by kathilipp | Dec 29, 2009 | Uncategorized |
We’ve covered books and now it’s on to television! Here are my favorite shows of the year.
Lost (ABC)
Lost ()
We are latecomers to the Lost party, but after a summer of diligent (or perhaps obsessive) Netflixing we are on season 5 and will be fully prepared to catch up with the rest of you island freaks in January for the final season.
Big Bang Theory (hulu)
If you live with an engineer, this is Must See TV. I live with multiple people who have genius IQs and can recite long passages of dialog from Star Trek. If you watch BBT, you will understand why I call myself the non-hot Penny.
The Office (hulu)
It’s like an car wreck. So uncomfortable to watch. So impossible to look away.
The Biggest Loser (nbc.com)
Yes, we watch this with a big bowl of popcorn. But at least it’s diet popcorn.
Mad Men (amc)
No, don’t watch it with your kids. But I can’t get enough of the costumes, the shock of watching pregnant women drink their martinis and all sorts of no nos. And the writing, the glorious writing is impeccable. LOVE I)
We are latecomers to the Lost party, but after a summer of diligent (or perhaps obsessive) Netflixing we are on season 5 and will be fully prepared to catch up with the rest of you island freaks in January for the final season.
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Big Bang Theory (CBS)
If you live with an engineer, this is Must See TV. I live with multiple people who have genius IQs and can recite long passages of dialog from Star Trek. If you watch BBT, you will understand why I call myself the non-hot Penny.
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The Office (Hulu)
It’s like an car wreck. So uncomfortable to watch. So impossible to look away.
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.The Biggest Loser (Hulu)
Yes, we watch this with a big bowl of popcorn. But at least it’s diet popcorn.
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.Mad Men (AMC)
No, don’t watch it with your kids. But I can’t get enough of the costumes, the shock of watching pregnant women drink their martinis and all sorts of no nos. And the writing, the glorious writing is impeccable. LOVE IT.
What TV shows have dedicated space on your DVR or do you always catch on Hulu?
by kathilipp | Dec 28, 2009 | Uncategorized |
As I was thinking of some of my favorite fiction books, the books of several local author friends came to mind. I could not – in good conscious – pick up any certain one from them as that would be like a mom choosing her favorite kid. So I decided to ask them to introduce to you one of their books that they felt is either their favorite, their most fun to write or was the one that best represents them.
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The Red Siren by MaryLu Tyndall
The Red Siren, because it’s an exciting, adventurous, romantic swashbuckling adventure that was a lot of fun to write. What’s not to love about a lady pirate who falls in love with the British Naval captain assigned to capture her?
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Exp
osure by Brandilyn Collins
Have readers try Exposure, my latest adult novel and a bestseller. Like all my Seatbelt Suspense® novels, it features a fast pace from page one, multi-layered characterization, multiple twists, and a faith element that arises naturally from the cataclysmic events.
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Only Uni by Camy Tang
I would suggest my second Sushi book, Only Uni, because I think Trish’s character is one most people relate to as opposed to Lex, the heroine of book one in the series. Also, Trish’s struggles seem to have resonated with more people than Lex’s, if my fan mail is anything to go by. Trish’s struggles are very personal for me because they’re similar to what I had to deal with when I was still single.
Here are another two books that I enjoyed reading this year.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
What were your favorite fiction books of 2009?
by kathilipp | Dec 27, 2009 | Uncategorized |
As 2009 is rapidly drawing to a close, I thought I’d spend this week highlighting some of my favorites of 2009. The week will begin with my favorite non-fiction books of 2009.
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My Life in France by Julia Child
I love this book, not only as an eater (oh to read some of the descriptions of what Julia and Paul not only cooked, but ate, is truly jaw-dropping) but as a writer as well. Poor Juila and her co-authors went through several renditions (not to mention a couple of publisher) for their tour de force Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Any author who reads her struggles can’t help but feel a kinship.
And – I love Julia’s relationship with her husband Paul. They rocked the love stuff.
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The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
If my kids ever complain about their childhood, I am going to hand them a copy of this book. It is amazing the power we have over our own lives.
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So Long, Status Quo: What I Learned from Women Who Changed the World by Susy Flory
Susy is a brave, excellent writer and I dare you not to be inspired to go do something great.
