Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

Latest Youtube Videos

Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD
Chick Lit Plus

Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD

I was looking to add a new Pilates DVD to my workout collection, and I have found the best results with Shape DVD’s. I found the Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink DVD, which included a pink exercise band and donated $1 from my purchase to breast cancer research. There are three separate sections, and you have the option to do them separately, or all together for a fifty minute workout. There are sections on upper body, lower body, and abs. I thought the workouts were okay. They were less challenging then other Mari Winsor workouts I have tried, and I got a little bored through some of the sections. They feature basically all of the regular Pilates stretches, but they were more difficult with the added resistance of the band. I think having the band included makes the DVD worth it, and if you are a beginner to Pilates, I would suggest picking this one up.

January 16, 2011
2 Comments
Celebrities for Breakfast by Shelley Stout
Chick Lit Review

Celebrities for Breakfast by Shelley Stout

Judith Collington needs to get out of LA. She spends her days as a personal shopper for celebrities, caving in to the demands of the rich and famous. With her seventh-grade daughter Shannon maturing by the minute, Judith makes the decision to move to Illinois. She has the opportunity to run a bed and breakfast, taking over after the elder owner steps down. But after uprooting her life and settling down in the Midwest, Judith loses the chance to purchase the B&B- and the new owner only reminds her of what she left behind in California.
Celebrities for Breakfast by Shelley Stout is a romantic comedy, and I thought it was interesting to get more than one view point from the characters. Even though the story is told through Judith’s voice, there are some of Shannon’s journal entries that prove pivotal, and even a third voice that pops up along the way. I did think the story was a bit too dull at times, and I think that’s because it was predictable. But if you like romance, I would give Celebrities for Breakfast a try and see what you think. There are some sweet moments and a lesson or two you can pull from the story.
Rating: 3

January 15, 2011
4 Comments
My Favorite Product for Frizzy Hair
Chick Lit Plus

My Favorite Product for Frizzy Hair

I have struggled with frizzy hair for most of my adult life (the constant hair dye and highlights might have something to do with that) and I am always searching for the best frizz-free products. I have bought countless shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, gels, waxes, creams, you name, I have probably bought it. But nothing seems to really help. I was always embarrassed to leave my hair down because of all the frizz, so I would constantly wear ponytails and buns. I decided the more expensive route would be the one take, the expensive products would have to work, right?
I bought the shampoo and conditioner set from Tresemme, under their Smooth and Silky line. I didn’t even use half the bottle of conditioner before I had to throw it away. It was awful! It was impossible to work the conditioner through my hair, so I kept using more and more of the product, which in turn made my hair look and feel greasy. When I would try to comb out my hair after a shower, I kept running into knots, making me pull my hair out in the process. And my hair did not look any sleeker or smoother after use. It almost looked to have more frizz! This conditioner was definitely not the answer, and I was disappointed that I had wasted my money.
Enter Herbal Essences. I love their commercials, but never tried out any of their products. They have catchy packaging and were less expensive than the Tresemme, so I decided to give them a try. And I found a winner! Not only did the conditioner go on easy in the shower, it smelled great and I could comb through my hair without any problems. But the big test- the frizz. My hair is virtually frizz free. I can’t believe it! I have been able to wear my hair down since I started using Herbal Essences and I am so happy. The product I use is None of Your Frizzness, and it is completely worth it. If you have frizzy hair, I would suggest giving Herbal Essences a try.

