Kate Collins's Blog, page 167
February 13, 2015
Sneaky, sneaky
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
It's been about a year since I bought a box of Ritz crackers. I like Ritz crackers. The ones I bought last year were in the shape of a snowflake. In fact, they were so cute, I bought FOUR boxes of them and we were still eating those snowflakes in the summer. But Mr. L got tired of them (not me, but then he was the one enjoying them), and we moved on to Pepperidge Farm butterflies.
But then the other day Mr. L said, "Hey, why don't you get some Ritz crackers when you shop?" I said, "Put it on the list."
I do not only our shopping, but my Mom's shopping, too. It was a miserable cold day and I was in a hurry, so I tossed the crackers in the cart, and came home.
When I unpacked the groceries I thought,"Gee, this box looks small." It was only ten or so ounces. When I went to open it last night, I noticed that, not only were the sleeves of crackers at least an inch shorter, but there were THREE sleeves of crackers, when there had always been four.
I know that food manufacturers are famous for making smaller quantities of stuff and not changing the price, and even have the audacity to say, "Now with less calories" because, yeah, you eat a smaller portion it's GOING to have less calories. But only three sleeves of Ritz crackers in a box? That ought to be criminal.
What changes have YOU seen to one of your favorite foods (or anything else, for that matter)?
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P.S. Have you joined the Cozy Chicks Facebook Group? Click this link and join ... and then you can join us tomorrow our 2nd ever Cozy Chicks event, The Cozy Chicks Love Pets. It's Saturday from 2-4 pm. We'll have prizes, virtual food, and lots of party favors. See you there?
It's been about a year since I bought a box of Ritz crackers. I like Ritz crackers. The ones I bought last year were in the shape of a snowflake. In fact, they were so cute, I bought FOUR boxes of them and we were still eating those snowflakes in the summer. But Mr. L got tired of them (not me, but then he was the one enjoying them), and we moved on to Pepperidge Farm butterflies.But then the other day Mr. L said, "Hey, why don't you get some Ritz crackers when you shop?" I said, "Put it on the list."
I do not only our shopping, but my Mom's shopping, too. It was a miserable cold day and I was in a hurry, so I tossed the crackers in the cart, and came home.
When I unpacked the groceries I thought,"Gee, this box looks small." It was only ten or so ounces. When I went to open it last night, I noticed that, not only were the sleeves of crackers at least an inch shorter, but there were THREE sleeves of crackers, when there had always been four.
I know that food manufacturers are famous for making smaller quantities of stuff and not changing the price, and even have the audacity to say, "Now with less calories" because, yeah, you eat a smaller portion it's GOING to have less calories. But only three sleeves of Ritz crackers in a box? That ought to be criminal.
What changes have YOU seen to one of your favorite foods (or anything else, for that matter)?
==============================================================
P.S. Have you joined the Cozy Chicks Facebook Group? Click this link and join ... and then you can join us tomorrow our 2nd ever Cozy Chicks event, The Cozy Chicks Love Pets. It's Saturday from 2-4 pm. We'll have prizes, virtual food, and lots of party favors. See you there?
February 11, 2015
Time to Eat!
It’ s February and cold and miserable…at least in my neck of the woods and my thoughts turn to comfort foods because it’s more fun than more snow.
I love Savannah, visited there a lot of times and did a ton of research on the place for the Consignment Shop mysteries. Things like what streets go one way, how many squares are there, and is the Pirate House really haunted?
One of the things…probably the best thing...I love researching is the food! Eating my way across Savannah is a delicious, lip-smacking, calorie-overload adventure. Is there anything more delicious than Southern cooking? You can have your sushi and broiled skinless/boneless chicken breast but give me a good old pork something-or-other anytime. I read somewhere that there are two religions down South...Baptist and Barbecue. This is where the pork comes in, a cookout over a hardwood fire. Pulled, shredded, chopped, diced or sliced, it’s all pure heaven.
