Delilah's 12 Stockings of Christmas 2024

It’s time to drum up some excitement for my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes!!!

I’ve been on the hunt for fabulous gifts I know you’ll want to both give and get, and the time has come to share them with you. I’ll be gifting away this big stack of gifts to 12 lucky winners!

Be listening to my radio program each and every night between November 27th and December 21st, when I’ll share the KEYWORDS needed to enter.

Text the keyword to 48484
or enter it at the ENTRY page.

(Pssssst: If you miss the keyword, you can always use the word STOCKING.)

YOU CAN ENTER ONCE PER DAY

I have to express the utmost gratitude to my generous sponsors for providing these products. When I fall in love with something, I can’t wait to pass it along to my listeners and they are all too eager to help me share the joy!

Here’s a run-down of everything in the prize bundle this year. I start my list with an “appetizer” and finish off with a “desert” with 7 courses in between. Good luck my friends! Tell your family and friends about it too!!!

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Hickory Farms
Holiday Signature Flavors Gift Basket

Kicking off the sweepstakes is a nod to delicious childhood memories and to future delights. A sweet family friend used to work at Hickory Farms when I was a kid and we loved stopping in to say hello, get a taste of some delight, and come home with a basket of goodies.

Hickory Farms is still expertly curating gifts of award-winning summer sausage, savory cheeses, and gourmet mustard and condiments! They’ve wrapped them all up in one of their signature baskets topped with a festive holiday bow and I’ll send 12 of them out to my winners!

Hickory Farms has been connecting people with delicious food since 1951. Find your nearest Hickory Farms retail store and shop in-person during the holidays or, if you’re looking to save some time and still give a thoughtful holiday gift, HickoryFarms.com is your answer. They ship nationwide and offer a variety of price points for everyone on your list.

Give the gift of Hickory Farms this year to friends, loved ones, or yourself!

SHOP: Hickory Farms

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Laura Geller Beauty
Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color Collection

Laura Geller Beauty’s Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color’s unique cushiony texture coats lips with the juicy color of a lipstick and the hydration of your favorite lip balm.

It’s drenched in good-for-you ingredients, including squalane and vitamin E, to help smooth and plump lips. Free of parabens, mineral oil, gluten, sulfates and phthalates.

This yummy jelly lip balm comes in an in impressive 11 hydrating shades to complete your look and is perfect for every day and every occasion, keeping lips plump and moist in the driest season. My lucky 12-Stocking winners will receive a beautifully designed custom Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color mailer that will include all 11 shades!

What a great little stocking stuffer too!

GET YOURS: Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color Collection

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for KING + COUNTRY
”A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)“

for KING + COUNTRY rings in the 2024 holiday season with a live rendering of their beloved Christmas show delivered straight to fans and I’m dropping copies of “A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) into all 12 of my prize stockings. Pa rum pa pum pum!

“A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” captures the joy, the wonder and the pageantry of the seasonal tour that has become an annual tradition for the duo capped by their signature rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” The brand new recording serves as a companion to Christmas shows in LA, London, New York and Nashville, as well as a Fathom Event that will bring their live spectacle to theaters nationwide Dec. 5-9, 2024.

“Silent Night (Rewrapped)” is especially moving.

ORDER: “A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)”

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Treetime Christmas Creations
42” Norfolk Spruce & Juniper Swag

Dress it up or enjoy its simplicity, Treetime’s 42” Norfolk Spruce and Juniper Swag will be yours to do with what you like if you take home one of my 12 Stockings.

Its thick full shape lends it to a variety of uses, hung, or placed on a table or mantle, and it’s safe for indoor or outdoor use.

Treetime is new to the Delilah family this year, and I’m so happy to have them on board! When you visit Treetime.com, the holiday magic springs to life! They have lifelike, high-quality artificial Christmas trees and all the trimmings. With an incredible selection of premium wreaths, garlands, lights, and more, you’ll find all you need to deck the halls at Treetime!

All their offerings come at factory direct prices too. Everything is waiting for you at Treetime Christmas Creations.

(And orders over $100 are shipped for FREE!)  

FIND IT: Treetime.com

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Walker Hayes
“Christmas Vacation”

Walker Hayes' Christmas EP, “Christmas Vacation,” was just released!

It’s got 5 tracks in all, “Fancy Like Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Christmas Vacation”, “Come On Christmas”, and “Let It Be Christmas”… And it’s coming your way in my 12 Stockings gift packages!

Walker had a number one hit with "Fancy Like" in 2021 and then the remake, “Fancy Like Christmas” in 2023. “Country Stuff: The Album” was released in 2022, which reached number two on Billboard's Top Country Albums. Walker joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE, last year to talk about his Christmas hit and share all kinds of wonderful tidbits about his life with his wife Laney, and their seven children!

Be watching for Walker in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, on Thursday, November 28 and later in December for his guest appearance on the TODAY Show!

Can’t wait to win it? Get your own and more for gifts:

GET: “Christmas Vacation”

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 Lindsey Sterling
“Snow Waltz”

“Snow Waltz” is the second Christmas album by the amazingly talented American violinist and dancer, Lindsey Stirling, and it’s sooo good, it’s going into my gifted stockings.

It contains a mix of traditional Christmas standards and some refreshing original tracks. Because Lindsey’s performances are theatrical productions full of dance and beautiful costuming, the first single, “Ice Storm,” was released via YouTube on in August of 2022 and in October, the video for "Snow Waltz", featuring a Halloween theme, was released alongside the album.

While many of the songs may be familiar, Lindsey’s emotive violin arrangements are new and exciting and so very very moving.  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without “Snow Waltz”!

BUY: “Snow Waltz”

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Elton John
”Step Into Christmas”

I'm excited to tell you that in this year's 12 stockings, you're going to find a copy of Elton John's classic "Step Into Christmas"!

Originally released in 1973 as an audible holiday card for fans following his record-breaking album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This limited edition 7" re-issue also features the original B-side, "Ho Ho Ho (Who'd Be A Turkey At Christmas)," and it's now available on festive green vinyl, adding even more holiday magic to your Christmas celebrations!

"Step Into Christmas" has become an essential part of the Christmas music canon, and its cheerful and festive spirit continues to delight audiences during the holiday season. It will make a phenomenal Christmas gift, too. Here's where you can get a few to wrap up:

 ORDER: “Step Into Christmas”

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Shadow Mountain Publishing
"Most Requested Copycat Dishes" & "Victor Hugo's Wondrous Feast"

Shadow Mountain Publishing comes through for me time and time again, providing fantastic titles for my monthly book club.

Two such volumes, my November & December picks, are making their way into my 12 Stockings this year.

• "Most Requested Copycat Dishes" Cookbook is perfect If you’ve grown tired of the same-old, same-old and want some dinner time inspiration. With over 100 “tested and perfected” restaurant recipes, you’ll find crave-worthy appetizers to mouthwatering main courses as well as decadent desserts.
  
