Kate Collins's Blog, page 266
May 30, 2012
Swimsuit Intervention
By Ellery Adams
I don't want to be a candidate for a swimsuit intervention like the one Oprah did. We've all seen these folks at the pool and the beach, haven't we? Men and women who just aren't covering enough skin. Let's face it. Aside from a few dozen super models, we all have imperfections we prefer to hide. The trouble is, there isn't much material to conceal our flaws when it comes to swimsuits. It's even worse than shopping for new jeans!
I think it would have been lovely to bath in the outfits of the 1920s. I'd rather have no tan than show myself in a string bikini!
But I had to bite the bullet and buy a new suit this year, so I psyched myself up, grabbed an honest friend (who would tell me if I looked like a beached whale) and hit the mall. I won't bore you with the details, but it was not a quick process and all I can say is thank goodness for the swimsuits with skirts. Brilliant!
If you need to buy a suit, take a few pointers from me.
1. Don't eat a big lunch before you try on swimsuits (I did and it didn't help matters)
2. Go for colors and patterns - I've always bought a black suit but realized that a funky suit made me feel more lively and distracts the eye from trouble areas.
3. If you don't love it in the store, don't talk yourself into bringing it at home
4. Try it on at home with the tags still on. Those store mirrors can fool you.
5. Don't forget to look at the rear view.
So here's the one I got (And no, I'm not modeling it) and it was comfortable and cute and covers just enough.
Do you need to shop for something as tortuous as a suit this year? Where's your favorite place to buy a swimsuit?
I don't want to be a candidate for a swimsuit intervention like the one Oprah did. We've all seen these folks at the pool and the beach, haven't we? Men and women who just aren't covering enough skin. Let's face it. Aside from a few dozen super models, we all have imperfections we prefer to hide. The trouble is, there isn't much material to conceal our flaws when it comes to swimsuits. It's even worse than shopping for new jeans!
I think it would have been lovely to bath in the outfits of the 1920s. I'd rather have no tan than show myself in a string bikini!But I had to bite the bullet and buy a new suit this year, so I psyched myself up, grabbed an honest friend (who would tell me if I looked like a beached whale) and hit the mall. I won't bore you with the details, but it was not a quick process and all I can say is thank goodness for the swimsuits with skirts. Brilliant!
If you need to buy a suit, take a few pointers from me.
1. Don't eat a big lunch before you try on swimsuits (I did and it didn't help matters)
2. Go for colors and patterns - I've always bought a black suit but realized that a funky suit made me feel more lively and distracts the eye from trouble areas.
3. If you don't love it in the store, don't talk yourself into bringing it at home
4. Try it on at home with the tags still on. Those store mirrors can fool you.
5. Don't forget to look at the rear view.
So here's the one I got (And no, I'm not modeling it) and it was comfortable and cute and covers just enough.
Do you need to shop for something as tortuous as a suit this year? Where's your favorite place to buy a swimsuit?
May 29, 2012
Bookstore Resurrection!
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
For several years now the reading/writing community has been watching with dismay as bookstore after bookstore closes down. Borders was a crushing blow, although not a surprise. Some beloved independent stores have shuttered up, some have changed hands, struggled.
The economy is one of the bad guys. Ebooks made the scene and did significant damage.
But I'm not here today to whine. I'm here to celebrate.
You see, I'm a bookstore list maker. At first, I used my list to send promotional material to bookstores when one of my books was coming out (before stamps were 45 cents a pop). I also still use the list to visit bookstores when I travel.
Sadly, for the last two years (or so) all I've been doing is crossing off stores as they close. My list has shrunk way down.
But wait, I think I'm seeing a shift back. Is that possible?
Just last week, I learned that:
Barnes and Noble is opening at an Oregon site and in Princeton, NJStone Harbor NJ has a newbie - Stone Harbor Book ShopSo does Cape May NJ - Cape Atlantic Book Co.And in Edgartown MA, Edgartown Books has reopened. Yippppeeee!
Although, what's with New Jersey? Are the readers there leading the revival? Let's spread the love across the country.
Any openings, reopenings you can share?
I want my list to grow and grow.
