Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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Beauty Review: Telescopic Explosion Mascara by L’Oreal
Chick Lit Plus

Beauty Review: Telescopic Explosion Mascara by L’Oreal

I decided it was time for me to try out a new mascara. Even though I am liking my collagen enhanced mascara from L’Oreal, I wanted to try something new, hopefully something better. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it. Instead, I bought the Telescopic Explosion mascara from L’Oreal, hoping that the small wand would help transport my small lashes into long beauties like it promised. It didn’t.

Since the wand is so small, it took twice as long for me to apply the mascara. Then, the mascara was incredibly clumpy, even by the third time I used it. Yes, it does get to all my lashes, even the corner lashes, but it does nothing for length or volume. Instead, I get a clumpy mess of lashes and I was late for work. I would skip this mascara, especially since it has a higher price tag.

March 10, 2010
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John Krasinski to Star in Something Borrowed?
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John Krasinski to Star in Something Borrowed?

It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but negotiations are in process for John Krasinski to star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin in Emily Giffin’s “Something Borrowed.” Krasinski would play the role of Ethan, Goodwin’s friend and confident, and is also reported to sign a two movie deal, also set to star in the sequel “Something Blue.” What do you think of the choice?

March 10, 2010
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Corey Haim Dead at 38
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Corey Haim Dead at 38

Actor Corey Haim has been found dead at the age of 38. People.com reports that police believe the death was caused from an accidental overdose. Haim was reportedly found unresponsive at his Southern California apartment, and was pronounced dead at the Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank. It has been reported that his mother was in the home at the time of his death.
Haim has appeared in films such as The Lost Boys, Lucas and License to Drive, and was well known for his friendship with Corey Feldman. The pair starred together in an A&E show titled “The Two Coreys.” Feldman broke off his friendship with Haim because of his continuing use of drugs, saying he didn’t want to speak with him until he became sober.

March 10, 2010
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Interview with Sierra Michaels
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Sierra Michaels

Q: What made you want to start writing?
As an undergraduate student at UCLA writing reports and essays was essential. I especially enjoyed and excelled in classes that allowed me to use my creativity when writing. I didn’t have the time until recently to write for myself and this started on a whim in Bimini, Bahamas. My husband would go out fishing and I would read a book on the beach or in our home. One day I picked up my laptop and just started writing and creating characters. As the story developed I dove into the art of writing and concentrated on learning from other writers.
Q: I read that a certain LA subculture gave you the inspiration for your novel, Intimate Encounters. Can you tell us more about that subculture?
A good friend of mine worked in the sensual massage industry and she would tell me funny stories about the business and her clients. I used that premise to create my characters and develop the story along with my own experience as an archaeology student. Intimate Encounters merges the two, creating internal conflict for the main character, Cali.
Q: Are you currently working on a second novel?
Not currently, but I will be this spring and summer. Once I start writing the process happens pretty quickly for me. Sometimes I spend all day writing.
Q: What did you find most difficult about writing?
Editing is my least favorite part of writing. But it’s a necessity.
Q: Why did you move to Los Angeles from Cincinnati? What was the biggest adjustment you had to make?
I wanted to travel and live somewhere warm. My good friend from high school needed a roommate and I longed to get out of the suburbs of Cincinnati and explore the world. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. We lived together in a tiny studio apartment with no kitchen and we shared a bathroom with the entire apartment complex. I hated it, but we were within walking distance to the beach. The biggest adjustment was going from a somewhat small town to such a large and diverse city. It took me awhile to learn the freeway system and neighborhoods of Los Angeles. I once found myself lost in a bad part of East L.A., and that scared me into learning the roads and city layout. After about a year, I loved the city and I made it my home.
Q: You have a Masters degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology. What made you decide on that major?
The diversity of people in Los Angeles fascinated me and I wanted to learn more. I became very passionate about the study of culture, especially ancient societies. As a young student, I had the opportunity to travel to Egypt and I decided then to pursue my dream of becoming an archaeologist. Once I make a decision I give it 100% and follow through.
Q: What is one personal goal that is at the top of your to-do list?
That’s a hard one. I’ve done so much in my life and I would have said write a book, but now I can take that off my to-do list. I’ve never had a child and I think being a mother would be a wonderful experience. But I haven’t decided on that, yet. It’s such a commitment and I go back and forth with the decision.
Q: How do you enjoy spending any free time?
I have my pilot’s license and a plane, so flying is at the top of my list. It’s such feeling of freedom to fly to the islands or another town with my husband and friends for lunch or an overnight stay. I also like reading, watching movies and getting killer massages.
Q: What would your advice be to aspiring writers?
Write for yourself. It’s a rewarding experience and write because you like it. Always strive to learn more about writing and improving your own skills. Don’t let rejections stop you, instead let that become your inspiration to learn more about the publishing business.
Q: I read that you have had the opportunity to travel pretty extensively. What was the favorite place you visited?
Each place is unique and beautiful in its own right. I would say several places hold a special place in my heart. Recently, I went to South Africa and the beauty of Cape Town was unparalleled along with a safari in the northern part of the country. For me Italy is the most romantic place, and it’s where my husband and I spent our honeymoon. Egypt and Russia for its long rich history. Vietnam, Ireland and Peru all combine natural beauty and history.

