Simple Things

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I just posted this on my Facebook page and I thought, this deserves a blog post!


I asked my kids what they wanted to do in these last 2 weeks of summer. Their answer: Go to the pool and play UNO. Sometimes I forget that it's the simple things that mean the most.

I was thinking that we needed to plan something big--maybe an all day affair

but the thing my kids love most is to laugh and be together with family.

So if you have a moment in these last days of summer, stop and giggle with your kids, play UNO, play hide-and-seek, cuddle that toddler, talk to that teenager because as everyone keeps telling this Mom of young kids--these days don't last forever.

Sisterhood of Strength Book Review

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  I'm participating in the blog tour for Diony George's new book, A Sisterhood of Strength. This is a compilation of stories about that special bond of love and service that exists between sisters--in our families, our friends, women in our church, our neighbors.


I love books like this, that include short stories I can read in less than five minutes when I'm looking for a little pick-me-up or inspiration.

Here's a little more about the book:

Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served.
 
There's a story in this book for everyone. Pick up a copy and see which story is your favorite.
You can find more about Diony at diony-george.blogspot.com.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but that in no way affects my review. I'll always share my honest opinion.

Last Week of Freedom

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This week is the last week of summer vacation for my kids! It's bittersweet because my two girls will go off to 4th and 2nd grade, but my two boys will be home missing their sisters. Even though my kids have definitely tried my patience this summer, they have played so well together that I'm sure it will be a rude awakening for the boys once school is in session.

We're almost ready for school.
School supplies, clothes, shoes, another trip to the pool, and a game of UNO.

How about you?

Evertaster Review & Giveaway

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I love a good book and even better--I love giving away a good book! Read on to find out the delicious details.

I received a review e-copy of Evertaster by Adam Glendon Sidwell and my kids and I quickly found out why this novel is an Amazon Best-seller!  We were laughing by the first page and gasping by the third as we followed the pickiest eater in the world (soon to be known as Evertaster) Guster Johnsonville. My kids could relate to this eleven-year-old's selective tastebuds and learned a few things about being picky and picking trouble. :)
My 9 year old especially wanted me to tell my readers that she loved this book because it had so many interesting parts and it was fun to read about Guster escaping the bad guys.

Here's the back cover blurb:
When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother's casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late. 

If there's a kid in your life--get them this book, and read it with them! You won't want to miss out on this new creative venture. Sidwell takes us into a new realm of middle-grade fiction--tastebud adventureland!
Adam was kind enough to answer a few of my most pressing questions, so I get to share a little Q&A with you about Evertaster.

What do you love most about writing?I love creating worlds. I love it because it's pure thought and daydreaming, then you have to force it to be real with words. I love the point when, completely unexpectedly, the story and the characters resolve their problems into something complex and real, so that you as a writer feel the excitement of something bigger than what you planned being born. Help! My kid thinks that she is an Evertaster, but I told her to eat her broccoli anyway. Do you have any advice?Oh no! This is a dire situation indeed! Tell your kid she has to finish reading the book, then she'll find out in the last chapter why it's so important that she eats your broccoli. Tell her that you're like Mabel Johnsonville, and she's like Guster. If she's truly an Evertaster, she'll understand the importance of even broccoli!


So we've read your first book and we've just enjoyed a wonderful smoothie. What do you have coming up next?
There will be two follow up novels to complete the story arc for Evertaster. Evertaster the Delicious City and Evertaster the Final Season. I’ve started work on the second in the series and outlined the third book. Even sooner than that though, there will be a short story or novella popping up soon in the Evertaster world. You should come Like the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Evertaster and I'll keep you updated on that (also we have cool giveaways there). In the meantime I’ve got a manuscript called CHUM I’ve finished that has to do with TV and tech-savvy pirates. There are a few follow ups in that series I have outlined as well. There are also a few more books I have in mind and have started writing that I can’t wait to dive in and finish. 
Wow! It sounds like Adam is extremely busy--lucky for us! We're looking forward to more!

