Vicki Batman's Blog, page 87

Vicki Batman ~ 4 DAYS til The Great Fruitcake Bake-off!!!

Coming December 5!
 
Launching "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" on December 5th and if you visit, leave a comment with your email at one of these sites, you are eligible for the prize drawings.

http://vickibatman.blogspot.com
http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
http://marianl.com


Can't wait for your copy??? Go to: http://bit.ly/HXeo7h


May your holidays be filled with
fruitcake and great cheer!

Vicki Batman: Want great stories, links, fun??? Check out the Plotting Princesses' holiday newsletter

   Our 2013 Plotting Princesses newsletter is packed with all kinds of goodies: Holiday releases!New releases!Street Team information!Blog Talk Radio!Great Articles! with lots of links and information.  Click here: http://ymlp.com/zQprwo  

Vicki Batman ~ The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Excerpt 4!

    Blurb:

To defend her five wins, Samantha Greene, has to find a new entry for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off and teams up with new neighbor, Dixon Roberts, only what they discover is baking a award-winning entry can be complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and ultimately, first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

Excerpt:

"I am not entering this year." Standing firm, I crossed my arms and pinned an unbreakable stare on Bethany, my co-worker and long-time friend who lived in the same apartment complex as me. We'd arrived early for work and were piddling over coffee in her cubical like we always did before getting to the nuts and bolts of company business. I added, "Period." She rolled her eyes in that I'm so not believing this fashion and tweaked the Santa garland decorating her cube's walls. "Why not, Samantha? You should be proud to be the five-time winner of the Great Fruitcake Bake-off. You're a-a..." her words trailed off as she searched the ceiling for the ultimate in descriptive, "legend."
"Is being a legend in the fruitcake world a good thing?" I let loose a long exhale, dropping my arms to my side. "It's exhausting. Finding the perfect recipe, then bake and exhibit it. The tension cuts into my holiday enjoyment. Besides, shouldn't somebody else win?" Bethany's fists went to her hips. "Sam, we're talking fruitcake here. It's not groundbreaking like, like the Declaration of Independence or...the Pyramids."
I set my hand to my breastbone. "I'm shocked to hear you, my very best confidant since dance school days, say that. Fruitcake is the cake of all time. It dates to--"
She bobbed her head. "I know, I know. To the sixteenth century."
I raised my finger. "It gets a bad--"
"Rap." She sighed, a soul searching blow of breath which told the world I've heard this issue before. "You always say that. You also always say you love participating; yet, you're not defending your title this year." She bore a laser-like glare into me.
I tossed my hands skywards, sending a plea to the heavens to find an answer. "I've used up all of Grammie's recipes. I don't know where to find a new one." "You could start over with the first confection you entered five years ago, couldn't you?" "I suppose, but it seems like cheating...in a weird way. And I don't cheat." "You are a shining example of excellent values." She plopped in the ergonomic lime green chair and spun about to face her desk. She drummed her fingers from the littlest to the index and considered. In a flash, she brightened. "I've got it! Why not check online and find a recipe? A new creation to bake. There has to be one somewhere." "They don't call you brainchild for nothing." I rubbed a finger along the divot below my lower lip. A tiny speck of excitement blossomed within me. I could do this one more time, that is, if I found the perfect recipe. If.  Preorder "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" at: MuseItUp Publishing   

 

Vicki Batman ~ Launch day is coming for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off

 Coming December 5! 
Launching "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" on December 5th and if you visit, leave a comment with your email at one of these sites, you are eligible for the prize drawings.

http://vickibatman.blogspot.com
http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
http://marianl.com


Can't wait for your copy??? Go to: http://bit.ly/HXeo7h


May your holidays be filled with
fruitcake and great cheer!

Vicki Batman ~ Thanksgiving Blessings

Thanksgiving Blessings
Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends. Often we reflect on the past year and what we're grateful for. This year:

My cup runneth over.    May all of you have a wonderful and blessed holiday, full of fun, family, and friends.
 
Feel free to share your blessings.

Vicki Batman ~ The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Excerpt 3!

Blurb:

To defend her five wins, Samantha Greene, has to find a new entry for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off and teams up with new neighbor, Dixon Roberts, only what they discover is baking a award-winning entry can be complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and ultimately, first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

Excerpt:

"I am not entering this year." Standing firm, I crossed my arms and pinned an unbreakable stare on Bethany, my co-worker and long-time friend who lived in the same apartment complex as me. We'd arrived early for work and were piddling over coffee in her cubical like we always did before getting to the nuts and bolts of company business. I added, "Period."
 She rolled her eyes in that I'm so not believing this fashion and tweaked the Santa garland decorating her cube's walls. "Why not, Samantha? You should be proud to be the five-time winner of the Great Fruitcake Bake-off. You're a-a..." her words trailed off as she searched the ceiling for the ultimate in descriptive, "legend."
"Is being a legend in the fruitcake world a good thing?" I let loose a long exhale, dropping my arms to my side. "It's exhausting. Finding the perfect recipe, then bake and exhibit it. The tension cuts into my holiday enjoyment. Besides, shouldn't somebody else win?" Bethany's fists went to her hips. "Sam, we're talking fruitcake here. It's not groundbreaking like, like the Declaration of Independence or...the Pyramids." I set my hand to my breastbone. "I'm shocked to hear you, my very best confidant since dance school days, say that. Fruitcake is the cake of all time. It dates to--" She bobbed her head. "I know, I know. To the sixteenth century." I raised my finger. "It gets a bad--" "Rap." She sighed, a soul searching blow of breath which told the world I've heard this issue before. "You always say that. You also always say you love participating; yet, you're not defending your title this year." She bore a laser-like glare into me. I tossed my hands skywards, sending a plea to the heavens to find an answer. "I've used up all of Grammie's recipes. I don't know where to find a new one."

