A New Nice Wine Find

I was in the mood to try a new wine tonight, and I found a chilled bottle at Sprouts on sale. I am happy to say that it is really nice! It's a unique blend and is very sippable. If you like whites, try this one out. ;)


XOXO

Scarlett

Random Cooking Tip: How Not to Cry While Cutting Onions

I have to share this totally random cooking tip with you because it's strange, and it actually works. Those of you who cook have probably had to slice up an onion before. (Unless you're like me, and you cheat by using the dried onion flakes to avoid it!) But even if you tend to avoid it, sometimes it's still nice to have a fresh, chopped onion in dishes like chili, for instance.

But how do you cut them without getting that horrible stingy-eye that makes you "cry"?

Put a piece of bread in your mouth.

That's it! Just get a piece of sliced bread, bite down on the side of it, and hold it in your mouth. You may have to eat it slowly and adjust it because it sort of dissolves if you hold it long enough, but I swear, it'll keep your eyes from watering while you cut up that onion. It's like magic.

And there's your random blogpost topic for today ;)


XOXO

Scarlett

Saying Goodbye to Those We Love

This week I bid my best friend's mother adieu. She passed away after battling a long string of illnesses, and though we all know she isn't suffering anymore, it's still a shock to the system for everyone to say goodbye to someone who was a seemingly permanent fixture in our lives.

I was honored to have been requested to write a eulogy, which I read at the funeral. One thing I noticed about this particular funeral is it was a very nice gathering of people who loved her, not just her immediate family. The chapel was packed. There were lots of flowers sent. Everyone felt connected in this time of letting go.

Losing loved ones can be a bittersweet thing--on one hand, there are so many tears and sleepless nights and lost appetites. But on another hand, it brings together those of us who are still living to show that we're all still here for one another, especially during the rough times. It shows people they're not alone. It also reminds people to live their lives to the fullest because there is a finish line, and we all will reach it someday.

But despite losing her to death, I still believe her spirit endures, just not in this immediate setting. So even though we say goodbye, there is that hope we may meet again in another time and space.


XOXO

Scarlett

Valentine's Day Anthologies

To get you in the mood for Valentine's Day, here are a couple of erotic anthologies that feature a couple of my sexy short stories, along with stories from other awesome authors. They'd make great gifts for that special someone. Or if you're single this V-Day, there's no shame in enjoying the sensual fun all by yourself, if you know what I mean. ;)

This tantalizing collection combines the red-hot stories from both Be My Valentine and XOXO. With a total of twelve sexy shorts from well-known erotic authors, these stories will certainly spice up your day! 

Valentine's day is the perfect time for some furtive fumbling and secret sauciness. This amazing collection of nine erotic stories all with a valentine's theme is sure to get your heart thumping, your blood pumping and your pulse racing. Written by some of the adult and romantic fiction world's best-loved authors, this special digest is a Valentine's treat that can be enjoyed all year round!

XOXO

Scarlett

Movie Review: 'Blue is the Warmest Color'

Finally, I watched this incredible film!

In a word, it's unforgettable. It's an epic sort of love story, really, and one with a not-so-happy ending. It tells of a simple but deeply loving teacher and what seems to be her soul-mate: a daring, ambitious artist. This sort of Yin and Yang have chemistry on a primal level and share a very sweet romance, but ultimately "who they are" interferes. And it's so real it's heartbreaking.

I'm very bummed there probably won't ever be a sequel. I want to know what happened. The characters were three dimensional, brought to life by the two fine, gutsy actresses. The emotion they portrayed was impressively raw. And the love scenes...intense.

The soundtrack was also interesting: it seemed like the majority of the music was actually occurring within the scene, instead of looped onto the film in production.

It's a movie that I think will stay with me for a long time.


XOXO

Scarlett

A Wine Recommendation

This is going to be a super short post, but I wanted to recommend a wine for all the white wine-lovers out there.

Last night I tried a Sauvignon Blanc by SeaGlass, and it was wonderful. It was slightly sweeter than the other Sauvignon Blanc wines that I've had, but it was delicious. I imagine it'd go great with fish.

That's all! Happy Monday!


XOXO

Scarlett

Pop Stars and Sex Marketing

I just read an interesting article that discusses the forced hyper-sexuality of our modern pop stars. I'm glad it didn't just slam pop stars for being sexual because for some, it fits. But it did also mention most are unfortunately put under pressure to do so--even if they aren't as "sexy" by nature. The article mentions Beyonce and how she comes at her "sexy" from a place of authenticity, which is always, well, sexier!

But sometimes pop stars try to play the sex kitten when it just looks awkward on them. Now, I think we're all sexual beings, but not everyone is Beyonce, nor should they try to be. In particular, I think of people like Ariana Grande, who it seems, has recently transitioned from being the cute girl character to attempting the sex goddess role...and I don't think it's a good fit for her. It seems forced, as if her star crew is forcing her to "be sexier" just for the marketing aspect of it.

What do you think? Think some pop stars are naturally sexy and others are forcing it, or do you think they should all flaunt what they've got?

Have a good week!


XOXO

Scarlett