For several years now the reading/writing community has been watching with dismay as bookstore after bookstore closes down. Borders was a crushing blow, although not a surprise. Some beloved independent stores have shuttered up, some have changed hands, struggled.The economy is one of the bad guys. Ebooks made the scene and did significant damage.
But I'm not here today to whine. I'm here to celebrate.
You see, I'm a bookstore list maker. At first, I used my list to send promotional material to bookstores when one of my books was coming out (before stamps were 45 cents a pop). I also still use the list to visit bookstores when I travel.
Sadly, for the last two years (or so) all I've been doing is crossing off stores as they close. My list has shrunk way down.
But wait, I think I'm seeing a shift back. Is that possible?
Just last week, I learned that:
Barnes and Noble is opening at an Oregon site and in Princeton, NJStone Harbor NJ has a newbie - Stone Harbor Book ShopSo does Cape May NJ - Cape Atlantic Book Co.And in Edgartown MA, Edgartown Books has reopened. Yippppeeee!
Although, what's with New Jersey? Are the readers there leading the revival? Let's spread the love across the country.
Any openings, reopenings you can share?
I want my list to grow and grow.
by Deb Baker/Hannah ReedFor several years now the reading...
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
For several years now the reading/writing community has been watching with dismay as bookstore after bookstore closes down. Borders was a crushing blow, although not a surprise. Some beloved independent stores have shuttered up, some have changed hands, struggled.
The economy is one of the bad guys. Ebooks made the scene and did significant damage.
But I'm not here today to whine. I'm here to celebrate.
You see, I'm a bookstore list maker. At first, I used my list to send promotional material to bookstores when one of my books was coming out (before stamps were 45 cents a pop). I also still use the list to visit bookstores when I travel.
Sadly, for the last two years (or so) all I've been doing is crossing off stores as they close. My list has shrunk way down.
But wait, I think I'm seeing a shift back. Is that possible?
Just last week, I learned that:
Barnes and Noble is opening at an Oregon site and in Princeton, NJStone Harbor NJ has a newbie - Stone Harbor Book ShopSo does Cape May NJ - Cape Atlantic Book Co.And in Edgartown MA, Edgartown Books has reopened. Yippppeeee!
Although, what's with New Jersey? Are the readers there leading the revival? Let's spread the love across the country.
Any openings, reopenings you can share?
I want my list to grow and grow.
For several years now the reading/writing community has been watching with dismay as bookstore after bookstore closes down. Borders was a crushing blow, although not a surprise. Some beloved independent stores have shuttered up, some have changed hands, struggled.The economy is one of the bad guys. Ebooks made the scene and did significant damage.
But I'm not here today to whine. I'm here to celebrate.
You see, I'm a bookstore list maker. At first, I used my list to send promotional material to bookstores when one of my books was coming out (before stamps were 45 cents a pop). I also still use the list to visit bookstores when I travel.
Sadly, for the last two years (or so) all I've been doing is crossing off stores as they close. My list has shrunk way down.
But wait, I think I'm seeing a shift back. Is that possible?
Just last week, I learned that:
Barnes and Noble is opening at an Oregon site and in Princeton, NJStone Harbor NJ has a newbie - Stone Harbor Book ShopSo does Cape May NJ - Cape Atlantic Book Co.And in Edgartown MA, Edgartown Books has reopened. Yippppeeee!
Although, what's with New Jersey? Are the readers there leading the revival? Let's spread the love across the country.
Any openings, reopenings you can share?
I want my list to grow and grow.
Summer Starting Early
by Maggie Sefton
Hi, Everyone----Sorry to be later than usual in posting this Tuesday morning. I had family visiting since Saturday, and it's been non-stop running around since then. Yesterday, we were in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Once we returned, there was another visit to my 92-year old mother at her living facility then off to dinner which ran later than usual. By the time we returned, we were so tired we simply went to sleep. :) Sometimes, having fun can be exhausting.
If any of you are scheduling a vacation or even a business trip to Denver or Northern Colorado, you should definitely treat yourselves---and your senses---to a side trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The mountain views are spectacular. There are scores of scenic hikes, easy and challenging, lots of great campgrounds everywhere, activities arranged by the Park Rangers going on all day and evening, too. And wildlife viewing is everywhere present. There's even the great little "village" of Estes Park right on the edge of the park (you drive through it on the way to both park entrances) which is filled with little cafes, shops of every descriptions, European-style lodges, and lots of picnic and relaxing spots in park-like areas beside rushing creeks and rivers. Believe me, you won't regret visiting.
