Aug 10, 2014 |
My NOLA Cookbook
In my previous post, you met Ms. New Orleans 2014, Lindsay Reine. In this post, you’ll get a chance to win her cookbook.
This review is different than most. There are no spoiler alerts. No characters to introduce you to. Just some mighty fine eats.
The first two recipes I chose were the Mayonnaise biscuits (Pg. 24) and the Baked Potato Soup (Pg. 9). They paired well together. Or, they would have. I’m not a perfect cook and I had one of those moments when the recipe called for self-rising flour but This Girl used all-purpose instead. The flavor was good but the density was atrocious. That was my fault. And this week I hope to make them the proper way. You can see the biscuits trying to crowd their way into the soup photo here:
Baked Potato Soup, from Laughter is Louder with Good Food Cookbook
So let’s ignore those little biscuits and focus on the soup. That heavenly, creamy, warm, soothing, comfort-food, old-fashioned baked potato soup. It’s reminiscent of my mother’s Egg Gravy she would serve over boiled potatoes. I never thought to put the potatoes in the gravy! Lindsay’s recipe calls for something extra, as well: green onions. What a flavor boost.
Baked Potato Soup from Lindsay Reine
I’d love to say we all enjoyed the soup. I’d love to, but I can’t. Because there wasn’t enough to go around. Dot was at work all day and well, I was hungry. Really hungry. And so I did the Hobbit lunch thing and had three servings over a few hours. I shared some with my mother down the street. I put some away for my lunch at work the next day. I did save Dot a small serving. But that’s all she got. Okay. Two small servings. The recipe makes six good-sized servings. But like I said. I was hungry. And it was good.
The next recipes I’m salivating over are the Mexi-Corn Dip (Pg. 3), Oven-Fried Pickles (Pg. 4) and the Strawberry Lemonade Beer (Pg. 7). Oh, and the Lasagna Soup (Pg. 14), Brunch Egg Casserole (Pg. 28), Brown Sugar Maple Ham (Pg 39), and well, pretty much the rest of the book, too.
Laughter is Loudest with Good Food
With 150 recipes, there’s something for everyone. Printed through Morris Press, this cookbook has a spiral binding which makes it great for laying flat on the kitchen counter. There’s a complete Table of Contents in the front, and an Index of Recipes in the back. There are pages of helpful hints like how to use different spices, how to buy and cook different vegetables and fruits, and fun things like creative napkin folding. Do you need to substitute dried herbs for fresh? Or cocoa powder for chocolate? Yup. There’s a page for all that. Oh, and an Equivalency Chart. How much is one pound of raisins? About 3-1/2 cups. Now that’s useful information!
As mentioned in my interview with Lindsay, there are a few typos in the book. That’s okay. It’s not hard to figure them out. You wouldn’t really bake biscuits for 152 minutes, would you? Aside from the typos, the cookbook is really put together well.
Lindsay and her boyfriend Mike hand-typed each recipe from old, faded recipe cards. What started as a fundraising project for her turned into a labor of love to create a family heirloom collection. And they succeeded.
There’s plenty of NOLA-based recipes, too. Crab Meat Dip (Pg. 2), Shrimp Spread (Pg. 5), Crawfish Soup (Pg. 13) to name just a few. There’s also Shrimp and Grits (Pg. 35). But I’m really looking forward to making the New Orleans Praline Brownies (Pg. 70).
So. Are you hungry? Can’t wait to win one? Click here to order.
But if you want to win one, just enter below. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MANDATORY ENTRY OR ALL OTHER ENTRIES WILL BE VOID. Leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite comfort food?
Lindsay and I can’t wait to read your answers. But first . . . let me grab something to eat.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Aug 10, 2014 |
My NOLA Cookbook
While researching and writing NOLA, my great friend Lisa posted a link on my Facebook page for a cookbook. Not just any cookbook, mind you, but a cookbook from New Orleans, with recipes compiled by Ms. New Orleans 2014 Lindsay Reine. How much better could things get? A little bit better. Because of my affinity for all things NOLA, I explained this to Lindsay and she agreed to send me an extra autographed copy for this giveaway. She also became my friend on Facebook, and a huge source of information for my book.
