May 23 2013
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Entertainment

Kate’s Book Club: A Q&A with children’s author Kate Feiffer

Kate Feiffer, Zelda

By Kate E. Stephenson

In this fourth week of May 2013, I hereby call to order the 20th meeting of Kate’s Book Club. Every week, we shall be reading a tome either (a) penned by an author named Kate or (b) that includes a character named Kate. If you missed our last meeting, it’s easy to catch up.

Club members, this week meet Kate Feiffer.

Kate Feiffer is the author of nine popular picture books and two middle grade readers. Her books include Double Pink, Henry The Dog with No Tail, My Side of The Car, Signed By Zelda, and My Mom is Trying To Ruin My Life, which is being turned into a musical for the stage. Prior to writing for kids, Kate worked as a television news producer and made the documentary film “Matzo & Mistletoe,” which is an exploration of her secular Jewish identity. Her books and the film have won some lovely awards. For the past fifteen years, Kate has lived on Martha’s Vineyard island with her husband, daughter and their dog Henry, an Australian Shepherd with no tail. Kate is always happy to hear from fans and you can email her here and follow her on Twitter.

And now without further ado, Kate Feiffer answers our questions…

Who named you Kate and why?

When I ask my father, he says I was named after his favorite actress at the time of my birth, Katherine Hepburn, who went by Kate.  When I ask my mother, she says I was definitely not named for Katherine Hepburn. She claims I was named for Kate in The Taming of The Shrew. My father is adamant that he would never have named me after such an unpleasant character. He’s sticking with Hepburn. My mother remains a Hepburn denier. Their marriage didn’t last. Continue reading →

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May 23 2013
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Real Kates

Captainess Kirk: My requisite explanatory Star Trek post (spoilers!)

Captainess KirkBy Kathleen S. Kirk

Given the fact my handle is what it is, I am kind of obligated to write up about the new Star Trek movie. However, I have a confession to make.

I am not as big a Star Trek fan as my name would suggest. Or, rather, I am not as big an original series (TOS) fan as my name would suggest.

I got into Star Trek in that post-2009 movie era. I started with some TOS, but wasn’t a huge fan of it. Then, one day, I accidentally TiVo’d Enterprise and an obsession was born. Since then I have watched all of Enterprise and most of DS9 but I haven’t touched much TOS. And I haven’t seen any of the movies except First Contact.

My obsession with Star Trek and my ability to judge this movie without having seen all the necessary backstory comes from the fact I have a deep appreciation, bordering on obsession, for the richness and scope of the universe.

Quite simply, I have inhaled the entire Wiki. Continue reading →

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May 21 2013
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Uncategorized

Fabri-Kate: Happy feet!

By:  Kathleen Neafsey

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When walking past a nearby shop, my daughter saw a cute pair of sandals in the window.  They were really just a pair of flip flops with a bow and a gem on them.  It’s been in the back of my mind to try and make a similar pair, and as luck would have it, JC Penney had their flip flops for $1 a pair!  I bought a few colors, then headed over to Michael’s to see what ribbon they had to offer.  Lo and behold, Michael’s had some of their ribbon on sale for $1 also!  I chose a few rolls to coordinate with the sandals I’d bought, found some gems for decoration, and away we go!!

Supplies needed:

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*Flip flops
*Ribbon – the cheetah print one shown here is 3/8” wide, and the black and white flower print is 7/8” wide
*Gems, flowers, or other embellishments
*Glue gun

Easy-peasy directions:

1.  Cut ribbon to approximately 36 inches in length.  Depending on the width of the ribbon, this may be enough to cover one or both straps.
2.  Place a small drop of glue on the outside of one strap.  Press the end of the ribbon to the glue and let it set.

3.  Wrap ribbon around that side of the strap, placing a dot of glue every inch or so till you get to the top. Start at the bottom and work your way towards the top/center of the sandal.

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4.  When you’ve reached the top, place a small drop of glue on the underside of the strap, and press the ribbon in place.  Cut the ribbon, and continue the same process on the other strap.
5.  For the center bow, cut two pieces of ribbon, about four inches long, and fold each in half to form a loop. Cross one on top of the other, and either glue or sew to hold them together.
6.  Glue the gem into the center of the loops you’ve sewn together; then glue the loops in the center of the straps.

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Voila!  There you have it, unique summer sandals in under 30 minutes, and for less than $5!  These would also be fun to make for a bridal party to use when they’re dancing the night away at your reception.  Instead of using ribbon, why not glue on a few small flowers to match the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses? Or how about putting them in a goody bag at a child’s birthday party?  There’s lots of fun ways to change this up, so have a blast!!

Fabri-Kate is a column running on Kate-book.com every other Tuesday. It is written by the crafty Kathleen Neafsey, who wields a mean pair of scissors (and glue gun). Follow her on Twitter @dbmomkat and look for a brand new craft next time

May 13 2013
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Real Kates

Adventures in Greening: Welcome to NYC recycling, rigid plastics!

