Today is national Scrapbooking day. Joining us this morning with tips for turning your memories into art is the author of "A Page Out Of Life," Kathleen Reid.
What are some tips you could give viewers about scrapbooking?
Tell us about A Page Out Of Life
In my new book, A Page Out of Life, a surprisingly diverse group of women get together to scrapbook and, in the process, uncover photographs that reveal a trail of secrets. It all starts when stressed out mother of four Ashley Gates lets her best friend drag her to a meeting of the local scrapbooking club. She meets Tara, a single grad student looking for love and Libby, a retired schoolteacher, whose life is blown apart by scandal. At first, Ashley considers herself creatively challenged and absolutely desperate for just ten more minutes in her day. But eventually Ashley learns the approach that works for her, and creates simple, beautiful scrapbooks.
This is your second novel after Paris March. How did you get involved as a writer?
I began my career in corporate marketing in Washington, DC and New York City before I began writing full-time. I have written for Southern Living and Richmond Surroundings. My first forray into writing stories, Magical Mondays At The Art Museum, was a children's book based on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and it was followed by my first novel, Paris Match. I currently live in Richmond, Virginia, with my husband and two daughters.
National Scrapbooking Day is today...is it a coincidence that your book was released in bookstores this week?
Berkley Press released my book on April 29th to coincide with National Scrapbooking Day, which is today. As scrapbooking has become a multi-million dollar industry, the day was started back in 1994 and designed for novices as well as old pros to celebrate the art and craft of scrapbooking. The National Scrapbooking Day was first created by the National Scrapbooking Association.
If someone wants to get involved in scrapbooking, is there a website or info people can turn to?
You can also go online to www.iscrap.net; the International Scrapbooking Association has a list of scrapbooking stores in your area. Simply plug in your zip code and you're set. Most stores offer individual attention, classes and hands-on help!
Go to www.scrapbook.com and join in a blog conversation about design ideas. In my opinion, keeping it simple is the way to start. Select only supplies you LOVE and don't overdo it. Start with beautiful paper, maybe add some stickers. As a writer, I love the journaling tools to record your thoughts. There are journaling templates or you can simply punch a hole in your paper and attach a decorative tag with ribbon to show the name and date or your inspiration.
-----EMPOWERED MOTHERHOOD-----
Mother's Day is just a week away. Flowers, cards and candy will fly off the shelves as children express their love toward their mothers.
But, it's also a time to focus on everyday motherhood and the challenges that go with it. Joining us this morning with some tips for moms is the founder of Empowered Motherhood and author Amy Kovarick.
Amy shares 5 secrets to solving every day mommy challenges:
1. Choose your perspective
2. Be selfish
3. Remember your values
4. Come from your heart
5. Make your own rules
Amy Kovarick Bio
Founder, Empowered Motherhood
Amy Kovarick is the visionary behind Empowered Motherhood. As a life coach, radio show host and author, Kovarick is known for her ability to connect with and engage audiences in any medium. Through Empowered Motherhood LLC, Kovarick provides virtual coaching, private coaching and resources to help moms - including a compelling radio show, video tips, her recently published book and free weekly eZine for all mothers.
A long-time life coach, Kovarick launched Empowered Motherhood in 2003 on the belief that women deserve as much attention as their babies. She lamented the lack of focus generally paid to a woman's individual needs during pregnancy and motherhood. Through Empowered Motherhood, she provides a range of information, products and services both online and in person to women across the country.
For more information, go to www.empoweredmotherhood.com.
-----KENTUCKY DERBY-----
Today is the Kentucky Derby, a day when tens of thousands flock to Churchill downs in Louisville to see which thoroughbred will come out victorious.
It is the first leg of the triple crown of thoroughbred racing in the US and typically draws around 155,000 fans.
Joining us this morning with some of the elegant elements of the race is Andrea Correale, the president and founder of Elegant Affairs, a full service catering and event firm in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Long Island.
MINT JULEP RECIPE AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Derby is frequently referred to as The Run For The Roses because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby Winner each year.
The tradition is a result of New York Socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to the ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs founder and president, Col. M. Lewis Clark.