Lindsay confirmed an idea I’ve had from the very beginning- “Most people (in New Orleans) are good people who love and care for everyone, even if they don’t know ya.” There will be a cookbook review/giveaway on my very next post, but first, I want you to meet her.
I love this photo Lindsay sent me for the blog. It shows the woman I know- fun, pretty, and not afraid to work.
Help Wanted – Lindsay Reine (photo used by permission)
Lindsay graciously sat through hours of emails and questions so I could interview her for this post. Here are her answers:
- MoJo: Tell me about yourself, whatever you want to share.
- Lindsay: I’m 32 years old, the youngest of three girls. I live in Slidell, Louisiana which is about thirty minutes from New Orleans. With the exception of college, I have lived here my whole life. I love Slidell, I love the people, the city and mostly I love being so close to my family as most of us have stayed here. My grandparents built this town in various ways and the values of family, charity, and tradition have been passed down to all of us as we continue to serve our community today.
I attended Southeastern Louisiana University where I graduated with honors holding two degrees, one in Management and the other in Marketing, but as you will learn, I did not stop there! I have been a Louisiana real estate agent for eight years as well as being a dental assistant and insurance manager for seven years, where both my sisters and brother-in-law work as well.
I am also the reigning Ms. New Orleans. While all these things keep me pretty busy, I would not have it any other way. I am so honored and excited to have each and every opportunity that has been presented to me so far!
- MoJo: Talk about the Pageants you’re involved in. How long have you been doing Pageants? What do you like/dislike about them? Which titles have you won, and which are you going for?
- Lindsay: Pageants…..well….until the Ms. New Orleans pageant in December 2013, I had not done a pageant in about 28 years. My family has been doing pageants for as long as I can remember and when we were little my parents took me and my sisters to quite a few. My Mother holds a few titles herself so it seemed pretty normal growing up for us to do pageants and stay to watch her compete. In addition to many other titles, my mother was Miss. Crescent City, and holding the title of Ms. New Orleans means so much more to me because I feel like I am carrying on a legacy, different title names, but the same great city.
Pageant Girls – Lindsay Reine (2014) and her mother, Carol Reine (1989)
- Lindsay: I credit my ability to confidently stand in front of a crowd and also my ease of public speaking, to having the pageant experience when I was young. I fully believe those skills have carried me though many group presentations and in everyday life. Pageants are meant to be confidence builders and to get people involved in their community. I really enjoy being a beacon of self-acceptance and giving women a reality check. So many women have come up to me and thanked me, which I never understood until one said “Lindsay, you’re 32 years old, very little pageant experience, a few extra pounds and a lot of personality. You went out there and you did it. It made me reevaluate how I see myself.” I was not offended, not in the very least.
While I was volunteering at a Children’s hospital function a beautiful girl told me her story of how she gained weight after her chemotherapy treatments, she was so excited to see me because she felt like if I was a princess she could be a princess too. ABSOLUTELY she can be a princess, but until that day she didn’t have the confidence to even dream of becoming one. Her mother was in tears after we spoke, she changed my life more than I could ever hope to have changed hers. A few little girls have run up to me and I can see how excited they are, it makes everything worth it and it makes me want to work even harder to show everyone. “If I can do it, so can you.” Participating in the pageant system opens doors and gives you so many more opportunities you may not have had before.
To me, the worst thing about the pageant is the spray tan and the fear of falling on stage! During the Ms. New Orleans pageant, my heel went in a crack on the stage and I almost fell…twice.
I am currently filling out the application to compete for Ms. Louisiana State in August. It is going to be a tough competition as all my competitors are intelligent and beautiful but I am going to get out there, smile and hope for the best!
