Kate Collins's Blog, page 261
July 18, 2012
Easy, Peachy, Summer Sangria
by Julie Hyzy
I've been having a blast this summer entertaining. Nothing huge or fancy. More like a few small, intimate gatherings with appetizers, desserts, and other lighter fare on the menu.
I don't know about you, but a new cookbook is like gold to me. I'm thoroughly enjoying my copy of THE COZY CHICK'S KITCHEN. I joined this blog after the book came out, so I haven't contributed any recipes, but that's good news because it means that all of them in there are new to me, and boy, are they great!
Over the weekend, for instance, I made Ellery's Warm Chicken Salad and served it as an appetizer. Everybody here gobbled it down because it was so wonderful. My husband kept saying "You're going to make this again, right?" Most definitely. We've got another go-to recipe here thanks to Ellery.
We had a little bit leftover. Was I a nice wife who saved it for him for dinner the next day? Nope. I had the best lunch, enjoying every last morsel. If you haven't made this yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chicken. I took the easy way out and bought one of those rotisserie chickens at the grocery store. Because it was an already-cooled one, not a hot, fresh one, the store had priced it at $1.99. An entire chicken for $1.99 - seriously. This dish was delicious and economical!
In the spirit of summer entertaining, I thought I'd share an easy recipe for peach sangria. We served that this weekend too, alongside the chicken salad and a few other tasty offerings. My husband and I prefer red wine, but the summer's heat makes reds feel heavy and thick. For this recipe, we took a trip down the white wine aisle and we're very glad we did.
Peachy Summer Sangria
1 bottle white wine - We used an inexpensive Gewurztraminer, but a Riesling could work, too. A Spatlese or Moscato might be too sweet, but then again, that may be your preference. I'd avoid chardonnay and chablis.
1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
1 can (12 oz) of ginger ale
Fruit - handful of blueberries, peach slices, strawberry slices
That's it!
Easy, isn't it? I wouldn't load it up with ice unless you're serving immediately because you don't want to dilute it overmuch - but this does taste much better when it's chilled. I made it a couple of hours ahead of time and popped it into the fridge. We tossed a few ice cubes into our glasses when we served it and it was perfect.
What are some of your favorite go-to dishes when you're entertaining?
And what are some of your go-to cookbooks?
Julie
PS - Do you have your copy of THE COZY CHICKS KITCHEN?
If so, would you like a bookplate signed by all the contributors?
If so, send an email to cozychicks(at)gmail(dot)com and ask for one. Simply put BOOKPLATE in the subject header - and don't forget to provide a snail mail address!
I've been having a blast this summer entertaining. Nothing huge or fancy. More like a few small, intimate gatherings with appetizers, desserts, and other lighter fare on the menu.
I don't know about you, but a new cookbook is like gold to me. I'm thoroughly enjoying my copy of THE COZY CHICK'S KITCHEN. I joined this blog after the book came out, so I haven't contributed any recipes, but that's good news because it means that all of them in there are new to me, and boy, are they great!
Over the weekend, for instance, I made Ellery's Warm Chicken Salad and served it as an appetizer. Everybody here gobbled it down because it was so wonderful. My husband kept saying "You're going to make this again, right?" Most definitely. We've got another go-to recipe here thanks to Ellery.We had a little bit leftover. Was I a nice wife who saved it for him for dinner the next day? Nope. I had the best lunch, enjoying every last morsel. If you haven't made this yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chicken. I took the easy way out and bought one of those rotisserie chickens at the grocery store. Because it was an already-cooled one, not a hot, fresh one, the store had priced it at $1.99. An entire chicken for $1.99 - seriously. This dish was delicious and economical!
In the spirit of summer entertaining, I thought I'd share an easy recipe for peach sangria. We served that this weekend too, alongside the chicken salad and a few other tasty offerings. My husband and I prefer red wine, but the summer's heat makes reds feel heavy and thick. For this recipe, we took a trip down the white wine aisle and we're very glad we did.