Are you planning any summer trips?[image error]
Hi, Everyone----Sorry to be later than usual in posting this Tuesday morning. I had family visiting since Saturday, and it's been non-stop running around since then. Yesterday, we were in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Once we returned, there was another visit to my 92-year old mother at her living facility then off to dinner which ran later than usual. By the time we returned, we were so tired we simply went to sleep. :) Sometimes, having fun can be exhausting.
If any of you are scheduling a vacation or even a business trip to Denver or Northern Colorado, you should definitely treat yourselves---and your senses---to a side trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The mountain views are spectacular. There are scores of scenic hikes, easy and challenging, lots of great campgrounds everywhere, activities arranged by the Park Rangers going on all day and evening, too. And wildlife viewing is everywhere present. There's even the great little "village" of Estes Park right on the edge of the park (you drive through it on the way to both park entrances) which is filled with little cafes, shops of every descriptions, European-style lodges, and lots of picnic and relaxing spots in park-like areas beside rushing creeks and rivers. Believe me, you won't regret visiting.
Are you planning any summer trips?[image error]
May 27, 2012
Memorial Day memories
Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, commemorates those who have been killed while serving in the US Armed Forces. According to Wikipedia, the holiday originated after the American Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers, but has expanded over the years to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
Memorial Day also is the unofficial start of summer. Sure, the actual solstice doesn't arrive until mid-June, but the last Monday in May is, for many of us, the beginning of many hours spent outdoors.
As a kid, I wasn't terribly fond of Memorial Day. I knew that we'd head out in the morning to attend the field mass at one of our many family cemeteries. We never got there early enough to snag any of the folding chairs set up for participants, so we always wound up standing behind them. We generally never got there early enough to find a place in the shade, either. That meant that for the next hour or so (with so many people going up for Communion, this was a *lonnnng* mass) my little brother and I would fidget in the hot sun, wishing we were anywhere else. We were young, maybe seven and four years old when we started going to this event. Paul and I thought that the concrete footings on headstones made great seats for our little backsides, but our parents made us stand and told us that sitting on gravestones was disrespectful.
And then there were the years it rained. Even with umbrellas clasped tight to protect us, the mass wasn't any more enjoyable. We could barely hear the priest over the sound of water sluicing overhead. Our feet sunk into the rapidly muddying ground and my brother and I tried to come up with silent methods of communication to ease our boredom.
These days, I appreciate Memorial Day more than I ever could have as a kid. I understand the sacrifices now, I'm touched by the stories of uncles who didn't come home, and by the profound silence about their experiences by those who did.
To celebrate, we recount stories about family members now gone, those who served in the armed forces and those who suffered at home during war time. We also remember the fun times, the hilarious times, and even some of the more quiet, poignant moments we shared with all the family members who have gone before us. Sometimes we do this over a barbecue lunch, sometimes while watching old family movies, and sometimes while goofing off in the pool.
We do our best to keep their memories alive, and that's my favorite way to celebrate Memorial Day.
[image error]
May 26, 2012
Love the "Idol." The Judges? Not So Much.
by Leann
I love music. If there's a reality show involving singing or dancing, you can bet I'll tune in. This year, American Idol got even glitzier than the year before, yet it was the T-shirt wearing, guitar player who took home the big music contract. From his first audition until Ryan Seacrest called Phillip Phillips' name, I knew he would win.
Why did I know? Because unlike the celebrity judges, America is smart enough to pick out a true musician, a simple performer in love with what he does. Try as they might, those judges couldn't sway the vote. Not for lack of trying. They "loved" everyone else from week to week, but you could tell Phillip, with his unique style, was an enigma to them. The fact that he won the whole thing while enduring 8 different procedures on his kidneys says a lot about this kid from Georgia. I work through pain everyday, so maybe that's why I felt such a connection to him. When you love what you do, when you want it that much, you will do whatever it takes.