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Celebrations of Discipline by Richard Foster
I read this book every year – but have never written about it on the blog, so I thought I would share what Richard Foster means to me. I have never read anyone who has given so much grace for not being the perfect Christian, yet at the same time can show me the value of a life lived in discipline.
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Halfway to Each Other by Susan Pohlman
This was recommended to me by my agent Rachelle (you can see her list of “best of’s” here) (It’s only fair – I gave her the title of one of my favorite fiction books The Help, which she spotlighted on her list.)
This is the true story of a couple whose marriage is falling apart and in a last ditch effort to avoid divorce, move to Italy and leave their overscheduled, overstressed life in Southern California behind.
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BTW – I am in the middle of a book that I am thoroughly enjoying – The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance – a fuller report when I am done!
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Now – my question for you – what are the best non-fiction books of your 2009. Come on… I have a lot of plane rides this spring and I need some good stuff!
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by kathilipp | Dec 20, 2009 | Christmas |
Playing a little holiday game here – tell me what your holiday musts are in the following categories:
Movies
Cookies
Traditional Family Gifts
Food
Outing
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Here are my five:
Movie – It’s a Wonderful Life
I was watching this movie on lazy Saturday afternoons before Hallmark started producing ornaments with George Bailey’s face on them. It is the best redemption story out there and you can’t get through the movies without crying –even if you are a big strong guy (right Roger?)
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Cookies – Mexican Wedding Cakes/Russian Tea Cakes
My mom makes these yummy-powdered-sugar-balls of love every single year and they ARE Christmas. Check out this post on how to make these extra special cookies.
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Traditional Family Gifts- Chocolate Orange
It’s easy. Whack ’em on a table and eat. Yum. If Santa doesn’t get one for every kid (and Roger still considers himself a kid) I am in big trouble.
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Food – Broccoli Casserole
I love me some Broccoli Casserole – a long-standing tradition in our family. Mayo, condensed soup, and Ritz crackers. And now, I pass my family’s white trash heritage on to you:
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Broccoli Casserole
2 Eggs – Beaten
2 T Green Onions – chopped
1 Can Celery Soup
1 Cup Mayonnaise
2 boxes frozen broccoli
8 oz grated cheddar cheese
1 tube Ritz Crackers
1 cube butter
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the first four ingredients in a bowl.
Par boil broccoli and drain.
Mix the broccoli into the first four ingredients. Pour into an 8×8 casserole dish.
Sprinkle the cheese on top of the casserole.
Melt the butter.
Crush the tube of Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter. Cover over the casserole.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
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Outings – Looking at Christmas lights while listening to Trans-Syberian Orchestra
Here is a map of Christmas lights around the Bay Area. For all my homies. However, almost every paper in the country has a guide on their website.
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OK – now it’s your turn – tell me what you need to make it Christmas…
by kathilipp | Dec 17, 2009 | Christmas |
A week of (virtual) shopping and we made it! Are you inspired? Do you have some new ideas either from my list, or from the great comments? Are any of you actually done shopping? (I know there are always you highly organized ones lurking out there)
Let’s finish up the list!
17. Cherished Moments. One Christmas, my friend Vikki received a “Memory Jar” from her friend Dawn just before Dawn moved out of state. On pieces of paper Dawn wrote her favorite memories they’d shared and put them in a decorative jar. Now, even though they’re apart, they keep filling the jar by adding things they continue to remember or new memories they make on trips to visit each other.
18. Family Field trip. Give a family membership to a local museum or zoo. Be sure to find out what special events and benefits exist for members: a special newsletter for kids, members-only hours, discounts on programs and at the gift shop.
19. Total Control. A master remote control will let your guy have reign over the stereo, DVD player, VCR, TV, and surround sound all at once. There are many basic remotes that will do the job for under $20.
20. Baby Blessing. When our kids were young, our neighbors prepaid our baby sitter for five hours. We had a wonderful night out, and our kids had a great night in with their favorite baby sitter. If that’s still out of budget for you, do the baby-sitting yourself.
by kathilipp | Dec 16, 2009 | Christmas |
I’m all out of alliteration for my list of budget ideas, but these are just as good as the others-
13. Custom Costuming. Stretch your children’s imaginations. Decorate a box to hold cast-off uniforms, jewelry, hats, and shoes to create a treasure chest of dress-up clothes.