PAMA Mint Julep:
2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
2 oz. Bourbon
2 Sprigs of Fresh Mint
2 Sugar Cubes
In a mixing glass, muddle mint and sugar with Bourbon and PAMA. Shake ingredients vigorously over ice and strain into a julep glass over crushed ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint and serve.
The Mint Julep is called the Pride of the South. Its birthplace is hotly disputed, with some claiming Virginia, so for Kentucky and other insisting the cocktail originated in Georgia. Here's what Kentucky's Senator Henry Clay had to say, " a sacred rite that must not be entrusted to a novice, a statistician or a Yankee. Regional variations on 'authenitic' recipes include a float of peach brandy, a splash or champagne or even a bit of crème de menthe. The authentic julep must have MINT - in fact the novelist Francis Parkinson Keys said, "never insult a decent woman, never bring in a horse hot to the stable and never crust the mint in a julep.
ABOUT THE SILVER CUP:
Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, And held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to Form on the outside of the cup.
What is the historical significance of wearing a hat on Derby Day?
A2-Hats of various shape, size and functionality have been worn throughout history by both men and women. At one time it was considered proper etiquette to wear a hat outside the house and to go without one would practically reduce your social standing to that of a common beggar. In fact, it wasn't out of the ordinary for women to change their hats several times a day, depending on where they were going and whom they were going to be seen by.
More to the point, however, hats have played an important role in the history of horse racing for centuries, dating as far back as the world famous Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, where it is decreed that 'all guests within the Royal Enclosure adhere to a strict dress code: male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, whilst ladies must not show bare midriffs or shoulders and must wear hats'.
It didn't take long for the royal dress code to catch on at the major racetracks in the United States. Albeit a less severe dress code than the Royal Ascot, Churchill Downs patrons taking in the Kentucky Derby in particular have been enjoying this respected tradition since 1875.
If you're going to be in the Derby Infield, do you still have to wear a hat?
A3-Like the Royal Ascot, there are traditional Kentucky Derby fashion rules that you should follow if you want to fit in, whether you're planning on being in the Clubhouse, Paddock or the Infield.
For the men seated in Millionaires Row or the Clubhouse, generally acceptable attire includes solid color suits or tuxedos. Women seated in either location are expected to wear spring-themed hats and dresses in pastel colors.
Over in the infield, the same fashion rules exist but they're taken to new extremes and they are about as relaxed as the atmosphere. Imagine tens of thousands of people dressed in their wackiest and tackiest hats. Now throw in countless bottles of bourbon and you've got a pretty good idea of the kind of horseplay that goes on in the Infield at the Kentucky Derby.
No matter where you're sitting or taking in the action, a good Derby hat may even improve your luck at the betting window.
Andrea Correale is the president and founder of Elegant Affairs, a full-service catering and event firm famous in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Long Island. Andrea and her team at Elegant Affairs are frequently sought after by everyone from celebrities to Fortune 500 companies. Andrea's knowledge and expertise on celebrity party planning was featured on VH1's 'The Fabulous Life: The Hamptons.'
So much more than a celebrity caterer, Andrea and her full time team of 40 handle over 1400 events a year with razor sharp attention to detail. Andrea and Elegant Affairs are known for bringing style and sophistication to events of any size. Whether it is an intimate seated dinner for ten or a grand gala for 1000, Andrea and her team will bring the event to life with an elegance and pizzazz that will create lasting memories in the minds of every guest.
Andrea has created a small empire of sophisticated catering out of pure energy and drive to be the best at what she does. As part of the Celebrations.com team, Andrea is excited to share her long-time expertise and advice on how everyone can create the perfect gatherings with flair. Andrea is a member of the Board of Directors for the International Caterers Association. Elegant Affairs was the proud recipient of two CATIE Awards (Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence) presented by the ICA in 2008. Andrea has also offered her knowledge to Woman's Day Magazine and has been heard on the Martha Stewart Living Radio Show on Sirius Satellite Radio. She has also appeared on Fox News Channel as well as numerous other media outlets.
Visit Andrea and her team at www.ElegantAffairsCaterers.com.