  “Most Requested Copycat Dishes” can elevate your home dining experience whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen enthusiast. You’re sure to find at least one new favorite!

ORDER UP: "Most Requested Copycat Dishes"

• "Victor Hugo's Wondrous Feast: The True Story of How the Author of Les Misérables Invited the World to Love", is my December book selection.

  Did you know that in 1860, when the streets of Guernsey, France were teeming with hungry, needy children, Adèle and Victor Hugo were moved to make a difference? They organized a Christmas party at the Hugo mansion inviting some malnourished children so they could get a good meal… That Christmas feast turned into weekly dinners that up to 40 children attended… for a full 7 years.

  "Victor Hugo's Wondrous Feast” is the heartwarming, true story about the transformative power of love and good works, nurtured in the home of Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables.

GET YOURS: "Victor Hugo's Wondrous Feast”

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Bigelow Tea
”Seasonal” & “Wellness” Tea Collections

For over 75 years the Bigelow Family has poured their passion and dedication into one thing, tea.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to deliver an uncompromised quality tea experience. They use only the highest quality tea, herbs, and spices to give you a delicious, consistent cup of tea every time.

Their fall and winter Seasonal Tea Collection is an indulgent assortment that makes a great hostess gift, token of appreciation for a favorite teacher, and many more gifting opportunities. It Includes Pumpkin Spice, Salted Caramel, Hot Cinnamon, Eggnogg'n and Caramel Apple as well as Cranberry Harvest, Peppermint Bark and Ginger Snappish.

This year, I’m including both the Seasonal teas AND their very special Wellness Collection of Bigelow Benefits in my 12 Stockings gift bundle. This delicious assortment is perfect gifting for any occasion including holiday, get well, thinking of you, or any special treat. Bigelow Benefits fuel your body with good for you ingredients. The collection contains Stress Free, Balance, Refresh and Sleep as well as Stay Well and Calm Stomach blends.

I'm so fortunate to have Bigelow Tea in my corner and in my cup, and you’ll be thrilled to have them in yours too! Find all their blends on your grocer’s shelves, or peruse their online offerings.

SHOP: Bigelow Teas

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Almond ROCA®
Christmas Gnome Gift Tin, Butter Toffee Popcorn, ROCA® Chocolate Bars

I started my 12 Stocking’s list with a delicious memory, and I’m wrapping it up with one too! Folks everywhere love the irresistible taste of Almond ROCA® candy.

It’s been a part of my Christmas tradition since I was young girl. My mom loved the gold foil wrapped treats, and her children loved both gifting her the heavy pink tins and helping her empty them!

This year, Brown & Haley are providing not one, not two, but THREE delicious treats for my stocking winners.

• There’s the familiar fan-favorite, Almond ROCA® traditional butter crunch candy which is made by master confectioners with premium California almonds, fresh local butter, and enrobed in decadent chocolate. Presented in a delightful snow-globe decorator tin!

• They’re also adding their Almond ROCA® Butter Toffee Popcorn to the pile! It too is made with the finest ingredients and is the perfect snacking treat during the holidays and beyond!

• But wait, there’s more… A new addition to the ROCA® family! Say hello to their 100% nut-free Dark Chocolate & Milk Chocolate Bars! These ultra premium chocolate bars are made in a bean to bar process to ensure the highest quality. They’re filled with small flakes of ROCA® The Original Buttercrunch Toffee. Chocolate lover’s beware this new product will have you falling in love with ROCA® all over again.

Almond ROCA® confections are available at your local retailer and you can also shop from home for all your gift-buying and self-indulgence!

SHOP NOW: Almond ROCA®

Amy Robach | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For nearly 40 years now October has also been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Recently I had the privilege of speaking to Amy Robach about breast cancer awareness. Oh My Word! What a powerful conversation! Amy is absolutely amazing. She’s a bold, brilliant, beautiful survivor telling her story and saving lives! You can listen to our conversation on my latest episode of LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah.

If the name Amy Robach is familiar, there’s good reason. Amy is a two-time Emmy Award Winning journalist, covering the latest headlines for nearly three decades. Most recently, she was the co-anchor of ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need To Know” and was previously the news anchor for Good Morning America, and the Co-Anchor of ABC News’ “20/20”. 

Amy has Interviewed countless newsmakers over the years. She’s had exclusive, headline-making interviews and has covered major national and global news events. She was the first television journalist to ever report live from the Galapagos Islands and went to Iceland with the world’s most elite ice climbers and to Tanzania on the poaching epidemic and its impact across the globe. And in 2013, after agreeing to be filmed undergoing a “routine” mammogram, Amy got some very shocking news…

In 2015, Amy wrote a New York Times Bestseller titled “Better: How I Let Go Of Control, Held On To Hope, And Found Joy In My Darkest Hour" about her unexpected journey with breast cancer after being diagnosed following an on-air mammogram on GMA.  After her recovery, Amy has devoted much of her free time to fitness and adventure. She is a five-time marathoner (and counting!) as well as an avid mountain climber!

In our conversation we talked about Amy’s surprise on-air diagnosis and how her family supported her through her treatments and recovery. We talk about the power of early detection and all the advances in treatment and outcomes. We implore listeners to be their own best advocates, and mostly we beg you to talk about breast health. Normalize it. Encourage one another to get your mammograms, and support each other through any diagnosis.

As well as listening to our podcast episode, I also want to encourage you to check out the special episode of Amy’s new podcast, “Amy & T.J.” which is co-hosted with T.J. Holmes.

They make a formidable broadcasting team with decades of experience delivering headline news and captivating viewers nationwide. The duo will get behind the microphone to explore meaningful conversations about current events, pop culture and everything in between. Nothing is off limits. And their special this month on breast cancer awareness is a must-hear episode!

“Amy& T.J.” is guaranteed to be informative, entertaining and above all, authentic. It marks the first time Amy and T.J. speak publicly since their own names became a part of the headlines. You’ll want to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. It’s available via iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcast fix.

Understanding your breast health is the first step in being breast aware and knowing your body so that you can proactively advocate for yourself when you sense that something is not quit right. There are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible, like eating a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly, and, while these may have some impact on your risk of getting breast cancer, they cannot eliminate the risk.

Developing breast cancer is not anyone's fault. Ladies, let's talk about it! Remind your friends to get checked and be there for one another when a diagnosis comes. 

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Dip

Republished from October 2022

Need something that screams “Autumn!” to take to the PTA meeting, work luncheon, or other gathering? Didn’t have time to make your famous pumpkin loaf with cream cheese frosting? I gotchu!

This tasty cream cheese pumpkin dip takes just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to whip up. It's creamy, tangy, pumpkiny deliciousness that every pumpkin spice enthusiast will love.

