Blog Posts
Where Are My People At?
Jan 25, 2023 by Amber McClain Shaw
When the kids were younger we knew where to find each other. Carpool, volunteering at school, the sidelines of all kinds of sports matches or at one of the kid-friendly restaurants in the area. But now that they are off to college and beyond, we no longer have a connection through our children. How do we find each other? Now that, in theory, we have more time for ourselves and our own interests, I’m wondering where everyone went.
I Have Not Loved a Car for 26 Years. Until Now.
Jan 18, 2023 by Amber McClain Shaw
I have loved convertibles since I was a kid and my dad had several that were so fun to ride around in; an MG and a Fiat. When I bought my first car, it was a convertible, a Miata. I loved that car and only gave it up when I absolutely had to; I was a week away from my due date and I realized a stroller would not fit in the trunk. I have not loved another car for the last 26 years. Until now.
How to Eat Cereal
Jan 06, 2023 by Amber McClain Shaw
My boys left me with a Costco-sized box of Frosted Mini Wheats that they opened but didn’t finish. It’s making me question my sanity.
I don’t consider myself a particularly fussy person, but Frosted Mini Wheats bring out an intense desire for order, organization and doing things the RIGHT WAY.
I don’t consider myself a particularly fussy person, but Frosted Mini Wheats bring out an intense desire for order, organization and doing things the RIGHT WAY.
Connection Was My Word of 2022: How It Went, And Why Social Media Got In the Way
Dec 07, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
At the start of a new year, I choose a word of the year. More than eleven months into this year, my word is still going strong. I find it more interesting and powerful than a resolution. A word has a way of echoing back to you in a song, in something you read, in a conversation with a friend, and asks you to pay attention. This year I chose the word connection.
What Can You Let Go Of? Comfort is the Enemy of Progress
_w140_h140/IMG_4442(1)_11080839.jpeg "What Can You Let Go Of? Comfort is the Enemy of Progress")
Nov 09, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
In the fall, my yoga teacher asks her class to consider, “What can you let go of?” This question echoed around in my head, and I knew there were some things I wanted--needed--to let go of. What has gotten too comfortable, too habitual? I wanted to examine some of my routines, habits, and thought patterns and determine whether they serve my overall wellness.
Comfort is the enemy of progress. --PT Barnum
A Comfort Zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there. --Robert Stevenson
My Neighbor Wrote an Amazing Autobiography and I Helped to Publish It
Aug 19, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
I’m excited to announce that my neighbor Dr. Werner Stamm has published a book! And I am honored to have been a part of the process, helping him to self-publish it.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Night Market
Aug 16, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
Are you ready for a fun food adventure? Go check out a Night Market! Here are ten things to know before you go so you can have a great time.
I'm at the Book Fair!
Jul 06, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
The Tiny Book Fair is all summer long. I'm a participating author. Please go check it out!
Amber's Cooking Collective July 2022
Jun 27, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
Kids are on summer break, kids are home from college, everyone is hungry all day.
I don't want to be in the kitchen a lot in July. Do you? No, you have better things to do. Pick up a copy of this Mark Bittman cookbook and join me in making easy fast tasty meals so we can spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside doing fun stuff.
I don't want to be in the kitchen a lot in July. Do you? No, you have better things to do. Pick up a copy of this Mark Bittman cookbook and join me in making easy fast tasty meals so we can spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside doing fun stuff.
Some Things Don't Change
Jun 23, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
As a young child, Kieran loved mud. I was delighted to see this vacation photo he sent. Some things don't change!
Another School Shooting
May 25, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
In high school, in the early 1980s, a boy I didn’t know very well looked at me through his long fringe of bangs and asked me to come to see something in his locker. He stared at me, eyes mostly hidden. We were not friends. I went, I don’t know why. His locker was near mine.
Inside he had a gun.
Inside he had a gun.
Coastal Grandmother
May 06, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
How to channel the Coastal Grandmother vibe even if you are not a grandmother.
If I Knew I Was Going to Have Three Boys, Volume 1
May 05, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
The title of my book has been my personal tagline for quite some time.
Write it Down!
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Apr 27, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
Do you have a goal?
Write it down. Take a photo with it.
Write it down. Take a photo with it.
My Book Had a Glamor Photoshoot!
Apr 01, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
My book got the glamor treatment!
Why (and How) I Joined A Running Crew
Mar 10, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
I turned a solitary running practice into a social one and so far it's the best thing about 2022.
I joined a local group, Bay Area Run Crew, and running is now FUN.
I joined a local group, Bay Area Run Crew, and running is now FUN.
My First Cocktail Review: Dirty Pernicious Flower
Feb 12, 2022 by Amber McClain Shaw
1. Follow the recipe I send you, no matter how obscure, exotic, difficult to find, or expensive the ingredients.
2. Have your drink made and ready to sip.
3. Be on the zoom call 5 pm sharp.
These are the rules of my mom’s Friday night zoom happy hour.
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