Peachy Summer Sangria
1 bottle white wine - We used an inexpensive Gewurztraminer, but a Riesling could work, too. A Spatlese or Moscato might be too sweet, but then again, that may be your preference. I'd avoid chardonnay and chablis.
1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
1 can (12 oz) of ginger ale
Fruit - handful of blueberries, peach slices, strawberry slices
That's it!
Easy, isn't it? I wouldn't load it up with ice unless you're serving immediately because you don't want to dilute it overmuch - but this does taste much better when it's chilled. I made it a couple of hours ahead of time and popped it into the fridge. We tossed a few ice cubes into our glasses when we served it and it was perfect.
What are some of your favorite go-to dishes when you're entertaining?
And what are some of your go-to cookbooks?
Julie
PS - Do you have your copy of THE COZY CHICKS KITCHEN?
If so, would you like a bookplate signed by all the contributors?
If so, send an email to cozychicks(at)gmail(dot)com and ask for one. Simply put BOOKPLATE in the subject header - and don't forget to provide a snail mail address!
July 17, 2012
Oh Water, Where Art Thou?
by Hannah Reed/Deb Baker
Here in Wisconsin and across much of the U.S., we are in the grip of an extended severe drought. Last measurable rainfall was in May, that’s over 50 days of brutal heat in the 90s, barely a cloud in the sky. On the fourth of July our corn was knee high. It still is. By now those stalks should be twelve feet high.Grass is dormant, which is perfectly fine. And I plant mostly perennials that can withstand an average drought. Only this one isn’t average. Bushes, trees, all wilted, withering, dropping leaves. Our small local communities are asking us to help water trees lining the streets.
I wish I had X-ray vision so I could take a peek at the water table and determine if that’s okay or not. Should I be using such a precious human need on plants? I don’t know.
My vegetable garden is getting its fair share though. Green tomatoes are forming on the vines, kale is hearty and strong, beets are offering up their greens while the rest of their work is going on underground. I’ve heavily mulched the potatoes with straw.
But it’s time consuming! And the heat permeates the house in spite of the central air conditioning.I haven’t been writing much. The creative portion of my brain went on vacation without putting in a request.
Sigh.
We need rain, lots of it. I’ve tried a rain dance. Didn’t work. I washed my car. Still no rain. I worry about the robins. Their food source is deep underground.
I really like this image I found online.
For one thing, it reminds me of a simpler life.
For another, I enjoy seeing a woman sitting while her husband works:)
Hope all of you are surviving, if not thriving.
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July 16, 2012
Travel Tales
by Maggie SeftonDEADLY POLITICS is the first in my new Molly Malone Suspense series which will be out this August 8th. Please check my updated website for plot description, reviews, an excerpt, and other info. www.maggiesefton.com. DEADLY POLITICS was just reviewed by Mystery Scene magazine, and you can read the review here:
http://mysteryscenemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2705%3Adeadly-politics&catid=26%3Abooks&Itemid=185
For those of you who travel on airlines a lot like I do, you're familiar with delayed flights due to weather. This happens more frequently in the summer, because of the regular appearance of summer thunderstorms with heavy rains and lightning. Airplanes don't like lightning. It tends to mess with their sophisticated computer controls. And---most of us who are passengers certainly do not want to be 30,000+ feet in the air caught in the midst of an electrical storm. Shudder. . . so, we completely understand when airlines have to delay our flights because connecting planes can't fly and arrive in the airports where we're all sitting. . .and sitting. . .and sitting. . .and waiting for updates.
I always have plenty of work to do if those circumstances arrive, so I pop open my laptop and work on the manuscript in progress or my iPad and check email. It's the chance to actually sit in an airport restaurant and have a real meal with wine or a drink instead of the faster food choices that are everywhere in the concourses. That being said, however, delays can turn from annoying to a royal pain in the you-know-where when they begin to multiply.
