tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86006435995268082162023-11-15T22:34:41.963-08:00Comfort NewsReading Comfort's blog on all things cozy. We circle the globe to find new comforts, reveal our comforts and ask you to reveal yours. Any indulgence great or small is embraced.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-45667521060629897012010-04-02T16:44:00.000-07:002010-04-02T17:00:39.696-07:00Spring is in the air just in time for some new readingThank you for voting for our video! Our video has generated some wonderful feedback and responses. We are so inspired that we are busy getting new patterns for your favorite Reading Comfort product. By the way, this means that we will soon be discontinuing some of our older patterns at a comfrot price, just in time for Mother's day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-21100253268061530772010-03-22T10:21:00.000-07:002010-03-22T10:26:29.610-07:00Presenting Our Newset video...We are so happy to introduce our new video that showcases the people who make up Amanda Crawford Designs. We want all of you to get to know us! Don't forget, we are changing our patterns often and have launched our new E-Buddy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-34208150225095553672010-03-18T15:01:00.000-07:002010-03-18T15:11:34.444-07:00Updating our InventoryGreat news! We are announcing that we will be updating our Book Buddy, Paperback Book Buddy and E-Buddy patterns 6 times a year! That means you'll have more to choose. Of course keep in mind that once we run out of a pattern, we will retire it, never to be seen again. So don't delay on your purchases.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-63365886246751433912010-03-10T09:09:00.000-08:002010-03-10T09:13:18.581-08:00We want YOU!We know everyone is busy. So if you can't send us your video, send us your pictures! We want to see you and your Book Buddy. Show off your sense of style and let the world see which Book Buddy you love. Send your video or pictures to brett@readingcomfort.com<br /><br />Remember, we want to feature YOU on an upcoming video. First 5 submissions will win a FREE E-Buddy plus a Book Buddy (even from our new private reserve line).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-91708719827997877982010-03-05T10:50:00.000-08:002010-03-05T10:53:08.476-08:00We need YOU!We are looking for our most enthusiastic customer to make a quick 10-20 second video telling us why they love our products and that they found out about our new E-Buddy through our email marketing with Vertical Response. We know you are out there! So get your camera out and hit record. You can use your digital camera, video camera, or even the camera on your laptop. Nothing fancy, just fun, and energetic. We want to hear from you!<br /><br /> o The first 5 submissions will receive a FREE E-Buddy (any size or style) plus one FREE Book Buddy(you may even choose one of our newest styles from our Private Reserve Line of microfiber Book Buddys.)<br /><br /> o The winning video will be featured in our "Five Minutes of Fame" documentary that we are submitting to our email provider Vertical Response. Vertical Response wants to see what we are all about and who our customers are. Your creativity and spirit will help us in our video submission contest!<br /><br /> o If you have any questions, please call our Distribution Center at 877-477-0060 or email us at info@readingcomfort.com.<br /><br /> o Please send your final cut to Brett in Business Development at brett@readingcomfort.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-40875901176369328102010-03-03T15:03:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:07:59.321-08:00Myrna Alpern feature articleMyrna Alpern, founder and President of Reading Comfort by Amanda Crawford Designs, has bee featured in our local Westlake Village Acorn Newspaper! Life really does begin at 70...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-64169074386084448222010-03-03T14:55:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:03:10.692-08:00New E-Buddy LaunchedWe've launched our new E-Buddy line! They are at a great price and as always in a variety of wonderful colors. Comfort and style have never looked so good!