Laina Turner-Molaski

Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

For my new book, CHICZOFRENIA – crazy is an art form, I am in need of two things. From all you guys out there I would like to know your favorite thing about women. Please nothing sexual, this is more about the inside not boobs and butts. Then from everyone I would love to know your favorite line from a song.

Thanks for your help!

Laina

CHICZOFRENIC.com

Lot’s going on and I love it. Staying busy keeps me out of trouble. Somewhat. As I count down the weeks until the kids go back to school, only three, I feel that soon summer will be over and I will really have to get back to work. Not that I have slacked off…much. But I haven’t networked or done a lot of the business generating activities I need to do. I felt that this year I deserved some time off and have taken it without feeling at all guilty (ok maybe just a little). However, there is so much going on I really need to get off this summer break.

So what is happening you ask? Even if you aren’t asking I’m going to tell you. I have been the Indianapolis Small Business Examiner for over a year. For those of you unfamiliar, the Examiner is an online magazine of sorts that is nationwide and centric to local communities as well. Well I also just became the Indianapolis Women’s Fashion Examiner. While this may seem odd, as they are different worlds, it is great for me because it combines two things I love. Business and fashion.

There will be a second printing of Stilettos & Scoundrels happening by the end of August and I have blog tours and other marketing events scheduled.

My next book Chiczofrenia – Being Fabulous is a Skill is almost done and ready to send to the editor and soon after will be the following up to Stilettos & Scoundrels.

Look for details coming the first week of August on some contests and promotions surrounding these activities.

Another thing I am going to be starting on this blog is book reviews. I get asked often about my opinion on this book or that, and to be honest I do on occasion give my enthusiastic opinion even when one isn’t wanted.

I spend at least a couple more days a week in a bookstore and I don’t think I ever leave without buying something. I like all genres and while I see the value of eBooks I just can’t help but loving the smell and feel of paper. You can’t get that old, musty paper smell from a eReader.

So if you wish to have your book reviewed please contact me at laina@lainaturner.com and you will just have to send me a print copy or  PDF copy.

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We are in the process of putting Stilettos & Scoundrels in audio form and have been doing research on audible vs. iTunes vs. all the other mediums out there when someone mentioned cassette tapes. That maybe we could be totally retro and record the book on cassette. 8 track was even mentioned but I think that’s going a little far. Besides I still have a boom box somewhere and would have no idea how to go about getting a 8 track player.

Why do I have a boom box (sorry but I love the phrase) because I have to have something to play my old Poison, Ratt, Kiss, and Cinderella tapes. Not to mention Cinderfella by Dana Dane which incidentally is over 25 years old. Check it out here – Cinderfella.

What are your thoughts on cassettes?

How I wish I had thought of that title.  I went to the bookstore today (as I do almost everyday) and came across this hilariously named book. It’s about a woman, Crazy Aunt Purl, who comes home from work one day, has dinner with her husband, and then he informs her he is moving out and their marriage is over. As expected she is devastated and at a loss. To try and lift her spirits one of her friends suggests a knitting class, the New Yoga she calls it. Skeptical at first, Crazy Aunt Purl gets started knitting and can’t stop. She loves it. Now it of course doesn’t replace a husband but this funny true story shows you just have to pick yourself up and move forward. You can’t wallow forever.

Crazy Aunt Purl, hats off to you. All of us divorcing women appreciate it!!!

Check out her site at Crazy Aunt Purl!!

We started out the morning at La Jolla beach. Beautiful walk on the coast dipping our feet in the water and looking at hot surfer dudes. However, when we went to walk back to our car we both realized we had been so excited to walk on the beach that we forget to remember what street we parked the car on. I even have an iPhone app for that and I forgot to use it. It took longer to walk up and down the streets looking for the car than the time it took to walk to the beach. But…we found it. Finally. That’s all that matters.

Today was our last book signing, outside the SHRM conference, at Buffalo Exchange -  San Diego (5th and University). Another great day (although the Jamba Juice beforehand helped) and again we met some awesome people. I was also excited because I got to wear my Goodwill, made out of curtains skirt.

Our main goal this trip was to get west coast exposure. We knew we would with the organized book signings but we also took stock to use for “street promotions.” To walk around downtown San Diego and pass out books to folks. Just a meet and greet. We started it tonight to get some practice and it was a blast. A few people looked like we were trying to hand them poop in a bag but most folks were excited. It’s sad that people are apprehensive when you try to give them something free. But I do understand that “free” is often not really “free” so I get it.

