Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Tales from the Indies -- Sales Report 2-2-2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
What a Tightwad Almuerzo (Lunch)!
After I made my first Imitation Tuna Fish Recipe, decided to get a masher because crushing the garbanzo beans with a fork was hard work. So, of course, as a tightwad, I made an attempt to find a masher at a good price.
Without a car, I am limited in my options but I make the best of it. Below are four mashers I found at the grocery store, in order of price: $24.90, 55.03, 69.00, 99.00 (pesos).
Each masher had a different patterned foot. I choose No. 1 for $24.90 not just because of price but because the foot pattern (a square of little squares) seemed the best for my purposes and I felt plastic might last longer than a metal one that could rust.
Imitation Tuna Fish
Ingredients:
6 Tbspns cooked garbanzo beans, drained
1/8 - 1/4 Red onion, diced
1 Heaping Tbspn Mayo
1 Tbspn Pickle relish
4-5 Twists from Black Pepper grinder
4-5 Shakes Paprika
2 Slices Multi-Grain Bread, toasted
Process:
Place garbanzo beans in a bowl.
Mash well with a fork.
Add onion, mayo, relish and seasonings to taste.
Stir well. Mash beans some more if necessary.
Spread a tablespoon of mixture on a slice of toast.
Top with second slice.
Cut sandwich in half.
Option: add teaspoon of leftover sardine oil or salmon juice.
Updated: 1/14/16
Without a car, I am limited in my options but I make the best of it. Below are four mashers I found at the grocery store, in order of price: $24.90, 55.03, 69.00, 99.00 (pesos).
Each masher had a different patterned foot. I choose No. 1 for $24.90 not just because of price but because the foot pattern (a square of little squares) seemed the best for my purposes and I felt plastic might last longer than a metal one that could rust.
Following my Imitation Tuna Salad recipe (see recipe below), I used my new masher and it worked great! Also, I used a spatula to get the last of the mayo from the jar. But, this time I added 1 teaspoon of frozen canned salmon juice I had saved which gave the dish that fishy taste. I think Sardines and Canned Salmon are still sustainable seafood products from what I've read.
Also, I toasted one slice and the end piece from the last of a multigrain loaf of bread in a skillet. I do love the end pieces.
Also, I had some leftover soup. I can stretch a can of ready-made soup into three meals. Also, I get one almuerzo with servicio a domicillco a week, including a soup, I can make three meals out of one almuerzo.
For the beverage, I used my carbonated water maker, some leftover tonic water, a plastic glass I saved from a frozen dessert, and wedge of a lime given to me from a neighbor who has lime tree in her garden, to make a tonic water spritzer.
Ingredients:
6 Tbspns cooked garbanzo beans, drained
1/8 - 1/4 Red onion, diced
1 Heaping Tbspn Mayo
1 Tbspn Pickle relish
4-5 Twists from Black Pepper grinder
4-5 Shakes Paprika
2 Slices Multi-Grain Bread, toasted
Process:
Place garbanzo beans in a bowl.
Mash well with a fork.
Add onion, mayo, relish and seasonings to taste.
Stir well. Mash beans some more if necessary.
Spread a tablespoon of mixture on a slice of toast.
Top with second slice.
Cut sandwich in half.
Option: add teaspoon of leftover sardine oil or salmon juice.
Updated: 1/14/16
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Carrot, Raisin & Almond Salad
I am thrilled with this recipe.
OMG!!! I even did my first test recipe (much smaller than original). It was a bit sweeter than the final recipe, but it tasted good. I am overjoyed at the success of this recipe. I am never sure of what I am doing. I worried about ruining a 600g bag of shredded carrots. I use a new spoon for everything because I worry about cross contamination of who knows what. I wash my hands after almost every step.
Carrot, Raisin & Almond Salad
(adapted from several recipes including http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/classic_carrot_salad/)
Ingredients:
4 cups carrots, shredded
1/2 cup raisins
2 level teaspoons of almonds, slivers
2 level tablespoons mayo
2 level tablespoons yogurt, plain
2 level teaspoons coconut cream
1/2 a capful of lime juice concentrate
Process:
Servings 4
Notes:
Used almost whole 600g bag of shredded carrots.
