If you haven't read any of Miss Arend's book WTH are you waiting for? These books are HOT!!

Thank you for joining The Bakin_Goddesses for such a HUGE PARTAY! We hope you have as much fun as we do. We know the readers will enjoy getting to know a little bit about you with these little questions. It’s all about fun this time so let your hair down, grab your favorite drink, put your feet up on the desk and have some fun with these. (Shauni) *Grabbing a drink looking at Kim* Oh you meant them Sorry *laughing*

Viv: **snatches Shauni’s drink, takes a sip, adds more rum** Thanks for having me over, guys. Nice decorations. I’ve never seen anyone do that with balloons before. O_o

*Shauni* Makes a new drink adds more rum

Cats or Dogs? ( Hey what about Birds and lizards? )
Viv: Dogs all the way. And if you’re serious? Well, I’m just heading off the Galapagos Islands where I saw iguanas that were THIS BIG, and also saw blue-footed boobies. So I pick birds, because just saying “blue-footed boobies” makes me giggle like a 12 yo.

Salty or Sweet (This of course means when you’re “playing” because this isn’t an adult Goddess site for nothin’)? Chocolate?
Viv: Salty. Potato chips in bed…?

Vampires or Werewolves (Of course you can choose “other” but you have to elaborate *snickering*)?
Viv: Wolfies. Read the Granite Lake series and you’ll find out why wolfies are superior to BOTH your typical vamp and/or were.

Fireman or Cowboy?
Viv: Now you’re getting tough with the questions. The cowboys—I love them as witnessed by my most recent series, Six Pack Ranch. But firemen? Got them on the list of groups to write about someday. Nom nom!

Hairy or Smooth (Body hair)?
Viv: We are talking the guys, right? Somewhere in the middle, please.

Clean Shaven or Stubble?
Viv: Stubble. A little bit of scruff…hmmmm.

Diet or Regular soda (Or....if you’re like me, Kimberly, you’re stuck on Powerade Zero)?
Viv: Used to drink Diet Coke like water, but my hubby asked me to switch to regular. Then I discovered |I like the taste of regular Pepsi better than regular Coke.

Fruit or Veggies (Or Chocolate)?
Viv: Fruit dipped in chocolate, veggies in a stew.

Coffee or tea (Or Chocolate)?
Viv: Cooooofffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Add a few vowels at 6 in the morning.

Drama or Comedy or anything with Gerard Butler -- What Shauni? He’s Hawt! What Kim?*wiping drool* I love Gerard but what about Jason Momoa ooooohhh Or Charlie Hunnan? OOH Shauni! Charlie!!! We Loves Us some Jax! SOA! All the way baby! I guess we should let the guest answer the question though, huh? (tv, movies)?
Viv: Honest? I watch very little TV or movies. Loved Sherlock Holmes though.

Spring or Fall (Fall -- cuz I can beat him to the floor! *snickering*)?
Viv: WINTER. Of course, I’m saying that as I look out over a beach and it’s in the nineties. Hey, someone had to go south this winter—I sacrificed myself for all of us. Really. ;)

Sedan or Sports Car (Hey! I live in Texas! Where’s the truck suggestion???)?
Viv: Duuuuuude! Totally the truck. With a huge clearance for going out mud-bogging.

Tattoos or no Tattoos?
Viv: On my guys in my stories? Tatts are fine. Actually, one of the heroines in the upcoming Wolf Line has a tatt!

Favorite splurge food -- Tacos, Pizza, Cheeseburger (Or Chocolate peanut butter swirl FUDGE)????
Viv: Ohh, tough one. I love to eat sushi, but as a splurge? I love all-dressed potato chips. Any kind of potato chips, really.

What dish do you make perfect?
Viv: When I’m not distracted writing, I’m a good cook. I make awesome soups, stews, vegetarian dishes. Lasagna, butterchicken, pies… damn, now I’m hungry.

What dish have you messed up completely by burning or over cooking it?
Viv: See that comment above? When I start cooking and get distracted writing? OMGawd, I’ve burnt just about everything. I burnt hardboiled eggs once- the water all evaporated and the eggs were smoking in the pot. Nasty!

Can you give us your favorite Christmas cookie recipe? If not the recipe, your favorite cookie, we’ll find the recipe.
Viv: My favorite treat at Christmas is ButterTarts, and I had a friend who made them as squares instead of tarts. SOoooooo good!


