Sweets & Treats: Festive Recipes for the Clean Chocolate Lover by Carrie A. Lombardi

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

This book contains 25 deliciously simple chocolate treats without all the stuff that will wreak havoc on your digestive system. The ingredients are less refined, as well as being dairy, gluten and soy-free. Many are also grain-free, peanut-free, vegan, vegetarian, or Paleo (noted as such on each recipe). A dream come true for chocolate lovers who crave clean, yet decadent chocolate delights!

Carrie Lombardi is a Certified Health Coach, wife, and mom to three wonderful grown children. She loves chocolate! She strives to make her recipes tasty and tries to include ingredients which may be beneficial for the body. In addition to her recipes being gluten, dairy, and soy-free, she uses the healthiest ingredients possible that will maintain the integrity of the dish and will be fun, delicious to eat, and keep the belly happy and healthy!

Carrie struggled for many years with digestive issues. .A diagnosis of sensitivities to dairy, gluten, and soy set her on a journey to optimal health and wellness through food and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She decided to become a health coach to fulfill her passion of helping people with food sensitivities to improve their health and to feel their best. Carrie received her training at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She enjoys the challenge of creating recipes reminiscent of the old gluten and dairy-filled dishes she loved growing up and finding healthier ways to make sweets that are just as indulgent. Through her website,www.happyhealthybelly.info, Carrie helps educate people on finding balance in their life through nutrition and healthy lifestyle strategies. She offers fun tips and recipes for those wishing to follow a gluten, dairy, and soy-free diet.

www.happyhealthybelly.info | www.facebook.com/4HappyHealthyBelly| Follow Happy_Healthy_Belly on Instagram

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Sweets-Treats-Festive-Recipes-Chocolate/dp/1537575058

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweets-amp-treats-carrie-a-lombardi/1125962053

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The Author's Guide to Working with Book Bloggers by Barb Drozdowich - Book Review and Giveaway

(Nonfiction)

This review is done in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barb will be awarding a $20.00 GC for Amazon or Barnes & Noble to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Do you feel out of your comfort zone when dealing with book bloggers? They are the New Gatekeepers to book publishing success – but how can you tap into that source of free promotions by putting your best foot forward?

The Author’s Guide to Working with Book Bloggers combines the advice of 215 blogging professionals collected in a survey covering all aspects of communication between authors and Review Blogs. Whether you are a new author, or have many titles under your belt, let us demystify the promotion of your book on a book blog.

You’ll learn about whom and where book bloggers are, and the following:

The Query,

The Review,

The Giveaway,

The Author Interview,

The Guest Post,

The Book Blurb Excerpt and Cover Reveals and more!

My review:

As a book blogger, I'm pleased there's a book available for authors like this one.  Admittedly, much of what's in here seems like common sense, but having worked first hand with authors, I know it really isn't. There seems to be an abundant lack of reading directions out there -- and that's one of the first things she mentions in the book.  Follow directions. Best. Advice. Ever. Sounds simple and obvious, but trust me and my experience with working with authors, it isn't.

The author, Ms. Drozdowich, breaks everything down into incredibly small pieces, covering even the tiniest detail. That's fantastic for the new author who's uncertain how to begin marketing her book with bloggers.  It does make for dry reading for those of us who aren't so new.

I think there's a niche for this book with authors who aren't overly familiar with promotional opportunities provided by the blogging community.  This clearly outlines what is available and how to pursue them.  It's comprehensive and well written and should be supplied to every newly published author. 

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

Here's an excerpt:

The Guest Post

What is a guest post and how can it promote your book?

As we have discussed before, book bloggers are the new slush pile. They are inundated with review requests. Their email inboxes seem to magically fill up with emails from publishing houses, PR people, authors, and their assistants. Book blogging is a hobby, and while I personally feel that it’s the best hobby a person can have, it shouldn’t take over a person’s life.

Some bloggers read faster than others, so posting 4 or 5 reviews a week is doable. Some blogs have multiple reviewers and they can post 10 or 15 reviews a week, as they post multiple times a day. We can assume that most book bloggers post reviews because they want to share their love of books! But there are other ways to publicize your book.

