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  • A Sacred Christmas Music CD Giveaway

    A Sacred Christmas Music CD Giveaway

    Happy Holidays! Enjoy A Sacred Christmas with original music from Garth Smith. 

    A Sacred Christmas by Garth Smith

    Christmas music is quite easily my favorite to listen to. I’m not one to listen to it all year round, but I never mind hearing it – no matter the season. So, yes, in our house, as soon as Halloween is over, I start playing the Christmas tunes. 

    This year I was especially excited to check out a new to me artist – Garth Smith. Garth is a Utah native and current California resident. You can read more about him on his website – www.garthsmithmusic.com. Every arrangement is his testimony of Christ. I truly feel that as I listen to each arrangement on his newest CD, A Sacred Christmas. 

    Since a young age, I’ve found a love for and my own testimony of Christ within the hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of my favorite scriptures is in the Doctrine & Covenants where the Lord tells Emma “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.”

    When listening to A Sacred Christmas, I hope you will be able to feel the Spirit of Christ in your homes and hearts. Check out the playlist for some of the beautiful songs you’ll hear on this album. 

    A Sacred Christmas playlist

    For Unto Us A Child Is Born
    O Little Town of Bethlehem
    Still, Still, Still
    I Wonder As I Wander
    Gesu Bambino
    Sankta Lucia – Swedish Carol
    Away In A Manger
    O Come, O Come Emmanuel
    It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
    Heaven’s Hallelujah
    O Holy Night

    How To Listen

    Purchase A Sacred Christmas CD’ in Deseret Book, at Your LDS Music Store, and at Garth Smith Music.
    Sheet Music is available for purchase on Garth Smith Music.
    Digital Downloads are available on all major downloading services. 
    Tune in to the Garth Smith Holiday channel on Pandora. 
    Tune in to Garth Smith Piano on Facebook Sunday nights for a live devotional with Garth Smith. Every Sunday at 9:30 pm MST.

    A Sacred Christmas Fireside

    If you can, check out one of Garth Smith’s firesides during the month of December and as part of the #LightTheWorld campaign. You can find him at the following dates and places (7 PM start time):

    Dec. 9th – Sandy Utah Crescent North Stake
    Dec 16th – St. George Tabernacle
    Dec 23rd – Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center
    Dec 29th – Oakland Temple Visitors Center

    A Sacred Christmas Giveaway

    Open to US readers 18+. Giveaway ends 11/11/2018. Enter on form below.

     

  • Good Music Brighter Children Blog Tour

    Good Music Brighter Children Blog Tour

      

    Good Music Brighter Children 
    Good Music Brighter Children is written for parents, educators or anyone who wants to build a bigger, better brain using music. Scientific studies indicate that children introduced to classical music at a young age read earlier and perform better on achievement tests. Adults can also revive tired brain cells using music. This book gives you a step-by-step program that any parent or individual can follow. You’ll discover how introducing your children to good music can accelerate language development, improve math and science skills, enhance physical coordination, strengthen memory and reading retention, and benefit children with learning disabilities. Discover how to choose an instrument and music teacher for your child; how to get your kids to practice and how character traits such as confidence, responsibility, creativity and teamwork are taught when learning a musical instrument. Learn how to introduce your child to the music community and how to appreciate all kinds of music. Last, if you want to advocate for music in your schools, this book gives the ammunition and data to do so. Also includes a 35-page Resource Section on the best music, books, and DVDs for kids.

    Sharlene   Author Sharlene Habermeyer:

    Sharlene Habermeyer, MA has spent over twenty-five years researching the effects of music in the brain development of children. She is passionate about how people of all ages learn and how music is a catalyst for learning. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Art from Utah State University and a Masters degree in Education from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California.

     

    In 1999, she started the Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra (now the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra). It currently boasts over one-hundred members.

     

    Sharlene’s initial inspiration for Good Music Brighter Children came from the extensive work she did with her severely learning disabled son, and finding that music was his strongest catalyst for learning she began passionately researching the effects music had on the developing and mature brain.

    A college instructor, a popular speaker, and a consultant, she is the mother of five boys and lives with her husband in Torrance, California. She has spoken at parent conferences around the United States including the Parents as Teachers Conference (PAT) and the Crucial Years Conference in Missouri. In August 2014, she will be speaking at BYU Education Week.