Butter Tarts
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups raisins
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 30 (2 inch) unbaked tart shells

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C).
2. Cream the butter, sugar and eggs well. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour batter into tart shells, no more than half full. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes. Watch carefully!!--they'll burn quickly. Filling will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so. Liquid coffee creamer can be used for cream. Use any good pie pastry for shells.

Now is the part where we let you do some shameless self promotion of your books. Please tell the readers something about what you’re currently writing or what has just been released. We’re shameless when it comes to pimpin’ new stuff!

Viv: Back to the cowboys, I’m in the middle of a 3 book release for the Six Pack Ranch. Yes, amoung other things, they grow real nice men out at the ranch. The first book, Rocky Mountain Heat, released in November, and the second, Rocky Mountain Haven is out January 10, 2012. The third, Rocky Mountain Desire is a March 13 release. Look for a lot of close-knit family stories, on the high heat level. In Haven, Daniel and Beth are working to find a HEA that requires a lot of careful planning. Along with the hot times. Did I mention the heat? Lol. If you’d like to know more about the books, take a peek at my website, www.vivianarend.com. I’ve got first chapters and information about all the books I have out. There’s also fun thing happening at my blog.

Thanks Baking Gals for the chance to visit. Lovely place…and the treats are yummy.

All the best! Viv

Vivian has so graciously given 3 wonderful readers 1 book to be chosen from her backlist of books! Yes, you heard us! There will be THREE winners!!! *Doing a little dance around the floor* Isn't she awesome? So start figuring out which book you want because THREE OF YOU will get to choose ONE book each.  

To Find Vivian:

Website:  http://www.vivianarend.com/

Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vivian-Arend/139102739487444

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/VivianArend

Keep Reading Goddesses

GIVEAWAY AND INTERVIEW WITH KRAFTYMAX JEWELRY DESIGNER!

Hey Goddesses!  -- First let me say: Blogger is messing with our fonts and formatting. Sorry for all of that!
Give a warm welcome to KraftyMax! She has some wonderful pieces to show you and she was kind enough to join in add to the giveaway! So this giveaway is a KraftyMax Original and I promise you, you won't be disappointed! *Looking at Shauni* "I really want this one! *sigh* We just want all the pretty things! But, we guess we'll do what we're supposed to and add it to the giveaway loot! AND she even gave us a yummy recipe! That's always a plus!!!!
Without further blubbering from me and Shauni -- Here is the interview with KraftyMax (she's a whole lotta fun! -- ooooh! A Jewelry Goddess! We need one of those!)


Cats or Dogs? ( Hey what about Birds and lizards? ) I am a HORSE woman mostly, but these days I have to settle for Dogs – love cats too, but it was the cat or the hubby (he’s allergic)…this time I choose hubby!

Salty or Sweet (This of course means when you’re “playing” because this isn’t an adult Goddess site for nothin’)? Chocolate? UMMM, I think Salty…. Always makes me want to drink more!! 

Vampires or Werewolves (Of course you can choose “other” but you have to elaborate *snickering*)? I think Vampires…. I love my neck being kissed – the  bite… just extra!

Fireman or Cowboy? Oh that one is easy, cowboy!  I grew up on a horse ranch and used to ride in the rodeo.  And yes, I also used to ‘green break’ horse – you can read anything you want into that!!

Hairy or Smooth (Body hair)? For me, SMOOTH, for him – a little goes a long way!

Clean Shaven or Stubble?  Clean shaven, but with a mustache, I like a little tickle when I get those neck kisses!

Diet or Regular soda (Or....if you’re like me, Kimberly, you’re stuck on Powerade Zero)? Diet only.  Regular tastes like syrup, except an occasional Mountain Dew – but that is mostly to WAKE up!

Fruit or Veggies (Or Chocolate)? For me, FRUIT!  I love just about ALL fruit, but my favorite is probably pinapple or oranges.

Coffee or tea (Or Chocolate)?  Don’t drink coffee – even though I could use the caffine.  I love fruit favored teas – hot or cold!

The song that is most annoying when it sticks in your head -- sorry had to do it. There is this song that NO MATTER what time of the year it is I just get it stuck – Silent Night.  I end up humming it or signing it full out throughout the better part of the year!

