tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82509622024-03-12T16:37:50.423-06:00Marianne Mancusi<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3346227197_85a8483580_m.jpg">
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3346227243_6764bdd13e_m.jpg">Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.comBlogger926125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-16209244830814460732011-09-29T09:41:00.000-06:002011-09-29T09:41:48.447-06:00Blood Coven Vampires Volume One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6195455998_62648a6075_z.jpg"></center><br />
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For those of you who may still be thinking of starting the Blood Coven Vampires series or those of you who have read the series from the library and always wanted your own copy, this is a deal for you!<br />
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This Volume One edition contains the first two books in the Blood Coven series - Boys that Bite and Stake That. That's right - two books for the price of one! ($9.99.) <br />
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This also makes a great gift for the vampire fan in your life. :) I'll even autograph copies if you want to order by mail. Just email me (mari@marimancusi.com) for details! <br />
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I'm really excited about being able to offer up such a bargain to readers!!<br />
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xo<br />
MARIMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-1336526413822960342011-05-25T06:51:00.000-06:002011-05-25T06:51:09.369-06:00Zombiewood Confidential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnggcVGAOnY/Tdz7NRyqp8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/8zzBei0BXSE/s1600/zombiewood4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnggcVGAOnY/Tdz7NRyqp8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/8zzBei0BXSE/s320/zombiewood4.jpg" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div>Looking for a fast, funny (and at 99 cents - cheap!) zombie read? Zombiewood Confidential - my novella originally published as part of “My Zombie Valentine” is up as an e-book on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zombiewood-Confidential-ebook/dp/B004X2HSEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306327460&sr=8-2">Kindle</a> and <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Zombiewood-Confidential/Mari-Mancusi/e/2940012463371/?itm=1&USRI=zombiewood">Nook</a>. I mention this because I see bloggers so often recommend the anthology (in the most well-meaning way possible!), but because of the publisher situation, when you buy that actual book, the authors do NOT GET PAID. In fact, they owe me over $1,000 in royalties for that book and I will never see them. So if you’re looking for a fun, campy zombie read, I hope you will consider skipping the anthology and try the e-book instead. Maybe someday I will recoop the money stolen from me.<br />
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Anyway, not to sound bitter. I’m excited, actually, at the opportunity to share the story with readers for a super cheap price! It’s just sad to see a recommendation out there that will profit the publisher and not the authors who worked so hard in creating these stories. :(<br />
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In any case, here’s a little about Zombiewood Confidential:<br />
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<blockquote>Take one low budget zombie film set, a young makeup artist and the Hollywood hearthrob she’s been in love with since she was a teen. Add a couple hundred zombie extras—who’ve become a little too realistic for their own good—and you’ve got Zombiewood Confidential, a campy, zombie novella with action, humor, romance, and, of course, plenty of braaaaaains. </blockquote>99 cents - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zombiewood-Confidential-ebook/dp/B004X2HSEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306327460&sr=8-2">Kindle</a> - <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Zombiewood-Confidential/Mari-Mancusi/e/2940012463371/?itm=1&USRI=zombiewood">Nook</a>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-9070038973851548562010-08-12T08:06:00.002-06:002010-08-12T08:06:56.670-06:00Dallas/Ft Worth area Blood Coven FansFor those of you in the Dallas/Fort Worth area I will be doing a visit to the Haslet Public Library Saturday, September 18th at 2pm! Come meet me!<br />
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MariMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-52923025799241659652010-03-01T07:33:00.000-07:002010-03-01T07:33:43.447-07:00New Blog!I've finally gotten fed up with Blogger's limited capabilites and have switched to Tumblr, which is a lot easier to use, especially on the go. From now on I'll be blogging here. <a href="http://mariannem.tumblr.com/">http://mariannem.tumblr.com/</a> Please re-direct your bookmarks/google readers. Thanks!Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-86973586569854493312010-02-26T17:15:00.001-07:002010-02-26T17:15:31.922-07:00Preppy Pink and White<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4390372999/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4390372999_8e0e671d66.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4390372999/">prep 003</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mmancusi/">starrgirl77</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Going to an 80s preppy/pink and white themed party tonight. Madonna would be proud of my interpretation.</p>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-10418300428459104172010-02-26T05:18:00.001-07:002010-02-26T05:18:07.453-07:00Snowpocalypse 3!!!<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4389019285/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4389019285_4b7fdc6da2.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4389019285/">Molly snow</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mmancusi/">starrgirl77</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-15940476782455177582010-02-25T10:37:00.000-07:002010-02-25T10:37:10.680-07:00German Book 5 has a title and release date!Found out the German title for Book 5 today! <br />
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Beiß mich, wenn du dich traust <br />
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- which, translated, I'm told means: <br />
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"Bite me, if you dare!" <br />
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So cute! The book will be released in Germany in August. The editor said she loved it - I hope you guys will, too! We're now negotiating Books 6 & 7 in German. <br />
