Tampilkan postingan dengan label Guest Post. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Guest Post. Tampilkan semua postingan

Kamis, 07 Februari 2013

Design: In Red

What better way to start off the month than by pulling together some of my favorite Valentine themed decor for you all?! Hi everyone, Katie here once again from H2 Design. When I think of Valentine's Day, I envision lots of roses, hearts, and of course, the color of love; RED! So... let's get started!
valentineinspiration


And don't forget all of the fantastic LOVE themed art over at Jen's shop. This is her specialty! My picks are GOLD LIPS and LOVE LANGUAGES. Don't miss out!

JenRamosPosters

Selasa, 29 Januari 2013

Emerald Green is IN

Hi everyone, Katie here from H2 Design. And yes, by now we all know that emerald is supposedly the color of the year. But I have to admit... I wasn't completely sold on the idea immediately. 

So to help persuade myself, I gathered together some examples of successful spaces that use the trending emerald in varying doses; as an allover color (WOW!), in moderation through key anchor pieces, and as a refreshing accent.

MilesReddNewYorkKitchen
Miles Redd via House Beautiful.
MatthewBeesLivingRoom
Matthew Bees via House Beautiful.
NickeyKehoe

Okay... I think this plush emerald sofa (pictured above) may be calling my name?!
Nickey Kehoe. Photography Amy Neusinger.
NathanTurnerBotique
Nathan Turner.
HousetoHome
House to Home.
I'm personally more comfortable with the latter; decorating with emerald in moderation. How do you all feel about the color of the year? Yay or nay?
Below I've pulled together some fun emerald toned accents to sprinkle throughout your homes...
emerald_H2Design
1 - Emerald Vase, Terrain / 2 - Amazon Moss, Benjamin Moore / 3 - Emerald City, Liza Hathaway Matthews / 4 - Esme Glass Lamp, Stray Dog Designs / 5 - fabric / 6 - D.L. Rhein Basket Weave Pillow, Zinc Door / 7 - Zebra Pillow, Dwell Studio / 8 - Sanitraner Print, Anthropologie / 8 - Emerald, Glassy Baby


-post by katie hackworth

Rabu, 19 Desember 2012

Ten Great Steampunk Novels (you might not have heard of) by M.K. Hobson

 I'm delighted to be part of the Warlock's Curse blog tour which is hosted by CBB Book Promotions. Ms. Hobson's debut novel, The Native Star—the first book in her Veneficas Americana series—was nominated for a Nebula award in 2010. She lives in the first city in the United States incorporated west of the Rockies. Her favorite writers are Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, Booth Tarkington, Gore Vidal, and William S. Burroughs. The Warlock’s Curse is her third novel. Ms.Hobson is here today to give us her recommendations for ten great steampunk novels we may have not heard before! To make browsing easier for you, I've included book covers from Goodreads and linked the titles to Amazon.

M.K. Hobson's Ten Great Steampunk Novels (you might not have heard of)


With Christmas coming up, I bet many readers of Books In The Spotlight will find gift certificates for books in their stockings. Well, the readers who have been nice, anyway. And those who have been naughty surely have better ways of getting their hands on books than waiting for some fat man in a red suit to slide down the chimney with a gift certificate. So however you get your hands on them, here’s a list of ten great steampunk books you might want to check out in 2013!


Ironskin by Tina Connolly: The elevator pitch for this one—a “steampunk Jane Eyre with fairies”—really doesn’t do justice to this compelling, lyrical tale. Whether you’re a fan of steampunk or Charlotte Bronte, you’ll like this one.









Mechanique by Genevieve Valentine: A powerful tale set under the big top of the magical Circus Tresaulti. It’s simply chock-a-block with beautiful imagery, such as the mechanical wings which lay at the center of a epic power struggle between two fascinatingly damaged characters.









 Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia: This book as intelligent as it is gripping, set in a in a Russia where the Decembrists' rebellion was successful and the Trans-Siberian railroad was completed before 1854. A prime example of steampunk set outside the by-now-somewhat-yawn-worthy streets and alleyways of “foggy London.”








What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower by Margaret Killjoy: A devilishly delightful “choose your own adventure” steampunk novel with colonialist gnomes, indigenous goblins, and no small amount of political consciousness. This one is as intriguing as it is enjoyable.








 The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer: This “steampunk superhero” book takes place in a Victorian New York powered by the discovery of Fortified Steam, a substance that allows ordinary men to wield extraordinary abilities. Super fun, with a strong heroine.







 God Save the Queen by Kate Locke: I like to take my steampunk with a large helping of magic, and there are plenty of magical creatures in this one. I especially like what Locke does with her goblins.








The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming: I am cheating a bit, because I can’t classify this one as purely steampunk, but I think it will hold a lot of appeal to readers who like steampunk. And it has a beautiful love story, which I think everyone likes.







New Amsterdam by Elizabeth Bear: I don’t think there’s anything Elizabeth Bear *can’t* write—and steampunk is no exception. In this collection of interlocked short stories, hard-boiled sleuth Abigail Irene Garrett contends with Spanish vampires, blood sorcery, and dirigibles in an colonial Victorian America where the Revolutionary War never happened..






The Women of Nell Gwynne’s by Kage Baker: This isn’t really unknown, as it was nominated for several awards, but it’s a novella, so it may have slipped under the radar. The titular women of Nell Gwynne’s not only work at the most exclusive brothel in London—they are also secret agents.







 All Men of Genius by Lev A.C. Rosen: I started this list with a “steampunk Jane Eyre” so it seems only appropriate to end it with a “steampunk Twelfth Night.” I generally go for darker fodder, but this one was sweet and light and fun.








 Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and giving us new authors and books to discover, Ms. Hobson!

THE YEAR IS 1910. Eighteen-year-old Will Edwards has landed a prestigious apprenticeship at Detroit’s Tesla Industries, the most advanced scientific research center in the United States. It’s a plum prize for a young man who dreams of a career in the new science of Otherwhere Engineering.
But his father doesn’t want him to go. And he won’t tell him why.

Determined to get there by any means necessary, Will finds unexpected support along the way. His old friend Jenny Hansen—daughter of a San Francisco timber baron—is eager to help him for reasons of her own. And so is his estranged brother Ben, who he hasn’t seen in over ten years.

But running away turns out to be the easy part. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, Will is stricken by a powerful magic—a devastating curse laid upon his ancestors by the malevolent sangrimancer Aebedel Cowdray. Will must find a way to control the magic that possesses him—or the vengeful warlock’s spirit will destroy everything and everyone he loves.


 Readers, if you would like to know more about Ms. Hobson be sure to check out the links below:


Senin, 10 Desember 2012

Design: Christmas at Target

Drew back, sharing with you a little Christmas time decor. I know all of you have been surrounded by advertisements of the Target and Neiman Marcus collection! I even bet some of you got up super early to dash into the store to grab some of your favorite items from some of the most well known fashion and design experts! 

These are just a few of my favorites from the collection, as well as some other Target pieces that will go quite nice with your other items. 

No Target in your city? Head online and get them before they're gone!


1) Frame


-post by drew humphries




Kamis, 06 Desember 2012

Glimmer Tour: Barbara Brooke's Audience

 As part of the promotional tour for Glimmers hosted by Candace Book Blog, I'm very happy to have the author of the book, Barbara Brooke, on the blog. Today Barbara will talk to us about her audience.

Who do you write for? 

