BERGDORF-GOODMAN HOLIDAY WINDOWS

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is go out and look at all of the beautiful holiday store window displays. When I lived in New York, that was one of my post Thanksgiving treats. Now that I'm back in California, I have to get my New York holiday window fix via the internet. One of my favorite department stores is Bergdorf-Goodman and every year they go far and above my expectations.

Take a look for yourself.

I'd be very happy if this is under my tree in my size.

I wonder if the window dresser does home closets, because my shoes would be very happy with a room of their own like this one.

My mom has a similar sofa, but I'd like to have the coat.

I'll take one of each...including the suit and hat.

CUTE GUY ALERT

Since this is a blog about God, Couture and Cute Guys, we have to mention the People Magazine Sexiest Men issue. There's a guy in here for everyone's taste.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED SHORT STORY

I invite you to read my latest short story "In The Blink Of An Eye". It can be viewed at Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Click the link and let me know what you think:http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/InTheBlink.html

I guess this means I can add writer to my list of accomplishments. Wouldn't my second grade teacher be surprised. She said I had no real talent for writing. I guess the joke is on her. It's amazing how God works.

CUTE GUY ALERT

Time for the latest installment of "Cute Guy Alert." This week two guys have been added to the list. It seems there's a definite theme...scruffy beards. It's not intentional. And no I don't have a "type" at least not that I'm aware of.

Omari Hardwick

This handsome southern gentleman can be seen on television in "Dark Blue." And this fall you can see him on the big screen in Tyler Perry's rendition of "For Colored Girls".

David Beckham

Soccer player phenom, Armani underwear spokesmodel and oh yeah, husband to Victoria Beckham. His is reason enough to pretend to like soccer.

Both of these men are...definitely Cute Guys.

TEA PARTY

*images courtesy of suzie beezie, the paris apartment

As little girls we played a lot of games. One of the most popular was "Tea Party". During tea party with our best friend, favorite doll or stuffed animal, we talked about doing a lot of things. Like getting married and being a mother. We also figured we could do several professions because, it was possible. However, as we got older, we forgot that we could do and be anything. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

I charge you to have a tea party with yourself and ask what would you like to be when you grow up? You might be surprised.

CHANEL COSMETICS WISHLIST

Like a lot of women I am a huge Chanel fan. I love everything from the clothes, accessories, fragrance and of course the cosmetics.

I received one of these ULTRA WEAR LIP COLORs for a birthday present from my Mom. It is one of my favorites. It's exactly what they say, "long wearing". I put it on in the morningn and it lasts about eight to ten hours. And when I don't carry a big makeup bag, I can put it on and know I won't need to touch up unless I want to add a little more shine.

Next item on my Chanel Cosmetics wishlist:

PURE SHINE INTENSE COLOR LONG WEAR LIP GLOSS IN EXCES

I love, love, love the way this looks on. It is the perfect red. I tried it last week and I loved how it looked with my hair pulled back. Color this rich needs to be on display and it makes a bad hair day seem like a good one.

Next on my wishlist:

Nail Polish

I recently rediscovered how much I love the Chanel nail colors. My toes spent all Summer in Vernis 527, a beautiful turquoise color. I am looking forward to adding the following colors(from left to right:Khaki Brun, Black Velvet, Gold Lame and Limited Edition "Strong" ) to my nail polish collection. Last Winter was spent in Vernis 357 a beautiful navy which will work well with the new colors.

Next on my list is the PETIT PINCEAU #8 Touch-up Brush. I was thinking about getting a similar one from a different cosmetics line, but I am a fan of Chanel and this one will look very nice on my bathroom counter sitting next to a jar of #40 DORÉ LOOSE POWDER.

I love being a girl and with Chanel cosmetics it's even better.

BE LIKE...

Seems everyone is trying to be like someone. Very few people are happy or satisfied with their lives. Fat people want to be skinny. Skinny women want to be curvy. Frail men want to be muscular. Short people want to be tall. Tall people want to not be so tall. The list goes on and on. Poor people want to be rich. Rich people want to be wealthy or not as rich. Personally, the not wanting to be rich thing is insane, but I digress.

Here's a tip, step back, breathe and try being like the one person who doesn't judge, just loves...be like God. Live like God, love like God, talk like God, listen like God, think like God and be wise like God. You'll be surprised how being like Him will make this life journey a whole lot easier. "Watch what God does, and then you do it." Ephesians 5:1 The Message Bible.

Read Ephesians 5:1-20 and see how to"Be Like God".