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For the rest of you, we're still hanging out, fingers crossed, waiting for my US editor to read Book 5 and hopefully commit to publishing it. Keep spreading the word about the series to your friends - the better it does, the more likely it will continue! <br />
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xo<br />
MARIMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-26617112671451671122010-02-22T15:01:00.000-07:002010-02-22T15:01:58.242-07:00Weekend in DC!This weekend I finally fufilled my long ago made promise to visit my friend <a href="http://www.dianapeterfreund.com">Diana Peterfreund </a>down in DC. It's really easy to get to DC from NYC - just jump on a BoltBus, which is one of those nice bus lines that have internet access on board. It's cheap, too. Like $20 each way! Now I'm not sure why I didn't go sooner! <br />
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We had a really fun weekend. Got to go out to her friend's restaurant Friday night where I ordered a duck special (yes, I'm obsessed with duck now) and sampled yummy cheeses and desserts and wine. (Had to go off the pre-wedding diet for the weekend, but it was well worth it!) The next day we headed out to the woods to go hiking with her adorable dog Rio. I always say Molly is the best dog in the world - well, now it's confirmed that Rio is a close second! (No offense to other great dogs out there...but Rio is super awesome and not just cause she cuddled in bed with me my second night there!) <br />
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After hiking - man DC still has a ton of snow! - we headed to the Spy Museum, on the advice of fellow YA author Ally Carter. Ally did not steer us wrong - it was super cool. After that we had a leisurely dinner and then headed to the movies. The movie we chose - "Dear John" a chick flick we figured neither Jacob or Sailor Boy would be interested in - was NOT super cool. In fact, it had a major plot flaw, which we discussed til exhaustion on the way home. The good news? We figured out a way to make it work, if the filmmakers are interested in doing a revision at this late date. :) Ah, writers. <br />
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Then on Sunday we made cinnamon muffins (and when I say "we" I mean Diana made them while I watched her and drank lots of coffee) and talked writing. Actually we talked a lot of writing all weekend, which was fun because I feel like I never get to really talk writing with other writers unless I'm at a conference. So that was fun in and of itself. <br />
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And then I jumped on the bus and headed home! All in all a very fun weekend had by all! Of course it wasn't til I got back that I realized neither of us remembered to take a single picture. Oh well. Guess I'll have to go back sometime! <br />
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MARIANNEMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-29136190294164998392010-02-18T15:16:00.001-07:002010-02-18T15:16:55.066-07:00Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar (Los Cabos, Mexico) - Poolside<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41163925@N08/3791226554/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3791226554_e8bacfb246.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41163925@N08/3791226554/">Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar (Los Cabos, Mexico) - Poolside</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/41163925@N08/">BryanCassidy</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Where we are going on our honeymoon. I wish I was already there!</p>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-55521395744973812342010-02-16T14:59:00.000-07:002010-02-16T14:59:02.310-07:00Valentine's Day CookingJacob and I have a tradition of cooking a brand new meal on Valentine's Day - something we haven't tried before. This year we decided to create a Crispy Duck with Orange Ginger Glaze from the Weber Grill cookbook my brother gave me for Christmas this year. <br />
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It was pretty simple, though we had never cooked duck before Basically we created an orange/ginger flavored maranade and maranaded duck breasts for about an hour. Then we took them and brought them out to the grill. It was FREZZING out, but Jacob braved the elements for this noble cause. <br />
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Inside, I prepared the slices of oranges and cooked the sides. Red potatoes and...because we're real classy...peas. <br />
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To go along with our peas, we opened a bottle of champagne, given to us by Jacob's dad. (So you know it had to be good!) I need to register for champagne glasses though. Ours are literally from the dollar store!!<br />
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Okay, I'm no food stylist, but here's my attempt of making it look like the cookbook! Disregard the paper towel napkins...or consider them shabby chic! In any case, doesn't the duck grill up beautifully?<br />
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And here's the whole meal all put together. <br />
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The verdict? The duck was delicious, but the skin was too thick. I don't know if that's how duck is supposed to be or this was a trait of the particular kind we purchased but I ended up taking off the skin and feeding it to Molly. She, um, liked it. <br />
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So there you have it! Another delicious Valentine's Day meal from the Beach/Mancusi kitchen! Oh and just to add - the next day we cut up the leftover duck (sans skin) and mixed it into marinara sauce with more peas (they give a sauce more oomph in my opinion!) and served it over wheat pasta. A very healthy, yummmy leftovers meal. (Sadly I didn't food style this very well - splattered tomato sauce on the plate!) <br />
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And yes, in case you were wondering, Jacob did give me roses. :) <br />
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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-536246101307491472010-02-09T15:11:00.001-07:002010-02-09T15:11:39.677-07:00Oreo TrufflesWe made this recipe for a Better TV shoot. It was sooo delicious! And so easy, too! <br />
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</center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-49776520945375015662010-02-06T12:00:00.002-07:002010-02-06T12:05:57.260-07:00The name is Bond - James BondAnd I got to meet and interview him on Friday! Pierce Brosnan is starring in the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians movie that comes out, I think, next week. I also got to interview the younger members of the cast- the teens who play Percy and Anabeth and Gordon. Was a lot of fun to meet them. And the movie is excellent! Go see it when it comes out - it's a great family film for both kids and adults. Though probably not for young kids - there's quite a bit of action, some could be scary. <br />