    Connect with Sharlene
     

    Praise for the Book

    Largest Independent Book Reviewer in the U.S.: Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media, LLC 
     “With a scientist’s eye and an artist’s voice, Habermeyer examines everything from the benefits of music for the developing brain to music’s ability to improve cultural awareness. This is an encyclopedic, invaluable resource for anyone who believes in music education. A magnum opus, fact-filled and inspiring on the benefits of music.”

    -Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media, LLC

      

    National Music Organization: Music and the Brain 
     “A great resource for both parents and teachers. Anyone interested in music or the overall well-being of children will not be able to put this book down.”

    -Lisha Papert Lercari, Director, Music and the Brain    

    University Professor: Dr. James Catterall 
     “Sharlene Habermeyer outlines why music is important to learning, and provides parents with excellent suggestions for launching and sustaining a musical influence in the lives of their children.”

    -James S. Catterall, professor of education and co-director of Imagination Project at UCLA 

    Mother/Lawyer/Ballet Teacher: Shauna Bird Dunn
    “Carefully researched and highly readable, Good Music, Brighter Children is written for musicians and non musicians alike. It is filled with wisdom, insight and helpful tips to bring music into the home for all ages and stages of childhood.”

    –Shauna Bird Dunn, JD, MPA

    Utah Young Mother of the Year, 2010

     

     

      

     
    Blog Tour Giveaway 

     $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

    Ends 10/15/14

    Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  • Allons Danser! Learning French through Song and Dance

    Allons Danser! Learning French through Song and Dance

    Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

    I started learning French in 5th grade. For 2 years it was part of our rotation with other classes like Home Economics, Shop, and Art. When 7th grade rolled around though, kids with high grades in Reading and Language Arts could choose to drop their reading class and take French. I loved it. I never truly got the conjugations and his/her possessives. Though I could say a few words here and there, it never really stuck. 

    So when my senior year of high school rolled around and I found myself sitting in an AP class, getting ready to take a college test in FRENCH – I took a hard look at what I knew. And what I knew was that I had no idea how I was even getting an A in the class, because I was pretty sure I was fudging my way through. I felt all I truly knew were sight words, and a few phrases like “puis-je aller aux toilettes?” (translation anyone…)
    At that point I decided it would be best if I dropped my French class, and moved on to other interests. I regret, not that decision, but that I didn’t work harder, and study more while taking those classes. I viewed them more as fun, than useful. 
    This year, we had the opportunity to sign Princess C up for a dual immersion program that would run 6 years. I looked into it, and loved the idea of her learning a language at such a young age. They say children catch onto foreign languages easier than adults because they are still learning to form different sounds (or something like that). Unfortunately after I continued to look into the immersion and even drove over to drop off our application, I just didn’t feel it was right for her or us. boo, sad face.

    THEN I heard about WhistleFritz. Started in 2006 by a mom looking for a way to teach her children a second language. When she couldn’t find anything on the market to fit their needs, she made her own.

    Allons Danser! has 20 songs on it, some of which are classics we already know, others are new to us. Rather than tell you about them though, just watch my kids listening and having fun.

    They’re having so much fun! The kids can now name different body parts thanks to La Tete, Les Epaules (Head/Shoulders), and can count to three with Un, Deux et Trois. The music is all upbeat and fun, so even if they aren’t listening to the words, they can have a lot of fun dancing around. Eventually they’ll start picking up on it. 
    Have your kids learned a second language?


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

  • DIY Clarinet Lamp

    DIY Clarinet Lamp

    Music lovers will love this tutorial for a DIY Clarinet Lamp. Make a matching pair to really stick out in your music room. This post contains affiliate links and I will receive compensation if you click on and make a purchase. 
    DIY Clarinet Lamp
     
    Last summer Mark took an old Clarinet we had and mounted it on some particle board, then threaded a lamp cord through it. He left it as is, and as much as I loved the idea, I kept telling myself I would update the lamp to look a bit nicer. 
     