That happened on Sunday when I was returning from New York City after attending the ThrillerFest conference there. I'd never been to that mystery/thriller/suspense conference before, and I was really impressed with the quality of the panel sessions and guest speakers. I met some great people--readers, fellow writers, and invited experts who spoke during the two days. I also got to visit my daughter Melissa who lives and works in Manhattan. Sunday afternoon, I headed to JFK airport on the shuttle, checked in, was assured that the flights was scheduled on time, etc, etc. So---I worked on email until I thought I heard thunder. Uh, oh. I checked the flight board and saw that the 7:30pm departure was changed to 8:20pm. I did a quick calculation and determined that I'd still make my reserved 11:30pm shuttle ride back to Fort Collins after I arrived at DIA. That's what I thought. Until I checked the flight board again later. Departure time was now 8:55pm. I still had a shot at the return home shuttle. Until I checked the flight board again later on. Now, it was scheduled departure of 10:20pm.
Forget the 11:30pm shuttle back to Fort Collins. I'd be lucky to make the very last shuttle run of 1:00am !! Consternation set in, of course, and. . .well, you already guessed. . .yes, the flight was delayed YET AGAIN because of thunderstorms and lightning in New England. Now, it was 11:20pm. By that time, I'd resigned myself to finding an airport hotel to grab some sleep before I could catch a morning shuttle home. What time did we finally board? Midnight. What time did we finally take off? About 1:20am. Naturally, there were scores of other delayed aircraft who'd been waiting in line ahead of us. Thankfully, I had a funny and charming seat partner and we kept finding things to talk and laugh about so we wouldn't sink into a blue funk at the delays.
Once airborne, I tried sleeping but could only doze so by the time we landed in Denver it was after 2:30am Denver time, 4:30am New York time. We were all too exhausted to be aggravated by then. We all just headed for the baggage claim. I was fortunate to find a Holiday Inn with shuttle so by 3:45 I was finally in a hotel and fell into bed for nearly four hours sleep. Not a lot but enough to last. The morning shuttle brought me home to FC and I jumped into my car and rushed out to the doggie ranch to pick up Katy and Max and finally back home. And then, I did something I rarely do. I took a nap. Wow. That felt really good. :)[image error]
July 15, 2012
OH, GO CLIMB A TREE!
by Kate Collins
No really. Go climb a tree. Not a real one, although that would be awfully fun. I mean one in your mind. It’s a grounding exercise I learned once upon a time that I now use in a class that I teach at my local women’s shelter.
Here’s how it works. You imagine a tree in detail. Is it fully bloomed and leafy green? Is it brown and bare? Is it in the golden hues of autumn? Is it a sprawling limbed tree? Sturdy trunk? Maybe an apple or peach or cherry tree loaded with ripe fruit?
Then picture yourself sitting on a branch. Make it a thick one so you feel safe. If you’re afraid of heights, then wrap your arms around the trunk. You won’t fall.
Now look down and then around. What do you see? Picture this scene in your head first, then read on.
Do you see a meadow? A sandy beach? A lake? A park? Landscaped lawn? Garden? Are there people in your scene? Anyone you know? Are you looking at the present or at the past, maybe a scene from your childhood when you really sat in a tree and looked down?
I’m not a psychologist, but I think what a person sees is telling. At least that’s what I’ve learned from the women at the shelter. Some simply can’t imagine it. Others see freedom, and still others see their children playing happily, with no worries.
My scene varies. Often it’s from my childhood, when I’d escape into a high branch of our old cherry tree and dream. And eat cherries, too, until the year they had worms.
What do you see? Is it from days gone by or is it a dream place? Did imagining it come easily to you? And most importantly, did it give you a feeling of peace? Because that’s the ultimate point of the exercise, to find a serene place to go in your mind when you’re feeling stressed. I think we can all use that.
Have a serene week.