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Anyway, here's a pic of Pierce Brosnan and I. As close as I'll ever get to being a Bond Girl. ;-) <br />
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And here is how they had the hallway decked out (the press junkett was held in the Empire State Building where, according to the movie, you can find the door to Mount Olympus.) And sure enough - here's the door!<br />
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Sadly, I wasn't allowed to go through! :)<br />
MarianneMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-90266833139416479972010-02-05T13:21:00.003-07:002010-02-05T13:34:37.326-07:00Vermont to Orlando to JerseyThings have been busy at the Beach/Mancusi household lately. I'm just now getting time to update the old blog. :) <br /><br />Two weeks ago, I went up to Killington, Vermont to shoot ski stories with my photographer for Better TV. But all work and no play makes Marianne a dull girl so Jacob and my dad and Sherri came up on Saturday to go skiing/snowboarding with me. It was a beautiful day - in the 30s with clear skies. Couldn't ask for better! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326918244/" title="Killington by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4326918244_a720ecd0cc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Killington" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Now that my iPhone is a 3GS, my dad decided to use it to take video of me snowboarding! Kind of neat to see it from another perspective! <br /><br /><center><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="400" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=ce9baa8aa2&photo_id=4326943494"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=ce9baa8aa2&photo_id=4326943494" height="400" width="300"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br />Once we got back from Killington, this is what it looked like outside. BLEH. Nothing worse than NYC in the dreary winter rain. <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326923860/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4326923860_b12bd642cb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />So we packed up our bags again and headed down to Orlando, Florida for the weekend to visit my matron of honor Ali (She so loves being called a matron, lol) and her husband Bobby and, of course their kids, who are so cute! <br /><br />On Saturday we went to Disney World! I wanted a nice pic in front of the Magic Kingdom castle. But, of course, Ali had other ideas! Check out this awesome photo bomb! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326922558/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4326922558_6029636d28.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />I did finally get my photo though. :)<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326186715/" title="Disney by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4326186715_60e853cbf2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Disney" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />We stayed in the brand new Disney Bay Tower at the Contemporary - a new set of hotel rooms built right next to the old Contemporary hotel. They're super nice - we had a studio with a kitchen and it was very conveinent to store drinks in the fridge. And best off - our balcony looked over the Magic Kingdom. <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326187141/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4326187141_55e3754505.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />We could even walk to the park from there, so it was super conveinent. Might just be my favorite new Disney hotel! <br /><br />And, of course, since I'm getting married in just under 2 months (ack!) I had to get some bridal mouse ears with my name on them! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326924892/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4326924892_4eee2d2878.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326200277/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4326200277_b4eff46050.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326923780/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4326923780_0309e41272.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />After hanging in the park all day, where I was having too much fun to take photos, we returned to the hotel to watch the fireworks! (Which I can assure you looked much better in real life than on my iPhone pictures!) <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326927268/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4326927268_dafb4b34ee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326927854/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4326927854_a351f32cf5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4326926180/" title="photo.jpg by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4326926180_b10259e533.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br />All in all it was an amazing weekend and I didn't want to come home! But now, after all the excitment, I'm looking forward to a lazy weekend at home. And, of course, Superbowl Sunday! <br /><br />:) <br />Marianne<br /></center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-63099769605331500982010-02-04T14:39:00.001-07:002010-02-04T14:39:24.777-07:00Gamer Girl Fan ArtI hadn't featured any GAMER GIRL fan art for a while, so I thought I'd post some today. You guys are so creative! Maddy would be so impressed! :)<br /><br />MARI<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="450" height="410"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=133920212&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=133920212&width=1337" height="410" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/133920212/">gamer girl sir leo</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://kittycatmg6.deviantart.com/">kittycatmg6</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /><br /><object width="450" height="548"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=146986604&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=146986604&width=1337" height="548" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/146986604/">GAMER GIRL m y v e r s i o n</a> by *<a class="u" href="http://xclosextoxnothingx.deviantart.com/">XCloseXToXNothingX</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /><object