March 9, 2010
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Hilary Duff Writing Novels
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Hilary Duff Writing Novels

Hilary Duff is adding author to her growing list of titles. The actress/singer/designer, 22, has signed on to write a series of young adult novels for Simon & Schuster. The first novel, to be titled Elixir, will follow the adventures of a globe-trotting photojournalist named Clea Raymond, and will be released October12th. The newly engaged Duff will also be writing a nonfiction book about children coping with divorce, due out in 2012.

March 9, 2010
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Healthy Recipe: Egg White Muffin Melt
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Healthy Recipe: Egg White Muffin Melt

I woke up early this morning to try to fit in a hearty breakfast, something other than my usual bowl of Fruit Loops. So I woke up, strolled in my kitchen, and stared at my fridge. Then in my cupboards. Then back in the fridge in case I missed something the first time. But no, there was nothing in my kitchen that was going to turn itself into a yummy, healthy morning meal. Bummed, I settled by making myself some toast on whole wheat bread. Mmmm.
Luckily, I found some recipes that seem simple enough for me to complete, and still healthy and fulfilling to keep me going until lunch. One of my favorites is an Egg-White Muffin Melt. Even sounds simple, doesn’t it? The ingredients are easy and the time to cook it wouldn’t take long in the mornings. Check it out courtesy of Fitness Magazine online:
Ingredients
3 egg whites
Whole-grain English muffin
1/2 cup spinach
1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 slice tomato
Make It
Scramble 3 egg whites. Cover half of a whole-grain English muffin with 1/2 cup spinach and the other half with 1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese; toast until cheese is melted. Add egg and 1 slice tomato.

March 9, 2010
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Interview with Gemma Burgess
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Gemma Burgess