CUTE GUY ALERT

Ed Quinn

If you're a fan of the Syfy network show "Eureka" you will recognize this very handsome man. He plays Dr. Nathan Stark. Wow! That's all I can say about the second "Cute Guy Alert".

SEQUINED SOCKS

When I first saw the socks with heels look, I wasn't too impressed. Then I saw these beautiful socks and I changed my mind. Now I'm looking for beautiful socks to wear with my heels this fall. Geek Chic at it's finest.

BE AN ORIGINAL

Galatians 5:25-26 in The Message Bible version really stuck out to me this morning:

"Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original."

That's what I choose to be...an original. Because I really do have more interesting things to do, like get my hair done.

Have a great original day.

CUTE GUY ALERT

One of the changes to the blog is "Cute Guy Alert". There are so many cute guys out there and since this is a site that appreciates cute guys, whenever I come across one, I will be posting his picture.

Here is our first "Cute Guy" entry.

Idris Elba

Wow! I think he scores high marks from all females. This beyond good-looking UK actor has been making his way around Hollywood. You may have seen him in Tyler Perry's "Daddy's Little Girls". Currently, he is starring in "Takers". Definitely one of God's best works.

New Look

I have just come back from the ACFW conference. What is ACFW? It's the American Christian Fiction Writers. This is where Christian fiction writers gather for fellowship, training and a chance to pitch to agents and editors. It is also a time when I eat more than I would in a two week period. The fellowship and training were great. The food was superb. I am so grateful to God, I only gained a half a pound. Thank you God, my hotel was about three and a half blocks away. The exercise helped balance out the large meals.

I met with two really nice ladies from The A Group Agency. I'm a little bummed it didn't work out because they had really great energy and I thought we clicked. I'm not going to publish their names, because I don't want them overwhelmed with emails from potential clients. I also had lunch with another agent, I really wanted to meet. She liked my story idea, but didn't want to see it. Oh well, as I learned in the class on what to expect from your agent, I'm not just looking for someone to represent me. I'm looking for a business partner. So the hunt goes on for my business partner. It's a little like "Where's Waldo?" Where's my agent? He or she is out there and I know it's just a matter of time until we meet. God is good and I am patient.

I opted to take the two day marketing workshop and my eyes have been opened. My brain has been buzzing all week with ideas on how to market not only my writing ministry, but my business as well. I thought once you wrote the book and got an agent, and they sold it to a publisher, you walked away and went on to the next book. Wrong!! Guess who is responsible for getting the word out about my book...me. Not only am I a writer now I'm a marketing director. I have spent the past week putting the things I learned in play. Thank God, I parked my website name. This week has been devoted to designing my website and remodeling my blog.

So, let me know what you thing about the changes to the blog and the website. Thanks. More posts on the ACFW conference.

My friend Michelle Sutton has written an amazing book, "Never Without Hope". She is the master of Edgy Christian Fiction. I met Michelle online when I went searching for writers like me. We hit it off immediately. I love this book. The characters are so real. The road to getting this book published has been an amazing journey and I am so excited for her. Below is an article she wrote for "The Writer's Alley" Blog along with an excerpt of this wonderful book. I hope you enjoy it and I encourage everyone to get a copy of this amazing book.

My friend Michelle Sutton has written an amazing book, "Never Without Hope". She is the master of Edgy Christian Fiction. I met Michelle online when I went searching for writers like me. We hit it off immediately. I love this book. The characters are so real. The road to getting this book published has been an amazing journey and I am so excited for her. Below is an article she wrote for "The Writer's Alley" Blog along with an excerpt of this wonderful book. I hope you enjoy it and I encourage everyone to get a copy of this amazing book.

Special Guest Saturday: Michelle Sutton and "Edgy" Fiction!

Why I Write Edgy Fiction

by Michelle Sutton

If you look up the three separate words that make up the name of my blog you will find definitions that go something like this…

Edgy - daringly innovative; on the cutting edge



Inspirational - imparting a divine influence on the mind and soul



Author - a person who writes a novel; composer of a literary work



The reason I refer to myself as the Edgy Inspirational Author and set up a blog dedicated to book reviews and giveaways with that title has to do with how well the combined definitions describe my heart for fiction.

I want to be daringly innovative and on the cutting edge when it comes to plotting and characterization. I believe the stories I write are inspired by the Lord imparting a divine influence on my mind. In other words, God always gives me a burden to write about a particular subject and I also believe He has called me to be very realistic with what I present to my readers. Last, I am an author, which is obviously a person who writes a novel.