All that being said, competing in Ms. New Orleans happened by accident. I had no intention of competing; honestly, pageants were the furthest thing from my mind. Then, in usual fashion, I was motivated in the most common way, someone said some awful things to me and I got mad. I was made fun of for my weight, my skin, my accent, my background, even my height, (like I have any control over that) and I was tired of letting it happen. I was tired of feeling like I wasn’t enough and like I needed to change, quite frankly I liked myself and was content. I stirred over the comments, texted friends who gave their support and I love them dearly for it. This wasn’t the first time they had to come to my rescue, nor will it be the last, of this I am sure. My nieces and nephews are the light of my life and I started thinking “Would I want this to happen to them? Do I want them to ever be mistreated and have someone say demeaning things to them? What kind role model am I to let them see me accepting this behavior as normal?” Not going to happen, I will not allow them to be taught these things and I understand this person is just one of millions and they will have their own battles to fight. However, as far as I am concerned, the days of letting people walk on me were over.
Then a friend messaged me about the pageant -boom- life changer. I participated in the pageant for the most important reason, me. Win or lose, I was going to get up there and prove to myself and everyone who needed a flare of hope, it could happen and if you want it bad enough, it will happen.
- MoJo: How did the cookbook come about? What was your inspiration for it?
- Lindsay: I come from a long line of excellent cooks and I am Southern. Gathering around good food is tradition. Holidays and gatherings are always centered on what is cooking in the kitchen and what is set on the table, so to me, it just made sense.
The big joke is that I do not know how to cook for less than 20 people at a time, and it is true, I don’t. I love cooking big meals and sharing with friends and family as often as possible. It is a small way to show them I care and that they always have a place at my table and in my home, any time or day, no matter the circumstance.
The cookbook was originally a way to raise money for me to compete in the Ms. Louisiana State pageant and ended up becoming a family heirloom for quite a few people. So many people graciously donated their family recipes to me and the book grew a life of its own, it became a piece of history for families to treasure. Every recipe has a story and I was so blessed to hear a few of them along the way. My boyfriend, Michael, and I hand-typed each recipe to submit to the publisher and I could not have done it without him. Some of the recipes were handwritten and very old, it was an adventure to decipher a few but we got through it. There are 150 recipes filled with love and yummy goodness in the cookbook and I am so proud of how it turned out.
- MoJo: I did notice a few typos in the cookbook. For instance, in one recipe instead of “simmer” it’s typed “sinner” which I found humorous since it originated in New Orleans. Another typo instructed me to bake biscuits for 10-152 minutes. That’s quite a time difference!
- Lindsay (laughs): I knew there were a couple, the publisher was supposed to check and by the time they sent it to me to edit I was burnt out! Mike and I typed in all the recipes ourselves to save money, it was an adventure!! Some of the recipes were so old it was hard to read (the mayo biscuits was one of those recipes). It was fun but I’m glad it’s over.
- MoJo: Tell me about being a real estate agent in NOLA. I imagine the properties you have access to are a bit different than standard cities.
Lindsay Reine, Top Agent Realty
- Lindsay: Being a real estate agent is a really tough job. People are asking you to help them invest a very large amount of money into something they expect to shelter and protect them and they have no idea what they are looking for. There is a lot to playing detective and research involved but I love it. My grandfather, father and uncles are all contractors and are custom builders for commercial and residential. My mother and father both held real estate licenses for 30 years so real estate runs in my blood, which may explain why I love doing it. As far as the properties, each one is unique in its own way. We have to pay special attention to flood zones, swamps, Mardi Gras parade routes, historically protected homes, and elevation here so it is probably very different from places outside of the Gulf Coast.
- MoJo: Tell me about NOLA.
- Lindsay: New Orleans, to know her is to love her. The city of mystery, magic, ghouls, spirits, love, laughter and fun all rolled into one. The history and structure of New Orleans is amazing by itself but when you add the people, there is no other city that can compare. There are so many cultures here everyone can find a place to fit in and it feels like home, no matter where you are from. Everyone, at least once in their lifetime, should experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans or one of the surrounding cities.
