Children's Books and Coca-Cola

During the Book Nook segment today, we spoke with Kathryn Cloward, author of the new children's book, "KATHRYN THE GRAPE: JUST LIKE MAGIC". You will fall in love with Kathryn and her magical butterfly friend-Maggie. The book teaches that each of us has our own magic within and children will discover their own strength and fearlessness, learn about making new friends and learn the importance of helping others. The book is the first in the series and Kathryn's next book, "KATHRYN THE GRAPE: COLORFUL ADVENTURE", is due out in June. I encourage you to check out her website at http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/. After interviewing Kathryn, I thought about books that I read to my children. One of my all-time favorites, (and one that I like to give to new moms) is "I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER". I don't remember the author's name, but it is a fantastic book. The main phrase throughout the book, and one that I still say to my (now grown) children is this: "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as you're living, my baby you'll be!". Today is Love Your Children Day. No matter what their age(s) make sure you tell them. Although I no longer read this story to my kids, I just want them to know I'LL LOVE THEM FOREVER! Coca-Cola was invented 125 years ago today. A few bits of trivia for you:

• Coca-Cola employes 139,600 people worldwide


• The company has enjoyed 49 consecutive years with increased dividends


• Their product is sold in over 200 countries


• and is celebrating 125 years in business.

Dr. John Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, produced the first syrup and carried a jug of the new product down the street to the Jacobs' Pharmacy where it was sampled and pronounced "excellent". The first glasses of syrup were mixed with carbonated water and sold for five cents!

So enjoy a coke (cherry coke for me!) today.

The Brain, Beliefs and Blueberries

Our brain is such a fascinating part of us. All the information it is able to store, retrieve, process and remember...as well as all the emotional functions that it's capable of performing never ceases to amaze me.

In today's "Book Nook" segment I spoke with Spencer Lord, author of "THE BRAIN MECHANIC-A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO TUNE UP THE MIND AND MAXIMIZE EMOTIONAL HEALTH". It's a concise, entertaining and easy-to-use handbook that demystifies cognitive behavioral therapy. It took only about 90 minutes to read and Mr. Lord shows us how to overcome negativity, anger, depression and more. First he defines what the brain is(Under the Hood), and the different parts to our brain. In section II (The Tune Up) he tells how we can change our beliefs. In the third part, (The Toolbox) he shows us excercizes that we can initiate and the last part of the book deals with the "Action Plan"-5 quick steps to emotional well being. We can't always control the events that happen in our lives and we have limited control over our emotions but Spencer Lord shows us how to control our beliefs. A very fascinating and thought-provoking book....

If you're looking for a quick and easy dessert that you can make in the slow cooker here's a GREAT one....

Blueberry Cobbler

1 (21 oz.) can blueberry pie filling

1 (9 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix

1/4 c. chopped pecans

1/4 c. butter, melted

Vanilla ice cream, optional

Place pie filling in greased 1 1/2 quart slow cooker. sprinkle with dry cake mix and pecans. Drizzle with melted butter. cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or until toppping is golden brown. serve warm with ice cream, if desired. (You can also substitute the blueberry pie filling with apple or cherry pie filling).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to you!

It's hard to believe another has come and gone.

Are you a person who believes in making New Year's resolutions? I like to write down one or two. Something that I can stick to and feel a sense of accomplishment when I reach my goal.

Marsha Egan-business coach, author and consultant (http://www.inboxdetox.com/) says that if you are going to make resolutions for the new year you need to do the following:

1. Write it down. Seeing it print will motivate you to keep going. Post it at your desk, on the refrigerator and/or the bathroom mirror.

2. Make it specific and make it measureable. Don't just say you want to lose weight. Set a specific goal (Say 10 pounds by March 1st or whatever your specifics might be).

3. Be accountable. Share your resolutions/goals with others. You'll be more apt to stay on track if others know about your goals.

4. Pick a goal that will have the most impact. If there are a number of resolutions that you would like to accomplish, begin with the item that will have the most impact.

One of my resolutions is to blog every day after the show. Monday through Friday. Last year, when I scheduled a specific time during the work day to blog, I managed to do it! So I am taking tip number 3 (see above) to heart.

I have posted my goal for all to see. And I'm sure you will all keep me accountable, if I do not stick to my resolution!!!

I read that most people stick to their New Year's resolutions for about 2 months. I plan to make mine work throughout 2011!

What about you?

One of my goals last year, was to read more books in 2010 than I did in 2009. I first started doing the Idea Exchange program in February 2009 and that first year I read 89 books and did 123 interviews.

In 2010, I read 108 books and did 183 interviews. I read so many wonderful books:

"The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin,**** "Saving Cee Cee Hunicutt" by Beth Hoffman, "Life's too short to fold Fitted Sheets" by Lisa Quinn****, "52 Loaves" by William Alexander (it will change the way you think about this wonderful food), "Heroes for my Son" by Brad Meltzer****, (a fantastic gift to someone who is a hero in your life!) "Messages", by Bonnie McEnnay (about survivors from 9-11 and how they have received messages from their deceased loved ones)***** and those were just some of the great ones that I read from January through June.

