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I have a pretty hard-bound notebook I purchased at Barnes and Noble that is my “book” notebook. In this notebook I keep track of what I’ve read and what I want to read. I have pages with book wish lists for me, for my husband, and for my kids.
| Deluxe Edition Authors |
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As you read and enjoy the articles throughout the Deluxe Edition, you may begin to notice several writer's names as common contributors. These women are our freelance writers for the Deluxe Edition who have written articles for the website since the Deluxe Edition began in 2002. Here are their short biographies and pictures.
Shiloah BakerProducer, Editor-in-Chief, and Contributing writer from 1998- Current Shiloah (shy-low-ah) Baker is the founder, owner and editor of The Homemaking Cottage, She is also a contributing writer. She is a thirty something mom of eight, married to Ben Baker, the man she's madly in love with. Exercise is her vice. She and her husband Ben welcome anymore children into their family as God sees fit to give them. She homeschools her children using the Thomas Jefferson Education method. Of their eight children, three have disabilities: one has Sensory Processing Disorder, a speech delay, and a processing disorder, another has autism, and one has Aspergers (High functioning autism). She is part gypsy growing up an Army brat she was born in Panama and has lived in Germany three times and many states throughout the United States. She currently calls Colorado home. She enjoys being a homemaker and hopes to ignite the passion for this art/lifestyle for millions of women globally. She enjoys being an enterpreneur, writer, author of one book- so far, runner, crafter, scrapbooker, foodie, seamstress, reader, and hostess. She is a lover of religion, life, classic books, children, red lipstick, jewelry, and beautiful things.
Deluxe Edition Authors: both past and present from 2002- current.
Dawn SalisburyWriter and Website Co-editor from 1999-2004
My name is Dawn Salisbury and I live in Ogallala, Nebraska. I still consider myself a transplanted Texan though. I am a mother to 6 children: Isaac, Jesse, Hannah, Simeon, Joshua and Ammon. My husband Curtis hails from Maine and we have been married for almost 8 years. We both are former military, but now have settled comfortably into civilian life. We ended up in Ogallala Nebraska because of Curtis' job, and as a child I had lived here, but never thought I would return as an adult. Guess that shows how life is just not always predictable. My hobbies (besides running after 6 kids...I might have some?!) include: reading, the study of Feng Shui, Motherhood, homeschooling (always looking for something I can use for educational purposes), and writing. I do some scrapbooking, but I'm too much of a perfectionist to do too much of it. Recently I discovered digital scrapbooking and that seems easier for me to do and still get a high from playing with my kids' pictures. I love doing crafts, but have gotten away from it in recent years because of the kind of schedule I've kept. I'm happiest caring for my family, immediate and extended. I love my children and husband so much, and am grateful to have such a blessing as a good husband and beautiful kids. I am enjoying the opportunity to become more involved with The Homemaking Cottage that serves so many women. " She is Shiloah's business partner of A Homemaking Journey
 Kari RobinetteWriter from August 2002- December 2004
I am a stay-at-home mom of two, Sara 3 1/2 and Tanner is 2. I run my own business making aromatherapy bath & body treatments and I have been married for five years to Jeff. I love writing, reading, and creating. I live in Utah and have lived here all my life. **Kari was my first writer for the Deluxe Edition!
Valerie BlakeWriter from January 2005- April 2005
Valerie Chantel Blake, was born on May 4, 1979 to the parents of Tommy and Gven Gilmore. She is the oldest and only girl born to Mr. And Mrs. Gilmore and has two younger brothers. As a child she always wished she had a sister. Growing up she attended Brush College Elementary School, Walker Middle School and graduated from North Salem High School. Valerie has worked in an office since she was in high school and has enjoyed many positions as a secretary, office assistant and receptionist. Her current positions are homemaker, wife, and her newest is writer for the Deluxe Edition of the Homemaking Cottage. They are the best positions she has ever had. She is married to Quentin who is a sweet loving husband and father. Together they have two sweet boys. Dylan Matthew, who is 5 and in kindergarten, and Ezra Nathaniel, who is 20 months and very active. They lived in Oregon when they were first married and moved to Arizona so her husband could attend architecture school. They have been living here for almost three years and have about two years to go. Someday Valerie would like to finish her schooling and major in Interior Design, another love in her life. Her hobbies and favorite things are, reading, writing, family history, scrap-booking, cooking, the beach, camping and hiking, interior designing, toll-painting, sewing, and best of all mothering. Currently her church callings are Young Women Secretary and Ward Family History Consultant. She loves both of her callings and has learned so much from them. Being in Young Women’s has made her excited to someday have a daughter or two!
