Some time ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, predicting that cut-up party cakes were due for a huge comeback. Cut-up cakes, for anyone born past 1980, were popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Basically, you take a cake, cut it up into different pieces and assemble those pieces to create something new. Like a turkey. Doesn’t that sound appetizing?
Read MoreRecently, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, talking to host Shelagh Rogers about survival. Bears, earthquakes, the Costco parking lot – we covered a lot a ground.
Read MoreFor authors, book covers can be a wee bit stressful. It’s one aspect of your work that you don’t control and you’re relying on someone, usually a designer and sometimes an illustrator, to visually convey something that took you 70,000 words. Give or take.
Read MoreSay the word “salad,” and most people think carrots, iceberg lettuce and, if they’re having company over, croutons. But for many people – specifically cakers – the word “salad” covers a vast culinary landscape; a landscape not always conducive to growing vegetables.
Read MoreWho isn’t trying to cut corners these days? But should the line be drawn with chocolate? I picked up six brand name chocolate bars and paired them against their dollar store equivalents. I conducted a blind taste test and enlisted the services of a second taste tester, so you’ll get more than just my opinion. Even though mine is the most important. Obviously. So how did the dollar store bars stack up?
Read MoreLet’s face it – snack crackers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Think about all the times snack crackers have been there for you. While you’re microwaving your dinner. When you come home after too many wine spritzers. When you need to preoccupy your mouth during awkward office parties.
Read MoreRecently, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, chatting with host Shelagh Rogers about entrepreneurship. I never considered myself as the entrepreneur type, but the discussion got me thinking. The only standing between me and millions of dollars is one good idea. So why not give it a shot?
Read MoreEvery Christmas, I take on an ambitious baking project. I tell myself I enjoy doing it, but, by the end of the project, I always wonder if I have some sadomasochist need. This year, I decided to make a gingerbread house.
Read MoreWell, here it is. The final week of Bazaar-o-Rama 2018. Pass me a tissue, will you? My only comforts are the treasures I found this past weekend.
Read MoreWe’re knee-deep in bazaar season. What did I score on my third weekend out? The only way you’ll find out is to scroll, my friends. Scroll and be amazed.
Read MoreI’m back with another exciting round-up. What did I find this week at my church bazaar travels? Check out my loot!
Read MoreBazaar-o-Rama is back for another titillating edition! Every November, I scour church Christmas bazaars in search of the weird and wonderful and share all my treasures with you, dear reader. I’ll update this post every Monday throughout the month. Come along for a bazaar journey. Or is that “bizarre?”
Read MoreA couple of years ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, talking about what I thought would be the new book trends. Cut-up party cakes was one of them. Apparently, the rest of the world still needs to catch on. Maybe people think turning a cake into an airplane is intimidating. But believe me, if I can do it, so can you.
Read MoreRecently I went to New York City and learned a few things. When riding in a taxi, never look out the windshield to see what the driver is doing. Instead, just look out the passenger window and think of puppies and daffodils.
Read MoreWhen I was 21, I placed a personals ad in the newspaper. At the time, I was on the verge of coming out and I was looking for love. Or adventure. Or maybe both. The two always go hand in hand.
Read MoreRecently, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, talking with host Shelagh Rogers about something that never goes out of style. No, I’m not talking Golden Girls reruns. I’m talking manners.
Ever since I received a cookie letter press a couple of Christmases ago, I’ve been a bit obsessed with inscribing inspirational messages on cookies. See my Fuck Cookies as an example. I like putting messages on cookies because a) you truly get to eat your emotions and b) it’s good spelling praktice.
Read MoreI recently hosted my annual Caker Christmas potluck party. I ask Italians to make Anglo Saxon dishes like casseroles and things saturated with Cool Whip. As you can imagine, it’s a real rollercoaster of tastes.
Read MoreEvery November, I embark on Bazaar-o-Rama, my annual tour of church bazaars. If you haven’t been to a bazaar, you’re missing out. You can find cheap gifts, form friendships with women named Beatrice and Irene, and buy percolated coffee for next to nothing.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll post some of the treasures I find. Join me on my bazaar journey, won’t you?
Read MoreBrian Francis is the author of the novels Natural Order and Fruit. Creative writing tips, advice for writers and personal essays.
© Copyright 2019 Brian Francis