As a nurse I saw the signs he was fighting his body. The way he stood, the way he walked, told me he was in some serious pain. Yet he kept showing up. And isn't half of luck just showing up? (The other half, I always say, is preparation.) Some of you may not be fans of American Idol, but having fought a long, long time to get my work published, I understand a little of what goes on behind the scenes. The show is all about subtext for me--not the big name judges or the fancy productions or letting the kids "dress up" like stars. The struggle to be heard can be a daunting journey--and all the contestants battled hard. I take my hat off to them. And I cannot wait to buy Phillip's album.
What about you? What's been your struggle and what is your dream. Or is it just the journey?
[image error]
I love music. If there's a reality show involving singing or dancing, you can bet I'll tune in. This year, American Idol got even glitzier than the year before, yet it was the T-shirt wearing, guitar player who took home the big music contract. From his first audition until Ryan Seacrest called Phillip Phillips' name, I knew he would win.Why did I know? Because unlike the celebrity judges, America is smart enough to pick out a true musician, a simple performer in love with what he does. Try as they might, those judges couldn't sway the vote. Not for lack of trying. They "loved" everyone else from week to week, but you could tell Phillip, with his unique style, was an enigma to them. The fact that he won the whole thing while enduring 8 different procedures on his kidneys says a lot about this kid from Georgia. I work through pain everyday, so maybe that's why I felt such a connection to him. When you love what you do, when you want it that much, you will do whatever it takes.
As a nurse I saw the signs he was fighting his body. The way he stood, the way he walked, told me he was in some serious pain. Yet he kept showing up. And isn't half of luck just showing up? (The other half, I always say, is preparation.) Some of you may not be fans of American Idol, but having fought a long, long time to get my work published, I understand a little of what goes on behind the scenes. The show is all about subtext for me--not the big name judges or the fancy productions or letting the kids "dress up" like stars. The struggle to be heard can be a daunting journey--and all the contestants battled hard. I take my hat off to them. And I cannot wait to buy Phillip's album.What about you? What's been your struggle and what is your dream. Or is it just the journey?
[image error]
Purchases with "some assembly required"
by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett
It was hot yesterday, so Mr. L and I went to the store to buy an oscillating fan. The box was square, and there was a small notation that there was "some assembly required."
SOME assembly required?
When we opened the box, we found that the only thing that wasn't assembled was the fan motor. The instructions weren't of much help. They had probably originally been written in Chinese and then translated to English. Mr. L read and I did most of the assembly.
First, you had to put the legs together, then put on decorative pieces that hid the unsightly screws. When the stand was completed, it was necessary to put the motor on the stand, which didn't want to go on. After some fiddling, I got it on. Next, attach the back of the blade guard, but first you had to take off a big plastic nut. I put the back on, then the nut, then the fan blade, and then the front blade guard.
Okay, this only took about twenty minutes, but I swear it was the longest twenty minutes of my life. Finally, the thing was finished and we plugged it in with trepidation. Would it actually work? Would it wobble for a minute or two and then fall apart in a heap?
I turned it onto low, then medium, then high. Nothing blew up. Nothing fell off.
SUCCESS!
What have you purchased lately that had "some assembly required?"
It was hot yesterday, so Mr. L and I went to the store to buy an oscillating fan. The box was square, and there was a small notation that there was "some assembly required."SOME assembly required?
When we opened the box, we found that the only thing that wasn't assembled was the fan motor. The instructions weren't of much help. They had probably originally been written in Chinese and then translated to English. Mr. L read and I did most of the assembly.
First, you had to put the legs together, then put on decorative pieces that hid the unsightly screws. When the stand was completed, it was necessary to put the motor on the stand, which didn't want to go on. After some fiddling, I got it on. Next, attach the back of the blade guard, but first you had to take off a big plastic nut. I put the back on, then the nut, then the fan blade, and then the front blade guard.
Okay, this only took about twenty minutes, but I swear it was the longest twenty minutes of my life. Finally, the thing was finished and we plugged it in with trepidation. Would it actually work? Would it wobble for a minute or two and then fall apart in a heap?I turned it onto low, then medium, then high. Nothing blew up. Nothing fell off.
SUCCESS!
