On Our Radar

It's like we just blinked and summer was almost over, right?  But before we hit the beach one last time, we wanted to tell you about what we're lovin' right now.

CatFish: The TV Show

Ever since our friend and author Dee Detarsio turned us on to this, we've been OBSESSED.  What should be ambush TV instead is a thoughtful, frightening and complicated look at the real truth of online relationships. We've developed a crazy crush on Nev, who's endless optimism and empathy for these poor, clueless souls makes Catfish much more meaningful than your average reality show.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll never look at your online friends the same way again.

The Snugg IPhone Case

Liz is in love with her new iPhone case--The Snugg is easy to slip on off and comes in all kinds of sassy colors.  And considering the fact that she drops her phone several times before leaving the house each day, it's a good thing she's got some protection! #majorclutz

Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves

We received an advanced copy of COVET (Out September 17th) and fell in love at first word.  An engrossing picture of marriage and family, Garvis-Graves' simple yet beautiful narrative made COVET one of our favorite books so far this year.  We promise you'll be thinking about these characters long after you read the last page.

The scoop: What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton's marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he's offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire's concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can't weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop and runs into her again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they're spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire's marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn't take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she'll never cross.

Addict by Cai.ro

Most authors will tell you that a good soundtrack is essential to writing.  So when Liz heard this song by Cai.ro, (she heard it on Catfish, did we mention she's OBSESSED?!) she knew she just HAD TO HAVE IT. And now she irritatingly listens to it on repeat.  Again. And again. And again.

Big Brother live tweets

Okay--Liz here.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I watch Big Brother each and every summer.  Except these days I just don't have time to tune in three days a week to see what those miserable house guests are up to. (Is it just me, or are they total Aholes this season?) So instead?  I'm in love with Big Brother Leak on Twitter--a guy who live tweets all the catfights and other drama.  He watches so I don't have to! It's effing brilliant! So, for the three other other people out there that watch Big Brother, you're welcome!

On our Radar by Liz

Lisa and I have been so knee-deep writing our next book that I've barely had time to come up for air!  But when I do--these are the latest things on my radar....

The Millionaire Matchmaker

Oh, how I love that beyotch Patti Stanger! Something about the way she puts those douchey millionaires in their place is addicting.  Yes, I have to try hard to ignore the fact that these gorgeous women would never even so much as glance at these guys unless they were loaded, but either way this is one hour of pure guilty pleasure for me and the hubs. (Shhh...don't tell anyone she watches it with me!) The best part of season 6? Millionairess Hello Kitty returns and redeems herself. (She's the one that gave that guy a hand job under the table...)  The worst part?  The creepy courtship of Patti and her new man. Ewww! Check out a clip below!

The Love Wars by L. Alison Heller

Out on May 7th---don't miss this Devil Wears Prada-esque tale of a divorce lawyer who, after becoming fed up with her insanely rich and spoiled(and just plain insane!) clients, goes against her high-powered boss and clandestinely represents a woman who desperately needs her help. Heller's narrative is a breath of fresh air--fun and quick witted. Delightful from beginning to end!

Hall of Fame--The Script

I'm loving this catchy song by The Script, one of my new favorite bands.  Whether I'm rocking out on the way to school with the kids or writing the latest chapter in our next book--I can't get enough of it!  Check it out!

Isagenix

So I'm doing the Isagennix 30 day cleanse in order to shed a few LBs for an upcoming trip.  And even thought I'm so hungry that I would consider beating your head in for a spicy tuna roll, it's okay.  I've lost 7 lbs int the last 12 days and it's getting a bit easier--the stuff they told me that tastes like "tea"(does NOT taste like tea!) doesn't even make me gag anymore.  This program is also good to cleanse if you have allergies or rashes.  But for me?  I just want to be able to stuff my face with warm brie and baguette in France next month without feeling like all those skinny french assholes are judging me.

#shipmypantscommercial #Kmart #controversy

I know some people have their panties in a wad about this Kmart commercial, but personally, I think it's hilarious.  And a big shout out to Kmart-who is now relevant for the first time in years!  Bravo!

On our Radar

On Lisa's radar

1.  Burning Love

Will you accept this hose?

