A Child's Christmas Story

A young girl tells the story of Jesus' birth and her vision of the world in a touching, heartwarming rendition of this tale as old as time. When I did the production video for the Twist & Shout Christmas Concert last week, this was the conclusion to the show. The story was so astounding that I had to recreate it for all my friends. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.

American Honor, American Disgrace

Last Saturday, May 21st, I participated in the most awesome light ceremony at Mount Rushmore. The Veterans of the crowd were asked to come down and retire the flag for the evening. I have never been so honored in all of my life. To be at such a remarkable place...a symbol of what America should be...and participate in the sacred act of reverencing our Flag was an incredible experience.

Fast forward to yesterday, May 27th. I was never so ashamed or embarrassed in my fellow man. I walked into Rexall Drug in Montpelier, Idaho. This business had a sign in its window stating "We Support Our Troops". I purchased nearly $100 in books and asked if the business gave military discounts. The cashier went to ask the owner. I was scolded for asking for this discount. Who is the military that they should get special discounts. Between government taxes and high prices no one could afford to give out discounts. His son was military and he didn't get discounts. I calmly explained that many businesses gave discounts to military personnel. I also stated that all I did was ask. I then turned my attention back to the cashier and asked how exactly did that establishment support the troops.

Come check out my week of giveaways!

To celebrate the release of my book Rebound, I've put together a whole bunch of giveaways this week. I've got ten books to mail out and a Scrapmabob. Each day I'll give away a couple of books, so come check it out and take a chance to win some great prizes and help me spread the word!

Chasing Twilight Contest

Hi, Bloggin' Babes.

I'm running a Twilight-themed contest on my blog through the month of June.

There will be daily prizes, trivia, and a virtual road trip to Forks.

I have some spaces available for sponsors, if you're interested. You need to provide and ship a Twilight-related prize.

Or, you can just come play!

Wow Life Gets Crazy

Seems like forever since I've been on this blog. With starting my own business (Valor Publishing Group) and being politically active (too much to mention) and being fully ensnared by my sister's performance group, (Twist & Shout) I scarcely have a second to myself anymore.

Donna Goff, one of our blogger babes, thought it would be a great idea to create a Facebook group for us, feeling that it would be an easier way to communicate. She's going to create the group tonight and then we'll get invites out to all of you.

In the meantime, spring has finally come to Utah, hallelujah, and I hope I start to see flowers blooming soon. Fingers crossed anyway.

Happy Spring everyone. We need to get together soon again. It's been far too long.

So please join us Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112640212094535

Lots of giveaways this week on my other blog

In celebration of my book's release, The Ball's in Her Court, the order of the second printing, and just because I can, I'm doing a big series of giveaways on my blog this week. There are books, and gift certificates for lots of lucky winners! Stop by my blog and find out how to win!
http://tinyurl.com/yc4pds9

Books, Babble & Barter

Okay, lame name. Sorry. But. . . Finally, a Bloggin' Babe event!

Thursday, November 19
7:00 p.m.
Karlene's house
(E-MAIL for address & directions)

1. Come prepared to talk about some of the best books you've read this year. (Bring pen & paper to take notes on titles you might want to read yourself.)
   
   
2. Bring books to swap. Get rid of books you don't want anymore; take home titles you haven't read yet.
   
   
3. Bring a snack to share—whatever you want, healthy or not. Karlene will provide drinks.
   
   
4. Bring your calendar. We'll be scheduling the next few B5 get togethers, deciding if we want to do a monthly book chat & swap, etc. etc. etc.
   

I know this is short notice, but I was waiting for my schedule to clear and then I realized Thanksgiving was almost here. Hope most of you can make it.

Please let me know if you're coming so I'll have enough chairs—although if you can come at the last minute, COME!

My book trailer is out!

Just had to share. This has been several months in the planning and creating stages so I'm totally excited to see it. A big thanks to Stephanie Fowers for filming and compiling the video, and the Kevin Mathie who wrote the music (isn't it gorgeous?).



In other news I've had an interview and a couple of book reviews this week.

Cindy Williams interviewed me for her blog Writer's Mirror on Wednesday.

Danyelle Ferguson at Queen of the Clan blog reviewed my book. Danyelle has a non-fiction book coming out next summer which I'm totally excited about.