Bethany MenardWriter from April 2005- April 2006 I was born and raised in Maine and New Hampshire. I also lived in Utah twice & Texas. I recently quite my job to become a SAHM again. I have four boys: Brenden-9, Thomas-7, Alec-4 and of course, my husband Kevin. Most of my "free" time is spent caring for my special needs children Brenden & Thomas. Brenden has autistic spectrum disorder and ADHD, and Thomas has ADHD with possible autistic spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder. I specialize in anything in the kitchen including, but not limited to: candy making, cake decorating, gourmet cooking, baking, cheesecakes, and chocolate artistry.
Tonya KirkendallWriter from May 2005- July 2005 I am Tonya Kirkendall. I am 33 {old lady if you ask my kids} I am married to Tim, (whose one hope in life is to have matching socks, he he) and we have 3 distinctly different children: Jessica-15, Pattricia- 12, and Christian-7. We live in Southeast Georgia and I am member of the LDS Church.
I feel very blessed to be a part of The Homemaking Cottage, and can't wait to get to know you all!!
Tiana GrayWriter from August 2005-July 2006 My name is Tiana Gray! I am 21 years old and was born and raised in Arizona my whole life. I have been married for almost three years to Brandon and have a five month old baby son named Hunter. I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I really love reading, music, cooking and crafts.
Aine SchulmireWriter from October 2005- September 2009 Aine (on-ya) Schulmire was born in Houston, Texas. She has lived just north of Houston most of her life, until recently moving to Idaho. She married her husband, Russell, in the Dallas Texas Temple almost 14 years ago. They currently have seven children and a miniature dachshund, Rufus.
Helana GrayWriter October 2006- Current I am 27 years old and have a 6-month-old daughter, Anika and a husband of seven years. I grew up in the White Mountains of Arizona and have lived in Arizona all of my life, except for 10 months that my husband and I lived in Germany. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and worked in the banking industry for seven years before quitting to stay home with my little girl. I have always really enjoyed topics on money and finances.
I like to do a large variety of things including cooking, baking, reading, writing, playing with my little girl, and teaching. One of my very favorite things to do is learn. I have learned a little bit about a broad diversity of things and look forward to incorporating some of them into my writing.  Lori NawynWriter August 2007-current Utah native Lori Nawyn always dreamed of being an author/ artist when she grew up. Now, she is living her dream. She did the graphic design for the popular children’s book, Sarah Jane’s Very Best Story Ever, and the artwork and design for acclaimed musician C.S. Bezas’ CD, A Time for Ana. Her art and illustration work have appeared on home décor products and greeting cards and she is a featured artist at Latter-dayVillage.com. Her writing credits include numerous award winning articles and inspirational stories for magazines and newspapers across the country. She has also co-authored three books, Hearts and Hands: Stories of Hope for Mothers, and The Magic and Miracle of Christmas, volumes I and II, all of which are available at DeseretBook.com. Her cookbook, Peach 101: Recipes Your Mother Never Told You About, was released nationally last fall. The book, which includes several of her original peach recipes as well as many favorites from family and friends, has been featured in the Deseret News, Bella Magazine and Meridian Magazine as well as on Utah’s ABC Channel 4 program Good Things Utah and the KUTV Channel 2 Morning Show. Currently, Lori serves as a contributing editor for Latter-dayAuthors.com and works as a freelance graphic artist, illustrator, and photographer. She is married to a firefighter and they have four children and one granddaughter. Lori has a special interest in helping her children, and those she works with in her ward and community, recognize their talents and abilities. You can learn more about Lori and her work at her website: www.lorinawyn.com or her blog: http://ldsartist.blogspot.com
Genevie DoyleCustomer Service Rep from November 2004-July 2008 Deluxe Edition/Family Home Evening Writer November 2004-2008
I am Genevie Doyle and I am the Customer Service Representative for The Homemaking Cottage. I have lived in Copperas Cove, Texas for the last 8 years of my life. I attended Central Texas College where I earned an AAS in Computer Science. I have been married to my husband Matthew for 7 years and we have a beautiful 4-year-old daughter named Clara.
