MOPS Convention in Nashville - Guess who's coming?

Click on over to my author page and see who is coming to the MOPS International convention in Nashville this August, and hear what my husband had to say about it.


I'll be there! Will you?


I'm a teensy weensy bit excited. If you haven't already made the move to my author page, make sure to follow along there. I'll eventually be making the transition from Blessed... to my author site. I'd hate to lose my connection with you.

I have lots of good things planned over there. I'm also trying to figure out vlogging. I think it would be fun to send you snippets of our cross-country road trip. Who doesn't have funny moments from road trips, right?

Any you'd like to share?

Signed Book - Giveaway! The Christian Mama's Guide

Do you know any pregnant women? Any girlfriends experiencing morning sickness for the first...or maybe the fourth time? What about a first-time daddy who is confused about late-night cravings, or ggrrravings as author, Erin MacPherson likes to call them?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then stop what you're doing and pick up The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby!

As a mom to four of my own little darlings - and a bonifide bookaholic, I've read my fair share of pregnancy books. When Erin's book, The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby arrived at my house a few weeks ago, I opened it up thinking- I've read this kind of book before.  

Wow, was I wrong.


 This book not only covers the stages of pregnancy and delivery room experiences in humorous detail, it is a phenomenal resource for diet, exercise, baby equipment, pediatrician appointments and home career ideas. 

Erin and I became acquainted a few months ago. There hasn't been a phone call between us that hasn't been peppered with her mothering her two little ones in the background. It is a joy to hear. She is a great mommy. 


And, if I could make a book-prediction...I believe The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby is going to knock good ol' boy What to Expect While Expecting, right off the top shelf at the book store!

If you'd like to be entered to win a signed copy of The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby - leave a comment or click on the "Like" button on the top right Facebook badge over there. The winner will be announced on Sunday.

Without further delay, let's give a warm welcome to our Blessed...guest.


Erin, welcome to Blessed… it’s so great to have you here!

Tell us a little bit about The Christian Mama’s Guide. How did it come to be?

I'm pretty sure I have never met a pregnant mama who was as naive and inexperienced as I was when I got pregnant with my son-- and I'm not exaggerating. I was eight weeks along and I went to the doctor because "I had the stomach flu and couldn't kick it" and when he laughed and told me I was pregnant, I literally said "Um, how did that happen?!" (Nevermind that I had been married for six years and knew exactly how that happened!) I left the doctor and drove straight to the bookstore to find a pregnancy guide. And, of course, there were hundreds.

I found "Belly Laughs" but put it back when I saw the F-word on the first page I turned to. I found "What to Expect When You're Expecting" but after reading three pages, I wanted to cry because it made pregnancy seem so overwhelming and daunting-- and as sick and shocked as I was, the last thing I needed to be was overwhelmed. Later that night, I was talking to my mother-in-law and explaining how I hadn't been able to find a good, light, funny and Christ-centered pregnancy guide, she said "well, then you should write one!". I laughed, but the idea stuck. A few years later, I decided to go for it.

You are a mommy to two and pregnant now, right? What has surprised you most about being a mom? Being pregnant?

Yes. I have a five-year-old son Joey and a three-year-old daughter Kate and I'm having another little boy in May. This is going to make me sound like a terrible mom but the thing that surprised me the most about being a mom was that I could actually fall in love with my kids. For a long time during my first pregnancy, I wasn't sure if I could or would. I was afraid I wasn't cut out to be a mom.

When I was pregnant, I was surprised by how disconnected I felt from my baby and how much I hated the entire pregnancy process. And that disconnection made me sure that I was never going to love my kids... in fact, I remember telling my husband late in my first pregnancy how I couldn't imagine how the pain and stress of pregnancy could be worth it. But then, my son was born. And one look at him and suddenly I realized that every twinge, every time I threw up and every tear was worth it. Every little bit. And that surprised me.

Are you up for a few random questions? What are your favorite pizza toppings? Color? Do you shave your legs in the winter? (I asked Kathi, gotta ask you too.)  Have you ever met anyone famous? Do you have a favorite scripture?

Pizza Toppings: Well, I pretty much like anything cheesy and fattening, but my favorites are probably canadian bacon, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, peppers, olives.

Color: Red

Shaving: I'm kinda obsessed with having my legs shaved. I do it every day. And, I'm not sure if that's a good thing. The other day, I asked my daughter what she wanted to be when she grew up and she said "I want to be a shaver just like you."