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-57626132749823350472010-02-26T11:39:00.000-08:002010-02-26T11:43:01.371-08:00Working hard on our new line of products!Can't wait for all of you to see our newest addition! Not only are we working on a great line of e-Reader Buddy, we are calling it the E-Buddy, but also a faux suede line! Now style will definitely meet comfort. Check our website soon for the official launch!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-21754629756347684352010-02-17T12:38:00.000-08:002010-02-17T12:39:58.812-08:00Exciting new line...We're getting ready to launch our new line of e-reader pillows. Stay tuned!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-13893685070307940352009-12-01T16:51:00.001-08:002009-12-01T16:53:46.305-08:00Customer Feedback: Priceless<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja96njQPjt5R8kNySoK8fskZmiNkxLer99pjoVk38ADrATiwwVhIfBfnXLmCmkcvQl6dChLCJb7Og7jF9YEVqrYpItCKaIHBfF9kZgyH478cvgyZ7izFmpDdsfKO07xpIvqCSa9o_qkQ/s1600/album-gratitude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja96njQPjt5R8kNySoK8fskZmiNkxLer99pjoVk38ADrATiwwVhIfBfnXLmCmkcvQl6dChLCJb7Og7jF9YEVqrYpItCKaIHBfF9kZgyH478cvgyZ7izFmpDdsfKO07xpIvqCSa9o_qkQ/s320/album-gratitude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410435641413191634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We were so moved by this letter, we wanted to share it with all of you.<br /><br />"I wanted to share a book buddy story with you. After seeing my book buddy on my blog (before I actually even reviewed it), my mom bought one for my grandma who has arthritis in her hands. My grandma loved it, which I believe I mentioned in my review. My grandma bought one for a friend of hers who is a paraplegic. She is LOVING it, because once her husband places the book on the book buddy initially, she is able to manipulate the pages from one set of ribbons to another using her mouth stick. She says it is amazing and she is so happy to actually be able to read a book on her own again. Supposedly she has also shared the product with her physical therapist or someone who thinks it is just phenomenal.<br /><br />Just thought you'd like to know!"<br /><br />JenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-78680958762005926242009-11-03T20:49:00.000-08:002009-11-03T20:52:53.017-08:00Reading Comfort Video! Watch The Comfort Happen.<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l4XVvvEPqwg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l4XVvvEPqwg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-84734767181942102009-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:002009-09-09T09:41:32.659-07:008 New Book Buddy Fabrics Just In Time For Fall (and Holiday Shopping)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BVFTYNJ0YSYS7DVY2B2NdY1oB86nvtuKSo9QhdIg86nL4zGQpiprQH2Zj4MnIlyB_rVb4h__OWelYvH01XmjwVD8U7iGTLfX0_BLTIkBmHHUPkSSSZflQ0g4u9c3lJoRXIpRECSy0g/s1600-h/BB-008-2T.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BVFTYNJ0YSYS7DVY2B2NdY1oB86nvtuKSo9QhdIg86nL4zGQpiprQH2Zj4MnIlyB_rVb4h__OWelYvH01XmjwVD8U7iGTLfX0_BLTIkBmHHUPkSSSZflQ0g4u9c3lJoRXIpRECSy0g/s320/BB-008-2T.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379508703490867682" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/category_s/33.htm">Click here</a> to peruse our fabulous premier line. My new favorite design is "Jeannie". What's yours?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-79426906941210377282009-08-24T13:37:00.000-07:002009-08-24T14:11:29.714-07:00"Working" On Your Birthday As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f_vUjEZl3tSISNFEA4JiWUDtFFSmqIxYtDAYVnxJAmu9n1GFkSsIqeOJGbuteuTV1JlTGesUIoqkmY1DbhvaoIyg40lVfYG1U8T7ZgYnosy6TmJV2ERBUDxdItc2T5MOAgBTtr2GuQ/s1600-h/black-and-white-candles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f_vUjEZl3tSISNFEA4JiWUDtFFSmqIxYtDAYVnxJAmu9n1GFkSsIqeOJGbuteuTV1JlTGesUIoqkmY1DbhvaoIyg40lVfYG1U8T7ZgYnosy6TmJV2ERBUDxdItc2T5MOAgBTtr2GuQ/s320/black-and-white-candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373640119509359042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As time goes by, we at <a href="http://readingcomfort.com/">Reading Comfort</a> continue to ponder what comfort means to us (as you no doubt have learned by now). One aspect of the concept of comfort that makes me happy is how utterly subjective and personal it is.<br /><br />For instance, today is my birthday and today I take comfort in working on my newest business. Many have balked at this and I must admit that my head is full of little voices saying "you shouldn't work on your birthday, you should be out having fun". Fun is another concept that is completely subjective (for instance, my sister's idea of fun is sky diving. Um, no).