OMG!!! I even did my first test recipe (much smaller than original). It was a bit sweeter than the final recipe, but it tasted good. I am overjoyed at the success of this recipe. I am never sure of what I am doing. I worried about ruining a 600g bag of shredded carrots. I use a new spoon for everything because I worry about cross contamination of who knows what. I wash my hands after almost every step.
Carrot, Raisin & Almond Salad
(adapted from several recipes including http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/classic_carrot_salad/)
Ingredients:
4 cups carrots, shredded
1/2 cup raisins
2 level teaspoons of almonds, slivers
2 level tablespoons mayo
2 level tablespoons yogurt, plain
2 level teaspoons coconut cream
Process:
- First, add the carrots and raisins into the large bowl of a container with a lid.
- Then, crush almonds in the palms of your hands before adding.
- Add mayo, yogurt & coconut cream.
- Add the lime juice.
- Stir well to coat the carrots, raisins & almonds.
- Cover and refrigerate.
Servings 4
Notes:
Used almost whole 600g bag of shredded carrots.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Meet Hannah Crawford - Writer, Editor and Publication Specialist at The Write Place
Interview
Hannah Crawford
Writer and Editor
a small independent
publisher
Pella,
IA
Hello, Hannah:
 |
| Hannah Crawford Writer & Editor The Write Place |
Thank you for agreeing to do an interview for my blog.
As a the Write Place (WP) client and self-published author, I am always curious about how the publishing side works.
WP offers a wide variety of services from writing, editing, design, marketing and more. So, I am excited about this interview.
Q. How long have you been with the Write Place?
A. I joined the Write Place in 2011 as the book division coordinator.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?
A. The variety of books people bring to us for publication. I’ve been able to work with authors on children’s books, poetry books, memoirs, novels, history, photo books…I’m sure there are more that I’m not thinking of right now!
Q. As a writer and editor for the WP, are there some favorite projects you have worked on and why? Were there some projects that presented unforeseen issues? If so, what were some of those issues?
A. One of my favorite projects was the winner of our 2014 Book Contest, Lost in the Tallgrass. I loved the story so much, it was truly a pleasure to work with the author throughout the editing process.
It seems like every book project has something new or unexpected that comes up during the production process. Oftentimes this is the author wanting to add additional photos or text at the last minute. Fortunately we can usually accommodate them and still meet their deadline—but sometimes we have to remind them that it might be time to let their baby go!
Q. What advice would you give to a new author seeking to use the WP self-publishing services?
A. Keep in mind that publication is just the beginning. For your book to succeed, you have to have a solid marketing plan. This can be as much work, if not more, than writing the book itself.
Q. What is the typical the WP production process for a self-published eBook or Book?
A. We provide a wide range of services, and not all authors take advantage of all of them. This means that there really is no “typical project.”
But just as an example: an author comes to us with a completed manuscript and wants us to usher it through the entire production process. We’d start with editing, then develop a cover design and interior design. Once the author is happy with the text and design, we’d lay out the entire book. We then send it to a print on demand printer, so the author can order as many copies as he or she wants. We’d also set it up for distribution through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other online sites.
Q. What are some typical costs to produce an eBook?
A. It depends on the complexity and length of the eBook. I’d be happy to provide a quote for anyone interested!
Q. Are there some common misconceptions new authors have about self-publishing using TWP services?
A. The WP has been providing a wide range of publishing services to business clients and authors for many years. The WP must have gone through many technological changes as the print industry changes.
Q. What are some innovations TWP has adopted?
Technology is what makes our business possible—without print on demand, it just wouldn’t be economically feasible for many authors to publish their book.
Q. Does the TWP participate in any book conventions or writing workshops?
A few years ago I attended the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College and discussed self-publishing with some of the authors who were attending. That was a blast!
Q. What do you see in the future for eBook and POD publishing?
I see the technology, especially for eBooks, becoming increasingly accessible and flexible. I’m sure there is amazing technology people are developing right now that I can’t even imagine!
Thanks Hannah, it has been a pleasure working with you and the WP staff. Thanks for the interview.