In today’s publishing environment, readers want to get to know authors. Well, we want to get to know the public persona of the author. We don’t really want to know the day to day minutiae of the author’s life, but we want to know what they are like as an author, what their interests are, how they research the books they write, and how they come up with ideas (especially totally non-creative people like myself). I’m continually fascinated by the over-used question of where do your ideas/inspiration come from? We want to know what books they’ve written, and what’s coming up next. Many of us want to go to book signings or author chats. We want to be able to get a feel for their writing before we spend money on a book.

One way we can do this is by reading a guest post the author has written. Guest posts are a little window into the thoughts and ideas of an author. And to the addicted reader, they are a source of fascination and entertainment.

About the Author:

Social Media and Wordpress Consultant Barb Drozdowich has taught at University, trained technical personnel in the banking industry and, most recently, used her expertise to help dozens of authors develop the social media platform needed to succeed in today’s fast evolving publishing world. She owns Bakerview Consulting and manages the popular blog, Sugarbeat’s Books.

Bakerview Consulting (Business Site)
Barb Drozdowich (Author Site)
Sugarbeat’s Books (Book Blog)
Facebook (Author blog)
Facebook (Bakerview Consulting)
Facebook (Sugarbeat’s Books)
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Goodreads
Shelfari
Amazon Author Page
Buy the book at Amazon. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Self Publishing: Writing A Book and Publishing Books and Ebooks For Yourself and Others by A. William Benitez - Interview and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $5 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and a Grand Prize of a $50 Amazon GC at the end of the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour---remember, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.

Thanks for stopping by It's Raining Books to talk with us today. First, why do you write in your genre?

My specialty is how to books related to business or work methods. I’ve written books on how to succeed financially in a woodworking business and a handyman business. I am attracted to this kind of books because I enjoy teaching others the simplest, proven methods to perform tasks and succeed. I’ve always strived to develop the quickest, simplest, and least costly method to maintain my businesses. My latest how to book is on Self Publishing and it is based on the same premise that even things that seem really complex can be simplified with the development of proven methods.

What research is required?

I do little research because I write all my books based on personal experience. My woodworking and handyman book were based entirely on over 30 years of first hand experience in those businesses. The limited research I do is to make certain that I consider any new methods that might simplify things for my readers. With my Self Publishing book I did exactly the same thing. I didn’t begin writing the book until I had successfully completed three print books and three ebooks. I know have more than a dozen print books and six ebooks.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits, or superstitions.

Don’t have any superstitions but I believe in working with a detailed outline that lists every topic I want to cover in my book. After completing the outline, I organize it into the order that best suits the subject and then I began writing. Once I start writing I don’t deviate from the outline. If something comes to mind during the writing, I make a completely separate note to come back to it later but I keep moving forward until the entire thing is written. I believe it is distracting to alter your direction during the writing of the first draft. Plenty of time for that after it is finished. Then I go back and take into consideration any ideas that may have come up during the writing and add it to the draft.

Look to your right – what is sitting there?

I like a break from my workstation once in a while so when I look to my right I see my laptop sitting there waiting for me to pick it up and go to the living room, in front of the fireplace, and continue working in a casual, relaxed, and warm environment.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I have two new books that just came out. One is a kindle book on the business of woodworking with a print version and the other is a how to on a woodworking tool known as a Biscuit Joiner that has absolutely nothing to do with the biscuits you eat. It is a specialized wood joinery tool that saves woodworkers a lot of valuable time while still delivering quality work. It is a new tool but one that is often misunderstood.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I would like to hear from anyone interested in self publishing so my question is, are you interesting in publishing your own books?

About the Author:

From age twelve I spent my summers and weekends working with my dad, a general contractor, building homes and buildings. I contracted my first home at age nineteen and built my own home by age twenty. For more than 30 years I have operated one-person businesses. Twelve years of my life were spent working for local government managing federally-assisted housing programs. I started as an inspector with a three month assignment and was Director of Community Improvement with 78 employees when I resigned to do writing and consulting.

