Best-selling authors Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann present 300 new recipes specially created to serve a group, proving that the slow cooker is the perfect tool for effortless entertaining on weekends and even weeknights. Like the recipes in Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker Cookbook and Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker Recipes for Two, the dishes here feature fresh, wholesome ingredients and reinforce what an essential appliance the slow cooker is for any busy cook. There are recipes to suit a wide variety of entertaining styles, from casual to formal; both classic slow cooker favorites such as New-Fashioned Pot Roast with Fresh Rosemary, Mulled Wine, and Hot Spinach Dip; as well as many more adventurous, innovative dishes such as Fondue with Sparkling Apple Cider, Brandied Red Onion Soup Gratine, and Braised Pheasant with Mushrooms in Riesling that will really impress. In addition, this is the only slow cooker cookbook that includes lots of tips and techniques on how to use your slow cooker for a wide variety of entertaining options, covering all the bases: appetizers, drinks, soups, sauces, entrees, desserts. Paperback 480 pages

(more…)

what are your thoughts on what I have written? It's simply a rough sketch of what I have in mind:

After I smoked my cigarette I sat upon my mother’s old 1950s stoop and pondered the backwardness of the earth’s yearning for “settling down”—why would you settle down when there are highways great arteries of the Mid West!—cowboys sittin’ in their saddles slouching chewing rutty tobacco and spitting to whistle through loose canines at the broad Mrs. Harbringer as she bends over to scoop up the daily mail from last morning’s mailboy circuit—it’s a shame they don’t deliver milk anymore—anywho, Mrs. Harbringer, the men whistle from high above their arrogant horse heads at the swingin’ *** of the woman as it swings brightly and excitedly back into the saloon—that image can quickly go to rot, as any mad bad mind can tell you. Anyway, I want the people who love to live life those who don’t mind drinking wine and stereotypically stripping down at the party to read and analyze Marx, the people whose hair flow outwardly upon the world like a golden silken blanket—maybe the cause of global warming—too much hair!—and on, those mad fools who will sit up in sleep bags just to talk at three in the morn and listen to the wind as it howls madly and silently in a creeping tip-toeing manner as a thief in the night. On the subject of Marx, his written works are selling like mad in Eastern Germany—(a connection there perhaps?)—and all of Europe for that matter. How odd it is to have grown up with a cynical capitalist Russia, when the rest of the older world has know Her as a Socialist machine, crude ruthless and ongoing—it’s an odd feeling looking at history over my shoulder; there isn’t much of it as is. Lucas is in Texas, analyzing and growing tea, reading scrolls written by Thoreau on the mannerisms and discourses among men and teaching younger selves about the qualities of life in all its broad quantities—Cass is living in some backwater flat over old Woodland mainstreet, trying to kick her benny habit and raising her many golden-eyed children—small waif-like little things—and gazes out of her window on the minor traffic as husbands and wives rush home to their loved ones—she sees the world through sorrowful lens of late, she writes to me. Poor woman, God only seems to know her well-like sadness; it stems so deep. As for Hank, the man is mad, living and dreaming in the opium speakeasies of San Francisco, lady city of the brightly lit bay in all her mist and glamour. He writes more, he says over the phone to me—In the background, white noise, the kind of noise that consists of offbeat surges of electronica pulsing from silver-smooth cars, people talking and yelling from across the street—“it’s UNDER the seat!”—and so on, I can close my eyes and see the smoke that hangs over the city like a symbolic greasy cloud, stinging the eyes and bringing warm euphoria to the brain at the bottom of narrow stairwells and gated road blocks, ladies in their dresses and men in their slacks off to Yoshi’s for Port and good Jazz—Charlie Hunter Trio is playing again informs Hank—the city in all her jewels and lights, her art and her cats that roam bemoaning man and his lack of conscience as they wander into dank clubs to discuss the current scene and its ****. I say my goodbyes to Hank, and tell him of my plans to work as a hired hand on the next ship freight coming into New Orleans—they are so few now—Hank chokes up, and gruffly gives his best. “Watch them sailors” he warns “They don’t care for your Rimbaudish type of man”—and so on, until I lose interest in his cynical unhappiness and tell him hurriedly that my mother is calling for help with the evening sup. He cuts off, then thrusts in a goodbye, and cuts the line before I can say the same. I sit back and ponder the life I seem to have been thrust into, and as the memories well up I tear open another cigarette from its packaging, and walk back up the drooping stoop to my room—mother hurrying about preparing a bit of nourishment before I head out—and prepare for my departure from these states, all its gleaming little slums and happy men and women who anxiously look out their little doors before venturing outside to start their days. I kiss my mother goodbye—she is crying now—and as we drive down to the docks to the freight ship she turns to me and gives me a single kiss, hurried and rushed as I rise from my seat to the pale dawn of the watery morning to trod out onto the plankway that leads to the ship; I turn once to smile and give a solemn wave, but only see that my mother has already left, her little blue Honda turning at the light down the street—and gone—gone, and already looking for her little bottle in the cupboard, and then to the television to watch the silver ball drop in New York City, tears. As I venture on board the vessel I notice the captain give the go ahead as the last of the stragglers pull themselves up the plank, rushing before the ship leaves port, and New Orleans behind
I wasn't sure what section to put this under, hopefully this is it. Also, only serious answers please, none of that "I love it! Keep writing!" unless you have more to add to it and back it up. Be brutally honest, that's why I posted it. Sorry for the length.
Thank you Searchbar.
But, keep in mind, this is a Rough sketch. I'm editing later. Several changes will be made. But thanks for your answer anyway.