There are so many things I love about New Orleans but there are also things I wish would change. It is my wish that the economy in New Orleans would continue to pick up, with all the movie producers coming in and other businesses interested in relocating to New Orleans, more jobs are steadily becoming available. There have been some really positive changes happening around the Parish and surrounding areas giving people hope and uplifting spirits.
- MoJo: Since my novel is set in New Orleans, I’m researching a lot about the culture and events. Katrina is a big part of that. What can you tell me about hurricanes in NOLA?
- Lindsay: If you want to visit New Orleans, avoid hurricane season. Seriously, hurricanes are scary. If you are not prepared you are in more trouble than you know. When the water rises and the wind howls, it is like nothing you have ever experienced before. You feel the wrenching of your organs in your insides and your mind goes in to preparation mode before you even realize what is happening. We have been taught and trained for hurricanes since the day we are born on the Gulf Coast. All the elders make sure you know every story of “the big ones”, not to scare you but to make it a reality. There is nothing you can do to stop the water once it decides to come your way.
Every part of the country has its share of Mother Nature’s choice of wrath and as ironic as it sounds, I would prefer to face hurricanes over mudslides, earthquakes, blizzards or tornadoes. Not only because that is what I am used to but because we do have a little bit of warning and time for preparation. While a hurricane will cause mass destruction and devastation, at least we are given a chance to prepare and evacuate if necessary.
Everyone asks about hurricane Katrina and when I talk about it I feel grateful, grateful it was just material possessions that got washed away. Not everyone was as blessed and lost loved ones who, for whatever reason, could not or would not evacuate. I had six feet of water in my home, as did many people. While I cannot understand why people were looting televisions, I do understand people taking food and necessities that they needed to survive, heck, I even understand the guy who took a bucket Heineken beers. I came back home three weeks after Katrina and it was a mess, buildings were gone, trash was everywhere and the spirit of the people was broken. As always, New Orleans came back better than ever, the Saints even won the Super bowl and the city continues to build and thrive today.
- MoJo: If you couldn’t do pageants or sell real estate, what would you be doing?
- Lindsay: If I had to choose a job other than the ones I have, it would be in Public Relations. I love meeting new people and do not mind speaking in front of people; it would be a great fit for me.
- MoJo: Most people want to travel to NOLA but you live there. What places do you want to travel to?
- Lindsay: I am a Disney fan, my favorite character is Sleeping Beauty, and while I have been to Disney World a handful of times I have never made it to Disneyland! I would love to see Aurora’s Castle! I also want to see more of Europe. I was able to travel to various cities in Italy and I loved traveling abroad, and the Italians know how to have a good time. Niagara Falls and an Alaskan cruise also top my list of travel destinations.
Lindsay has continued to share her NOLA life with me. Her insider tidbits are essential to adding more meat to my story. She’s a great source of not just tourist information, but history as well. One of her favorite drinking holes is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, purported to be the original building (with a few upgrades).
We also talked about the myths and darker side of New Orleans. It’s filled with Rougarous and violent crimes. But as she says, “For the most part the crime is kept amongst those who are involved in ‘that life’.” Every city has its good and bad parts. New Orleans is just more colorful than most.
With the rich history of New Orleans, her strong family background, and her go-getter attitude, it’s no wonder Lindsay is ready to conquer the world . . . and already has, in part.
So are you ready for the flavors of New Orleans? Read on to the next post for my review and your chance to win.
My NOLA Cookbook
In addition to working at a dental office and in real estate, Lindsay has several online shops. Check out her links:
On Facebook: Ms. New Orleans 2014
On ebay: Shopgirl05
Mail order invitations and stationary: Carlson Craft
In need of a great NOLA dentist? Lakeshore Family Dentistry
In need of a great NOLA realtor? Top Agent Realty
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
[All photos in this blog post are property of Lindsay Reine, used by permission, with the exception of “My NOLA Cookbook”, property of Molly Jo/New Inklings Press.]