That's right, it's *hose* not *rose.* And this show had me at *hose.*

Whether you're a Bachelor fan or not, you will laugh your ass off at this show on E! executive produced by Ben Stiller and including celebrities such as Kristen Bell and Jennifer Aniston. But politically correct TV watchers need not apply: Among this pool of women vying for the firefighter's love, there is a Panda (as in mascot), an elderly woman with a hearing problem and a perpetually drunk chick who wears no pants and shaves the Bachelor's initials "down there." #Iwillacceptthishose

2. Downton Abbey

I'm about three years late to this PBS party, but I am absolutely hooked. And now have a (not so) secret fantasy to be British. If you watch, you'll understand why (they basically tell each other to Eff off and die and then offer each other tea!) and if you don't yet watch, I guarantee you'll be sucked in by this pop culture phenomenon too (let's just say snarky, plotting service workers + intense sibling rivalry + tea and crumpets= perfection.)  The only downside of not being a watcher from the beginning is opening EW magazine and reading a spoiler alert and finding out every single person that's been killed off (um, a lot). #rookiemistake

3. #Hashtag

#I #know #it #annoys #the #hell #out # of #some #people #but #I #can't #get #enough #of #hashtags. #I #use #them #all #the #time #with #reckless #abandon. #It's #such #a #quick #and #easy #way #to #say #things. #On #that #note #you #should #follow #Liz #and #I #on #Twitter.

#nuffsaid

4. Overwhelmed by Tim McMorris

I have to give credit to Laura Dave for turning me on to this song. She said she was writing her next book while listening to it on replay so I was intrigued. (I love Laura's books.) And it turns out it's a beautiful song that does inspire. Let's just hope it helps me get my next chapter of our WIP to Liz! #itwasdueyesterday

5. Cars

Yes, the animated movie from SIX years ago. Why? you ask. Well, I have a toddler. Need I say more? No, but I will... It's not just a great movie to let her watch so I can get sh*t done (like write this post!) but I've also discovered that it's actually really funny and entertaining. And I'm (not so) secretly bummed that Cars 2 sucks! #Ineedtogetoutmore

On our Radar

Liz here--I'm so excited to debut our latest feature, On Our Radar, where we'll be dishing on the things we're loving right now--anything from a TV show to music to lipstick.  Because when we love something, we want you to know about it! And hopefully, you'll join in the fun and tell us what you heart at the moment too!

On Liz's Radar

1. Nashville

No, not the city!  The TV show! To be honest, the first episode was just so-so.  But thank GAWD I stuck with it because it's my new favorite --Connie Britton is awesome and Hayden Panettiere has such a perfect country drawl that I've forgotten that she was ever a cheerleader that saved the world.  But what makes it really stand out is not just all the pretty people(hello, hot boys with cute accents and guitars!) and fun drama, but the MUSIC.  It's RAD.  And downloadable from iTunes--I've written most of our new book so far while listening to When The Right One Comes Along. Want to get in the action?  You can watch full episodes at ABC.com. FOR FREE!

2. Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Okay,  so here's the deal.  I'm an emotional robot and don't like to cry.  EVER.  But, damnit, I can never pass up Amy's emotionally fulfilling books.  So, there I am, reading the ARC of Heart Like Mine, ignoring my husband and children, turning the pages as fast as I can, devouring every word.  And then I felt some liquid substance started coming out of my eyes and I'm like WTF!  (*Maybe* they were tears. *Maybe* even major waterworks.  But let's just keep that between us--I have a rep to protect!)  But you know what?  It was worth it to have a good cry over Heart Like Mine--it's THAT good.  Do yourself a favor and pre-order it. (Out March 19th!)

Here's what it's about: Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again. But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover that there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

3. Neuma Hair Products

You may or may not know this, but I have some FRIZZY ASS hair.  It's never been a wash and go situation over here. My thick, horsey mane is hard to control! My hairdresser(is it still okay to call them that?) turned me on to Neuma last month and I am IN LOVE. I want to MAKE OUT with this stuff.  My hair behaves itself.  It looks shiny!  And most importantly, I don't have it wash it nearly as often. (Don't judge me!  Straightening that mane is a pain in the ass!) So, to my fellow frizzy-haired sisters,  run, don't walk down to your salon and pick this up.

4. The Funeral by Band of Horses

I know I already mentioned I'm loving the music on Nashville.  But here's another song that I've had on repeat for some time.  I heard it randomly and used my Shazam app to identify it. (Btw, how awesome is Shazam, right?)  I tend to lean towards sweet sounding, guitar playing women, but I fell in love with this tune form a few good men.  I've listened to it so often that my kids scream, Mommy No!, whenever it starts playing in the car.  Seriously?  After all the Radio Disney torture I've endured, I think they can indulge me.

Take a listen.  What do you think?

5. #TaylorSwiftBacklash?

Have you seen it start?  The Taylor Swift backlash? She didn't seem too happy when Adele whipped her ass for Best Song at The Golden Globes.  Then she and that boy bander broke up.(They all look the same to me?) And then Michael J Fox (seriously? You know it's bad when Alex P Keaton is taking shots at you!) made some nasty comments about her. Just sayin', it seems like the tide is turning.  Personally, I don't have anything against her, except for the fact that I'm force fed her ridiculously catchy tunes every day on the way to school. (Damn you again Radio Disney!)  But, for her sake, I hope she comes up with some non-break up songs on her next album.

#getsomenewmaterialTaylor