L. Marie Dubuque's Blog

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

This year is especially stressful, with the state of the economy and the pressure to still make the holidays "merry" and "festive."

Maybe you're not travelling this year, or you're cutting back by not buying expensive gifts. You can still make the holidays fun and memorable. Even if you decide you will only be giving each other one gift, make that present thoughtful and from the heart. The most expensive gifts aren't the ones you remember most. They are the ones that people personalize and take the time and effort to find or even make.

If you don't feel like attending another holiday party, don't be afraid to turn down an invitiation. Spend time with your kids instead.

Be sure to take lots of holiday pictures, and enjoy those special, simple moments with family and friends. Those are what really count.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I appeared on the show Great Day St. Louis the other day. It is an hour long lifestyle program on the local CBS affiliate here in St. Louis. I was promoting my article, Best Gifts under $10.

I had been on the program before to promote another article, so I knew what to expect. I watched the show a lot before I appeared, to get a feel for the hosts and the show's style. This was a really fun environment, so I knew I could be myself and have a good time. And I think that's the key. A lot of guests think they have to "perform" and memorize what they're going to say. But I believe you come across better when you go with the flow and make the interview more like a conversation between you and a friend. I know that is easier said than done! But I felt like I developed a rapport with Carol, the host who interview me both times. So it was easy to get the information across and still make the interview flow.

Here are some tips to make your television interview go well:

• Remember, television is a visual medium. So, if you can, bring props! For example, if you're an author, and your book is about how to entertain during the holidays, set up a holiday table on the set. Or if you are promoting an exercise or weight loss book, demonstrate one of the work-out routines from your book, and get the host involved. You get the idea. TV producers love visuals, and they will help you come up with ideas to make your appearance more "TV friendly."
• Don't try to "sell" your book. Remember, producers' number one goal is to inform or entertain the viewer. So you need to give some take-home information. Don't just say, "in the book..." Believe me, you won't be asked back if you make your entire interview a sales pitch. The hosts know you are trying to sell your book, so often they will mention it at least once and may even put up a link to your web site. Definitely ask for one!
• Learn about the hosts. Read their bios on the show's web site before you arrive. That way, you won't feel like you are talking to a complete stranger, and you will feel more comfortable when you first meet them. Also, if you can find something you have in common to talk about, it will make the interview go better. For instance, if you both have kids the same age, and your book is about how to raise stellar kids, that could be a talking point!
• Don't be glued to your list of questions. You will probably be asked to give a list of interview questions to the producer. But don't feel like you have to stick completely to what's on paper. If the host says something you feel you could add to, go with it. The conversation will come across as very natural and less like you are being asked a bunch of questions.

• Finally, have fun! That doesn't mean the entire interview will be some kind of giggle fest, but don't be afraid to laugh and have a good time (as long as the subject matter lends itself to that.) But even serious subjects can have a light-hearted moment. And if you forget what you were going to say, don't worry! It will come to you. Remember, live television has its unscripted moments when not everything goes right. Even the professionals make mistakes.

Good luck, and don't be too critical of your first TV interview. It's not a good idea to watch it over and over again and criticize yourself. There will be a next one!

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

I was awaiting the arrival of the brand new PetSmart in our area as much as a child anticipating Christmas day. I guess that says a lot about my exciting life.

As soon as I entered the store and made that left turn into the aquatics department, I was shocked. There were fewer fish tanks than in the old store. (PetSmart closed one store and moved about a mile down the road to a brand new location.)

I was still happy with the prices though. I got a tiny goldfish for 12 cents. But I guess I expected some sort of fish bonanza with huge tanks of colorful fish lining the walls. What I saw instead were small tanks and fewer fish. Maybe that will change.

I'm not saying I won't be a loyal customer anymore. But I feel the store's allegiance is now with dog lovers...The new pet hotel is supposed to be fabulous. So where do all of us fish lovers go now?

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

Last year, I bought three pairs of $39 pajamas from Victorias Secret just so I could get three pairs of slippers. I loved the sleep wear, and I loved the foot wear even more...because I gave them away as gifts!

It worked out great. I'm still wearing the pajamas. They are soft and warm and wear very well. Maybe not worth $39, but it was a great deal when you consider those cute multi-patterned slippers come for free! And they were a huge hit with my teenage nieces.

You have a choice of a bunch of different bright colors and varied themes. If you want to keep the slippers for yourself, they do match the pajamas perfectly!

To get the deal, simply enter slipper08 at checkout. Hurry, because the promotion ends December 9th.

Posted by L. Marie Dubuque

When my son was little, we used to have a great time at the mall. I would wheel him around in his stroller and he would be content just to stare at all the people and try to reach for the colored lights.

Now that he is 13, not only is it like pulling teeth to even get him to the mall, but he is ready to go home as soon as we get there. Until recently, I have avoided the problem altogether. I've bought his clothes online. But now that he is too tall to fit into kids' pants, and men's apparel is both too expensive and too "old" looking, I have to take him with me.

Gone are the days when bribing him with a pretzel would work, or hanging out at Dick's Sporting Good's rock climbing wall. Now I have to get in there with a plan, and get out as soon as possible.

Maybe that's a good thing. No more lingering at the shops, spending money that just recently evaporated with the stock market.