<br /><br />Because I feel so passionately about what I do, often my work is fun. Or, at least it is for me. Honestly, I couldn't think of a better way to bring in this new year for me than to pursue my greatest love; healthy baking.<br /><a href="http://readingcomfort.com/"><br />Reading Comfort</a> was born of love and passion when Myrna invented the <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3&Redirected=Y">Book Buddy</a> for her mother, a voracious reader who had trouble gripping a book due to arthritis. A decade later, that love has touched countless others. <br /><br />As a new business owner, I can think of nothing more inspirational.<br /><br />Do you work or play on your birthday?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-33405585175299254082009-08-17T07:44:00.000-07:002009-08-17T08:30:33.479-07:00Lying In Bed All Day: Taking A Break As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHLN4HER15lHfxtYKVww4hjueZYuWTUj2fdQHgwILRVSJ2x4NOsODj3vE4z66PiKS2QXaz_FPL3_DVibvI4KZwqpcNi9pkT-jeXuLmx-RU3anrJ_vMe42BVFaNbljhvgeFh4Qy8usPQ/s1600-h/21227458_ec9ef4a71e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHLN4HER15lHfxtYKVww4hjueZYuWTUj2fdQHgwILRVSJ2x4NOsODj3vE4z66PiKS2QXaz_FPL3_DVibvI4KZwqpcNi9pkT-jeXuLmx-RU3anrJ_vMe42BVFaNbljhvgeFh4Qy8usPQ/s320/21227458_ec9ef4a71e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370955146923165650" border="0" /></a><br />Good morning! I am working from bed. Again. I am also practicing not judging myself for this. Yes, not judging because I haven't run 3 miles, tidied up the apartment and made my husband a healthy breakfast by 8am.<br /><br />I've been reading a book (using my trusty <a href="http://readingcomfort.com/">Book Buddy</a>, of course) called <a href="http://www.reallygoodmom.com/">I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids</a> and the overriding theme is how mothers make themselves crazy by constantly criticizing themselves and others regarding what it means to be, and what it takes to be a "good mom". While I'm not a mom myself, I can totally relate to the constant barrage of judgement going on in my head. Here is what my head tells me I should get done in a day in order for it to be deemed "successful".<br /><br /><ul><li>Workout</li><li>Make healthy meals for myself</li><li>Make healthy meals for my husband</li><li>Work= Make clients happy</li><li>Run errands</li><li>Complete any household tasks (bills, appointments, laundry, organization...)<br /></li><li>Blog</li><li>Market my business</li><li>Wear something cute</li><li>Call/see a friend</li><li>Test a new recipe</li><li>Pay attention to my husband<br /></li><li>Follow a spiritual practice</li></ul>Some days the above is doable, and can be incredibly gratifying. Other days, it's completely overwhelming and I wonder, who am I doing this for anyway? Why do I feel guilty if I don't get everything done? What about not feeling guilty if NOTHING gets done?<br /><br />I've always been the one who looks like she has it all "together", while simultaneously feeling like I'm about to fall apart. I'm curious to see if I let some of this go, maybe it will fall into place. I have a hunch it will...<br /><br />I just found a wonderful blog post on <a href="http://apenandanest.blogspot.com/2009/02/virtues-of-writing-in-bed.html">the virtues of writing in bed</a>. Thank you, <a href="http://www.apenandanest.blogspot.com/">Kimberly Willis Holt</a>! I feel so much better.<br /><br />What does "taking a break" mean to you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-68800361564313594352009-08-04T07:34:00.000-07:002009-08-10T09:34:03.043-07:00Color As Comfort: What's Yours? Have No Idea? Let's Explore...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCEAcjRs2It4laMEX0hvO4nqfyW8oTxyHtiYuDpA2E24hlYgUYjLC5A8DxpIQG6Hn6Eh02-mxTG6NwvwEXUpuT0x1R60yvVOd44uRwjF6wru8VjiOIqnQCMhFJ8KVIFh7lI5svDEVjQ/s1600-h/800px-Rainbow-diagram-ROYGBIV.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCEAcjRs2It4laMEX0hvO4nqfyW8oTxyHtiYuDpA2E24hlYgUYjLC5A8DxpIQG6Hn6Eh02-mxTG6NwvwEXUpuT0x1R60yvVOd44uRwjF6wru8VjiOIqnQCMhFJ8KVIFh7lI5svDEVjQ/s320/800px-Rainbow-diagram-ROYGBIV.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126681430698514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When someone asks me what my favorite color is, I completely blank. This also happens when I'm asked about favorite songs, food, movies...