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Sweet Life by Mia King
Chick Lit Review

Sweet Life by Mia King

Marissa Price is living a great life in New York City. Always busy, she doesn’t spend as much time with her husband Paul and daughter Pansy that she would like, but both she and Paul are busy with their careers and eight-year old Pansy has plenty of activities to keep her busy. When Paul’s job suddenly offers him a position to move his family to Hawaii and secure a management position at a prestigious hotel, the family quickly packs up their belongings and heads off to paradise.
Turns out, The Big Island is nothing like Marissa was expecting. The constant rainfall, the cows in the backyard, and the house that looked so beautiful and inviting online turns out to be a falling apart fixer-upper. Trying to adjust to suddenly being a stay at home mom, Marissa finds herself resenting moving to Hawaii, while Paul is having the time of his life. The strains in the marriage become evident, and soon Paul is moving out. Marissa suspects he is having an affair with his secretary, and tries moving on with her own life. This includes getting female tenants to help with the growing stress of bills, women who eventually become incredibly supportive friends.
Sweet Life, the second novel from Mia King, is an inspiring story about love, family, and friendships. Wondering which life changing decisions Marissa will make keep readers engaged throughout, and the ending provides a nice surprise and happy ending for all. The supporting characters, Marissa’s housemates, are a wonderful addition, each character with an incredible story. Their struggles really seal the plot line together, making Sweet Life a favorite for chick lit fans.

January 8, 2010
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Interview with Claire Matturro
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Claire Matturro

Q: Is there a certain area where you do all your writing?

A.. When I told my husband that I was going to quit my teaching job and write a book, he built me a den on the side of our house. It is a very quiet room, with a window right over my ancient computer, and the window looks out into the woods. I’ve done all my writing in this room.

Q: What do you find most difficult about writing?

A.. For me, the creative process is fun. The hard part is the mechanical part, or maybe one would call it the physical side of writing: the typing, the spell-checking, and the sitting down in a chair in front of a keyboard aspect of writing.

Q: And what is your favorite part about writing?

A.. Making stuff up based upon little snippets of real life. That is, overhearing a conversation between two people and spinning out a whole imagined life for them and adding action to their talk. Just making up stories is a lot of fun too, regardless of the inspiration.

Q: You have four novels out, all based on the character Lilly. She is lawyer and you were a lawyer. Was she based off you in any way?
A. Not really, though we do share a vegetarian diet and a wry humor and a somewhat cynical outlook.. Lilly is more of a composite of other lawyers I have known. Some of Lilly’s better character traits are based upon a couple of my former law partners too.
Q: Is there going to be a 5th novel about Lilly?
A.. It’s really hard to say at this point, but if there is, it will not be anytime soon.

Q: On the other hand, would you want to write a novel with a new character as the heroine?
A.. I’m actually doing some nonfiction writing of late, and re-doing a pre-Lilly manuscript with a strong female lead who is a librarian. Librarians always seem to know how to figure things out and find information that it seems a natural profession for an amateur sleuth.
Q: I read that you graduated from law school, and then worked as a lawyer for a decade. When did you decide you wanted to start writing?

A. Actually, I decided I wanted to write when I was still in grade school, but it took me a long time to make the leap. Pesky thing about earning my living held me back for decades.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or author of your own?
A. My answer on that tends to change with the seasons except for a few really basic books, which I consider fundamental: Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mockingbird, each of which I reread every decade. As for a favorite author, it’d be a tie between Barbara Kingsolver, Wendell Berry, and Anne Lamont. But, you know, ask me in a month and I might have discovered or rediscovered somebody new.
Q: What do you like to do with your down time?
A. Garden and photography. Especially, taking photographs of what I find in and around my garden.
Q: Where would be or is your favorite place to travel?
I hope to go to Italy someday, but I have not gotten there yet. I love the Pacific Northwest as a place to visit, and hope to see many more of the National Parks in this country.

January 8, 2010
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All Eyes on Her by Poonam Sharma
Chick Lit Review

All Eyes on Her by Poonam Sharma

Monica Gupta is an ambitious junior associate at the elite Steel law firm, trying to work her way up the ladder despite a bitter rival in the office. She works with Hollywood celebrities, representing them as they brave the tricky world of divorce along with the public and tabloids capturing their every move. Her newest clients, Cameron and Lydia, are proving to be a tough couple, keeping Monica more and more distracted from her own crumbling love life. Fiancé Raj won’t speak to her, and jetted off to the other side of the Pond while continuing to ignore her calls and emails. To top everything off, her irresistible ex-boyfriend is requesting Monica’s help representing his own divorce, causing more confusion for Monica about what she really wants.
All Eyes on Her by Poonam Sharma is a page turner until the end, keeping readers wondering how Monica’s love life will play out. The mix of celebrities and an “average” character fits together nicely, giving chick lit readers a taste of the Hollywood hoopla. The only problem I had with this book is that the plot seemed to jump around too much. I found myself confused when story lines would end abruptly, or not enough information was given on a character. Because the main character was written so well and I felt I could really connect with her, I was able to stay interested and intrigued throughout the entire novel, wondering who Monica would eventually end up with. Look for All Eyes on Her to be overall charming- bringing you laughs and making you think.

January 8, 2010
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Dental Habits You Need to Break!
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Dental Habits You Need to Break!