Editors' Note: Genevie is Shiloah's younger sister and is a fantastic inspiration and help to the site! She is full of wonderful ideas and has a great knack for computers, crafting and writing articles! We are happy to have her on our team!
John or Rayline Salazar are my parents Rayline Ann SalazarContributing Writer Born: September 27, 1957 Spokane, Washington Fairchild Air Force Base Hospital, Fairchild Air Force Base Moved to Fort Collins, CO at 6 wks old. Moved to Denver, CO at 9 years old. Have lived in Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Germany, also. I have 5 sons, 4 step daughters. 11 living granddaughters 1 grandson I have 1 sister-Cindi, and 1 brother-Ray. My father-Ray Parker is deceased and my mother-Pauline lives in Ohio with her new husband-Joe Torres. I like to read, sew, garden, and travel. My favorite colors are green and purple. My favorite food is Mexican food and cheesecake. I also adore anything Cinnamon. I love the mountains, the ocean, and new places (although they scare me sometimes)
I am very blessed.
Donna BakerContributing Writer I am Donna Baker. I was born in Yonkers, New York. With a dad in the Army, I have had a chance to live in quite a few places around the world. I was tranplanted here in Copperas Cove, Texas, back in 1972. Both my sons are native Texans and I don't think you could blast me out of the state now with dynamite.
Valerie SteadmanWriter August 2007-March 2011 I’ve been a fan of the Homemaking Cottage for years, and I love writing articles for this great website. I am a stay-at-home mother of two energetic daughters, and wife to my dear husband Nate. I live in Cache Valley, Utah.
I am an amateur photographer. I love things with history, and have a great time fixing up the 98 year old house we call home. My husband and I love to garden, and find great satisfaction in eating our own healthy produce. Preserving food for a later time is cost effective, but it takes time to learn! I’m also learning how to bottle fruit, and love canning jam. I’m a big fan of home cooking, and trying new recipes is fun. I’m Mexican-American, and I plan to bring a little spice to the recipe department. Scrapbooking, clever recycling, and decorating are all passions of mine. Fall is my favorite season. The harvest, raking leaves, warm cider and soup, and fond memories from the past summer just make fall feel cozy. But, most of all, I take great pleasure in serving as a homemaker to my family. Caring for their emotional and physical health is a treasured task. The great Aristotle put it nicely. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  Katie AmosWriter November 2008- March 2010
Mother of three and eternal companion to one. Loves all things crafty and is learning to love cooking (but still hating the clean up). Just a gal in my 30’s trying to enjoy life with my Scout Master husband and three cute as button kids. I was just called as the Enrichment councilor in the Relief Society Presidency. All this and I just moved in. I am grateful to be able to share my tips and hints as well as my random musings with you.
Raejean RobertsWriter January 2009- Current
I have five wonderful children ranging from 7 – 18 years old; there are six children if you count my husband. I am blessed to be a stay-at-home mother here in Arizona. I am excited to share my thoughts on mothering, homemaking and being a woman with you. When I am not meeting the needs of my family, I enjoy writing (obviously), scrapbooking, family history and reading. I also spend time volunteering in my children’s classrooms, slowly getting my college degree and serving at church.  Donna BushWriter September 2009-Current
Pleased to meet you, I’m Donna Bush. I am married and have a son and a daughter. In addition to taking care of my family, I am a work at home freelance writer and editor with special interests in family health and fitness, sports, cooking, and entertaining.