What have you purchased lately that had "some assembly required?"
May 24, 2012
Second Chances
By Heather
I joke about having split personalities with my writing, since I now have two names, but I realized something the other day. Heather Webber (so strange writing my name like that!) is officially an indie author now, while Heather Blake is still a traditional author.
In terms of publishing, I’m split right down the middle.True, Heather Webber still has books in print with traditional publishers (some of my Nina Quinn series and the first three Lucy Valentines), but everything new HW has put out has been indie published.
Indie publishing, or self-publishing, has been an interesting journey for me. The main reason I jumped into the indie water was because A Hoe Lot of Trouble, the first book in the Nina Quinn series went out of print. I kept getting emails asking how people could find it, etc. I acquired my rights back and off I leapt into indie pubbing.
And it’s been wonderful. It’s opened up the possibilities of continuing series that were impossible to move to other publishing houses (this is akin to a TV show being canceled and trying to move to another network—next to impossible). I’m able to continue writing the Nina Quinn books and the Lucy Valentine series.Last week, I published the fourth book in the Lucy series, Perfectly Matched. I picked up the series where it left off and had a blast writing it.
My biggest downfall with self-publishing is definitely in the editing process. Despite how many pairs of eyes have looked at the manuscript, and how much I’ve paid a professional editor, mistakes are made. BUT, thankfully, I have wonderful eagle-eyed readers who point out those flaws so I can fix them. I truly appreciate that because no one wants the best possible product more than I do. Thankfully, all ebooks can be updated and you, as the consumer, can delete the original and re-download the newest version from your device's library (you do not have to repurchase it). Just check your (Kindle, Nook, etc) account to see if there’s an updated version available. Simple.
So, even though I’m split down the middle, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have readers who follow me wherever this road takes me. Honestly, can’t do it without all of you! Group hug.[image error]
May 23, 2012
Summer Blockbusters
by Ellery Adams
Boy, do I love going to the movies during the summer.
When the thermometer rises over ninety degrees, I love being in that dark theater, a bag of buttered popcorn on my lap and a giant cup of Coke Zero settled neatly into nook in the arm rest beside me.
Last year, I complained bitterly to anyone who would listen that it was a weak summer for movies, but 2012 promises to make up for last year's flops and disappointments.
Here's the list of what I know I'll go see.
Snow White in armor? Charlize Thezron as the wicked queen? Oh, this is gonna be good!
This comedy looks absolutely hilarious. I think anyone who loved Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom is going to want to see this film.
Batman is my favorite superhero and director Christopher Nolan knows how to bring our his complexities. My only fear is the casting of Anne Hathaway as cat woman. Major mistake. You should have gone with Mara Rooney or someone with more depth, Mr. Nolan.
This one looks scary, but as terrified as I was watching Alien, I can't turn it off when it comes on TV. I like to be good and scared once in a while.
This is just bizarre that I have to see it!
I'm a big fan of thrillers. I love car chases and gun fights and twisty, turning plots. I think this one will deliver all of those and more. As far as Spiderman goes, I haven't been impressed with the casting of the last few movies, but I like the guy in this latest version. He's edgy and interesting, so I'll give the masked web maker another shot.
What about you? Are you planning to see any of these?
Which summer blockbusters, indy films, or sleepers do I need to add to this list?[image error]
Boy, do I love going to the movies during the summer.
When the thermometer rises over ninety degrees, I love being in that dark theater, a bag of buttered popcorn on my lap and a giant cup of Coke Zero settled neatly into nook in the arm rest beside me.
Last year, I complained bitterly to anyone who would listen that it was a weak summer for movies, but 2012 promises to make up for last year's flops and disappointments.
Here's the list of what I know I'll go see.
Snow White in armor? Charlize Thezron as the wicked queen? Oh, this is gonna be good!
This comedy looks absolutely hilarious. I think anyone who loved Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom is going to want to see this film.
Batman is my favorite superhero and director Christopher Nolan knows how to bring our his complexities. My only fear is the casting of Anne Hathaway as cat woman. Major mistake. You should have gone with Mara Rooney or someone with more depth, Mr. Nolan.
This one looks scary, but as terrified as I was watching Alien, I can't turn it off when it comes on TV. I like to be good and scared once in a while.