Jun 26, 2013 |
On the heels of yesterday’s Penny Parable post, I’m excited.
I’m excited because, first, I found two pennies yesterday morning in a place they previously weren’t: a side pocket in my bag. I know they weren’t there, because I use this bag all the time. But yesterday morning, after posting The Penny Parable, there they were. Later, I found another penny when we finished our shopping at Target (I was successful in not buying needless things, either! Points for This Girl!).
I’m working on frugal craft and recipe ideas for the July newsletter, which will be emailed on the first so y’all have time to see if there’s anything you want for your Fourth of July table. I recently purchased a cell phone camera mount and tripod so I can venture into the world of making better videos. Let’s face it, you don’t need the camera shaking just because I can’t stand still, right? [If you haven’t subscribed to the monthly email newsletter yet, click here. It’s full of great, exclusive content that always include Faith, Family, Food and Fun!]
And my Writing Partner is soon on her way to adventure. Big adventure. The kind of adventure that, if she were anyone else, I’d be spittin’-nails-jealous. But since it’s her, and I know I’ll live vicariously through her, all I can say is, Happy Travels, Megan. And come back very soon. With dragons and jewels.
I received a really great email yesterday morning: The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition, has been forwarded to the Judges Panel for the Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Competition. Now I wait until October to see if I won.
Wish Me Luck!
So all these things have been going on. And I haven’t really promoted my newest Kickstarter project. Which is where you come in. I really need help getting the word out. This time around, I’m offering both the First and Second Editions, and a set of both. Easy orders. Easy shipping.
But as you surmised by this post’s title, the funding isn’t where I need it to be. My goal is small, quite reachable, but only if people know about it.
Will you help get the word out? The photo at the bottom of this post will lead you to the Kickstarter campaign where you can read all about it including Project Updates and FAQs. There’s also this link to my Q&A post on the Blog which, hopefully, clarifies everything.
Feel free to share this post through any and every social media site you have. Tell your family. Your friends. Your neighbors. Your trash collector. Your People’s people. Just please help me get the word out!
If you have any questions or ideas, leave them in a comment for me.
As always,
HAPPY EATING!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
TUC, x2
Jun 9, 2013
Note: This post was originally written on Sunday, January 20, 2013, then updated for a previous Kickstarter Campaign. Because there are new backers for the current project [June 4 – July 4, 2013], I’m once again posting this information to reflect further questions and answers, as well as to clarify those already posted.
I call it
The Kickstarter pre-order (and RE-order) Campaign!
TUC, x2
Whether you’re a long-time friend or an infrequent visitor to Frankly, My Dear… you’re probably aware that I’m trying to raise funds to publish more copies of THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK COLLECTION.
The Unemployment Cookbook, First Edition
I’ve also taken to direct marketing: I’ve asked many of my family and friends to share this post and the Kickstarter link with their family, friends, coworkers, and garbage-picker-uppers. I’ve noticed an increase in views during those sprees and my faith in a mass media blitz is solid! [*Feel free to join the fun… share this Link, support the Project, spread the Word!]
I’ve been able to respond to a few questions, but I realized that some of you may not know what this entire project is and how it works. So I’d like to take this Post and tell you all about it.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition
(Q) What is THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK?
(A) THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK is a collection of recipes for eating abundantly on a frugal income. These recipes were either created in my own kitchen, or handed down from my Mother’s. I wanted to feed my family healthy and hearty dishes, or sometimes just a fun snack, that didn’t cost much and would allow us to change it up.
(Q) Who is the primary audience for this Cookbook?
(A) Anyone! College students. Children moving away from home for the first time. Large families on a frugal food budget. People who live alone. They’re great for travelers and campers. They make great gifts for clients of realtors, house-sitters, Grandparents and Grandchildren. Don’t know how to cook? These recipes are easy. Love being in the kitchen? Change them up and make them your own.