What does this mean in a practical sense? First, I like to surprise my readers by having them think the story is going in one direction, then throw them off course and send them in a different direction. This tends to keep people guessing and reading to find out what's going to happen next. I also like to dangle a little carrot at the end of the majority of the chapters to make the reader want to continue on. I don't want people to set my books down because then they might miss out on the redemption themes in the story.

When I wrote my YA novels they were actually written as contemporary fiction for adults. My publisher and I have decided that since the majority of my readers are adults, we will re-release the two YA books in an adult series next spring. So the two characters who adopt the baby in It's Not About Him will get their own book, which actually preceded It's Not About Me when it was originally written.

To give you an idea of what this story (Letting Go, Healing Hearts, book 1) is about, I'll give you a snapshot of each main character. Diane is a lawyer who advocates for children in court. Her problem is that she is too beautiful and her upbringing as a child beauty pageant contestant taught her how to get the attention of men. Unfortunately, the men she tends to attract are already taken and just cheating with her. She doesn't want to be the other woman; she wants to be loved for who she is. So she gives up on romance and trying to please men.

Along comes Dave, a gorgeous, but sterile man who plans to adopt a foster child (toddler), and when the birth mother shows up and wants her son back, Dave goes into a full blown panic. To make matters worse, the child's case worker doesn't seem to like him and wants to rip his foster son from the only home he knows. So Dave hires Diane to help him keep his foster son and that's where the romance begins. I won't say any more because I want everyone to read the book. : )

My latest release, Never Without Hope, is my edgiest book of all. It's about a Christian woman whose husband is ignoring her in the bedroom, which begins eroding her self-esteem. Lonely and hurting, she is vulnerable to temptation and does the unthinkable when a younger man who shows interest in her comes along. But her heart is still longing for her husband.

The more she sees this new man, the more confused she gets. She becomes trapped in the sticky web of adultery and knows she must come clean, but when she does, her life blows up in her face and she risks losing everyone she cares about. This book contains quite a few sexual situations because the story revolves around sex in marriage and the damage that can be caused when one spouse neglects the other in bed. The Bible cautions against that "lest the one person cause the other to stray." My novel shows how with God involved in the healing process, married couples are never without hope.

The subject matter (marital unfaithfulness) is all too common in the church, yet no one wants to talk about it. God placed a burden on my heart to write this novel to help hurting couples, so I know He will accomplish this. However, if I had ignored the nudge from God to write this book, I can't help but wonder what the results would be. So far several marriages have been healed as a result of people reading this novel, and I'm sure there will be many more to come. With God, nothing is ever wasted. Because of this, I don't ever want to be too afraid to do what I know He wants, regardless of what other people might think.

That is, in a nutshell, why I write edgy Christian fiction. : )

The Romantic Times review for Never Without Hope~ 4 stars!!

Sutton's move into fiction for adults is packed with drama. This timely, relevant message about sex and sexual sin involving married people is quite edgy and not for those looking for a sweet romance. The realism is gritty, but ultimately uplifting and incredibly significant for the world we live in today.

Summary: Hope loves her husband and is content with her life. Yet when things begin to go wrong in the bedroom, she becomes more and more frustrated. Her husband shuts her out emotionally and physically. Though Hope never thought she would stray from her marriage, she give into temptation. Is there any possibility for redemption in her marriage?

If you are interested in this novel. Email Michelle at: michelle@michellesutton.net

Teaser scene from chapter 4 of Never Without Hope. Like it?

Excerpt from Never Without Hope

Chapter 4

Once we arrived home, I wondered if James had really understood what I’d done. What I’d tried to tell him. He acted like nothing had changed. I readied for bed, wearing my short pink silk gown with the low cut neckline, his favorite. My long brown hair caressed my shoulders like silk. I draped a section over the front of my gown so it covered part of my breast.

I knew he liked my hair this way, so I gave it all I had, including the bedroom eyes. He gazed at me with sadness, and yearning. I wish I could take everything back and start over again. But some things couldn’t be undone.

“Come here.” My husband reached for me.

My skin tingled at his command, and he hadn’t even touched me yet.

I threw myself into his arms. “Oh, James. I love you so much.”

He held me tight for several minutes, then drew back until he could look into my eyes. “You’re my best friend, you know that? I thank God for you every day.”

Closing my eyes, I turned my head away. When he looked at me with such emotion, it haunted me. How could I have hurt him like that? I hated myself.

“Look at me, Hope.” He touched my chin and guided my head. “I want you to look me in the eyes.”