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No really. Go climb a tree. Not a real one, although that would be awfully fun. I mean one in your mind. It’s a grounding exercise I learned once upon a time that I now use in a class that I teach at my local women’s shelter. Here’s how it works. You imagine a tree in detail. Is it fully bloomed and leafy green? Is it brown and bare? Is it in the golden hues of autumn? Is it a sprawling limbed tree? Sturdy trunk? Maybe an apple or peach or cherry tree loaded with ripe fruit?
Then picture yourself sitting on a branch. Make it a thick one so you feel safe. If you’re afraid of heights, then wrap your arms around the trunk. You won’t fall.
Now look down and then around. What do you see? Picture this scene in your head first, then read on.
Do you see a meadow? A sandy beach? A lake? A park? Landscaped lawn? Garden? Are there people in your scene? Anyone you know? Are you looking at the present or at the past, maybe a scene from your childhood when you really sat in a tree and looked down?
I’m not a psychologist, but I think what a person sees is telling. At least that’s what I’ve learned from the women at the shelter. Some simply can’t imagine it. Others see freedom, and still others see their children playing happily, with no worries.
My scene varies. Often it’s from my childhood, when I’d escape into a high branch of our old cherry tree and dream. And eat cherries, too, until the year they had worms.
What do you see? Is it from days gone by or is it a dream place? Did imagining it come easily to you? And most importantly, did it give you a feeling of peace? Because that’s the ultimate point of the exercise, to find a serene place to go in your mind when you’re feeling stressed. I think we can all use that.
Have a serene week.
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Dru's Cozy Report: July 2012 Reading List
Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have four new series for your reading pleasure.
When Paige finds their chief rival’s dead body — evidence points to her most prized young singer. Believing in his innocence, Paige sets out to tip the scale in the right direction by finding the killer. This was a fun read that entertained me from the start to the tantalizing conclusion. This easy flowing and well-written whodunit quickly became a page-turner as I could not put down this book. With a great plot, the mystery kept me guessing as the case came to fruition. Paige is a determined and likable character with a supporting cast that includes her aunt Millie who is hilarious. This is a wonderful entry into the cozy genre and I can’t wait for my next visits with Paige and her friends in this delightfully enjoyable debut series.Murder for Choir by Joelle Charbonneau is the first book in the new "Glee Club" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, July 2012
Even as a struggling opera singer, Paige Marshall has never seen anything like the cutthroat competition of the Prospect Glen High School show choir. As their new coach, she's getting an icy reception from championship-hungry students who doubt she can take them to a first-place victory. Toughing this gig out may prove harder than scoring her big break. Especially now that her best young male singer is suspected of killing the arrogant coach of Prospect Glen's fiercest rival choir. For Paige to clear his name, she'll have to sort through a chorus of suspects—and go note for note with a killer who'll do anything to knock her out of the spotlight for good.
Visit Joelle at http://joellecharbonneau.com
Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
What a great read. This story had plenty of action and suspense that kept me turning the pages. The tone was very comfortable and the author did a good job at diverting my attention that kept me guessing as the story moved along. Chloe is a great character, strong yet vulnerable as is Becky, one of the secondary cast in this charmingly appealing and wonderful series. This debut mystery is a great beginning to what I hope is a long-running series.A Plain Death by Amanda Flower is the first book in the new "Appleseed Creek" mystery series. Publisher: B&H Publishing, July 2012
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home. While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line. Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
Visit Amanda at www.amandaflower.com
Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
A dead body found on her second day. No one told Dana there be days like this working at the Spa. With an indifferent detective working the case and a promise to her mother, Dana sets out to find a killer before she loses another job. Dana is a girl after my own heart with her love of junk food. In this well-crafted tale, the pace is evenly matched to the flow of the story. The mystery was good with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the identity of the killer. In addition to Dana, the cast is rounded out by her mom Dorothy, her sister Ashlee, her co-workers at the Spa and a smattering of local residents. The dialogue was very enjoyable, especially the delivery of Dana’s internal snarky remarks, which were quite humorous. This is a fun read and I look forward to more visits with Dana and the people of Blossom Valley in this attractively appealing debut series.Going Organic Can Kill You by Staci McLaughlin is the first book in the new "Blossom Valley" mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, July 2012
Welcome to Blossom Valley, CA, home of the O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa, complete with its new marketing maven, Dana Lewis, former Blossom Valley resident and unapologetic junk food connoisseur—and soon to be sleuth. As Dana readjusts to life back home with her recently widowed mother, her latest career move isn't exactly a piece of cake. In fact, it's all tofu fish sticks, stuffed squash blossoms, and enough wheat grass shots to scream bloody murder—especially when Dana discovers the body of Maxwell Mendelsohn, Hollywood producer and opening weekend guest, deader than a yoga corpse pose. While Dana pens the Spa's blog and balances the attentions of the local police and reporter Jason Forrester, her escalating job duties now include finding clues, motives and suspects. One thing's for certain, she better act fast before all this healthy living kills her.