It's best served with the small. crisp ginger snaps that come in the bag, or the very thin Anna’s brand Swedish ginger thins… but neither could be found on local grocer shelves, so it's pictured with larger soft ginger cookies instead; just as yummy but unless cut into pieces might encourage double-dipping, a thing I know we’d all like to avoid! Apple wedges would also be an option.

Here’s how to make your own. Go ahead, take a dip!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 pkg) room temperature

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, mix all ingredients, except sprinkle of cinnamon, until well blended. You may use an electric mixer or immersion stick blender to make a smoother dip.

Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and serve with your favorite fall cookie, cracker, or even crisp apple wedges!

Faerie Tales

Rain has started to fall a bit in some parts of the country, and that means it’s the beginning of the fall mushroom season.

I’m not a forager myself. I was raised with what’s referred to as “fungiphobia”. My parents, who were the consummate hunter-gatherers, warned me never to touch a mushroom. But now I have a multitude of friends and family that forage for mushies and they are teaching me that the world of mycology is a world of wonder!

I don’t think I’m going to become a serious fungi forager, but I am taking notice of the amazing variety of fabulous fungi that surrounds us. My sis has been taking my granddaughters on mushie hunts, as they are low to the ground and great spotters! They love stomping around in the underbrush and the thrill of discovery. They also love to make up or hear other’s made up stories of the faerie folk that live amongst the toadstools and parachutes poking out of the duff.

Just for fun, I posted a picture of a vibrant amanita I’d stumbled up during a walk, and asked my social media followers to tell me a story about the faeries that might live underneath…

I loved the responses, here’s a few of my favorites:

Linda

Fair of face and full of grace, Lily, the sweetest of fairies, bakes mini dandelion pies for her neighbors. Her small acts of kindness spreads joy across the fields of the fairy folk.

Nikki :

Gaeilge the fairy lived alone and was content to drink her shamrock tea and listen to her wee fairy radio every evening in her mushroom cottage .. It brought her great joy and peace as she listened to the voice of Delilah and all the wonderful kins folk that called in to her show.

Lady Delilah's radio show was a way to connect by voice and by heart to all the fairy kingdom, and for Gaeilge this gave her comfort. For a fairy voice wasn't just simply noise but their words of their hopes, dreams, and yes even sorrows were like musical notes flowing through the passage of time...

It was said that every word uttered by fairies would transform in the corridors of melody near the emerald sea into a strong symphony. Humans only hear the winds blowing there but fairies could hear the songs of their kind from past to present every so pleasantly.

This united song of all the voices of the fairies kept dreams and memories alive. In other words it brought hope to the fairies like Gaeilge who lived alone ... for she never truly had to feel lonely if she just took the time to listen.

Andrea:

Wee tiny Reba Mac, a sweet purring calico cat , curls up under her mushie 🍄‍🟫 cap… And dreams of mice peeking over the edge of this lovely roof in the magical forest of faeries.

And this one, which has kind of a Grimms Brother’s spin to it (ha ha!):

Cristin

…They all died because they tried eating the mushroom, but it was poisonous. Thats why we don't see fairy folk. The end.

This fall, as the rain begins in earnest, take a mushie walk. If you have littles, have them look for mushrooms, and let them know it’s ok to touch, but not to eat. A good thing for them—and all of us—to know, is that unlike berries, no mushroom should be eaten raw.

Find a mushroom guide for your area. The symbiotic relationship between fungi, and well, all life, is nearly beyond comprehension.

Get to know the different mushroom parts, the cap, the underside - gills or pores?, the stipe (stem), what they growing in or on or around. Through observation, some of you may develop into mushroom foragers. At the very least, you’ll become more aware of the amazing diversity of the mycological kingdom and you’ll probably come away with some cool photographs and maybe a faerie tale or two!

Mush love,

Blueberry Dream Pie with Streusel Topping

The blueberry crop is a banner one this year!

Larger and sweeter than ever… but what to do, what to do with them all??? The possibilities are endless, blueberry pancakes, blueberry scones, blueberry smoothies, blueberry syrup, blueberry jam, blueberries on your cereal or yogurt… So. Many. Options.

I’ve been seeing variations of a blueberry cream pie all over the internet, and I was intrigued. Thankfully someone volunteered to try one out, and it was a DREAM pie! I also think this would work well with other summer fruits, like blackberries… Never know unless we try it!

This fruit pie is refrigerated, making it a cool, welcome, summertime treat. The “cream” gives it a slight cheesecake quality, and the streusel topping takes it, well, over the top, in taste and texture.

Share it at your next summer gathering and it will probably be requested for years to come!

Ingredients:

• 1 single unbaked pie crust

• 3 cups fresh blueberries.

• 3/4 cup of heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅔ cup sugar

• 4 tablespoons flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• juice of 1 lemon (2-3 Tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/2 cup of flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Prepare bottom pie crust - pop in freezer while preparing filling.

3. Whisk together sour cream, sugar, salt, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, juice & 4 tablespoons of flour.

4. Place 3 cups of blueberries in unbaked pie crust, and pour sour cream mixture on top. Gently combine.

5. Bake for 25 minutes.

6. Make the streusel topping: Mixing flour, brown sugar & melted butter together with a fork until crumbs form.

7. Remove pie from over after first 25 minutes of baking and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top.

8. Return pie to oven and bake 20-25 minutes longer, or until golden and the filling is bubbling.

9. Let pie cool completely then chill overnight in refrigerator.

10. Serve cold.

MY BAG MY STORY

My Bag My Story is a heartfelt initiative that addresses a painful truth faced by many children in foster care.

As they move from one temporary home to another, their possessions are often carried in a trash bag. This breaks my heart. But, for every bag purchased, My Bag My Story donates a high-quality, durable bag to a foster child.

These bags are more than just practical; they are symbols of support and recognition, affirming the inherent value and worth of every child in the foster care system. Through this gesture, it not only provides something functional, but it also helps foster children feel seen and valued.

"I started My Bag My Story after becoming a foster parent and watching children always having their belongings in a trash bag or grocery sack or nothing. Everyone kept saying this was normal. I said it doesn’t have to be normal, so I set out to have bags made for kids," said Cara Finger, Founder of My Bag My Story. "Having a bag to call your own instead of a trash bag gives a child dignity and makes them feel valued. A bag seems so small but makes a huge difference in their foster care experience. Making a child feel like they are worth more than trash is so important to me."

According to the government site, Child Welfare Information Gateway, there are more than 391,000 American children and youth living in foster care nationwide.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that as of 2021, 44% of foster children are placed with non-relative foster families.

Nationally, on average, children will spend 22 months in foster care. As most of you know, I care deeply about the plight of these children. I know many of you do too. We can do better by these kids, who have done nothing to deserve the situation they find themselves in.