width="450" height="635"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=151862359&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=151862359&width=1337" height="635" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/151862359/">Allora</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://4ever-artist.deviantart.com/">4ever-artist</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /><br /><object width="450" height="550"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=149115693&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=149115693&width=1337" height="550" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/149115693/">Gamer Girl: Allora</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://winxclub-riven.deviantart.com/">WinxClub-Riven</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /><br /><object width="450" height="567"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=134428314&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=134428314&width=1337" height="567" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/134428314/">Gamer Girl- Maddy</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://animearchangel24.deviantart.com/">AnimeArchAngel24</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /><br /><object width="450" height="386"><param name="movie" value="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="id=128198152&width=1337" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://backend.deviantart.com/embed/view.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" flashvars="id=128198152&width=1337" height="386" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/128198152/">Allora 8D</a> by ~<a class="u" href="http://akatsukifanatic.deviantart.com/">Akatsukifanatic</a> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com">deviant</a><a href="http://www.deviantart.com">ART</a><br /></center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-4802226560897095602010-01-22T18:11:00.002-07:002010-01-22T18:14:45.428-07:00I got to go dog sledding today!Check this off the list of things to do before I die - I got to go dog sledding up in Vermont today, at the Mountain Top Inn. (It was part of a ski vacation segment I did for Better TV.) And it was so much fun! And the dogs were great. So strong. One of them had actually done the famous Iditarod race in Alaska five times - and won three! <br /><br />Anyway, if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it. Such a thrill. Faced paced and fun!<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kwDi0cWJBas&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kwDi0cWJBas&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></center><br /><br />MarianneMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-26303407111279923812010-01-04T10:37:00.001-07:002010-01-04T10:37:34.023-07:00Bad Blood Release Day: A Field GuideOkay I know you are all as excited as I am about BAD BLOOD's impending release. But before you run out tomorrow to your local bookstore, here are some things to keep in mind:<br /><br />1) It is most likely to be stocked at all major bookstores - Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books a Million etc. That said, that does NOT mean they will just have it sitting out on the shelf on release day. Sad but true. Sometimes bookstores have boxes and boxes of new releases show up at the same time and it takes them a while to stock them. Especially when their store may already be kind of torn apart from the Christmas crowd.<br /><br />2) Before you go, do one of two things: go to the bookstore's website and see if they have a "FIND IN STORE option." Here are the options for Barnes and Noble and Borders. Both have a "Find in store by typing in your zip code option."<br /><br /><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bad-Blood/Mari-Mancusi/e/9780425232644/?itm=2&USRI=mancusi">Barnes and Noble</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425232646">Borders</a><br /><br />Then you can select "Pick up in store". They'll pull the book for you and keep it behind the register so no one can buy it before you get there. (And it saves you the trouble for hunting for it.)<br /><br />3) You can always call the store. I know, I hate calling, too. But I hate it worse when the store doesn't have my book.<br /><br />4) If you show up to the store and it's not on the shelf - ASK. Do not walk out without asking. Again, I know it sucks to have to talk to the clerk - I feel that way too. But you want the book, right? Tell them! They more than likely have it out back and just have to find it. Also- just think. You're forcing them to find the books and book them on the shelves - which means other people will then be able to find them too!<br /><br />5) If you ask and they still can't find it, ORDER it at the store. It's simple. You give them your email address and they order you one. About 2 days later, you'll get an email saying come pick up your book. You don't even have to pay until it's in stock so there's no harm in doing it if you eventually find it somewhere else in the meantime. If you don't pick it up, they'll just put it on the shelf for someone else to buy.<br /><br />6) If you can't find a store, buy it online. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Coven-Mari-Mancusi/dp/0425232646/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262625344&sr=8-4">Amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425232646">Borders.com</a>, <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bad-Blood/Mari-Mancusi/e/9780425232644/?itm=2&USRI=mancusi">Barnes and Noble.com</a>, <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9780425232644-0">Powells.com</a>, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Bad-Blood-Mari-Mancusi/9780425232644-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527bad+blood+mancusi%2527">Chapters </a>(for Canadians) A lot of times the books online are cheaper so you make up the shipping costs. I always encourage people to support local Indy stores. <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425232644">IndyBound.com</a> is one I really like.<br /><br />7) If you prefer to read it online or in an e-book format, <a href="http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b101138/Bad-Blood/Mari-Mancusi/?si=0">FictionWise </a>is one retailer that will have it to download. Barnes and Noble has a version for the <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bad-Blood/Mari-Mancusi/e/9781101171219/?itm=2&USRI=bad+blood+e-book">Nook</a>. Amazon doesn't seem to have a Kindle version yet, but hopefully they will at some point, as I know the other three books are available via Kindle.