Raised In The Kitchen | May Book Club

I looooove cooking for my large crazy crew!

Seems like I’m always in the kitchen with kids underfoot, over foot, beside me, betwixt me, on stools, and perched on a counter. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cooking and eating is more than simple nourishment, it’s a time of togetherness; bonding, talking, laughing, and loving.

That’s what popular cooking blogger and author, Carrian Cheney, and I have in common! But the similarities end there, because I am anything BUT organized and thoughtful about my processes. She, however, is! And it’s our good luck that she has the ability to break things down into easily understandable steps, write it out, and share it with all of us. On her blog, and in her new book, Raised In The Kitchen, my May Book Club pick.

Carrian knows that cooking together as a family is the secret to not only raising children well prepared for adulthood but also to mixing ingredients beyond just the dough for cookies--love, unity, and combined hearts. She is well aware that family and memories are made one recipe at a time.

Raised In The Kitchen is a step-by-step guide that covers food prep to clean-up. It includes ingredient lists and easy-to-follow recipes as well as “dollops of heartwarming family stories, insights, and kid-friendly food activities to keep everyone from the tired and overwhelmed mom to the littlest of picky eaters focused on deliciousness in the kitchen.”

It’s got a whopping 75 recipes from basics (like fried eggs & baked potatoes) to beyond (like steak fajitas and chocolate cake,) with a natural progression as cooking skills are developed. Recipes include tips and tricks in the kitchen to build capabilities and confidence.

“Raised in the Kitchen is a cookbook for parents and kids about much more than learning to love to cook. It's about bringing families together and then one day sending those little hands off to their own kitchens, where they will teach their own children the recipes, laughter, and love that shaped their lives.”

Tips on Salt * Breads * Breakfast
Meat 101 * Side Dishes * Knife Safety 101
Main Dishes * Family Bakeoffs * Desserts

Raised In The Kitchen deserves a place in your cookbook library and will become thumb-worn with use as you and your children or grandchildren bond, and grow, and eat your way through every page!

Get Your Copy of Raised In The Kitchen!

In Love with Laura Geller

WATCH a Special Greeting from Laura Geller!

If you've been tuning in to my Facebook LIVE's I do most afternoons, you may have heard me mention an incredible new radio sponsor, Laura Geller, a makeup line specially formulated for women over 40.

I am absolutely in love with the look and feel of it on my skin! (And not unhappy at all with the generous compliments I've been receiving!)

I chuckle at the name, but the serious hydration of their Spackle Perfecting Primer, a two-in-one moisturizer and primer, is no joke! Featuring a blend of sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and antioxidant botanical ingredients, it's a nourishing formula that brightens and replenishes skin for a healthier, suppler complexion. It creates a 'smooth canvas' for improved foundation application and wear, and keeps your face feeling fresh all day! I now use it before doing my LIVE feeds and have received thousands of comments about how fresh and young I appear!

There's a whole range of Spackle Skin Perfecting Primers, for every type of skin:

• Original Clear: Natural and invisible, works for everyone!

• Original Champagne Glow: A soft golden sheen that gives a luminous candlelight glow.

• Mattify: Transparent, non-greasy formula, an oily gal’s best friend.

• Original Ethereal Rose Glow: Rose-tinted pigments deliver instant radiance while hydrating, soothing, and preparing skin for flawless makeup application.

• Hydrate: Brightens and replenishes, Sodium Hyaluronate attracts moisture to skin cells improving foundation application and wear.

It's a simple little gift you can give yourself this spring, to put your best foot and your best face forward! And, Laura Geller giving the gift of a 25% discount to all my friends and listeners. Use code "LAURA25" at checkout for 25% off products site-wide!

Find it HERE.

Their exceptional powder foundations glide on like creams, never caking, cracking, or seeping into fine lines or wrinkles, because ( let's be honest) while I'm proud of every crease I've earned, I hardly want to shine a spotlight on them!

I particularly love their Balance-n-Bright foundation, which feels light and refreshingly cooling, brightening my face and my mood!

Oh! And FREE RETURN SHIPPING is also offered. Because even though they make it as easy as possible to chose the correct shade online, they know it's not a fool-proof system.

I'm already loving this relationship, and I know you will too!

SHOP LauraGeller.com

Mercy Ships

MERCY SHIPS

So many years ago now that it’s difficult to remember exactly when, my eyes and my heart were opened to the people of Africa. A magical place of great natural beauty, culture, resources, and, unbelievable need. Since then I’ve worked with Point Hope and countless other worthy organizations to help create pathways to better education, services, nutrition, and health for those in Africa and well beyond.

I often say, “It’s when the sky is night-est, the stars are brightest”; there’s nothing quite like the luxury of star-gazing and reveling in the wonder of our heavens on a crisp clear night. It’s a metaphor for life. Those of us privileged to have access to the goods and services to meet our every need live in a state of clear skies and immense possibility, free to dance in the radiance of twinkling celestial bodies. But for many in our global community it’s difficult (to impossible) to see the light through the fog of very real hardships.

For over 40 years Mercy Ships has been serving as a beacon of hope, changing people’s lives. They turn ships into floating hospitals and journey to some of the poorest countries in the world, providing free surgical procedures — over 100,000 — to those with no access to medical care, aided by volunteers who come from all walks of life.

In doing so, they’ve also helped transform entire communities in Africa by training local doctors who continue the work long after the ships leave port.

The hope that Mercy Ships creates goes well beyond patients and their families. It also inspires the surgeons, nurses, and entire team of volunteers and donors who make this mission happen.

For everyone involved with Mercy Ships, from medical and administrative personnel, to engine room assistants, galley workers and housekeeping, the world gets a little brighter.

Over the next several weeks you may hear me mentioning Mercy Ships on my radio program, or see posts about them on my social media platforms. I’m also working on a podcast that includes the stories of volunteers who have served aboard these floating medical miracle-makers. I guarantee you won’t be able to listen without a box of tissues nearby.

The reason? Because I want you to know of this incredible group of medical professionals and ship volunteers who’ve joined a high-seas mission to hand deliver gifts of hope and healing.