I went to the dentist a few weeks ago and I was happy to hear I was cavity free! Coming from the girl who has cavities filled almost every time I’ve been to the dentist, I was pretty ecstatic over this news. I recently became more concerned with the health of my teeth and gums, and am making sure to go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and teeth check. Once I started college four years ago and didn’t have my mom making my appointments and telling me to go, I had been slacking off in that area. But the dental appointments are important, and without them you could be putting yourself in line for dangerous health risks associated with the mouth, teeth, and gums.
Shape.com posted an article entitled “10 Bad (Dental) Habits to Break” and some of their tips are listed below:
1. Brushing Too Hard. This can have two different parts: using a firm bristled toothbrush and using too much pressure. By doing one or both of these, the enamel on the teeth can weaken or wear away, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Shape recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gentle circular motions while brushing. Electric toothbrushes are also highly recommended.
2. The Wrong Toothpaste. Fluoride is the only ingredient you need to look for in your toothpaste. Shape says that using toothpastes that say “tarter control” can actually do more harm than good, being too abrasive on the teeth and can cause receding gums. Some highly recommended toothpastes: Mentadent ($3.29), Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste ($4) and Sensodyne Fresh Mint ($4.39) for sensitive teeth.
3. Not Flossing. You need to floss at least once a day in order to remove hard to reach plaque stuck between the teeth. My dentist told me to floss teeth right before I brush, because the plaque will be looser, causing the toothpaste to be able to clear it away. Floss every day, and after meals if you are able to.
4. Drinking lots of soda. Both regular and diet soda contain phosphoric acid, which can cause teeth erosion over time. Try to limit your intake of the carbonated beverages, or use a straw when you do drink, and brush teeth afterwards to minimize damage.
5. Foods That Stain. Foods that can stain other items, such as clothes or carpet, can stain your teeth as well.( Examples can include red wine, tea, and coffee.) Over time, teeth will turn a dull, yellowish color from the staining. Laser whitening or bleaching can help lift stains without removing the enamel.

Be sure to check out Shape.com for the full article and schedule your appointments with the dentist!

January 8, 2010
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Marilyn Manson & Evan Rachel Wood Engaged
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Marilyn Manson & Evan Rachel Wood Engaged

People.com has reported that shock rocker Marilyn Manson and actress Evan Rachel Wood are engaged. Sources close to the couple have confirmed that Manson, 41, proposed to Wood, 22, while performing on stage in Paris on Monday. The couple began dating in 2006, and after a brief split in 2008, reconciled and have been together since.
Manson has been previously married to burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. Reps for both stars had no comment.

January 7, 2010
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Lindsay Lohan Accused of Copying Designs
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Lindsay Lohan Accused of Copying Designs

Lindsay Lohan just can’t seem to win when it comes to fashion. The actress had recently announced an expansion of her leggings line 6126 into a full clothing line, but is now being accused of copying designs from two separate designers. People.com reports that James Lillis, designer of Black Milk Clothing, pointed out the similarities between Lindsay’s “Diamond” leggings and his own “Sheer Spartan” leggings — both of which boast a signature triangle cutout at mid-thigh. Then, Fashionista.com saw the resemblance between Lohan’s geometric dress and a Jen Kao dress the star wore only last month. Kao has responded by saying, “While we are all well aware that being ‘mimicked’ or ‘copied’ has always existed in this industry, I think the evolution of it all has grown to an alarming level. It’s a shame to support the concept of taking advantage of designers who are still trying to develop a name and solidify the image of their design aesthetic.”
Lohan has yet to comment on the allegations.

January 7, 2010
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Tori Spelling Writing Third Book
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Tori Spelling Writing Third Book

Tori Spelling will again be coming to a bookstore near you. The actress, 36, will be writing her third book, tentatively titled unchartered terriTORI, and is scheduled to hit stores in June. Spelling told PEOPLE, “I love sharing my stories and experiences with people and connecting to them on both a humorous and emotional level. The response to my first two books has been so amazing that I wanted to write a third one for my fans.” The book is expected to cover Spelling’s very public feud and reconciliation with mother Candy, the debate on her weight, and her life with husband Dean McDermott and their two children, Liam and Stella.
Spelling’s first two books, Mommywood and sTORItelling, have more than 800,000 copies in print combined. Spelling has also been busy working on her fifth season of the Oxygen show Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, premiering in the spring, as well as a jewelry line and kids clothing line.

January 7, 2010
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Lady Gaga Collaborating with Polaroid
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Lady Gaga Collaborating with Polaroid

Lady Gaga has signed on with photography brand Polaroid with the title creative director and inventor of specialty products. The collaboration announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Thursday. Gaga, 23, released this statement, “The Haus of Gaga has been developing prototypes in the vein of fashion /technology /photography innovation – blending the iconic history of Polaroid and instant film with the digital era – and we are excited to collaborate on these ventures with the Polaroid brand.”
According to People.com, Polaroid was pulled out of bankruptcy last May by private equity firms and a plan to launch new products using the Polaroid name. Gaga’s campaign will feature the pop star in marketing campaigns and social networking channels.

January 7, 2010
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Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift Win Big at People’s Choice Awards
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Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift Win Big at People’s Choice …

The People’s Choice Awards kicked off Hollywood’s award season, airing live last night from L.A.’s Nokia Theatre. Queen Latifah was the host for the night, and fans saw there favorites including Sandra Bullock and Taylor Swift win big. Bullock beat out other big names such as Jennifer Aniston and Kristen Stewart to win favorite movie actress, and her movie The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds also grabbed the award for favorite comedy.
Taylor Swift, after sweeping almost all other award shows earlier in the year, won for favorite female artist, but lost to Carrie Underwood as favorite country artist. Underwood has won that award two years in a row.
Twilight was also a fan favorite, picking up awards for favorite movie, favorite on-screen team (an award given out to the entire cast) and favorite franchise. Taylor Lautner also won favorite breakout actor.
For a complete list of winners, please visit the People’s Choice Awards website.

January 7, 2010
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