<br /><br />When I saw this intriguing series of questions in the September Edition of <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a> that could help me determine, once and for all, what my truly favorite color is, I had to jump in. And I want to take you with me.<br /><br /><br />1. What's the first color you see in the morning?<br />White<br /><br />2. What color are your eyes?<br />Hazel<br /><br />3. What color do you wear the most?<br />Blue<br /><br />4. What color do you never wear?<br />Purple<br /><br />5. What color do you wear when you want to feel sexy?<br />Red<br /><br />6. What color gets you the most compliments?<br />Green necklace or turquoise scarf<br /><br />7. What color is your lipstick?<br />Clear, only use lip balm<br /><br />8. What color was your living room when you were growing up?<br />Dark, greyish blue<br /><br />9. What color was your bedroom when you were growing up?<br />White wall paper with primary color fat stripes; red, yellow, green, blue...<br /><br />10. What color are your sheets?<br />Green<br /><br />11. What color was your favorite crayon as a child?<br />Pink<br /><br />12. What color is your car?<br />Charcoal grey<br /><br />13. What color was your prom dress?<br />Black<br /><br />14. What's your favorite gemstone?<br />Peridot<br /><br />15. What is your favorite flower?<br />Peony or tulips; pink<br /><br />16. What color makes you happiest?<br />Butter yellow<br /><br />17. What color depresses you?<br />Maroon<br /><br />18. What color calms you?<br />Green<br /><br />19. What color makes you grind your teeth?<br />Anything fluorescent<br /><br />20. What color would you like to try, but are scared to?<br />Purple<br /><br /><br />Well, I don't know how much clarity was gleaned from this, but it was fun. Honestly what comes to mind from this is that perhaps my favorite color is pink. Why? I think of the other colors I adore:<br /><br />Grey<br />Blue<br />Green<br />Yellow<br /><br />What makes me the most happy is when any of these colors is accented with...pink!<br /><br />And of course, my favorite <a href="http://readingcomfort.com/">Book Buddy</a> design is <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/Book_Buddy_Dotts_p/bb-013.htm">Sweet Charlotte</a>...that should have been a sign.<br /><br />Pink is my final answer. Your turn!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-24799435617852554182009-08-04T07:01:00.000-07:002009-08-04T07:23:11.853-07:00Back To School Days: Do You Have Your Book Buddy?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9PcBMQMCOmgd8sWTuuAdCfV4OKJfyuO9eiMYzUSaX262wSqeDohw7EsWP-RrvSDMiIRWtMpfbgAW8JNax5w3uCw4GFqeNJQwFvtigtXfHytF_1TCgcE70Mnl8UXLcT1C1bKwZtz8BA/s1600-h/book-buddy-ii-white-background.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9PcBMQMCOmgd8sWTuuAdCfV4OKJfyuO9eiMYzUSaX262wSqeDohw7EsWP-RrvSDMiIRWtMpfbgAW8JNax5w3uCw4GFqeNJQwFvtigtXfHytF_1TCgcE70Mnl8UXLcT1C1bKwZtz8BA/s320/book-buddy-ii-white-background.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366112951314776914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/i-love-my-book-buddy/">Bermuda Onion</a></span><br /></div><br /><br />When I was in college, I went to the library to use a computer, in the community computer room. There were no computers in dorm rooms and no one could even fathom a laptop. And I'm not THAT old, people. This was in 1995.<br /><br />In 2007, <a href="http://www.educause.edu/ECAR/TheECARStudyofUndergraduateStu/161967">EDUCAUSE</a> published a <a href="http://www.educause.edu/ECAR/TheECARStudyofUndergraduateStu/161967">study</a> that reported laptop ownership on campus had increased from 52.8 percent of the student population to 75.8 percent in a two year time frame. Oh, and 36% of students owned two computers.<br /><br />I love my laptop. I'm kind of obsessed, actually. What makes using it all the more pleasurable is my trusty <a href="http://readingcomfort.com/">Book Buddy</a>. By placing my laptop on top of the mini desktop, it zaps away any heat the computer is generating, while the pillow portion allows me to find the most comfortable position to work. I know I have said this many times, but I utilize my <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3&Redirected=Y">Book Buddy</a> everyday, for many, many hours.