If you’re looking to make a difference in the world, all it takes is to become involved with an organization like Mercy Ships. It’s one way ordinary people like you and me can do extraordinary things - one heart at a time – by helping to change the life of someone in need.

So be listening and watching as I do my best to tell the Mercy Ships story… I know you will be as inspired to become involved, just as I have!

Get Involved!

New Movie | YES DAY

Do you have kids at home? I mean AT HOME, like so many do right now, with most schools in the country still using a distance or hybrid model of teaching…

If the answer is YES, you’re probably somewhat familiar with the feeling that you’re always in the position of saying NO! No, you can’t have friends over. No, you can’t eat on the couch. No, No, No! If that sounds and feels and familiar, you’ve got something in common with film parents, Allison and Carlos.

But would you give your kids a “Yes Day” - where THEY get to make the rules for the next 24 hours?

Jennifer Garner, who stars in YES DAY, said she would, has, and will do so again!

A fan of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s books, she and middle daughter fell in love with the book, Yes Day! many years ago. Her daughter asked for a ‘Yes Day’ for Christmas and this fabulous mom delivered, and has continued the tradition every year since.

They’ve had so much fun with it, Jennifer wanted to bring it to the big screen, and we’re so lucky that she did!

YES DAY releases globally on Netflix today March 12.

It stars Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega, Julian Lerner and Everly Carganilla, as a family who said YES, kicking off a whirlwind adventure around Los Angeles that brought them closer to each other than ever before.

Say yes to YES DAY and join this fun-loving family on their wild ride! (And then make an effort to say Yes more often. Our kids have had to give up so much lately, they more Yes! in their lives!!)

Spring Into Balsam Hill Florals!

Vernal Equinox is just days away, but it will take several more weeks before my flower beds, boxes, and potted posies are in full bloom…

And, since no one has ever accused me of being overly patient, I’m getting a head-start on spring with some gorgeous faux spring florals from Balsam Hill.

It’s been a long, grey winter, and I’m in a bit of hurry to experience bright sunny days. My friends at Balsam Hill are helping me with their vibrant Spring faux floral sets! Aren’t they amazing?!

These pictured are from their Sunrise Blooms collection; I’m particularly fond of the bright orange and yellow hues - like little rays of sunshine!

I’ve strung the garlands, hung the wreath, and settled the coordinating arrangement around my front door, and now every time I step onto the porch I’m greeted with such a happy sight! From branch to petal, each are handcrafted into such beautiful lifelike florals you’ll feel like Mother Nature has paid you an early visit and festooned your home in her gleeful glory. (Because while it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature, she’s been known to enjoy pulling the wool over our eyes every now and again!)

Balsam Hill has a wide selection of vibrant blooming Spring florals, each piece beautifully capturing nature’s elegance for that little touch of springtime cheer to last throughout the entire year. (They even have out-door safe collections.)

While we may still be limiting our gatherings to immediate family and those in our personal COVID bubbles, you should still treat yourself, like I did, to some happy moments on the sunny side of life with Balsam Hill Spring Décor.

Color your Easter easy by visiting Balsamhill.com today!

Balsam Hill Faux Spring Florals

Snowballs

These lovely powdered sugar-coated little morsels were a staple at every organized event I attended whilst growing up.

Called by various monikers, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Russian Tea Cakes, Polvorones, Viennese Sugar Balls… light crumbly butter cookies, that use no eggs or granulated sugar, were served at wedding and baby showers, receptions, Girl Scout meetings, Mother’s Tea… always present, always appreciated, always delicious!

And yet, they’re one of those things, like Divinity candy, I always counted on someone else to make. As time went on, I saw less and less of them on the treat table until these pecan pleasantries completely disappeared from my radar - and then my sis made a pile of them this year!

Oh what memories came flooding back! My best friends wedding shower that took place way too soon following our high school graduation, my Rainbow Girls days and the army of women that baked and fussed over us, and my grandmother’s nut mill (4 spring-mounted blades - pour the nuts into the jar, screw on the lid, and pump pump pump the spring top to chop, chop, chop the nuts inside!)

You may have snow in your neck of the woods, but in the Pacific Northwest ours is more of the liquid variety, so my sister packing Snowballs (and a snowman - cuz that’s how she rolls!) might be the only accumulation of white stuff around here. Sadly, they melted off the plate faster than anything I’ve ever witnessed out-of-doors!

Here’s the memory-laden recipe, make up a batch for a tasty January treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Chop pecans (a mini food processor comes in very handy) into very small pieces - (resembling crushed graham cracker.)

3. in small bowl, combine flour, chopped pecans, and salt, mix until combined.

4. in large bowl, cream the softened butter, with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla. Add the flour and pecan mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time. dough will be dry and crumbly.

5. Pinch dough together to form balls about 1 Tablespoon in diameter, and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes. Do not overbake!

7. Roll in powdered sugar while warm, and once again when fully cooled.

8. Store in airtight container up to 1 week, or lob a few towards friends and neighbors in a mock snowball fight!

The 'Making It' Guide to Crafting | January Book Club

ORDER The ‘Making It’ Guide to Crafting

It looks like we're all going to be stuck at home for a while longer. Whether that's with or without extended family or with or without children, we need Something.To.Do.

Which is why I've chosen The ‘Making It’ Guide to Crafting for January’s Book Club read; with comedic duo, Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, as hosts.

The book is a complementary volume to the NBC show, Making It. Think,The Great British Baking Show, except with makers and doers. Contestants move through challenge after challenge until it comes down to the final competition, and only one goes away with the Maker's crown.

"With the all-star duo of Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman leading the way with puns, advice, and good vibes, Making It became the competition series we didn’t know we needed, stealing our hearts and encouraging our most creative ideas.Tapping into that success, this well-rounded crafting guide will offer in-depth looks at some of the best DIY crafts that were featured on the show and inspired by the Makers themselves.

