…an uneven night for me.

But all was forgiven when I switched over to Castle and got to see the much talked about 40’s noir episode. And hubba hubba. And hubba some more. Wowza! That was some delicious eye candy, wasn’t it? I loved the styling of the whole episode. And it was perfect for the Rick Castle character. Now, that’s the kind of “alt-episode” I like to see. Yum!

Then we got nail biting intensity over on Hawaii 5-0. I like the storylines with Danno and his daughter and this one didn’t disappoint! Plus, an excuse to dig up half nekkid photos of Alex O’Loughlin. Never a bad way to spend a few minutes.

And, tonight? Squee! We get the ‘alt’ NCIS episode we’ve all been waiting for as they celebrate their 200th!! Lots of returnees and I can’t wait. Is it 8PM yet????

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! Since yesterday’s blog post was forever and a half long, I’ll repeat the entry details here:

We’re celebrating Book Release MONTH! This week, TWO lucky Happening Blog Babes will win a copy of any book from my website bookshelf (including the Cupcake Club romances) and ONE lucky grand prize winner will receive both Cupcake Books AND a little cupcake treat package, including gorgeous designer cupcake wrappers, fun flag toppers, and an adorable silicone Valentine cupcake pan! I’ll post photos of the prize package in tomorrow’s blog. But you can enter rightthisverysecond!

Just drop an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Still a Happening Blog Babe…still want to WIN!” in the subject line. I will draw three winners from the stack and announce them right here, next Monday. Deadline to enter is Sunday, 2/12 at midnight, EST.

Tune in tomorrow and we can all drool over how great Mark Harmon was together. In the meantime, we’re building The Harem over on my Facebook page. Come help us, won’t you? (Build it and they will come, right? We can only hope!) Let me introduce you to one of our more popular inductees from yesterday.

Hey, we needed a guy who could dance. On today’s menu? Surf instructor!

Tags: Writing // 1 Comment »

…the winners of the Release Week Contest, wooooo!!!!!!! (But, serious Man Candy Alert below…so keep scrolling!)

Thank you ALL for your overwhelming support and the landslide of entries this past week. WOW!!! I think we covered a good chunk of the 50 States, a good part of Canada, along with the most happening spots in Europe, South America AND Australia! What can I say? Blog Babes ROCK! And ROLL!! International style! But then…we already knew that.

So, we’ll leave the Morning After Commentary (MAC) for below and just get right down to giving-away-free-stuff business! The TWO winners of the pair of Cupcake Club romances, SUGAR RUSH & SWEET STUFF, are??????

Judy R from CT and Jennifer K from Oregon!!

The winner of both books and the super awesome cupcake apron goes to???

Sara Derks!!!!

Wooooo hooooo! Cupcakes with sprinkles all around!!! Congratulations all of you!! I have addresses from Judy and Jennifer, so Sara, send yours along to me and I’ll be sending out your prizes right away. Also ~ If you already have either of the books, please feel free to select an alternate choice from my Bookshelf. Send along a few title ideas in case I’m out of your first choice.

Okay, okay, so for the Still Fabulous Blog Babes who didn’t get the big win this time around…well, I haven’t forgotten you. Come on! Everyone deserves a second chance!! As we lead up to the always festive (and never fattening) Valentine’s Day, I think it’s my duty as a cupcake baker to contribute to the fun and frivolity!

So…here we go!! Yes, we’re celebrating Book Release MONTH! This week, TWO lucky Happening Blog Babes will win a copy of any book from my website bookshelf (including the Cupcake Club romances) and ONE lucky grand prize winner will receive both Cupcake Books AND a little cupcake treat package, including gorgeous designer cupcake wrappers, fun flag toppers, and an adorable silicone Valentine cupcake pan! I’ll post photos of the prize package in tomorrow’s blog. But you can enter rightthisverysecond!

Just drop an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Still a Happening Blog Babe…still want to WIN!” in the subject line. I will draw three winners from the stack and announce them right here, next Monday. Deadline to enter is Sunday, 2/12 at midnight, EST. So, go on, get your entry in….then come right on back here and join in a little MAC dish!!

So…last night was a bit of a television extravaganza, wasn’t it?

First, the Super Bowl. Now, as a Steelers fan, I didn’t have any real favorite coming into this race. So, as I posted on FB last night as I FB’s and Tweeted my way through the event (are you following me yet? Come join the fun!! See the little buttons up there on the right…then get back down here!) So, given the lack of a home team, I was forced to employ the most scientific of deep sports analysis. Yes, I chose my team based on how good the players looked in tight pants. What can I say? And did I get it right?? I most definitely did!!! Never underestimate the nice snug fit a uniform, that’s all I’m sayin!!