Writing, Publishing and Consulting

During the 80’s I established Rehab Notes Library a publishing company that published a monthly newsletter (Rehab Notes) with subscribers in all 50 states, Canada and England. I also did consulting and public speaking on housing related topics for agencies and organizations in cities across the country and testified before the U.S. Congress on housing issues.

I wrote and published nine guidebooks on the subject of housing rehabilitation. After 1980 when most federal funding was pulled from housing activities, I took advantage of my construction and business experience and started a handyman and woodworking business.

Over Twenty Years of Woodworking

For over twenty years, first in Tampa, Florida and then in Austin, Texas, I built hundreds of small and large cabinet and furniture projects for individuals, companies and government agencies. During these years I began writing books about my woodworking business experiences.

Positive Publishing

In 2007 I established Positive Imaging, LLC, to publish a children’s book for my wife and then begin publishing my own books and that of other using methods I call positive publishing. To date we have published twelve paperback books, a half dozen ebooks, and presently have several books in various levels of completion.

Computer Experience

My computer experience dates back more than fifteen years and began in response to poor technical support for our computers. I used home study to acquire A+ and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Certifications.

I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and moved to Austin, Texas in 1986, where I now live with my wife, Barbara Frances. We have three adult children, eight grand-children, and two great grandchildren.

Main Sales/Info Page – http://selfpublishingworkbook.com
Createspace Fulfillment Page - https://www.createspace.com/3851405
Main Positive Imaging, LLC Site – http://positive-imaging.com
Self Publishing Support Blog - http://self-publishing-support.com
PublishingSimplified Blog - http://publishingsimplified.com

Dixon's Place by William Corradini -- Reviews Tour and Giveaway

(Non-fiction, Animal lover's, Human interest story)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. William will be awarding a $10 Wild Child Publishing GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. so comment here today for your chance to win! Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



When Bill and Meghan Corradini, an affluent and self-described spoiled young couple, decide they want ducks to adorn the pond they plan to build at their dream home, neither of them can imagine the mayhem, heartbreak and joy that will ensue.

Bill decides to purchase a couple of ducks but when there are just three left, he cannot abandon the third sibling, so all three come home with him and are promptly named after players for his beloved college team, the Oregon Ducks—despite the fact that all are female. He and Meghan set about spoiling and pampering their ducks, lavishing them with love.

Unfortunately, despite precautions, tragedy strikes and it changes Bill and Meghan in a profound way. Bill tells Meghan that he wants to make a difference in the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected animals. They decide to devote their time and resources to doing just that.

Along the way, both mature and their bond is deepened and strengthened as they face numerous emotional trials, most revolving around the animals they rescue and usually end up adopting. Within short order, one animal becomes two and the additions to their household multiply. Their lives are irreversibly changed and enriched.

In caring for these animals, Bill and Meghan discover their purpose in life, serve as examples to their friends and family and realize their deep capacity for love—both for the animals they work with and for each other. Their story is inspiring and never dull. It will resonate with animal lovers everywhere.


As an animal lover, I looked forward to reading this book.  And I have to say I enjoyed every bit. I was a bit hesitant for a couple of reasons. First, I knew from the blurb something awful was going to happen to put the rest of the book into motion (and it does... and I cried like a baby), and the first chapter is all about the humans in this story, and tells quite honestly how spoiled and self-centered they are.  The writer makes no bones about it, and in fact has a checklist at one point to emphasize the point.  I wondered how I would ever come to like reading about folks who were so clearly removed from my own.

Don't worry, I did.  And I bet you will, too.

Honestly, animals can change the hardest heart, and our protagonists are hard-hearted, just selfish.  But, boy howdy, does that change.  It's not (entirely) overnight, but I was amazed at just how much of a 180 degree turn they do.  And it started with three ducklings.

The author has such a way with words.  He doesn't waste them, but he's not brief either.  I imagine parts of this were terrifically difficult to write as it's not always a flattering picture, but he does it without flinching.  The only time I had trouble was in dialogue, where he seems allergic to contractions (unless they actually talk that way, which would also seem odd).  Every time it happened, it jolted me.  Thankfully, it wasn't often

There is a depth of emotion here when it comes to the animals.  It surprises the protagonists, but not me as much (as I know how animals can change lives).  I admit to not being a huge bird fan when it comes to pets, though this book changed my mind a bit.