I lifted my lids and peered at him, wondering what he’d say next. Trembling at his touch. Pouring my heart out to him, but without words. I ached for intimacy and held my breath as I waited for his declaration of love.

“I’m not the man I once was, Hope. I can’t satisfy you anymore. I’m sorry.” His eyes filled with tears, and I felt lower than dirt.

Resting my head on his shoulder I held him tight. What did that mean? Was he telling me we’d never have sex again? I didn’t get it. With my face burrowed into his shoulder, I inhaled the scent of his musky skin, then asked, “What are you saying, James?”

“You deserve a younger man, a man with some life still in him. I just don’t feel well anymore. My drive is gone. I don’t know what’s wrong.” He sighed and turned away.

Maybe he hadn’t heard me when I’d told him what I’d done.

Maybe I was too vague, or he really didn’t get it. Now another chance to tell him presented itself. I could make sure he understood this time. I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn’t come.

His gaze slowly covered me from head to toe and back again.

“You are so beautiful.”

Tears now cascaded down my cheeks. “Don’t give up, James. See the doctor and ask him to help you find out what’s wrong.”

“No!” he yelled, making me jump. He shoved his finger in my face. “I’m not telling anyone about this. And you better not, either.”

“But how will it get fixed if you don’t—”

His face darkened. “I said no. I’m not talking about this anymore.” He stomped toward our bed and pulled back the sheets, then slid under them.

I stood with my mouth gaping. “Does this mean that we won’t ever—”

“Hope, honey, it’s not that bad.” His voice softened. “We love each other. What more do we need?” He peered up at me with a distant look in his eyes, like he’d resigned himself to a sexless marriage.

I hadn’t thought I was being selfish, but was I?

“James, there are things we can still do. Your hands work just fine. Sometimes I just like to kiss, you know? Nothing expected, just a kiss.”

He grunted. “Yeah, right, Hope. Come on. You know what you want.”

Was that so wrong? To want my husband? I didn’t get it. “Of course I want that, but I’ll take anything you give me, honey. Anything.”

“No! Not if I can’t follow through.” Frowning, he rolled over until he faced the wall, just like that.

Anger welled up in me. He’d given up too easily. It wasn’t right.

My fists clenched. I’d make him respond to me. I just needed to try harder to get him aroused. So I slid under the sheets and pressed against his back. With our son staying at his friend’s house, we wouldn’t have to worry about him barging in on us. So I kissed James’s hair, his neck, and inhaled deeply. My hand rested on his abdomen. I slid it lower. “Baby, let’s make some noise.”

He wedged himself between my arm and his torso and flung my hand off him. “Stop it, Hope. Just let me sleep.”

Let him sleep? Was this what I had to look forward to from our marriage from now on?

Fine!

I folded my hands over my chest, stormed into our guest room, and turned on the computer. I hadn’t checked my e-mail yet, so until I cooled down, at least that would distract me from wanting to use his back as a punching bag.

After deleting junk mail, I scanned my list. Tony had e-mailed me. Excited and terrified, I gave in to the urge to find out what he’d written. My blood pumped so hard it made my ears ring.

Clicking on the message, I held my breath…

I still can’t believe what happened. It was like a dream. You make me happy.

Tony

Well, at least I made someone happy. I swallowed hard as I decided what I’d say in return. After deleting several potential replies, I ended up with this…

You were great. I will never forget what happened either. I’ll dream about it tonight, for sure.

Hope

Within seconds, he responded.

We can meet again. My wife, she is gone for two days so I am home tomorrow until I must leave for work. Call me?

Tony

His wife would be gone? Wow. That meant I could see him one more time. So what if all he wanted from me was the same thing I wanted from him. It helped me cope with a miserable situation, and from what he’d already told me about his wife, Tony wasn’t getting any action at home, either.

Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow.

Hope.

Yawning, I stretched and started when my husband suddenly appeared behind me.

“Who is that e-mail from, your boyfriend?”

My face heated and I shrank from him. “Would you care if it was?”

He flinched. “Come on, Hope. I was being sarcastic. I know you’d never do that to me. Now let’s go to bed.”

“But I don’t want to sleep yet.” I gave him my most pleading look and raised the skirt of my nightie. “Touch me, James.”

“Dang it, woman! I told you how I felt! I just want you to come to bed. To sleep.”

“Then I’ll stay up.” I turned away from him.