<br /><br />If you or someone you love is heading off to school, you must consider giving something they never knew they wanted, that they will then adore more than they thought they ever could. Seriously.<br /><br />Oh, and it's genius for books, too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-85658004295457665392009-07-29T07:04:00.001-07:002009-07-29T12:27:52.244-07:00Thunderstorm As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3M0lfdBifTw8hs0egRaFi1yqfb6S_HDwiSMZOvgkfF16MCQsyMJZwbD8ircC7xIDnyEBOG7SB7tr3mrRZQCebJ-N4lz-crhbhEV_FTKWvR6KG-zFmirP3WN2gqjmWu-zlqmk_B0_qA/s1600-h/124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3M0lfdBifTw8hs0egRaFi1yqfb6S_HDwiSMZOvgkfF16MCQsyMJZwbD8ircC7xIDnyEBOG7SB7tr3mrRZQCebJ-N4lz-crhbhEV_FTKWvR6KG-zFmirP3WN2gqjmWu-zlqmk_B0_qA/s320/124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363963197738966610" border="0" /></a><br />I love a good thunderstorm. I love when a storm is brewing and everyone rushes to get patio furniture covered and the bikes put in the garage and the beach towels off the clothesline. It's like you go about your daily life, then all of a sudden the weather reminds you of its presence and demands some attention.<br /><br />I love thunderstorms because they are what I consider "safe danger". They're not like tornadoes where you're not sure if you will lose your roof or if a tree will down your power lines for the next three days. I'm sure one of the reasons I have such an affinity is as a child, I would feel super loved when the sky started to threaten a summer day. Mom and dad would make sure my sister and I were close, and we would sit together on our screened in porch and feel the temperature drop and the wind would howl and the cold, fat drops would shock our arms and feet. It felt like the world stopped and we would just watch the weather like a movie.<br /><br />Are summer storms friend or foe for you? Do tell!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-19736448361753387702009-07-24T06:31:00.000-07:002009-07-24T06:57:58.796-07:00Hometown As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe5U3gs1nGiBgByU4UFgqAWnxCfRUojTVKCojnKe2Yoy_WSfA09rb6suvX-ejHm2ujyUCWWqA4EKQXNYp3US3EdvmwOrKCnnKGVTeecPeYFXb6jf4S7JoA5CZvr8OpMphaa1vgT0RJw/s1600-h/Ann+Arbor+031+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe5U3gs1nGiBgByU4UFgqAWnxCfRUojTVKCojnKe2Yoy_WSfA09rb6suvX-ejHm2ujyUCWWqA4EKQXNYp3US3EdvmwOrKCnnKGVTeecPeYFXb6jf4S7JoA5CZvr8OpMphaa1vgT0RJw/s320/Ann+Arbor+031+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361403092520039762" border="0" /></a><br />I believe in the saying, "you can go home again", but I can visit! I absolutely adore the town I grew up in, Ann Arbor, Michigan. With the exception of the sometimes harsh winter weather, this town is perfection in my eyes. It has all the elements that personally qualify for great city living; thriving music, arts and culture scene, delicious food, art movie houses and yoga studios. It has all this and maintains a small town vibe and friendliness.<br /><br />When I come home to visit, I drink in all the familiar elements and enjoy them in a way I never would if I lived here. I jog through my elementary school playground, walk the streets of downtown and COVET the food at <a href="http://www.zingermansdeli.com/content/pages/home.php">Zingerman's Deli</a> with the fervor of a 13 year old girl with a crush.<br /><br />What comforts do you associate with your hometown?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-28593295992840862462009-07-19T21:52:00.000-07:002009-07-20T07:31:44.504-07:00It's Hot, Yes? Multiple Fans As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTp8Kw9BMpNmmxIPaFfFyE0_CdPQ9PZRgf2BkRG1deWQwY-7aBxA8PWglPUwP2JPRAABkjHwjm2TIm15Kyv9LnQrfgvLNf3LWDZVR_5FePDoo0fKp1H8PeStEq3xxwo6qlxaTOeq27Q/s1600-h/room-to-room-fan1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTp8Kw9BMpNmmxIPaFfFyE0_CdPQ9PZRgf2BkRG1deWQwY-7aBxA8PWglPUwP2JPRAABkjHwjm2TIm15Kyv9LnQrfgvLNf3LWDZVR_5FePDoo0fKp1H8PeStEq3xxwo6qlxaTOeq27Q/s320/room-to-room-fan1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360402123611801730" border="0" /></a><br />It's finally gotten hot in my neck of the woods: Santa Monica, California. We live about 3 miles from the beach so we get lucky with ocean breezes much of the time. We also have southern facing windows with no tree cover and the walls bake all day long, making for some hot nights.