   I write for people who enjoy traveling to another time, eating exotic foods and pretending that anyone can attain a superpower. Paige has the ability to “glimmer” into other people’s lives and experience their memories. Her first glimmer takes her into the life of a young girl from West Virginia during the 1980s. I wanted this story to have the same Southern warmth from books like The Notebook and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Paige’s second glimmer throws her into an uncomfortable moment from her sister’s life … and reveals a secret that Paige would rather not know. The third glimmer pulls her back in time to 1818 England, into the life of her great ancestor Emma. Emma’s story is charming and elegant like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.
   Through Glimmers I was able to bring elements from some of my favorite books. I was able to explore different personalities and talents through the perspective of four unique women. My taste is eclectic. I adore many styles of writing, as well as an array of settings, personalities and moods. I suspect that I’m not alone when it comes to altering my surroundings depending on how I feel at any particular moment: diving into a specific book, immersing inside a particular movie, devouring certain foods or humming to just the right song. Glimmers was written for women 16 and older, but can also be enjoyed by the fellas. I could name a few men whose eyes welled, just a bit ;) 

  I've noticed that some men are closet romance readers so it's not all that surprising to see them pick up your book. I love the sound of the story within the story feel to your book. I'm also excited to see how the concept of Glimmers work. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara!


A simple touch and suddenly, Paige is in the past - living someone else's life, seeing the world through their eyes, and feeling their deepest emotions.
 Paige used to think memories only existed in one's mind. But now, she knows better. She can't explain how or why, but she has glimmers: special moments that have remained behind - clinging to a letter, a ring, even a worn-out pair of boots.
  When Paige returns from each glimmer, a small part of her has changed. Who is this gourmet cook, fashion designer, feisty lover? And how is she supposed to explain this to her family without them thinking she has completely lost her mind?
  Paige thought her new talent was a gift, until…she was suddenly transported into her sister’s memory, and caught a glimmer of her secret life.

Divine Dining Rooms: My guest post on SummerHouse's blog: Always Summer

I got the great honor of guest posting over at Always SummerSummerHouse's blog.  You can see it some of it below, but go to Always Summer to see the whole post.

I'd say that the dining room is probably the room I talk about the least. I major part of that is probably because I've never had a proper dining room, and because even after spending hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful meal, you're likely to find me enjoying it curled up on the couch.

However, I'm coming to realize that now that we are looking for a home, I might actually have a real grown up dining room, and once I have kids we will not be dining on the sofa. Also, the up coming holidays are probably when dining rooms see the most action, so I've gathered up some dining rooms to inspire me and other dining room neglecters like myself to give it a little more attention. Your sofa will thank you!!

I wish I was genius enough to put together spaces like this... those benches with that wallpaper? Sublime.  I also think that's the closest to sofa-like one can get proper dining room seating! Oh, and did I mention those windows!?!



Okay.  Can we talk about that amazing gold chandelier?!?!  There is very little I wouldn't do for that chandelier....very. little.

See more...


1. via BHG, 2. via FLOR Blog, 3.  House of Fifty

Selasa, 27 November 2012

Fashion: Chunky Knits

Hey! Its Casie Mace from Whipped Style blog! This lone inspiration image from The Mod Rockers has sparked an impressive obsession with chunky knits for me. Chunky knits are such a great way to add a texture to your look that's as chic as it is cozy. And trust me, they're oh-so-cozy. 

Now that we're in true fall weather & heading into Winter soon, I'm crazy excited to bundle up with some knits! You certainly can't beat a piece that's perfect with some boyfriend jeans and pointy pumps, leather leggings or… loungy sweatpants! 

   




-post by casie mace

 

Kamis, 01 November 2012

Decor: Soft Glamour

Hi everyone! It's Amanda. I was so inspired by Jen's NYC closet awhile back I thought I'd style a room with a soft glamour feel. I'm sure I speak for most when I say, I wish I had a huge walk-in closet! 

Lucky for those that do! But if you have that extra space.. what better way to add all your favorite pinks, blush and peach tones in a single dream room! (especially when you don't live alone) It's like the perfect girl cave - only extra chic.





Rabu, 10 Oktober 2012

Decor: small space ideas

Hi guys! Drew's back! I've been inspired by Jen's recent moving news & thought I would show you a perfect little living space that would fit her small-living needs in the big city. 

