Category Archives: CREATIVE

Kitchen Upgrade

The project to renovate and upgrade my kitchen came about from a broken dishwasher which was taken out and converted into a useful cabinet (see process and photos here). I thought, well if we’re going to get people to take the dishwasher away, why not replace the old stove and noisy fridge as well?

First, I went hunting for a new fridge and range. From my research, and looking at different places, I finally decided on buying them from Sears. They were the most knowledgeable, convenient, fair prices and good incentives, such as earning points on my Sears card which I later used to redeem interior decor.

Next was painting the neon green walls in the kitchen. Apparently, the previous owners thought it was a good idea to have these bright blinding green walls. I wanted to keep it simple, so I went with white. It also would match the rest of the suite which was also white.

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After painting the visible area of the wall white, I pulled out the fridge and painted the wall behind it. It was tricky since the fridge would only come out so far until it hit the dishwasher in front. I had to slip through the small opening you see above and painted in behind.

The new Fridge 18.2CF was for $679.99. It was difficult or limited to find a fridge that would fit perfectly into the space I had. Since it was an old fridge that was there previously, it didn’t allow for modern fridges which were much taller. Luckily, I found one. I was a bit worried when the delivery guys came and said, ‘I don’t think it’s going to fit.’ But viola! It was a perfect fit, even better than the old one. Goodbye old white fridge. Hello new stainless steel fridge!

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The wall behind the range was also green, so it was pulled out and painted white as well. Since the green was so vibrant, we needed to painted it over like 3 times.

Then the Range 30″ was delivered.  The range was $699.99 and the delivery cost (only one time fee even though they brought the fridge and range at different times) is $69.95

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I highly recommend getting appliances from Sears. I was really happy with the customer service when I was looking at their different appliances. Very helpful and knowledgeable. The delivery was somewhat of a hassle since they delivered the fridge and range on two different dates. Prices are good and have been pretty happy with their products.

 

Intro to Self-Publishing – Publishers Panel at Central Public Library

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I’ve been interested in writing since I was in junior high school, even though my grammar and vocabulary isn’t that great. I’ve always wanted to write a novel based on my grandmother’s life during WWII. I have another one which is already in the works. But with no educational background in writing, I have been searching for some night time classes I could take to improve my writing. Unfortunately, I was sick off and on this fall, and missed the courses. Other classes held at other locations were cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. I hope I will be able to enroll one in the spring.

I’m always keen to learn more about the industry. Writing doesn’t just mean you write and sell it. There are many things to consider from whether you are going to self-publish or go with a traditional publisher. Are you going to get your book printed or distributed as a ebook, or both? How do I find an editor? What’s a book coach? Where do I get my cover design done? And so on…

So I was really excited to see that a free event was happening at the Central Library on self publishing on Nov 16, 2013. Several professional self-publishers shared  knowledge, tips and  experiences of self-publishing within the book industry.

The panel included:

  • Brad Stokes and Matt Begg, Publishing Consultants from FriesenPress
  • Michelle A. Demers, Writer, Editor and Independent Publishing Consultant
  • Jo Blackmore, Publisher from Granville Island Publishing
  • Patty Osborne of Vancouver Desktop Publishing Centre
  • Naomi Pauls, Writer, Editor and Independent Publishing Consultant
  • Carol Sill, Personal Book Coach from Alpha Glyph Publications
  • Kathrin Lake, Executive Director of Vancouver School of Writing

I learned quite a lot. I’m so glad I went. I also took my friend who was just starting to take introductory courses to become an editor, so I think she was happy she tagged along too.

I had just taken Kathrin’s one evening workshop on ebook a few days before, so I already knew her. She remembered me too. It’s good to make connections if you’re interested in entering an industry different from your own. You can learn a lot from the experts. Her ebook session, as well as her presentation at the library was very motivational for me.

Kathrin Lake website

Michelle A. Demers seemed to be very informative and detail-oriented. She caught my attention when she mentioned about authors needing to know about copyrights trademarks, laws and the proper way of setting up a book.

Once the discussions were done and the speakers went back to their own booths that were set up throughout the room, I approached her to see if she had the ‘The Global indie Author’ book that contained all the information that she had mentioned earlier. She didn’t have any more copies, but she was very nice in telling me that the library did carry them. My friend and I thought it was very generous of her to offer the book for ‘free’ when she could have made another sale to me by saying I could order it from Amazon or something.

Since the presentation was at the library, it was convenient to borrow the book. I’ve since started reading it and have learned a lot. The book is great! A must have for any author. It’s packed with a  wealth of information, and although you may find the information online or in other books, this book contains it all in one.

It’s so good I’m thinking of getting an ebook version, though without a tablet, it will have to be read on a computer which isn’t too convenient. (yes I know, as a wanna-be writer I can’t believe I am still without a tablet! It will be my Xmas gift to myself this year though LOL)

She writes it in a tone where it’s like she’s directly talking to you without sounding like a textbook, so it’s not boring. She keeps you engaged and interested, and I find myself reading quickly through like novel.

Michelle. A. Demers website

There is an Introduction to Self-Publishing: Author Panel taking place on Dec 7 at the Central Library. Check their website for more info.