Tristi Pinkston, author and reviewer of many fine books, reviewed my book on her blog.

A big thanks to all of these ladies! My big local launch party is happening at the Fillmore, Utah library tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM if you or anyone you know lives in the area, invite them over.

Ginormous Book Sale — August 29th!

Ginormous Book Sale
& some other stuff too

August 29th, 8:00 a.m. till noon

622 E 700 N
Pleasant Grove, UT



426 Titles & Counting!

Click HERE for details.

The FINAL UB Make & Takes

Urban Botanic is closing its doors.

I know. I know. I cried, too.

But the good news is, I stocked up and I've got two final Make & Takes scheduled.



Friday, July 10, 2009

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.


and


Saturday, July 18, 2009

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.


Open House Format—come and go any time during the workshop hours.

• Everyone gets 25% off everything they purchase at the workshop.

• Bring a friend and both you and your friend receive a free gift.

• This is your LAST CHANCE to get your favorite fragrances or to create a new one.

• Products are on a first come, first served basis. Come early to be sure I've still got the products and oils you want.
  

E-mail me for location.

Can't make it to these two workshops? Send me an E-MAIL to place an order or to schedule a time for a one-on-one appointment.

*If by some very slim chance I do not sell out of product at these two Make & Takes, I MIGHT consider doing another one.

It's Time for a Tea Party

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Yes, we have great speakers, great music, great food and fun planned for this tea party. But at its heart is the desire of each person attending to restore America to her full glory. May I issue each of you a solemn promise: America will not fall. We can and will save her. But it will take each of us talking to family, friends, neighbors and peers, encouraging them to stand up for truth, stand up for America.

This Saturday, those attending the Orem tea party will be joining over 1,331 other tea parties and millions of Americans across the nation as we unite in this great cause. As I have stated over and over, there is no greater way to celebrate the birth of America by fighting for our liberty and our Constitution on our Independence Day.

Have a wonderful week everyone. See you on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. sharp!

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Park in the UVU (Utah Valley University) parking lots H & J right across the street (behind the trees).

The parking lot to the north of Lakeridge Junior High is reserved for the disabled and elderly who are limited in their physical capabilities.

Remember that Rubios, Wallabys, Hot Dog King, Flour Girls & Dough Boys as well as SubZero Ice Cream will all be there selling food.

Also, Veterans of Foreign Wars will be selling drinks, the proceeds of which will go to the Veterans Administration in order to purchase a van to transport soldiers and veterans to and from their appointments.

I look forward to seeing you all there. Join us in the morning and early afternoon and then you're off for family celebrations and Freedom Festival festivities.

Speakers: Candace E. Salima, AG Mark Shurtleff, Rep. Brad Daw, Jean-Claude Wicks, Scott Bishop, Jennifer Kindrick, Doug Osmond, Denise (Letters to Soldiers), Sgt. Kraig A. Thorne

Musicians: Shaun Barrowes, Doug Osmond, Jill Camp Swensen, Drew Reese, Heather Andrews, Angela Winston and the One Voice Children's Choir

May God bless each of you and America,
Candace E. Salima

More details at: Tea Party Utah Blog
Facebook Event: Patriot Day July 4th Tea Party - Orem

B5 Blogger Babes Update

Hi Ladies! We're making some changes around here, trying to get our info updated and get our group going again.

I sent most of you an e-mail this morning. Please take that survey as soon as you can.

If you didn't get the email, CLICK HERE.

I have emails for some of you ladies, but your blog isn't listed in our "B to the 5 Blogs" list.

Others of you are on that list, but I have no email address for you.

If you'd like to update your info, SEND ME AN EMAIL. Include the email address you'd prefer we use when we send out announcements about our meetings. Also include the URL to your main blog (the one you'd like listed in the sidebar.)

Thanks a bunch.
Karlene

There's a Whole Lot of Tristi Going On ...

Hey, Babes!!

May is turning out to be a pretty awesome month for me. I'd like to fill you in on some of the things that are happening.