By Catherine Moran

plastics_new

 

So, I’m a bit late on breaking this news, but good news is never late, right? Late last month, Mayor Bloomberg announced that New York City’s recycling program would be accepting rigid plastics, i.e. takeout containers and yogurt containers, which had previously not been included in the program.

This is the win for those of us who recycle, and either a) save up our rigid plastics (commonly #5s) to bring on the subway to Whole Foods or b) save up to take home to Massachusetts where they can be recycled (I’m not the only one who does this…am I?)

NYC will save about $600,000, so it’s a win for the piggy bank, as well.

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Although the policies are already in place, the new rules won’t be enforced until July, when we’ve all had a chance to try our hand at including rigid plastics in our recycling bins. Change can be hard, and memories can be faulty, but we’ll get there.

I’m uproariously excited about this step forward (I did in fact cheer when I first heard the news). I am taking heart from this move, and hope that it inspires other areas that do not do so currently to begin accepting rigid plastics. If New York City can do it, you can do it, too!

Hopefully, the next initiative will be to get NYC residents composting (could be, according to the article linked to above). Summer is coming, and, with it, the stench of rotting garbage that can confront city residents at any moment. I know that my trash has stopped smelling almost entirely since I began composting, and I need to take it out less, saving trash bags. But more on composting to come!

For now, three cheers for recycling rigid plastics! If you want to learn more, you can check out NYC Recycles’ web page, or keep up to date with new efforts on their Facebook page.

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A final note: I thought I might keep a log of the Plastic Bag in the Tree Outside My Window each time I post. It’s still hanging on there (pun intended).

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Adventures in Greening is a column running on Kate-book.com every other Monday at noon. It is written by the very eco-conscious Catherine Moran. Follow Catherine on Twitter @folowbredcrumbs, or check out her excellent book blog.

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May 13 2013
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Trivia

Trivia: Happy Mother’s Day!

happy-mothers-day

By Kate E. Stephenson

This week, on behalf of the entire Kate-Book.com team, I hope all the mothers out there had a very special Mother’s Day! I may be a day late, but in saying thank you, you can never be a dollar short. So I want to say thank you to moms everywhere for bringing us into and introducing us to the world. Moms come in different ways, some by birth, others by circumstance, and others simply by love. To all those moms who work miracles everyday, we salute you!

Now, here’s a little trivia about Mother’s Day. Did you know:

  • Mother’s Day is an international holiday celebrated by over 55 countries around the world (although the official date differs from country to country). Continue reading →
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May 07 2013
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Real Kates

Kathleen’s kitchen: Cinco de Mayo chili

By:  Kathleen Neafsey

cinco-de-mayo-graphic

 

Technically, it’s May 7th, but this great chili recipe shouldn’t be limited to just one day a year!  I did make it for Cinco de Mayo so that should count for something, right? This is another one of those recipes that was passed along to me, and little by little became my own.  At times I’ve doubled the ingredients, and made it for a crowd.  I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received, it’s always a hit!  My favorite part of this recipe is that there’s only one pot to wash!

Here’s what you’ll need:

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Continue reading →

May 02 2013
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Real Kates

Captainess Kirk: Con Life

Captainess KirkBy Kathleen S. Kirk

Every so often, some people find themselves in a situation that makes them wonder how on earth they got there. It’s like falling through a trapdoor and you look up to leave the way you came, but the door snaps shut and you can only go forward with a sore rear and terror-born heart palpitations.

I found myself in one of these situations not too long ago, when I decided that I was going to start a web digest. It wouldn’t be just any web digest, but rather a web digest devoted to being a female nerd. And now, two months later and 20+ staff members later, we have Feminerdity.com and I have a new job as editor-in-chief.

Sometimes I look around at the giant whiteboards full of things to do and upcoming content, the overflowing inbox, and pages and pages of both physical and virtual notes and I wonder how I got here. I wonder how on earth I thought I was capable and competent enough to run such a web digest.

And then I move my cat off my keyboard, fire off a bunch of emails, and remind myself that, so far, the force is with me and everything will be okay. Continue reading →

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May 01 2013
3 Comments
Entertainment

Kate’s Book Club: Dark Wolf, A review of Kate Douglas’ new book

dark wolf

By Kate E. Stephenson

Sorry, Bookclubbers. This one’s posting a little late today. But I promise it’s worth the wait.

In this first week of May 2013, I hereby call to order the 19th meeting of Kate’s Book Club. Every week, we shall be reading a tome either (a) penned by an author named Kate or (b) that includes a character named Kate. If you missed our last meeting, feel free to get caught up.

This week we review Kate Douglas’ latest book Dark Wolf.