14. Play It Again. Make a recording of yourself reading your child’s favorite book so he can hear it over and over. This gift will be appreciated by your child as well as the baby sitter! Many .mp3 players have a “record” feature or you could make a CD with your computer. (Ask an older child or a neighbor teen to show you if you don’t know how.)
15. Auto Shop. For the car lover, grab a bucket and fill it with car-care items: chamois, wheel cleaner, glass cleaner, leather conditioner, and an air freshener. Many of these items can be purchased in “trial size” bottles at an auto parts shop. (If you’re lucky, you may get your car cleaned, too.)
16. Personal Shopper for Dad. Offer to shop for the women in your dad’s life. If your father’s anything like mine, this is the best gift you can give him—and your mom!
by kathilipp | Dec 15, 2009 | Christmas |
More thrifty but thoughtful gift ideas!
9. Plastic or Paper? Both! Give your child’s teacher a gift card to your local bookstore, coffee shop, or café, along with a note of appreciation. In Proverbs 12:25, it says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”
10. Game Time. Age-appropriate games are great to play in the classroom on rainy days. Plus, they often go on sale at rock-bottom prices in the weeks after Thanksgiving.
11. Subscribe Today. Do you have a budding shutterbug in the family? Show your support for your child’s passion by giving him or her a subscription to a photography magazine. Buy the current issue off the newsstand and wrap it up with a homemade coupon good for photo printing.
12. Trinkets for Teachers. Disposable cameras, roller-ball pens, note cards, and stamps are often expenses that come out of the teacher’s pocket. Say out loud, “My child’s teacher does not want another mug!”
What was the best gift you received that was under $10?
by kathilipp | Dec 14, 2009 | Christmas |
TUESDAY 12/15/09
Schedule 12/14/09 20:00
Sendible 12/14/09 20:15 12 hours until 12/15/09 9:00
5. Coupon Craze. My friend Tokoshi is a genius at flower arranging. As a gift to me, she printed coupons redeemable for floral arranging lessons taught by her. She put the coupons in a bag with floral scissors and a list of other items I needed to bring to “school”. Whether your coupons are to teach your niece to bake or your mom to scuba dive, you’ll be giving two gifts in one: the lessons and your time.
6. This Is Your Life. When my friend Linda turned 50, her best friend gave her the issue of Life magazine from the week she was born. This inexpensive gift she scooped up at an antique store was the hit of the party.
7. Letter Brigade. My friend Bill wanted to give his wife, Patti, something special while staying within their newlywed budget. On the sly, Bill contacted Patti’s closest friends and relatives and asked them to write letters to her about why she’s special to them. Bill had the letters mailed to his office, then wrapped them up to give Patti on Christmas.
8. Reading Room. For your child’s teacher, try an age-appropriate book signed by your child to add to the in-class library.
Today I continue my list of thoughtful, yet thrifty Christmas gifts.
5. Reading Room. For your child’s teacher, try an age-appropriate book signed by your child to add to the in-class library.
6. This Is Your Life. When my friend Linda turned 50, her best friend gave her the issue of Life magazine from the week she was born. This inexpensive gift she scooped up at an antique store was the hit of the party.
7. Letter Brigade. My friend Bill wanted to give his wife, Patti, something special while staying within their newlywed budget. On the sly, Bill contacted Patti’s closest friends and relatives and asked them to write letters to her about why she’s special to them. Bill had the letters mailed to his office, then wrapped them up to give Patti on Christmas.
8. Coupon Craze. My friend Tokoshi is a genius at flower arranging. As a gift to me, she printed coupons redeemable for floral arranging lessons taught by her. She put the coupons in a bag with floral scissors and a list of other items I needed to bring to “school”. Whether your coupons are to teach your niece to bake or your mom to scuba dive, you’ll be giving two gifts in one: the lessons and your time.
by kathilipp | Dec 13, 2009 | Christmas |
MONDAY 12/14/09
Schedule 12/13/09 20:00
Sendible 12/13/09 20:15 12 hours until 12/14/09 9:00
The first year I wasn’t working full-time at Christmas, my husband and I tightened our belts in every way possible, including trimming our Christmas gift budget.
