Chick Lit, Chick Likes

Recently, I have really become infatuated with reading Chick Lits.

Let's face it, I have already seen all of the Sex and the City episodes many, many times and there should be a limit on how many times I allow myself to watch Devil Wears Prada, SATC Movie, the Notebook, 27 Dresses, Pretty Woman, etc. But they are such feel-good, light-hearted, pick-me-up movies that instantly make me feel happy and help remind me of friends.

I have read a few of these books within the last month or two: 4 Blondes, The Devil Wears Prada, and Sex and the City. Lipstick Jungle is in the cue.

I know these are not literary classics, but they are my guilty pleasure. They provide me with company when my friends are busy.

I just ordered a few more off of Amazon's used book list: Shoe Addicts Anonymous, Everyone Worth Knowing, and This is Not a Chick Lit.

Another book I picked up was Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel. I'm secretly (although not-so secretly - since I've now put this on my blog) wanting to see if this book will provide me with inspiration or motivation.

I only just started thinking about writing a book. My idea was for a book about homeownership and the single woman. I think there is a need for this type of how-to. But I need to see if I learn anything profound in my home buying and owning process that would be worth putting into print.

In any event, maybe someday there will be a chick lit with my name as the byline. But in the meantime, I am going to enjoy the companionship and entertainment of these sassy novels.

Any other recommendations?

Happy Earth Day!

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the first Earth Day. There are so many things you can do online to show your support and love for our planet.

• Help make Earth Day 2010 a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Visit Earth Day Network, and join the more than one billion people in 190 countries who are taking action today.


• You can add your voice by signing the Earth Day 2010 Climate Declaration.


• You could win a trip for two to Hawaii, tour Volcanoes National Park, and stay at the green and glamorous Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. Make a green pledge for Earth Day!


• In honor of Earth Day, BBC Earth is offering a FREE download of “Pole to Pole”, the first episode in the Planet Earth series. The free download of “Pole to Pole” will be available in your choice of SD or HD format (U.S. residents only) 4/12 until 4/26/10.


• Try Reynolds Wrap® Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum, it's the versatile and economical tool to get the job done in the kitchen. Fill out form for a $1.25 off online coupon!


• Go green with help from your cereal company. Kelloggs.com/earthday for a special offer.


• Pledge how you are going green and get a Free Jack Johnson MP3 music download.

Have other suggestions?

Do you know what you are eating?

If you knew, you might now want to eat it.

Tonight Food, Inc. premiers on PBS at 9 pm.

This documentary will really make you examine and think about what you are eating. I highly recommend it and hope you can watch it.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that's been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA.

Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.

We have bigger-breasted chickens,
the perfect pork chop,
insecticide-resistant soybean seeds,
even tomatoes that won't go bad,
but we also have new strains of E. coli — the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually.

We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation"), Michael Pollan ("The Omnivore's Dilemma") along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield Farms' Gary Hirschberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising — and often shocking truths — about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Turning Country to Contemporary

When I received the information sheet about this house, the description of the kitchen said newer, 13X11 sq feet, country kitchen.

Country. That scared me.

I started Googling what that meant. I didn't find out much information. Some said it was the layout, others said it was the decor, but not many sites had clear answers.

So when I walked into the house, I was expecting the worst.

My first reaction, "Oh! This isn't bad. Not at all what I was expecting."


My second comment, "Those roosters and chickens have to go!"


My realtor counted all the roosters and chickens on the wallpaper border, on the window treatments (which, yay.. I get to keep), on the dish towels, and as decorations all around. 168. Wow. That is a lot of fowl.

One of the first things that must happen in this kitchen is the chicken removal (a.k.a removing the wall paper border).

Then I need to paint. I am not crazy about the dark green counter tops, but there is not money in the budget to change those. So I'm looking for advice, what color will match the dark green counter and the light oak cabinets? I want the color transform this "country" kitchen into a contemporary, modern space. I'm not asking much ;-).