Then there’re the pies. Lord have mercy, pies! My Kentucky mother in-law taught me to make crust that crumbles if you look at it sideways. And the filling… I have a pecan pie recipe that makes grown men cry, a peach cobbler recipe bequeathed to my eldest daughter and I do make mighty fine fried chicken with what my kids call bathtub gravy ‘cause it’s so good you want to take a bath in the stuff. Here’s a list and you tell me if it’s on a Northern grocery list or a Southern one. First off there’s the grocery itself…just try and find a Winn Dixie or Piggly-Wiggly in New Jersey.
Bagels or hush puppies, granola bars or bread pudding, soft pretzels or jambalaya, baguette or grits, penne or grits, 12-inch Italian sausage or grits. You get the idea.So what about you? What is your favorite Southern dish? Is there one passed down in the family or one you found in an old Southern Living magazine in your doctor’s office? Share the good food! Yummmmm!
And don’t forget the Chicks Saturday bash from 2:00-4:00 with prizes and fun. Hope to see you all there.
February 9, 2015
Movie Time + Update #2
by Maggie SeftonWedding Prep Update: I've scheduled the Bridal Shower luncheon for Saturday, February 28th in Vienna, Va at a favorite cafe where my friends and I have been dining for years. Never a bad meal. :) The wonderful chef and I are deciding on menus now.
Since I've seen a lot of movies lately, I decided to do some Movie Time catch-up with some of these listed below. These three are vastly different yet they share one thing in common: the stories are based on a real person's life and experiences.
UNBROKEN---This is the true story of an American U.S. Navy sailor who was captured with his fellow sailors by the Japanese in the Pacific during World War II. The story goes into detail about the brave young man's early life as a troubled youth who was saved from jail by learning how to be a world class runner----eventually going on to win in the Olympics. This is a story of unusual and unbelievable bravery under terrible and cruel conditions during years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
IMITATION GAME---Another true story that takes place during World War II and the struggle by British code breakers desperately trying to break the Nazi code which was used in every message----indicating troop movements, battle plans, and weapons. The code used regular letters of the alphabet but it appeared simply gibberish. Wonderful performances by the actors, especially "Sherlock" star, Benedict Cumberbatch.
AMERICAN SNIPER---This is a truly compelling film, and I urge all of you to see it. There's a really good reason why the film is breaking ALL box office records for every movie. It's that moving. Seriously. It is an uncompromising up-close look at an American soldier who is tasked to carry out the job of protecting his fellow soldiers. He does this by using his unbelievably accurate skills as a marksman. Believe it or not, but this movie really isn't about killing people. It's about watching how his "job" as a sniper affects him, his wife, and his family. And how Chris Kyle manages to survive what he is tasked to do. Actor Bradley Cooper does a marvelous job of conveying this man's journey.
February 8, 2015
BUBBLE LITE, er, LIGHT
by Kate Collins
This is a photo of my new foyer chandelier. I call it my bubble light for obvious reasons. If you enlarge it, you’ll see that it has crystals in the bottom of each bubble that make it sparkle like soap bubbles floating in the sunshine. It really lights up my foyer, which tends to be dark. (If you're curious, I bought it at LampsPlus.com.)
You will also notice that there is a porthole window in the wall and two paintings that have circles in them. I seem to have a theme going here.
The reason I’m telling you about my bubble chandelier is that I happened to glance at it this morning and a thought occurred to me. If I had to describe my personality in two words, it would probably be bubble lite.
Not that I’m a bubble brain. (Oh, I can just hear my brother and sister snorting now.) I’m just a bubbly person. I love to laugh and I love to make others laugh. I like writing mysteries that are light, not dark and gory. My stories have serious themes in them (A ROOT AWAKENING is a prime example) but they will still make you smile and possibly shed a few happy tears. (I hope you get a chance to read my latest mystery which came out last Tuesday, Feb 3.)