Preorder "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" at: MuseItUp Publishing         

Vicki Batman ~ #Handbag Monday: special guest, Kim White of Kim White Handbags

* handbag Monday *
What a treat today! I have handbag designer Kim White of Kim White Handbags with us!

I bought my first Kim White bag several years ago at a little boutique in Crested Butte. The fabric was like no other and the size and style were perfect for me. Recently, my new daughter-in-law carried it at her rehearsal dinner:


Let's hear what Kim has to say about her favorite bag and how she became a designer:



My favorite bag right now is the Ring Clutch.  I like small bags, so the size is perfect -- even for day.  Clutches look so chic anytime and I always notice when someone is carrying one. This clutch I designed to be especially functional. You can un-snap the ring from being just a decorative element to being functional:  if you’re going to the ladies room you can unsnap the ring and hang it on the back of the door on the coat hook!  Or hang it under the bar, if they have a hook there.  And of course, slip it over your wrist like a bracelet. When you don’t need the ring anymore, snap it back to the bag and it’s back to being just a design element.  Viola! link to website: http://www.kimwhitehandbags.com/floral/gold_rc.html

 












I started designing bags professionally 13 years ago (although I’ve done it as a hobby me entire life).  I produce 100% domestically in the USA (in Los Angeles), and I strongly believe in keeping my production here.  I segued into designing leather belts a little over 6 years ago and now my belts are in over 100 boutiques and are a majority of my wholesale business.  My bags used to be made exclusively out of vintage auto fabrics in the beginning – which got me on Extra TV and many, many fashion magazines around the world, including British Vogue and  Japan.  Then I added vintage floral fabrics to the line and they really exploded – and now I’m focusing on small leather goods like my popular Fanny Pack and lots of leather clutches and of course, belts.  Demand is always changing at the retail level, so it keeps my line changing all the time.  Who knows what will come next!

Thank you so much, Kim, for being with me on Handbag Monday and for sharing your favorite bag. It is a total thrill to have you.

Paris bag, Week 6:

While away at the company convention, I squeezed in time to do some needlepoint. Here's where we are this week:


 
So how about it handbag fans? Are you liking Kim's designs? I know someone will be getting a new one this Christmas!

Vicki Batman ~ The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Excerpt 2!

Blurb:

To defend her five wins, Samantha Greene, has to find a new entry for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off and teams up with new neighbor, Dixon Roberts, only what they discover is baking a award-winning entry can be complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and ultimately, first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

Excerpt:

"I am not entering this year." Standing firm, I crossed my arms and pinned an unbreakable stare on Bethany, my co-worker and long-time friend who lived in the same apartment complex as me. We'd arrived early for work and were piddling over coffee in her cubical like we always did before getting to the nuts and bolts of company business. I added, "Period." She rolled her eyes in that I'm so not believing this fashion and tweaked the Santa garland decorating her cube's walls. "Why not, Samantha? You should be proud to be the five-time winner of the Great Fruitcake Bake-off. You're a-a..." her words trailed off as she searched the ceiling for the ultimate in descriptive, "legend." "Is being a legend in the fruitcake world a good thing?" I let loose a long exhale, dropping my arms to my side. "It's exhausting. Finding the perfect recipe, then bake and exhibit it. The tension cuts into my holiday enjoyment. Besides, shouldn't somebody else win?"        
 
Preorder "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" at: MuseItUp Publishing

Vicki Batman ~ #Handbag Monday: Terminology and Paris bag, week 5

 ~ Handbag Monday ~
Every now and again, I'm going to post a big about handbag terminology. We will look at what is Handbag, Purse, Tote, Reticule, Clutch, Shoulderbag, Satchel, Pocketbook, Minaudiere.

Today's is: HANDBAG   
Often, I'm asked why I use the word "Handbag" instead of "Purse." It's strictly a matter of word preference. Purse seems to be old fashioned to me.  My bags use a closure and have a handle.  

Handbag ~ A "handbag" is a larger needed accessory, that holds items beyond currency, such as a woman's personal items and emergency items to survive on. American English typically uses the terms "purse" and "handbag" interchangeably. The term "handbag" began appearing in the early 1900s. Initially, it was most often used to refer to men's hand-luggage. Women's accessory bags grew larger and more complex during that period, and the term was attached to the women's accessory. Handbags are used as fashion accessories as well as functional ones.
For more information, go to: WikipediaAlthough I found this image at a free site, I'd probably buy one if it came in another color, like red or brown. It's got a groovy handle. Paris bag: Week 5This needlework project is moving along. I began at the center, like I did with the other side, and am working up and out to the edges.



This won't surprise you: I bought another one to do. It has insects and flowers. I'm thinking turquoise.   What is your favorite kind of handbag?   

Vicki Batman ~ The Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Teaser #1

Blurb:

To defend her five wins, Samantha Greene, has to find a new entry for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off and teams up with new neighbor, Dixon Roberts, only what they discover is baking a award-winning entry can be complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and ultimately, first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

Excerpt:

"I am not entering this year." Standing firm, I crossed my arms and pinned an unbreakable stare on Bethany, my co-worker and long-time friend who lived in the same apartment complex as me. We'd arrived early for work and were piddling over coffee in her cubical like we always did before getting to the nuts and bolts of company business. I added, "Period."
Preorder "The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" at : Muse It Up Publishing