All in all, a completely enjoyable read and one I'm glad I read.  Worthwhile, interesting and very tidily compose.  Well done, Mr. Corradini!

4.5 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

It wasn’t difficult to identify their hangouts, as we would find wet spots along with multiple rabbit pellets. Fortunately, due to rabbits’ rapid digestion and diet, the pellets give off no odor whatsoever. I even watched Bear Grylls on Man vs. Wild say you can eat these pellets, as he started to munch them like raisins. I was never in the British Special Forces nor did I get paid to put disgusting things in my mouth, so I have passed on this advice to this point. We placed a litter box by the fireplace and another one in Meghan’s office and that seemed to do the trick. There would be the occasional accident, but they used their litter boxes most of the time. They were better trained than Meghan’s purebred “show dog lineage” mutts.

Lesson number two—rabbits love to chew shit, especially wood. The unfortunate thing about this little nugget is that the interior of our house is almost nothing but wood. Kitchen cabinets, window ledges and frames in breakfast and living areas, cabinets and shelves in living room, floor, dining table, hutch—everything wood. We had two options: remove either the wood or the bunnies or give them other things to chew on. We bought them all kinds of wood and cardboard toys. We surrendered our woven baskets.

We even bought them, from Rabbitrescue.org, a three- level, cardboard castle. This castle was something else. It had miscellaneous shapes for windows at every level and an easy step to get from floor to floor, including the balcony on top. Fortunately, the floors were replaceable, as Myron chewed his way from the balcony to the second floor. You want reprieve from a bad day, try watching two bunnies sticking their heads out of a cardboard castle and stay in a bad mood.

William Corradini, 42 years old, lives in Keller, TX with his wife of 10 years, Meghan. He is a sales manager at Staples Advantage where he has been for over 13 years.

William grew up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon and he spent most of his youth around farm animals, dogs, cats, parrots and any other four-legged furry, fuzzy creatures that decided to call their ranch home.

William has lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 20 years and for much of that time had adopted the ‘city life style’. He had all but rejected his roots and his interests in animals. This all changed in 2008-and it started with him buying three ducks.

Barnes and Noble (Nook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dixons-place-william-corradini/1114877257?ean=2940016274164
Wild Child Publishing: http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/memoir-c-109/dixons-place-p-416.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dixons-Place-ebook/dp/B00BXWTE38/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365074485&sr=1-1&keywords=dixon%27s+place

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Feedback: How To Give It, How To Get It by Jo Sparkes

Today we're welcoming author Jo Sparkes to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her non-fiction writer's guide, "Feedback: How To Give It, How To Get It" available now.  Honestly, I think this might be more than a writer's guide, but could be a life guide because, who doesn't need to know how to give and get feedback?

Jo is awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Jo was brave enough to share five things we'd probably never guess about her.  Take it away, Jo!

5 Things about Jo Sparkes

1) I listen to the NFL channel on my car radio all year long. Kinda sad, really.

2) There is this 'egg phobia'. It's not just that I can't possibly eat them, I hate to touch them or look at them on someone's plate.

When I was a little girl, we raised chickens. My father let me hold an egg in my hand once as we gathered them. The egg hatched – and I held and beheld that miracle of the little chick inside. I wondered if that would happen if we didn't eat the eggs, and my father told me yes, little realizing the effect it would have.

The next morning I ran outside and got all the eggs before he gathered them – and hid them under my bed. Fortunately, my mother found them before the smell got too bad.

To this day, the idea of eating them literally horrifies me.

3) One of my more embarrassing moments was fresh out of college. I was working for a large corporation, and in an office filled with older, wiser folk.

Being a voracious reader, there were words I'd seen often enough to know what they were, but had not heard pronounced. So I' pronounced them my way in my head.

Anyway, in this office with the wiser folk, a woman mentioned her little “faux pas”. The others were smiling and commenting, when I suddenly snapped my fingers – having made the connection – and cried out, “FOX PASS!”