<br /><br />8) Please DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT ILLEGALLY! I beg of you. I haven't seen any downloadable copies yet, but I'm sure at some point soon they'll pop up. But here's why I am asking you not to do it. And yes, I could give you the lecture about it really being stealing, blah blah blah, but in this case I have a WAY more important reason. The publisher has NOT committed to a book #5 in the series and is waiting to see how sales of Bad Blood do before they decide. Therefore, if everyone pirates it and doesn't buy a copy then they'll think no one's interested in reading the next book and won't buy it. And then the next book will not be released in any form in the US. Which would suck cause I'm almost finished writing it and it's coming out really good!! :) Sooo if you're a fan, please buy the book, don't pirate it, and I promise to keep the series going for a long time!<br /><br />9) Once you read it - email me and let me know what you think. But also if you can, post a review. I'd love to see reviews on Good Reads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. This helps other people make the decision on whether they want to try the book. Blogging and Facebook and Twitter are other good ways to spread the word. Again, not to sound like a broken record, but the fate of Book #5 is in the balance! :)<br /><br />10) ENJOY!!!<br /><br />And that's all. I can't wait to hear what you think!!! :)<br /><br />MariMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-77520525517721330842010-01-03T05:21:00.003-07:002010-01-03T05:38:33.657-07:00New Year's Eve FunAs New Year's Eve weekend rolls to a close, I thought I'd post some photos of our NYE party Thursday night. We had it at our house in Jersey City and Jacob and I made homemade meatballs for the group. The vegetarians brought tofu brautwurst which we grilled for them. So good food and good fun had by all. <br /><br /><center><br />Leanna and Marcos. What a cute couple! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234601086/" title="New Year's Eve 001 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/4234601086_87c68f5e1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 001" /></a><br /><br />Liz sips her bubblegum martini with cotton candy pop rocks. Our sort of signature drink... :) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234622990/" title="New Year's Eve 071 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4234622990_ffdb11fc2a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 071" /></a><br /><br />The Beach/Mancusi (soon to be just Beach!) family. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4239880349/" title="New Year's Eve 015 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4239880349_f7f0555817.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="New Year's Eve 015" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233854961/" title="New Year's Eve 014 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4233854961_4c49e51f4e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="New Year's Eve 014" /></a><br /><br />Getting ready for the big moment. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233832605/" title="New Year's Eve 024 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4233832605_e6d5665138.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 024" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234616536/" title="New Year's Eve 033 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2742/4234616536_65aec66a2c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 033" /></a><br /><br />Happy New Year! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234620204/" title="New Year's Eve 045 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4234620204_64ffdf6c6f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 045" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233847361/" title="New Year's Eve 046 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4233847361_9931c7afed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 046" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234611886/" title="New Year's Eve 047 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4234611886_f9573f170d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 047" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233833541/" title="New Year's Eve 048 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4233833541_a053398728.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 048" /></a><br /><br />Party foul - Liz sits on a hat.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234603004/" title="New Year's Eve 021 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/4234603004_0d6f864cff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 021" /></a><br /><br />Marcos attempts to save it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233870575/" title="New Year's Eve 022 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/4233870575_56ecb7a651.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 022" /></a><br /><br />While Molly wishes someone had sat on hers so she wouldn't have had to wear it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233840905/" title="New Year's Eve 028 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4233840905_282b6b5998.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 028" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233869585/" title="New Year's Eve 027 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4233869585_a43840cf1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 027" /></a><br /><br />She was happier when Chris cooked her up some liver. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233845469/" title="New Year's Eve 062 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4233845469_1deeb60ffc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 062" /></a><br /><br />Then there was the requisite post-midnight karaoke! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234624782/" title="New Year's Eve 080 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4234624782_c6976972bf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 080" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4234632784/" title="New Year's Eve 082 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4234632784_b90b744cfe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 082" /></a><br /><br />Molly was so done with us by that point. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4233839071/" title="New Year's Eve 067 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4233839071_85082f3df4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Year's Eve 067" /></a><br /><br />All and all, a great night had by all!! Hope your New Year was just as fun! <br /><br />:) Marianne<br /></center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-90982890409377205002009-12-29T05:21:00.002-07:002009-12-29T05:33:03.564-07:00My Zombie Valentine Anthology - Out Today!