<br /><br />These nights remind me of Michigan summers, when my mom would have fans in each doorway, pushing cool air from open windows through one room to the next room. We would be careful not to trip over extension cords and box fans, and we would have to shout to be heard over the thunder of forced air. On especially stifling evenings, I would lie in bed with a fan directly on my legs, and my mom would put cool wash cloths on my forehead.<br /><br />I came across this particular fan on <a href="http://cleantechnica.com/2009/02/20/room-to-room-fan-clears-the-air-saves-energy/">Clean Technica</a> and had to share. I think it is a great idea; saves space while cooling the air from room to room. I might just have to <a href="http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/room-to-room-fan.do#">get me one...</a><br /><br />How do you comfort yourself in extreme temperatures?<br /><br />xoxoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-89507197625502582802009-07-16T10:56:00.000-07:002009-07-16T11:15:51.409-07:00Joyful Spending As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7gBRRmdpeow0xerH-RqllthR0xSgrjk5dy405TsbrvCfELqYAtjtpS9ojoneQFaxMoWEITczLLdfKKsRsig7NZv8o3GmTwiUo9KsKuYDV6QuTUHugxgGUluiANFLHuaBI5Cxvoj5Dw/s1600-h/306_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7gBRRmdpeow0xerH-RqllthR0xSgrjk5dy405TsbrvCfELqYAtjtpS9ojoneQFaxMoWEITczLLdfKKsRsig7NZv8o3GmTwiUo9KsKuYDV6QuTUHugxgGUluiANFLHuaBI5Cxvoj5Dw/s320/306_photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359120437612930306" border="0" /></a><br />I have a hard time doing nice things for myself. Being a freelancer in this economy, sometimes I find myself in a sort of deprivation mode and one of the ways that shows up is in lack of self care. Rather than getting a haircut, I'll just bobby pin my too long bangs to my head and keep marketing. I'll make dinner after a 12 hour work day on set because I don't want the expense of ordering in.<br /><br />There's a difference between being frugal and being a martyr. I am learning this lesson ever so slowly.<br /><br />Yesterday, I was light on work and was also feeling very low energy. I was feeling too "guilty" to treat myself to a movie, so instead I got my car washed and then got a haircut. The comfort was in where I went for said haircut. Not to the cheapie place that butchers my hair or driving 2 hours round trip to Long Beach so my friend will cut my hair at a discounted price. <br /><br />I went to a lovely salon in Santa Monica, just down the street from my home, and drank the whole experience in. I luxuriated in a ten minute head massage during the shampoo. I got a marvelous cut by someone who was not hurried or high on anything. The salon was clean and bright and even offered me complimentary bang trims whenever I want.<br /><br />The icing on the cake? I was offered 50% off because it was my first visit. I have concluded that not spending any money can be just as detrimental as over spending. The key is to spend smart and enjoy what you pay for.<br /><br />What creates joyful spending for you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-20588029859872979812009-07-13T12:50:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:21:50.539-07:00Summer Sale! Saving Money. Very Comfy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamCcQ_hVCfsQmSj98zS0JRJydRayzNSY9AEUaU-LOz17MnNMxumLKIZ35UTU-9yD4eO8taXRFHFYpAZUIq7w0hYvuYVB5Cze4YOim7Zk62dKjC27vIqO-i8zCIOFWBv5Yc6TuKzvpbw/s1600-h/summercamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamCcQ_hVCfsQmSj98zS0JRJydRayzNSY9AEUaU-LOz17MnNMxumLKIZ35UTU-9yD4eO8taXRFHFYpAZUIq7w0hYvuYVB5Cze4YOim7Zk62dKjC27vIqO-i8zCIOFWBv5Yc6TuKzvpbw/s320/summercamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358042450124590114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is summer. I am saying this as much to myself as I am to you because I, like most of us, still must work during the summer months and I can easily forget that I should take some time out to enjoy the sunshine.<br /><br />I feel so grateful that I enjoy the work I do immensely, however it is a crime to be tethered to my computer while the rest of the world (seemingly) surfs and eats Popsicles.<br /><br />My solution is to take my work out of my "work zone". I head to our little courtyard with my laptop and my Book Buddy (of course) to catch up on emails and blogging. I work in comfort while enjoying a summer breeze, some bird chirping and when my work is done, I walk down the street to a local drugstore to get a Popsicle. Cherry.