Apple or Microsoft? MICROSOFT!  But love my Iphone!

Drama or Comedy or anything with Gerard Butler -- What Shauni? He’s Hawt!  What Kim?*wiping drool* I love Gerard but what about Jason Momoa ooooohhh Or Charlie Hunnan?  OOH Shauni! Charlie!!! We Loves Us some Jax! SOA! All the way baby!  I guess we should let the guest answer the question though, huh? (tv, movies)?  I am more the Antonio Banderas type, but my all time fav, ummm, Sean Connery – yummmy!

Spring or Fall (Fall -- cuz I can beat him to the floor! *snickering*)? For me, SPRING.  I love fall too, but it is Spring – great weather, great colors and a new lease in life – weather I want it or not!  Ha ha ha!

Sedan or Sports Car (Hey! I live in Texas! Where’s the truck suggestion???)? I am with the TRUCK!  I have a Jeep Liberty – the best of both worlds, JEEP for the off road and Liberty to get the kids to the school so I can enjoy the day!  

Tattoos or no Tattoos? I don’t have any, but I like them…. I chicken out each time I try!

Favorite splurge food -- Tacos, Pizza, Cheeseburger (Or Chocolate peanut butter swirl FUDGE)???? I would say Crab legs and shrimp!  But Pizza is a close second!!

What dish do you make perfect? I LOVE to cook and cook just about everything!  I am actually good at it too!  But my chili is one of the most requested!

What dish have you messed up completely by burning or over cooking it? Rolls – they are TOOO quick and I usually burn about ½ of what I make!

Can you give us your favorite Christmas cookie recipe? If not the recipe, your favorite cookie, we’ll find the recipe. I love to make Baklava  It isn’t actually a cookie, but close.  

Baklava

Ingredients:

4 cups nuts (almonds or walnuts)

¾ cup sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

½ pound clarified unsalted butter, melted

1 pound filo dough, thawed in the refrigerator

For Lemon Syrup:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 lemon zest strips, each about 3 inches long

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method:

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.  In a bowl, combine the nuts, sugar, cinnamon and cloves.

**Lightly brush a 13x9x2 inch banking with some of the melted butter.  Remove the filo sheets from their package, lay them flat on a work surface and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.  Lay a filo sheet in the prepared pan and brush it lightly with butter.  Working with 1 sheet at a time, top with half of the remaining filo sheets (10-12 sheets), brushing each sheet with butter after it is placed in the pan.  Spread the nut mixture evenly over the stacked filo sheets.  Then top with the remaining filo sheets, again brushing each lightly with butter, including the top sheet.

Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the butter will set.  (This step makes the baklava easier to cut). 

Using a sharp knife and cut the baklava all the way through into diamond shapes, forming about 35 pieces in all.  Bake until golden, 35-40 minutes.

For Syrup:

In a deep sauces pan, combine the water, sugar and lemon zest.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.  Remove the lemon zest and discard.  Stir in the lemon juice.

When the baklava is done, remove it from the oven.  Pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot pastry.  Let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly, then recut the diamonds.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  Store leftover pieces covered at room temperature.

Can you please show the readers some of your most favorite work?

This is one of my MOST favorites… I love the way the hair turned out!

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/kraftymax/3651898/handwoven_reggae_dancing_with_the_beat_purse_or_bag/handmade/jewelry/necklaces/beadwoven

                                                    This one is just PEFECT for spring!! 

                               http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/gallery_item/KraftyMax/65276

                                http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/gallery_item/KraftyMax/81685

What is one of your most favorite pieces that you have done for yourself? If its something personal and you don’t want to show it, can you tell us about it?

This one was made for me!

KraftyMax, your bead work is gorgeous! One of my favorite pieces is the Celtic Knot Suncatcher.  Have you seen that piece Shauni? It has to be my all time favorite!  Your jewelry is so elegant as well.  What is your favorite piece?  Do you ever make something and think....OoOOh! That is ALL MINE!!! ?  I do, but here is my thought, if I don’t sell it, it WILL be mine!  Nothing gives me more pleasure than when I see someone – via photo or in real life – wearing my creations.  That is the most AMAZING feeling!  Thank you so much for all your support and friendship!  ~KM

I know you didn't give us this piece to "pimp" for you but I HAD to show everybody how diverse your talent is.  This IS MY (Kimberly) FAVORITE PIECE!

