localsask.ca

Online Book Bundles, a Win-Win for Ev...

Tag: Local Products

  * You pay what you want to pay 
  * Game Changer 
  * No digital locks or passwords (DMR-free) 
  * Proofed and approved for good reading

These were the main points I got out of the email received from author Jefferson Smith talking about online indie book bundles.  If you are into downloading and reading books on your tablets, Kindles and smartphones then keep reading!

Mr. Jefferson is extremely coherent in explaining the way this works so rather than retype into my own words here is a 'copy, paste' explanation direct from his email (with his permission, or course)...

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Before I dive in, have you heard about book bundles yet? They're a relatively new phenomenon in the online publishing world, and I think they're an important one. Possibly even a game-changer. In a nutshell, a bundle is a collection of books gathered together by a bundle manager, and offered to the public as a set, but there are six key features that make these more than just your everyday collection of books.

 

 

1. First, if you like the bundle and want to own it, you buy the whole thing all at once, and you decide how much to pay. Pay a buck or pay a hundred. It's all up to you.
   
   
2. Second, you get to determine how much of that money you pay goes to the bundle manager and how much goes to the authors. Can you imagine what would happen if publishers let you make that call? They'd be broke in a month. But please remember that the bundle managers do a lot of work in finding these books for you, so don't short change them. I personally figure that if there are five books in a set, then the manager is like the sixth member of the team, so they should get 1/6th of the money. That seems a fair way to handle it.
   
   
3. If you decide to pay more than a minimal threshold amount (usually about $10), you will also receive a few additional books, thrown in as a bonus for your generosity.
   
   
4. In addition to specifying the split between manager and authors, you also get to specify whether a portion of those proceeds should be donated to a charity. The bundle managers have usually designated two or three charities that they will be supporting, and they include information on the bundle site about them. If you think you want to support the charities, why not make them the seventh member of the team?
   
   
5. These bundles come entirely without digital locks or passwords. This is known as being DRM-free, and what it means is that you can put the books on all your e-readers, make backup copies, or whatever, without any worry that the FBI is about to break down your door and haul you off to a Mexican prison simply for wanting to have some control over the things you've purchased.
   
   
6. Lastly, you get the benefit of somebody else's hard work in wading through the mountains of bad indie books to pull out the nuggets of good stuff. Let's face it, one of the biggest drawbacks to the new revolution in e-publishing is the sheer number of people who do a bad job of it - bad writing, bad editing, bad covers, bad design... It's embarrassing how many books manage to be bad in all possible categories, but still want you to pay $5.99 for the privilege of deleting it after the first chapter. Bundle managers read a lot of material before selecting a few good books that all complement each other nicely. So, from my experience, if you buy a bundle of 8 books and enjoy just 3 of them, that's about 300 horrible books you won't have to look at in order to find those 3 gems.

 

 The actual announcement

 

 

 Why bundles might be important

 For some time now, the online publishing world has been noticing this rising tide of crap, but we have never been able to figure out how to organize any sort of Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval to help buyers weed out the garbage and zero in on the good stuff. But if you think about it, this bundle system does pretty much exactly that. Over time, I believe bundle managers are going to begin to specialize - each one becoming an expert in a particular genre or field. In essence, they will begin to serve that all-important quality control function that is currently missing. And if we can solve the quality-control problem, or rather, the quality-recognition problem, then ebook shopping will become a whole lot less aggravating very, very quickly.

 

 What you should do next

 

1. If you've read this far, I'll assume you are at least somewhat interested. So don't just sit there, and don't take my word for it. Check this stuff out! But don't take too long. Bundles usually only last for a short time, and this one will expire in 3 weeks. Just point your browser at StoryBundle.com and have a look at the new bundle that went up today. If you like what you see, buy a copy for yourself. Or maybe you have a friend who might like fantasy, so you'll be glad to know that you can just buy them a gift card that will allow them to download the books for themselves. (And of course, you are welcome to do both, too. :-)
   
   
2. Even if you aren't interested in getting the books for yourself, I think book bundles are an emerging phenomenon that is going to revolutionize a big part of the online book-buying/finding process, and there are probably a lot of people you know who haven't even heard about them yet. Why not earn the street credit of being the one to clue them in first. Send them a link to StoryBundle.com. Or if you prefer, since I've already written up a description of what they're all about, you can just forward this email to them. Tell them I said, "Hi."