There was a time four years ago when I never thought I’d laugh or even smile again, but eventually my true nature bubbled to the surface and I found reasons to be happy. Sometimes it was just from a cup of hot tea, a riveting book, and a cozy chair on a cold winter afternoon.
I particularly love to see the funny memes on Facebook as I’m having my morning coffee. They’re a great way to start the day. To keep my positive feelings alive, I shun the news before bed now in favor of my favorite sitcom reruns followed by reading something that won’t give me nightmares just before I fall asleep.
I kind of like thinking of myself as a Bubble Lite. If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?
This is a photo of my new foyer chandelier. I call it my bubble light for obvious reasons. If you enlarge it, you’ll see that it has crystals in the bottom of each bubble that make it sparkle like soap bubbles floating in the sunshine. It really lights up my foyer, which tends to be dark. (If you're curious, I bought it at LampsPlus.com.)
You will also notice that there is a porthole window in the wall and two paintings that have circles in them. I seem to have a theme going here.
The reason I’m telling you about my bubble chandelier is that I happened to glance at it this morning and a thought occurred to me. If I had to describe my personality in two words, it would probably be bubble lite.
Not that I’m a bubble brain. (Oh, I can just hear my brother and sister snorting now.) I’m just a bubbly person. I love to laugh and I love to make others laugh. I like writing mysteries that are light, not dark and gory. My stories have serious themes in them (A ROOT AWAKENING is a prime example) but they will still make you smile and possibly shed a few happy tears. (I hope you get a chance to read my latest mystery which came out last Tuesday, Feb 3.)
There was a time four years ago when I never thought I’d laugh or even smile again, but eventually my true nature bubbled to the surface and I found reasons to be happy. Sometimes it was just from a cup of hot tea, a riveting book, and a cozy chair on a cold winter afternoon.
I particularly love to see the funny memes on Facebook as I’m having my morning coffee. They’re a great way to start the day. To keep my positive feelings alive, I shun the news before bed now in favor of my favorite sitcom reruns followed by reading something that won’t give me nightmares just before I fall asleep.
I kind of like thinking of myself as a Bubble Lite. If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?
February 7, 2015
Bread Machine? Oh Yeah!
by Leann
I have used a bread machine for decades. The last one was very sturdy and very basic. When bread started sticking and not rising every other time, I decided it was time I treated myself to a new one. My have bread machines come a long way since the last one I bought.
There's another reason I decided I needed to make bread rather than buy it. I am allergic to barley and if you have ever read a bread label, you understand that is very hard to find something without barley or without preservatives. If my body is shouting its disdain for barley, I should pay attention.
What's nice about this new machine--a Panasonic--is that it has a "sandwich bread" option. That was the first recipe I tried and I was surprised that it worked
perfectly. Next up was pizza dough. I adore pizza. Love it. Could eat it every day. I made it Saturday night and it, too, was delicious. Publix has pizza dough to buy but barley is like the second ingredient. It's good, but I am tired of
paying the price in the form of either hives or a migraine. Forget frozen pizza. I've found one brand that has no barley, but it's cheaper to make my own. And it tastes better!
Who knew when my grandmother was baking bread every day--and sometimes selling it for 25 cents a loaf--that it would be so much easier to have homemade bread on a regular basis. Of course, others are grateful for their high tech life--and yes I love my computer--but the bread machine and my Crock-pot make things so much easier.
What about you? What's your favorite appliance aside from a coffee maker?
I have used a bread machine for decades. The last one was very sturdy and very basic. When bread started sticking and not rising every other time, I decided it was time I treated myself to a new one. My have bread machines come a long way since the last one I bought.
There's another reason I decided I needed to make bread rather than buy it. I am allergic to barley and if you have ever read a bread label, you understand that is very hard to find something without barley or without preservatives. If my body is shouting its disdain for barley, I should pay attention.