Let me put it another way… Who’s this Cookbook for?
You. And everyone you know.
(Q) What kind of recipes are they?
(A) These are quick and easy recipes, made with everyday ingredients. There’s no hard-to-find or expensive touches… unless you choose to change them up. These recipes are also not “one size fits all”. Not every household has the same tastes, or the same food budget.
Frittata
You’ll find that most of these recipes can be altered significantly (for instance, substitute tuna for chicken in my Potato Chip Casserole), or served in various forms (my Slow Cooker Ratatouille also makes a great veggie pizza topping). There’s even a “Notes” section with each recipe, so you can turn it into your own family favorite.
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
(Q) Did you really come up with these recipes yourself, and do you really cook them in your own kitchen?
(A) Yes and Yes! Actually I can take credit for only some of the original recipes. The rest are what I call “heritage” recipes from my mother’s kitchen. She taught me how to eat well on a budget. I cook regularly for my family and friends, and most often I use these recipes because they are so delicious and hearty.
(Q) What makes the Second Edition different from the First?
(A) After producing the First Edition, typos and minor mistakes were discovered (Hey, I’m a one-person company, and by the time I was done proofreading it for the umpteenth time, I couldn’t even tell you my own name). These have been corrected. Additions include 22 new recipes, different food quotes (including one from Casey Reinhardt, owner of Casey’s Cupcakes), and more pages in the back for you to add your own family favorites. There are also two identical pages of measurement conversions: one to keep in the book, another to tear out for easy reference.
(Q) What are some of the new recipes?
(A) Well, I don’t want to give anything away, but each of the five categories (Soups & Slow Cooker Recipes, Casseroles & Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts & Drinks, and That Extra Touch) will have at least two new additions. Adobo, Tuna Burgers, Cup o’ Tea, and Potatoes with Egg Gravy are just a few on the list!
(Q) If this is the Second Edition, is the First Edition still available?
(A) I don’t have any copies at this time, but if this Kickstarter Campaign succeeds, then I will have as many as are ordered, plus extras to be available for local book fairs and craft shows.
(Q) I already have my Cookbook. Why order another?
(A) I’ve heard from many people who have given their copies away to college-aged children moving out for the first time, or loaning it to a friend. This is your chance to only get the Edition you don’t yet have, but to order a set for those around you as well.
(Q) Will you offer a digital (eBook) copy of either Cookbook?
(A) Not for a while. The formatting for cookbooks is far different than a regular book when it comes to digital books. And since I’m definitely not that talented in the computer coding department, it’s best for me to stick to the regular old-fashioned hard-copy renditions.
(Q) What other Projects are you working on, and how are they affected by this Project?
(A) Thanks for asking! I always have several writing projects in the works. If this Kickstarter Campaign succeeds, I will have enough funds to not only order and ship each Pledge Reward within a month of receiving the funds from Amazon, but I’ll also have inventory for local events, as well as funds for a starter set of my next Project. My “Big Project” is a series of fantasy-based novels I’m writing with my very talented cowriter, Megan Holbrook. Those books are not affected by this Project in any manner.
(Q) How can I stay informed with this and other Projects?
(A) Simply subscribe to both my Blog and the monthly email newsletter. To subscribe to the Blog (receive emails each day there’s a new post or other new content), simply add your email address in the SUBSCRIPTION box in the column to the top right of this post. To subscribe to the monthly email, CLICK HERE and you’ll be taken to the sign up link. All you need is an email address, but I hope you’ll also leave your name. I love knowing who my peeps are!
Q) I know you’re trying hard to get funded by July 4th. Can’t I just wait until after then and order my copy at New Inklings Press?
(A) As much as I’d love to say yes, if this Project doesn’t fund by July 4th, I’ll still have a small inventory of the Second Edition, but there are no more First Editions in print. So this is sort of a now-or-never venture. Without getting fully funded through Kickstarter, there won’t be any more Cookbooks for a while.