****denotes the fact that I feel this is a MUST READ kind of book!

I'll save the second half of the year for tomorrow....

In the "Book Nook" this week:

Monday, November 15th: Lesley M. M. Blume, "LET'S BRING BACK"-
a whimsical, beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of forgotten yet delightfully, useful, curious and otherwise commendable things from time gone by. As I read the book, I flagged many little bits and pieces that jogged a memory. For instance: poloroid cameras (I remember seeing the picture develop before my eyes and thinking it was MAGIC!), princess phones (I so badly wanted one as a teenager but received a "slim-line" instead), good Cracker Jack prizes (my favorites: the circus wagon cars), bandstands (we had a raised wooden platform, painted green in the city park where I grew up-we gathered there on warm summer evenings to hear local musicians. It was also the place where my sister and I would pretend we were girlfriends of the Beatles and we would haul park benches onto the stage to form our "apartments"). A fun read to resurrect memories and to spark conversation with other family members.

Wednesday, November 17th: Julie Klamm, "YOU HAD ME AT WOOF-How dogs taught me the secret of happiness".
A fun little book about the pets in our lives, what they can teach us.

Thursday, November 18th: Christine Lindner, this year's Alice in Dairyland will be in studio to talk about the "Something Special from Wisconsin" program-just in time for holiday gift giving...

Friday, November 19th: Debbie Macomber, "GOD'S GUEST LIST", a FANTASTIC read! Debbie makes you think about all the people God has placed in your life for various reasons...It will really give you reason to pause, take stock and look at your relationships in a new way...

Books, Baking Tips and your Brain

We spoke with Dr. Stan Cupery on Tuesday.

Dr. Cupery is a local retired physician. He lived and worked in Beaver Dam for over 25 years and also opened a clinic in nearby Randolph for 5 years. He had started the concept of this novel back in the 1980's but got so busy with his practice and his family that it had to be shelved until recently. His novel, SCARS OF EASTON, is a medical intrigue set in the 1960's. It's always a pleasure to speak with someone from the area. Dr. Cupery's book is available at the Beaver Dam Community Hospital gift shop and also at our local bookstore, Book World.

Did you know you can flavor coconut to enhance your recipes?

One of my listeners called with these tips-

To 1 & 1/3 c. coconut add:

• 1-2 Tbsp. dry JELL-O (any flavor)


• 1/2 tsp. baking cocoa + 1/2 tsp. instant coffee


• 1/4 tsp. imitation maply flavoring


• 2 Tbsp. juice from strawberries or other fruit


• 3-4 tsp. orange juice concentrate

On Wednesday, we talked with Dr. Martha Burns, a practicing clinician and faculty member at Northwestern University, about training kids brains and "brain fitness". Dr. Burns said that during the summer, children can lose much of the knowledge they've gained during the previous school year. We talked about the need for parents to be "pro-active" if they notice that their children are falling behind in their studies. There are various "brain games" that you can engage your children in-30 minutes per day of brain fitness might be just what is needed to make the difference. For more information, you can go to http://www.brainprolearning.com/

I was scheduled to talk with Mari Frank, about her book "THE IDIOTS GUIDE TO IDENTITY THEFT" today, however, she had an unexpected conflict so we have rescheduled that interview for early October. I think almost everyone knows someone who has gotten their identity stolen. Mari is a lawyer and lives in California. She has vested interest in this subject because it also happened to her. This topic should make for a very interesting interview.

Book Nook segments for this week

Here's a run down on what we'll be discussing in the Book Nook segment this week:

Monday, August 16th-Missy Chase Lapine, The Sneaky Chef, will be my guest at 10:05am. Missy is the author of the New York Times bestseller: The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals. She's also a member of Parenting Magazine's team of experts, the "Mom Squad". We'll find out great, creative ways to get kids to eat "healthy"-and her recipes can help each of us as well!

Tuesday, August 17th we'll be talking with Dr. Barbara Hofer about her book "The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up. I'm still reading the book and according to the back of the jacket-every parent of a college-bound high school student should read this book.

Friday, August 20th we'll be discussing back-to-school financial expenses. Pam Krueger, financial expert will be here to talk about budgeting tips and monetary advice for parents.
So tune in if you can and check back here later in the week for updates and summaries.

Books, Bees and Bugs

"Phrase of Fire" Contest
Piece of the puzzle: #3

Fireside Dinner Theater




Emilie Richards was featured in the "Book Nook" segment today. She is the best-selling author (over 60 books) and was with us today to talk about her newest novel, "FORTUNATE HARBOR"- a powerful book about friendships and how good friends are there to support, encourage and guide us. This book, is the second in her "Happiness Key" trilogy. A great summer read, but also one with depth and a suspensful twist. When you've got friends, anything is possible...For more information you can go to http://www.emilierichards.com/

Who are your best friends? If you haven't talked to them in a while, get on the phone, send an email, or better yet, send a handwritten note!