What's nice about this new machine--a Panasonic--is that it has a "sandwich bread" option. That was the first recipe I tried and I was surprised that it worked 
perfectly. Next up was pizza dough. I adore pizza. Love it. Could eat it every day. I made it Saturday night and it, too, was delicious. Publix has pizza dough to buy but barley is like the second ingredient. It's good, but I am tired of 
paying the price in the form of either hives or a migraine. Forget frozen pizza. I've found one brand that has no barley, but it's cheaper to make my own. And it tastes better!
Who knew when my grandmother was baking bread every day--and sometimes selling it for 25 cents a loaf--that it would be so much easier to have homemade bread on a regular basis. Of course, others are grateful for their high tech life--and yes I love my computer--but the bread machine and my Crock-pot make things so much easier.What about you? What's your favorite appliance aside from a coffee maker?
February 6, 2015
S.A.D. WHEN IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE BLUES
by Mary Kennedy
Everyone gets depressed from time to time; a loved dies, a promotion falls through, friendships wither and disappear, health problems strike with no warning. Thankfully, most of us recover rather quickly; a natural resiliency takes over and we bounce back from the most dire circumstances. We integrate the loss into our lives and deal with "the new normal." The world calls us back and we gradually regain our equilibrium.
But what if you don't bounce back? What if the feelings of sadness, malaise, low self-worth, sleepless nights and intrusive thoughts continue? What if you just can't shake them off? What do you do if the dark thoughts persist and interfere with your ability to function at work? What happens if you just lose all motivation and find it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings?
You could be suffering from S.A.D, or seasonal affective disorder. SAD is more than "cabin fever;" it's a real mental health issue that's triggered by the change in seasons. In some parts of the country (like here in the Northeast)winter weather can be brutal. The flat gray sky, bare trees and biting wind can set the stage for a depressive state that might last until Spring. You feel like you're trapped in an Ingmar Bergman film! Many of my clients admit to feeling "blue" every year, during the winter months, but a lot of them don't identify it as SAD.
It's worthwhile to track your mood changes at the onset of winter weather. Are you reasonably happy during the Fall and then you feel depression creeping in as the days grow short in late November? Does the stark landscape seem to mirror your own feelings? Does the dark mood pass when the sunshine and flowers return in the Spring? Here are some important things to remember about S.A.D.
Five percent, or about one in twenty people, suffer from S.A.D.
You are not alone and there are support groups for this disorder. It helps to know that other people are suffering from SAD and you might learn some helpful coping skills by sharing your story.
Women suffer from SAD about four times as often as men
, but this is true of many mood disorders. More women than men suffer from depression, anxiety, dysthymia. There's some evidence that hormonal influences play a part in SAD. In any case, it is a real disorder and not a "character flaw." You can't wish it away, but you can learn to deal with it.
Keeping a mood diary will give you a sense of control, a feeling of mastery over the condition.
Mapping your mood, your activity level, your amount of exposure to sunshine can be helpful in managing SAD.
If your symptoms are mild, you may not need any treatment
. You can start with behavioral changes on your own. Make an effort to get more sunshine (bundle up and go out on sunny days, even if it's bitterly cold.) Also, ramping up your exercise may solve the problem. If it's really too cold to walk outside, do "house-walking" which is really popular, and aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you need a little encouragement, there are dozens of good DVD's out there. Or call an exercise buddy and meet up at the local Mall.
If your symptoms are severe or persist for two years, you should be evaluated by a mental health professional
. There are many treatments available for seasonal affective disorder. There are special lamps called "light boxes," that are often helpful and some insurance plans will pay for them. And if you feel you need additional help, there is medication and talk therapy. Sometimes educating yourself about the problem and talking it over with a trained professional puts things in perspective. I've found that reassuring my clients that SAD is a temporary biological problem goes a long way to making them feel better. So, try the self-help approach and know that professional counseling is always available if you need it. And remember that we're already in February, so cheer up, Spring is right around the corner. Mary Kennedy
Everyone gets depressed from time to time; a loved dies, a promotion falls through, friendships wither and disappear, health problems strike with no warning. Thankfully, most of us recover rather quickly; a natural resiliency takes over and we bounce back from the most dire circumstances. We integrate the loss into our lives and deal with "the new normal." The world calls us back and we gradually regain our equilibrium.