First off, my new book "Agent in Old Lace" is being released. Woohoo! To celebrate, I'm having a launch party at Provident Book in Pleasant Grove (661 W State Street) on May 16th from 3-5. Get a free sample of the perfume I designed to go along with the book with each purchase of said book. Eat cookies, visit, win door prizes ... you'll have a great time.

Second, I'm holding a contest on my blog right now. Hunt the Internet for clues, solve them, send me the answer, and you'll be entered in a drawing for a fabulous prize. Click here for more information.

If you're not able to attend the book launch and you would still like to own a copy of "Agent in Old Lace," preorders are currently being taken here.

Take care!

Tristi Pinkston Book Launch Party

Come support one of our B5 Babes at the Launch Party for

Agent in Old Lace

by Tristi Pinkston

Saturday,
May 16, 2009

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Lots of fun, games & door prizes!

Shannon Tanner has it all, a perfect family, perfect job, perfect boyfriend—or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent falls ill the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden—in a dress.

Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend—and stop Mark once and for all—is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?

Help spread the word by adding her event button in your sidebar!



Copy the code from the box below and paste it into an HTML widget in your sidebar.

<a href="http://providentbook.blogspot.com/2009/04/tristi-pinkston-book-launch-party.html"><img src="http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff111/LDSPublisher/PinkstonButton2.gif" /></a>


Note: This will be our very last Provident Ladies Book Club event as Provident Book is closing its doors on May 23rd. In addition to all of Tristi's books, we'll have many other items in the store marked down.

Book Club

Hi, It's me, long long lost Shellie, the disappearing babe. I have not done much blogging at all this year, but am starting to get back into it again. I'll have to hop around and see how all of you are doing. Meanwhile, if you are interested in making the world a better place and would like to discuss it with other moms, think about joining my virtual book club. We will read books and articles on different social issues and think of ways to improve them. Our humble mission is to save the world. My first book is called Moral Courage by Rushworth M. Kidder. It is a book about ethics, something that is fading fast in our society and needs a serious comeback. Try to get your hands on a copy and read it, or at least stop by for my reviews and then give your feedback on what you think and things we all can do to spread better ethics. The blog is here. Stop by any time and invite everyone you know, the more heads put together, the better!

Book Swap

We're opening a gently-used book swap section at Provident Book.

For details, click HERE.

For a half-price book swap deal, click HERE.


We also have a Toy Clearance going on—all our toys, games and puzzles are 15% off through the end of this month.

Come Meet Josi S. Kilpack

Lemon Tart
by Josi S. Kilpack


Meet Josi Kilpack


Thursday, April 23, 2009

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.*



A Recipe for Murder: 5 families living on Peregrine Circle, 1 flowered curtain tieback, 1 missing child, 1 body in th field. Mix with a long list of suspects and top with two very different detectives. Increase heat until only the truth remains.

Cooking aficionado turned amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller tries to solve the murder of Anne Lemmon, her beautiful young neighbor–a single mother who was mysteriously killed while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie's search is the woman's missing two year-old son, Trevor. Whoever took the child must be the murderer, but Sadie is certain that the police are looking at all the wrong suspects—including her!

Armed with a handful of her very best culinary masterpieces, Sadie is determined to bake her way to proving her innocence, rescuing Trevor, and finding out exactly who had a motive for murder.


Josi S. Kilpack was born and raised in Salt Lake City, the third of nine children, and accounts much of her success to her mother always making oatmeal for breakfast. In 1993 Josi married her high-school sweetheart, Lee Kilpack, and went on to raise her own children in Salt Lake and then Willard Utah where she currently lives. She loves to read and write, is the author of eight novels, the baker of many a delicious confection, and the hobby farmer of a varying number of unfortunate chickens. In her spare time she likes to overwhelm herself a multitude of projects and then complain that she never has any spare time; in this way she is rather masochistic. She also enjoys traveling, cheering on her children, and sleeping in when the occasion presents itself.

*We're meeting an hour earlier this month!

Click here for information on joining the Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club.

March UB Make & Take Workshop

Spring is just around the corner. Come make a new fragrance just for you!

It's time for another Urban Botanic Make & Take workshop.

Come make a new fragrance that is fresh, fun and totally you! Or make a fragrance using the new Scent of the Month blends:

• Flirt—Peach, mango and orange twisted up with a kiss of sweet cream frosting!