    Finally this month, I made the time. Finding the right lampshade was half the battle, but once that was found, I knew that not only would this be a Clarinet Lamp…it would also be a stage for some little Musicians we’ve had laying around the house.
     
    DIY Clarinet Lamp
     
    We went through a number of lampshades before finding the right one. I believe this one above was #2. It was just a little too small for the overall feel though. I couldn’t wait for the right lampshade before I started updating it, so out came some paint, and I gave that base a new look. 


     
    Clarinet lamp base
     
    I was worried about the particle board showing through, and taking in too much paint, so I gave it 3 coats before calling it good. I’m still debating putting a chalkboard layer over it – what do you think??
     
    I went back to our local thrift store to see if I could find a better shade, and this time, they had it! A nice square, to offset all the circles going on, and that’s when it hit, that this was going to be a stage. 
     
    Musical stencils for a clarinet lamp
     
    Some stencils quickly made using Picmonkey, a razor, and some white paint, made a simple, anyone can do it, musical shade. I used scrapbook glue dots to hold the stencil on the shade. 
     
    Musical Lampshade
     
    There are obviously some extra bumps of paint, but I think it just adds a nice rough look to the shade. Plus, from far away, you can’t even tell. 
     
    Time for the final touch, the little Musicians – aren’t these just awesome?!
     
    little musicians
     

    DIY Clarinet Lamp 

    What you’ll need: 
    • Old Clarinet
    • Screws
    • Circular particle board base
    • black paint
    • lampshade
    • light bulbs – I prefer GE LED Bulbs
    • lamp kit
    Drill a hole through the center of the base. Carve out a section for the lamp cord to lay safely under the base. Paint your base black…or any color you prefer.  Thread your lamp wire through the clarinet, and the base. Attach the clarinet to the base using 2-3 screws. Add a light bulb, and shade. Plug in, and enjoy some musical ambiance. 
     
    Clarinet Lamp


  • 2013 in Music

    2013 in Music

    *Disclaimer: I will be working closely in 2014 with R Legacy Entertainment to bring you new and uplifting music through 2014. This post has not been compensated.*

    I absolutely love discovering new music. When people ask me “What’s your favorite music to listen to?” I can’t give them an answer. I have a wide variety of music I love to listen to – from Frank Sinatra to The Beach Boys.
    2013 was a fun year of music discovery for me. I’m not big on iTunes because I generally prefer listening to the radio or Pandora for free and where I can get a complete variety of music.  If you recall though, this last year I had the opportunity to attend an Inspire My Life event featuring some talented musicians, and speakers. They put me back on the path to search out newer and more inspiring music. I have really enjoyed following some of these artists on facebook and YouTube.  Hopefully you’ll find someone new to listen to from my list.

    1. The Piano Guys.  Honestly I think I found them before 2013, but they are my #1 favorite music videos to watch.  If you haven’t watched any of their videos yet, please do. They are not just talented, but extremely creative!
    2. Charley Jenkins. I love country music. Charley is a fun entertainer, and his music really tells country life like it is. Although I got to see Charley perform live, I was sad when I just missed him coming down to Gunnison for the 24th of July (Utah’s Pioneer Day). It was about the same time we were trying to move, so I had to skip out.
    3. Hudson Lights. You may remember the review I wrote for this new male quartet <–follow the link if you missed it. You can watch their music video for Call Me Maybe at that link. It’s definitely my favorite version of Call Me Maybe that’s come out this year.
    4. Katherine Nelson. She has a beautiful voice. Her songs reach out to women and encourage them to keep going forward, even when life’s been tough. Listen to her song Beautiful if you’re feeling down and need a little pick me up.
    5. Lindsey Stirling. OK I admit, I actually just listened to her last night, but I’ve heard the name before. As a former violinist myself, I’m in awe. Playing the violin while dancing around, really spinning, takes some amazing talent to not lose any quality of sound.

