S.R. Booth's Blog, page 3
January 5, 2016
Are you a Reviewer? Sure you Are!
Reviews are one of the biggest sellers on sites like Amazon now days. I know that's the first thing I check when I'm considering buying something. Unfortunately I know some people are intimated by the thought of leaving a review or just don't want to take the time to do it. I understand. I'm right there with you, BUT since selling books online, I've realized how absolutely critical even the simplest review is. Believe me, I'm much more likely to consider buying a book with 500 positive reviews than one with a one star. You too, right?
But I do have my own 'rules' that I review by, or rather don't review by. I don't leave a review for a product I haven't tried or a book I haven't read. I also usually don't leave a negative review for something I didn't care for. I will leave a negative review for something defective or that has been falsely advertised, but that's my personal preference. What about you? Do you review? Are there times you don't? Most importantly, have you left a review for my books yet? ; >) (Thanks so much if you have! You're awesome.)
But I do have my own 'rules' that I review by, or rather don't review by. I don't leave a review for a product I haven't tried or a book I haven't read. I also usually don't leave a negative review for something I didn't care for. I will leave a negative review for something defective or that has been falsely advertised, but that's my personal preference. What about you? Do you review? Are there times you don't? Most importantly, have you left a review for my books yet? ; >) (Thanks so much if you have! You're awesome.)
December 31, 2015
December 22, 2015
Another New Cover!! Fun!
Oh, I really like this one. It lines up perfectly with the book (which is still in the works but getting close). I found the designer at https://www.etsy.com/listing/25729608... I've been blessed to come across some amazing cover artists. Want a peek at this one? Good! Because I can't wait to share it. (More about the book in the near future. Are you interested in being a Beta reader for it? Just let me know, I would love to have you!)
December 21, 2015
Looking for That Last Minute Gift? Here's an easy one.
There's still time for an Amazon gift card.
Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.
A perfect gift every time!
Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.
A perfect gift every time!
Clean Christmas Books!! 2015
Christmas is almost here! Are you looking for some great Christmas stories that won't make you blush or cringe? Here's a selection of clean Christmas reads from Clean Indie Reads authors. There's also a huge selection of clean, non-Christmas books at that site. Be sure to take a peek then choose some books from the following list to get you in the Christmas spirit!
And more clean Christmas books!
And more clean Christmas books!
December 17, 2015
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe? Part 2
Okay, after scouring recipes, we've decided on eight vanilla beans for one 750 milliliter bottle of Smirnoff vodka. We didn't split the beans (I've read that can lead to a cloudy final product) just dropped them in and recapped the bottle.
Now the hard part will be waiting at least six weeks before sampling it! So, I guess a Part 3 to this post will be due with the results! I just hope it's ready at that point. I've read several recipes that call for months soaking ... We'll see!
Now the hard part will be waiting at least six weeks before sampling it! So, I guess a Part 3 to this post will be due with the results! I just hope it's ready at that point. I've read several recipes that call for months soaking ... We'll see!
December 10, 2015
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe?
I've wanted to try making vanilla extract for years, but for one reason or another have never gotten around to it. Well, this time I'm going to do it. (Hopefully!) I would love to be able to give this as a Christmas gift, but I'm starting way too late for this year.
I ordered a package of ten vanilla beans from Amazon so I'm off to a good start ; >) but I just can't pin down the proportions of vanilla beans to Vodka.
I want to make this extract because it's fun to make my own stuff and vanilla is yummy. But I also hope to save a little money over the store bought price so I need a good, but inexpensive vodka, and I need to use as few beans per cup as possible while still ending up with a delightfully flavored product.
So I'm looking for input from you. Have you ever made vanilla extract? Care to share your recipe or any tips and tricks?
Here's what I'm thinking about so far. I have 10 vanilla beans and to stretch them I think I'll add 3 cups of vodka (Smirnoff is the brand I've heard recommended the most but don't know if it's the best. Any recommendations?)
Then I'm going to let this set for 6 weeks (I've read as long as 6 months??) in a dark place.
10 split vanilla beans
3 cups vodka
Set 6 weeks
Does this sound like a good plan or should I make some changes? Also, how do you know when it's done? By color? By taste? Help! ; >)
I ordered a package of ten vanilla beans from Amazon so I'm off to a good start ; >) but I just can't pin down the proportions of vanilla beans to Vodka.