Connect with Adam: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / FacebookIn between books, Adam Glendon Sidwell uses the power of computers to make monsters, robots and zombies come to life for blockbuster movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Transformersand Tron. After spending countless hours in front of a keyboard meticulously adjusting tentacles, calibrating hydraulics, and brushing monkey fur, he is delighted at the prospect of modifying his creations with the flick of a few deftly placed adjectives. He’s been eating food since age 7, so feels very qualified to write this book. He once showed a famous movie star where the bathroom was. Adam currently lives in Los Angeles, where he can’t wait to fall into the sea.
How would you like to win your very own signed copy of Evertaster? 

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win:




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Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

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We had such a long hot summer I am really welcoming all things fall. We've been eating lots of sweet potatoes after school and I've already made pumpkin pie, pumpkin cupcakes, and now pumpkin cheesecake.

I've wanted to make a pumpkin cheesecake for well over a year now and I finally got around to it! Since I already have a vegan cheesecake recipe, converting it to a pumpkin cheesecake was pretty easy.

I'm really amazed and can't believe how soaked cashews can be so creamy, rich, and turn into such a decadent cheesecake. If you've never tried using cashews in place of dairy you really should, even if don't have allergies... It's awesome!

... looking for some more vegan cheesecake recipes? Amber from The Tasty Alternative has some really great recipes!


Like Cooking Gluten (& Dairy) Free?
There's Still Time To Vote!!! 
{You May Click & Vote Every 24 Hrs}

Crust:

• 1/4 C Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• 1 3/4 C Blanched Almond Flour (what I used b/c it was on hand) OR 2 C Raw Walnuts
• 3/4 C Whole Pitted Dates, soaked in warm water if hard
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tsp. Coconut Oil, melted
• 1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• Dash of Nutmeg
• Dash of Ginger

Filling:

• 1 C Pumpkin Puree (make your own)
• 2 C Raw Cashews Soaked In Water 3 - 6 hours
• 1/2 C Honey, to taste
• 6 - 10 Drops Liquid Vanilla Stevia (optional, I have a real sweet tooth!)
• 1/2 C Coconut Oil, melted
• 1/4 C Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 1/2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 Tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• Pinch of Ground Cloves
• Up To 1/4 C Water, as needed

1. Grease an 8 inch spring foam pan with cooking oil or coconut oil, then sprinkle with coconut flakes to prevent sticking.

2. Add the remaining crust ingredients to a food processor and process until well combined. Then, press into spring foam pan and place in freezer while you make the filling.
3. For the filling: Drain cashews. Add all ingredients, except water, to a high powered blender and blend until smooth, scraping down bowl as necessary. Add water as needed to help facilitate blending. Taste and adjust spices and sweetener as desired. 
4. Pour filling into crust. Place in freezer for at least an hour to set up.
5. Let set at room temperature to slightly soften before eating, 30 minutes to an hour. Garnish with caramel sauce, coconut cream, and cinnamon! Oh. My. Goodness.

this post is part of Gluten Free Fridays

Born Brave Beautiful Music from Katherine Nelson

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I love music! I think some of my blogger buddies may not realize just how much I love music because I'm constantly talking about books, writing, crafts, and kids. But people, I have to tell you that I am addicted to great music. As a musician, I feel music running through my bones, the strength of a chord, the inspiration of voice. Today I want to share with you a fantastic new voice, Katherine Nelson, and her new CD, Born Brave.


Katherine Nelson has an amazing voice--rich, flavored with country-girl tones, and a great vocal register. And yes, don't hate her, but she is absolutely gorgeous to boot!
 You can listen to a sample of all of the songs on Born Brave, here http://www.katherinenelson.com/store/
I love the message of Katherine's songs. Just look at the theme she shares below:
 Katherine also has a FB page https://www.facebook.com/katherinenelsonmusic and she is having a HUGE album release party with the Nashville Tribute Band in Sandy, Utah on August 25, 2012. If you're in the area, you can get tickets here: http://smithstix.com/events/item/root/nashville-tribute-band-aug-25
This lucky gal is going with her hubs!