But what if you don't bounce back? What if the feelings of sadness, malaise, low self-worth, sleepless nights and intrusive thoughts continue? What if you just can't shake them off? What do you do if the dark thoughts persist and interfere with your ability to function at work? What happens if you just lose all motivation and find it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings?
You could be suffering from S.A.D, or seasonal affective disorder. SAD is more than "cabin fever;" it's a real mental health issue that's triggered by the change in seasons. In some parts of the country (like here in the Northeast)winter weather can be brutal. The flat gray sky, bare trees and biting wind can set the stage for a depressive state that might last until Spring. You feel like you're trapped in an Ingmar Bergman film! Many of my clients admit to feeling "blue" every year, during the winter months, but a lot of them don't identify it as SAD.
It's worthwhile to track your mood changes at the onset of winter weather. Are you reasonably happy during the Fall and then you feel depression creeping in as the days grow short in late November? Does the stark landscape seem to mirror your own feelings? Does the dark mood pass when the sunshine and flowers return in the Spring? Here are some important things to remember about S.A.D.
Five percent, or about one in twenty people, suffer from S.A.D.
You are not alone and there are support groups for this disorder. It helps to know that other people are suffering from SAD and you might learn some helpful coping skills by sharing your story.
Women suffer from SAD about four times as often as men
, but this is true of many mood disorders. More women than men suffer from depression, anxiety, dysthymia. There's some evidence that hormonal influences play a part in SAD. In any case, it is a real disorder and not a "character flaw." You can't wish it away, but you can learn to deal with it.
Keeping a mood diary will give you a sense of control, a feeling of mastery over the condition.
Mapping your mood, your activity level, your amount of exposure to sunshine can be helpful in managing SAD.
If your symptoms are mild, you may not need any treatment
. You can start with behavioral changes on your own. Make an effort to get more sunshine (bundle up and go out on sunny days, even if it's bitterly cold.) Also, ramping up your exercise may solve the problem. If it's really too cold to walk outside, do "house-walking" which is really popular, and aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you need a little encouragement, there are dozens of good DVD's out there. Or call an exercise buddy and meet up at the local Mall.
If your symptoms are severe or persist for two years, you should be evaluated by a mental health professional
. There are many treatments available for seasonal affective disorder. There are special lamps called "light boxes," that are often helpful and some insurance plans will pay for them. And if you feel you need additional help, there is medication and talk therapy. Sometimes educating yourself about the problem and talking it over with a trained professional puts things in perspective. I've found that reassuring my clients that SAD is a temporary biological problem goes a long way to making them feel better. So, try the self-help approach and know that professional counseling is always available if you need it. And remember that we're already in February, so cheer up, Spring is right around the corner. Mary Kennedy
Comfort Music
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
My office is right next to Mr. L's office. In fact, I have to go through his office to get to mine. Why the original owners tacked two bedrooms together like that is beyond me. Wouldn't the person in bedroom #1 want his or her privacy? But then, that's why the rooms make better offices than sleeping areas.
Anyway, my life is set to music--or at least noise. If I'm not listening to an audiobook (while folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen), I'm listening to music. I got my love of music from my Dad. The first present I ever remember getting was a radio. I must have been three or four and I played it all night long--every night.
I usually listen to quiet, background type music during the day. (Often dubbed as New Age.) I have a lot of CDs by David Arkenstone. Right now I'm listening to Tropical Morning. I like it because it has the sound of birds, a gentle wave now and then, and soothing tunes. (Mostly acoustic guitar.)