This is the video I made for the Kickstarter campaign… please remember, I’m a much better writer than I am a videographer. Just sayin’….
(Q) What is Kickstarter?
(A) Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform. That’s a fancy way of saying fundraiser. Remember those school kids from down the street that knock on your door each autumn selling chocolates and wrapping paper? It’s like that. You choose the product you want, you pay for it, and part of the proceeds help the school. In this case, the “school” is New Inklings Press and the product is based on the amount you pledge.
(Q) What are the basics of any Kickstarter project?
(A) Simple. Kickstarter is an easy way for any creative project to receive the funding it needs to be completed. The artist/writer/creator (“Project Creator”) first comes up with an idea and a reasonable budget. The Project Creator then starts up a Kickstarter Campaign with that goal, and a time frame. Different projects offer Backers (supporters) different “rewards”. For instance, anyone can pledge as little as $1 to any project. Depending on the Project, you may not receive any tangible reward for a smaller donation, but your help is nonetheless appreciated. With THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK COLLECTION tangible rewards begin at the $15 level and increase up to $30. You can pledge more than the Reward amount, too.
(Q) How do I “back” this Project, and how does pledging work?
(A) Just go to the Kickstarter campaign (the link is through the Cookbook Collection photo at the bottom of this post) and click “BACK THIS PROJECT”. You can pledge $1 or more. Choose your Reward and pledge accordingly. Whatever you pledge, the amount won’t be processed unless the Project is fully funded at the end of the Campaign. If it doesn’t fund by the end, your pledge is null and void. If the Project funds with several days left, your pledge still won’t be processed until the end.
PLEDGE NOW. PAY LATER.
(Q) If I pledge $15 for a Cookbook, but you don’t reach your goal, what happens?
(A) Nothing. Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing campaign. The goal for THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK COLLECTION is $2,000 and ends at 7:15 p.m. PST on Thursday, July 4th. It’s a “pledge now – pay later” gig. So if you pledge any amount now, you won’t actually be charged unless I reach $2,000 or more in total pledges before the end of the Campaign. Even then, you won’t be charged until it’s over.
(Q) I pledged a certain amount, but now I need to change it. Is that allowed?
(A) Certainly. For various reasons, people opt to increase or decrease their pledge. That’s okay! And hey, things happen. If you need to cancel your pledge, it’s understandable.
(Q) How can I order more than one Cookbook through Kickstarter without making more than one pledge?
(A) That’s the fun part! Because pledges can be any amount over the Reward level, Backers can contribute more than the minimum. Let’s say you want five copies of the First Edition Cookbook. That Reward is for pledges of $15 or more. Just pledge $75 and send me a note that you want five copies.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition
(Q) What if I want to “mix and match” my order? Say, five First Editions and three Second Editions?
(A) Simply message me through Kickstarter before you make your pledge, and I’ll let you know the total and which Pledge Reward to select when Backing the Project.
(Q) Okay. So now I get it. You’re trying to get us to pay for the printing for you. Why can’t you do it yourself?
(A) That’s true, but it’s not true. The cost of producing the Cookbook is expensive. Even though the only color photos are the front and back cover, printing itself is a little pricey. When you pledge $15 or more, you’re pre-ordering your very own copy of the Cookbook including production costs, shipping supplies, and handling charges. Don’t think of it as paying my business expenses. Think of it as ordering a great tool to help you stretch your food budget while still allowing you to be creative in your own kitchen.
(Q) If you’re fully funded or overfunded, what will you do with all that money?
(A) First, I’m fully committed to giving back to my community. I know what it’s like to be unemployed and not able to make ends meet. I will donate to funds that help families in need. People need more than good wishes. They need food, shelter, clothing, medicines, as well as needs I can’t even comprehend. I want to pay it forward and help those who could use a helping hand.
