Hale and Hearty Words

December 6, 2012 · 6:00 am

Accidentally Amish– The Author’s Traditions and a Giveaway!

Every so often I have the privilege of being asked to read books for author friends.

The privilege comes when I get to read a book I really enjoy and then I get to tell others about it.

This time, I want to sing the praises of author Olivia Newport and her new novel, Accidentally Amish.

I used to read Amish fiction, years ago, but I sort of got away from it because I fell into the belief of “you’ve read one, you’ve read ’em all.” At least that’s how it seemed to me.

But then I saw a copy of the cover of Olivia’s book, and I was intrigued. A novel about a woman who somehow ends up “Accidentally Amish.” Interesting.

Plus, I’d already had the pleasure of reading her previous release, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, so I knew that I enjoyed her writing.

When I got my hands on Accidentally Amish, I was thrilled! It was just what I thought it was going to be– a novel set in contemporary times about a regular woman (Annie) in a contemporary job (software creator) who somehow gets mixed up with the Amish (namely, a handsome Amish man!).

Sounds intriguing, yes?

Oh yes, it was that and SO much more. The story grabbed me from the first page. But here’s the coolest part– and I was unprepared for this– the book jumps back and forth in time, following one Amish family line from the time they came to America to present day, and how it wraps into Annie’s story.

As a history lover, I devoured the historical parts of this novel and found them fascinating. Definitely some of my favorite chapters.

So, in short, this book is for everyone– contemporary romance readers, Amish fiction readers, and historical readers. Basically, everyone on your Christmas list.

And there’s more good news– Accidentally Amish is the first in a new series from Olivia, called the Valley of Choice, so we’ll get to enjoy a continuation of Olivia’s focus on the Amish in today’s America.

Fun Christmas Giveaway– See below for your chance to win a copy of Accidentally Amish from Olivia Newport!!

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I asked Olivia if she’d be willing to answer some fun holiday-themed questions, and she sweetly obliged. (Seriously, people, Olivia Newport is such a funny, kind, quick-witted person. I’m lucky to count her among my author friends!)

You can learn so much about someone from their holiday traditions, so enjoy learning a little about Olivia and some of my responses to her traditions.

1. What is your favorite Christmas song/carol and your least favorite?

Olivia: I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. I love the carols from the hymnal. “Once in Royal David’s City” is a certain favorite. Least? That would be “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Jennifer: I didn’t think it was possible that there was a Christmas carol I haven’t heard, but I’m not sure I’m familiar with “Once in Royal David’s City.” I’m going to have to rectify that ASAP.

2. What is your favorite holiday treat?

Olivia: That’s a tough one. Over Thanksgiving I was introduced to white chocolate lemon truffles. I may have to learn to make those.

Jennifer: Yummy. Send me the recipe.

3. Favorite holiday movie?

Olivia: It’s a Wonderful Life. I’m a sucker for James Stewart.

Jennifer: I think that movie is a Christmas-viewing requirement.

4. Which ornament on your tree holds the most special meaning for you and why?

Olivia: Does a set of ornaments count? Years ago I cross-stitched a set of symbols of Christmas in gold thread on white fabric—a star, a stable, an angel, a lamb, and so on. Then I set them in little round gold frames. When I bring them out, I’m always surprised at how many I did in one year!

Jennifer: My mom has some ornaments like that on her tree! She taught me to cross-stitch when I was a kid, but I haven’t done it in years. I’m impressed with your ornament-making talents.

5. White lights or colored?

Olivia: White, as of last year when the ancient blinking colored ones gave out.

Jennifer: White are so classic. Always beautiful.

6. Open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Olivia: I’m the one who tries to persuade my adult children that we could exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and all sleep in the next day. They refuse. Will. Not. Budge.

Jennifer: I’m a Christmas morning traditionalist, too. 🙂

7. What three items are on your “grown up Christmas list”?

Olivia: I would love some cozy winter boots, a fleece-lined corduroy shirt, and a new computer monitor. (I may or may not have been looking at catalogs lately.)

Jennifer: Seems like you have your list all set. I hope you’ve written your letter to Santa!

8. Do you do holiday baking? If so, what do you usually make?

Olivia: Not much of a baker at any time of the year. My oven is too old and cranky to cooperate, for one thing. But a family tradition is chocolate covered shortbread squares.