Visit Staci at www.stacimclaughlin.com
Full Disclosure – I bought my copy of this book
This traditional mystery captured my attention from the opening pages to the exhilarating finale. The frantic pace and action packed drama kept me on my toes as I followed Rose and her friends through the myriads of situations in order to rescue and save her friend. Rose is a strong character whose determination shines as she comes across people who are against her. The author did a good job in keeping me in suspense especially with a revelation that took me by surprise. With a likable cast and the diner used as the backdrop, this was an enjoyable read in this debut series and I look forward to more adventures with Rose and the gang for years to come. Note: there is use of strong language by one or more characters.Diners, Dives and Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin is the first book in the new "Rose Strickland" mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, July 2012
As a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland’s life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she’s hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out. With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She’s gone from zero to sixty and quickly learns when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn.
Visit Terri at http://terrilaustin.com
Full Disclosure - The author sent me a copy of this book
And check out these other July releases
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July 13, 2012
Because It's Made With Love?
By Heather
I’m a big fan of weekends. Having most of the family home. Movie marathons. Time to catch up on the little things...
But one of my favorite things about the weekend is that Mr. W makes my coffee for me.
Such a little thing, but sometimes all those little things add up, don’t they?
But beyond the little things adding up, his coffee is GOOD. It's always better than mine, though we follow the exact same steps. Why? Why, I ask you???
But then again, have you noticed (or is it just in my family) that food (and coffee) are almost always better when someone else makes it for you?
My father-in-law’s cacciatore is always better than mine, though it’s his recipe. My daughter’s favorite food is mac and cheese, and she makes it all the time. Yet, when I make it for her (using the same recipe) she claims my version is better. And the list goes on.
Does this happen to you, too? And if so, why do you think this is?
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July 12, 2012
I'm no longer a "Royal" girl
by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett
For years I ate Royal gelatin.
NOT NO MORE.
There I was, a girl with a mortgage and a tight budget. So when grocery shopping I looked at the boxes of Royal gelatin and Jell-O. Whoa! Big price difference--25%--and a bigger difference in calorie count, too; yet another 50%. I knew a bargain when I saw one and stocked up.
Mind you, I don't eat tons of gelatin a year. We might have it 6-7 times, usually in the summer, because it's cold (and wobbly) and kind of refreshing, and after a big meal it truly is "the light dessert."
Well, recently I got a hankering for lemon gelatin. Hey, my local Wegmans doesn't carry Royal lemon gelatin, but they do carry Jell-O brand lemon gelatin. I hemmed and hawed for a couple of weeks, and then on a whim tossed a box in my shopping cart. A few days later, I thought I'd compare the ingredients to find out why there's such a difference in calories, and I got a nasty surprise. Royal gelatin adds Aspartame.