Alvhem Makleri has the PERFECT space to get your ideas rolling for small living quarter ideas. Think lots of white with creative storage units, shelving and touches of color added throughout the space in decor.

Having a SMALL space definitely doesn't mean it can't be functional and stylish! Take a look at these rooms and you'll see how creative and innovative they really get!



                  












Here are a few key items you can look for and purchase when looking to decorate for a small, but design-worthy apartment or living space:




1) Z Gallerie Magazine Tote

2) Anthropologie Hook
3) Urban Outfitters Case
4) Addonovo Sectional




-post by drew humphries



Senin, 08 Oktober 2012

Character Interview: Lucy Day from Dead Girl + Giveaway!

  Happy Monday! I have another wonderful opportunity to introduce you to a brand new author and Lucy Day, the heroine of Deadgirl by B.C. Johnson. Lucy was suppose to have a great time on her first date with Zack. Instead she gets killed and wakes up alive the next morning trying to sort things out. Help me welcome Lucy to the blog and learn about her current predicament. If you're interested to learn more about Lucy, check out the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

  Before we get to the interview, here is the book cover and description of Deadgirl by B.C. Johnson:

Fifteen-year-old Lucy Day falls between the gears in the machinery of the afterlife. She is murdered while on her first date, but awakens a day later, completely solid and completely whole. She has no hunger for brains, blood, or haunting, so she crosses “zombie,” “vampire,” and “ghost” off her list of re-life possibilities. But figuring out what she is becomes the least of her worries when Abraham, Lucy’s personal Grim Reaper, begins dogging her, dead-set on righting the error that dropped her back into the spongy flesh of a living girl.

Lucy must put her mangled life back together, escape re-death, and learn to control her burgeoning psychic powers while staying one step ahead of Abraham. But when she learns the devastating price of coming back from the dead, Lucy is forced to make the hardest decision of her re-life—a decision that could save her loved ones...or kill them.


Hey Lucy. Welcome to the blog! In Twitter style, how would you describe yourself?

Confusingly hilarious, occasionally terrified, slightly less stubborn than a herd of donkeys. Atlanta High School resident student smartass.
 

Who is Zack?

Zack is . . . complicated. We had a mess of a non-relationship our Freshman year. One of those "will they won't they ah crap they messed it up" kind of deals. If either of us had guts or a working head on our shoulders things might have turned out differently.

Zack is smart, Zack is brave, Zack makes me want to be a better person just by being around him. Zack makes me stronger, and I like to think I make him stronger too. I don't know.
 

What was the first thought that popped into your head when Zack asked you on a date?

Probably something like "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." What do you think when you try not to pee yourself? I guess I just couldn't believe he'd finally asked, really. Why had he finally asked? What had taken a year of flirting and significant glances to finally say "Hey Luce, wanna hit the movies? By the way, I want to kiss you."

Unfortunately, your dream date didn't happen, but what did you hope for?

Certainly not for what happened. I don't know. It was my first date - I'm not exactly an expert. A million Julia Roberts / Kate Hudson movies have told me there ought to be flowers, a stunning act of heroism, maybe lips. Yeah, lips. Lips are good. Oh, and maybe the coat-over-the-rain puddle thing. I'm a sucker for the classics. If somehow a puppy could have been involved . . .

What are you exactly?

Lucy Day, fifteen-year-old girl who is completely normal and nothing at all weird happened to her. Some people disappear for a day. It happens.

In honesty? I've heard the word Phantom thrown around, but I don't know what any of that means. My sole source of information is a mute dude. It's less "ironic" and more "terrifically irritating." I tell you this - I'm alive. I'm not a monster. Woe to the person who tries to disagree.
 

Best thing about being re-animated? Worst thing?

Best thing? Not bleeding out in a bank parking lot. I'd call that the incredible upside.