But, boy, did both teams put on a heart pounding show. And I’m not even just talking about the uniforms. Only, well, mostly i am, but wow, all that leaping and catching and doing manly things. it was most eventful! And, in between their feats of masculine prowess, we had the pleasure of viewing some pretty decent commercials. (Although, most way through the first quarter, I was getting a bit concerned on that score…)

But finally, a few sexy, nekkid M&M’s showed up, and everything started to look a little brighter. Doritos provided some pretty good laughs, then Betty White KILLED with the Voice commercial. (”My eyes are up here.”) Bueller made a comeback, followed by Seinfeld…and Weego. (Check out my FB page to find out how to get Budweiser to donate more money to Rescue Animals!)

But mostly I was distracted the men who showed up. (I know, this comes as a shock.)

And by men, I mean my new harem. Yes, I’m a firm believer (firm….) that if you build it, they will come. So…I’m building a harem. And I’m starting with John Carter….

Then moving on to David Beckham…..(I’d buy a road map to that body. Just sayin….)

And then we get the always gladiator-like Rock....

Speaking of gladiators…I was ready to forgive Madonna everything when she started her halftime show with a field full of them. All bronze and muscular. Honestly, what else did we need? And, I happen to like her oldies but goodies, so I was a happy camper. Or…well, I was until the gladiators left. She should have kept them around longer. Then we would have been too distracted to notice that while the music was great (lip syncing kind of guarantees that) that her dancing was….well….how shall I say it? We’re almost the same age, me and Madge…she’s a few years older…but I think my younger son summed it up best (he’s 22) when he texted me and said, “I like her music, but watching this is kind of going clubbing with your moms.” Nailed it. Am I right?

After the heart-pounding, breath-stealing ending to the game, I hung around to watch the opening of The Voice and it didn’t disappoint. Well, Xtina can dial it waaay back on the faux feud with Adam, but the talent was tremendous and so diverse! I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more! (And the judges do a Prince medley tonight that I’m definitely tuning in for.)

Then it was time to wind down with Maggie Smith, who was utterly spectacular last night on Downton Abbey. I swear, I love her more every week. It was a far more eventful and interesting show this week, and a good set up to what looks like a critical, crazy, turning point episode next week! We got Maggie Smith deliciously setting down Madame Crawley - again, we got Cora looking gorgeous and being strong (have her eyes ever looked so stunningly blue?), they tried to make us believe there was actual heat between Sybil and the chauffeur, but I’m still not buyin’ it. Things got interesting between Mary and Matthew, and even more interesting between Mary and her fiance. Yowza, but that’s looking like a nasty bit of work there!

We got a strange by-story of a possible return of the supposedly dead Patrick, aka the Original Heir, who was thought to have perished in the Titanic. I’m undecided on whether I think he’s for real, but then he suddenly disappears at the end, leaving Edith heartbroken all over again, and….I’m not sure what that deal was all about. Except then we get a glimpse that maybe, could it be…does Matthew maybe feel a bit of tingling in his nether regions? And I’m not talking about those nether regions, but any of his nether regions..given he’s paralyzed and all. And just when Mary was threatened within an inch of her life not to even think about crossing her fiance. Ever. Ooooh. And, if that weren’t enough, we get the grim except not news that Mrs Bates? Dead as a door knocker. I was left almost as breathless as I was by the game!

And next week? Promises to be crazy better. I can’t wait!! (I hate it that we only get two more weeks!!)

But, in the meantime….HELLO to the next three members of my Harem. Two of which come on tonight. Yes, we get Hawaii 5-0. Welcome to the club, Alex…..

And Castle… Hello, Nathan!

Plus tomorrow? Both NCIS’s are back. By Friday, we should be well stocked!

So…what did you think? Any favorite commercials? DId you love Betty White? And Maggie Smith last night? And….most importantly…who else should be in our harem?? DISH!!

Tags: Writing // 4 Comments »

No, not because it’s Sweeps Week…although it totally is! Yes, the long drought of rerun after rerun is finally over and all of our beloved shows are finally back. (About time!) Well, except for Once Upon A Time, which skips a week due to the Super Bowl. But we still get Downton Abbey. Followed by the much anticipated return of Man Candy Monday (and Tuesday) with Hawaii 5-0, Castle, and both NCIS’s returning for our viewing pleasure.