I don't use artificial sweeteners. I don't like them. I don't think they're safe. (That's my opinion, which may differ from yours or the FDA's.) I choose NOT to use them. That said, I feel violated when I find that a product I've been buying and using for years doesn't advertise the fact that one of their ingredients is Aspartame. The boxes do say artificial flavor, but nowhere do they say they're artificially sweetened. So, I'm now a Jell-O girl through and through.
Is there a product out there that you once were fond of but now refuse to buy?
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For years I ate Royal gelatin.NOT NO MORE.
There I was, a girl with a mortgage and a tight budget. So when grocery shopping I looked at the boxes of Royal gelatin and Jell-O. Whoa! Big price difference--25%--and a bigger difference in calorie count, too; yet another 50%. I knew a bargain when I saw one and stocked up.
Mind you, I don't eat tons of gelatin a year. We might have it 6-7 times, usually in the summer, because it's cold (and wobbly) and kind of refreshing, and after a big meal it truly is "the light dessert."
Well, recently I got a hankering for lemon gelatin. Hey, my local Wegmans doesn't carry Royal lemon gelatin, but they do carry Jell-O brand lemon gelatin. I hemmed and hawed for a couple of weeks, and then on a whim tossed a box in my shopping cart. A few days later, I thought I'd compare the ingredients to find out why there's such a difference in calories, and I got a nasty surprise. Royal gelatin adds Aspartame.
I don't use artificial sweeteners. I don't like them. I don't think they're safe. (That's my opinion, which may differ from yours or the FDA's.) I choose NOT to use them. That said, I feel violated when I find that a product I've been buying and using for years doesn't advertise the fact that one of their ingredients is Aspartame. The boxes do say artificial flavor, but nowhere do they say they're artificially sweetened. So, I'm now a Jell-O girl through and through. Is there a product out there that you once were fond of but now refuse to buy?
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July 11, 2012
Swanky Swigs
by Julie Hyzy
Is there anything more fun than strolling through a summer flea market? Years ago, my parents used to drag us to them all the time. My brother and I never complained because - heck, they were fun! My dad used to pick up golf balls (good for water holes) and tools. My mom didn't buy much, but we had fun browsing. I even got my then-boyfriend, now-husband to come with us once. He'd never been to a flea market before, but after that visit he was hooked.
These days there aren't very many *good* flea markets out there, but there's one that we try to attend at least once every summer - the Kane County Flea Market. It's about an hour's drive from our house, but always worth the trip. The reason it's so good is because it's chock full of old stuff and there are very few tables of people selling new items. I don't like the new items - not even a little bit. I walk right past all the socks and packaged household goods. I'm there for the fun stuff.
Like ... Swanky Swigs.
I didn't even know they were called Swanky Swigs when we first started buying them. My brother and I remember drinking pop (filled to the brim) from these jelly-jar glasses when we visited our grandparents. Why their pop was always flat, I have no idea. But I digress. They always had these kid-sized glasses ready for us, some featuring the Flintstones, but our favorite featured the Archies.
My husband and I found a few of these at a flea market a long time ago (before we had kids) and I snapped them up mostly because they felt like a way to recapture my youth. But... why not use them? We started serving our kids drinks in these and now, years later, Archie glasses are part of my kids' youth. We scour every stall for them whenever we visit a flea market. I'll pay $2 - 3 without blinking, but when the tag says $8, I'll try for a better price. If they won't come down, I walk away.
Once, when the kids were really young -- our oldest might have been eleven, we once found a guy with an entire box of Swanky Swigs for sale. I think he was asking for $5 per glass. When he saw how excited the kids were to find an entire stash of these glasses, he told me he'd take $20 for the whole box. There were definitely more than 10 in there, so I felt great about scoring a deal. He said he felt great because he knew they were going to a good home and would actually be used. Everybody won.
Anyway, here's a picture of *some* of our Archie glasses. There are loads more. We also tend to pick up Star Trek and Disney glasses whenever we find them. And a few Looney Tunes ones as well. We're rapidly running out of shelf space, but we can't help ourselves.