 Angie HodesCraft Writer September 2009- February 2010 Hi, I’m Angie Hodes. I’ve lived in Utah most of my life and I’m so grateful to be raising my children in such a fantastic place! I’m a single mom of three; Nina, Alyssa and Caleb. I work in an art center and absolutely love it. When I’m not working or volunteering at the charter school my kids attend, I love to bake, craft, read, thrift store shop (treasure hunt) and blog. You can learn more about me at www.theamericanhomemaker.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/angiehodes .  Trina BoiceWriter September 2009-Current
Trina Boice grew up in California and recently moved to Las Vegas. In 2004 she was honored as the California Young Mother of the Year, an award which completely amuses her 4 sons. She earned two Bachelor’s degrees from BYU where she competed on the Speech and Debate team and the Ballroom Dance Team, winning national titles for both teams. She was President of the National Honor Society Phi Eta Sigma and served as ASBYU Secretary of Student Community Services.
Trina also studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and later returned there to serve an LDS mission in Madrid for 1 ½ years. She has a Real Estate license, Travel Agent license, 2 Master’s degrees, and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, although she’s the first one to admit she’d pass out from fright if she were ever really attacked by a bad guy. She worked as a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman in Washington D.C., and was given the “Points of Light” Award and Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her domestic and international community service. She wrote a column called “The Boice Box” for a newspaper in Georgia, where she lived for 15 years. She taught Spanish at a private high school and ran an appraisal business with her husband for 20 years. She currently writes for Roots Television and Go2.com and is the Executive Marketing Director for Multi-Pure International. Trina was selected by KPBS in San Diego to be a political correspondent during the last election year. If she told you what she really did she’d have to kill you. Trina is the author of 7 books and can’t wait to write her next one! To learn more about her books and speaking engagements go to www.boicebox.com
Jamie TurnerWriter February 2010-Current
Jamie Turner is a homemaker that lives in the great state of Texas with her husband, two children, 2 dogs and 2 birds. She has been married 13 years to her sweetheart and best friend. She spent 8 years becoming an elementary school teacher however she currently tutors and homeschools her own children. She enjoys knitting, gardening, photography, scrapbooking and researching her family tree. Her motto is not to sweat the small stuff. Instead she laughs as she makes as many messes as possible with her children.
Jo Lynn FrancisWriter February 2010-May 2010
Hello my name is Jo Lynn Francis. I am a 35 year old Godly wife to Robert, stay at home mommy to four wonderful children, soon to be (gramma, mimi, mommom, grammy) to a beautiful little girl who is due June 21st, and caregiver to my mommy.
Brynn DahlquistWriter February 2010-September 2010
I am a 27 year old Portland, Oregon native. A few years ago I stumbled head first into a life with my beloved companion Lee. Since I can’t imagine the world without the amazing family we have created.
We used to be a full time teaching family, with our son as a full time day care kid. Then I was blessedly laid off and finally had the time to see all that I had been missing. The lives of my family and myself had verged dangerously into the land of stressed out consumerism and junk food therapy. Now, we have completely transformed the way we live and when I am not homeschooling our son, I’m baking, knitting, sewing, and tending to our household. Personally, I find this fabulous! Our family is avidly outdoorsy and love the beach, the woods, the river and long distance backpacking. We hope to walk the major trails of the United States (and some abroad) with our son to teach him an appreciation for the beauty of all that is around us. I love to garden, cook, read, write, and am constantly on the look-out for discarded items to repurpose into fabulous new treasures! You can learn more about the adventures our family takes on at endofordinary.blogspot.com
Jenn VoightWriter August 2009-January 2011
I’m Jenn Voight, SAHM to my three boys and wife of 17 years to Eric, a Network Engineer. Our homeschooling family lives in Ohio where we enjoy exploring the hills and forests, reading, riding bikes, playing chess, and vacationing at the beach. I love cottage style, decorating with vintage pieces, old journals and books, antiques, beach style, and light, bright colors. I am a professional faux finish artist and have studied at the Faux Finish School in Louisville , Kentucky . I have a B.A. in History of Art from the Ohio State University . In 2002, I founded Wallflowers Decorative Painting and Faux Finishes specializing in decorative painting, furniture repurposing, trompe l’oeil, and murals. Recently I added a line of wall plaques and signs and decorative items for the home, inspired by my love of collecting antiques and vintage items. I have a blog documenting our recent lifestyle change at www.spejory.blogspot.com. We moved from an upper-middle class suburb of a large city to a community on the edge of Appalachia . Think farming, hunting, fishing, and deer heads on the wall. In one fell swoop, I went from minivan-driving soccer mom to pickup-driving homeschooling mom, and I love every minute of it.