• Citrus White—Alluringly clean white flowers lightly citrused with oranges and pink grapefruit on a backdrop of sophisticated musk.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon


E-mail me for location. Also, please let me know which bath & body products you think you'll be making so I'll be sure to have enough products in stock.

Open House Format

• Everyone gets 10% off their order placed at the workshop.

• Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift.

See you on Saturday!


Click HERE for information about Urban Botanic.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

Come Meet H.B. Moore!

Meet Heather Moore
Thursday, February 26, 2009
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Provident Book, 661 W State, Pleasant Grove

Raquel has a secret. As the daughter of one of King Noah’s priests, she enjoys a luxurious life and the admiration of powerful men. But her heart belongs to a commoner, a man with no earthly wealth but rich heavenly gifts. When King Noah demands that Raquel join his harem, she flees the only life she has known and marries her secret love. His name is Abinadi. The couple finds abundant joy in their community of believers and in their firstborn son. But when the Lord calls Abinadi as His prophet, their faith is tested to the outermost limits. Abinadi’s commitment to the Lord requires them both to give their all—even unto death. Yet if Alma, the newest priest in King Noah’s court, chooses to overcome his troubled past and cleave unto the truth, their sacrifice may yield rich fruit. With vivid detail and poignant emotion, this historical novel pulls readers into a fiery tale of love, courage, and faith that is difficult to put down and impossible to forget.


Heather Moore was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but spent most of her childhood in Orem, Utah. During these years, her family traveled back and forth between the Middle East and Utah. At the age of eight, while living in Egypt, she was baptized in the Red Sea. Heather attended the Anglican School of Jerusalem from 1987-88, and returned again to Jerusalem with her husband in 1994.

Heather graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management. This has nothing to do with writing books, but at least she can color-coordinate her kids school clothes and balance a mean checkbook.

Heather is a member of the League of Utah Writers and LDStorymakers.


Click here for information on joining the Provident Ladies Fiction Book Club.

Abinadi is on sale through February 26, 2009 at 20% off, only $13.56.

Sidebar 5 B Announcements

Somehow I missed the January event for 5B thinking the book club was it. The side bar was confusing.

October's B to 5 Get-Together Thursday - 22 January, 2009

Dinner at 5:00 p.m.

Los Hermanos
395 North State
Lindon, UT

Notice that the heading says October and the text beneath says January. I read the heading and did not realize that there was a January event announced. So we should change the title for February, or March if it is too late for February to read:
February's B to the 5 Get Together or March's B to the 5 Get Together.

So are we doing a February? I would like to host one in my secret garden in May, on a day when we can invite husbands or families to a BBQ. Your thoughts? Perhaps if we plan a few months in advance, we could all mark our calendars. Perhaps short month Luncheons on the same day of the month, like 3rd Thursday, and long month couples or family activities on the 3rd Friday/Saturday. Also, do we want to continue meeting at public eateries because of the ease, convenience, (and business deduction for some) or with the economy becoming what it is do we want to consider pot luck at someone's house?
Suggested Consistency ... (short month Thursday Luncheons, Long Months Friday or Saturday couple/family activity)
26 February Thursday Luncheon
21 March Friday Date Night
16 April Thursday Luncheon
16 May Saturday Family BBQ
18 June Thursday Luncheon
17/18 July couples or family activity
14/15 August couples date night, maybe a romantic couples picnic up Provo Canyon?
17 September Thursday Luncheon
16/17 October couples date night
19 November Thursday Luncheon
18/19 December Couples Date night or B to the 5 Family Christmas Party?

The above are not fixed in concrete, only a suggestion. What say ye? Also, do we want to do themes or topics of any kind? I like the spotlight idea, even the basket we used to do. Once upon a time theme or focused luncheons were suggested. What kind of topics could we cover?
Getting Branded?
Blogging for business?
The importance of a business plan and team?
Writing for profit?
Sharing your Bliss? (sharing your business)
Secure not stressed-overcoming sidetrackness and procrastination?
Creating a love of learning for your children or even home schooling?
How can less be more?

The above were just brainstorms. Do we want a Thursday theme? What do you want this experience to be? Just social? A way to encourage each other and move us forward? What are your thoughts?