<center><br /><a title="My Zombie Valentine by starrgirl77, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/3632111267/"><img alt="My Zombie Valentine" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3632111267_88cf7eaf38.jpg" width="310" height="500" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Funny, I haven't had a new book out in over a year and now I have two out within a week of one another. So while you still have to wait one more week for BAD BLOOD, my story in the MY ZOMBIE VALENTINE anthology is out now!<br /><br />While I believe the other stories have zombies as the hero, in my story, "Zombiewood Confidential", the zombies are the bad guys. It takes place on a George Romero'esque z-movie film set on an island. Strange things start happening to the cast and crew. I won't give any more away, but if you like horror with a sense of humor, I hope you'll try this anthology!<br /><br />The other cool thing is I'm in this book with Katie Macalister, who is an awesome romance comedy writer. I've always wanted to be in a book with her. Of course this particular story of hers is a reprint from another book, but still! I'll take what I can get!<br /><br />Here's the blurb for the book itself. And links on where to pick it up!<br /><br /><blockquote><center><br /><b>FOUR WOMEN ARE ABOUT TO DIG UP THE TRUTH</b><br /><br />Tired of boyfriends who drain you dry? Sick of guys who stay out all night howling at the moon? You can do better. Some men want you not only for your body, but your brains. Especially your brains.<br /><br />It’s true! There are men out there who care—early-rising, down-to-earth, indefatigable men who’ll follow you for miles. They’ll take the time to surprise you, over and over. One sniff of that perfume, and you’ll have to use a shotgun to fight them off. And then, once you get together, all they want is to share a nice meal. And another. And another.<br /><br />Romeo and Juliet, eat your hearts out.<br /></center></blockquote><p><br /><br />Paperback: </p><p><br /><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?view=2&type=0&catalogId=10001&simple=1&rpp=25&defaultSearchView=List&keyword=my+zombie+valentine&LogData=%5Bsearch%3A+16%2Cparse%3A+23%5D&searchData=%7BproductId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A0%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Atrue%2Cnavigation%3A0%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26all_search%3Dmy%2Bzombie%2Bvalentine%26type%3D0%26nav%3D0%26simple%3Dtrue%2Cterms%3A%7Ball_search%3Dmy+zombie+valentine%7D%7D&storeId=13551&sku=0843963603&ddkey=http:SearchResults">Borders</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Zombie-Valentine-Katie-Macalister/dp/0843963603/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262089794&sr=8-1">Amazon</a><br /><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/My-Zombie-Valentine/Katie-MacAlister/e/9780843963601/?itm=1&USRI=my+zombie+valentine">Barnes and Noble </a><br /><br /><br />e-book:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00317G73S/ref=s9_simp_gw_s0_p351_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0SG5DA5BS6JPGS89FK2M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846">KINDLE </a><br /><a href="http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-myzombievalentine-396656-143.html">e-book</a> (Adobe Secure format) </p><p><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/My-Zombie-Valentine/Katie-MacAlister/e/9781428507937">Barnes and Noble e-book</a></p><p>Obviously you can get it in stores too. Barnes and Noble, Borders and Target should all be carrying it. Other places too, I'm sure. </p><p>Hope you like!<br />MARIANNE</p><p><br /><br /><br /> </p>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-29341218502556780682009-12-27T18:04:00.002-07:002009-12-27T18:19:46.763-07:00Christmas WeekendIt's been a nice relaxing Christmas this year. Jacob and I decided to skip the rush of airports and other travel and stay home this year, just the two of us. Well, three if you count Molly, which we do! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213178744/" title="Christmas Eve 007 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/4213178744_6daa95c344.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas Eve 007" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Speaking of Molly, Jacob gave me the coolest present - a canine breed DNA kit. Basically we swab her mouth and send the sample away and they tell us what mix she is. It's something I've ALWAYS been curious of and I can't wait to see what turns up in her DNA! <br /><br />Molly got presents too - including some treats and a sweater.<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213567674/" title="Christmas 002 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4213567674_0bdbcfafa9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas 002" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213570974/" title="Christmas 005 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4213570974_58b237eb17.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas 005" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Christmas night we headed to Rosa Mexicano, our favorite upscale Mexican restaurant in the city. We ate wayyy too much. But it was so good. I had a roasted duck with blackberry sauce and butternut squash. And of course lots of made-at-your-table guacamole! <br /><br />Saturday was raining SO HARD. We went to go try to see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA. They were even screening Edward Scisorhands. But unfortunately I think everyone else in NYC and tourists too had the same idea. It was way too packed to enter and we found out too late we should have bought advanced time tickets. Oh well, we'll try again on a weeknight. <br /><br />Sunday was sunny and about 50 degrees so we decided to go ice skating. The last time we tried to go, the rink was closed for a private event. But this time we ran into no trouble! <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219730134/" title="ice skating 008 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4219730134_9899379593.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ice skating 008" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4218960607/" title="ice skating 009 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4218960607_ae21e4287f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="ice skating 009" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219728324/" title="ice skating 004 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4219728324_5d934e6ca1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="ice skating 004" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219729242/" title="ice skating 005 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4219729242_501050dc44.