This is just bizarre that I have to see it!
I'm a big fan of thrillers. I love car chases and gun fights and twisty, turning plots. I think this one will deliver all of those and more. As far as Spiderman goes, I haven't been impressed with the casting of the last few movies, but I like the guy in this latest version. He's edgy and interesting, so I'll give the masked web maker another shot.
What about you? Are you planning to see any of these?
Which summer blockbusters, indy films, or sleepers do I need to add to this list?[image error]
May 22, 2012
One Woman's Trash Is Another's Treasure
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
I found this awesome book at the local Cracker Barrel Restaurant while browsing the store, waiting for a table to open up.
Yankee Magazine's Pantyhose, Hot Peppers, Tea Bags, and More-for the Garden: 1,001 Ingenious Ways to Use Common Household Items to Control Weeds, Beat ... and Save Time (Yankee Magazine Guidebook)
I've already been composting for years, but actually scored a few new creative pointers regarding what goes into the heap.
If you love to garden and hate to throw anything away, this is the book for you. Not only will you save cash, you'll find tips to saving time, and we all need more of that.
Anyway, I wanted to grow cantaloups in an area with bad soil, all packed down and concrete hard. And I didn't want to work at it...so I found out that I could take an old tire (the one that I have to pay to dispose of) and grown the melon right inside. Granted it isn't the most attractive container, so I wouldn't plop it in my front yard, but once the vines start spreading, I bet no one will even see the tire. And it was so not labor intensive.
Here are more tips from the book:
Use those old knitting needles to frame your tender transplants. Stick them in the four corners and make a spider-web maze with scraps of yarn. Kitty won't cross the line.A screwdriver is perfect for cleaning weeds out of the cracks in your driveway or patio.Old straw hats make fun plant containers. Line with black plastic, slash a few drainage holes in the bottom, and voila.Make a hanging basket by lining a colander with landscape fabric or panty hose (remember those).Perk up your annuals with a refreshing cup of leftover tea - herbal or traditional.Have any stale nuts (unsalted) or a tiny bit of oatmeal, cornmeal, or grits in the bottom of the container? The birds will like it.Wonder what to do with Fido or Fluffy's brushed fur? Instead of tossing the contents of the grooming brush, put it in a mesh bag and hang from a tree for nesting material.See, aren't those cool? Do you have any household or gardening tips to share?
I found this awesome book at the local Cracker Barrel Restaurant while browsing the store, waiting for a table to open up.Yankee Magazine's Pantyhose, Hot Peppers, Tea Bags, and More-for the Garden: 1,001 Ingenious Ways to Use Common Household Items to Control Weeds, Beat ... and Save Time (Yankee Magazine Guidebook)
I've already been composting for years, but actually scored a few new creative pointers regarding what goes into the heap.
If you love to garden and hate to throw anything away, this is the book for you. Not only will you save cash, you'll find tips to saving time, and we all need more of that.
Anyway, I wanted to grow cantaloups in an area with bad soil, all packed down and concrete hard. And I didn't want to work at it...so I found out that I could take an old tire (the one that I have to pay to dispose of) and grown the melon right inside. Granted it isn't the most attractive container, so I wouldn't plop it in my front yard, but once the vines start spreading, I bet no one will even see the tire. And it was so not labor intensive.Here are more tips from the book:
Use those old knitting needles to frame your tender transplants. Stick them in the four corners and make a spider-web maze with scraps of yarn. Kitty won't cross the line.A screwdriver is perfect for cleaning weeds out of the cracks in your driveway or patio.Old straw hats make fun plant containers. Line with black plastic, slash a few drainage holes in the bottom, and voila.Make a hanging basket by lining a colander with landscape fabric or panty hose (remember those).Perk up your annuals with a refreshing cup of leftover tea - herbal or traditional.Have any stale nuts (unsalted) or a tiny bit of oatmeal, cornmeal, or grits in the bottom of the container? The birds will like it.Wonder what to do with Fido or Fluffy's brushed fur? Instead of tossing the contents of the grooming brush, put it in a mesh bag and hang from a tree for nesting material.See, aren't those cool? Do you have any household or gardening tips to share?