<br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">We want you to do the same:<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;">Live 4 Comfort<br />Book Buddy Summer Sale</span><br /></div><br />Value Line $14.95<br /><br />Premier Line is $24.94<br /><br />Add a Lap Desk $4<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3&Redirected=Y">Get yours today!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-7855516083172246922009-07-11T14:35:00.001-07:002009-07-11T14:54:09.945-07:00Baking As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiuAhoNB9cxK-bATJejqX6Pgo-JGS3_frcwX6k6K_B1OhdN1zCvlg1oialyLsbICs2lhwdocJv-_XTfCZ-Gv4KZ7Yz0SWyQzbVt1oMuACjozgnSUL0o1cI9GsLXcpste2nUViz4GYBg/s1600-h/IMG_2850.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiuAhoNB9cxK-bATJejqX6Pgo-JGS3_frcwX6k6K_B1OhdN1zCvlg1oialyLsbICs2lhwdocJv-_XTfCZ-Gv4KZ7Yz0SWyQzbVt1oMuACjozgnSUL0o1cI9GsLXcpste2nUViz4GYBg/s320/IMG_2850.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357319555293046002" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished culinary school. I loved it. One of my dreams is to have a vegan bakery. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the money going to pastry school because I would be learning how to bake with conventional ingredients and since vegan baking is a whole other ball of wax, I've decided to home school myself.<br /><br />How will I do this? I bought a beautiful <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/books.html">cookbook</a> by Babycakes founder <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/about.html">Erin McKenna</a> which I am reading cover to cover and making each and every recipe, in order. My hope is by the time I'm done I will be a confident, yummy vegan baking goddess who has created her own recipes to sell to the masses!<br /><br />Above is the result of my first baking "class"; apple cinnamon muffins. I can think of nothing more comforting than a warm oven bursting with the smells of vanilla and cinnamon. If you want to follow my vegan baking adventure, check out my <a href="http://www.eatrepeat.org/">food blog</a>. And if you're jealous of my adorable weighted bookmark pictured above, <a href="http://www.readingcomfort.com/category_s/2.htm">we can take care of that</a>.<br /><br />xo<br /><br />MandyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-36208469120082169942009-07-06T07:05:00.000-07:002009-07-06T16:48:48.225-07:00Eating And Moving As Comfort<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WDXKX7iB1bfpwUmw_et65He-apF-XQH2ngEBQS_FE2cy6Q41FZZytS7S7OdBi_H_CPbhcUpkXJv-isAXRpDDLwKqY-0t1EmTIF2cFexfiPvu7CPW5Je3byUPJDzJtfQjBJVk8IDi2A/s1600-h/642494woman-running-on-beach-at-sunrise-posters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WDXKX7iB1bfpwUmw_et65He-apF-XQH2ngEBQS_FE2cy6Q41FZZytS7S7OdBi_H_CPbhcUpkXJv-isAXRpDDLwKqY-0t1EmTIF2cFexfiPvu7CPW5Je3byUPJDzJtfQjBJVk8IDi2A/s320/642494woman-running-on-beach-at-sunrise-posters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355350964899277362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This submission came from Jasmine at <a href="http://eatmovewrite.blogspot.com/">Eat, Move, Write</a> (check out her amazing <a href="http://eatmovewrite.blogspot.com/2009/06/yam-pancakes-no-im-not-kidding.html">yam pancake</a> recipe-YUM). I was so touched by her honesty. I agree completely that food can be comforting and nourishing, rather than guilt inducing or punishing. Amen, sister!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I used to weigh 343 pounds. The only things I’d ever known to bring me comfort involved a knife, fork, spoon, or, in really desperate time, my own grubby fingers. Today, I’m less than half the woman I was and I’ve learned that sometimes it actually is a reality to find comfort in food. But a bowl of whole oats with raw peanut butter can be so much more comfortable than a bowl of ice cream. Sometimes when I’m missing home, a bowl of milk rice like my mom used to make is like a small slice of home. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Today, mostly, I use exercise as comfort. It takes my mind off whatever in life is bothering me, and it reminds me that there are few things more precious than our health, which for the majority of my life I hadn’t even considered.