I'm sharing my luck with you though because I get to give away two copies of her debut album to my readers!


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A Glimpse of Heaven Memoir Spotlight

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A Glimpse of Heaven is JoAnna Oblander’s first book. Within the pages of A Glimpse of Heaven, JoAnna Oblander shares true life experiences that dramatically demonstrate God’s perfect love for each of his children, his unending desire to be a daily part of our lives, and his plan for us.

Here is a brief description of the book:

Be reminded of the purpose of life and the fact that each of us, as God’s children, has been sent to earth to accomplish a mission uniquely our own. As you read this book, you’ll understand God in ways never before comprehended—your significant worth to your Creator and his significant worth to you. Appreciate your loved ones and your Heavenly Father like never before in this comforting and inspiring experience.

Meet the Author:
JoAnna Oblander is happily married to her husband of over thirty years, Dr. Greg Oblander. She is the mother of six children, two of whom were adopted from Russia. Though her two most important jobs have been wife and mother, she has also been involved in a variety of businesses, church leadership responsibilities, and youth organizations, and she has been the lead organizer of a large biennial women’s event. As a benefactor of many varied life and spiritual experiences, she has gained a strong conviction of the importance of knowing God and His true character. The knowledge and insights she has gained as a result of her experiences have taught her of the importance of gratefully recognizing, acknowledging, and developing our God-given capacities. Those experiences have instilled in her a strong desire to create an eternally meaningful life guided by God and has led her to seek a life that is in harmony emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Her greatest joys are being with her husband, children, and grandchildren and bringing health to others as she works with her husband in his chiropractic office.
You can find more about Joanna at glimpseofheavenbook.com.

Piper Reed Forever Friend Book Review & Giveaway

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What a great week we are having here with so many fun giveaways. Make sure you check out all the posts this week and enter--so easy for a chance to win!

Today I get to review a fabulous middle-grade reader from the Piper Reed series by Kimberly Willis Holt. Piper is a "navy brat" and as such has already lived in several places at her young age. Moving is a part of life, but it comes with some not so fun parts, like leaving behind your best friend.

Here's the blurb from the book:
Piper is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn’t go as smoothly as she expected: Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then she meets Arizona Smiley. Arizona is an avid stamp collector and bowls in a league. Piper is intrigued by Arizona’s originality and before long, she wins Arizona’s affections, and the two become great friends. This move turns out to be the best one yet, and Piper is eager to spread her trademark “Get Off the Bus” catchphrase once again.

My thoughts: This book is an excellent take on military life for kids. I can't imagine the difficulties of moving so often, and that is what makes this character unique--Piper knows what it's like and shows kids that struggles are real and she's still okay. My nine-year-old daughter is also reading this book and commented on the funny character that Piper is and the problems she gets herself into and out of. I'm impressed with Kimberly's writing style and fresh character voice.
Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the other books in the Piper Reed series and has written many acclaimed novels, including The Water Seeker. She lives in West Texas. kimberlywillisholt.com
Christine Davenier has illustrated many books for young readers, as well as the books in the Piper Reed series. She lives in Paris, France.
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Piper-Reed/68583363968

I absolutely loved the interview that Kimberly gave at this blog http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/ .If you'd like to learn more about her journey as an author and her writing, check it out here.

And now for the giveaway! I want to win one of these prizes, but I'm so nice that I'm sharing with my wonderful followers!
1 signed hardback copy of PIPER REED, FOREVER FRIEND1 signed paperback copy of PIPER REED, NAVY BRAT1 signed paperback copy of PIPER REED, RODEO STAR
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Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop

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We're celebrating back to school with all kinds of great giveaways and BOOKS!
I think you'll definitely want to check this contest out-- a gift certificate you can use to purchase a Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet OR another ereader of your choice up to $200!