The bugs and bees are out in full force! Bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets can build their nests in trees, bushes, under the eaves or even on the ground. Be careful when walking barefoot! Bees and yellow jackets like sweet things so don't leave open soda cans outside. Honeybees like colored flowers, although they don't like the color red. Red geraniums in your garden or on your porch should be ok.

Kids...and...more Kool-Aid

My interview today was with Dr. M. Maitland DeLand, a radiation oncologist specializing in women's and children's cancers. Her new book, "THE GREAT KATIE KATE TACKLES QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER", is a great picture book to get children talking about their fears.



When a family receives that initial diagnosis it can be devastating. Twenty-five years ago, I was struggling with this issue when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia just prior to her 3rd birthday. (I'm happy to report that she has become a wonderful young woman, and now works for the American Cancer Society). Dr. Deland's book deals with the many questions and worries that children (and their parents) may have, about chemotherapy, the machines used for radiation treatments, the procedures, the hospital stays and much more. She give fear a silly name, "The Worry Wombat" and shows us how talking through the tough issues with the doctors, nurses and parents can help alleviate those worries and fears. A great book!

How about a Kool-Aid float this holiday weekend?

In large pitchers mix 3 envelopes unsweetened strawberry Kool-Aid with 3 c. sugar and 6 c. cold water according to the package directions. Stir in 1 (12 oz.) can orange juice concentrate, thawed. Just before serving add 1 quart ginger ale. Pour into tall glasses. Add scoops of raspberry sherbet. Top with a dollop of Cool Whip and a few blueberries and you've got yourself a very patriotic beverage!

Tip of the day: If you're going to be out partying or picnicking this weekend and the flies are bothering you try this: Take 6-7 pennies, place in a small zip-lock bag with a little bit of water. Hang up near your picnic area and the flies will not bother you! I haven't tried this yet, but intend to put it to use... Let me know if it works for you

Quote of the day: What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger

(A favorite quote of my "Katie-Kate")

Dad's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's and Grandpa's...

A special tribute to my Dad...he has always been there for me, as well as all of his children and grandchildren. The best "whistler" in the county or for that matter the state! Always cheerful and ready to help anyone in need. When my five siblings and I were growing up, he used to perform"magic" for us (on Saturday nights, after our baths) and he could pull Hershey candy bars our of ears! AMAZING, right? Funny thing is, upon reflection today, it seems to me he always needed to wear a grey sweater before attempting the magic.
And homemade pizza! Another Saturday night tradition. He'd begin in the early afternoon to mix the dough and let it rise. Thin crust with lots of mozzarella cheese and sauce. We always had "just cheese" for our topping-I think that's because he didn't like any other toppings! Lots of wonderful memories growing up with my Dad.

Happy Father's Day! I LOVE YOU!-

I hope you know this, even if I don't say it often enough

We talked with Todd Davis today. He's written a great book "HANDYDAD: 25 awesome projects for Dads and Kids"

Lots of great projects that can be completed in a few hours or a weekend. The book has many photographs, detailed instructions and easy to follow instructions. It's kid tested, mom approved and easy enough for Dad's of all levels of expertise! (Chronicle Books, $24.95)

Audio Books and Automobiles

School is almost out for the summer and kids 8-18 years old, spend almost 4 hours a day in front the TV and 2 more hours on the computer playing video games, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Do you realize that's HALF A DAY wasted on mindless television?

If you want to encourage your children to continue to read this summer you should introduce them to audio books.

We talked with Jennifer Egan, about her new audio book, "A Visit From the Goon Squad". The book is written like a "mini series" with a total of 8 cd's and has wide appeal for all ages.

We also talked about traveling tips. Are you going to be taking a vacation this summer (There are only 20 days left until the "official first day of summer!").

• If you'll be camping: collect the dryer lint in a Ziploc bag to use as a starter. It weighs almost nothing, ignites right away and saves you from having to gather kindling.


• Document your travels with postcards. Jot down a few sentences on the backs. At the end of the trip add the notes to a memories box with cards from other journeys. You have photos as well as a journal


• Next time you take a road trip with a group, buy little car flags from the dollar store and have everyone mount them on their vehicles. You’ll be able to spot each easily.


• The disposable caps in hotel bathrooms make great shoe covers. Just slip a cap over each shoe and you won’t have to worry about getting everything else in your suitcase dirty.


• Here is a fun use for foreign change: attach a piece of magnetic tape to the back of the coin and voila- instant fridge magnet. It makes for an inexpensive souvenir! (I am definetely going to use this tip. I have coins from my trip to England just sitting in my jewelry box taking up space).

Today's Quote: "Positive anything is better than negative nothing."

If you want to taste the BEST lemonade ever, here is recipe I shared last week:

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

8 c. water

1 1/2 c. lemon juice (juice from lemons or Real Lemon juice)

Combine sugar and 1 c. of water in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled. Remove seeds from lemons; squeeze juice, retaining pulp, if desired. In large pitcher, combine syrup with remaining water (7 c.) and lemon juice.

It's called "BEST EVER LEMONADE" and it really is!