Speaking of Man Candy…guess what I found out? If you Google search images of me, this shows up on the first page. I don’t know how I managed that (or I’d do it again….and again…) but I’d like a lot more of him showing up in my image searches! Just sayin….

But…I digress. (Man Candy has a way of doing that. I mean, come on, you’re still staring, only partially paying attention to anything I’m saying…admit it! Well, then move over and make room in the shallow end of the pool, will you? And pass that tray of umbrella drinks my way. And cupcakes, too, if you got em.)

Ahem.

What I’m talking about, this time, is books! Specifically, a place to gather and talk books and see what everybody is reading. Yes, I’m talking about Goodreads! With my deadline met and my most recent book on the shelves, I’m enjoying having some time to dive into a stack of delicious stories. And I need recommendations to add to my pile! So, I joined up and am loading up my bookshelves there with all my favorites.

Find me! Friend me! And let’s talk books!

And, speaking of Once Upon a Time…(which I do, whenever I can…) I just finished reading Eloisa James’ latest Fairytale inspired historical, THE DUKE IS MINE, based on the Princess and the Pea. Now I have to go find the first two in the series, A KISS AT MIDNIGHT (Cinderella) and WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST. (THE UGLY DUCHESS comes out this fall!) I don’t read many historicals, but this one pulled me right in, with the witty banter and eccentric cast of characters. And if you like your heroes both quirky and scandalously seductive, well, you’ll love Quin. I did!

So…what are you reading? Next up, for me, is Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly’s LOVE IN A NUTSHELL. Have you read it? What did you think?

And don’t forget, there is still time to enter this week’s Most Awesome Release Week Contest Ever! Check out Tuesday’s blog post for all the details on how to enter to win copies of SUGAR RUSH & SWEET STUFF, the first two books in the Cupcake Club romance series, and the most adorable cupcake apron ever! Deadline to enter is Sunday Feb 5 at midnight, EST and the winners will be announced right here Monday morning.

I really want to thank you for all again for your support for these books! It’s because of your enthusiasm that there will be two more (at least!) books in the series! BABY CAKES, coming this October (with cover art and back cover copy coming soon!) and, the following spring, the tentatively titled HONEY PIE, which I’m writing rightthiseverysecond! I’m thrilled you all are enjoying Sugarberry Island and the love stories I’m cooking up there! And for those of you who took advantage of the Amazon/BN links in Tuesday’s blog post and left book ratings and reviews on those sites, double the gratitude! Blog Babes rule when it comes to getting the word out and I couldn’t be more appreciative of your continued support!!

If you haven’t tried the books yet, to whet your Cupcake Club whistle….Kensington has the first chapter of SWEET STUFF available on their Facebook page for free! Click here and wander on over to Sugarberry Island, grab a cupcake, and sit a spell.

Okay, okay….yes, NOW you can scroll back up and take another lingering gander at Gilles. I know you want to. Heck, I’ll join ya!

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

YAY! Cupcake Club Book #2–SWEET STUFF–is now officially ON SALE everywhere!!

A little peek at the back cover copy:

Double Fudge…Toasted Coconut…Key Lime…Strawberry Cream… Every bite is a mouthful of heaven.

And the women of the Cupcake Club are bringing their appetites …

Riley Brown never imagined she would find her bliss on Georgia’s quiet Sugarberry Island after years of Chicago’s city life. With a new career and fantastic new friends, she’s got it all—except for eligible men. But a gig staging a renovated beach house delivers a delicious treat—six feet of blue-eyed, gorgeous writer as delectable and Southern as pecan pie. Quinn Brannigan has come to Sugarberry to finish his latest novel in peace, and suddenly Riley has a taste for the bad boy author that no amount of mocha latte buttercream or lemon mousse will satisfy …

Riley’s friends are rooting for her to give in to her cravings and spice up her life, but it’s Quinn who needs to learn that life’s menu just might include love, in all its decadent, irresistible flavors…

Here’s what the reviewers are saying…

“A deliciously sexy fulfilling treat!” –New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips

“Romantic fun, lovable leads, and surprising emotional complexity…”
— (Starred Review!) Publisher’s Weekly AND a Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Spring Romance !

“This is only the second book in the series but I can tell this is going to be a promising one. Kauffman touches on trust, desire, friendships, and a promising new love that just needs a little tlc to grow into something amazing. The emotions behind the characters were a big part of the story that kept me intrigued and wanting to find out more. Every single character made this story more than enjoyable but also delightful. I can’t wait until book 3 comes out. I am excited to see who will be next to fall in love in the town of Sugarberry.” ~ Lush Book Reviews

Want more? (Of course you do!)

