Blog

Cardinal rule

by Karen, posted in books, no fear, writing

I have a cardinal rule with books that stretches all the way back to my college years and here it is: I never write in a book. It feels like defacement to me to write in or on a book. I went through four years of college and two years of nursing school (not to … Continue reading Cardinal rule

Wicked good? Not!

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, health, local fun, no fear, restaurants, Someone's gotta say it, tweens

I recently visited a popular restaurant in Wells, one that I go to frequently. Usually I go with my husband but this time I was with  my daughter. We went there on Saturday. My twelve-year-old picked the restaurant and was excited to be going out for lunch with her mom. My preference is always to … Continue reading Wicked good? Not!

Resolved!

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food

For 2012, I decided that I wanted to use more coupons when shopping, especially for food. Okay, so I haven't been using ANY coupons lately when food shopping. It's not my fault!!! I have the best of intentions!!! I remove the circulars from the Sunday and sometimes Friday newspapers. I diligently cut out the ones … Continue reading Resolved!

Another book to read

by Karen, posted in books, Date night, Marriage, relationships, writing

The Secret Lives of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes to Stay Married by Iris Krasnow My rating: 4 of 5 stars I thought this book rocked. I was especially happy to find it when I did: at the end of my writing "How to Stay Married in Midlife" and launched the "Sharpen Your … Continue reading Another book to read

A very interesting book

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, baking, books, family, friends

Breaking Bread: Recipes and Stories from Immigrant Kitchens by Lynne Christy Anderson My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was mostly interested in the story told by the immigrant from Italy, and I was not disappointed. The woman's words were very compelling to me. She talked about the difference between growing up in Italian culture, … Continue reading A very interesting book

Mary Ann Esposito’s new book

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food

Ciao Italia Family Classics: More than 200 Treasured Recipes from 3 Generations of Italian Cooks by Mary Ann Esposito My rating: 5 of 5 stars It's by Mary Ann Esposito...what else do you really need to know? Well, here's one thing: follow her on Facebook: she is quite generous with her tips and recipes! View … Continue reading Mary Ann Esposito’s new book

Finishing my (first) book

by Karen, posted in books, education, my one word, no fear, writing

My One Word (aka New Year's Resolution) for 2011 was to finish my book. Instead, I wrote a second one. What's that about? Well, what I told myself at the time was that I was following a strategy that Stephen King advocated in On Writing, where you put your "finished" manuscript into a drawer and … Continue reading Finishing my (first) book

My one word, 2012

by Karen, posted in friends, Holidays, my one word

Last year I was inspired by My One Word to choose one word as my New Year's Resolution.  I chose "Edit", which soon morphed into two words, "Focus". I optimistically wrote my words on an index card (one on each side, so I was still looking at just one word at a time!) and put … Continue reading My one word, 2012

Not wasting my vacation

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, friends, Holidays, local fun, movies, restaurants, shopping, tweens, yoga

I think that it's very important to get out of your rut--I mean, routine--on your vacation week. This is especially challenging, of course, if you are taking (yet another) staycation. Having part of your time off fall during the holidays can make it a little easier to break out...as in the  "Hel-lo? What day is … Continue reading Not wasting my vacation

Homemade eggrolls with friends

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, friends, Marriage, quest for the best, relationships

Last spring (we finally agreed that it was in the spring; I thought it was in the summer) my husband and I got together with another couple of friends to make authentic homemade egg rolls. Our friends make them every 3 or 4 months at home, but were gracious enough to drive an hour and … Continue reading Homemade eggrolls with friends