Sometimes I give my characters some traits I exhibit myself. Right now I'm writing a rather somber piece. In it, one of the characters (Richard Alpert) knows that something bad is going to happen. His comfort music is Vivaldi, and in particular, The Four Seasons. I also love that piece of music, but it's not something I find comforting. I don't even own it, but when I was first experimenting with the character, I soon learned that he was a classical music fan and Vivaldi was his favorite.
Where does this stuff come from?
Anyway, sometimes I drive Mr. L crazy because I never get tired of music. I've been playing Tropical Morning for about a week now -- non stop, for hours at a time (when I'm in my office. Echoes of Egypt (another Arkenstone album) has been playing in the family room where I write).
Do you have any kind of comfort music? If so, please share!
My office is right next to Mr. L's office. In fact, I have to go through his office to get to mine. Why the original owners tacked two bedrooms together like that is beyond me. Wouldn't the person in bedroom #1 want his or her privacy? But then, that's why the rooms make better offices than sleeping areas.
Anyway, my life is set to music--or at least noise. If I'm not listening to an audiobook (while folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen), I'm listening to music. I got my love of music from my Dad. The first present I ever remember getting was a radio. I must have been three or four and I played it all night long--every night.
I usually listen to quiet, background type music during the day. (Often dubbed as New Age.) I have a lot of CDs by David Arkenstone. Right now I'm listening to Tropical Morning. I like it because it has the sound of birds, a gentle wave now and then, and soothing tunes. (Mostly acoustic guitar.)Sometimes I give my characters some traits I exhibit myself. Right now I'm writing a rather somber piece. In it, one of the characters (Richard Alpert) knows that something bad is going to happen. His comfort music is Vivaldi, and in particular, The Four Seasons. I also love that piece of music, but it's not something I find comforting. I don't even own it, but when I was first experimenting with the character, I soon learned that he was a classical music fan and Vivaldi was his favorite.
Where does this stuff come from?
Anyway, sometimes I drive Mr. L crazy because I never get tired of music. I've been playing Tropical Morning for about a week now -- non stop, for hours at a time (when I'm in my office. Echoes of Egypt (another Arkenstone album) has been playing in the family room where I write).Do you have any kind of comfort music? If so, please share!
February 4, 2015
Valentine’s Day's coming: but one size does not fit all!
By Victoria Abbott aka Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini
The ancient Greeks had many words for love (reports vary as to how many words exactly - but I was taught there were seven.) This week when the marketing world is drowning us in romantic love images and unrealistic ideals, I was glad to consider how many other forms love takes. After all, love is so much more than dinner and roses – not that I object to either.
After all, love is good. We love our families, our partners or spouses, God and our country, our pets, and our friends. We probably have fond feelings for our co-workers, fellow volunteers, our neighbors and small helpless critters here and there. Some feel love for public figures, but that’s another blog.
Here at the Chateau Maffini as we call our little ranch house, we still think Valentine’s Day is fun,. For me, one of the big benefits is that we need a splash of red to brighten our days at this white and snowy time of year.
As winter grinds on, we also like having something to celebrate. We’ve been married for about a thousand years and no longer want to have second rate service at an overcrowded restaurant. We’re not that keen on long-stemmed roses that only last a couple of days. But we do love each other and love this little holiday. This year we bought each other snazzy new sleepwear to warm our spirits. It's cold up here! Sexy, no. Cuddly, yes. What do you think? I’ve decided his dressing gown is very Lord Gratham.
It goes without saying that there will be chocolate in our house on Feb 14. And we’ll be finding people we love to share it with.
Our pink and red themed pooches approve of the holiday because they think there will be some heart-shaped dog biscuits to cheer them up. They’re really tired of being trapped indoors and WHERE ARE THOSE TREATS?
As half of Victoria Abbott I’ll be signing books in the am at our local chain with my long-time friend, Erika Chase. I love my friend and plan to bring her some chocolate!