Kindle readers (any version - PC, mobile app, or Kindle) can sneak a peek at the first chapter over on Amazon! Click here to check it out. (See button on right side of page!)

Also, a BIG thank you to Barnes & Noble for getting the up-to-date editorial reviews and quotes listed. Much much appreciated by this author!

And speaking of Amazon and Barnes & Noble…I’d love to hear what YOU have to say!!!

If any of my fabulous blog babe readers feel the urge to tell the world what they think about the new Cupcake Club series, you can post all your thoughts for SUGAR RUSH right here for Amazon (where Kindle folks can also get a first chapter sneak peek!) or here for Barnes & Noble.

And all your SWEET STUFF comments here for Amazon or here for Barnes & Noble.

I know, I’m so helpful like that! But it’s all because of your amazing support that the books exist in the first place, and I owe each and every one of you a huge THANK YOU for all that you do in getting the word out. I couldn’t be more grateful.

And…one way I’d like to say thanks is to have a BIG HUGE CONTEST this week!!! With amazingly cool and awesome (not to mention freaking adorable) prizes!!

First…TWO lucky readers will win a set of both SUGAR RUSH & SWEET STUFF!! I know! How cool is that?

And ONE fabulous blog babe reader will win the grand prize of both books AND this handmade, adorably kitschy and cute cupcake apron from The Cracked Cup. Seriously. Does it get any more fun that this? No, it does not!

To enter the contest, send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I want to be the winning fabulous blog babe! PICK ME!!” in the subject line. I will draw three names from the stash - first two get the book sets and last one wins the grand prize!

DEADLINE TO ENTER is midnight EST, Sunday, February 5. Winner will be announced right here on Monday, February 6. Don’t forget to stop by to see if you’re a Big Ol Blog Babe Winner!!

Ready…..set….ENTER!!!

Tags: Writing // 4 Comments »

So….was last night’s weekly tv offerings a bit disappointing? Kinda sorta? Just me? Okay then.

Over on Downton Abbey, it was just plain depressing all the way around. I felt bad for everyone. Well, everyone except for Mrs. Bates, who got hers! Kinda. Sorta. I’m sure she’s not done wreaking havoc quite yet. But everyone else’s life seemed to take a turn for the worse. The way worse. It was just sad and awful. I mean, I know it’s wartime, so it’s to be expected, but geesh. The only high spot was Dowager Countess Maggie Smith’s behind the scenes machinations. (Does anyone think of her as Dowager Countess Violet? No. She’s Maggie Smith. And we love her for it.) When she was forced to finally rely on that new fangled telephone…hilarity ensued! Otherwise, it was just poor Anna, poor Mr. Bates, poor Matthew, poor Mary, poor Lavinia, poor Daisy, poor William’s father, and really poor William. I hope things level out across the character arcs and soon, war or no war.

Then I skipped on over to Once Upon a Time, knowing I was in for my weekly grand adventure, excited to get more information to plug into the Big Picture. Only…not so much. At least, not so much as usual, anyway. It started out cool. We learn that Sydney/Magic Mirror actually started out as Aladdin! Then it was kind of all downhill from there. In Enchanted Forest land, King Leopold (Snow’s daddy, and Evil Queen’s hubby, frees the genie from the lamp, and gives him the last wish to boot. And we all know it’s going to a bad end, because? Say it with me now…“Magic always comes with a price!” Genie and Leopold both learn that the hard way.

The part that didn’t work well for me was Genie’s affection for the Evil Queen. I mean, I get that he was enthralled, she’s the queen, after all (though zero chemistry…probably because he was still wimpy Sydney to me.) But it was never plausible, at least to me, that EQ had the hots for Genie. Now, in the end, we learn she was just using him (zero surprise to me) which -thankfully!- means that we’ve yet to meet her One True Love. Because I was all, “Puh-leeze. If you even think of trying to tell me Sydney is her True Love, I’m over with this show and I just fell in love with it.” So, whew! But it made for a less than plausible story-line to sit through, as you wondered if EQ could really feel that way about Genie. By the time he used his last wish to stay with her forever and ever (even after he learned she never loved him) I thought “Well, you deserve life in the mirror….” So…not satisfying or even much fun really. But I did like how they tied Aladdin to the Magic Mirror. Just wished the story itself had been portrayed more deliciously.