Next, Kickstarter charges a processing fee for using their platform, and Amazon collects a small amount, too. These amount to just about 8% of the total funding. If this Project funds at exactly $2,000, that’s approximately $160.
There are standard business expenses to take care of and the aforementioned production costs. My goal is to have some inventory available to sell at local Flea Markets and Book Fair. Finally, this will also help me run a small production of my next project.
(Q) When you spell it out that way, it doesn’t seem too profitable. So why do it?
(A) Because this is about more than a Cookbook. This is about helping families in the kitchen, and getting my name out there as a Writer.
(Q) Why does this Cookbook Project mean so much to you?
(A) Because I’ve lived in poverty yet still enjoy life. My wallet size has minimal effect on the joy I find in the world around me. I want to share this foundation with anyone who wants it. I find such joy while being creative in the kitchen and cooking for others. I love sharing my Meal Plans and Cooking Tips.
I’ve also poured my heart and soul into this Project. As a writer, an editor, a cook. It’s so important to me that others will see in it what I do: more than recipes. A means to help themselves have a more enjoyable eating experience, regardless of how big their family or how small their wallet.
It’s not just about getting published, it’s about helping other people feed their families. It’s about helping people who I know are struggling. I’ve been there done that, and this is a really big deal for me.
(Q) You’ve convinced me. How can I help?
(A) I’m so glad you asked! First, you can order your own copy through my Kickstarter campaign (the link is at the bottom of this post). Second, share this post! Since the only advertising I have is Word of Mouth, I need your help in getting the word out! Tell your family, friends, co-workers. Share it on your own social media sites. Email it to your long lost cousins. Just help me get the word out. Please and thank you.
And thank you. Thank you for asking the hard questions. Thank you for sharing this post. And thank you for supporting this Project.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Help me to reach my funding goal before July 4th!
Just click on the photo below and click “BACK THIS PROJECT” to pre-order
The Unemployment Cookbook Collection!
THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK COLLECTION: KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
Jun 6, 2013 |
TUC, x2
It’s another whirlwind week here at the Blog… It’s been so busy, I can’t believe it’s already Thursday and not only Tuesday evening. But that’s good because that means tomorrow’s Friday. And you know what that means: another Five Things Friday post! So be sure to come back tomorrow to share your Friday Five stories. There’s a theme, there’s always a theme. But I’m not telling. It’s a surprise. Guess you’ll just have to come back tomorrow. Yay! I love company!
Things keep falling into place with the New Blog design and the writing and the housing projects. Every day it seems something else is getting started and completed. Not always the same item, but as long as I can mark off a To Do each day, I’m so okay with adding another.
I’ve never been busier, and I’ve never been happier. I’m looking forward to this weekend, but that doesn’t mean a lot of rest. Sometimes I almost feel like Alice’s White Rabbit, always scurrying, always fretting about things to do. Except he worried too much. I’m enjoying my busyness. And yes, I am allowing myself some downtime when I get it. Iced coffee is a wonderful commodity!
One of the Projects I’m keeping my eye on is my newest Kickstarter Campaign. After the success with printing THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK, SECOND EDITION, I’ve received more interest in both Editions. Terry from Kickstarter worked with me to set up this new campaign so it wasn’t just a redundant duplicate of the last one. We made a few changes, simplified the Campaign.
I’ve spoken with many who have given their Cookbooks away as gifts. Others want to complete the set by getting the Edition they don’t currently have. Now’s your chance to pre-order (or RE-order) your copies.
The Campaign only runs until July 4th. In it’s first 36 hours, it’s nearly 10% funded. This Campaign is strictly Cookbook orders. No additions, no difficult packages to mail out. Just Cookbook orders to be shipped in flat packages.
Thanks to you who have previously ordered, and thanks to you who are supporting this current campaign. I truly do appreciate each and every one of you!
As I always like to say,
HAPPY EATING!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY CURRENT KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