Jennifer: I’m gonna need that recipe, too.

9. What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

Olivia: It’s a recurring one, actually. We always went to a late Christmas Eve service as a family, and I still remember the wondrous sensation of coming home past midnight knowing it was Christmas! I’ve tried to give my own children that same memory.

Jennifer: That is a very cool memory. I think those sorts of traditions are neat, and what makes each family special.

10. Do you spend as much time on the wrapping as on the gift?

Olivia: Nope. Not even close. I do try to have a variety of papers so that gifts look cheery under the tree.

Jennifer: I’m with you on this one. Why spend tons of money on something that gets trashed as soon as the gift is opened?

**You can connect with Olivia via her website, or follow her on Twitter.

If you’d like to win a copy of Olivia Newport’s Accidentally Amish, leave a comment below answering one of the same holiday questions I asked Olivia. You’ll want to read this book yourself, but it also makes a great Christmas gift!! Good luck! Winner will be announced next week, so check those posts!

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Filed under Books

Tagged as Accidentally Amish, christian fiction, Christmas, giveaway, Olivia Newport, writing

December 3, 2012 · 6:00 am

Teacher Gifts- The 12 Days of Christmas

It’s the Christmas season, which means not only are you shopping for friends and family, but also for all the teachers in the lives of your children.

School teachers, Sunday school teachers, extra-curricular activities teachers, even coaches! Yep, they are probably all on your list.

Seeing as how I am married to a teacher and I was a teacher myself, I’m pretty sure that I am an expert in the area of “Teacher Gifts.” So let me help you out this year.

I wanted to do something special for my son’s teacher, but we live on a budget, so what did I do? I turned to Pinterest, of course. From there I was inspired, added my own touches, and came up with the Twelve Days of Christmas for Teachers.

The original inspiration came from this site, but I changed some of the gift choices and created my own gift tags.

My gift choices–

Twelve Days of Christmas for Teachers

Day 1- hand lotion
Day 2- gourmet chocolates
Day 3- popcorn
Day 4- dry erase markers
Day 5- cocoa
Day 6- glue sticks
Day 7- stickers
Day 8- pens
Day 9- Hershey Kisses
Day 10- monogram note cards
Day 11- gloves & chocolate
Day 12- candle and socks

Each gift will be wrapped and sent with a little note that includes a poem about that day’s item.

Here’s an example of one of the gift tag poems:

To stay in my seat is what you want me to do,

Sometimes you just might have to use glue!

None of the gifts included in this project cost me more than $5 each.

While some of the gifts match the number of the day that they are on (5 packages of cocoa for day 5, etc), not all of them do. That’s okay. As long as the poem you send on that day makes sense, it’s all good.

I went to the dollar store to purchase cute little gift bags (25 for $1). Add tissue paper and some ribbon, and each day holds a special surprise.

Your child can deliver a gift every day for 12 days, or you can package all of the items together into one large gift. I plan to let my son deliver a daily gift.

To use the gift tag poems I created, click below.

12 Days Gift Tags– click to print

This is an example of the gift tags with poems that I made. Click below to print.

This is an example of the gift tag with poem.

** Keep in mind that my son goes to a Christian school, so some of these poems do mention the Bible and God.

If you aren’t feeling up to doing the 12 Days, here are some tips when buying presents for teachers:

School supplies and items that can be used in the classroom are helpful because many teachers have to spend money from their own pockets to keep supplies in their classrooms. Computer paper is always great because it’s often not supplied by the school, and teachers print a lot of stuff.
If you have an “about me” page from your child’s teacher that includes things like favorite food, favorite candle scent, favorite restaurant, etc., don’t ignore that. Those papers are supposed to make your shopping life easier. For example, I know that my son’s teacher really likes Hershey’s chocolate, so I made sure to include that in the 12 Days.
If you have a little more money to spend, gift cards to movies and restaurants are ALWAYS appreciated.
If you really want to go all out, think a gift certificate for a spa day or a gift card to the mall or a clothing store.
If you don’t have a ton of money to spend, think about doing a $5 gift card to a place like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. A little treat can be a big deal. (These kinds of gifts work great for male teachers, too!)
Personalized stationary makes a great gift. Notepads or cards are great for sending notes home to parents or just jotting things down at school.
A nice pen is also a great gift. Teachers write. A lot.
Try to be intentional. Don’t go for the easy “apple”. Look for something that would make that teacher smile, like a desktop joke calendar.
Have your child write a note to the teacher expressing some kind personal thoughts about him/her. Many teachers save notes like this, especially as your child ages and the notes become fewer and farther between. I taught high school, and I still have a box of personal notes from students. They make my heart happy.

