Christene Houston's Blog: Christenehouston.com, page 13
December 13, 2012
Gingerbread in the House
Every year I host a crazy Gingerbread House decorating party.
I mix up a huge batch of gingerbread dough (oh yes I do! No graham cracker houses in this ‘hood!), cut out all the pieces, glue them together with frosting
and await with anticipation the arrival of some of my favorite people. They come in with bags of candy, hugs and smiles. Some bring their own fancy cake plates, because they know how it’s done. We all decorate for hours while nibbling quiche, fruit salad in Christmas colors and a delicious breakfast cake.
This is what I ended up with this year:
One year my house was featured on Whipperberry.com and I Heart Naptime with all the recipes you’ll need for your own little Gingerbread fun. I hope you take the dive and make your own festive House for the season. Enjoy!
December 12, 2012
Book Club Visit
Right after A Heart So Broken launched, I was invited to participate in a local Book Club of about a dozen ladies.
This was my first ever Book Club visit, and even though these ladies were my friends, I was still nervous about what their opinions would be once they’d experienced my writing style and story concept. I felt it was a great story, but what would readers think? It would only take a bit of imagination to conjure up the thousands of conflicting emotions I was feeling.
Of course, my concerns were completely unnecessary. There was a general agreement that A Heart So Broken is a wonderful read! Each woman had their own unique take on the storyline and the impressions it left on them. I loved the questions that came out and the opportunity to explain a little bit more about my characters, their motivations and emotions. What an exciting experience!
What made it even better was walking into a mini recreation of the BBQ scene. Our host, Jamie, had baked up some delicious boneless chicken wings and onion rings along with jars of tasty strawberry lemonade just like in the book! That was pretty cool!
Jackson Turnage turned out to be the favorite character with Lilly Johnson in close second. There were mixed thoughts on where West Junction was located. And some people caught on early that there was a twist coming and others weren’t even ready for it when it hit. Some thought the twist would be another death.
That night we all went home with one of these darling mini candy bar bouquets. How cool is that?
Thanks Jamie and friends, for a wonderful night. You were too good to me!
I’m coming up with some book club questions just in case you’d like to host a book club discussion of your own. I’ll post those soon, so check back in!
If you have a reading group in Las Vegas, NV and would like to request a visit, drop me an email at christenehouston@aol.com. I’d love to be a part of your discussion! I’m also open to a Skype conference for book groups, schools etc. that may be out of state.
December 11, 2012
A Little Treat
We made some cute little take-home treats for the Launch…
They came together after a brainstorming session with the kiddos.
A few book pages...
This is only one of a million reasons why I think my children are awesome. When you can bounce ideas around and come out with clever thoughts that are outside the box, it’s pretty amazing.
Little booklets of treats…
After a little inking, some staples and fun-sized treats, these are what my readers took home from the Launch Party.
"You're a SWEET part of my story. Thank You!
Remember this great old mailbox? It’s HUGE! I added the square of chalkboard with a little chalkboard spray paint. I seriously LOVE that stuff!!
I get my old books from the Library book store for about $.10. What do you do with old book pages?
December 10, 2012
Oreo Cheesecake Bites { Recipe }
December 7, 2012
December 6, 2012
The Spirit
I think all of us can say we’ve been touched by the rough economy that has haunted us for the last few (can we even say few now?) years. Here in Vegas, things have been rough. There have been a few Christmases that were leaner than the ones before – though I think it would be unfair to say we’ve ever gone without. We have been so blessed. Nevertheless, this message hit home like no other.
December 5, 2012
All I Want…
It’s all Christmas at the Houstons. We’re decking the halls, hanging stockings and cranking tunes like this fave from Buble…
December 4, 2012
Stocking Stuffer…
A Heart So Broken - the perfect stocking stuffer for the reader on your List!
Did I mention that A Heart So Broken makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the reader in your life? I’m talking teens, men, women…this book transcends the typical barriers. Here’s just a little snippet of what one middle-aged firefighter had to say after reading A Heart So Broken:
“Overall I found A Heart So Broken to be very loving, powerful, joyful,emotional,and tear jerking. You were able to bring all those aspects together in such great detail, the story was fantastic.”
A Heart So Broken is getting rave reviews. Have you read it? Visit Amazon.com or Goodreads and let your voice be heard!
Delight the reader in your life with their copy of A Heart So Broken on Christmas morning (also available on Amazon.com & barnesandnoble.com).
December 3, 2012
LAUNCH Party!!
Let’s talk parties…
Everyone signed my first proof copy. I LOVED reading your sweet notes of encouragement. Thank You!!
The LAUNCH was so awesome!
A great old mailbox full of Thank You treats!
There were pies…
Delicious yumminess made by a bunch of my talented friends. Thanks Ladies!!
Books (they look so good in stacks!)
Stacks of A Heart So Broken
Giveaways
Thanks again Famous Dave's BBQ on Blue Diamond & Amy Cornwell Jewelry!!
And friends!!!
Amy signing my book. What a treasure!This is what I did all night - talked to amazing people!
Lynda brought her mother Rosemary. It was great talking with these two! Maybe a movie deal in our future??
My friend Meagan has already passed my book onto her daughter Ronnie. I love these two!!I am blessed with true friends. They came from an hour away, they came after running Ragnar, they came after sleepless nights, all to support me. How can words express the thanks of my heart for friends like these?
A huge thanks to all the friends who helped make this night possible, with special mention of Brianna Johnson for these lovely photos! I simply could not have enjoyed a single moment without their tender care, support, and willing hands.
To each of you who came out on a cold November night, I loved spending my special day with all of you! I can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve read A Heart So Broken.
Did you miss out on the fun? Get your copy here (e-readers can buy here!), on Amazon.com or at BarnesandNoble.com.
P.S. Be watching for more appearances at locations near you!
November 30, 2012
Weekend Inspiration
snapcreativity.com
