Nineteen years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began. The site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann. We’ve had cover snark and cover awe, helping of bitches out, and, as a neat coincidence, Smart Podcast Trashy Books will publish its 600th episode on Friday 2 February 2024. Celebrations everywhere!! Thank you. The site wouldn’t still be here without you. Our community is welcoming new … Continue reading Happy 19th Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
It’s the eighth night of Hanukkah! One year we tried to toast marshmallows over all the lit menorot on the final night, but mostly the marshmallows got sooty instead of toasty. So we toasted them over the stove burners and ate s’mores anyway. Thank you so much for celebrating with us this year! I hope you’ve had fun. So, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may you bring light with you wherever you go, and … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 8: Kate Spade Pink Tote!→
It’s the seventh night of Hanukkah! We are almost done! And yeah, by this point, the foil-lined cookie sheets upon which the family menorot rest is very splattered and I’m glad I took the time to prep it. So, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may your tasks be easy and your to-do list be light, and may you feel accomplishment for being a wonderful human being each and every day. For our seventh night … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 7: Kate Spade Lucy Green Glitter Wristlet!→
It’s the sixth night of Hanukkah! The candles are getting nice and warm as a potential heat source, and there’s probably some latkes to be noshed upon, yes? Of course! I make two kinds of latkes each year: the Serious Eats old fashioned latke recipe where you squeeze the potato starch out of the shreds into a bowl, and the spicy sweet potato latkes I adapted from Taste of Home magazine. I don’t love latkes … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 6: Kate Spade Lucy Pink Wristlet!→
It’s the fifth night of Hanukkah, and this giveaway was created by Elyse, who knows all types of crafty ways to make sure people are warm and cozy. Before I turn this over to Elyse, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight include the softest yarns, the most delicious snacks, and the very coziest socks. Take it away, Elyse! Elyse: The holidays are upon us! That means, for me anyway, a couple of looooong dreary winter … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 5: A Crafting Collection!→
It’s the fourth night of Hanukkah, and we are halfway through! I will tell you that in my household, some people who are not me count out the different candles to make sure that the colors are used equally and in a growing pattern. It’s very nerdy. And fun. First, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may the people around you always make you feel safe and warm and especially so if they brought snacks. … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 4: Kate Spade Madison Card Holder!→
It’s the third night of Hanukkah, and I think you might need some books. Books?! No one around here wants any of those! Ha. Not. First: my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may the books and stories that keep you company provide everything you’re looking for, and many hours of happiness. For our third night of Hanukkah, we’re giving away a $25 gift card to the bookstore of your choice! So perhaps your next reading … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 3: Bookstore Shopping Funds!→
It’s the second night of Hanukkah, and the giveaways continue! I love little wallets like this one. First: my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may your days be sparkly with happiness, and may your nights be full of the very most wonderful sleep. Gosh, I love good sleep. I also love carrying a small wallet when I’m out, because I’ve realized that so many of the items I used to carry are now digitized on … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 2: Kate Spade Glimmer Cardholder!→
I’m more than ready to add more light to the darkness this year. Every year, we do a giveaway for each night of Hanukkah, and this year will be no different, so check back between now and December 14 for a different giveaway to celebrate you and our community, which is always a lovely place to virtually gather each day. This year, in addition to our giveaways, I’m making donations to the International Rescue Committee, … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 1: Kate Spade Red Wristlet!→
Eighteen years ago, on 31 January 2005, Smart Bitches began. The site launched with a review for Angel-Seeker by Sharon Shinn and for The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann. Zero plans and strategy beyond, “Let’s talk about romance fiction critically and enthusiastically,” and holy cow. We’re still here. Literally, every year when I file the annual reports and taxes and all that business business, I look around my office and think, “Yup, still here.” Still talking … Continue reading Happy 18th Anniversary, Smart Bitches!→
It’s the final night of Hanukkah, and also Christmas, so we have lots to celebrate. Get the fire extinguisher ready and maybe also some marshmallow for toasting, because it’s a full menorah blaze tonight, and it’s always gorgeous. My Hanukkah wishes for you tonight: may you be warm and feel loved, with your favorite baked goods and the warmest, fuzziest socks. For our final night of Hanukkah, we have a Kate Spade Flash Glitter Satchel … Continue reading Hanukkah 2022 Night 8: Kate Spade Glitter Satchel!→