The room burst into laughter, my face went bright red, and it took me six months to live it down.

4) I'm a second degree black belt. Chinese Kenpo.

5) Coffee is a very serious thing with me. I buy Starbucks (Kenya is my favorite), grind it fresh each morning, and insist on natural sugar and cream. Not milk, not half and half. Heavy cream.

Feedback … a kinder word for criticism, is an organic component to life.

When a toddler learns to walk, he falls. He screams, cries – and persists. What would happen to the human race if he gave up after a few bumps?

Before we could read self-help books, before we could understand a language and sit in a classroom, we learned by trial and error. “Feedback” is the natural teaching process. It’s how the creator set it up. It’s how the world actually works.

Here, at last, is a simple process for getting the most from all the feedback the world offers us.

A well-known Century City Producer once said that Jo Sparkes "writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read." Not only are those words a compliment to Jo’s skills as a writer,but a true reflection of her commitment to her work.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington College, a small liberal arts college famous for its creative writing program. Years later, Jo renounced life in the corporate world to pursue her passion for writing.

Taking every class she could find, she had the good fortune to study with Robert Powell; a student of renowned writers and teachers Lew Hunter, and Richard Walter, head and heart of UCLA’s Screenwriting Program.

The culmination of those years was the short-film "The Image", which she wrote and produced single-handedly. And in so doing, she became fascinated with the dynamics of collaboration on a project.

Since then, Jo hasn’t looked back. Her body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct to video Children’s DVD, television commercials and corporate videos. She's been a feature writer on ReZoom.com and a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network; where she was called their most popular writer, known for her humorous articles, player interviews and game coverage. Jo was unofficially the first to interview Emmitt Smith when he arrived in Arizona to play for the Cardinals.

She has adjunct taught at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College, has teamed with a Producer on a low budget thriller, and a Director on a New Dramady.” She went in front of the camera for a video, “Stepping Above Criticism”, capturing a popular talk with her students.

Her new book, FEEDBACK HOW TO GIVE IT HOW TO GET IT, shares her lessons learned with writers, and indeed everyone dealing with life's criticism.

When not diligently perfecting her craft, Jo can be found exploring her new home of Portland, Oregon, along with her husband Ian, and their dog Oscar.

http://www.feedbackthebook.com/
http://josparkes.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“In her compact, wisdom-charged Feedback Jo Sparkes provides sharp, sharp, cogent, advice not only for writers but for all people who value creativity and seek to lead fulfilled, creative lives.

“This slender volume provides more bang for the buck than far longer, weightier tomes. It is a splendid resource to which writers will refer repeatedly.”  - Richard Walter Chairman of Screenwriting, U.C.L.A.

“The lessons contained in “Feedback” are not for the writer who is merely looking for a compliment, but rather for those who are striving for accomplishment.” - Barton Green Author, Screenwriter and long-time friend

"Jo Sparks simplifies the feedback process in this concise easy to implement guide to giving and receiving feedback. As an actress, I believe everyone can benefit from her experience, not just those in the industry." - Tonetta Weaver, Actress

Virtual Book Review Tour and Giveaway: A Walk in the Snark by Rachel Thompson

(a full length, non-fiction humor, self-published)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Rachel is giving away a chocolate treat to a random commenter at every stop and a $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win sweet treats and a GC!

Be forewarned -- the material in this book has been called controversial in nature. It is based on the author's popular blog. There are recurrent themes regarding men and women, love and loss. It's not all funny. But it is all honest. Can you handle the snark?

I admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opted to review this book.  I wasn't familiar with the author at all, but I have a pretty warped, rather sarcastic sense of humor, so didn't think I could go wrong.  And I didn't... much.

Even when I struggled to identify with the somewhat stereotypical man vs. women thing in this book, I enjoyed it.  You see, I'm not a girly-girl.  I own about five pairs of shoes (one for each purpose: sneakers, hiking boots, snow boots, flip-flops, and pumps), I see the hair-stylist once a year (if I'm lucky and work up the energy), couldn't care less about jewelry (the only thing of value I have is my wedding ring) and don't even know what a cosmopolitan is.  The charm of Sex in the City was lost on me.