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="ice skating 005" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />After skating we came back and made a new recipe. We've vowed to try some new meals and had made homemade meatballs from the Rocco cookbook last week. (Which were SO delicious!) This time we decided to try something harder from this cookbook: <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219955177/" title="Cooking by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4219955177_a1c6ac2189.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cooking" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219954415/" title="Cooking by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4219954415_7e079ae152.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cooking" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />The recipe has three parts - the steak seasoning, the homemade salsa, and the seared avocado. Here's what it's supposed to look like: <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4219952873/" title="Cooking by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4219952873_8e7fa875bb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cooking" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />And here's our final result. Not bad if I do say so myself! And it tasted DELICIOUS! A definite kitchen success. Now we're inspired to try more!<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4220035837/" title="Cooking by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/4220035837_a87a533719.jpg" width="500" height="479" alt="Cooking" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />And now Jacob is settling down to watch the Cowboys hopefully cinch a playoff spot. Molly is sleeping by my feet. Not a bad way to finish off a Christmas vacation at home!<br /><br />:)<br />MARMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-74857508080554811342009-12-25T06:08:00.002-07:002009-12-25T06:15:08.674-07:00Christmas EvePoor Molly! I think she prefers when we go to work and let her sleep all day. Instead, we both had Christmas Eve off this year and she was forced to undergo much torture. First a shave and a bath...<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4212414955/" title="Christmas Eve 008 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4212414955_eca17b056b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 008" /></a><br /><br />Bleh! <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213177612/" title="Christmas Eve 005 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4213177612_b87d574b77.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 005" /></a><br /><br />She hid under the desk afterwards. At least it was a warm and sunny spot! <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4212415323/" title="Christmas Eve 009 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4212415323_6c0918e685.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 009" /></a><br /><br />But she couldn't hide for long! Time for a silly hat! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213177980/" title="Christmas Eve 014 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4213177980_4cf61dc5e9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 014" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4212410435/" title="Christmas Eve 012 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4212410435_c425e9c141.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 012" /></a><br /><br />And a photo session!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213179490/" title="Christmas Eve 022 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4213179490_0eb0864f84.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas Eve 022" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213178370/" title="Christmas Eve 016 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4213178370_8eb36b6517.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas Eve 016" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213177210/" title="Christmas Eve 021 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4213177210_2fc299e0ba.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas Eve 021" /></a><br /><br />Bah Humbug! <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4213176802/" title="Christmas Eve 010 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4213176802_ae46a1746c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Eve 010" /></a><br /><br /></center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-65420337860289481382009-12-23T09:05:00.005-07:002009-12-23T09:22:53.818-07:00Twas the Night before the night before ChristmasAnd I thought I'd share some winter pics with you, since I've been remiss in blogging!<br /><br /><center><br />My agent (on right) and publicist. We had a lovely dinner on the Upper West Side and then headed over to Rockerfeller Center to take photos for the agency Christmas card. That's the famous Rockerfeller tree and 30 Rock in the background. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157151661/" title="dec 4 039 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/4157151661_a2c30d8c4a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="dec 4 039" /></a><br /><br />Barb and Alesia came up from Florida to visit me! (Okay, it was to visit editors and such, but I got a visit too!) We were joined by lovely Sarah of the SMTB blog for dinner at Kennedy's, my favorite Irish pub on the UWS. They sat us right by the fire, which was extremely cozy. The girls thought, since I made the reservation, I must really have some pull. But I think we were just lucky!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4201299951/" title="The girls at Kennedy's by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4201299951_4646772b41.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The girls at Kennedy's" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4201311139/" title="The girls at Kennedy's by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4201311139_9d7648103f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The girls at Kennedy's" /></a><br /><br />Did a shoot at the Plaza, which was decked out for Christmas. I'd never been inside before. It was pretty, but a little too ornate for my tastes. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4201319247/" title="The Plaza by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4201319247_e38a4e1cca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Plaza" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4201320967/" title="The Plaza by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4201320967_c4675419d3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The Plaza" /></a><br /><br />Jacob and I tried to go ice skating in Central Park, but it was closed for a private event. :( <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4202071584/" title="Central Park Ice by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4202071584_abf852437c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Central Park Ice" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4202057846/" title="December 009 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4202057846_9c07248204.