take a peek behind the scenes of everything that makes Zestful...Zestful.
Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Culinary Pro
Did I ever imagine creating a children’s book series about a chef-owl? Not exactly. But when life leads you through restaurant kitchens, childhood memories, and creative chaos with four kids, the pieces start falling into place! Inspired by my dad, the real "culinary pro," and my own food-filled adventures, Oliver the Owl was born. From leftover borscht to spaghetti tacos (don’t ask!), it’s all about mixing fun with family and bringing young readers into the magic of cooking.
DIY Marketing Magic: How I Turned a Vinyl Banner into a Sandwich Board in My Dining Room
Who needs expensive marketing when you’ve got a bit of creativity and a Saturday night free? When my book launch banner outlived its retail life, I knew I had to get crafty. Armed with a power drill, some paint, and a lot of determination, I turned my dining room into a DIY workshop and transformed that banner into a one-of-a-kind sandwich board sign. Spoiler alert: it’s big, bold, and totally eye-catching at events!
Here’s to bold birthdays, big dreams, and the unexpected magic in between.
Today, I’m celebrating two BIG milestones—400 books sold and my birthday! 🎂🎉 What started as a fun conversation after my 50th birthday photoshoot has turned into an incredible journey with Oliver the Owl flying into homes everywhere. And I couldn’t have done it without you!
To say thank you, I’m giving YOU a gift! For a limited time, enjoy a FREE digital download of Oliver the Owl: A Sweet Season Read-Along Book! Just use code 13NL6B8 at checkout. 🦉💛
From Dream to Reality: My Journey to Becoming a Children’s Author
I didn’t always dream of becoming an author, but turning 50 had a funny way of sparking new ideas. It all started with a puffy tulle skirt, a crown, and a photo shoot. As my mom and I reviewed the pictures, the photographer said, “You should write a book!” And just like that, a seed was planted. Fast forward two years, and I was knee-deep in rhymes and children’s stories, trying to figure out how to bring Oliver the Owl to life. It wasn’t easy—there were plenty of challenges and moments of doubt—but turning that dream into a reality has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.