    6. The Aaron Ashton Band.  Aaron Ashton is another accomplished violinist I had the pleasure listening to at Inspire My Life. His band is equally awesome as they play on a myriad of different and unique instruments – like the washtub bass. 
    7. Daniel Beck. I got to meet with the Marketing Director of R Legacy Entertainment a few weeks ago to help discuss ways we can help each other.  Before leaving they gave me a copy of Daniel Beck’s new CD. I put it in, and was carried away. His voice is beautiful, and his music reaches the soul. 
    8. What Does the Fox Say? I was completely unaware of this song by Ylvis until I ran across Lunchbox Dad’s cute What Does the Fox Say? lunch. Although this song is catchy, and my kids love it, I don’t care for the music video too much, and I would not suggest listening to any other Ylvis songs while the kids are around. 
    9. What Does the Farmer Say? I love a good spoof song, and this one made me smile. With my farming heritage, and love for small town living, I like this version. 
    10.  ?? What Music did you discover in 2013?
  • Hudson Lights #BlogTour and Giveaway

    Hudson Lights #BlogTour and Giveaway

    Hudson Lights







    Hudson Lights

    Composed of 4 vocal artists from the Rocky Mountains, Hudson Lights creates a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz like you’ve never heard before! World-class harmonies and consummate showmanship make this an unforgettable music experience. Equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and effortlessly charming, Hudson Lights brings a classy edge back to mainstream pop.

    Social Media Facebook itunes
     

    HUDSON LIGHTS will release their self-titled debut album November 12, 2013. They released a single, “Good to Me”, on iTunes in September.

    The group is composed of four male vocal artists from around the country: McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Joseph Moore and Ross Welch. Together they create a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz music.
    The upbeat album features classic covers of legends like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They also have several original songs.

    Bob Ahlander, director of music at Shadow Mountain Records, says “Hudson Lights fills a void in the music scene.”

    They have already had some notable performances. They debuted at the Marriot Center during the BYU Women’s Conference Concert in May, and placed 2nd in a contest to open for Kelly Clarkson at the STADIUM OF FIRE in June.
    On November 22nd they’ll perform for a crowd of 10,000 as part of Deseret Book’s “Time Out for Women” event at the Maverik Center. Tickets are available here.

     

    My Review: Ever since I popped in this new CD I have been in love with the beautiful voices coming through my speakers. I rarely buy CD’s these days, but it seems right before the Holidays are my favorite time to discover new music. Sometimes when the stress of my life – crazy kids, running errands all over, cleaning house every 5 minutes – I just need something to add a little fun and carefree to my day. Hudson Lights has been doing that for me. Even while I’m still going and doing, having it in the background makes everything seem better. 
    Just take a listen for yourself!
     

    “Call Me Maybe”



    Tour Giveaway 

     $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

    Ends 11/24/13 

  • Inspire My Life “Women” Conference coming to St. George

    I’ve been itching to go to some kind of conference for about a year now. This past weekend we watched the 183rd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love listening to my spiritual leaders (prophets and apostles), give us direction. I always come away feeling more inspired and motivated to become a better person.  This conference though is one we watch at home on the television set (of course I could go to the conference center, but that gets crowded!)
    I was so excited to hear about another conference coming up this weekend:

    Inspire My Life: Women

     

    Excitement was kicking in,  I started making plans for my kids, and thinking of inviting my sister in law to come with me. Then I looked at the calendar. It would happen to fall on a Saturday that I can’t go (furthering Mark’s career, an equally good thing to be doing). When you ask?
     
    Why it’s THIS SATURDAY: April 13th, 9am to 6pm
     
    And how much does it cost, you ask?  Well, that’s the best part because IT’S FREE!!!!
     
    You really can’t beat that!  Can you?  Well, they can!
     
    Although it is free to attend they are asking for donations to the Dove Center – a crisis center that benefits women effected by rape and domestic violence. So you can go and enjoy free of charge some inspiring music from people like Katherine Nelson (played Emma Smith in the Jospeh Smith movie) and Charley Jenkins. Then listen to motivational speakers David Christensen and Vickey Pahnke Taylor. 
     
    Or you can also go, free of charge, but know you did some good by donating to the Dove Center. Not only will you be edifying yourself at this conference, you’ll also be making difference in the lives of many women.

    Wait though, they even went further!!  The 999th person to register online will win a Girlfriends Getaway package to Green Valley Spa in St George. 

    If I haven’t convinced you to go yet, check out this music video from one of the performers
     

    
     
    If you can’t make it to this Conference, check out the list of future conferences: some for teens, some for couples, and some for parents.
  • Top 5 LDS Songs and a Giveaway!