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/kraftymax/2893127/celtic_art_hand_beaded_sun_catcher_-_artfire_beadweavers_guild_-_abg/handmade/accessories/beadwork/beaded_objects

Isn't KraftyMax AWESOME??? Now, I know you're all JUST DYING to know how to get to her shop and where to find her.  Her pieces range from simply elegant to just jaw dropping! You have to check it out!  Her prices are very reasonable.  She's great to do business with.  We, Shauni and I, have been very lucky to consider her one of our new friends!  She is one of the sweetest people you'll meet!  Ok Ok - Now for some links (and then we'll get to the good stuff!)

Here is her shop:  http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/KraftyMax

Here she is on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/kraftymax

Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kraftymaxoriginals

Now let's see what gorgeousness she's so generously donated for the giveaway -- ALL FOR YOU WONDERFUL PEEPS!!  (To see more photos of all her work, click the links under the photos)

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/kraftymax/1356634/beautiful_fire_opal_hand_woven_bracelet_-_ooak/handmade/jewelry/bracelets/beadwork

Thank you KraftyMax for joining us! We had a blast! As Always, your work is stunning! 

Love & Hugs Goddesses

SKYROCKETS AT NIGHT BLOG HOP! 07/04 - 07/10/2011

Woooha! Here we go again! One more blog hop. Seems I'm in for a penny or in for a pound! This wonderful blog hop is hosted by Bells of Hanging with Bells; Tigris of TigrisEden's Garden of Books; Danielle of Lush Book Reviews; and last but definitely NOT least JoJo of JoJo's Book Corner!

So, are you wondering what the giveaway is this time???? Hmmmmm......Let me think.

Ok, Ok. You have totally wormed it out of me!

My contribution to this blog hop will either be a $20 gift card to Amazon.com.

OR
If the Book Depository ships to you (you should check first) then I'll buy book(s) up to $20 (US Dollars for international peeps) to the Book Depository if you live out of the US (or just prefer it). I just fixed this since Book Depository doesn't do Gift Cards -- total bummer! Anyway, as long as it ships free to you, and you win, you got it! Sorry I had to revise this!

So, Here's what you HAVE to do in order to win:
1. You MUST be a follower via GFC -- No exceptions!
2. Leave a comment. If there is no comment, with your email address (johndoe AT gmail DOT com -- so it has less of a chance to get spammed) then you aren't entered into the giveaway.

ALSO -- PLEASE DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FREEDOM GIVEAWAY IN THE POST BELOW! It's not a gift card but it is some super smexy Wyoming cowboys! These boys are LIP-SMACKIN yummy!


You MUST be over 13 to win (if the book is considered an "adult" book, then you must be 18 to win).

I'm not requiring you Tweet about this giveaway but it would be super nice if you did!

Please scroll down to the END of the Linkies to leave a comment.

Keep Reading Dearhearts
Bakin_Goddess

My new German Shepherd Babies LOOK AT THESE FACES!!!

So, the book hop starts at midnight and Ms. Jean Murray and I have an awesome giveaway coming up for you including a copy of her book (in E-format) Soul Reborn. I haven't read it yet (I just got it in the mail -- I won it in a contest YIPPEEE). I hear it is AWESOME THOUGH!! It's based on Egyptian Mythos, a world that isn't delved into much at all. (is "delved" a word or did I just make that up -- if I did, Webster owes me money....or my English teacher is going to give me a very STERN talking to -- ha ha ha). Anyway, with so much emphasis put on Greek mythos I wanted to show you my new babies....yes, named after a couple of well-known Gods. Ares and Thanatos. Ares is the black and tan Shepherd and Thanatos is the sable Shepherd (lighter one). They are precious aren't they???

Hope you think they are as special and sweet as I do. I can't wait until they get to my house! They're with a very special lady who takes such good care of their parents, here in Texas.

Hope you join us for some great giveaways starting at midnight (hint -- Soul Reborn, Egyptian Tarot cards, book thong by the very talented Mandy at Stupid Shiny Designs {see post below} and from my very own Scentsy lady {link to come} an AWESOME full-size Scentsy burner with a bar of scent).....TRUST ME... You want all of these. Only ONE lucky winner will get the stash!!!