Introductions to woodworking, fiber arts, paper crafts, and more will enable readers to experiment and customize their own creations at home. And the projects are accessible to all skill levels, so you can get just as crafty as the Makers did. Drawing on the show’s hilarity, creativity, and overall positivity, this crafting guide will inspire and energize you to DIY whatever you put your mind to."

I'm hoping to inspire you to try something new, to get your hands and your hearts busy making, and craft your way into a healthy and happy new year!

Get your copy of The ‘Making It ‘ Guide to Crafting

Justin Bieber | Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree!

Heartthrob Justin Bieber has teamed up with Amazon Music as part of the new Amazon Originals holiday playlist, lending his voice and style to the Brenda Lee 1958 classic, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. 

Apparently it’s always been one of his favorite songs to celebrate the holidays, and he’s super excited to team up with Amazon Music to share his own version. 

Justin said “I’m so thankful to be able to spend the season with loved ones, and to also to use this opportunity to give back to LIFT, Inner-City Arts and Alexandria House: three incredible organizations that I’ve supported in the past. I hope my fans join me in reaching out to the communities and organizations they care about, to help spread joy to those who need it most.”

I echo Justin’s sentiment. It’s the season of giving, so please give what you can to those in need and causes you care about! (All while listening to joy-filled Christmas music!)

You’ll find Justin’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree only at
Amazon Music!

Christmas Craft | Spiced Candle in a Jar

My granddaughter, Nadia, is the source of inspiration for this crafty blog post! Her mama, Riely, is an incredible talented maker, and a hands-on kinda mom who’s been doing a terrific job of coming up with interesting and fun home-school activities that reinforce curricula.

Here’s a lovely little project they completed recently that Nadia shared with me. I’m hoping to find a sample of her efforts under my tree on Christmas morning, and think it’s a terrific activity for adults and big kids alike!

It’s super simple, yet oh-so-elegant, and a wonderful way to fill a home with beauty, light, delightful scents, and love - so much goodness in a little canning jar!

(Candle-making kits, like the one shown, can be found in craft-stores and on-line.)

Supplies:

• soy-based candle wax

• a melting vessel, stir stick

• essential oils

• aromatic herbal tea of your choice
  (like Bigelow Tea - one of my 12 Stocking of Christmas Sweepstakes prizes!)

• small jelly-sized canning jars with lids

• candle wick & wick tool (a pencil or cooking skewer also works)

• twine or ribbon for decoration

Directions:

1. Assemble your supplies

2. Put down newspaper or craft paper to protect your work space.

3. Follow package directions to melt the candle wax (a tried and true family method is placing the wax in an old tin can, and placing the can in a pan of boiling water - don’t let the water come up and over the tin can.)

4. Scoop a few teaspoons of aromatic herbal tea into the melted wax.

5. Add a few drops of essential oils to the mix - more for lighter scents, less for heavier. Stir well.

6. Attach a measure of candle wick to your wick tool, (or tie it to a pencil or wooden cooking skewer.) Hanging length should match the height of the jar you are using.

7. Pour wax into little canning jars, suspend the wick in the center of each, resting the wick tool, pencil or skewer across the top of the jar.

8. Allow to set.

9. Release the wick from the tool (pencil/skewer,) and trim to about 1/2 inch above the top of the candle.

10. Place the lid on the candle, tie a piece of ribbon or string around the jar and label as you wish.

11. Gift away!

and Nadia!

My 12 Stockings of Christmas 2020

For years now, as Christmas approaches, I’ve stuffed 12 BIG stockings full of fun prizes and given them away to dedicated listeners; it’s become one of my favorite radio program traditions!

So much good new music has come from the pandemic pause, so there’s a lot of it tucked in this year’s packages to encourage you to DANCE YOUR SOCKS OFF this holiday season! Together with a table-top Christmas tree from those delightful décor folks I’m always raving about, a weighted blanket for days and times when life has thrown too many curves, tea for sipping and relaxing, a beautiful book full of sage wisdom on how to navigate life and love, and of course, candy, the stockings are once again bursting at the seams!

November 25th through December 23rd, be listening to my evening radio program (go HERE to find out where to listen!) for the 12 Stockings product mentions and keywords!

Text the keyword to 48484 or go to my ENTRY PAGE and enter it there to win! There will be 10 days of entry opportunities and I’ll give away 12 stockings in total!

Enter as often as you wish! Text 48484, or,
go to my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes ENTRY PAGE!

(To make it super easy on you, I’m even giving you a comprehensive list of the prizes and the day each will be featured on my radio show, check out all these amazing prizes!)

November 27th
BALSAM HILL | Tabletop Christmas Tree
Keyword: HILL or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

Balsam Hill has been the leading retailer - and MY GO TO provider - of highly realistic artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor for over a decade. They’re one of my favorite 12 Stockings prize contributors for our Christmas Sweepstakes and this year are providing a darling Tabletop Christmas Tree to our prize package!

This year they also launched their most realistic artificial tree yet, the BH Fraser Fir. It has 40 different tip variations to replicate what you would find in nature - and I set mine up extra early because I am so excited for the holidays! Balsam Hill' doesn’t stop at Christmas, it’s the place to go for sensational seasonal decorations including lovely Spring Florals and Fall Foliage collections. My studio looks amazing year ‘round with my Balsam Hill décor. They have also been consistent supporters of my foundation, Point Hope, and I’m so very grateful to them.

For beautiful artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor you owe it to yourself to visit Balsamhill.com!

Balsam Hill

December 1st  
TORI KELLY | Autographed copy of “A Tori Kelly Christmas” CD
Keyword: TORI, TORY, or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

There are so many fabulous albums out right now, including Tori Kelly’s soulful “A Tori Kelly Christmas.” You’ll remember her from this year’s huge collaborative hit,”Together” with for King & Country. Tori dove head-first into Christmas; the album starts off with a beautiful gospel showcase rendition of “Silent Night.” Her take on “Sleigh Ride” is playful and upbeat and sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

The 15 track LP includes holiday classics and a few originals. Tori is great at selecting musical partners like Babyface on “Let It Snow” , which has just the right amount of R&B and soul. It will make you want to curl up in front of a fire with a cup of hot cocoa and someone special. The two originals on the album are an upbeat, “25th,” and her “Gift That Keeps on Giving,” full of trumpets, guitars and bells; something you might expect to hear in a sentimental holiday movie.