Do you visit flea markets to find treasures? Is there anything you collect that you absolutely can't resist?
Is there anything more fun than strolling through a summer flea market? Years ago, my parents used to drag us to them all the time. My brother and I never complained because - heck, they were fun! My dad used to pick up golf balls (good for water holes) and tools. My mom didn't buy much, but we had fun browsing. I even got my then-boyfriend, now-husband to come with us once. He'd never been to a flea market before, but after that visit he was hooked.
These days there aren't very many *good* flea markets out there, but there's one that we try to attend at least once every summer - the Kane County Flea Market. It's about an hour's drive from our house, but always worth the trip. The reason it's so good is because it's chock full of old stuff and there are very few tables of people selling new items. I don't like the new items - not even a little bit. I walk right past all the socks and packaged household goods. I'm there for the fun stuff.
Like ... Swanky Swigs.
I didn't even know they were called Swanky Swigs when we first started buying them. My brother and I remember drinking pop (filled to the brim) from these jelly-jar glasses when we visited our grandparents. Why their pop was always flat, I have no idea. But I digress. They always had these kid-sized glasses ready for us, some featuring the Flintstones, but our favorite featured the Archies.
My husband and I found a few of these at a flea market a long time ago (before we had kids) and I snapped them up mostly because they felt like a way to recapture my youth. But... why not use them? We started serving our kids drinks in these and now, years later, Archie glasses are part of my kids' youth. We scour every stall for them whenever we visit a flea market. I'll pay $2 - 3 without blinking, but when the tag says $8, I'll try for a better price. If they won't come down, I walk away.
Once, when the kids were really young -- our oldest might have been eleven, we once found a guy with an entire box of Swanky Swigs for sale. I think he was asking for $5 per glass. When he saw how excited the kids were to find an entire stash of these glasses, he told me he'd take $20 for the whole box. There were definitely more than 10 in there, so I felt great about scoring a deal. He said he felt great because he knew they were going to a good home and would actually be used. Everybody won.
Anyway, here's a picture of *some* of our Archie glasses. There are loads more. We also tend to pick up Star Trek and Disney glasses whenever we find them. And a few Looney Tunes ones as well. We're rapidly running out of shelf space, but we can't help ourselves.
Do you visit flea markets to find treasures? Is there anything you collect that you absolutely can't resist?
July 10, 2012
I Was A Literary Snob
By Hannah Reed/Deb Baker
Remember this 1981 movie with Candice Bergen and Jacqueline Bisset? It’s a great story of long-time friendship between two women. One becomes a ‘serious’ author of literary fiction. The other writes bestselling 'trash' for the masses.
I loved Rich and Famous! It still resonates with me.
Because, you see, once upon a time I was a literary snob, reading high-brow literature, determined to write the next great American novel. But when I sat down to accomplish my goal, a little feisty 66 year old woman from the Michigan Upper Peninsula started telling her story. She ripped the keyboard right out of my hands and took off with her whacky and weird adventures.
At first I was embarrassed. This wasn’t part of the big plan. Yet she wouldn’t quit talking to me, and so Murder Passes the Buck was born, along with three more Gertie Johnson novels plus a Christmas short story.
Since that first book, I’ve readjusted my attitude, thanks to my readers. They tell me how much fun my stories are. Emails come from some who are facing life-threatening diseases. My books make them feel better, at least for a little while. Now I write for real people, to entertain them, make them smile, improve their day.
As Hannah Reed, I'm proud to pen the Queen Bee mystery series. I hope my books bring smiles and the occasional snort of laughter.
From my lofty perch on high, I've fallen back to earth.
And it's exactly where I belong.
Literary success? Or commercial success? Which would you pick?[image error]
Remember this 1981 movie with Candice Bergen and Jacqueline Bisset? It’s a great story of long-time friendship between two women. One becomes a ‘serious’ author of literary fiction. The other writes bestselling 'trash' for the masses.I loved Rich and Famous! It still resonates with me.