He stormed into the other room and I heard him crack open a beer. Well, he could have his beer. I decided to watch a chick flick, since that would be the only romance I’d probably get. Too bad it had to be a fantasy, a work of fiction. I wanted the real thing, and from the looks of things, sex with my husband would never happen again.

Suddenly I felt less guilty about wanting to see Tony. If my own husband didn’t want me, then what other option did I have?

Besides, I’d only see Tony one more time. Then we’d end it. I’m sure he’d agree it was simply too risky to keep meeting, because one of these days we could get caught in the act.

I’d rather be eaten alive by sharks.

WHERE DO I FIT IN?

I have been busy learning more about the world of writing. More specifically, the business of writing. This weekend I attended a workshop on writing the Inspirational Romance. It was very informative. However, I got a huge shock. I thought I had been writing Inspirational Romance or Inspirational Women's Fiction. Surprise, I'm not or haven't.

If you have read anything I've written you might think like me, nice, realistic characters facing real life situations seeking out answers and directions from God. That's what I thought Inspirational Romance or Inspirational Women's Fiction is. It is as long as you don't do or say a few things. We were presented with a list of things not allowed in this genre. As I reviewed my work, I learned I have pretty much included every one of the "don'ts or not alloweds" in all of my work.

Here's a sample of what is not allowed:

No drinking

No gambling

No dancing

No profanity

No drugs

No passionate kissing

No nudity

No fornication or adultery

Hero and Heroine can not be divorced if they're Christians

Here's the funny part Bingo and Raffles are considered gambling. And the words, "gosh", "dang", "golly" are considered profanity. I'm still trying to understand the physical attraction guidelines. You really aren't supposed to mention what physical qualities attracted your hero and heroine to each other. The heroine can where makeup, but you really shouldn't dwell on her physical beauty. And she should dress modestly.

I write Christian characters that live real lives. I write what I know and I know Christians that have lead extraordinary lives. And Christians who are quick to tell you what attracted them to their mate or what attracts them to the opposite sex. Or who have experienced many of the things some of the publishers for the Inspirational Genre(s) don't approve of. I believe in God and His word and I have read some things in the bible that will make your head spin. Yet when it comes to the world of Inspirational Fiction, I'm a little confused.

Where do I fit in? My style or voice is too edgy for Inspirational and too spiritual for mainstream.

WHAT"S UP

It's been a while since I've written anything. Why? The answer is quite simple, I've been reading and writing. I just finished reading two great books.

Tombstone Treasures Book One: First Impressions

By Michelle Sutton

The author is a friend of mine and it was my first time purchasing an eBook. This book can be found online at Desert Breeze Publishing. One a side note, I still like old fashioned paper books. I loved the female lead character, Sammie from the beginning and enjoyed the journey she took in finding her way to God. I'm trying not to say too much because I don't want to give the story away. But I'm glad I stuck with Sammie and didn't change my feelings when things started going against her. In the end, Sammie and Jimmy both came through for me, leaving me wanting to know what happened next.

The other book I read was suggested by Michelle.

Havah: The Story of Eve

by Tosca Lee

When Michelle told me about this story, she said it was a beautiful love story...and she was right. I began reading this book with the intent of remaining upset with Eve for what she did in the Garden of Eden. Instead, I learned to respect, appreciate and like Eve. This is a beautiful story told from Eve's point of view. We know so little about her life, but this story really made me think about what she and Adam were like and how much they must have loved each other. And how much they loved God and how determined they were to mend that relationship and do whatever was necessary to get back what they'd lost.

I recommend both books. Two different love stories that left me excited about the future of both women.

What am I writing?

I just finished the edits on the second installment of The Alex Chronicles Series. I'm excited about where the story goes in the second installment. Plus I'm half way through the third installment in that series. In writing about Alex and her friends, it lead me to develop a new character unlike Alex...Kyla. She is the opposite of Alex and her story is reflective of her different background. I'll disclose more about "Kyla" and her posse as I get a little further in her story.

Signing off for now.

Were Back!!!!

Happy New Year everyone.

We have missed you all, but were are back. Okay, we're almost back. We have spent the past few months readying things for our new look. There are some great things in the works...new inventory, a new look and online shopping. Hang tight and be on the look out for some exciting things from The Pink Duchess. If you know someone who hasn't joined our mailing list, tell them to sign up. You won't want to miss out on all the great things we have planned for you our customers.

Coming soon...

Story in Christian Fiction Online Magazine

I am so excited. Praise God, my first story has been published in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. I invite you to visit the site and read the story. Click the link and enjoy. http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/CareerReborn.html

Happy New Year.