Released yesterday, April 30th, Dark Wolf is the first installment in Douglas’ new series Spirit Wild. And oh, boy! Is it a great introduction! I am a huge fan of paranormal romance, and Kate Douglas takes it to an entirely new level of scrumptiousness. So to give you a bit of background:

Sebastian Xenakis is still coming into his power as a wizard. He can shapeshift by magical means and runs as a wolf using the power he draws from the elements. But young women are dying—raped by a human and then slaughtered by a wolf. Suspicion falls on the shapeshifting Chanku, but Sebastian wonders if he might somehow be guilty of the crimes. Then he meets Lily Cheval, the uncrowned princess of the powerful Chanku, and realizes he will do whatever it takes to clear his name and win her love. But evil walks where Sebastian goes, and there are mysteries neither Lily nor her father, the powerful wizard Anton Cheval can unravel. Is Sebastian the perfect mate for Lily, or is he instead, one she should fear? Continue reading →

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Apr 29 2013
1 Comment
Real Kates

Adventures in Greening: Letter to a plastic bag

By Catherine Moran

Last year (holy moly!) I wrote about my issues with plastic bags.  Since then, I have had the less-than-distinct pleasure of getting to know a plastic bag. It lives in the tree outside my window. This is my letter to The Bag.

Dear Bag,

We’ve gone through a lot together these past few months. When you appeared in the fall, I didn’t think you’d stay long. But as the temperature has changed, as has the tree you are mooching off of, I can tell you’re in this for the long haul.

dear plastic bag

You were the only thing I saw on the naked tree outside my window. I’m sure the tree appreciated your company. In some ways, I did, too: on those dark winter mornings, you were the only moving object in the wee hours near dawn. No cars, people, or animals disturbed the silence, but you kept on your undulating wave; a sweet acknowledgement from your perch for those who glanced your way.

You have been a reminder to me, every day, of how little humans can care for our home. As day after day went by, you remained, unchanged as a statue. Sometimes, I imagine I can hear your crinkling when the breeze is soft.

We know one another now, you and I. But, you know as well as I do: it’s time for you to move on. It’s time for you to share the lesson your very presence implies with someone else, someone who still uses plastic bags.  Our tree is in bloom––look at all its tiny leaves! Your presence has become a suffocating one, detracting from the beauty that nature is trying to unfold.

Perhaps you will find others like you, in some faraway land of plastic bags.

plastic-tree

You have lingered far too long.

Adieu, Bag. Adieu.

Adventures in Greening is a column running on Kate-book.com every other Monday at noon. It is written by the very eco-conscious Catherine Moran. Follow Catherine on Twitter @folowbredcrumbs, or check out her excellent book blog.

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Apr 29 2013
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Trivia

Trivia: St. Catherine’s Day

St. Catherine of Siena

By Kate E. Stephenson

If you’re like me this Monday morning—searching for strength and motivation to get this week started—then today’s Trivia may be just what you need.

Today, April 29, is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena. As stated by AmericanCatholic.org, “The value [St. Catherine of Siena] makes central in her short life and which sounds clearly and consistently through her experience is complete surrender to Christ.”

Kate-Book.com does not advocate any one religion, deity or creed. Yet St. Catherine’s steadfastness may offer all of us, regardless of dogma or doctrine, a ray of hope and sunshine. This morning after waking up with a headache, finding out one of my projects was delayed, and being brushed off by a client, I realized my morning was not a great start to the week. Then at the moment I enjoyed the entire hot contents of my coffee mug spilling all over me and my desk, I realized something else—I have no control over this day. The question is what to do now? Sopping wet, sticky, and watching the dark liquid glide over papers, keyboard, shoes—everything!—I started to cry and crawl back into bed. Continue reading →

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Apr 23 2013
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Real Kates

Fabri-Kate: Oh baby!

By:  Kathleen Neafsey

Oh baby!  Do you know a new mom or mom-to-be who likes colors?  Plain, boring white just won’t cut it?  Well I do, and I’ve been trying to think of what I can make for her to brighten up the nursery.  Since I have yet to master the fine art of sewing, but I can wield a pretty mean glue gun, the search was on!  Here it is:  a one-of-a-kind wipes box.

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I know that mom-to-be, Francesca, is a lover of animal prints so that’s what inspired my initial trek to the fabric store.  I did discover, however, that unless you’re looking for heavy fleece of slippery rayon, animal prints are hard to find.  There were no soft cottons or flannel for baby’s room.  I did find this cute giraffe print, and a lovely,soft green to go with the room.  I haven’t given up my search just yet, the baby isn’t due until July so I still have some time!!

Here’s what you’ll need to cover a few boxes:

Continue reading →

Apr 22 2013
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Trivia

Trivia: The Kate (Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center)

Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

By Kate E. Stephenson

In honor of The Great Kate, the residents of Katherine Hepburn’s native town and state have opened a cultural arts center in her name. In 2009 the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, affectionately known as The Kate, opened its doors to welcome eclectic performing artists and discerning culture aficionados of all ages. The website is brimming with information about the new center, events, artists and links to all things Kate.

About the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts organization located in an historic theatre/town hall on Main Street in Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Center has been renovated with public funds from the Town of Old Saybrook and donations raised by the Trustees of the Center. It includes a 250-seat theatre and a small museum honoring Katharine Hepburn, Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident. As befits an organization born of such a public/private partnership, programming is eclectic, offering something for all ages and income levels on the Connecticut shore and in the lower river valley. Continue reading →

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