Because, you see, once upon a time I was a literary snob, reading high-brow literature, determined to write the next great American novel. But when I sat down to accomplish my goal, a little feisty 66 year old woman from the Michigan Upper Peninsula started telling her story. She ripped the keyboard right out of my hands and took off with her whacky and weird adventures.
At first I was embarrassed. This wasn’t part of the big plan. Yet she wouldn’t quit talking to me, and so Murder Passes the Buck was born, along with three more Gertie Johnson novels plus a Christmas short story.
Since that first book, I’ve readjusted my attitude, thanks to my readers. They tell me how much fun my stories are. Emails come from some who are facing life-threatening diseases. My books make them feel better, at least for a little while. Now I write for real people, to entertain them, make them smile, improve their day.
As Hannah Reed, I'm proud to pen the Queen Bee mystery series. I hope my books bring smiles and the occasional snort of laughter.
From my lofty perch on high, I've fallen back to earth.
And it's exactly where I belong.
Literary success? Or commercial success? Which would you pick?[image error]
July 9, 2012
Rainy Season At Last!
by Maggie Sefton
Our Monsoon season has arrived and brought days of steady drenching rain! Yay! That might not sound exciting to most of you, but to those of us here in Colorado where we've had the worst drought in anyone's memory AND the worst wildfire season EVER. . .well, we're all pretty excited about all those much-needed raindrops falling and pouring down on us these last few days. The steady rain has helped extinguish the last of the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs. The High Park wildfire northwest of Fort Collins where I live has been cold and completely contained for over a week now. But there were several smaller fires around the state that still needed help, and this string of thunderstorms and lower temps---mid 70s---was just what the entire state needed.
Our Monsoon season is an annual weather event and usually occurs between mid July and the end of August. It's caused by shifting wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean which then cause heavy moisture-laden clouds to sweep up from the Gulf of Mexico and bring rain, lots of rain to the American Southwest. New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming are all affected by the counterclockwise monsoonal flow and generous rainfail.
I'll be leaving mid-week just when the Monsoon will probably leave the area. I'm attending and participating in ThrillerFest, a large conference held in New York City Friday, July 13th & 14th, at the New York Grand Hyatt hotel in Manhattan. There will be panels and signings and all sorts of gatherings. So if you want to see scores of your favorite mystery and suspense authors walking around, drop by and say hello. I LOVE meeting readers!
What's the weather like where you live? Still suffocating in the heat? Did the rains come where you are?
Our Monsoon season has arrived and brought days of steady drenching rain! Yay! That might not sound exciting to most of you, but to those of us here in Colorado where we've had the worst drought in anyone's memory AND the worst wildfire season EVER. . .well, we're all pretty excited about all those much-needed raindrops falling and pouring down on us these last few days. The steady rain has helped extinguish the last of the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs. The High Park wildfire northwest of Fort Collins where I live has been cold and completely contained for over a week now. But there were several smaller fires around the state that still needed help, and this string of thunderstorms and lower temps---mid 70s---was just what the entire state needed.Our Monsoon season is an annual weather event and usually occurs between mid July and the end of August. It's caused by shifting wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean which then cause heavy moisture-laden clouds to sweep up from the Gulf of Mexico and bring rain, lots of rain to the American Southwest. New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming are all affected by the counterclockwise monsoonal flow and generous rainfail.
I'll be leaving mid-week just when the Monsoon will probably leave the area. I'm attending and participating in ThrillerFest, a large conference held in New York City Friday, July 13th & 14th, at the New York Grand Hyatt hotel in Manhattan. There will be panels and signings and all sorts of gatherings. So if you want to see scores of your favorite mystery and suspense authors walking around, drop by and say hello. I LOVE meeting readers!
What's the weather like where you live? Still suffocating in the heat? Did the rains come where you are?