Grab your family, your favorite Christmas ornaments, put “A Tori Kelly Christmas” on, and you’ll be ready to decorate the tree and celebrate the holidays!

A Tori Kelly Christmas

December 2nd
GRAVITY BLANKET | A Gravity Blanket & Weighted Sleep Mask
Keyword: SLEEP or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

Sleep is such an important aspect of our lives; especially with the year we have all gone through! What better gift to give this holiday season than the gift of restful slumber, and incredible stress reliever - so important to both mental and physical health! I’m excited to be including a Gravity Blanket (and sleeping mask!) in my 12 Stockings. Did you know people love it so much, that over 85% of customers would recommend it to a friend or family member? I’ve shared it with many of mine, and they are so grateful.

Gravity Blanket is the original weighted blanket, and it’s now available in many different sizes. They also have many complimentary accessories including sleeping masks, robes, and even a great travel blanket. This year has been tough for everyone, making Gravity Blanket the perfect gift. You’ll want to pick one up for yourself too!

Gravity Blanket is the gift that last all year long. Give the gift of better sleep and save up to 25% this holiday season at gravityblankets.com with code love2020

Gravity Blankets

December 3rd
CARRIE UNDERWOOD | Autographed copy of “My Gift” CD
Keyword: GIFT or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

You might have heard my podcast episode with the delightful Carrie Underwood recently, where we talked about her amazing first Christmas CD, “My Gift” - truly a gift for everyone this holiday season! Comprised of 11 songs that combine beloved traditional favorites celebrating the spiritual nature of the holiday and several originals that are destined to become instant classics, it begins with a stirring rendition of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”. The power of Carrie’s voice and her strong faith ring true throughout the timeless music on this album.

“My Gift” also features a collaboration with John Legend on the original “Hallelujah” penned by Legend and Toby Gad. Also included in this holiday collection is “O Holy Night”, “Mary, Did You Know?” and a soulful “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Carrie’s darling 5-year-old son, Isaiah, is also featured on “Little Drummer Boy”.

“My Gift” reminds us of the joys of the holiday season. This is a “must have” for everyone on your Christmas list!

My Gift

December 7th 
IDINA MENZEL | Autographed copy of “Christmas: A Season of Love” CD
Keyword: LOVE or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

It is no secret how much I love BROADWAY, and one of my favorite performers has always been Idina Menzel. I am so excited to add an autographed copy of her Christmas CD, “Christmas: A Season of Love” to my Stockings. Her voice is like no other, and the album is chock-full of timeless classics everyone knows, with a new fresh Idina style added to each and every song. You could call the album swinging, because of its big band energy, but I just call it FUN!

The LP includes favorites like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Oh Holy Night”. There are also some wonderful duets with Ariana Grande, and Billy Porter, to name a few. “Christmas: A Season of Love” is, above all, a vehicle for the iconic voice Menzel’s is blessed, and this collection is a perfect showcase for her.

Make some room under your tree, and get everyone on your gift list “Christmas: A Season of Love”.

Christmas: A Season of Love

December 8th 
BIGELOW TEA | A Collection of Bigelow Tea Favorites
Keyword: TEA or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

If you listen to my show, you know I’m always enjoying a hot cup of tea while I am talking to you!! I LOVE TEA, and the calming, soothing feeling that comes with every sip! I’m thrilled to have Bigelow Tea as one of my 12 Stockings participants this year. They’ll be giving each winner a beautiful chest filled with a collection of their delicious tea blends.

Bigelow Tea is a family owned company that was started in a brownstone in New York City, by Ruth Campbell Bigelow. The company is now based in Connecticut with Ruth’s granddaughter, Cindi, at the helm. I am sure you know them from their signature flavor, “Constant Comment,” the original recipe that started it all. To this day it’s blended only by the Bigelow's and is still a family secret! Additionally, Bigelow’s new Benefits line is a holistic collection of teas focused on everyday wellness; in body, mind and spirit. With ingredients like turmeric, echinacea, lavender and other aromatic flavors, they’re certain to lift, relax, and help relieve the stress of life.

There’s nothing like a hot cup of Bigelow Tea, some Christmas music ,and your family to make the holiday’s perfect. (Staying hydrated this Holiday Season is important too! Try Bigelow’s Botanicals Cold Water Infusion, a new way to love your water. Infuse flavors like Watermelon Cucumber Mint in cold water for a simple and refreshing way to achieve daily hydration.)

Bigelow Tea

December 10th
LADY A | Autographed copy of “On This Winter’s Night” CD
Keyword: LADY or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

One of my favorite groups, Lady A, is releasing “On This Winter’s Night” (Deluxe). this year, an updated album with new many songs. It comes just in time to help celebrate the holidays! You’ll hear their updated version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” , infused with little bit of their country charm. They’ve taken the Beach Boys “Little Saint Nick” and made it their own too. The band has chosen to cover many classics, adding their signature style to each one.

The album also features, an original track titled “Christmas Through Your Eyes,” which the group wrote about the experience of watching their children enjoy the magic of Christmas. (When the original LP came out, none of the group had children of their own.)

While Christmas and the holiday season may look different due to the pandemic, Lady A say they are simply looking forward to being together with their families. They have given us a beautiful album, “On This Winter’s Night” (Deluxe), perfect for everyone on your Christmas list.

On This Winter’s Night

December 14th 
BOOK | “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy
Keyword: BESTSELLER or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

Books make the perfect Christmas gift, they let your imagination run wild and they last forever. That’s why I’ve tucked“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”, from beloved artist, illustrator, and author, Charlie Mackesy, into this year’s 12 Stockings prize package.

Christmas, especially this Christmas, should focus families and making new memories together. I know my family is going to make “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse” a new holiday tradition.