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="December 009" /></a><br /><br />And we got snow! (And note our pretty blue balcony lights, too!) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4201300741/" title="Balcony by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/4201300741_7c112eb6f4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Balcony" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4202056010/" title="Snowy NJ by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4202056010_bbbda44d3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snowy NJ" /></a><br /><br />Molly took a peek at the snow...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4202066138/" title="Molly by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4202066138_2a42c9a1d3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Molly" /></a><br /><br />And decided it was cozier in her bed!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4202068902/" title="Molly cozy in bed by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4202068902_622cc312b9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Molly cozy in bed" /></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br />And that is a December wrap-up for you! More Christmas pics to come soon!<br /><br />:)<br />MARIANNEMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-48318150259224856852009-12-13T13:56:00.001-07:002009-12-13T13:56:20.162-07:00Christmas is coming!!<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4182756478/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4182756478_4e373ab704.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4182756478/">Christmas 2009</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mmancusi/">starrgirl77</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-55286566509062059182009-12-10T07:48:00.003-07:002009-12-10T07:50:21.956-07:00Service Dog videoTaken from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dianapeterfreund.com">Diana Peterfreund's </a>blog. A must watch for any dog lover! Dare you to watch it without shedding a tear!<br /><br /><center><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BGODurRfVv4&color1=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" color2="0x9461ca&hl=" feature="player_embedded&fs=" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed><br /></center>Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-72760051134247997142009-12-08T15:01:00.002-07:002009-12-08T15:06:16.779-07:00Give the Gift of the Blood CovenI decided to make it easier for people who are interested in giving the gift of Blood Coven books this year. I've set up an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A2RJOBCM9VEC99">online store </a>on Amazon where you can purchase the books directly from me. They'll cost the same amount as buying them from Amazon normally, but I will mail your copies to you directly--personally autographed to the recipient of your choice and including fun extras like bookmarks and a Blood Coven Vampire in Training membership card.<br /><br />I figure this is more official/easier than dealing with PayPal or having you mail in the books (which you can still do if you prefer!)<br /><br />When Bad Blood is released, I will add that to my list of books as well!<br /><br />To access the Amazon store, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A2RJOBCM9VEC99">you can go here</a>.Mari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250962.post-62393658847223203512009-12-04T10:01:00.000-07:002009-12-04T10:02:07.461-07:00Perez Hilton and GLEE!Yesterday was a busy day for me. I had two different celebrity shoots to cover. First up was celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. He was irreverent as ever, but a lot of fun to chat with!! He has a new book out - True Bloggywood Stories. <br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157908884/" title="dec 4 004 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/4157908884_538d0b1187.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 004" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />After Perez, it was off to Bryant Park where Marshalls/TJ Max was doing a Carol-oke event with the cast members of Glee. I've never seen Glee, but let's just say the boys Puck and Finn have a lot of excited female fans!!<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157903960/" title="dec 4 010 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/4157903960_82f86f19c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 010" /></a><br /></center><br />Also there, as you can see from the photo, was Nicki Blonsky, who starred in Hairspray with Zac Efron. And 2nd season American Idol contestant Kimberly Locke. <br /><br />I was not the only one there taking pictures!<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157148887/" title="dec 4 014 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4157148887_66d9f2d51c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 014" /></a> <br /></center><br /><br />Corey forgets the lyrics...<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157147129/" title="dec 4 020 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/4157147129_129794ff5e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 020" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />Real men rock pink guitars and reindeer antlers!! (Sad this came out so blurry!) <br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157150861/" title="dec 4 018 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4157150861_b04b9880f1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 018" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />After the presentations I interviewed everyone for my segment. <br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157149331/" title="dec 4 030 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4157149331_d436e4693c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 030" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />And took some photos! :)<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmancusi/4157905768/" title="dec 4 037 by starrgirl77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4157905768_c2a69e6b85.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dec 4 037" /></a><br /></center><br /><br />All and all it was a fun event. And the fact that it was like 60 degress made it even better! <br /><br />MariMari Mancusihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13836247014927417229noreply@blogger.com1