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________


As I said, he's really good at explaining things!  Jefferson Smith is also a member of SPLAT (Saskatoon Self Published Literary Arts Team).  Here's all the links you need to carry-on from here:

Get the bundle at StoryBundle.com
Jefferson Smith's Website
SPLAT

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Start of the New Year has been a GREA...

Tag: Newsletter

It has been an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G start to the New Year for Saskatchewan entrepreneurs! The Juno's, Oscars, awards, new products, contests and special deals - and just think, we've still got another ten months left in the year!


First up we'll start with the big news:







1)   
Is an official supplier to the 2013 JUNO Host Committee!!  "We are very fortunate to have some of the best skin oils in the world, grown and pressed in our own backyard. We use as many of these as possible in our products," says Dolores (Dolly) Picard, owner of Serendipity Bath & Body. 
Find their products online:  http://www.serendipitybathbody.com/
In-store:  http://www.serendipitybathbody.com/stores-that-carry-our-products.html
Like on Facebook or Follow on Twitter


2)   
Gravelbourg Mustard is ALSO an official supplier to the 2013 JUNO Host Committee!!  Gravelbourg Mustard specializes in European style mustards and utilizes locally grown mustard seeds.
Website:  http://www.gravelbourgmustard.ca/
Find in-store:  http://www.gravelbourgmustard.ca/index.php/retailers

3) 
Dead Rock Stars by author Wes Funk is finally an eBook - downloadable on Kindle for $9.99. Yay!
Website:  http://www.wesfunk.ca/
Follow on Twitter


4)    
Designer Melissa Squire, co-owner and fashion designer of Alchemy Clothing & Salon helped fill Oscar swag bags for the stars!!  Gift Certificates, circle jackets, bike tire bow-tie and necklace accessories were sent to fill fifty swag bags.  Watch here for Global Saskatoon newscast.  Alchemy Clothing and Salon is a unique and funky clothing boutique and salon. The boutique features local artists and designers, one of a kind pieces, custom clothing and accessory designs, upcycled housewares and a green attitude. 
To get yours:  615 2nd Ave. N Saskatoon, SK  S7K 2C7  306-244-5444
Website:  http://www.melissasquirefashiondesign.com/
Like on Facebook


5)    
Breast of Friends wins the Gourmand WORLD cookbook award for 'Best Charity Cookbook in North America' (beating out tough competition such as Michelle Obama's American Grown)! Together they have raised nearly 1.4 million for cancer causes.  I don't know if there is really the right words to use to describe how truly inspirational these ladies are.  Patti Hack, a member of Breast Friends sums things up within this Huffington Post blog:  http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/patti-hack/breast-friends-cookbook_b_2697395.html
To order your cookbook:  http://www.breastfriends.ca/
Like on Facebook or follow on Twitter


6) 
Elysia Vandenhurk with Three Farmers by Canpressco was chosen to compete as a top finalist in the 'Search for the next Marilyn Cooking Expert' for CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show!!  Three Farmers Camelina oil is a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturates, an excellent source of Vitamin E, has a smoke point of 475 F and a shelf life of 12-18 months. 
Find out more or order online:  http://threefarmers.ca/
Like on Facebook or follow on Twitter

7)   
Rea Harbus, fashion designer and owner of Amaranth Designs was chosen as one of the 28 emerging and established fashion designers to participate in this years Saskatchewan Fashion Week (SFW)!!  Rea will be showcasing her 2013 Fall/Winter Collection.  She has been creating one-of-a kind pieces for women for the past 12 years, and 'if you can think it, she can make it!'
Website:  http://www.amaranthdesigns.ca/
Like on Facebook or Follow on Twitter


8)   
'Rink Burgers' by author Todd Devonshire was featured in the Spring Edition of Westworld Saskatchewan!!  Read here.  (Also a chance to WIN a signed copy of Rink Burgers...details in Contest section below).
Find online:  http://www.rinkburgers.com/
Follow on Twitter

Lately there seems to be quite a few contests offered by local Saskatchewan entrepreneurs, so we thought we'd put a few of them up here for you to find!

1) 
Win FREE honey!  Tu-Bees Foods Inc. is wanting to increase their Facebook followers and are offering YOU a chance to win $100 worth of Tu-Bee's Honey Products!  All you need to do is give them a 'Like' and once they reach 500 a winner will be chosen!  Tu-Bees Foods Facebook Page

2)   
Author Todd Devonshire and Saskatchewan CAA have teamed up to give you a chance to win a signed copy of 'Rink Burgers' (a MUST for any hockey lover!).  Tell them how you like your rink burgers and where the best one can be found here.  Contest closes May 6, 2013.  Full contest rules found with contest entry form online. 