Celebrity Encounters: I really don't think I've met anyone famous, unless you count the fact that one time I was jogging (okay, walking) on the trail in Austin and saw Matthew McCoughnehey with his shirt off running in the other direction. Or at least someone who looked like him. Of course, I handled myself very maturely by quickly ducking my head and moving to the side of the trail and hiding my face behind some bushes.

Favorite scripture: I would say my favorite scripture changes with the seasons and my mood, but the entire book of Ephesians has always been a comfort and encouragement to me. I find myself reading another book in the bible and then going back to Ephesians for a re-read.

What did you have for breakfast? Any gggggravings today?

This morning we had Malt-o-Meal with brown sugar and raisins. Somehow, my husband has convinced my kids that Malt-o-Meal is made from Malt Balls so it's their favorite breakfast. They think I've mashed up candy for them. Which, may mean that I might want to go a little easy on the brown sugar from now on, but anyway...

And, no grrrravings yet today. But, a few nights ago, we went to my mom's house and she made tacos. I got my tortilla shell and then moved onto the toppings... ground beef, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese... but nothing sounded good... until I saw the sour cream. I literally loaded up my tortilla with three (okay, five) heaping spoonfuls of sour cream and wrapped it up. Yep, I ate a sour cream burrito and it was delicious.

A little birdy told me you will be at the MOPS International Convention in Nashville this year. Is that true?

I sure hope so. I'm still trying to work out the details but I'd love to go. I've been a MOPS mom for 5 years and thankfully just bought myself five more years by getting pregnant (I realized the other day that my time was ticking... my daughter starts kindergarten in a year and a half... whew... dodged that bullet!). I'd love to go spend some time with other MOPS moms (and hopefully meet other authors like YOU, Joanne).

You have such a friend-to-friend style of writing. As I read your chapters, I found myself saying, I want Erin for a girlfriend! Is there a way for us to keep in touch with you. Do you have a blog? Newsletter? Facebook page? Can I stalk you!?

Ha. Funny story: When my brother-in-law (who is a college minister) read my book for the first time, he called me and said "Whoa! You're a totally different person on paper. How come you're so serious when you're at my house?!" So, apparently I need to lighten up in real life. But, that said, I love meeting new friends (and stalking my own friends) online so please come visit me on my blog (http://www.christianmamasguide.com) or find me on Facebook or Twitter.


Well, every time we've chatted on the phone, you have been a lot of fun. Tell your brother I said so! Thanks so much Erin, for taking time today to chat with us girls. My prayer is for your book to find its way into the hands of every pregnant woman, and new-mommy.

The Me Project - Interview with Kathi Lipp & Giveaway!

If you've buried dreams under piles of your kid's laundry - set aside your personal goals at the altar of your marriage, or lost your drive to be anything more or do anything more - The Me Project is for you.

Rick Warren might be a little surprised by the title. His mega-bestselling smash The Purpose Driven Life began with the words: It's not about you.

Author, Kathi Lipp, turns the tables and reminds us God's will for our lives most definitely is.

The Me Project-21 Days to Living the Life You've Always Wanted is wonderfully interactive. Lipp ends each chapter with a prayer and the ability to write down your personal plans for a new you.

Kathi takes her place front and center as your very own accountability partner. After meeting with her at Starbuck's last week - sign me up!
Buyer Beware: You are going to LOVE every word.

Kathi writes in a transparent, humorous, friend to friend style. By the end of the first chapter you're silently wishing you had her number on speed dial.

Like I said earlier, me and Kathi met over lattes last week. Three hours later, we were still there. She was so much fun - a wealth of godly wisdom, and just as encouraging in person as she is in her books. And, guess who I have now on my speed dial?


Kathi, welcome to Blessed… it’s so great to have you here!


Love you and love Blessed – great to be here.


Tell us a little bit about The Me Project.

It’s all about taking all those crazy dreams and desires that we have floating around in our lives, picking one, and then for 21 days, getting a running start on making it a reality!


Have you received any feedback from readers yet?

It’s been overwhelming. So many women have felt that they needed permission to even think about their own lives outside of work and family – this book has given them permission. I’ve heard of two women who have started businesses because of the book, (both photography businesses if you can believe it!) and several more who have started smaller ventures – writing, jewelry making, cooking, looking at a new career, etc.