Pick up several copies of the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller to wrap up and put under the tree - a collection of illustrations following the journey of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse, as they discover universal truths about kindness, hope, friendship and love.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

I am so excited to welcome Sir Paul McCartney to my 12 Stockings of Christmas! "McCartney III" will be one of the gifts I add to my stockings this year, of course, it is wonderful! It’s filled with his amazing vocals, but he’s also written all the songs and produced the album too – that is what we call a triple threat!

Completing a trilogy 50 years in the making "McCartney III," will be available EVERYWHERE on December 18th. Just as McCartney’s 1970 release marked Paul’s return to basics in the wake of the Beatles breakup, and the 1980 masterpiece "McCartney II" rose from the ashes of Wings, "McCartney III" finds Paul back on his own, turning unexpected circumstances into a personal snapshot of today’s times.

Like "McCartney" , and "McCartney II" , "McCartney III" is centered around the themes of home, family, and love. In fact, the album comes full circle; Paul’s daughter, Mary McCartney, who was featured as a baby nestled in Paul’s jacket on the cover for the original "McCartney" album, is now grown up and shot the photo used on the cover for "McCartney III."

We’ve all been doing our part sheltering in place, and I am so happy to be sharing the magnificent album "McCartney III" coming from Sir Paul’s own “Rockdown” with you. Make room under your tree and on your gift list for "McCartney III” , available December 18th.

McCartney III
(Find the Amazon special promotion HERE)

December 18th
ALMOND ROCA
Keyword: ROCA, ROKA or STOCKING

12 Stockings Entry Page

My 12 Stockings of Christmas just aren’t complete until I’ve added my favorite candy, Almond ROCA. This delicious treat brings back the fondest childhood memories of Christmases past, and I love giving, and getting into, those pink tins all year long!

Brown and Haley make every batch of ROCA with rich creamy butter, California almonds, and the best quality chocolate! Choose from any of their classic flavors and try their new ROCA Bites too! They have something for everyone (Even nut-free options for those with allergies, like my daughter!)

Whether looking for gifts or a sweet treat for yourself, remember, every stocking should be filled with Almond ROCA on Christmas morning. Visit them online or find them at local retailers. 

Brown & Haley’s Almond ROCA

Remember, be listening for the keywords November 25th - December 23rd and enter to win! Good luck and Merry Christmas everyone!

Live Life Deliciously | November Book Club

Buy Live Life Deliciously

It’s fall, the tastiest time of year, and I’ve got a treat for all you foodies, holiday meal providers, and everyone who finds themselves in the position of putting dinner on the table every night!

Live Life Deliciously by Tara Teaspoon, is a large, sturdy, hardback cookbook that will stand up to the demands of new idea seekers, and the realities of a kitchen scene full of ingredients that often stray from their tidy confinements.

Subtitled,, “Recipes For Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends”, I’d add to that “and great ideas for the holidays!”

It lets you in on some kitchen secrets for success, like an updated list of pantry staples, as well as kitchen essentials from pots & pans to parchment paper, and the convenience of mise en place. Novel appetizers and starters will have your family - and in ensuing years, your party guests - eagerly awaiting what’s next to come.

Pork Tenderloin with Adobo Lime Glaze

Some pages that are of keen interest to me, and I can’t wait to give a whirl, are the Roasted Cauliflower and Smoky Romesco veggie side, the Pork Tenderloin with Adobo Lime Glaze (Mmmmm), and the simplistic beauty of the Milling-Spice Christmas Tree Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Salads, dressings, and breakfast goodies are included too!

Give yourself the gift of Live Life Deliciously, and pick up copies for all your friends and family members who enjoy making new dishes or those who come home and stare into a fridge despairingly in the evenings.

It’s the season of abundance and Live Life Deliciously is FULL of all the good stuff needed to feed your family and your spirit. It’s been a long time since I’ve come across a cookbook I wanted to rave about, and this is it!

Order Live Life Deliciously

New Movies | '2 Hearts' & 'When Last We Spoke'

Two wonderful new family-friendly films will be released this month, 2 Hearts, and, When Last We Spoke.

---

Fair warning, 2 Hearts, starring Jacob Elordi, Adan Canto, Tiera Skovbye, and Radha Mitchell, which opens in theaters on October 16th, will require at least one full box of tissues!

Two separate love stories, in two separate decades, seem completely unrelated, until they aren't. When the connection is made, it us under unexpected, emotional, and powerful circumstances. 

Like all good stories, faith, hope, and charity are woven together in a tapestry of love that will leave you in that happy/sad reflective state, compelling  you to reach out to your loved ones, and remembering to treat each new day as a miraculous gift.

WATCH THE '2 Hearts' TRAILER 

---

When We Last Spoke - Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Sisters, Juliet and Evangeline, are dropped off with their grandparents, Walt and Ruby Cranbourne (Corbin Bernsen and Melissa Gilbert) when single parenting gets to be too much for their mother. 

Life becomes something none of them were expecting nor prepared for, but they do their best using love and laughter to navigate the tricky circumstances they find themselves in.

Love, faith, and forgiveness are the supportive branches to this family tree loaded with lovable nuts. 

WATCH THE ‘When Last We Spoke’ TRAILER

Stream It!

Ozark Chocolate Gravy

Recently, I found myself reminiscing about my grant-aunt and her chocolate gravy.

Though I was born and raised on the Oregon coast, my mother's family were transplants from the Ozark mountains. And, what they say about taking someone out of the country, but not taking the country out of them, was certainly true in this case.

Farmers turned timber workers, their customs, pronunciations, and foods were still very much reflective of generations of southern living.  While my grandmother for some reason, never cared for (or in her dialect "keered fer”) chocolate gravy, when her sister would visit, one of the first things she'd do is whip up a batch for us kids. 

Super sweet and rich, it's not something you'll want every day, but as the temps begin to dip, this southern comfort food might be very welcome some Sunday morning.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup baker’s cocoa powder

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups milk

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. In a medium sized saucepan, whisk together flour, cocoa, and sugar.

2. Pour milk into the mixture and whisk until well blended and smooth.

3. Cook over medium heat, until thickened (7-10 minutes); stirring frequently so that it doesn’t scorch.

4. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, stir vigorously until butter is melted.