Want to enter? Just jump over to my new team website,  http://www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com/ and enter on the rafflecopter form. It's super easy, and while you're there, it'd be great if you would like to follow Mashed Potatoes and Crafts.

In addition to the ereader contest, I'm participating in the ebook only hop sponsored by http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/ and http://www.booksatruestory.com/

Enter HERE on my rafflecopter form to win one ebook of your choice up to $9.99 value. That's right, you get to pick the ebook, I'll buy it from Amazon and send it over to your Kindle. If you have another ereader, you can still enter, as long as it is easy for me to send you the free ebook.

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You can enter at any of the following blogs for free ebooks!

Back to Basics 8 Week Challenge

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Turn over a new leaf this fall by joining our bi-yearly "Take the 8-week Challenge"!  Get organized, fit and fabulous, a personal life vision and more. The first 15 people to register from this blog site will be entered to win a FREE 30-minute CoachCast in Week 1 of the Challenge!

I loved reading this book and I'm planning on participating in the challenge once again because Connie is amazing! She offers so many valuable insights--her podcasts are great, just listened to one when I went running the other day. I love that feeling of hope and motivation that she shares--the idea that we can do a little bit at a time that adds up to a lot of wonderful changes in our life!

From Connie:
Through the program, receive weekly online support through our podcasts, video segments, motivational posts, and surprise gifts for dedicated doers. Based on my Faithful, Fit & Fabulous book, each week you will set and achieve one goal, accomplishing a total of 8 goals that focus on 8 areas of your life.
This program works! Women have lost weight, organized their homes, strengthened relationships, created more joy in daily life and more. Here are two comments from participants: "Thank you so much for giving me the needed push to do something I've wanted to do for months & never completed. I got 10s on my goal reviews...that has never happened for me with goal setting. THANK YOU!" B.Bird. And, "As I've created my life vision, I've learned about who I am and what I want to do in my life. I've gained a new sense of happiness. My husband and girls have noticed the change in my attitude." C.Adams
Register today and begin making the life changes you desire by clicking here.
Best,Connie SokolPresident, Back to Basicswww.conniesokol.com

Faithful, Fit & Fabulous: Get Back to Basics and Transform Your Life - in just 8 Weeks

Book Bomb for FAITH, HOPE, AND GRAVITY by Merrill Osmond and Shirley Bahlmann

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Celebrate the release of FAITH, HOPE, ANDGRAVITY byMerrill Osmond and Shirley Bahlmann with a special price today and get a free videoof the NEW original song by acclaimed singer/songwriter, Merrill Osmond!
I have a special offer for you—it’s onlygood for today—Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Purchase FAITH, HOPE, AND GRAVITY  from Amazon.com. Then email Rachellethewriter@gmail.com with your order confirmation/receipt. Once Rachellereceives your order details, she will email you an amazing selection of over 10 freegifts from Merrill Osmond, Shirley Bahlmann, and several others!

 Here’s what’s in store when you purchaseFAITH, HOPE, AND GRAVITY  todayonly:
(All items will be emailed toyou from Rachelle after she receives your order confirmation.) You can purchasethe Kindle Edition HERE for $3.99 today! Paperback also available for $15.99.
 
Over 10 free gifts to enjoy!