I'm also not crazy about the linoleum flooring. And the brushed brass hardware wouldn't have been my first choice. But those will have to stay for awhile too.

Because the third change on the list for the kitchen: Garbage Disposal (my dad is going to, hopefully, install it).

Please let me know what color choice you would recommend and any other suggestions on making this kitchen my own.

Yarn and String and Fabric - Oh My!

My mom, Carol Posch Comstock, is a local mixed media artist and owner of Goods of the Spirit Art Studio.

She and fellow artist, Annoel Krider, have an upcoming show in the Stonewall Gallery of Campbell's Pottery Store featuring fiber art pieces.

The show will run from May 22 to June 19, 2010 in the Stonewall Gallery.

Opening Reception: May 22, 1-3pm. I hope to see you there.

Future Home's Backyard

Hello, BBQs! (Well, first I need to buy a grill... and a lawnmower.)

My lot is 90X150 with the yard fenced in the back (perfect for a dog!). But the land behind it is undeveloped and most likely never will be built on. It's a great arrangement - nice private backyard without the maintenance - and taxes. It's also a trade off: I will have to live on a busy street, but will have a nice yard.

I don't think the swingset stays - sorry kiddos.

This is where the driveway meets the backyard. There is a large gate entrance and a small person entrance, which connects to the cement patio.

(Not the best photo of the) cement patio and backdoor entrance to the house.

I can't wait to spend time in the yard. I am very nervous about maintaining it, however. I have never mowed a lawn. I have weeded all of twice in my life. And I have no idea how to plant things.

I also am nerdily excited about finally being able to compost! (more details on that to follow.)

Any yard maintenance advice for a beginner (and someone fearful of bugs)?

Future Home's Master Bedroom

Many cosmetic changes are needed for my new master bedroom. Remove wall paper border, change window treatments, remove ceiling fan, and paint. The wood floors in the bedroom are gorgeous and the closets are an ample size.

The room is a bit small - 12x11 - but, hey, I'm going to have an entire house!

Official Logo for Erie - Vote Now

Help Choose the Official Logo for Erie, the Flagship City.

VOTE NOW ONLINE

Here is your chance to be part of history. Erie, Pennsylvania, home port for the U.S. Brig Niagara, has chosen “The Flagship City” tagline to both claim its place in history and to showcase its waterfront location.

The official logo will be chosen in the beginning of May.

Which one is your favorite?

Family Room - Gonna Be Hot

Here is the view of the family room (19X13 sq ft) in my new house. I have a gas burning fire place! On my list of requirements for a house, that definitely wasn't on there. What a treat when I found a house that had one.

I am going to have a mantel and brick wall, both adding character.

Taking away the character are the ceiling fan and the decorative wall paper border (and the frilly white curtains). I'm not crazy about the carpet, but that will be staying for a long while. There are many other things that need updated first.

I was thinking of turning this room into my Penn State decor room, but I'm nervous it will turn very tacky, very quickly.

Future Home's Dining Room and Radon Test

So here is a picture of the dining room (looking from the living area/house entrance). I LOVE the arch and the huge window! And again, I also love the white walls. I am definitely not crazy about the ceiling fan, but it'll be fun to pick out a cool pendant/chandelier.

And guess what? I get to keep the window treatments! (Please note the sarcasm). The seller actually signed back the contract to include the window treatments...sigh. The curtains will make nice drop cloths. Ick! These are one of the first things to go.

And in related news, the radon test came back with an average radon concetration of 4.1 pCi/l. (EPA recommends all homes' radon levels be below 4.0). I have asked for the seller to pay half of the mitigation system - even though the level isn't very high above recommendation - I just don't want to take the risk of cancer.

What are your thoughts about radon? Where would you draw the line with your level?

No Words: Sunshine and Warmth

Are you kidding me?! This weather is going to be BE-A-U-TIFUL!

I am so excited. We are Penn State don't get Friday as a holiday, but as soon as I saw the weather report I requested off. There was no way I was going to be happy working on Friday with that kind of sunshine and warmth.