Over 8,500 children are in the foster care system in Tennessee alone. In fact, a recent report by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, shows that Tennessee holds the top spot nationwide for the frequency of foster children moving to new homes. In 2020, 33.7% of children in Tennessee's foster care system experienced placement changes three or more times within their first year in custody.

My Bag My Story, a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of children in foster care by providing them with high-quality bags, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, that depends on the support of local and national corporations, including Dell, The Predators Foundation, St. George’s Episcopal Church and Target… and YOU.

Remember: One Bag Purchased = One Bag Donated.

To learn more, visit:
MY BAG MY STORY

Marvelous Mint Summer Salad

At this time of year, my gardens are full of fresh, aromatic mint, and I’m never quite sure what to do with all of it! I enjoy walking next to the garden beds it’s spilling out of, brushing up against the leaves, and breathing deeply of the scent they release, but other than that, and using the tall straight spears in flower bouquets and arrangements, I’m at a bit of a loss.

Enter this fantastic summer salad! The base is chickpeas (though I’m sure a white bean would work equally well) and another winning ingredient is roasted bell peppers - the variety you’ll find on store shelved in jars with olive oil - and there’s some cucumber thrown in for crunch, some onion for zip, and feta cheese that adds to the texture… but the star of the show is fresh mint!

I encourage you, as I often do, to use the recipe as a bit of a guide, adding, subtracting, and substituting with whatever you have on hand or with whatever sounds good to you. I think diced tomatoes would be yummy, and I was even wishing I had some kumquats on hand to slice into it. (Oh, and how ‘bout some sunflower seeds added just before serving?)

Whatever you toss in there, be generous with the mint, and make it up ahead of time, because it needs a few hours minimum in the fridge to allow the flavors to marry and the mint leaves to soften a bit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups canned roasted bell peppers, chopped

• 1 cup peeled cucumber, diced (same size as chickpeas)

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, washed, and diced

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 2 Tablespoons honey

• 2 Tablespoons mustard

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In large bowl combine all salad ingredients, except for feta cheese, folding to mix well.

2. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, honey, and mustard, then add 2-3 drops of the olive oil, and when well incorporated, add remaining oil in a steady stream whilst mixing. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour dressing over salad, folding again, then top generously with feta cheese.

Dandelion Fluff Fairy Garlands

Looking for a fun nature craft to do with the kids this spring?(Or maybe you just want to do it for yourself!)

Give Dandelion Fluff Fairy Garlands a go!

They are made with the seed heads of dandelions, which is something we have in abundance right about now!

Head outside and look for unopened seed heads. You’ll want to pick them when the flower has died and dropped it’s yellow petals, but cypsela has not yet opened to release the seed. Gather up a bunch!

Thread a needle onto a long piece of heavy thread or twine, and push the needle through the base of each seed bud.

Pull the first through to the end of the thread, and repeat until you have a seed bud strung every few inches for the entire length of thread. (If you want to minimize the chance of tangles, work with shorter thread segments and simply tie together to form a longer garland.)

Once you have strung all your seed heads and are happy with the spacing and the length, hang the garland in a window and let the sun and nature do their trick.

Over the next several days, the buds will begin to open and become magical fairy-like little round tuffs of fluff.

Did you know? A dandelion seed is the plant's mature fruit, known as a CYPSELA to botanists, and its parachute-like structure is known as a PAPPUS.

Surprisingly, the seeds heads are NOT as fragile as one might imagine, and the friend that tried this reports that over the several weeks the garland graced her window, not a single pappus was shed.

If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

Spring Craft | "Bunny Bait"

Reprinted from 2023

Here’s a clever little spring craft using wood shims, some glue, paint, and a little faux greenery.

Make yourself a cute bundle of carrots that won’t go bad even if you forget to put them in the root cellar come fall!

Display them on your table - or wherever you think they may work to attract an Easter Bunny delivering baskets full of decorated eggs, chocolate candies, and marshmallow peeps!

Supplies:

• 1 package of wood shims (12 count)

• White (school) glue, wood glue, or hot glue

• Rubber bands

• Craft paint

• Faux greenery

• 3 small nails or tacks

• Twine or Ribbon
  
  
  

The beauty of this craft is that after you get your shims and greenery, you can use whatever you have on hand to pull the project together. The crafter that shared this with me says she had everything (including the shims) in her craft or home supplies but encourages everyone to put their own spin on things. Pastel, polka dot, or striped carrots? Yes! Make them your own!

Steps:

1. Begin by gluing four (4) shims together to make a “carrot” shape - wide portion of the shim at one end, narrow portion at the other. If you’re using a liquid glue, bind your carrot together with rubber bands or other binding until it dries. Repeat using all 12 shims to make 3 carrots.

2. Paint your carrots. Follow your own style sense here. Make ‘em traditional, modern, or whimsical. You’re in charge.

3. Add some carrot “tops”. One Dollar Tree sprig of greenery was sufficient for the 3 carrots pictured. Maybe you’d like to use dried grasses or other foliage? Again, you’re the boss.

4. Attached the tops either with hot glue, a short nail, or a long tack - however you can get them to stay in place.

5. Tie some twine or ribbon at the top if you’d like. (If you don’t want to, you don’t have to!)

6. Display and wait for Easter morning to see if Peter Cottontail took the bait!

I hope you enjoy this craft. Send me photos of your finished product to D@Delilah.com, I’d love to see what you’ve come up with!

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy, Happy Everything!

New Movie | Someone Like Yo

Oh happy day! Another incredible movie recommendation coming your way...

SOMEONE LIKE YOU, opens in theaters nationwide on April 2, 2024. Based on the popular novel of the same name by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, it is an achingly beautiful redemptive love story. 

After the tragic loss of his best friend, London Quinn, grieving young architect, Dawson Gage, launches an impossible search for her secret twin sister, twins separated as embryos.  

With one set of parents grieving the loss of a daughter, and the other set grieving the truth they never told, only Dawson can show Andi everything she missed about her twin sister.

Now only Dawson can help Andi make her way back home, even though he has fallen desperately in love with her.

For tickets & information go to FathomEvents.Com

Spring is a time for new beginnings; a shared container of popcorn, a hand to hold, and Someone Like You sounds like a perfect way to celebrate the season!

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Author Karen Kingsbury was inspired to begin the One Chance Foundation by the memory of her father, Ted C. Kingsbury who said, "Life is not a dress rehearsal. We have one chance to love, one chance to truly live!"

The One Chance Foundation exists to supply grants to families seeking to adopt.

The Kingsbury family is passionate about seeing orphans from all over the world brought home to their forever family.

Now, readers can join Karen in the belief that all of us have one chance to make a difference in the lives of orphans.  God wants us to care for orphans. James 1:27 tells us this. The One Chance Foundation was created with that truth in mind.

You can learn all about the good works of One Chance Foundation,
the many ways one can donate, and to read Karen's personal story HERE.