January 14, 2011
2 Comments
Falling Home by Karen White
Chick Lit Review

Falling Home by Karen White

Cassie Madison would rather forget her hometown. She has an envious high powered career in advertising in Manhattan, a fabulous apartment and clothes, and a rich successful fiancé. She has worked to get her Walton, Georgia accent to disappear, and hasn’t been back to see her family in fifteen years. Not since her sister Harriett ran off and eloped with her Cassie’s boyfriend. But when her ailing father is on his last breath, Cassie has no choice but head to down Walton to say goodbye. Cassie is reluctant to speak to Harriett, but as time passes and Cassie stays in Walton preparing for the funeral, she can’t help but reconnect with her sister and her sister’s children. She also unexpectedly develops feelings for Sam, the town doctor, who once was the class geek that Cassie ignored. But how can Cassie give up her high powered life and successful fiancé in New York?
I am a big fan of Karen White, but Falling Home just didn’t do it for me. This was a re-released novel of earlier work, and it fell short with me. The plot was good and there were a few suspenseful parts to it, but the characters were a bit boring and slow moving. I found myself unenthusiastic about picking the book back up to read. The story will probably make you cry, I certainly did during the tear-jerker scenes, but the romance was too predictable and uneasy for me to get into. On Folly Beach is still my favorite novel from Karen White.
Rating:3.5/5

January 14, 2011
2 Comments
Kate Hudson Pregnant with Rocker Boyfriend
Chick Lit Plus

Kate Hudson Pregnant with Rocker Boyfriend

Alright Hollywood, you are officially out of control. Who else joined in with the baby party this week and announced they were pregnant? If you guessed Kate Hudson, you were right! Sources confirmed with People.com that the actress is expecting with boyfriend Matthew Bellamy. The couple has been dating for about nine months, and he is the frontman for the rock band Muse. Hudson, 31, also has a seven year old son, Ryder, with ex-husband Chris Robinson.

January 13, 2011
1 Comment
Blue by Lou Aronica
Chick Lit Review

Blue by Lou Aronica

I don’t usually read fantasy novels, but I do like to give one a chance every so often. And I am sure glad I decided to take a chance on Blue, a novel by Lou Aronica. The story follows a family, Chris Astor and his fourteen year old daughter Becky. Becky has suffered through health conditions throughout her young life, and when times were at their worst, Chris helped Becky escape her pain by creating a magical world. Each night, father and daughter would revisit the Tamarisk Kingdom, and fill the land with their imaginations.
Queen Miea of Tamarisk is facing a great battle. Her land is suffering and on the verge of becoming extinct. No on can seem to find the answers she needs in order to save her community and the people along with it. But when Becky discovers that the fantasy world she created so many years ago is real, she becomes determined to save Tamarisk, and enlists her father to help. At first thinking his daughter is dreaming of the stories, Chris is hesitant to help. But once he sees for himself the magical land he created for his daughter during the worst moments of her life, Chris will do anything to save Tamarisk- and save his daughter.
This was such a well written novel, I couldn’t praise Aronica more for the beautiful way he intertwined characters and worlds. Every last detail in the fantasy world was creative and added more to the story. There were some heartbreaking scenes along the way that had me crying, but the love between father and daughter was extremely clear and quite emotional. I loved that I chose to read this book, because there wasn’t much romance or scandal to read about. The story focused solely on the love of a family, the painful journey some must take when losing a loved one, and the gift of believing. A recommendation to all readers.

January 12, 2011
3 Comments
Debut Authors & Novels- January, February
Chick Lit Review

Debut Authors & Novels- January, February

Here are some debut authors and their novels coming out in January and February. Chick Lit Plus challengers- I hope this helps find some debuts for you to count towards the reading challenge! More debuts will be posted each month.

Title: A Valentine’s Kiss
Author: Lucie Hart
Synopsis: This Valentine’s day Imogen is going to meet the man of her dreams. If only she can discover who he is…At a gloriously over-the-top house party in the balmy South of France, British trainee chef Imogen finds herself playing blind man’s buff with a host of impossibly handsome men. And then one of them kisses her. It’s the most perfect kiss she’s ever experienced in her short – and frankly, to date romantically disappointing – life. Sweet, sexy and full of promise. Imogen wants more, but by the time she recovers her wits sufficiently to remove her blindfold her mystery kisser has disappeared. Could her Prince Charming be one of her fellow-chefs, Dimitri or Bastien? Both are clearly interested in her. But there’s also enigmatic Latino hunk Enzo, good-times-guy DJ Cheyenne, aristocratic Amaury, and the American visitors – Archer and Everett…So many men, so little time. And Imogen can’t just keep kissing men until she finds the right one…can she?
Release Date: January 20, 2011