Jennifer HansenWriter April 2011-October 2011 I’m Jennifer Hansen. I have been married to my best friend, the love of my life, and eternal companion Paul, for 18 years. I’m also the stay-at-home mom of 4 teenage daughters. I have been a foster mom to countless babies and kids. Originally I’m from Idaho, however, I’ve spent the past 13 years moving around the world with my family. Wherever the Army saw fit to send my husband, and currently that is Colorado.
I currently keep 3 blogs if you’re interested in reading more: I have a huge interest in natural and self healing. I keep a blog about the essential oils I use and the good that they do for us: http://doterra-onelife.blogspot.com/ The cakes I make:http://bake-a-licious1.blogspot.com/ What juvenile diabetes is, and how we live and deal with it in our family: http://t1juvenilediabetes.blogspot.com/
Teri B.ClarkWriter April 2011-Current
Teri Clark is a published author in the field of real estate, finance, and investing. Her interest in the new and different has also led to a successful online writing career. Of her five published books through Atlantic Publishing, 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home Now and For More Money Than You Thought was a 2007 Eric Hoffer Award winner as well as a Finalist in the 2007 USA Best Books Awards, How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorating & Home Staging Business was a Finalisit in the 2008 USA Best Books Awards, and Private Mortgage Investing won an Honorable Mention in Foreword Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year Award. She can be reached via her website: www.teribclark.com.
Corrina JenningsWriter April 2011-October 2011
Kristy PowersWriter April 2011- Current
My name is Kristy Powers. My husband and I have been married seven years and we have two young sons who inspire me every day to be a better person.
Holly KirtleyDeluxe Edition Writer
Holly Kirtley is a twentysomething single creative living in the suburbs of Atlanta. Holly was born on November 30, 1984 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1999, her family moved to Marietta, Georgia. She went to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and majored in religion (after spending a few years in the music department). Now she works at her church in Marietta as a Creative Children's Ministry Associate where she spends time loving on kids, teaching them about God, and acting child-like herself. Being single and living in the 'burbs can be a little bit of a challenge, so Holly has a precious dog named Maebe Sue to keep her company. When Maebe and Holly aren't off on an adventure, they spend their time decorating and re-decorating, crafting, throwing parties, writing, thrift store shopping, watching entirely too much television, and being set up on entirely too few blind dates. Holly's favorite things include (but certainly are not limited to): Coke Zero, free fonts, fresh flowers, clean sheets, hammocks, and her glue gun. You can find Holly online on Facebook, Twitter @hekirtle, pinning way too frequently on Pinterest, and writing (when she's not writing here, of course) on her own blog at www.hollykirtley.com.
Janice HayesDeluxe Edition Writer
I am a stay at home Mom who has been a freelance writer for nearly 25 years. In that time I have written everything from short stories to poems to articles on all types of subjects, including articles on motherhood, family life, history and travel. I am married to a wonderful husband and we have four wonderful children. By education I am a history teacher and have worked over the years as a substitute teacher and out of my home as a private reading tutor. As such, you can imagine that I love history and reading, along with traveling, gardening, walking, exploring and being with family and friends. I am also a great believer in volunteerism and have worked as a hospice volunteer for the past ten years along with serving in the PTA as well as on our town's library board and as an election judge. To me, life is full of new and exciting opportunities and fascinating new things to learn and write about!
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