3) 
WIN a family (of four) pass to Singing with Sylvia's Marchmallow Treat March 7, 2013 concert at 7pm.  'Like' their Facebook page and you're in!


4)    
For all those on Pinterest here is your chance to WIN 1 of 2 $50 Gift Certificates to use either in-store OR online at SaskMade Marketplace!  Create a board, email the link and pin five items or recipes and you're in!  Click link for for details.


And finally here is a quick glimpse into new products or information that you should know about!

Now regularly stocks pet food sausage!  Serve raw or cooked. Website:  http://www.pineviewfarms.com/	Welcomes two new vendors:  Prairie Pantry and Wild Cuisine!  Both will be open Tuesday - Sunday. Website:  http://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/	In the deli section they offer Ribs & Roast Beef 'heat'n eat' supper options and in the bistro they've added Soup & Salad sides to their sandwiches. Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Souleio	Grassroots Photography officially has a website to go with their Facebook Page.  Have a peek here: http://www.grassrootsphotography.ca/

Fine Art by Rene offers 'Below Cost' Print to Laminate and/or Print to Canvas Laminate in a wide selection of sizes and images.  Have a look see here:  http://www.artprintsbyrene.ca/#/page/home/	Mistik Acres is taking bookings for wedding flower arrangements in 2013 - naturally grown without any sort of chemicals.  Check out their blogpage and/or facebook page for past arrangements.	Scrubxury Sugar & Salt Scrubs announces NEW Spring Scent:  French Lavender.  Visit their Etsy Page here:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/123161018/lavender-skin-care-sugar-scrub	This months special at Turner Pens:  Sonoran Sunset Razor and Stand.  This Razor uses a Gillette Mach 3 style refill.  Full details on website:  http://turnerpens.weebly.com/index.html

Introducing........ Tu-Bees Gourmet Gunny Gifts!! Five delicious flavours all bundled up in some country charm. Tu-Bees products are 100% naturally flavoured and now they are available in a natural gift pack! How SWEET is that? Talk to the staff at the Saskmade Marketplace - the Gunny Gifts will be available at their location soon.	1/2 Price Childrens Music only until February 28, 2013!  "Attention everyone with little children…moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles send your special kids MUSIC MAIL! Everyone likes to get stuff in the mail and music is the best, it’s a great way to give them a gift that keeps on giving." Full Details:  http://www.singingwithsylvia.com/?page_id=709

1000http://www.localsask.ca/blog/start-of-the-new-year-has-been-a-great-one-for-sask-entrepreneurs.html

Deer (or Beef) Jerky Recipe

Tag: Recipes

I'm going to share with you my husband's absolutely, most treasured  memory when it comes to reaping the benefits of deer hunting:  DEER JERKY

This is the recipe he's used ever since he was a kid and god forbid we try anything different (and really why would we when this one is excellent?!).

The recipe originally comes from the 'Wild Game Cook Book II', put together and edited by the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation.  They've dedicated the book as follows:

"This book is dedicated to Mother Nature who provides us with so much beauty and bounty, enriching our lives and our palates, and to the true sportsman who reap her gifts with care and respect."

Aside from cookbook fundraisers, the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation plays a large role in helping to feed our community with their 'Hunt for Hunger' program:

"Helping feed those in need in our community

The Hunt 4 Hunger Program was created by the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to provide a service where hunters bring in excess wild meat to be processed and delivered to the Saskatoon Food Bank."

Check out their website for complete info.

The Recipe:   7-Step Jerky

Note: Our 'Preserve It Naturally, The Complete Guide to Food Dehydration, Third Edition' from Excalibur, has this to say:

"Deer, bear, and elk can all be made into jerkies, though venison makes some of the best jerky because it has no marbling fat.  As with beef, your best bet is flank or round cuts.  Before drying, game meat should be frozen for 60 days at 0°F.  This should kill any disease-causing bacteria that may be present."

garlic powder	worcestershire sauce
onion powder	soya sauce
seasoned salt	*accent
black pepper	3lb venison (deer) meat

 *Optional.  'Accent Flavour Enhancer' (Monosodium Glutamate or MSG) is a controversial topic when it comes to food safety.  Use if you'd like or leave out altogether.  Here is a link to Wikipedia that will give you more information if you want to read more about it:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monosodium_glutamate

Step #1:  Slice 3 lb. of venison into strips about 3/8" thick to ensure total saturation while it is marinating.
(It is easier to do this if the meat is partially froze.  You can slice the venison thinner if you'd like, just remember to adjust the time to cook accordingly.  A meat slicer is much quicker to use but if you don't have one a sharp knife works just as well.)