Craft Project | Rustic Heart Wall Hanging

This heart happy little project was done by a family member, and it’s so pretty I had to share!

She said she can’t take credit for the idea, she saw it done and decided to give it a try herself.

Inspiration tutorial by Shades of Blue Interiors. Link can be found here: Branch Heart Wall Art.

There are a few differences in the the inspiration and her rendition; the original crafter uses fallen sticks, this one is done with driftwood collected from the beach—white string was used on the original and this uses a rustic twine—and of course the color palette is different (pink versus teal).

I’m told that creating the heart shape was in no way easy!

1. First lay it all out. Plan to spent considerable time switching different length sticks in and out until it takes on the desired shape.

2. Then, do it all over again when you tie the twine to each one and suspended it from the long rail.

Pro-tips:

• Hang the rail first and ties each stick to it while hanging. (Trying to do it on a flat surface is impossible!)

• Start with the center stick and build out each side.

3. Once you’ve got everything strung up in a heart shape, you may just decide to leave it natural… but if not, then it’s time to paint.

Choose your color palette, here it starts with white, then a light teal, and finally a dark teal. You may decide to use more or less to create an ombre effect.

Laying a ruler across the heart shape helped to know where to start the paint, each new layer was started about an inch down from the previous color.

4. Once painted, hang once again, readjust as necessary, tighten the string/twine, and clip off any excess.

5. Hang where you will enjoy!

I love both, the original and our example here! And I’m sure there are countless other ways to craft something similar using this post as your inspirational jump-off point!

What materials would you use and what color scheme?

Where would you hang this? I think a beachy cabin, a bedroom reading nook, or a bathroom would all be perfect.

Let me know if you give something similar a try!

First comes the materials collection… then arranging and hanging.

It helped to lay a ruler across the heart shape to get a general sense of where to start the ombre painting.

Cinnamon-Applesauce Hearts

Republished from 2/21

Years ago, my mom delivered a Valentine's package with a deliciously scented heart ornament dangling from the bow.

It was a cinnamon heart, strung with a satin ribbon - and even after the scent had gone, it hung from a kitchen cabinet handle for many more years delighting me with fond memories.

This old recipe, requiring only two ingredients - ground cinnamon and applesauce - might traditionally be used to make Christmas ornaments, but since my mom pressed it into heart shapes, in my mind, it's best suited to Valentine decor.

You won’t believe the incredible cinnamon smell that fills your home while these are baking - and how lovely it will be for days (weeks) to come when you walk into a room where one of them is on display!

Cinnamon can be expensive if purchased in those tiny containers at the grocery, but if you have a big-box store like Costco, WinCo or Cash & Carry nearby, you can pick it up a large container relatively inexpensively. Increase or decrease the recipe depending on how many hearts you want to make, using a 1:1 ratio.

Ingredients:
(makes about a dozen cookie cutter hearts)

• 1 cup Cinnamon

• 1 cup Applesauce

• Thin ribbon or twine

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly mix the cinnamon and applesauce together in bowl. It should have a thick, paste-like consistency and hold together well - not too dry, not too wet.

2. Place between two pieces of parchment or waxed paper, and roll out to about a 1/4 inch thickness. It will break if too thin, and will take longer to bake if too thick.

3. Take the top layer of paper off and use cookie cutters to cut into shape.

4. Use toothpicks to decorate and a straw to make the hole for hanging.

5. Move hearts onto a cookie sheet.

6. Bake at 200 degrees for about two and a half hours, until they feel dry and hard.

7. Once cooled, thread ribbon or twine through the hole and make a loop.

Dangle from a Valentine’s package, gift a grandparent, teacher, friend, or hang in your home for some Valentine’s love, some winter cheer, and a fantastic cinnamon scent!

And yes, go ahead and use the recipe during other seasons and cut out other shapes - acorns and leaves in the fall, snowmen and snowflakes for your Christmas tree… it’s all fair game!

Heartstrings | Craft Idea

Republished from 1/22

Do you decorate for Valentine’s Day? My mother always did when I was growing up, and once I had a home of my own, I continued the tradition.

Back when I was young, my mom would bring out the same red tagboard cutouts of bow toting cupids and hearts of various sizes. They were probably purchased at a Payless Drug Store about 1961 and used year after year right up until the last kid was out of the house (who knows, maybe longer!)

I’m guessing about the year of purchase, because it would have been my first birthday. Had I arrived a day earlier, the name you’d hear on the radio wouldn’t be Delilah… it would be Valerie. I think I dodged a bullet there (or maybe Cupid’s arrow!) Yet even though my birth came on the 15th of February, every birthday celebration was a red and white themed extravaganza.

Perhaps we did Valentine’s up a bit bigger than most families, but if so, I’m glad! That’s probably why I don’t necessarily equate the “holiday” with romantic love. It was a time of family celebration, of dinners that included grandparents bringing all their home-made specialties, and little gifts for everyone around the table.

My sibling and I always make a bit of a fuss over Valentine’s Day, treating our kids to heart-shaped foods, chocolates and conversation hearts, and other little gestures. I hope you do the same for your kids, or friends, yourself!. Romantic love is fantastic, but not as shelf-stable as the love of family and community.

Don’t have any tagboard Valentine’s décor? That’s ok. Do what a friend did here, cut out hearts from any sturdy paper (or in this case, thin cardboard) and string it along for a cute garland!

Materials Needed:

• card stock or card board

• pencil

• scissors

• punch (such as a skewer)

• twine

Directions:

1. Use a templet or draw a heart free-hand on sturdy paper or card stock, then cut out to make a templet.

2. Trace 24 hearts onto card stock of your choice. Use the same color or mix it up and use multiple colors.

3. Cut out all traced hearts

4. Now punch a hole near the “valley” of each heart. A shish-ka-bob skewer worked here. (It needs to be big enough to string the twine through.)

5. Measure out a length of twine about 5 - 6 feet long and cut from roll.

6. Pinch the twine about 6” in from the end, and push a loop through the hole that has been punched in the heart shape. Pull the loop through until it is large enough to reach the bottom of the heart. Now slip the heart through the loop and pull the string taught again.

7. Repeat this process stringing the hearts evenly (about every 6”) over the length of your twine.

8. Admire your handiwork and hang!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Meringue Cookies

Oh yum! It’s been a minute since I enjoyed these sweet, crisp, lighter-than-air treats, so it’s about time, doncha think?

Meringue cookies were once a staple at fancy little gatherings like wedding and baby showers, recitals and receptions. No wonder, they come together pretty quickly - if you don’t count the hour plus they need to spend in a warm oven - and go down very easily!

They contain no flour or nuts so good for those who are intolerant of gluten and tree nuts - a shame if one has egg allergies though - and (I’ve heard) have only about 25 calories per cookie, so not going to bust anyone’s diet or New Year’s resolution!