5. Serve immediately over flaky biscuits, croissants, toast , or ??? your choice!

I like to put some fresh fruit out with this morning treat to help temper the melt-your-teeth sweet richness of it all! Red rip strawberries, thick orange slices, or peach wedges would all be perfect accompaniments.

Greek-Style Baked Cod

My nephew occasionally likes to flex his culinary muscles and serve up something delicious. Because he was evacuated from his Peace Corp volunteer position in Ecuador when the pandemic hit in March, he’s now living with his mom, and she benefits from his kitchen capers.

Recently he delighted her with this Greek-Style Baked Cod. Served alongside some creamy garlic orzo pasta and roasted cauliflower, it was a 5 star meal that left her bragging for the rest of the week. (We tend to do that about our kids, even when the great feat is making microwave popcorn without setting off the smoke alarm - but in this case it was warranted!)

This recipe calls for you to quickly pan-fry the cod pieces to brown, then place the cast-iron skillet (or other oven-proof cookware) into a hot oven to finish the cooking process. The citrus hits the palate first like a delightful little party, and the cod. light and flaky, is simply delicious! Enjoy!

Greek-Style Baked Cod:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)

• 2-3 teaspoons of minced garlic (5-6 cloves)  

• 5 tbsp fresh or bottled lime juice

• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 3/4 tsp sweet paprika 

• 3/4 tsp ground cumin 

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Mix lime juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl - set aside.

3. Mix flour, spices, salt and pepper in another bowl - set aside.

4. Dip fish in the lime and oil/butter, then dredge in flour mixture. Shake off excess flour. SAVE THE LIME JUICE MIX!!!

5. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place fish in hot oil, browning each side, but stopping shy of cooking through. Remove from heat.

6. Add minced garlic to the lime juice mix and pour over the cod pieces.

7. Place skillet with cod in preheated oven. Bake about 10 minutes. The fish should flake easily.

8. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.

9. Serve immediately with sides of choice!

Companies That Care

I am so very fortunate to have a number of show sponsors with truly good and generous hearts.

The world-wide coronavirus pandemic has affected us all, but some are in more vulnerable positions than others. I’d like to give these three companies a well deserved shout-out for looking beyond profit, reaching out a helping hand, and lifting people in ways big and small, today and every day.

Balsam Hill has been a passionate supporter not only of Point Hope, but of other caring programs as well, such as Operation Smile, a non-profit that provides surgeries for children in third world countries with cleft lips or palettes. Most recently, they’ve used their distribution warehouses to help provide food provisions to customers in need during the current pandemic and donated all profits back to local food banks.

Balsam Hill is celebrating Christmas in July all month long with the launch of their newly redesigned Fraser Fir Christmas tree! This is Balsam Hill's most realistic artificial tree yet with the shape, color, tips and silhouette more true to nature than any other. It may be mid-summer but I don’t think it’s ever too early to start dreaming about, and shopping for Christmas! 

Click to shop the Balsam Hill Christmas in July Sale HERE.  
You’ll love everything you see!

---

Eyes of Faith has brought purpose, passion, and style to the eyewear industry and optical community since 2009.  Dedicated to the idea of giving the gift of sight through mission work, and reflecting the love of Christ in the optical marketplace, a portion of every Eyes of Faith purchase supports Christian missions that provide new prescription glasses, readers, and sunglasses to people in need domestically and internationally.  

I was delighted to team with Eyes of Faith on the design of some beautiful eyeglass frames, that when purchased, help to build homes for orphans at Point Hope Village in Ghana, Africa! While the pandemic and resulting shut-down of retail operations has resulted in a significant impact on 2020 sales, Eyes of Faith is still halfway to building another home at Point Hope! 

In addition, when Plano Vision Center, one of Chicago's oldest vision care centers, was damaged and looted, Eyes of Faith donated frames that helped them to stay open and continue serving the community.

You can find out more about Eyes of Faith by visiting their website HERE.  

---

{save} has made local woman’s shelters and domestic abuse causes a priority during the coronavirus pandemic. They joined in the celebration of nurses during the month of May by creating opportunities to win products on their social media platforms.  This August, and the month’s ahead, {save} will be donating product to Operation Happy Nurse,  an incredible organization that helps to care for the caregivers; those who are truly on the front lines every day. 

{save} is a woman-owned skincare company designed for giving back. It was started with the concept of creating simple formulas without unnecessary additives and chemicals, inspired by natural resources, to protect skin from harsh environmental damage. {save} skincare products are free of additives and GMO’s and never use animal-testing.

Follow {save} on Facebook, and,
find out about their wonderful products and ways you can help give back HERE.  

---

Isn’t it wonderful to know that companies that care are out there?! I encourage you to give them some support so that they may continue their good work of supporting others!

Recipe | Sourdough Starter

I am so blessed to have a number of nieces and nephews, now grown into remarkable young men and women, that brighten my life in countless ways. One such niecey, Laurel, is a newly-wed living in Chicago and working from home like so many of us during these times.

Laurel is bright, beautiful, and always takes actions based on intent. Recently she shared her ambitious quarantine activity of creating her own sourdough starter, and the resulting loaf of bread she made with it made my mouth water!

In Laurels own words - here’s how she approached the project:

“Very thrilled with my first sourdough loaf!!

Everyone says baking is a science and an art, which are two things that are not necessarily my specialities (especially science). However, I've spent the last eight days creating a starter from scratch, sticking to a feeding schedule, and being amazed at its growth and change.

Many blogs said it would take between 5-14 days for my starter to be ready. Given my past experience with baking, I had prepared for the long haul and unsure if it would even work. When my starter was ready on day 6/7, I was shocked!

And through the 30 hour process of baking this loaf, I was filled with hopes, expectations, fears, and curiosity at each step.

I know this season of life is crazy. But it too is filled with hopes, expectations, fears, frustrations, and more. My situation is so different than yours, but I hope that even though none of us know how long this will take, I pray that it hits the short end of the range, just like my starter did. And if it doesn't, I pray you can still see change, growth, progress, and find joy in it. And still, if not that--if your starter dies or your bread burns or turns out horrible--I pray that you can begin again.”