Down side? I guess it's a toss up between "being stalked by a monster made of light" and "never having to sleep." I'll tell you what - sleeping is highly underrated. Do you have any idea how hard it is to fill the time when you don't sleep? I guess I need to take up crochet or sculpting or brain surgery. I've got a LOT of time to kill.
 

What's the most important lesson that you learned so far?

Never give up. Never stop. Never let anyone tell you what you can't be, and never let anyone try to take from you what's yours. All the strength you'll ever need is already there.

There's always a catch with getting a second shot at life, what's yours?

Let's just say that my body doesn't run off sandwichesanymore.

If you could change one thing about yourself it would be...

If I look in the mirror, plenty. Heh. I guess I'd say my heart - I have no ability to hold back. I just can't. I wish I could get a rein on that thing, but I don't think I'm in the driver's seat. I just feel.I love hard, I die hard, and I'm fiercely protective of my friends. I make bad decisions sometimes, I mess up, I leap to spectacularly wrong conclusions. I wish my heart wasn't pumping right there on my sleeve. I guess I'm saying a cold-calculating-logic injection wouldn't go amiss.

What would you like to say or do if you were to meet Abraham, the Grim Reaper, face to face?

I'll go with the "non-profanity" version. I guess it'd be something like: "You just signed up for the hardest gig of your life, buddy. I'm a weed with deep roots, I'm a cockroach, I'm Superman. Good luck you son of - " Sorry. No profanity, got it.

Thanks for stopping by, Lucy, and I hope you figure things out quickly.

  GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is open to U.S. and international readers! Please read the details below:

For U.S. READERS: ONE (1) lucky reader will get 1 (one) signed paperback copy of Deadgirl along with 1 (one) signed bookmark
For INTERNATIONAL READERS: ONE (1) lucky reader will get 1 (one) ebook copy of Deadgirl

To enter the giveaway, please leave your name and email address so I can contact you if you win. The giveaway will be held until SATURDAY, November 17th. The winners (one U.S. and one international) will be chosen randomly by Random.org and will announced on my blog on SUNDAY, November 18th. Good luck! 

Sabtu, 06 Oktober 2012

Guest Post: Alternative Britain Setting in "The Substitute" by Holly Barrington


I'm thrilled to participate in Something Wicked Comes, a fabulous event where bloggers and authors celebrate all things creepy during the month of October. The event is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and Babbling About Books. Be sure to stop by and visit the busy month long schedule to sign up for awesome giveaways, read interviews from your favorite authors, and discover some great books!
  As part of my participation in the Something Wicked Comes for today, I'd like to share with you a guest post by indie author, Holly Barrington, who would like to talk to us about her alternative Britain setting for her debut paranormal novel The Substitute! Be sure to scroll down to the end of the post to see how you can win a copy of Freak. Below is the pretty book cover and its description:

   My book "The Substitute" is set in an alternate Britain, where Vampires and Mortals coexist more or less in harmony. They live together as part of a single, integrated society, which has been made possible by two significant developments. One is artificial human blood, known as "The Substitute". The other is a drug that renders Vampires immune to daylight.
 Vampires and Mortals work together, play together and become friends. Some even marry, although this is still quite rare. For the most part there is no real difference between the two groups. Vampires are stronger and have superior reflexes, but these have little meaning in everyday life. However, just as in any society, there are always extremists. Those who seek to change the order of things through terrorism. There are of course agencies set up to deal with this issue, just as in our world, and the conflict between the two sides is at the heart of the book.
  This alternative Britain has a similar history to ours, although the book only mentions the First World War onwards. The main differences are the major milestones in Vampire/Mortal relations, such as an agreement known as The Compact, and the involvement of Vampires in the Third Reich. There are a number of reasons why I chose Britain as the setting for my book. Because of the degree of cooperation needed between Vampires and Mortals, based on free will and voluntary participation, the book would not have "worked" in anything but a free, democratic country. It also needed to be set in a country with a long history of integration
and acceptance, with relatively little conflict. And the fact that I am British might have had something to do with it as well.
   From my point of view, "The Substitute" is a reflection of modern, multicultural Britain where the majority get on very well. I'm no George Orwell, though. I didn’t set out to make any kind of social or political statements. I'm just influenced/inspired by such things, and this is reflected in my writing.
   I hope this has piqued your interest enough to want to read my book. I hope you do, and I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much for reading my post, and thank you, Rummanah, for inviting me!