We’ll see the little kids in the family with Valentines too – gotta love the little heartbreakers when they give and receive Valentine’s cards. This is always the most fun!
Plus we’ll be celebrating over at The Cozy Chicks Group on Facebook from 2 -4 on Feb 14th with the rest of The Chicks because WE LOVE OUR PETS! There will be a great party with conversation, party favors, fun and a chance to spend time with our readers. You see, we love our readers too. If you’re on FB, hope to see you there.
My point is that there are many ways to have some fun and share some joy on this day – most of them don’t cost more than a hug.
So, what about you? Do you do something romantic, silly or lovely for February 14th? Or is it just reading as usual? Are there treats involved?
The ancient Greeks had many words for love (reports vary as to how many words exactly - but I was taught there were seven.) This week when the marketing world is drowning us in romantic love images and unrealistic ideals, I was glad to consider how many other forms love takes. After all, love is so much more than dinner and roses – not that I object to either.
After all, love is good. We love our families, our partners or spouses, God and our country, our pets, and our friends. We probably have fond feelings for our co-workers, fellow volunteers, our neighbors and small helpless critters here and there. Some feel love for public figures, but that’s another blog.
Here at the Chateau Maffini as we call our little ranch house, we still think Valentine’s Day is fun,. For me, one of the big benefits is that we need a splash of red to brighten our days at this white and snowy time of year.
As winter grinds on, we also like having something to celebrate. We’ve been married for about a thousand years and no longer want to have second rate service at an overcrowded restaurant. We’re not that keen on long-stemmed roses that only last a couple of days. But we do love each other and love this little holiday. This year we bought each other snazzy new sleepwear to warm our spirits. It's cold up here! Sexy, no. Cuddly, yes. What do you think? I’ve decided his dressing gown is very Lord Gratham.
It goes without saying that there will be chocolate in our house on Feb 14. And we’ll be finding people we love to share it with.
Our pink and red themed pooches approve of the holiday because they think there will be some heart-shaped dog biscuits to cheer them up. They’re really tired of being trapped indoors and WHERE ARE THOSE TREATS?
As half of Victoria Abbott I’ll be signing books in the am at our local chain with my long-time friend, Erika Chase. I love my friend and plan to bring her some chocolate!
We’ll see the little kids in the family with Valentines too – gotta love the little heartbreakers when they give and receive Valentine’s cards. This is always the most fun!
Plus we’ll be celebrating over at The Cozy Chicks Group on Facebook from 2 -4 on Feb 14th with the rest of The Chicks because WE LOVE OUR PETS! There will be a great party with conversation, party favors, fun and a chance to spend time with our readers. You see, we love our readers too. If you’re on FB, hope to see you there.
My point is that there are many ways to have some fun and share some joy on this day – most of them don’t cost more than a hug.
So, what about you? Do you do something romantic, silly or lovely for February 14th? Or is it just reading as usual? Are there treats involved?
Take the hot chocolate challenge!
By Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Abbott
Here’s the view from my front door today.
And here’s the back.
No sign of the sun. My grill has had happier days, but even though the temperature has shot up to 15 degrees (or about minus 9 Celsius), the lid has frozen shut (yes we used layers of cardboard but …)
In the midst of this I have a deadly deadline, I’m on a plan to get rid of those extra winter pounds and my horoscope said ‘take a walk’.
All I wanted was a treat!
I told my horoscope to ‘take a hike’ and made some hot chocolate instead. Here’s how I did it:
2 tsp Splenda (or other sweetener)4 tsp Dutch process cocoa (or whatever you have!)1 cup 1 % milk (feel free to substitute whatever you have)½ tsp good quality vanilla (optional)In a small saucepan, blend sweetener, cocoa and 1 tablespoon of the milk until it’s a smooth paste.
Add the rest of the milk, blend and heat through (better not to boil).
Remove from heat and add vanilla.