There’s a short list of ingredients. The only one you may not have in a reasonably stocked pantry is the cream of tartar, which is important to stablize the egg whites so you get nice peaks. Not a lot of recipes call for it these days, but it’s also used in home-made playdough, so kitchens with kiddos will find another use!

You’ll want to use a metal or glass bowl to whip the egg whites, making sure it is absolutely dry when you begin. Also, separate the yolks from the whites over one bowl then transfer to your mixing bowl, even a bit of egg yolk can wreak havoc on your meringue, and cause it not to set as firmly as needed.

This recipe calls for 4 egg whites, and fluffs up enough to pipe about 72 little clouds of yum.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites - room temp

• 1/2 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla (use clear for white meringues)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F

2. Line two baking trays with parchment paper (place a dollop of meringue under each before piping to hold in place.)

3. Place room-temperature egg whites in a metal or glass mixing bowl, use whip attachment on stand or hand mixer to mix into a froth.

4. Add Cream of Tartar and Salt to frothy eggs, continue whipping until soft peaks form.

5. Add Vanilla to soft peak meringue, combine well.

6. Begin adding sugar a little at a time to soft meringue, never adding more than the meringue can hold on the top (should not be heavy enough to sink) continue whipping and adding sugar until the cup is fully incorporated and the meringue is holding a stiff peak.

7. Transfer meringue to piping bag with large star piping tip. Pipe in rows leaving a little space in between for air to circulate.

8. Bake at 225 degrees for 1 hour. Leave meringues in place, turn off oven and allow to cool.

9. Meringues should be crisp all the way through. Test. If they still have moisture in the middle, return to 200 degree oven until crisp throughout.

10. Store in air-tight container until serving. (Meringues draw moisture and become chewy if left unsealed.)

You can also add flavors and colors! Try lemon or peppermint as the season or occasion calls for, or even dip your cooled meringues in chocolate. Mmmmmm.

My 12 Stockings of Christmas 20

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s time for my 12 Stockings of Christmas!!!

Once again I’ve gathered together some of my favorite products that I’ll gift away to 12 lucky winners!

Be listening to my radio program each and every night between November 22nd and December 22nd, when I’ll share the KEYWORDS needed to enter.

Text the keyword to 48484
or enter it at the ENTRY page.

(Hint: If you miss the keyword, you can always use the word STOCKING.)
You can enter once a day.

I’m so grateful to my generous sponsors for providing these wonderful products. When I fall in love with something I can’t wait to pass it along to my listeners!

Here’s a run-down of everything in the prize bundle this year. Good luck my friends and tell all your family and friends about it too!!

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“The Greatest Christmas Hits”
Pentatonix

Let’s start things off on a high note with Pentatonix and an autographed copy of their newest holiday CD, “The Greatest Christmas Hits”!

Gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable holiday season, Pentatonix has unveiled a new greatest hits album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits”! The album features 23 of the band's top holiday songs and eight brand new, never-before-heard tracks - including the new holiday original, “Please Santa Please”!

One of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups of all time, my friends that make up Pentatonix are thrilled to be performing their 2023 North American Christmas tour right now, Pentatonix, The Most Wonderful Tour Of The Year. You’ll want to get tickets if they’re anywhere near your city - or plan a trip and meet them somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit!

In the meantime, order “The Greatest Christmas Hits” for friends and family, so they have a copy in their stockings too!

Get it here: “The Greatest Christmas Hits”

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Italian Marble Artistry Collection
Laura Geller

My besties from Laura Geller are contributing an ahhhhmazing cosmetics kit, called the Italian Marble Artistry Collection. It’ll be the second prize I drop into the bundle this year.

This sumptuous, all-in-one set includes the fan-favorite (and Delilah-favorite!) Italian Marble Lipstick for a creamy lip color that blends swirls of pigments for a unique, multidimensional finish, a coordinating Italian Marble Blush Stick to add a romantic flush. (It’s enriched with vitamin E to help soften your skin.) It also includes the show-stopping Italian Marble Baked Eyeshadow Palette, with a silky, blendable texture in five baked marbleized shades. And it even comes with an eyeshadow brush to create your perfect beauty masterpiece!

You might get lucky and win one of my bundles, but if you want to get the kit sooner rather than later, or you want to share the goodness with others…

 Order: Laura Geller, Italian Marble Artistry Collection

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“Christmas”
Cher

An autographed “Christmas” CD,  Cher’s first new studio album in five years (and her first EVER holiday album!) is the third prize I’m adding to the pile!

It  includes 13 songs - several holiday classics and four originals, and has a star-studded list of musical besties.

Christmas  includes superstar duet classics including“What Christmas Means To Me" with Stevie Wonder, and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"  with Darlene Love.  (Darlene first recorded the song with Phil Spector and a l7-year-old Cher singing background vocals); in addition to a haunting version of “Home" written and sung with Michael Bublé.  Other standouts include an unexpected pairing with Tyga on “Drop Top Sleigh Ride” produced by Alexander Edwards, Mike Crook and Ryan OG,  the magnificent "Angels in the Snow”, & "Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart", with Cyndi Lauper, and the disco-inspired, “DJ Play That Christmas Song”, the first single to drop from the album.

I had so much fun attending an intimate listening party at Cher’s Malibu Beach home, meeting Darlene, songwriter Sara Hudson and her crew, visiting with Cher, and listening to this incredible album. I just absolutely needed to add it to my 12 Stockings!

You can get it here: Cher, “Christmas”

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“Behold - The Complete Set”
Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle is a 2-time GRAMMY, 7-time Billboard Music Award, and 4-time American Music Award winner, and an artist I have adored since she hit the scene!

Without a doubt, I’m sharing her incredible Christmas CD, Behold - A Christmas Collection - The Complete Set (autographed!) with my 12 lucky winners!

This expanded edition includes Lauren’s version of “The Christmas Song” and a live version of “Noel”, all available for the first time on a double vinyl or single CD.

 “Behold plays like an audio time capsule built of saxes, trombones and other horns (even tubas!), upright bass, brushes on drums, mellow sounding hollow body guitars, and vocals that are rich and distinctive but still somehow laidback in their feel.”

I’m proud to call Lauren my friend and excited for everyone to add The Complete Set to their holiday music library!

 Behold - A Christmas Collection - The Complete Set

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“A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition)”
Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli & Virginia Bocelli

Do you hear what I hear?! It’s a Bocelli Family Christmas! Following the runaway success of their first album together, the Bocelli family announced the deluxe edition of A Family Christmas – with the release of the brand new single ‘Let it Snow’.

“A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition)” features four brand-new recordings, plus five additional bonus tracks. It will be released on CD and black standard vinyl. I’m definitely adding this one to the mix!

Internationally renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli teams up with his 25-year-old son Matteo Bocelli and his 10-year-old daughter Virginia Bocelli. The album captures the Bocelli’s festive spirit in full flow, with new renditions of traditional carol arrangements.