Q: Why did you decide to write The Dating Detox?
A combination of things came together to create a perfect storm of novel-writing… I was in bed with a tedious back injury, my sister and I had been talking about the kinds of books we wanted to read, and then I just started writing one night. I wanted a heroine that was normal – you know, funny and confident and silly and ballsy. And I wanted to reverse the usual chicklit thing of having a girl pining for love – I wanted to create an anti-romantic comedy, with a heroine who was saying ‘up yours’ to love…
Q: Are you currently working on another book?
I’ve just finished my second book, The Dating Virgin. I’m editing it as we speak. It’s about a girl who learns to be single after a long time in a relationship – it’s a tough thing to do, and there’s not much out there about it. She learns to date like a man – more specifically, like a bastard…
Q: What did you find most difficult about writing?
Self-doubt is the hardest thing. Not writers block – I very rarely have that, probably as I’ve earned my living writing for advertising agencies for a long time, so I know that when it strikes I just need to read something else for an hour or go for a walk somewhere distracting like, you know, Zara. But self-doubt! That’s a killer. Those evil little fairies who tell you that you’re a bit poo… you have to just ignore them and keep going.
Q: You have a feature on your website, Name That Bastard. (Hilarious). What gave you the idea for that?
I find naming really hard. When it came to naming the bad guy, Rick, in The Dating Detox, I sent emails to all my friends asking for the name of any bastard ex-boyfriends they had… the emails poured in and everyone told me the bastard story behind why it should be this name or that name, and that’s how I chose Rick. So for The Dating Virgin, I threw it open to the world with www.namethatbastard.com… I get some hilarious emails – and I think it’s like free therapy, too.
Q: What are some of your favorite books or authors?
Ayyy so many… I read a lot. I love Nora Ephron, Jilly Cooper, Plum Sykes, Nancy Mitford, Kingsley Amis, Bret Easton Ellis, Stella Gibbons, Jane Austen, Julian Barnes… Recently I read The Adventures Of Kavelier and Clay, by Michael Chabon, which was incredible, just brilliant. And I just read The Making Of Mia by Ilana Fox, which is fab glitzy revenge fash-lit.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
At the moment? Planning my wedding! I’m getting married in April in New York so, since we live in London, that’s a bit of a time-suck. The rest of the time, when I’m not writing – and I’m writing quite a lot, it has to be said – I’m the same as most girls, I think: go out for dinner and drinks with my friends, read magazines in the bath, read books, go shopping, try to force myself to work out, watch SkyPlussed episodes of Glee…
Q: I see you are fellow shoe lover. What is your favorite pair of heels in your closet?
Oh, gosh. So many… Well, I bought a pair of red Miu Miu heels to wear on my wedding day… a bit untraditional, I know, but I LOVE them. They’re attached. I have a silly amount of shoes for a girl who spends most of her time in Converses. Most of my shoes are from Office. Damn I love that place.
Q: Where is one place you absolutely advise against trying to meet a man?
Anywhere that those dreadful books tell you to meet them, like salsa class… I don’t know any normal single man who would go to a salsa class. Men I know go to work, the gym, bars, restaurants, and home. I think you can meet a man anywhere as long as you’re not obsessing. That irritating adage ‘it happens when you least expect it’ is true. The Dating Detox just takes that to the next level.
Q: What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Read, write, edit. Repeat…And ignore the self-doubt!
Q: I read you grew up everywhere. What would you say was the best location you lived in?
Tough question! I am pretty seriously in love with London. I’ve lived here since I was 22 and I love, love, love it. It’s home. My parents are still in Hong Kong, where I spent most of my life before London, and I count that as a sort of second home – whenever I head back I feel that ‘ahhh’ relaxed feeling. The light, the smell, the humidity, the beautiful lights… it really makes me feel all warm and happy. And I went to university in Sydney, in Australia, and have lots of fond memories of there, too. It’s a great place to live… I don’t remember Singapore or the other places all that well as I was pretty young. In summary? London, followed by Hong Kong!

March 9, 2010
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Brooke Burke to Co-Host Dancing With the Stars
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Brooke Burke to Co-Host Dancing With the Stars

When Dancing With the Stars returns on March 22nd, a new face will be joining Tom Bergeron as co-host. Brooke Burke, who won Season 7 with partner Derek Hough, has been selected to take over duties for past host Samantha Harris. The news was announced Monday on Good Morning America.

March 9, 2010
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Sophie Kinsella is Pregnant
Chick Lit Authors

Sophie Kinsella is Pregnant

Sophie Kinsella announced today on her Facebook page that she is expecting another baby next month! Click Here to read her Facebook announcement.

March 8, 2010
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