Title: Playdate
Author: Thelma Adams
Synopsis: Inside their picture-perfect homes, the residents of this quiet California suburb are not at all what they seem.
Lance is a former weatherman, now a buff yogi, stay-athome dad, and manager of his daughter’s Girl Scout troop’s cookie distribution. Belle is his precocious and quick-witted daughter. Darlene is a classic Type A work-a-holic, she has little time or patience for the needs of her husband and daughter
And just down the street are Alec and Wren. Alec, a womanizing businessman, is also the financial backer—and sometimes more—behind Darlene’s burgeoning empire. Meanwhile, Wren is a doting mother and talented yogi, ready to lay down the mat for a quick session with Lance.
As looming Santa Ana winds threaten to turn brushfires into catastrophe; Playdate proves that relationships are complicated and the bonds between families, spouses and children are never quite what they seem. What happens next door, beyond the hedges, in the romper room and executive office—it’s all as combustible as a quick brushfire on a windy day.
Release Date: January 18. 2011

Title: Postcards from the Heart
Author: Ella Griffin
Synopsis: Life is looking up for Saffy. She has a great job, a gorgeous flat in the most desirable part of Dublin and – after six years – it looks like her boyfriend, Greg, is going to propose. Greg (just voted the 9th most eligible man in Ireland) is on a high too – he’s about to swap his part as a heartthrob in an Irish soap for a break in Hollywood. His best mate Brian wakes up every morning with Daryl, the most beautiful woman on the planet but, even after seven years and two kids, she won’t get married. He spends his days teaching teenagers and his nights writing the book he hopes will change everything, including Daryl’s mind. But their happy endings are playing hard to get. It seems everyone’s keeping secrets – one night stands, heartbreak, grief and loss are all in the mix. It’s going to take some tough questions and even tougher answers before anyone’s being honest – even with themselves. POSTCARDS FROM THE HEART is a book about four friends in their thirties. It’s about love, lust, life, death, balloon rides and missing hamsters. But most of all it’s about figuring out how to stop saying ‘I don’t’ and how to start saying ‘I do’.
Release Date: January 2011

Title: 666 Park Avenue
Author: Gabriella Price
Synopsis: Ever since fabulously wealthy Malcolm Doran walked into her life and swept her off her feet fledgling architect Jane Boyle2 s world has become an absolute fairy tale. When he proposes with a stunning 5-carat diamond to seal the deal Jane can2 t believe her incredible fortune and decides to leave her Paris-based job and make a new start with Malcolm in New York. But when Malcolm introduces Jane to the esteemed Doran clan one of the most feared and revered families of the New York City upper crust Jane2 s fairy tale takes a darker turn. Soon everything she thought she knew about the world and herself is upended and Jane is left to struggle with newfound magical abilities and the threat of those who will stop at nothing to get them. Bringing together the dual fascinations of high society and black magic 666 Park Avenue is a story of a young woman2 s discovery and survival when her mother-in-law to-be turns out to be a horrible grasping witch…literally.
Release Date: February 1, 2011

January 12, 2011
5 Comments
Jewel, Ty Murray Expecting
Chick Lit Plus

Jewel, Ty Murray Expecting

What is with the baby news coming from Hollywood this week! On the heels of Natalie Portman, Victoria Beckham, and Owen Wilson, Jewell and husband Ty Murray have announced they are expecting. People.com released the news from the singer, 36, saying she is in her second trimester. This will be the first child for the couple, who married in 2008.

January 12, 2011
Leave a comment
Owen Wilson to be a Dad
Chick Lit Plus

Owen Wilson to be a Dad

Well who saw this coming? Owen Wilson is going to be a dad! The actor’s rep confirmed the baby news to People.com, saying, “Owen Wilson and Jade Duell are happy to be expecting a baby.” Wilson, 42, has been dating Duell for more than a year. This will be the first child for the actor. No due date was given.

January 11, 2011
Leave a comment