May 8, 2006

Summer is here!

The sun is out more frequently and that makes me a happier camper. Last weekend, the weather was perfect and I was able to open all the windows and doors in the house to let the outside in.

What are your summer projects? Besides LinorStore.com, I'm working on reducing the amount of clutter in our home. I have 3 bags of clothes to donate and that's after cleaning my regular closet. I even took the time to try on clothes. Only 3 items were in the "maybe" pile. Being a packrat, that's quite an accomplishment for me.

Great summer reads:
Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch by Haywood Smith. She also wrote The Red Hat Club and The Red Hat Club Rides Again. OK, it's ChicLit, but enticing enough to read another book.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I recommend you read the book before seeing the play, but do both! It's a great night out and a fun rendition of The Wizard of Oz, one of my favorite movies.

Both books and more can be ordered right at http://www.linorstore.com/books_amy.htm.

Remember that if you want a book, let me know and I'll add it to our Web site for your convenience.

Fitness:
I managed to work out once this week. OK, it's only Tuesday, but I do know where my new walking shoes are. A friend recommended Denise Austin to me. In the Chicagoland area, she has a show on Lifetime at 6 AM. It's a light workout, which I can manage. My favorite toning, low-impact fitness guru is Margaret Richard. I'm not sure if her show is still on TV. I use a tape.

Working out helps me to have more energy and less stiffness during the day. Gosh, I do a lot of sitting at my job. I'm learning to stroll around the building every couple of hours to rest my eyes and uncurl my body. I tend to have poor posture when I'm sitting and proofreading.

And now for a chocolate break . . .
Summer means that Katie's Old Fashioned Chocolates hangs out the "Gone Fishin' sign" and is closed during June, July and the beginning of August. So, this is your LAST CHANCE to order preservative-free, gluten-free handmade chocolates until late August. Visit http://www.LinorStore.com/katies.htm to see our selection.

*   *   *  Special Offer for Aspen Employees  *   *   *

After placing your order through our secured PayPal site, I will combine your shipping costs to save you money. The orders must be shipped to Aspen Marketing to take advantage of this offer. It would be preferable if you order online at http://www.LinorStore.com/katies.htm or send me an email with your order. Either way, it must be an electronic order to save money on shipping costs.

Writing:
I'm working on an article to submit to a Writer's Digest contest. This is my third edit and it's shaping up. Deadline is approaching so I've got to wrap it up. I'll let you know if anything interesting happens in another issue.

Crafts:
I attended a "Stampin' Up" party a few weeks ago and might pull out my stamps again to offer more designs to our little dream gift books. If I could only find the time ... I'll just have to make it. If you'd like a special design, let me know.

My other passion is beading jewelry; another creative outlet. I'm designing a memory wire bracelet and hope to have it completed before too long.

My other projects are wrapping up so I hope to spend more time designing and working on LinorStore.com.

Check the site often to see what's new. Tell your friends about us too. And, if you're not subscribed to our Ezine, do it now. You can help LinorStore.com be Your Online Gift Shop by letting us know what you like.

Keep on shoppin'

Linda Blatchford
Chocoholic & Web Content Manager