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...

Gratitude and Guests

Today's Quote:
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it."-William Arthur Ward

I spoke with Walter Green today in the "Book Nook" segment. Walter has writtten a very powerful book, "THIS IS THE MOMENT". He recorded his year long journey (victory lap as he calls it), contacting 44 individuals who impacted his life. The book is divided into three sections: how and why he chose to make this voyage, his life story and the final section gives the reader helpful hints and tips on how to arrange your own "journey". You don't have to contact 44 people. Just start with one. His website can get you started and in this season of "Thankfulness" ...why not give it a try.
His website is www.thisisthemoment.com

We also implemented a new feature on the show-"Morning Blend with Marsha". Marsha Egan is a business efficiency expert and she will be my guest every 3rd Monday to discuss topics that will help us all achieve our best personal, professional and organizational goals.
For more information on Marsha, check out her website: www.InboxDetox.com . Today, Marsha gave great tips on email.

• Avoid using reply all.
• Copy fewer people-copy only people in critical need of the info.
• Stop using BCC. Blind copies are secretive.
• Avoid one-word responses. You don't need to reply "Thank-you" or "Great" or "OK".
• Resist forwarding. You don't need to send it on to clutter up someone else's email box.
• Don't send email when angry or emotional.
• Pick up the phone. Sometimes messages need to be finalized with a quick phone call.

And if you are expecting holiday guests (for either Thanksgiving or Christmas), keep these tips in mind...

• Test drive the guest room. (Sleep in the bed. Is it comfy? Fix drafty windows, make sure the room is dark enough for sleeping). Get an alarm clock that works and have enough blankets
• Create space. Free up areas in the closet and dresser
• Jazz thins up. Add some magazines or books you think they might be interested in.
• Take inventory. Do you have enough towels, sheets, air mattresses, etc. Don't buy-borrow from a friend.
• Lay out entertainment. T.V. remote, board games, movies, etc.

Book Nook guests this week

This week I have a slate of very interesting guests:

Monday, November 8th: Walter Green, "THIS IS THE MOMENT"Walter takes us with him on his "journey" or "victory lap" as he calls it.He visits 44 individuals who have impacted his life and he talks about the benefits of gratitude.

We also will kick off our "Morning Blend with Marsha" segments today. Marsha Egan is a Business Efficiency Expert and she'll be sharing tips and ways we can improve our personal and professional goals. Today we'll be discussing email and how it can waste our time/productivity.

Tuesday, November 8th: Paul Huljich (pronounced hugh-litch) will discuss his debut novel "BETRAYAL OF LOVE AND FREEDOM". Paul was a very successful entrepeneur, worth nearly $100 million at the height of his career and by age 45 it all unraveled. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. He experienced a mental breakdown, lost his rights as a citizen and was made a ward of the state. Twelve years later, he has found a natural cure for his disorder and continues to be symptom free. His novel is loosely based on his life...

Thursday, November 11th: Doug Shauer, "IF I'M SO SMART, WHERE DID ALL MY MONEY GO". A very timely book that can help give better fiscal directions for all of us

Friday, November 12th: Sheila Roberts, "The Snow Globe". Should be a fun interview with one of my favorite authors. Sheila is an accomplished best-selling novelist. she has published 27 books in the past 22 years. This novel is a fun "Christmas" story about the spirit of giving, and why we must believe in ourselves.

Sweet Treats and Sandwiches

Today is National Sandwich Day, so celebrate by sampling something you’ve never tried before; inventing a new kind; or simply enjoying your favorite. Did you know that the first sandwich is said to have been made by the ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder, who is said to have put meat from the Paschal lamb and bitter herbs inside matzo (or flat, unleavened bread) during Passover?

There are so many types of sandwiches: Au jus, Club, Cheesesteak, Dagwood, Fluffernutter (one of MY favorites!), grilled (as in cheese), PB & J, Po ‘boy, Rueben, Sub and Tea sandwiches, just to name a few.

The craziest sandwich I ever heard about was a “Mustard/Chocolate Star” combination between two slices of white bread. Today on the program a listener called in to say that her sister has always loved “mayonnaise and pickles”. What’s your favorite sandwich? Or the craziest combo you’ve ever eaten?

A listener shared a "sweet treat" idea for the holidays. (See photo above.)Very easy to assemble and young helpers in the kitchen would have fun making - AND EATING! these! They are "adorable". Almost too cute to eat.
Christmas Mice
1 (12oz,) pkg. of semisweet chocolate chips
1 jar 10 oz maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
36 milk chocolate Kisses with stripes (“Hugs”)
Sliced almonds
Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for1 minute stirring twice.
For each mouse, dip cherry by stem into melted chocolate to coat. Place coated cherry on a large baking sheet. Immediately press the flat bottom of a chocolate kiss up against the cherry to form the head. Insert two almond slices between head and body to form ears. The stem will become the tail. Use a toothpick and dip in melted chocolate to make eyes & on the tip of the kiss to make a nose. (Or use a plastic bag, snipped, filled with chocolate and squeeze the amount out to form eyes and nose). Chill mice in refrigerator about 15 minutes or until chocolate is set. Remove from pan with a thin spatula. Put in airtight container and cover. (Store for up to two days in refrigerator). Yield: 36 mice.