Thank you for stopping by, Holly!


“The Substitute” is set in an alternate Britain, where Vampires and Mortals co-exist more or less in harmony. However, that may soon be about to change . . .

Emily Brown starts her new job at Pathway Software, and at first everything goes well. She makes new friends there and her bosses are impressed so things are really looking up for Emily. Until her friend is killed. Murdered. The official account said it was a gang hit gone bad, and rumours suggest she had drugs in her possession.

However another, unofficial, report suggests that the bullet wounds were all post-mortem, and the drugs were planted on her in the morgue. It also says that she suffered multiple broken bones, cuts, contusions and…vampire bites. Everything suggests that her friend died a brutal and vicious death at the hands of a number of vampires.

Vampire and Mortal relations are, on the whole, very good. Ever since The Compact, there have been eighty five years of unprecedented peace between the two worlds. But there are some dissenters, the foremost of which are the sinister Circle of Ixiom. And Emily is about to become their bitterest enemy . . .


Senin, 01 Oktober 2012

Design: Fall Decor Trends

Hello MBG readers! It's Monday, welcome back! Amanda here with a roundup of a few fall trends and some pieces to show you how to transition back into richer jewel tones, textured fabrics and heavier materials. 

With fall in full swing, it's hard to miss the burgundy, all shades of green and leather trend for fashion - but what about interiors? We're seeing similar trends for the home, but more tiger prints! 







Kamis, 20 September 2012

Food: Grilled Ratatouille with Rotini

Hi everyone, it’s Lauren from Perpetually Chic, back with another recipe that takes advantage of fresh vegetables from the market.

Your parents always told you to "eat your vegetables," right? Well this healthy recipe is not only loaded with seasonal veggies, but it's also a crowd pleaser with the addition of pasta. The classic French version of ratatouille pairs eggplant and zucchini with onions, tomatoes and peppers, but you can substitute in any favorite vegetables as you please.

So head to your farmers' market or grocery store to stock up, put on a pot of water and light up the grill...that's really all there is to it. Keep reading for the recipe! 

grilled summer ratatouille pasta
grilled summer ratatouille pasta
grilled summer ratatouille pasta


White balsamic vinegar is best for this recipe--it's not as sweet and syrupy as your typical dark balsamic, though the flavor is similar. Once you have it in your pantry, you can substitute it for regular balsamic vinegar in lighter dishes and dressings.

grilled summer ratatouille pastagrilled summer ratatouille pasta

Ingredients
  • 1 box of rotini pasta
  • 4 large tomatoes
  • 8-10 button mushrooms
  • 1 small eggplant, cut lengthwise into quarters 
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), cut lengthwise in half and seeded 
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into large quarters
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra sprigs for plating
  • Parmesan
Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and return pasta to pot.
  2. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Cut all vegetables and place them on a large baking sheet or in a shallow dish. Lightly brush all veggies with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill vegetables, turning halfway through, until cooked through and tender. Remove tomatoes and mushrooms first, then once cooked, transfer remaining vegetables to a cutting board and let cool slightly. 
  4. Coarsely chop all the veggies and add to the pot of pasta. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the balsamic, garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes to taste. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed. 
  5. Plate pasta into bowls, sprinkle with extra parsley, top with grated Parmesan and finish with freshly ground pepper. 
Extra credit: Slice part of a French baguette on the diagonal, brush each piece with olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder, and throw on the grill at the very end. Voila--garlic bread!


-post & images by Lauren Craig