WP Locations
Pella, IA and Lakeville, MN
WP Media
https://www.facebook.com/thewriteplace
https://twitter.com/writeplacebiz
Wordpress
https://bookplaceblog.wordpress.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Ovaltine - My Way
One common refrain you will hear from expats is their difficulty in finding various favorite food items from back home, here in Merida.
One food item I can't find is Ovaltine, a chocolate powdered drink mix. I have used Mexico's coca powdered mixes and they are good, but there's something about Ovaltine that makes it different.
But, I got lucky, a relative brought me lots of Ovaltine, so I am enjoying a variety of Ovaltine drinks!
One food item I can't find is Ovaltine, a chocolate powdered drink mix. I have used Mexico's coca powdered mixes and they are good, but there's something about Ovaltine that makes it different.
But, I got lucky, a relative brought me lots of Ovaltine, so I am enjoying a variety of Ovaltine drinks!
Using milk (light) as a base and adding 2-3 heaping teaspoons of Ovaltine, I am making:
Iced Ovaltine
Hot Ovaltine, plain or
with a bit powdered orange drink mix, or
with a bit of coffee, or
with a bit of vanilla flavoring
Ovaltine Frappuccino
For more info on Ovaltine:
What's in Ovaltine?
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Netflix Ponders Remake of Lost in Space
Netflix may do a remake of Lost in Space
 |
| Cast from original Lost in Space Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lost_In_Space.jpg |
The only reason I watched the original Lost in Space was Guy Williams, a unique actor.
I've read the article and the remake may just be another space flick, indistinguishable from other space flicks, whereas the original Lost in Space had its own special personality. Sadly, from the gossip I've heard, "Dr. Smith" wrecked havoc on the original Lost in Space.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Tales from Indies: Smashwords Writers Anthology Blog Tour 2015
Tales from Indies:
Smashwords Forum Writers Anthology 2015
Blog Tour
Just in time for the Holidays. This free (with coupon) collection of eleven pieces, with an international flavor, includes short stories, an essay and chapters from completed works with themes ranging from science-fiction, fantasy, historical retellings, to paranormal romance.
Tales from Indies writers are: Bret Allen, John Chapman, Shelia Chapman, Şerban Valentin Constantin Enache, Julie Harris, Kell Inkston, Alan James, Ian Kotze, Jennifer R. Povey, Ria Stone, and Bonnie Turner.
New and experienced writers, join Smashwords Forum to explore and meet other writers of all ages and genres as well to gain useful tips about formatting, writing, promotion, cover art design, coding, and more.
*The Smashwords Forum is an independent website
not affiliated with Smashwords.
Tales from Indies Anthology
Coupon: BU68H
Follow the links for each writer and
explore the complete collection of their works.
November 16, 2015
SWF Founder, Ted Summerfield - punzhupuzzles.wordpress.com/
Introduction to SWF
November 17, 2015
Ria Stone - riastoneblog.blogspot.mx
Ted Summerfield SWF profile
November, 2015
Bret Allen - www.bretallen.info
PR
November, 2015
Julie Harris - https://www.facebook.com/julieharrisauthor/
PR
December, 2015
Ian Kotze - insanityexpressed.blogspot.mx
Article on his works
December 19, 2015
Ria Stone, riastoneblog.blogspot.mx,
Interview with Hannah Crawford, Publishing Consultant, The Write Place
December 20, 2015
Jennifer R. Povey - http://jenniferrpovey.blogspot.mx
A little history on Saturday Night at the Wonderland Club
December, 2015
Bonnie Turner - my.athenet.net/~aurorawolf
PR
December, 2015
David Ellis - http://www.davidebooks.com/posts/review-swf-anthology-2015/
A review of Tales from Indies: Smashwords Forum Writers Anthology 2015
December, 2015
David Ellis - http://www.davidebooks.com/posts/review-swf-anthology-2015/
A review of Tales from Indies: Smashwords Forum Writers Anthology 2015
Websites/Blogs for other Anthology Authors
John Chapman - avestedinterest.info
Shelia Chapman - avestedinterest.info
Şerban V.C. Enache - serbanvcenache.blogspot.ro/
Kell Inkston - kellinkston.com
Alan James - http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AlanJames
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