Honesty number 1:It's annoying to read big chunks of text.

Are you trying to go with the Faulkner approach?

'After I smoked my cigarette I sat upon my mother’s old 1950s stoop and pondered the backwardness of the earth’s yearning for “settling down”—why would you settle down when there are highways great arteries of the Mid West!—cowboys sittin’ in their saddles slouching chewing rutty tobacco and spitting to whistle through loose canines at the broad Mrs. Harbringer as she bends over to scoop up the daily mail from last morning’s mailboy circuit—it’s a shame they don’t deliver milk anymore—anywho, Mrs. Harbringer, the men whistle from high above their arrogant horse heads at the swingin’ *** of the woman as it swings brightly and excitedly back into the saloon—that image can quickly go to rot, as any mad bad mind can tell you'

That is one sentence. That is a run on, and it should not be one sentence. What time frame are you working in? The references you make, and the drawl of the narrator don't seem to match. It's like you've thrown an early 1800s country bumpkin into the late 1900s. It's just odd.

I'm sorry, but I don't care for it.

My fiance and I only have a budget of $10 000 for our wedding for 150 guests. We can't cut the list any more because my future husband has a HUGE family and there would be a lot of hurt feelings and a major uproar if we excluded anyone else. I also would like it to be a nice wedding. A back yard cook-off or a cheapo cocktail reception doesn't appeal to me (and wouldn't be fair to guest who are travelling far for our special day!). I think I can pull it off, I just need to pull out every trick in the book!

Here is what we got so far:

-I found a lovely banquet hall which will cost between $4000-$5000 for 150 people. This includes decorations, food, set up and take down, cake cutting, sparkling wine for toasts, etc. However, it will be a cash bar.

-my fiance's uncle is a professional DJ, and will dj our reception as a wedding gift.

-my fiance's family has a close friend who is a professional photographer, who will only charge us the prints of our pictures.

-a cousin works at a cake decorating shop, and can give us a great price on a wedding cake (though I may look for an even cheaper option).

-my fiance's father is a minister. He will be marrying us in his church so we don't have to worry about paying the officiant or renting out a ceremony venue.

-I'm trying on dresses at bridal shops, then buying the dress I like online for a savings of 50%. I have had friends who have done this with a particular company and have had great success.

-I will be baking sugar cookies using a bell cookie cutter (wedding bells) and decorating them with our initials and wedding date, and use them as wedding favours.

-I want to make my own flower arrangements and bouquets, but I need to find a good wholesaler of either silk or real wedding flowers (preferably silk so I can make them way ahead of time to save myself stress)

-I plan to make my own centrepieces but I'm not very creative so I need ideas that won't break the bank!

-I hope to make my own wedding invitations and programs but I need a place that will sell inexpensive and nice card stock, envelopes, program paper!

