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Showing posts from October, 2025

How to Use Amazon Kindle Create — A Quick and Easy Guide for Authors

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Learn how to use Amazon Kindle Create to format your book for KDP. This free tool lets you easily design, edit, and export a professional-quality eBook or paperback, ready to upload to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Why I Love Kindle Create If you’re planning to publish your book on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) , Kindle Create is one of the easiest and most helpful tools to get started. It allows you to professionally format your manuscript — whether it’s a novel, children’s book, or nonfiction — and have it ready to upload in minutes. There is no charge to use Kindle Create , and it produces a .KPF file ready for upload to Amazon KDP . You can use it to create both eBooks and paperback interiors , all in one place. I personally find this program very easy to work with. Once your book is saved, it’s simple to access it again and make any changes or updates whenever you need. Getting Started with Kindle Create Here’s how you can begin creating your own boo...

Thrifting Mistakes That Could Cost You More Than You Think

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                         Prussia Real or Fake Thrifting isn’t always cheap anymore! Learn how to avoid costly mistakes when shopping secondhand. From fake antiques and overpriced finds to online price lookups and authenticity traps — discover smart tips for modern thrift shopping and my personal lesson with a fake antique water pitcher and bowl. Introduction Thrifting used to be simple — walk into a secondhand store, browse the shelves, and find treasures for a few dollars. Those were the days when thrift shops were full of surprises and bargains. But things have changed. Prices have gone up, shoppers have become more competitive, and authenticity isn’t always guaranteed. As someone who loves the thrill of treasure hunting, I’ve learned these lessons firsthand. I once bought a beautiful water pitcher and bowl , certain it was a genuine antique. The price was higher than usual, but I believed it was worth it — after all...

Authentic Challah Bread Recipe

  Authentic Challah (≈ 4½ cups flour version) Ingredients ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water, around 105-115 °F (40-46 °C) 1 Tbsp (≈ 3 tsp) instant yeast (or active dry yeast ) ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar 3 Tbsp honey ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral oil (e.g. vegetable or canola) 2 large eggs (room temp) 1 extra egg yolk 2 tsp salt 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) For egg wash / topping 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water, beaten Optional: sesame seeds , poppy seeds Instructions Prepare yeast (if needed) If using active dry yeast, dissolve yeast + a pinch of sugar into the warm water. Let sit ~5–10 minutes until foamy. (If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.) Mix wet ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (with yeast, if preactivated), oil, honey, 2 eggs, and the extra egg yolk. Combine with dry ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 4½ cups flour + salt (and instant yeast...

Timeless Elegance: Chinese Famille Rose Lazy Susan Serving Set

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  Every now and then, a treasure appears that makes you stop and smile. Recently, I came across a Chinese Famille Rose Lazy Susan serving set —a complete six-piece porcelain arrangement with a central covered dish, measuring about 15 ¼ inches wide . The moment I saw the cobalt blue, rust orange, and gold floral designs , I knew this was something special. These sets were extremely popular in the 1960s through the 1980s , when Chinese export porcelain was sought after for both banquet dining and home entertaining . The bold color palette, often described as Imari-style (with its striking mix of cobalt blue and rust), pairs beautifully with the softer floral influences of Famille Rose porcelain , a decorative tradition dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The Lazy Susan form itself is practical and charming—six wedge-shaped dishes fit neatly around the central bowl, making it ideal for serving appetizers, pickles, sauces, or small treats at family gatherings. Beyond function, though...

Thrift Store Treasure: Finding Mikasa Crystal Bowls and Why They’ll Always Shine

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I Found Two Mikasa Crystal Bowls at a Thrift Store — And It Made My Day I’ve always loved browsing thrift stores — there’s a certain thrill in not knowing what you might find. But nothing prepared me for the moment I spotted two stunning Mikasa crystal bowls sitting quietly on a lower shelf, almost like they were waiting for me. I couldn’t believe it. These weren’t just any bowls; they were beautifully crafted, sparkling even under the dull store lighting, and in near-perfect condition. Finding both pieces felt like uncovering hidden treasure. I actually let out a little laugh of excitement and might’ve clutched them a bit tighter than necessary on the way to the register. And the best part? I got both for a fraction of what they originally cost. Sunflower Frost   One of the most charming patterns Mikasa released was the Sunflower Frost line. These delicate crystal flower bowls, with their frosted petal design and subtle elegance, were produced between 1997 and 2005 before...