'Packers and Poodles': a humorous but hopeful look at lesbian relationships

"Christy's wit and unique insight shine through brilliantly in her work. Here ability to take the "every day" and give it a gay twist is a true gift. You'll be doubled over with laughter as you personally relate to her stories. Buy this book now!" - Brent Meredith, Editor & Creative Director, Out & About Newspaper.

Packers and Poodles by Christy Ikner is 124 pages of the funniest and most honest 35 short stories examining female relationships ever written. With five distinct sections, Packers and Poodles offers up a variety of subject matter, ranging from everyday observations on human existence to complex themes regarding lesbianism in the 21st century.

The opening section of the book titled, "So I Married a Woman," is the most candid approach to female relationships currently available. The reader quickly discovers through each story that the writer is both brutally honest as well as truly committed to her partner.

"Pop Culture and Nut Jobs" is the title of section two, and the laughs continue. Ikner comments on contemporary issues including the delightful TLC Network staple, Trading Spaces. The section is not all light-hearted insights though; Ikner also focuses her own brand of humor into complex social issues such as gay marriage and political agendas.

What could possibly follow political and contemporary commentary but female sexuality in the 21st century in the section titled, "Just Me and My Mojo." The reader is quickly grabbed by the story titled, "Mama Cass and Karen Carpenter." Ikner spins a humorous and satirical web surrounding the myths "your mama always told ya."

Hidden in the middle of Packers and Poodles is "A Little Civility Please." "If you have a driver's license or have left your house in the last twenty years, you will find these stories as absolutely ludicrous as I do," Ikner explains.

"Two Moms and a Boy" is the fifth and final section of the collection of well-crafted narratives. Ikner tackles concepts in parenting and family from a true realist's perspective. One story titled "Not Exactly the Mile-high Club" leads the reader through a series of fun incidents and ridiculous circumstances all readers have experienced. "If you have ever traveled with a seven-year-old boy, you know exactly what I am talking about."

Author Contact:
Christy Ikner, Author,
Christy@packersandpoodles.com

Book Statistics:
ISBN: 1598005014
Retail Price(s): Paperback $14.95 Hardback $24.95
Size and Format(s): Paperback and Hardback
Page Count: 132 pages
Availability: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.outskirtspress.com/packersandpoodles

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less