The trio of complementary voices intertwine and echo on the song ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’, which provides a stirring opening to the album. Each of the three Bocelli performers gets a chance to shine on the album with solo tracks, duets and trios.

“A Family Christmas (Deluxe Edition”)
can be yours and all those you’d like to gift it to!

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DigitalAIRE Hair Dryer
by Conair

I’d love to have a hair and make-up team visit me every day, but since that’s not possible, I’m always on the look out for products that make me look and feel just as beautiful.

I’ve discovered the Conair DigitalAIRE blow dryer that does exactly that, and I’m adding it to my impressive pile of presents!

It’s engineered to deliver cutting-edge performance with an innovative, powerful digital motor - that doesn’t drain a lot of juice from your wallet! Accelerated drying digital circuitry (say that 3 time real fast!) spins at 90,000 times per minute generating increased speed and air pressure to make drying times faster — root-to-tip. It’s also got 9 heat and speed settings and a locking cold shot that helps to finish your style - it comes with a diffuser too!

I’m dropping this sleek and lightweight lil’ beauty into the mix, so you too can have a more comfortable drying and styling experience, even if you can’t go to the salon every day! Don’t wait to win one.

Get yours at: DigitalAIRE

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“Witnesses of Christmas”
by Jason F. Wright

I love having Christmas themed books on my coffee and end tables that everyone can enjoy during this special time of year like. I’m betting you do too so I’m including…

“Witnesses of Christmas, A Musical Journey Through the Nativity of Jesus the Christ”, by my friend, Jason F. Wright, with Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four, in my gift-giving.

It’s an adaptation of the narration and music from the original stage production of Joy to the World: A Sacred Celebration, a production conceived of, performed by, and produced by Jenny, that Jason would write the script for and narrate—as a shepherd named David.

This first half of the book includes the script, sheet music, and QR code links to performance recordings and accompaniment tract to re-create a Nativity experience for readers unlike anything they’ve seen, heard, or read before.

The second half explains how readers can adopt five of Christ’s attributes to become better people, encouraging us all to try to live the kind of life that Christ’s life exemplified.

It will enrich your lives and those you chose to share it with, just like the production itself.

Don’t wait to order copies for gift-giving here:
”Witnesses of Christmas”
A Musical Journey Through the Nativity of Jesus the Christ

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The New Curl Secret
by Conair

My 12 Stockings Sweepstakes is all about sharing my new discoveries with you, and I can’t keep Conair’s new ceramic auto curler—The New Curl Secret®—to myself! I’ve got 12 to gift-away.

Its 3 pre-set curl settings (Wavy, Loose & Defined) and its multiple temperature settings means it will work on all types of hair. With the touch of a button, the completely redesigned Curl Secret® with tangle-free technology gently pulls your hair in to it’s peek-a-boo curl chamber and pops out a smooth perfect curl every time that will last all the day through! Buh-bye curl drama, hello curl perfection!

Reduce frizz and fly-aways and get perfect curls and waves, every time with Curl Secret®. The secret is out!

The New Curl Secret by Conair is available at your favorite retailers,
like Amazon, Ulta Beauty and Target.

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Seasonal Variety Gift Box & “Let’s Talk About Tea”
Bigelow Tea

My days begin and end with a steaming mug of tea, and in the cooler months you can add several more to this routine!

My dear friends at Bigelow Tea keep me well stocked with a variety for every occasion, whether I need a kick of caffeine in the morning, a thirst-quencher, a health-booster, or a calming digestive, they have a delicious blend perfect for the job! With their help, I’m dropping two more gifts into my generous giving piles.

An indulgent Seasonal Variety Gift Box that includes 8 tea bags each of caffeinated black teas, Pumpkin Spice, Salted Caramel, Hot Cinnamon, Eggnogg 'n Caramel Apple, and 8 tea bags each of caffeine-free herbal teas, Cranberry Harvest, Peppermint Bark and Ginger Snappish. It will be welcomed by anyone you want to show some appreciation to and it’s ideal for entertaining.

Bigelow is also providing copies of their sweet little hard-cover book, “Let’s Talk About Tea” by David and Eunice Bigelow. This book shares their knowledge of the business and offers readers a unique perspective about the history of tea.

If you are looking for the perfect hostess gift, teacher or neighbor appreciation gesture,
look no further than Bigelow Tea.

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Almond ROCA
100th Anniversary Tin and Collectors Box
Brown & Haley

It’s not a 12 Stockings gift pack without a generous helping of my favorite holiday treat, Almond ROCA. Brown & Haley, the makers of Almond ROCA (and other delicious confections) are celebrating their 100th birthday at their Tacoma, Washington factory in the shadow of magnificent Mt. Rainier.

Founded in 1912, Brown & Haley Candy Co. has been a purveyor of fine confections for over a century. The company's flagship product, Almond ROCA, has become an internationally beloved brand known for its exquisite taste and quality. Brown & Haley remains committed to its heritage of crafting premium confections that bring joy to people worldwide. 

It wasn’t quite 100 years ago when I was waking on Christmas morning to see what Santa had delivered, but close! There was always a pink tin of Almond ROCA, my mother’s favorite, to be unwrapped and enjoyed, and I’m thrilled to continue the tradition.

I’m adding a very special. large, 100th Anniversary Tin of Almond ROCA—a bar of crunchy toffee, enrobed in chocolate, and crusted with delicious almonds—that comes in a wooden Collector’s Box, as the final gift to my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes.

Surprise all those you love by picking up a tin of Almond ROCA this holiday season,
it’s a treat that will never go out of style!

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN OR CLAIM A PRIZE. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS INTENDED FOR PLAY IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY AND WILL BE GOVERNED BY U.S. LAW. DO NOT ENTER IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE AND LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE TIME OF ENTRY.

Gobble It Up Cheeseball

Republished from November 2018

My sis was cruising the internet the other day looking for some holiday party inspiration and found this fine not-so-feathered fella.

He's so cheesy! And completely nuts! In fact, he's gone crackers! (And that is how I humor myself friends...) So if you find this appetizer funny, and clever, and aren't worried about your teenagers groaning and rolling their eyes when you present him with a proud-as-a peacock (er, turkey) flourish. Then get your nutty cheese on as she did!

Ingredients:

• Your favorite cheese ball recipe (There’s a recipe below if you don’t have one. Don’t be afraid to improvise and add/subtract spices and ingredients.)

• Red, yellow, and orange bell pepper slices (the mini's do the trick!)

• Pecan Halves

• Almond Slices

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Crackers for tail feathers - oblong work best

• Pepper Corns (or other edible "eyes".)

