Book Review: Casters of Doovik

About the book:
All her life, Meg has lived within Doovik’s walls—walls meant to keep the dangerous creatures outside from coming in. But when a curse drives her from Doovik, Meg and her friends must battle mythical monsters and follow clues to break the spell and get home. From the author of the Benotripia series, this thrilling fantasy will have your heart racing!


About the author:
McKenzie Wagner is 14 years old and already has four published books under her belt. An ambitious girl who began writing at the age of seven, McKenzie is best known for “The Magic Meadow and the Golden Locket,” published at age 10, and the Benotripia trilogy, the last book being released when she was 13. Inspiring thousands of kids to follow their dreams, McKenzie has visited several elementary schools across the state of Utah and done numerous book signings in Costco, Barnes & Noble, and Hasting stores. When she isn’t writing, McKenzie spends her time reading, acting, singing, hoping Peter Pan will take her to Neverland, and adding to her collection/army of stuffed animals.

From Reidhead Randomness:

My daughters have read the Benotripia series, and loved it!  This one was no different!  I love that this, as well as the Benotripia series are written by a very young girl (14 years old).  It is amazing, and exciting that such a young person can write so well....and creatively! This was an exciting adventure with monsters and spells!  What a great read!!!

Olde Westport Spice Company

 

Online specialty Food Company stands the test of time - Spice Company creates custom spice blends, sesonings and dry soups. Olde Westport Spice & Trading Company is a 33-year-old spice manufacturer that is still going strong. This online company operates a small plant in Goodland, Kansas, and knows a thing or two about spices, seasonings and soups. This family owned and operated company was originally founded in the Kansas City area and has stayed true to its mission of making custom spice blends for main meal dishes and appetizers as well as nearly 20 varieties of dry soups. The products are available online at www.oldewestportspice.com; at food-related craft and trade shows throughout the Midwest; and at gift and gourmet food shops. Olde Westport's spice blends and seasonings include Italian, Cajun, Taco, Fajita, Chili, Jalapeno, Beef Sauce, Salsa, Garlic and many more. All of the products use quality ingredients for a balanced flavor that compliments meats, pastas and vegetables. The company also invented dry soup mixes that are simple and easy to make including Antonio's Minestrone, Country-Style Creamy Potato, Chipotle Black Bean, Creamy Broccoli and Cheese, Kansas City Steak & Ale, Gold Coast Garlic Pasta Alfredo, Mesa Flats Chicken Enchilada, New Orleans Red Bean & Rice, Southwestern Tortilla, White Chili Soup and more. Olde Westport Spice and Trading Co. is owned and operated by Bill and Judy Petersen, who along with their daughter, Ann Myers, also own and run a restaurant (Westport Grill) in Goodland featuring the products. Bill first custom created all of the spices and seasonings in the kitchen of his home. Today the company has a manufacturing facility where Bill still researches and develops new recipes and dishes for future products. For more information or to place an order, please visit www.oldewestportspice.com or call 1-800-537-6470.





CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI SPICE BLEND - This championship spice has helped chili creators win 12 state and national championships throughout the years and all over the US! But what is most important to us about our Olde Westport Chili Spice Blend is that our customers love to use it in their chili whether it's for a national championship cook-off challenge or simply for their own family in their cozy kitchen on a cold winter's night. We've heard from countless customers that our attention to detail and quality is what makes this chili spice blend stand out above the competitors. We know you might put beans in your chili or maybe you add apples and sausage or perhaps you have a special recipe that is top secret but starts with thick-cut bacon... however you concoct your chili we hope you'll try our chili spice blend.

GOLD COAST GARLIC SHAKE - Gold Coast Garlic Shake spice blend is truly one of those special blends of garlic, herbs and spices that our customers use in sour cream dips, sprinkle over steamed vegetables, fresh vegetables from your garden, garlic mashed potatoes or steak on the grill. There are more than 50 recipes in the Olde Westport Gold Coast Garlic Cookbook that will give you lots of ideas for quick simple meals with that high-end restaurant flavor. A garlic experience you will never forget. Check out the Olde Westport web site for a few recipes and placing orders.

Readers would get 10% off of their order.
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AdoramaPix metal print picture

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable. Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well. You can even clean it with glass cleaner. Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.



You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE:
www.adoramapix.com

My readers get to save! 35% off all metal prints. Use code: pxusfam35m expires 12/15/2015

Book Review: Papa's Book of Mormon Christmas

About the book:
Six-year-old Alice would rather get toys than a book any day. But when her grandfather explains that this book is different, Alice begins to see why their first-edition Book of Mormon is so special to her family. Set in the early 1900s, this charming story is the perfect picture book to read with your family as you gather round the Christmas tree.


About the author:

Emma Parker graduated summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University with a BA in English and Creative Writing. She was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in Utah to work her dream job as an acquisitions editor for a publishing company. “Papa’s Book of Mormon Christmas” is her first book. You can learn more about Emma at emmaraeparker.com.