So, when the author ran with the assumption that we were all similar in type, it made it a little hard for me to identify, but as I pushed forward, I realized the truth is, under that wrapper we are all much the same.  She may wear Manolo's, and my most expensive shoes are my Crocs, but we feel the same about those things that matter.

I did a lot of nodding, snorting in laughter, and just plain grinning as I continued.  The part about the remote control and men -- absolutely right on.  And, she makes it clear she's not ridiculing anyone, but simply finding the fun and humor in real life (at least life in the OC -- write what you know, right?).  I think we can all appreciate it, smile and smirk (because it's true: my husband can't change the toilet paper roll ... I swear, it's a universal fact that men are genetically unable to do so).

Before you think it's all fun and games, though, think again. She addresses a very real problem some women live through: domestic abuse.  With the same depth of emotion she entertains us with, she puts a face on the fear.  She doesn't pull punches, but puts her experience out there in the hope it will help someone else.  I admire her for digging deep and being willing to share what she went through.

A Walk in the Snark was a very enjoyable read.  It's uplifting, definitely fun and surprisingly edifying.  More, I was excited to see she has a blog on which this book is based, so that means I can keep on enjoying her insight into life even though I've finished reading the last page.  I'm so pleased I was introduced to this author...because I'm absolutely a fan.

4/5 Flowers

I'm a chick who writes stuff that makes you laugh. My book A Walk In The Snark hit #1 on the Kindle Motherhood list this past September (do you think they know I talk about sex? Shhh.). It's since hit about oh, SEVEN more times. #woot! I've been nominated for Funniest Blog, Best Humor Writer & Redhead Who Makes A Killer Dirty Martini (okay, I made the last one up, but it's true. Honest.).

I released The Mancode: Exposed right after Thanksgiving 2011! Two books of snarky goodness, baby.

I've been told I write in the style of that Dickens guy. Kidding.

I'm a mom, a wife, and a recovering pharmaceuticals rep. It's been a long process but I'm doing okay, thanks.

I also used to sell Trojan brand condoms. Yeah, it's hilarious, I know. I did it for three years way back when, and I was their top salesperson in the Western Region, a dubious honor at best. My number-one customer was the Mustang Ranch. No, seriously. The Mustang Ranch. I couldn't make stuff like that up. The experience definitely gave me insights into the... er... ins and outs of men. So it should come as no great surprise that I write about how men (The Mancode) and women (Chickspeak) approach most things differently. And since I did, in fact, grow past my Trojan days (in more ways than one or--insert your own joke here), I've thrown in a few tidbits about marriage, kids, being a mom, living in the OC (ya know-being a pale redhead living in a sea of blondes), coffee, and vodka. Not necessarily in that order, depending on the day.

Don't read this book to find advice about how to be sweet or nice. I'm pretty much allergic to both of those words. Actually don't read this book for advice on anything. (My lawyer made me put that in just in case you know, you thought I could save your marriage or something - not).

Or if you are looking for some light, heartfelt humor in everyday life (Erma Bombeck-style), well, I'm really not your girl, either. Nothin' homespun about the Queen of Snark, baby. Mostly I just laugh at stuff and make up words (See "Refrigeratoritis and Manesia.") Yet somehow it all seems to work.

And don't call me cute. (Hint: Babies and puppies are cute. Grown women are soooo not.) Special note to men: I write frequently about "The Mancode"--like how you guys do goofy stuff and we women try, and often fail, to understand. (Um, change the toilet paper roll much? Yeah, that's what I thought.) If that offends your sensibilities, this may not be the book for you. Yeah, I'm crushed.

Like everyone, I've also had some rough times. I share those with you, too. Life can't always be martinis and beaches. Wait, this is the OC (Orange County, CA, for those of you from Canada, or people on the East Coast who don't know California beyond LA). Naw, not even here.

So, welcome to RachelintheOC.

Now go read an essay or two and find something to laugh at, would ya?

I have to go help my husband find the butter. Again.

Blog: http://rachelintheoc.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelintheoc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExposingTheMancode