happy Christmas shopping...

Not to be a walking advertisement for the place who writes my paycheck, but I thought that some may want a little bit of help in their holiday shopping. And if so- I've got some great ideas for you! (All pictures belong to Deseret Book.)

1)

New from Elder Holland- Honestly, that is all you need to know. But I'm gonna tell you about it anyway. I've known about this book for awhile and was even given the opportunity to read it before it was published. Believe me when I tell you that this book will hit the mark of any person on your Christmas list. This book contains Elder Holland's own reflections of the Psalms with a specific attention to the Messiah and the 23rd Psalm. EVERYONE will benefit from this book!

When I first opened the manuscript months ago, I was encouraged by the fact that it was all new writings from one of my favorite apostles. Little did I know the peace and the healing balm that his words would be on what I considered an untroubled heart. His writing is personal. So much so that I felt as if he were speaking directly to Jenny Hortin through the pages. Could he have had me in mind when he wrote it? Slightly, but only because we all deal with the same troubles. We are all trying to do our best and make it from day to day. This is the answer to the problems you didn't know you had.

AND not only is it a wonderful book, but it comes with a DVD with 2 HOURS OF ELDER HOLLAND answering questions about life. A friend of mine was able to attend the taping and she said it was a life-changing experience to sit at the feet of an apostle who knows what we are going through and wants nothing more than to help bring us closer to the light of the Gospel. If I haven't convinced you to buy the book, buy the DVD and you'll get the book for free! :) (In a manner of speaking)

2)

 This book has been out in our stores for some time but if you haven't grabbed a copy, one for your mom, or your sister, or your grandmother, or those you visit teach, then you need to! This lovely book is exactly what it appears. It contains divine instruction from Joseph Smith during the first meetings of the Relief Society in Nauvoo with personal insights from my friends, Sheri and Virginia. (They don't know me from Eve, but I figure if they did, we would be friends.) This book is a great reminder of the power of women and the role we play in the grand scheme of things.


3)

I love this book! I may or may not have two copies of it on my bookshelf at home, one being signed by the author.... In my personal, unbiased opinion, every single girl should read this book! It will make you laugh, possibly cry, and will most definitely make your romantic heart race. If I could find a man like Phillip, I'd marry him. Just sayin' Buy one for your mom, sister, and your best friends. Read it in Book Club. Carry it with you while riding public transportation. If you haven't caught on yet: YOU NEED THIS BOOK!


4) For the kids on your list:

This is the second of The Candy Shop War series so go ahead and buy the first as well. You say the name Brandon Mull and you know you are in for a good treat. Any fans of Fablehaven, or the Beyonders will be a fan of this series. I feel a personal connection to this book because of the massive marshmallow war that I helped with---if I haven't told you that story yet, it's a classic. Ask me about it one day.


5) Get a jelly watch from DB! I own the pink and through my family, we own all but the orange and green. Still, it is only a matter of time before I storm the store and grab everyone for myself. Act fast!

 

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proof

I work at Deseret Book, right? Well, by doing so, I get to meet really cool people. Sometimes I feel like friends don't believe me. But, dear readers, I have proof.

This past weekend was the big Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Because I'm lucky, my occupation, and my parents love me, I was able to attend both Friday and Sunday performances. Why you ask? Because I am in love with Alfie Boe. Period.

By pulling some important strings, DB was able to schedule a signing following the Friday performance and since I have connections, my friend, Heather, asked if I would be willing to come help. Sheesh, twist my arm.

I met Carrie, Maggie and Josh at the Conference Center and we had a glorious time. I may have mentioned my poor friend, Hunter, who had to watch last year's concert over and over again to make our TV spot. He came to my desk and was showing bits and pieces of the concert to more fully convince me that the show was "boring" and the costumes were "weird." (Simply quoting.) Well, all I can say is that this year's concert kicked last year's TRASH! Everything- the costumes, the decor, the story of the Candy Bomber (side note: The Candy Bomber came to my middle school for a special assembly when I was in 8th or 9th grade. I feel like we're friends.), Tom Brokaw, and not to mention Mr. Alfie Boe- was incredible. INCREDIBLE! I laughed. I cried. I sang along. We swayed back and forth to the Christmas Waltz, and Josh convinced Maggie to get me one of those flowing dresses for Christmas. We had a wonderful time during the concert.

But that was only the beginning.

Did I mention that I helped with the signing? Did I also mention that meant I was able to meet Tom Brokaw and almost able to meet Alfie.... I say almost because I didn't actually talk to him. But still. We bonded.

Don't believe me? Proof:

 Look!!!!! See me? Less than three feet away- Tom Brokaw and ALFIE BOE! Shut the front door! Yeah, I know. Look at my crazy cool life!

I like Tom. He was terribly nice but by the time we had the MASSIVE crowd out the door it was after 11pm. He was ready to go back to his swanky hotel and go to sleep. My friend, Ron, was trying terribly hard to rush both stars out the door. Tom was ready to leave but Alfie was practically dragged out of the building. He is nicer than I imagined. He spent as much time as he could talking to people, shaking hands, signing autographs, giving hugs, etc. I wanted to run after him as he was being pulled from the building but I figured Ron would tell Sheri to fire me or something else as drastic that I just watched him walk away and fell even more in love. Yes, I know he is happily married and has two kids. Never gonna happen. But in the words of Sheri Dew, "Alfie Boe is the only man that could convince me to marry a non-member." 

As I stood there gawking, Heather saw me and asked if I was alright. I explained that I wanted to go and meet him but knew better. Then--- funniest moment of the whole night--- Heather says that she will give me Alfie's Mentos. As Tom and Alfie were signing, we provided gum and Mentos to keep their breath minty fresh. Alfie left a good amount in the package and either someone was going to take them home or they were going to be thrown away. So- I got them. Thanks to my friends in the music department, I own Alfie Boe's Mentos. Be jealous.

Sunday morning, I snagged the last ticket from the four I got from Marketing and went along with Mom, Dad and Melanie to Music and the Spoken Word. Lloyd Newell spent five whole minutes telling us not to clap. "I've seen this every night so far and believe me, you are going to want to clap. Please don't. Don't clap. Did I mention not to clap?...." The video guys actually cut him off because the show was about to start. He was right. We almost had to sit on our hands to keep ourselves from clapping. Did I mention that this year's concert kicks last year's trash? Oh, I did. Good.

Melanie didn't really have a clue who Alfie was before this past weekend. I've played the YouTube video of Alfie singing Bring Him Home enough that she recognized him. Now, she is a constant follower on Facebook. She loved my stories of the signing and loves the Mentos I carry almost as much as I do. We aren't stalkers. I promise.

Here they are- the famous minty treat in the same shot as Alfie himself. Sadly, you can't see him but he's there. Just above my hand.

I meet famous people. All in a day's work.