-I will have people RSVP via phone or email to save myself money on response cards and postage.

Would anyone like to help me with what I have so so? Or does anyone have any other cost saving tips? Thanks.
Wow…. I think you covered a lot. Anyway, my advice to you is get out staring Friday and hit the After Holiday Sales. All kinds of paper, decor, candles, stationary and such will be on sale. I was in Pier 1 a few days ago and they had lots of stuff for 30%-50% off and I'm sure they will mark them down even lower. A majority of the stuff has a strong holiday theme, but there is plenty of things that can be used throughout the year as well. I would suggest using gold/red or gold/black as your colors? Lots of holiday candles and stationary will have gold as a color, but isn't themed to Christmas or any specific holiday. It just look festive more than anything. But, you could definetely get away with using it for your wedding.

Look for additional coupons in the newspaper or even online.

I think you could do your stationary, centerpieces and favors for way less than $1,000,maybe even less.

Inspired by the carved beds of French royalty, our sleigh crib is a regal resting spot for your own little heir. Wide slabs of solid hardwood are hand carved and hand distressed. Exquisite attention to construction can be seen in the many fine details, such as channeled panels and double-walled ends. The siderail is fixed and the mattress platform adjusts to four different heights. Converts to a toddler bed (conversion kit sold separately). 71.5 x 33.5 x 49″ h. See Crib Safety Tips. (PBKids, PB Kids)

(more…)

England’s greatest forests and the designs of John Goodson, an American casing maker of the 18th century, inspired the breathtaking Nottingham Epic collection. The rich detailing in the accenting adds an air of elegance, and tops off each piece wonderfully. The Nottingham Epic collection offers traditional 18th century style with a slightly modern spin. All the pieces are finished in a rich cherry, with hand-applied gold color tipping. Add a dash of elegance to your bedroom with the Nottingham Epic Chest. The top drawer is lined with felt to protect delicate items and the intricate detailing throughout make the piece breathtaking. Constructed of quality veneers over wood products and select solids, and finished in a rich cherry with gold accenting, this chest is a must have! Features: -Rich cherry color accentuated with hand applied gold color tipping -Quality cherry color veneers over wood products and select solids are used throughout - may contain plastic parts -Custom designed 18th century style hardware with solid antique brass color finish -Top drawer is felt lined to protect delicate items -Surfaces clean easily with a soft cloth -Dimensions: 56″” H x 40″” W x 18″” D -Note: chest only - matching pieces sold separately About Kathy Ireland Home by Standard Furniture: In 2001 Standard Furniture joined forces with the business family of Kathy Ireland Home. In the last 10 years, the Kathy Ireland brand has enjoyed enormous embrace from families throughout the country for its success in “”finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.”" Kathy Ireland Home and Standard travel the world searching for inspirations and celebrating the different ways people live. These inspirations are then brought back to the design headquarters and translated into sketches. Next, collaboration with the designers begins with the mission of developing specific products and collections that will coordinate seamlessly as you celebrate the global cultures and “”give your home a

(more…)

Like a fine bottle of wine, this classic just keeps getting better with age. A perennial favorite among hard-charging freestyle riders who want a dependable, highly responsive twin, The Destroyer speaks volumes about where we have been and where we are going as a brand. This season our best-selling board not only performs better than ever, but it also looks amazing with its innovative tip-to-tail burlap inlay and hits of transparent and metallic inks. The Destroyer is Forum. Key Features of Forum Destroyer Insert 148cm Snowboard: Super Gnar LE Core - A durable, rugged core designed for pipe and park junkies, Gnar LE features vertical strips of hardwood dark Aspen with Forum's twin grain belt technology Twin Board Shape Twin Core Profile Light Tri-Ax Laminates - Reconfiguration the glass by adding another layer allows for excellent torsional response without packing on the pounds Sintered Base - Reserved for highest and boards. Far the fastest no matter the snow condition Flex - 5

(more…)