About the illustrator:
Alexa Terry Hanson is a true-blue California girl born in Chico, California. She discovered her talents at a young age, and as the years went by, her skills continued to develop. After a few years of college, she returned home and fell in love with her husband. They currently live in California, where she has had many experiences and opportunities as a freelance artist with companies such as TOMS Shoes and Disney Television Animation Studios. Every day she continues to create new characters and new worlds using her artistic talents, and she could not be happier.

From Reidhead Randomness:

Sometimes I get caught up in the "Holiday Spirit"...but the more material/superficial aspects of it.  Each year, I try to keep our family focused on the REAL meaning of Christmas.  It can be a challenge, as there are always SALES, DEALS, and Specials that are vying for your attention, and holiday money.  I was grateful for this cute book that helps remind us of the days of simpler Christmases, and help us focus on the things that matter the most...family and the gospel.  The story and illustrations make this a MUST read for your family during the holiday season.

Book Review: Party Style

About the book:
Make memories your children will treasure forever. As the creator of PartyStyle.com and editor-in-chief of Party Style magazine, Gemma Touchstone knows how to make children’s celebrations memorable. And with her help, you’ll want to find any excuse to party! Packed with easy and elegant DIY craft ideas, cool themes, and must-read entertaining tips, this book shows you how to party in style.


About the author:
Gemma Touchstone is a leading authority on global party styling trends from the early identification of up-and-coming party themes, to premier event styling, food presentation and is an early adopter of the social media revolution in her field. She’s the publisher and author of two stylist industry magazines, a leading industry blogger and has been a regular stylist for Hollywood stars from the movies and TV. Gemma has spoken about global party styling mega trends, blogging and the social media revolution at conferences and business events around the country.
As a publicity expert Gemma has worked with business owners, stylists and international companies that want to leverage the free publicity in traditional and social media to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, promote new products, or get the word out about a favorite cause or issue.

From Reidhead Randomness:

As if you needed an excuse to have a PARTY!...well, sometimes you do, lol.  This SUPER fun book is stuffed FULL of tips and tricks of party planning, party style (with a quiz to help you figure out WHAT your party style is!), and MANY...MANY theme ideas!  There are lists of themes to help get your creativity flowing, or plenty of 'premade' ideas to just use.  THEN, there is the RECIPES!  Oh those glorious recipes!  I can't wait to try the Circus cake batter cookie dip from page 88!  There are fun snack/ food ideas that I wouldn't have EVER thought to do...and many I will include as regular meal ideas...not just reserved for parties (like the salad in a jar, and the pizza in a jar!)  I think the favorite idea at our house...was the Minecraft themed party!  This book is a wealth of ideas to use, and many more inspirations to get your own ideas flowing!  This book exudes FUN!

Book Review: From Baptist Preacher to Mormon Teacher

About the book:
Wain Myers thought he knew what he believed, but after a revelation from God, something had to change. This former Baptist preacher tells his fascinating story of following the Spirit’s voice and ultimately becoming a convert in the LDS church. This remarkable true story will inspire you to follow your own promptings and share truth wherever you find it.


About the authors:
Wain Myers is a native of Dayton, Ohio. He served in the United States Army in Bad Kissingen, Germany, where he received his call to the ministry. After his military career, he returned to the U.S. and began preaching at True Vine Missionary Baptist church, where he preached for over five years and was then introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his lovely wife Sebrina. He’s been an active member of the Church since 1995 and has served on his stake’s high council and as second counselor in the Genesis Group leadership.
Wain and Sebrina are the proud parents of seven amazing children; Le’Roy Jr., Isaiah (who recently returned from a full-time mission in the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission), Bradford (and wife Paige), Quesley, Braxton, Spencer, and Ammon. Wain is a firm believer that no amount of success outside of the home can make up for failure inside the home. Check out his website at authorwainmyers.com.
Kelly L. Martinez has written about sports and entertainment for most of his professional career, though he has also dabbled in travel and tech articles. His writing has appeared in several national and regional publications, such as USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, Meridian Magazine, and the Deseret News. He comes from a long line of Mormon pioneers on his mother’s side and is of Hispanic, French, and Native American descent on his father’s. This is his first co-authorship and published book.

From Reidhead Randomness:
This inspiring, quick read will take you on the journey and trials of Brother Wain Myers as he moves from the Baptist Preacher life, to a brother in the Priesthood (in the LDS church).  It is so touching as he shares his experiences and testimony.  As the book goes back and forth between his Baptist life, and his LDS life, the story of each religion is shared with insightful perspective.  The wonderful, tender moments of life that Brother Myers shares is what makes this book so endearing.  In chapter 16, there is great advice to parents that have been through divorce, and how to handle 'exes.'   What a wonderful, though provoking, and inspiring book!