As I tried to figure out how to still spread holiday cheer, it dawned on me the most meaningful presents I’d received weren’t things that could be purchased at a mall: the black-and-white picture of our son, Justen, in an antique frame; a rosebush my friend Barbara helped me plant in our backyard; a series of Bible verses my friend Katie put in bright yellow frames; my grandmother’s recipe box my mom gave me after Grandma Edna passed away.
I realized then, I, too could come up with thoughtful gifts yet stay within our Christmas budget. This week, I’ll highlight 20 inexpensive gift ideas that convey the love of Christ in a special way to others.
With a little prayer, creativity, and thoughtful planning, you’ll have gifts that will be both lovingly given and joyfully received.
Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.
1. Now You’re Cookin’. People constantly look for new dishes to put on their table. Why not compile the recipes you’re famous for into a hand-made cookbook? For an extra treat, add a jar of homemade salsa to inspire the future cook. (salsa http://bit.ly/8C5yY3)
2. Two-for-Two. One Christmas, my friend Kimberly, who lives 400 miles away, gave me a one-year devotional with this note: “I bought two copies of this book—one for me and one for you. Even though we live apart, we’ll always be on the same page.” (http://bit.ly/8JDX2A)
3. Order It Up. Order prints of your favorite snapshots from throughout the year. When I scroll through the pictures on my computer, I jot down a note of who gets what. With many retailers offering online uploads, you can upload your pictures and pick up the prints when they are ready. One year I came across a great picture of my mom and daughter. While still at the drugstore, I found a frame for it. Instantly, I had the perfect Christmas gift for my hard-to-buy-for mom.
4. Memory Makers. Here’s another way to maximize prints: Take a selection of pictures and slip them into a memory book to send to faraway relatives. Sure you could email them, or send a link to a digital album, but there’s nothing like flipping through photos in hand. This also allows people who don’t use email or the computer to see your family. Costco has offers 4×6” prints for as little as 13¢ each! (http://www.costcophotocenter.com/)
The first year I wasn’t working full-time at Christmas, my husband and I tightened our belts in every way possible, including trimming our Christmas gift budget.
As I tried to figure out how to still spread holiday cheer, it dawned on me the most meaningful presents I had received weren’t things that could be purchased at a mall: the black-and-white picture of our son, Justen, in an antique frame; a rosebush my friend Barbara helped me plant in our backyard; a series of Bible verses my friend Katie put in bright yellow frames; my grandmother’s recipe box my mom gave me after Grandma Edna passed away.
I realized then, I too could come up with thoughtful gifts, yet stay within our Christmas budget. This week, I’ll highlight 20 inexpensive gift ideas that convey the love of Christ in a special way to others.
With a little prayer, creativity, and thoughtful planning, you’ll have gifts that will be both lovingly given and joyfully received.
1. Now You’re Cookin’. People constantly look for new dishes to put on their table. Why not compile the recipes you’re famous for into a hand-made cookbook? For an extra treat, add a jar of to inspire the future cook.
2. Two-for-Two. One Christmas, my friend Kimberly, who lives 400 miles away, gave me a one-year with this note: “I bought two copies of this book—one for me and one for you. Even though we live apart, we’ll always be on the same page.”
3. Order It Up. Order prints of your favorite snapshots from throughout the year. When I scroll through the pictures on my computer, I jot down a note of who gets what. With many retailers offering online uploads, you can upload your pictures and pick up the prints when they are ready. One year I came across a great picture of my mom and daughter. While still at the drugstore, I found a frame for it. Instantly, I had the perfect Christmas gift for my hard-to-buy-for mom.
4. Memory Makers. Here’s another way to maximize prints: Take a selection of pictures and slip them into a memory book to send to faraway relatives. Sure you could email them, or send a link to a digital album, but there’s nothing like flipping through photos in hand. This also allows people who don’t use email or the computer to see your family. Costco offers 4×6” prints for as little as 13¢ each!
What ideas do you have to share?
by kathilipp | Dec 10, 2009 | Christmas |
I hope this week has given you some good gift ideas that maybe you hadn’t though of before, either through my posting, or through comments others have shared. If you have not started, now would be a good time to get some paper and make a plan.
Who are you buying for? What is your budget? Break that down for each gift. Withdraw cash if you need to, so you aren’t tempted to overspend. Here’s a simple form you can use to get started.
Next week will feature simple, creative and meaningful gift ideas. If you have the time this weekend, make a plan!