What NOT to give a teacher:

ANY KIND of jewelry or clothing, etc., that has an apple, a bus, a pencil, or any other teaching paraphernalia on it. Don’t do it. It’s not as cute as you think it is.
Ornaments. An ornament can be a nice gift, but teachers get a lot of ornaments. If you go for one that’s personalized or represents something special about that teacher, then it might be okay. But referring above, do NOT go with a school bus, a pencil, or an apple. Or an ornament with your kid’s face on it. See below.
A framed photograph of your child. No offense, but teachers are just like you– they don’t want random photos in their homes, and they certainly can’t display framed photos of your kid at school. Favoritism much?
Homemade goodies. Again, teachers tend to get a lot of these. More than they can eat. Most of it ends up in the trash.

Another teacher gift idea:

I wanted to do something cute for some of the other teachers in my boys lives, and once again, Pinterest inspired.

I decided to make these adorable Soap Reindeer.

Made out of washcloths, there’s a gourmet bar of soap inside each one. Cute, affordable, and still a treat.

I purchased the bars of soap at World Market ($3.99 each), where I happened to find peppermint vanilla fragrance. Perfect.

I also had to purchase the washcloths, googlie eyes, pipe cleaners, and red Rudolph noses. The entire gift was under $6.50 per person.

The original idea and tutorial for making them can be found here. Also included on that site are cute poems for the gift tag for this present.

I hope these ideas will help you this season!

Share with me: What cute or creative gift ideas have you found (for anyone) this season?

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Filed under Parenting, Uncategorized

Tagged as Christmas, gifts, soap reindeer, teacher gifts, teachers, Twelve Days of Christmas

November 29, 2012 · 6:00 am

Ideas For Celebrating Advent With Your Kids

My oldest painted this nativity scene last year during the holiday season.

In our house, Christmas is a big deal. Decorations everywhere. Countdowns to the big day. Lots of excitement.

We’ve always stressed that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, even though we also have fun with Santa and elves and other holiday festivities. But this year, we wanted to do even more to stress the real meaning of the season.

This year, we’re going to celebrate Advent.

While Advent calendars have been a part of Christmas for me since I was a child (the kind with 24 doors and a piece of chocolate behind each door), the celebration of the coming Christ always was, too.

We want to get excited about Christmas. We want our kids to be excited–but we want that excitement to build for the right reasons, fun included.

For some reason, our church no longer stresses Advent. There used to be the traditional candles, readings, and scriptures on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, but that tradition stopped for some reason a few years ago.

(**I’m please to say that since this post went up, our church brought back Advent!! What a beautiful ceremony filled with so much meaning, hope, and joy. So glad we can enjoy it as a church family.)

I want to bring it back, if only in my own home. So Advent is becoming a new family tradition.

If you’d like to celebrate Advent in your family, here are some great ideas.

The word Advent is a derivative of the Latin “coming,” focusing on the coming birth of the Christ. Traditionally, the season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. (For 2012, Advent begins Sunday, December 2.)

To celebrate Advent, you can focus only on the four Sundays of the season, or you can incorporate a daily reminder of the coming Christ child.

In our house, we’re going to do a daily reminder, and light the candles on the Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Here’s what you need to celebrate Advent:

Candles– traditionally 2 pink, 2 purple, 1 white.

An Advent candle holder (Advent ring).

Scriptures to use during the celebration.

**I purchased my Advent ring and candles at Hobby Lobby. The ring was $9.99, the candles $4.99, with 50% off of each. I had some extra garland at home, so I wrapped it around the ring to make it a little more festive.

You don’t have to use an Advent ring or pink and purple candles. Advent is about the preparation of the heart, so any candles will do.

Scriptures: I found a great site that helped me with the scriptures and focus for the lighting of the candles each Sunday.

For daily focus, I found these great printable verses.