Remember how bright and beautiful I said she was??? Yep! Now you know what I’m talking about! If you don’t have a friend like I do that will share a bit of their starter with you, here’s what you need to do to create your own!

Sourdough Starter Recipe

Ingredients:

To begin the starter -

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup cool water

To “feed” the starter:

• scant 1 cup Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

• 1/2 cup room-temperature water

Instructions:

1. Day 1: Combine the whole wheat flour with the cool water in a glass, crockery, stainless steel, or food-grade plastic container; a quart jar works perfectly!

2. Mix everything thoroughly - If you put a lid on tightly and shake vigorously, this works too. Make sure there's no dry flour anywhere. Cover the container loosely and let the mixture sit at warm room temperature (about 70°F) for a full 24 hours.

3. Day 2:  First things first, discard half of your mixture whether you see any activity or not (something is happening, trust me.)

4. Now add a scant 1 cup Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, and 1/2 cup water.

5. Mix well, cover loosely and let it set at room temperature for another 24 hours.

6. Day 3: By now you’ll probably see fermentation happening - bubbling, expansion, etc. Now your “baby” is big enough to need twice-daily feedings.

7. First, stir the starter thoroughly, then discard all but a generous 1/2 cup.

8. Next, add another scant 1 cup Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, and 1/2 cup water to the starter. Mix starter, flour, and water, cover loosely, and let the mixture rest at room temperature until the next feeding (at least 8 hours/ideally 12 before repeating.)

9. Day 4: Stir, then again measure out your generous 1/2 cup of starter that you will keep, discarding the rest.

10. Feed, wait 8-12 hours and repeat the measuring, discarding, feeding step two more times.

11. Day 5:  At the end of this day, your starter should be at least twice the size it was in the beginning, there should be lots and lots of bubbles, and it should smell fresh and tangy.

    If this isn’t what you’re seeing, repeat the measuring, discarding, feeding steps every 12 hours for 2-3 more days.

12. Measure, discard, and feed one last time, then let rest for 6-8 hours.

13. Follow the directions on your recipes of choice, using the amount of starter necessary.

    (It shouldn’t be more than about 1 cup.)

14. Find a crock or jar use for storing your 1/2 cup of starter long-term. The top should be secure enough to prevent spilling, but loose enough to allow air flow (to keep the cultures alive.) Store in the refrigerator.

15. Feed it once a week or more often if you are using frequently.

I hope your experiment goes splendidly and you are baking and making with your sourdough starter soon! What will you make?

Mother's Day Musts

There are many things to celebrate in the magical month of May, but none so splendid as Mother’s Day, the true (if I may say) Queen of the May!

Mother’s Day was always a special event when I was growing up; we celebrated with a multi-generational big Sunday brunch with either ham, turkey, or roast beef, sides, salads, and my Grandma’s home-made rolls. The flowers in bloom on the Oregon Coast by mid-May were enough to provide a handful of blossoms - azalea, forget-me-not’s, camilla and long-stemmed dandelions of course!. With a bouquet on the table and many hand-made cards on the mantle, we felt properly outfitted for the occasion.,

This Mother’s Day, many of us will return to the simpler ways that we look back on so fondly. And while I ALWAYS encourage hand-picked posies and Crayola colored cards, thanks to some of my incredible sponsors, I can recommend some more options for you - all available by order and delivered right to your mother’s door.

{SAVE}

I fell in love with {save} skin care products soon after the first box of samples arrived at my doorstep. This lovely line of products, made with exceptionally gentle formulas with 90-99% nature-derived ingredients, works to slow the skin’s aging process, and leaves my skin looking and feeling fresh and fabulous.

I’m especially proud to be partnering with {save} during this time of uncertainty, as they are committed to providing support to our community and some of the women who are disproportionately affected by the crisis. They are donating 10% of all on-line sales to Domestic Violence this month. Staying Strong Together - supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Sign up today and receive 20% off your order, as well as free shipping for orders totaling $19 or more. All mother’s deserve to be pampered. From cleansers to creams, moisturizers to masks, {save} products are the perfect way to pamper the mother’s in your life!

Shop {save}

BALSAM HILL

Balsam Hill has been a fabulous sponsor for several years now and one of the reasons I love them sooo much is because they GIVE BACK in a myriad of big and small ways. In addition to providing the most realistic Christmas trees, fall foliage, and spring florals, as well as spectacular seasonal decor items, they’ve made Point Hope (my favorite organization) a recipient of many charitable campaigns, and I am so so grateful!

Their spring floral collection is created using the latest technology and highest quality craftsmanship for stunning realism that will add cheerful elegance your door, your table, your entryway, and any other space in your home!

Today, I love them even more (if that’s possible,) because, as a response to the on-going COVID-19 crisis, my friends at Balsam Hill are repurposing some of their warehouses to ship bulk quantities of nonperishable foods and essential home items to serve those in need. They are committed to donating all profits from this endeavor to support food-based charities. From soup, to pasta, to paper goods, it’s available on a special Balsam Provisions page. Click here to shop, and share with those who may be in need or help during this difficult time!

Place your orders today for fabulous florals celebrating spring and the importance of mothers (grandmothers, godmothers, bonus mother’s, other mothers, and special aunties too!)

Shop Balsam Hill

ALEX AND ANI

ALEX AND ANI, a delightful new sponsor to the Delilah show, isn’t just another fun jewelry maker, they are a humanitarian company that has carefully crafted partnerships with over 50 nonprofit organizations from around the world to design and sell unique and elegant jewelry pieces. Proceeds from sales in their Charity By Design collection go towards supporting their global partners and a myriad of humanitarian causes.

Their special Mother’s Day collection including beaded and charmed bangles, lockets, and earrings, symbolize the unique bond of motherhood. My girls go ga-ga over their designs and it’s so much fun to wear pieces that are coordinated for mothers and daughters. Visit them today and be sure to shop their Spring Collection for 30% savings on great gifts for yourself or other special someone’s!