To celebrate the launch of his new novel, MerrillOsmond, singer/songwriter, producer, and author is offering a free video of hisnew song titled after the novel, Faith,Hope, and Gravity.Visit www.merrillosmond.com
 ShirleyBahlmann, co-author of Faith, Hope, and Gravity, is offeringEBOOK-DETOURS-WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU A CURVE JUST FOLLOW THEROAD begins with 5 friends facing a journey to an incredibly lovely estateglimpsed in the distance. Their kindly host tells them to follow the signs asthey travel. But did he really mean for them to obey the "Detour"sign that takes them off the paved road onto a rough track? Or is it a cleverprank? Find out where they end up, then ask yourself: Where are your choicesleading you?
EBOOK by Shirley Bahlmann - ANEDRA AND THE FISH PRINCEproves that a beautiful yet selfish young lady really does have a heart whenshe volunteers to help her mother. But all the good seems to go down the drainwhen she disobeys her father and eats a bite of forbidden fish. Herdisobedience sends her on a remarkable journey. She swims under the sea, fliesinto the air, and finds herself smack in the middle of an angry giantess'scastle with only a grumpy dog as her companion.Shirley Bahlmann has had over 20 books published in 10years, with several more manuscripts eagerly awaiting publication. Go ahead andvisit her blog at:  http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com/
THE PRIZEWINNING SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL BREAD RECIPE. Thisgrand prize winning recipe won Rebecca McGarry a brand-spanking new Boschmixer, still in the box, against the entries of 39 other hopeful bread makers.As the mother of 10 children, Rebecca makes good use of her mixer. Go ahead andmake yourself a batch of warm award-winning bread, and feel right at home.
Connie Sokol, author,speaker and life coach is offering a freepodcast: LifeVision Create a Life Vision!Get back to center with this30-minute CoachCast to help you find your focus, set successful and enjoyablegoals, embrace the unexpected, feel the power of simple rewards, and createyour own Life Board. Learn why a Life Vision is key to becoming your ideal self-starttoday!Visitwww.8basics.com for videosegments, blog posts, products, and more.
Heather Johnson from FamilyVolley.blogspot.com, shares with you5 powerful tips for keeping your marriage strong. Including the "anatomyof a successful date night" and tips for better daily communication. Freedownload of PDF file.
Free Children’s song fromthe American Tall Tales Collection of Story Time Felts & Morewritten and performed by RachelleChristensen & CraigHancock. The Johnny Appleseed song tells the story of the beloved folk talehero who walked the frontier planting apple trees for the future.Story Time Felts & More is the leader ininteractive felt products creating imaginative play for children for over 25years.
EBOOK by Tristi Pinkston - Secret Sisters is an LDS cozy mystery novel about anelderly Relief Society presidency who turns to espionage to get their visitingteaching done, and accidentally bring down a drug ring.Tristi Pinkston is the author of fifteen books and worksfull-time as a freelance editor. She is a popular presenter at writers conferencesall over the Intermountain West. You can learn more about her at www.tristipinkston.com
Free song from Craig Hancock,acclaimed pianist and producer, owner of Sage Mountain Studios.From Sounds of the Seasons, you’ll receive the original song, “Snowflakes.”
 ·        Shear Luck free ebook by Heather Justesen—aromance novella-- When salon manager Chelsea Robison walks into the restaurantnext door, she's surprised to run into her teenage crush Vaughn Krenshaw.Though he is still mourning his wife's death, he can't help but take a chanceand ask her out. As things start getting serious, family pressure about datingagain, and rumors from his past surface, making the chance for happily everafter look farther than ever.
The PDF of “Solving theMystery of Writing—5 Steps to Successful Writing” from award-winning author,Rachelle J. Christensen.
Whya book bomb? Abook bomb is when a large group of people purchase a certain book on a specificday on Amazon. This pushes the book's popularity up the Amazon ranks, which inturn gives the book more visibility to Amazon shoppers. That’s the goal todayfor FAITH,HOPE, AND GRAVITY. 

Sofeel free to pass this on to your friends and shout it out on FB, Twitter, etc.We’d like as many people as possible to benefit from these bonus gifts.
 Remember this offer is only good forpurchases made on Wednesday, August 29, 2012! You must EmailRachellethewriter@gmail.com with your order confirmation/receipt when youpurchase FAITH, HOPE, AND GRAVITY (Paperback) fromAmazon.com (ebook).