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-11310898440297723832009-07-02T20:59:00.000-07:002009-07-02T21:09:15.578-07:00The Kitchen Table As Comfort: Truer Words Never Spoken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzkQ0qV0KK4eX-QjwM5vdpVUoSY5xSrF9dgjRnw-0YF9XNGVxoOcbLmuCdmcD-YYT0O64pvfq6oXRJ9siCBqODp_d6vydAAtEmPRoPDrWsOaUdUhb_wyVhYR7MPaJrVLtnveR3fCm6A/s1600-h/family-at-the-kitchen-table.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzkQ0qV0KK4eX-QjwM5vdpVUoSY5xSrF9dgjRnw-0YF9XNGVxoOcbLmuCdmcD-YYT0O64pvfq6oXRJ9siCBqODp_d6vydAAtEmPRoPDrWsOaUdUhb_wyVhYR7MPaJrVLtnveR3fCm6A/s320/family-at-the-kitchen-table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354080771104038322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Shelly from <a href="http://thedecayedgentlewoman.blogspot.com/">The Decayed Gentlewoman</a> shared this lovely story with us. Be sure to enjoy some other musings on her fantastic <a href="http://thedecayedgentlewoman.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sitting at my kitchen table gives me comfort.<br /><br />As a child, whenever I would visit either set of my grandparents, life seemed to be conducted around the kitchen table and I loved that. I would sit with my grandparents while they drank their coffee in the morning and watch particles of dust float in the rays of sunlight coming from the windows. My grandfather would tell me stories about his childhood as we sat there.<br /><br />Later, I would cram around the table with my cousins, eagerly watching my grandmother make lunch.<br /><br />When I grew older, my family would sit at the kitchen table and play rounds of Continental Rummy, a particularly complicated and extremely enjoyable card game.<br /><br />Now that I have my own house, I have dinner at the table every night, and love to sit there for hours on Sunday morning, drinking lots of coffee and reading the newspaper from cover to cover.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600643599526808216.post-77224304970697528122009-06-25T18:55:00.000-07:002009-06-25T19:51:27.413-07:00Teddy Bear. Classic Comfort by Jess at Have Faith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pFRMnkJCezLg5lQ5WI_ol6eLdsKys3_DNZaYwSvHsE2Vc00n8wFiaPEWN4dbfjpz6nLa0tlzDCRwndtSnWNJBYTMAs9c5siZ21wQRh85v3nqAgGWWP0c4fc_92tvA719FNmCDQl2PA/s1600-h/100_5025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pFRMnkJCezLg5lQ5WI_ol6eLdsKys3_DNZaYwSvHsE2Vc00n8wFiaPEWN4dbfjpz6nLa0tlzDCRwndtSnWNJBYTMAs9c5siZ21wQRh85v3nqAgGWWP0c4fc_92tvA719FNmCDQl2PA/s320/100_5025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351462542816136242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jess at <a href="http://havefaith4ever.wordpress.com/">Have Faith</a> is a great blogger and who I deem an "old soul" as she is so wise AND a freshman in high school! In addition to <a href="http://havefaith4ever.wordpress.com/peanut-butter/">peanut butter</a>, here is something that gives Jess comfort:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Whether it be after a tough day ending in tears or after a night filled with fun, this gift from my boyfriend always brings me comfort. He gave me a soft, white teddy bear for Valentines Day this year. It has a heart attached that reads "I love you" and it makes me smile when I see it. It reminds me of him when he's away and no night is complete without my bear. I love curling up on the couch with her while watching a good movie. (Which is exactly what I plan on doing tonight with the Notebook and a Chai Tea.) This meaningful teddy bear is my ultimate comfort and I feel much more at peace with her in my arms. A little cheesy? Maybe. The truth? Yes.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKBMe7CRthNcpkXaQj_mCJvH5UaYJLDhjWIeCLaKJ3koZINchUuv1Ivep83W6RQ9sJukl-affydWXAy6vCmsxMjhZ8OQbqQMLVRh5r6JfnCQr7abEcQ7GAptUhEuSszwMwqwy_5feiQ/s1600-h/100_5026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKBMe7CRthNcpkXaQj_mCJvH5UaYJLDhjWIeCLaKJ3koZINchUuv1Ivep83W6RQ9sJukl-affydWXAy6vCmsxMjhZ8OQbqQMLVRh5r6JfnCQr7abEcQ7GAptUhEuSszwMwqwy_5feiQ/s320/100_5026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351462541285375186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks, Jess. I, too have a white bear with a heart that my boyfriend (now husband) brought home from a trip to NYC he went on right after we met. So sweet, and we hadn't even kissed yet. That little bear sealed the deal.<br /><br />xo<br /><br />MandyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1