You are a national speaker, which means you get to encourage woman all over the USA. Tell us, which states have been your favorites?

Oh wow – why don’t you just ask me which of my kids I like best? Texas is always a favorite. My hair is big enough to work. I had the opportunity to go to Missouri and Oklahoma in the past few months and LOVED each of those groups. It was so funny, the entire time is was in Oklahoma, everyone said the same thing, “It may not be the prettiest state, but we have the nicest people.” I can vouch for that. Colorado makes me want to move there, but I love and live in Northern CA. How’s that for a clear answer.


Which came first for you, speaking or writing?

In high school, I wanted to write, but because I have a mild form of dyslexia and can’t spell to save my life, I never pursued it. I started speaking first, and everyone said, “If you’re going to be a speaker, you have to be a writer.”  Well now, I had a weapon that I didn’t have in HS - a computer. (Hard to believe that I’m in my early 40’s and we didn’t have a computer when I was in high school…) Suddenly it didn’t matter that I couldn’t spell and I would transpose letters – the computer would fix it for me. I started on some articles and the writing thing grew as the speaking thing grew.


Tell us about your family.

We are a blended family – Roger and I (who have been married for almost six years) each brought two kids into the mix. They are between the ages of 18 and 23 (yes, when we got married we had four teenagers…) The greatest accomplishment of our lives is that my step-kids like me, and my kids like Roger.


Are you up for a few random questions? Sure

What is your favorite time of year? Fall. I hate the heat and love being snuggled up with my hubby, our puggle Jake, and our cat Zorro when the weather starts to get crisp.


Color? Green, brown, turquoise and orange – yep – I’m a fall girl. If I had to pick one it would be green.

Do you shave your legs in the winter? Only when Roger and I have a “date” planned.


What did you have for breakfast?

Same exact thing every morning that I’m home:

Oatmeal with dried apricots from my friend’s orchard (I buy 25 pounds ever year at harvest time…) with cinnamon, vanilla and Splenda.

Coffee with a splash of non-fat milk and sugar-free vanilla flavoring.


Is there a way for us to keep in touch with you. Do you have a blog? Newsletter? Facebook page?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

You can subscribe to my blog, newsletter and Facebook page all on my website at: http://www.kathilipp.com

And, if you subscribe to my newsletter, you will get a free cookbook “The Ultimate Guide to Man Food”


Thanks so much Kathi, for taking time today to chat with us girls. Your book is like having an encouraging girlfriend or a humorous coach, inspiring us to great things in our walk with the Lord.


I pray it finds its way into the hands of every woman with dreams unfulfilled, and the heartfelt desire to grow in Him.



You didn't think I forgot the book winner, did you? Drum roll please....


Susan from My Crazy but, Blessed Life!

Email me with your address, and I'll pop it into the mail. BUT, you will have to come back with a follow up about your very own Me Project.

Time with your girlfriends? A few of mine - Kathi Lipp & Erin MacPherson

My best friend, Celia, and I have been trying to make a date for some girl-time on the calendar for months. We live two-hours apart which makes things even more complicated. It's been quite frustrating.

I met Karen at our local coffee shop. We're new friends. I really dig her. She lives close by and emailed me a few weeks ago to inquire about some coffee and girl-time at her house this week and surprisingly, I was available.

I loved what she did. She invited eight of her coffee-friends, those gals in her life she enjoys having coffee-dates with and brought us all together for some Peet's coffee, scones, fruit and fun.

Not all of us knew each other, but that didn't last long. Like every woman I know, we were gabbing about family, faith and food in a matter of minutes. One of the gals made a point to say, "I have lots of girlfriends in different parts of my life, and have often wondered about getting them all together. If I love them, I'm sure they'll enjoy one another too!"

On that girlfriend note...I've decided to introduce you to a few friends of mine. And, you will reap the benefits. My friend's have written books, and I'd LOVE to pass on their books to you.

This week, I'll be interviewing Kathi Lipp. She's a national speaker and author of: The Marriage Project, The Husband Project, The What's For Dinner Solution.

I'll be giving away her newest book, The Me Project-21 Days to Living the Life You've Always Wanted.

Next week, I will introduce you to Erin MacPherson, author of The Christian Mama's Guide to Pregnancy. I'll be giving away this book too!

So, stick around. We're having some girlfriend time here at Blessed...

Don't forget to leave a comment below to be entered for Kathi's book, The Me Project!



I'll be announcing the winner on Friday.