I decided to use the immersion blender to get some froth and was very happy with all the results.
Take that Mr. Winter. I feel better already.
My daughter decided she'll try this with Almond Breeze Vanilla. I'm waiting for that report!
I curled up on the sofa with my book collector mystery mug and enjoyed my lovely cocoa while watching the snow through my favorite orchid. It is managing to stay alive somehow. That lump you see on the far sofa is Lily the dachshund keeping warm under a blankie.
My next batch of hot chocolate will be in these pretty little cups that my favorite aunt hand-painted in the 1930’s. They’ve been wanting to come out of the china cabinet for a while now and this will be worth it.
But what about you? Do you have a winter-busting hot chocolate recipe? Diet or not diet, I’d like to hear it and any tips you have to pass along. Take the hot chocolate challenge and let us know! Don't forget to tell us where you'll drink it.
Here’s the view from my front door today.
And here’s the back.
No sign of the sun. My grill has had happier days, but even though the temperature has shot up to 15 degrees (or about minus 9 Celsius), the lid has frozen shut (yes we used layers of cardboard but …)
In the midst of this I have a deadly deadline, I’m on a plan to get rid of those extra winter pounds and my horoscope said ‘take a walk’.
All I wanted was a treat!
I told my horoscope to ‘take a hike’ and made some hot chocolate instead. Here’s how I did it:
2 tsp Splenda (or other sweetener)4 tsp Dutch process cocoa (or whatever you have!)1 cup 1 % milk (feel free to substitute whatever you have)½ tsp good quality vanilla (optional)In a small saucepan, blend sweetener, cocoa and 1 tablespoon of the milk until it’s a smooth paste.
Add the rest of the milk, blend and heat through (better not to boil).
Remove from heat and add vanilla.
I decided to use the immersion blender to get some froth and was very happy with all the results.
Take that Mr. Winter. I feel better already.
My daughter decided she'll try this with Almond Breeze Vanilla. I'm waiting for that report!
I curled up on the sofa with my book collector mystery mug and enjoyed my lovely cocoa while watching the snow through my favorite orchid. It is managing to stay alive somehow. That lump you see on the far sofa is Lily the dachshund keeping warm under a blankie.
My next batch of hot chocolate will be in these pretty little cups that my favorite aunt hand-painted in the 1930’s. They’ve been wanting to come out of the china cabinet for a while now and this will be worth it.
But what about you? Do you have a winter-busting hot chocolate recipe? Diet or not diet, I’d like to hear it and any tips you have to pass along. Take the hot chocolate challenge and let us know! Don't forget to tell us where you'll drink it.
February 3, 2015
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree...or does it?
Dead Man Walker just came out yesterday. It’s the fourth book in the Consignment Shop mysteries and in this series there are three woman, Reagan, her mom Gloria and her Auntie KiKi. 
Reagan’s mom is a judge, Auntie KiKi is a dance teacher and Reagan runs a consignment shop and is rehabbing her old Victorian. Reagan has good clothes sense and is a good dancer like KiKi. Judge Gloria can barley chew gum and walk at the same time and has terrible clothes sense. Fact is the family urged her to be a judge because the clothes choice was black and that’s it.
Today I told my daughter she was just like me, we both suck at learning languages and math. Give us a room to decorate and stand back...we’re all over it.
My oldest daughter is a cookie cutter image of her dad. Good at science and can put up chair rail and fix anything.
My son will jump in and tackle anything just like me and he has a knack for carpentry and designing things...just like his dad.
The Bush’s are Presidents, look how many actors have parents who also act, and look how many fathers and sons have the same business, pass down the family farm, take over the family business. My grandfather was an ace entrepreneur and my brother is just like him. So what about your family? Anyone just like a parent or a grandparent? Have you ever looked at your kids and thought He’s just like uncle Willie? Have you ever wondered why you are good at something them find out a relative is really good at that too?
How many apples have fallen close to your family tree?
