Of course I can’t post the contents but at least now you know what it’s about.

I hope you like!!

It can be pre-ordered on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=romantic+prairie+style&x=0&y=0

I do want to thank everyone for the many encouragements and lovely comments I received while working on the book and I hope to get to meet many of you when I go on book signing tours in the spring.

And keep in mind that without Mark Lohman’s photography the book would not be half as nice. “A picture is worth a thousand words!”

Thank you dear Mark for all your artistry, for putting up with me in spite of the tough schedule I put you through and for maintaining such a wonderful composure and your “to-die” for sense of humor.

Oh, and thanks for teaching to enjoy a martini now and then! One could get use to this dangerous potion….but as long as it’s only for medicinal purposes–like sore feet, blisters and/or a case of the blues…..well….I won’t abuse it! In fact the last one I had was in Ione, California, at that diner we found late one night! And that was back in July. I am definitvly due for another one! What a life!!

I am so looking to doing book 2 with you! SERIOUSLY!

Happy hours. Everyone loves happy hour–it’s a great way to unwind after work. But it’s also a fantastic way to grab great-quality food and drinks at a low price. Many restaurants offer happy hour; one I’m loving right now is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar’s new “5 for 6 ‘till 7” promotion. You can choose from 5 mixed drinks, 5 glasses of wine and 5 appetizers, and everything costs just $6 until 7 p.m. Best of all? The happy hour runs Monday through Friday, so if you’re jonesing for a martini on Sunday night, just head on over. (Be sure to try the calamari and the crab cakes while you’re at it.)

Street food. Say you’re in New York or San Francisco or Philadelphia and it’s lunchtime. Sure, you could dip into a restaurant for a bite, but chances are you’ll wind up spending at least $15. Why not indulge in American institution–food from a street vendor’s cart? After all, is there anything more satisfying than an authentic Philly cheesesteak, a real New York hot dog or tasty tacos from a taqueria in San Francisco?

Coupons. Not just for your run-of-the-mill places anymore–nowadays, fine-dining restaurants are offering great deals on dinners, whether it be a free appetizer or a 2-for-1 special. Check the Internet, magazines and even the restaurant itself for these specials. Another great way to get discounts is by joining a restaurant’s mailing list–members are often alerted to good deals or get special “members-only” coupons and savings.

What great dining deals have you found lately? Leave a comment and share!

- Judi Gallagher

Now, I consider myself a coffee elitist. I am very picky about my coffee (see more on that subject in previous blog) And as far as pairing pastries with my coffee goes, I’m discovering that there’s a sort of doughnut loyalty. Some people swear by Dunkin’ Donuts, others by Krispy Kreme, still others by Publix Bakery.  Buddha Belly Doughnuts, which just opened in Sarasota, is gaining a following as well; their doughnuts are homemade and organic in shape; large but not overwhelming, doughy but not dense.

What it comes down to, I think, is the emotional attachment. Doughnuts are comfort food–something that we rely on to bring us to a place of familiarity.  What’s better than brewing a cup of coffee and then sitting down to breakfast with the newspaper and a fat doughnut, your pet at your feet and your family surrounding you? Not much, especially in these crazy times!

So tell me: What’s your favorite doughnut? Do you have a favorite flavor? And do you agree that doughnuts are a comfort food?

- Judi Gallagher