    Top 5 LDS Songs and a Giveaway!

    Music sets the mood in the Home

    I love listening to music throughout the day. Either from my Pandora account or CD’s I’ve collected throughout the years. Music can turn a rough day into a bearable day, and a good day into a Great Day!  Especially if you’re listening to the right kind of music.
    A lot of the music I listen to is LDS themed. (Learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).  The language is clean, the words uplifting, and the spirit it brings into your home really does make the day better.

    My Top 5 Favorite LDS Music Songs

    1. Window to His Love by Julie De Azevedo
    2. Michelle by Julie De Azevedo
    3. Consider the Lilies
    4. I Feel My Savior’s Love
    5. Anything by The Piano Guys

    New LDS Music Store

    yourldsmusicstore.com is a new online store for all LDS music.  I’ve been browsing around their site, and really love the selection of music they have. I hope they continue to add more, as some of my favorites are yet to be found on there.
    They have many free downloads as well as albums you can purchase and download to your computer. 

    Connect With YourLDSMusicStore

    Facebook  ~   Twitter  ~  Pinterest
     

    Rhoades CookBook Giveaway

    Giveaway Extended through the Weekend!
     
    With the Launch of their new website, YourLDSMusic store is giving away a Rhoades Home Baked Cookbook here on Home Maid Simple
    Home Baked Cookbook - Softcover
     
    All you have to do is comment here with your Favorite Christmas Song, and best email to contact!
    Giveaway is open to US residents. Ends on 12/16 at midnight.
    Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond.
     
    
  • Il Volo: We Are Love. Music for the Holidays {2012 Holiday Gift Guide}

    Il Volo: We Are Love. Music for the Holidays {2012 Holiday Gift Guide}

    Music for the Holidays

    I love this time of year. Have I mentioned that? It is one of my most favorite seasons, because of the feeling of love and caring in the air. There is a special kind of feeling around the holidays, most describe as the “Christmas Spirit”.
    I start getting the feeling about the beginning of October and it lasts through to the New Year.  One way I like to indulge in the Christmas Spirit, is by listening to music. Not just your ordinary radio station music, but music with a meaning.  We all know the classic Christmas songs, and I think everyone can get into the spirit with these songs playing.  I like to add more classical music as well this time of year, and other vocalists. 

    Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

    Did anyone watch the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center this year? I love watching this program every year, but this year I only caught a little bit of it. It’s not just any Christmas Tree Lighting, there is live music and an overwhelming feeling of the Spirit of Christmas. You can’t help but feel joy watching this program.  Anyone know where I can find it online? One year I’d love to attend it in person!
    This year Il Volo, a new Italian teen sensation, performed at the Lighting. I just became acquainted with their music, and it makes me slightly more bummed that I missed them singing. They are a very talented trio of boys.

    Il Volo: We Are Love

    Il Volo just released their 2nd music CD, We Are Love, in November. I have been listening to it weekly as I try to keep the Spirit of Christmas in our home.  These boys really do have some amazing talent. It doesn’t matter that I don’t understand their Italian, I do understand the feeling of love and joy behind their music.  
    We Are Love includes Il Volo’s soaring version of the Aerosmith/ Diane Warren hit “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” (“Questo Amore”) along with a new Warren song “I Bring You To My Senses”.  Il Volo also performs a cover version of the U2 Hit “Beautiful Day” and the title cut “We Are Love” both in English. The group’s members are Piero Barone (19), Gianluca Ginoble (17) and Ignazio Boschetto (18).

    Connect with the Group


    BUY IT
    Purchase your own copy of We Are Love on Amazon
    WIN IT
    3 readers will win a copy of We Are Love in the 2012 Holiday Gift Giveaway
    *I received a copy of We Are Love to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

  • Piano {Wordless Wednesday}

    Piano {Wordless Wednesday}

    One thing I really miss having is a piano. While visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, I got to enjoy Mark’s music as he played almost daily on their beautiful piano.  As soon as we close on this house, and move in, I think our next big home purchase will be a piano. My fingers are itching to play again.

    Music truly makes a House more of a Home.