Step #2:  In a container, combine 1/2 cup soya sauce, 1/2 cup worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. accent, 2 tsp. seasoned salt, 2/3 tsp. black pepper and the garlic and onion powder to taste (we used 1 tsp. of each).





Step #3:  Stir mixture well with a spoon.  Place meat strips in marinade - make sure they are totally submerged.  Marinate overnight (we do 24 - 48 hours).

Step #4: 
In the oven:  Lay strips on oven rack (not touching).  Cook for 6-8 hrs at 150°F.
In a dehydrator:  Lay strips on tray (not touching). Dehydrate for 4-6 hrs at 155°F.

An easy way to tell if your jerky is done is when you take a cooled piece and bend it; it should crack but not break.  We usually turn trays & flip pieces about 1/2 way through to speed things up a bit.

Depending on how many jerky eaters you have in the house this stuff can disappear pretty fast! We had 25lbs of meat that we made into jerky - three of us ate it - it lasted 27 days...it's addicting!

**If the D.I.Y. thing doesn't appeal check out: Muscle Bird Nutrition, they have a meat stick made from OSTRICH meat.  "OSTICKS are created using ostrich meat as it is one of the most natural red meats available. Ostriches are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones and the meat is low in fat so it was an easy decision to make when the goal was to combine quick & easy, with healthy & nutritious.

With help from the University of Saskatchewan Food Centre for Research and Development, Ostick prototypes were created that had the nutritional value and taste we loved."**

Muscle Bird Nutition website:  http://musclebird.com/

1000http://www.localsask.ca/blog/deer-or-beef-jerky-recipe.html

We grew our own popcorn (and it worked!)

Tag: Recipes

This one isn't really a 'recipe', more of a 'we gambled, grew and it worked' kind of blog post!  Back in the Spring of 2012 we came across 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' seeds from Heritage Harvest Seeds, and thought 'whaaat?, you can grow your own popcorn??'

The kids were pumped - this was one vegetable they were completely on board with!  My question:  Would it work?

We chose the Tom Thumb variety over the other as living in Saskatchewan the growing season is slightly unpredictable - to play it safe we went with "The best popcorn for short season areas".

We planted (see original blog post here), watered and watched things grow.

So we had things growing which was great but then what?  When do we harvest, HOW do we harvest, how do we make this into something we eat?? GOOGLE :)  Yep, we came across a few different sites (I've lost the paper where I had written down the links so you'll have to do your own search - sorry!) First step was to wait as long as possible before harvesting.  Basically the advice was to wait until the day before the first day of frost before picking.  We jumped the gun a bit in our rush to get things cleaned up and pulled everything up September 12, approx. 100 days after day of planting.

Here's what things looked liked once the husk was peeled back.	Complete harvest (originally planted 50 seeds, about 35 plants came up)	Relative size of cob - pretty tiny and cute :)

 
Next step was hang to dry.  I imagine you could use a dehydrator for this but we didn't have one so instead we hung all cobs in a recycled mesh onion bag, from the ceiling in our basement.  And there they sat.

To test dryness, grab a cob with both hands and twist.  If the seeds 'pop' out your ready to go, if they stick and you find yourself using your fingers to get kernels out then leave for another week.

Out of all our cobs we filled 2 quart size canning jars with seeds:



Tom Thumb popcorn in relation to the usual Orville Redenbacher's 'Gourmet Popping Corn':



Taste wise there was a difference that I noticed but not the kids.  A good taste but not one that I am able to describe (sorry, wasn't blessed with the vocab needed!)

Heritage Harvest Seeds describes Tom Thumb Popcorn as:

Very productive 2-3’ plants produce many small cobs that average 3" long. Produces delicious popcorn that pops very well. Small golden cobs can also be used for autumn decorations. Very early and productive. The best popcorn for short season areas! My favorite! (60 days)


This is definitely something we'd do again.  The concept of 'heritage' seeds is part of it but really popcorn itself is a huge win with the kids - that they can grow their own and eat it too is something that ranks up in the 'it doesn't get much better than this' category. :)

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