Like a fine bottle of wine, this classic just keeps getting better with age. A perennial favorite among hard-charging freestyle riders who want a dependable, highly responsive twin, The Destroyer speaks volumes about where we have been and where we are going as a brand. This season our best-selling board not only performs better than ever, but it also looks amazing with its innovative tip-to-tail burlap inlay and hits of transparent and metallic inks. The Destroyer is Forum. Key Features of Forum Destroyer Insert 148cm Snowboard: Super Gnar LE Core - A durable, rugged core designed for pipe and park junkies, Gnar LE features vertical strips of hardwood dark Aspen with Forum's twin grain belt technology Twin Board Shape Twin Core Profile Light Tri-Ax Laminates - Reconfiguration the glass by adding another layer allows for excellent torsional response without packing on the pounds Sintered Base - Reserved for highest and boards. Far the fastest no matter the snow condition Flex - 5

(more…)

Like a fine bottle of wine, this classic just keeps getting better with age. A perennial favorite among hard-charging freestyle riders who want a dependable, highly responsive twin, The Forum Destroyer Insert Snowboard speaks volumes about where we have been and where we are going as a brand. This season our best-selling board not only performs better than ever, but it also looks amazing with its innovative tip-to-tail burlap inlay and hits of transparent and metallic inks. The Destroyer is Forum. Key Features of the Forum Destroyer Insert 152cm Snowboard: Core Super Gnar™ LE: A durable, rugged core designed for pipe and park junkies, Gnar™ LE features vertical strips of hardwood dark Aspen with our Twin Grain Belt technology. Board shape: Twin Core profile: Twin Laminates Light tri-ax: Reconfiguring the glass by adding another layer allows for excellent torsional response without packing on the pounds Base Sintered: Our sintered base is reserved for our highest-end boards. When waxed and maintained properly, this super hard base is by far our fastest no mater what the snow condition. Flex: 5 Forum Destroyer Insert 152cm Snowboard Specs: Eff Edge 116.20cm, Nose/Tail 28.93cm, Waist 24.60cm, Sidecut 7.57m.

(more…)

Like a fine bottle of wine, this classic just keeps getting better with age. A perennial favorite among hard-charging freestyle riders who want a dependable, highly responsive twin, The Forum Destroyer Insert Snowboard speaks volumes about where we have been and where we are going as a brand. This season our best-selling board not only performs better than ever, but it also looks amazing with its innovative tip-to-tail burlap inlay and hits of transparent and metallic inks. The Destroyer is Forum. Key Features of the Forum Destroyer Insert 156cm Snowboard: Core Super Gnar™ LE: A durable, rugged core designed for pipe and park junkies, Gnar™ LE features vertical strips of hardwood dark Aspen with our Twin Grain Belt technology. Board shape: Twin Core profile: Twin Laminates Light tri-ax: Reconfiguring the glass by adding another layer allows for excellent torsional response without packing on the pounds Base Sintered Flex: 5 Forum Destroyer Insert 156cm Snowboard Specs: Eff Edge 119.40cm, Nose/Tail 29.35cm, Waist 24.70cm, Sidecut 7.79m. Eff.edge (cm) Nose/Tail (cm) Waist (cm) Sidecut (m) 119.40 29.35 24.9 7.79

(more…)

Like a fine bottle of wine, this classic just keeps getting better with age. A perennial favorite among hard-charging freestyle riders who want a dependable, highly responsive twin, The Forum Destroyer Insert Snowboard speaks volumes about where we have been and where we are going as a brand. This season our best-selling board not only performs better than ever, but it also looks amazing with its innovative tip-to-tail burlap inlay and hits of transparent and metallic inks. The Destroyer is Forum. Key Features of the Forum Destroyer Insert 154cm Snowboard: Core Super Gnar™ LE: A durable, rugged core designed for pipe and park junkies, Gnar™ LE features vertical strips of hardwood dark Aspen with our Twin Grain Belt technology. Board shape: Twin Core profile: Twin Laminates Light tri-ax: Reconfiguring the glass by adding another layer allows for excellent torsional response without packing on the pounds Base Sintered: Our sintered base is reserved for our highest-end boards. When waxed and maintained properly, this super hard base is by far our fastest no mater what the snow condition. Flex: 5 Forum Destroyer Insert 154cm Snowboard Specs: Eff Edge 117.80cm, Nose/Tail 29.19cm, Waist 24.80cm, Sidecut 7.69m.

(more…)