I want to make this extract because it's fun to make my own stuff and vanilla is yummy. But I also hope to save a little money over the store bought price so I need a good, but inexpensive vodka, and I need to use as few beans per cup as possible while still ending up with a delightfully flavored product.
So I'm looking for input from you. Have you ever made vanilla extract? Care to share your recipe or any tips and tricks?
Here's what I'm thinking about so far. I have 10 vanilla beans and to stretch them I think I'll add 3 cups of vodka (Smirnoff is the brand I've heard recommended the most but don't know if it's the best. Any recommendations?)
Then I'm going to let this set for 6 weeks (I've read as long as 6 months??) in a dark place.
10 split vanilla beans
3 cups vodka
Set 6 weeks
Does this sound like a good plan or should I make some changes? Also, how do you know when it's done? By color? By taste? Help! ; >)
December 7, 2015
Win a Free eBook Cover!
This is for my writer friends! Creativindie is having an amazing Christmas giveaway. They will design your book cover for free! Want to enter for a chance at a new cover? Click here.
Look at these great sample covers.
Look at these great sample covers.
December 6, 2015
Easy Roasted Side-Dishes - Green Beans
Years ago roasted cauliflower became a family favorite. It's absolutely delicious. For some reason I never considered roasting other veggies until I was looking for a green side dish to take to Thanksgiving dinner this year.
I came across a recipe for roasted asparagus. Hmmm ... as yummy as the cauliflower was, I knew this dish could have potential. And boy did it ever! My simple asparagus got as many if not more complements than the much more difficult dishes and everyone wanted the recipe. Yay!
After the success with those two veggies, today I decided to branch out and try green beans. Frozen green beans to be exact. Does it get any simpler than dumping a bag of green beans in a Pyrex dish, drizzling with olive oil, salt and pepper and sticking them in the oven? Nope! Not really. And they're really good too!
Simply Roasted Green Beans
Preheat oven to 450
2 packages frozen green beans (One would be fine too.)Olive OilSaltPepper(!ny other seasoning you enjoy. Garlic would be good.)
Cut open the green bean packages and dump in an oven safe pan. Drizzle with olive oil then add a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Tuck this in the oven (I didn't even stir it.) and bake for about 15 minutes. Take it out and stir the beans around making sure they're all coated with oil at this point and put back in the oven for 10 minutes and repeat. I ended up backing ours about 35 minutes because I like some of the beans to get a little dark (and very tender). You can sample this every time you take it out to stir it. I know some people prefer a crisp green bean and for that it will probably be ready after 15 minutes.
If you use more or less beans you're cooking times will vary. Just keep an eye on it, stirring when you think it needs it. Then take it out of the oven and enjoy a super simple side dish!
***Edited to add: My daughter just told me these 'aren't her favorite" (she says things so nicely). She really likes the cauliflower and asparagus cooked like this but prefers her green beans just cooked with a little bit of water.
I came across a recipe for roasted asparagus. Hmmm ... as yummy as the cauliflower was, I knew this dish could have potential. And boy did it ever! My simple asparagus got as many if not more complements than the much more difficult dishes and everyone wanted the recipe. Yay!
After the success with those two veggies, today I decided to branch out and try green beans. Frozen green beans to be exact. Does it get any simpler than dumping a bag of green beans in a Pyrex dish, drizzling with olive oil, salt and pepper and sticking them in the oven? Nope! Not really. And they're really good too!
Simply Roasted Green Beans
Preheat oven to 450
2 packages frozen green beans (One would be fine too.)Olive OilSaltPepper(!ny other seasoning you enjoy. Garlic would be good.)
Cut open the green bean packages and dump in an oven safe pan. Drizzle with olive oil then add a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Tuck this in the oven (I didn't even stir it.) and bake for about 15 minutes. Take it out and stir the beans around making sure they're all coated with oil at this point and put back in the oven for 10 minutes and repeat. I ended up backing ours about 35 minutes because I like some of the beans to get a little dark (and very tender). You can sample this every time you take it out to stir it. I know some people prefer a crisp green bean and for that it will probably be ready after 15 minutes.
If you use more or less beans you're cooking times will vary. Just keep an eye on it, stirring when you think it needs it. Then take it out of the oven and enjoy a super simple side dish!
***Edited to add: My daughter just told me these 'aren't her favorite" (she says things so nicely). She really likes the cauliflower and asparagus cooked like this but prefers her green beans just cooked with a little bit of water.