Hassle Free Holiday Tip:
Use boxed cake mixes or pre-made cookie dough to jump start your holiday baking. Better Homes and Gardens http://www.bhg.com/ has a great website with 100 days of Holiday Ideas. Baking, cooking, decorating and other tips all available at their website. See recipe below for “Chocolate Chip Kisses”.

Chocolate Chip Kisses
1 (18 oz.) pkg. refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground cardamom
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
32 milk chocolate kisses
Powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375. In large resealable bag, combine cookie dough, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg; seal bag. Using your hands, squeeze and knead dough mixture together in bag until combined. Remove dough from bag. Shape dough into 1” balls. Place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Immediately press a kiss into center of each cookie. Transfer to wire rack and let cool. Sift powdered sugar over cooled cookies. Makes 32 cookies. (To store: layer cookies between waxed paper in airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months).

Where did the time go? Last time I "blogged" it was the beginning of October and now it's the start of November. Guess I took my "birthday month" off !
A quick recap of authors I interviewed in October:

• Chip Haynes has a very provacative book regarding "Peak Oil". "Peak of the Devil: 100 questions (and answers) about Peak Oil. He covers all angles of our dependency on oil; how it affects almost everything we touch and offers some intereseting suggestions about what we can do.
• Jack La Lanne and his lovely wife Elaine. We talked about the release of his "Better Balance for Life" kit. At 96, he's still going stong! As the "Godfather of Fitness", he's accomplished so many things. AND he and Elaine have been married for 62 years.
• Chad Lewis has written about the paranormal for many years. His newest book, "Wisconsin Road Guide to Haunted Locations" has some very interesting stories...
• Bonnie Taub-Dix has a very interesting book about reading and deciphering food labels. "Read it Before you Eat it" is easy to read, easy to understand and probably something we all should look at just a little bit more closely
• "Southern Pies" is a beautiful book all about pies! Nancy McDermott shares the recipe, and also the story behind it as well. Beautifully photographed and will some sinfully delicious pies. A great gift for that special baker or cook on your Christmas list.

And those are just a few of the highlights!

I also participated in the first Women's Expo held here in Beaver Dam. It was well attended and I had lots of fun meeting my listeners and sharing recipe ideas for Halloween.

Happiness and Halloween

Today is National Smile Day. Did you know that smiling has many benefits?

• A natural drug: smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin which all help make us feel good. People who are naturally happy seem to be in good health all of the time.
• A stress reducer: It's hard to be negative when you're smiling! When we smile our facial muscles relax, causing us to feel less stressed.
• You'll look less tired: When you smile, you'll look younger!
• More confidence: A smile will make you seem more successful, confident and put together. Those who are upbeat and approachable are more likely to be promoted before anyone else. A smiling person is judged to be more pleasant, attractive, sincere, sociable and competant than a non-smiling person
• A boost to your immune system: Because you are more relaxed when you smile, you help boost your immune system; thereby lessening your chances of getting sick. Smiling prevents colds and flu, too! So start smiling and cut down all those visits to the doctor.
• Lower Blood Pressure: When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure.

Today's Quote:

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight" ~Phyllis Diller

If you're going to be hosting a Halloween party for the young (or even the young at heart!) try these easy Trick or Treat Tips:

Keep decorations simple. You can make ghosts from tissue paper or Kleenex; paper chains with orange and black construction paper and you can purchase inexpensive decorations like spider webs, balloons and crepe paper at the Dollar Stores.

When carving pumpkins keep the seeds. Season and bake until crisp and golden.

Put a spooky spin on everyday foods. Punch becomes "Witches Brew", bowls of chili-"Creepy Cauldrons" and sweet snacks can be "Graveyard Goodies". Peel some seedless grapes and you've got "Monster Eyeballs"!

Folk Music, Fall and Fun

I love October! It's the best part of the autumn season (plus it's my birthday month!). The leaves are really showing their colors, the air is crisp, fresh and exhilarating, wood smoke wafts through the air and it's more fun to be in the kitchen testing recipes and baking. What is your favorite month?

I had a chance to speak with the Grammy Award winning musician George Winston today. He is performing at the Schauer Center in Hartford tomorrow, Saturday, October 2nd at 2pm. What a great guest! I love his style of music. He's been creating music for over 40 years and got started on organ music because he heard "The Doors" and was hooked. Since then, he's played "stride" piano music but I think he's most well known for his "folk piano" solos. George said that his goal is to play everything that his three most admired artists have done.

(The Doors, Professor Longhair and Vince Guaraldi-and he's well on his way to doing just that).

His latest album features the works of Vince Guaraldi. If you grew up in the 60's and 70's you may not recognize that name, but you would instantly know Vince's music as he did all the instrumentals for the "Peanuts Gang" T.V. shows. George's latest solo piano release "LOVE WILL COME" is available now. You might want to pick up a copy. You will be enchanted!

Today's Quote: Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can!"