At Zestful Productions, custom merchandise is what we do best! From witty one-liners to bold, creative designs, we turn your ideas into wearable art. But not all tees are created equal—so let’s break down the Good, Better, and Best options for your custom style.

This year has been a gift in so many ways, from turning a wild creative dream into the Oliver the Owl series to sharing my parents’ legacy with you. But as the holidays approach, my focus has shifted to something even more precious—creating meaningful memories with my mom, who has always been the heart of our family’s Christmas magic. This season, every day feels like a new chapter in a bittersweet story, filled with love, gratitude, and the quiet strength of family.

It started with a friend’s dream about my brand in a big box store—and now, Zestful Productions is turning dreams into reality with foodie-inspired merch! New whimsical designs are added daily to my Etsy shop, so be sure to bookmark it, give it a heart ❤️, and check back often. The fun is just getting started!

Let me set the scene: holiday meals at my house were like something out of a movie—except with way more food and way less table space. We didn’t just host big family gatherings, we hosted epic ones. Picture this: my mom in full culinary command, whipping up trays of 'pigs in a blanket' (the real kind, with cabbage, not hot dogs), while I tried—and failed—not to spoil my appetite with peanut brittle and glass candy. Add in a few jokes from my older siblings, a card game with Grandma (who always won), and a Christmas tree that never left the room (yep, year-round), and you’ve got yourself a holiday.

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.

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. 🦉💛

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.