Directions:

1. Make your cheese ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.

2. Remove from fridge, place on center of serving plate.

3. Insert "tail feathers" in a wide fan - place a smaller number in front and in back of the wide row.

4. Press Pecans in at the "shoulders" working down and toward the back.

5. Press the sliced almonds in near the tail feathers.

6. Press the pumpkin seeds in in front of the almonds.

7. Cut a slice of the Orange Bell Pepper to form a "head and neck (experiment with this) and press into the front of the cheese ball.

8. Cut a "wiggly" slice of Red Bell Pepper and "glue" to the neck with a bit of the cream cheese.

9. Cut a tiny bit of Yellow Bell Pepper for the beak. Use the tip of a paring knife to poke a hole in the "head" and insert a bit for the beak.

10. Find some "eyes." A bit of cracker is used h ere, but pepper corns would work too. “Glue” the eyes on with another little bit of cream cheese.

11. Now, present that proud fine "bird" with a bowl of crackers and shake your tail feathers!!!

Cheese Ball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature.

• 3/4 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon bacon bits.

• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped.

• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Directions:

1. Mix together all ingredients by hand, or using a mixer, in large bowl until well blended and an even consistency.

2. Form into a ball inside the bowl.

3. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap.

4. Place in the refrigerator until firm (about 2-3 hours.) Use the freezer for 30 minutes if you rarely think ahead (like me.)

5. Decorate your bird! OR

6. Roll in almond slices and serve with a basket of crackers.
   

Spinach & Feta Orzo with Fresh Dill

With the arrival of autumn my taste buds crave savory comfort foods. I’m always on the lookout for delicious new dishes that fit the season, aren’t so difficult to prepare, (that I spend twice as long making it than our time around the dinner table lasts) and will appeal to my kiddos.

This creamy orzo dish loaded with fresh spinach (rich in iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate, as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B2!) boasting of fall flavors like garlic and dill, is just the ticket!

The feta cheese makes it somewhat filling, while the lemon zest keeps it light enough to pair along side a salmon or chicken fillet, or even some pork tenderloin medallions.

This dish comes courtesy of my nephew Dalton, who loves to try new recipes and is happy enough to share those that delight with me, and I in turn, with you.

This recipe serves about 4. I triple it for my brood!

Enjoy!

Spinach & Feta Orzo with Fresh Dill

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• 8 ounces spinach leaves (about 8 cups), coarsely chopped

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 ¾ cups vegetable stock

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

• zest of one lemon

• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese, plus a bit more for garnish

• 1 cup chopped fresh dill

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and scallions (reserving a bit of the green for garnish,) - cook until softened.

2. Stir in chopped spinach and about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, (about 5 minutes.)

3. Pour in stock and bring to a simmer.

4. Add orzo, lemon zest, and another 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir together well, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is plump and most of the stock is absorbed, (10 to 15 minutes.)

5. The last step is to stir in crumbled feta cheese and the chopped dill, then cover and cook for about another minute or two, so that the cheese begins to melt into the mixture.

6. To serve, dish onto plates, garnish with reserved scallions and another sprinkle of feta cheese.

New Christmas Movie | "Journey To Bethlehem"

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown…

“Journey To Bethlehem” is a live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family that weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus.

Screenplay by: Adam Anders & Peter Barsocchini

I got a sneak-peak and was thrilled with it! It's the first musical recounting Mary and Joseph's journey and our entire family was absolutely mesmerized from start to finish. It has some really incredible talent; Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim, Joel Smallbone (from one of our favorite musical groups, for King & Country!), singer/rapper, Lecrae, AND... Academy-Award Nominee, Antonio Banderas portraying the jealous ruler we love to hate, King Herod.

This movie was directed by Adam Anders, and written by Adam and Nikki Anders. Adam is a four-time Grammy nominee and two-time People’s Choice Award winner. For many years, he served as the executive music producer of “Glee”, and you'll see his writing and directing credits extend to an impressive variety of television, movie and music projects. 

Award-winning recording artist and songwriter, Nikki, has written, performed, or produced for many major motion pictures and television shows, including the Golden Globe-winning hit TV series “Glee.” This talented and passionate husband and wife powerhouse joined me on a recent podcast episode that you can listen to HERE.

You will absolutely LOVE this unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.

See “JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM” in theaters beginning November 10
The Greatest Story Ever COMES ALIVE!

Rated PG for Thematic Elements

Garlic and Sumac Roasted Broccoli with Sweet Dates

From the Live Life Deliciously cookbook, by Tara Teaspoon - comes this tasty selection perfect as a Thanksgiving - or weeknight dinner - side; Garlic and Sumac Roasted Broccoli with Sweet Dates.

Kids and adults alike will absolutely gobble this up!

My sis is always the one to bring a big roasting pan of veggies to our holiday gatherings but perhaps I’ll do her proud by tossing this together and serving it up alongside that beautiful bird this year.

Garlic and Sumac Roasted Broccoli with Sweet Dates
4-6 servings
10 Minutes Hands-On / 20 Minutes Total Time

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds broccoli

• 3 tablespoons olive oii

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sumac

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 4-5 dates sliced crosswise on the bias

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat while you prepare the broccoli.

2. Cut broccoli into small florets, slicing large florets in half. (You’ll need 6-7 cups of florets.) In a large bowl, toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper.

3. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and transfer the broccoli mixture to the baking sheet, using a rubber scraper to get all the goods bits out of the bowl.

4. Return pan to the oven and roast broccoli until tender and a bit charred, about 15 minutes.

5. Add dates and serve broccoli immediately.

For more information on Live Life Deliciously, and buy links to purchase your own, visit my Book Club blog HERE.

Fall Book Craft | Paperback Pumpkins!

Some time back, I posted a picture of some adorable paper pumpkins made out of book pages on my Facebook page. Everyone seemed to LOVE the idea!

So I enlisted my niece, Charisa, who caught the crafting bug at an early age - and terrifically out-does her aunties by wide margins these days, (book craft - “wide margins” - see what I did there?!) and I ask her to see how easy this little project really was.

She took an old paperback, tore the cover off, and just started cutting the pages, rounding the corner at the top, with a bit of a dip towards the spine, kind of like when you fold a piece of paper in half and cut out a heart - but not so narrow and pointy at the bottom.

She cut all the pages of the book, then coaxed the pages around and connected front to back with some double-sided craft tape. She actually wrinkled the pages up a bit to make the pumpkin appear fuller, and to give it some stability.

More double-sided tape was used where needed to get the pages to behave like she wanted them to.

She added a stick from her yard for a stem, and a pretty piece of ribbon at the top.

In the photo I’d found on the internet, the crafter had used spray paint to make the pumpkins orange, but Charisa decided she loved the look of the type on printed pages and left her sample in its pure state and color.

She’s not sure if she wants to add more embellishments or leave it as-is. I think it’s perfect!

Will you try it?

Here’s a link to some instructions I found on line Paperback Pumpkins - or you can be like Charisa and just make it up as you go along!