We ended the night with a great meal of yummy Greek food at Athens marketplace and are starting to feel like real San Diegoans

Friday started off with us actually being able to eat before 9pm at night. We had a great breakfast at a place called Café 222. I had peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast. It was sooooo good!!

We then worked all afternoon until time to go to a boutique called Pure Boutique. This shop is focused on bringing in local designers and artisans. The jewelry was amazing and they had a cute line of Angry Girl logo’d merchandise that was adorable.

Afterward we went to Old Town for some margarita’s and Mexican food. This area has a lot of Mexican culture and the atmosphere was lively.

Each place we go to eat we have been taking a few books and passing them out to other customers. Hoping it will generate some excitement and exposure. This has been one of the best parts of our trip. People have gotten excited and tonight they were lined up for me to sign their books. In each free book we give away we place a card asking them to go to my blog and post their review. Hopefully we can create many new friends this way!

Laina

Thursday’s trip to LA started off wonderful. Even the drive up from San Diego that took 4 hours (to go about 120 miles) was nice and relaxing. Of course it didn’t hurt to be able to enjoy the sunshine.
We got to our first stop, Buffalo Exchange, on Melrose Ave, no we didn’t see Amanda Woodward, Billy Campbell, or Dr. Peter Burns, and had a blast. Buffalo Exchange is a resale shop with anything from jeans and T’s to really cool vintage and designer stuff. The store was packed and we had fun going back to our retail roots and interacting with the customers. I did get a surprise when I got yelled at by someone I guess I didn’t say “hi” too. She I think felt I was discriminating by not saying anything to her although I greeted the lady she walked in with. Some people you just can’t make happy.

As the day was winding down a guy walked in with an obviously fake, and not a great fake at that, moustache and beard. Walking around the store on a mission he eventually came over to us and asked if we wanted to be in a short because he was the “most interesting man in the world” We looked at him like he was a homicidal manic until the girls that worked at Buffalo Exchange said it was ok, this happened all the time. As we followed this guy to where they were filming he told us that Desperate Housewives actress who plays Karen McCluskey (real name Kathy Joosten) was in the short as well. While we didn’t have to say anything, we did a great job of sitting there for 2.5 seconds looking fabulous. Soon we will be on You Tube and surely to be discovered as the next greatest thing since Julie Roberts (ha ha even I’m not that delusional).
While it in some ways has been a bit stressful these last couple days, I have also been overwhelmed with how nice everyone has been.
All in all, another great day!!

Laina

Our adventures in San Diego started off with a long flight and a never-ending stand in the line for the rental car. Amy was lucky enough to see a guy attempt to spit tobacco in a bottle that had a cap on it but it was all good when Johnny, a rental car place employee, told me I looked 26 and upgraded us to a 2011 Mustang Convertible. There was no way after that the day could end bad. So even though by the time we got our car, and drove to our first stop, we only had minutes to spare it was worth it.
It did take us about 15 minutes to figure out how to close the convertible top which is a bit excessive for 2 college grads but we prevailed. After a successful book signing we checked into our hotel and took off for Little Italy where we had a great meal and glass of Pinot Grigio.
Tomorrow off to LA!!!!!

Elizabeth Leffler-Agia, owner of Cecilia Boutique in San Diego, has worked hard to create a stylish collection of name brand designers such as Sanctuary, as well as local clothing and jewelry designers. Originally from the mid-west, Elizabeth started as a stylist for a photographer and went on to be a personal stylist saying “I enjoy the personal connection I have with people.” Gaining inspiration from her grandmother, Cecilia (for whom the boutique is named after) and who was an avid artist, Elizabeth wanted to create an environment for women that was as comfortable as they would be in their own closet and in my opinion she has succeeded.
See some snapshots of the great merchandise below.
Laina

I arrived in California with no job, no car, and no money, but, like millions of other girls, a dream.
Victoria Principal

Everything is just better in California – the wine, the food, fruits and vegetables, the comforts of living. Even the instrumentalists are generous and curious. Everything is wonderful.
Beth Anderson

I for one am looking forward to experiencing it, as is Amy. I have had requests to bring back Robert Pattinson and Pink if I somehow run into them and can convince them to come back with me to humid, rainy Indiana. Might be far-fetched but you never know.

This will be a fun adventure and we will keep you updated with posts, pictures, and video (if we can figure out the camera) during our trip.

Peace-

Laina