And then…conversely…in Storybrook land, we have Sydney pissing and moaning that Mayor Regina done him wrong and he’s all ready to attack and render her asunder, if only Good Sheriff Emma would help him out. Now…I don’t know that I suspected that he was in cahoots with Regina all along, only because his counter story in the EF leads us to believe that he’d be pretty unhappy with her. However, I had a really (really really) hard time believing Emma would just skip off into the diabolical sunset with him and join forces. Sure, she does things not exactly by the book, but I didn’t buy that her BS detector went that far on the fritz. So, all that happens after that sort of just pissed me off. She doesn’t gain anything by it, it doesn’t develop her character believably, and didn’t make for a particularly fun or engaging episode.

And yes, I know she’s done similar-ish things…but I can believe that Mr Gold can pull her in, he’s Rumpel…and she always doubts him along the way. She just usually shows more character when she does it, especially when it comes to doing the obvious wrong thing (which is why she goes against Gold when he pushes her or tricks her that way.) But then wimpy Sydney pops up and wants her help she’s all “sure, I’ll break all kinds of laws, let’s go!” I didn’t buy it. There wasn’t strong enough motive, there was no “if we don’t do this right now, we’re all doomed” which is kind of where she’d have to be to go as far as she did. Or at least have Henry in specific danger, something. But she’s been out for Regina all along. Why now go to all these lengths? What’s the sudden hurry? The evidence wasn’t compelling enough for me to buy it, either. Clumsy storytelling and I expect (and have gotten) way better than that so far.

And we also have Mary Margaret/Snow and David/Prince C sneaking around to see each other. So, apparently when he caved and kissed her right there in the middle of town, he didn’t trot right home and end it with the wife. Really not liking that development. Because I want my heroes to act heroic. (And he already left wife-he-doesn’t-love once, so it’s not like it would be a big shock to her.) I hope they straighten that out sooner than later. At least they had Snow feeling awkward and defensive about it. I just don’t want her in that spot. Fix it, writers!

The one storyline that I did enjoy was Henry losing his book (oh no!) and then finding out that the Stranger in Town has it. Now…I’ve suspected that he’s the author of the book, or the one who has come to write the ending to the stories…or….something like that. More of that storyline, please!

Okay….so, with that episode over, I can share some of the upcoming episode dish I’ve uncovered! We get a Red Riding Hood story in episode 15 (Red Handed) and we also get a Mad Hatter storyline!!!! (Hat Trick, ep 17) And !!!!!!! again. I love Alice. We’ve seen that next week we get Beauty and the Beast…and the Beast is none other than Rumpel!

Lana Parilla, who plays the EQ/Regina, also let it spill that we will find out what happened between her and Snow, and who the EQ’s One True Love is…and that it’s a character we’ve already met! (Hence my moaning and groaning when they were making it look like it might be Genie, because…chemistry, please!) So….who is it??? WHO IS IT???

What did you think? Good episode? Disappointed a little? And no episode next week because it’s Super Bowl Sunday, so we have two weeks to speculate… Here’s a link that will help you do that! A great site that keeps an ongoing Time Line for both the EF and Storybrook, which they update after each episode. Helps to see the Big Picture more easily.

Feeling a bit deflated by the letdown of my two favorite shows, I moved on over to Good Wife, which saved the night! Now that was a satisfying hour right there! We find out just how Kalinda and Will were in cahoots on the grand jury thing, so we can see Wendy Scott Carr get hers. (Delish, wasn’t it??) There is the hilarity of Eli hitting the sheets with the Nancy Grace lawyer lady, which was equal parts eww and aww. Only, please, I don’t ever need to see Eli’s bed head again! It was fun speculating on just who was going to end up using who and how, and it didn’t disappoint. Of course, the show ends with previews making it clear that Wendy Scott Carr isn’t done with her crusade against Will, and….I don’t know about you, but dead horse, stop beating it!! I want that storyline to be over. I used to like Will. But the longer this goes on, the less likable he is. Cut it out, Good Wife writers!

So….what did you love? And if you’re not watching any of this because you’re too busy reading…share what books are on your nightstand/Kindle/passenger seat. I need some good reads!

Okay….drum roll!!!!! Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!! SWEET STUFF - Cupcake Club #2 - hits the stands! As does the mass market release for BAD BOYS IN KILTS. Tune in to tomorrow’s blog for the details on this week’s contest. It’s a fun one!!

But right now….DISH!!

Tags: Writing // 5 Comments »