Shop ALEX AND ANI

Free-range chickens we are not these days! Mother hens and chicks alike are cooped up more than we’d like. But in between impromptu bouts of the chicken dance, we can read to while away the hours and immerse ourselves in alternate narratives of time and space. Recommendations? Oh yes!

GROWING GRATEFUL

In Growing Grateful, which is absolutely perfect for the situation we find ourselves to be in, Mary A. Kassian offers 101 meditations on the joy of being grateful even in the hardest times. Each entry contains a Bible verse, a devotion on gratitude, and a reflection question. Learn how to be:

• Grateful for God’s abiding presence.
• Grateful despite your circumstances.
• Grateful that God wants you to flourish.

I discovered long ago, that happiness, contentedness, and joy are all “inside jobs.” If we wait for someone or something to fulfill us, we will be perpetually disappointed, sad, or angry even. The secret (which isn’t so secret, but often illusive) is the ability to recognize and cultivate gratitude. Growing Grateful is a lovely, generous, and forgiving, assistant to help you on your journey to gratefullness - and a cheerful companion once you’ve arrived.

Order your copy of Growing Grateful

DAWGS

My book club pick for April, DAWGS, by Diane Trull is the story of how a 4th grade reading class, called to action by a newspaper photo of a box of puppies in need of homes, started an animal shelter in their town of Dalhart, Texas.

Those with a heart for animals, will absolutely LOVE this book! It is the perfect example of how a 4th grade teacher, her husband and family, and an amazing group of grade-schoolers leveraged their passion, knowledge, skills and talents to change the world one heart at at time! And it provides so much inspiration for others to do the same!

When you get your copy, you’ll hear all about that day at Allyn Finch Intermediate School, and the weeks, months, and challenges they faced ahead to make their mission of helping every animal find it’s way home.

Order your copy of DAWGS

LAKESHIRE PARK

When the month of March came striding in, bringing with it the first tender shoots of a green spring, romance came to mind, so I picked just the thing for my book club, Lakeshire Park, by Megan Walker, a lovely little romance set in Brighton, England, in the year 1820.

Two sisters, Amelia and Clara Moore, are about to find themselves without means or home… so what’s a girl to do back then but conjure a white knight - or at least a suitable bachelor - to sweep her off her feet and into stable circumstances? Join the sisters on their quest while rooting not only for them to find a roof over their head but, (dare we suggest it?) loving partners as well!

I loved reading romance novels when I was young, and I’m glad my girls can pick up a book like Lakeshire Park, and enjoy the historical details, the interesting characters, and the “happily ever after’s” without being subjected to much of the graphic nonsense that’s floating around out there these days.

Get your copy of Lakeshire Park

HOME SWEET HOME

For many people, and especially the moms out there with kids our of school, this is a very stressful time! Treat someone special to a trio of short, feel-good stories that can be enjoyed during breaks from demands of the day with Home Sweet Home.

THREE’S A CROWD * Fern Michaels
This Mother’s Day will be is extra special for Samantha’s parents who’ll be greeting their daughter after an extended absence, and meeting their baby granddaughter for the very first time. Join Samantha as she seeks stability for her baby and answers about herself.
 
NEW BEGINNINGS IN BLUE HOLLOW FALLS * Donna Kauffman
Blue Hollow Falls is where Katie MacMillan finds herself once again, helping with her sister’s pregnancy, revisiting old feelings, and pondering fresh new ones…
 
BRING ME HOME * Melissa Storm
Hazel Long’s bed-side visits with her father bring forth the unexpected gifts of friendship, (offered by other hospital visitors,) insight into the mother she barely knew, increased gratitude —and the kindness of a handsome male nurse.

Order your copy of HOME SWEET HOME

I know that the idea of shopping right now is enough to create an extra layer of stress to an already intense time of anxiety and worry. That’s why I made all the recommendations on my Mother’s Day Musts list available via on-line shopping. I also understand if economic concerns make gift-buying not much of a reality for you right now, and if that’s the case, I promise you that a handful of pretty posies and a handmade card, delivered on a breakfast tray with toast, jam, and steaming cup of coffee or tea will send the message to the mother in your life that she is special, loved, and honored. So gifts, or no gifts, I encourage you to make this gesture.

If your circumstances allow for some discretionary spending, I stand behind my recommendations and the many companies with conscious with whom I partner. Pampering products, home decor, jewelry, and books are all things the revered women in our lives love and deserve when possible.

To all mothers and women who have made a difference in a child’s life, I thank you and wish you a very special Mother’s Day. May the Lord bless and keep you,

Hot Cross Buns

Easter Sunday is April 12, and not even the coronavirus can stop the holiest of holy days from arriving and blessing our lives! It will definitely be celebrated differently this year, no church services or community egg hunts, but perhaps the season will be even more meaningful, as we have been given (forced!) time to pause and to praise.

We will worship as a family, have a small egg hunt in the yard, and eat together. Of course there will be deviled eggs, and this year, thanks to a little inspiration from my niece, Charisa, we’ll all enjoy a traditional hot cross bun, with the non-traditional twist of chocolate chips instead of raisins or currants (which I would prefer, but my children will definitely like these better!)

These orange flavored spiced buns, loaded with treats, and marked with the sign of the cross will be a welcome addition to your Easter meal, whomever you’re enjoying it with, even if it’s just you! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons fast-acting yeast

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

• 1 cup milk, warmed

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• Zest of 1 large orange

For the crosses:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 cup water

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup orange juice

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and spice. Stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Make a well in the center of the mixture, and add the milk, butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix well, then bring everything together with your hands to form a sticky dough.

3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl.

4. Cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Divide the dough into 12 balls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and leave to rise in a warm place for another hour, or until they are touching and doubled in size. (Coating the plastic wrap on the side touching the buns with cooking spray will help prevent sticking.)

6. For the crosses, whisk together the flour and sugar. Stir in the water until smooth. Place into a piping bag (use a zip-lock baggie with the corner snipped away) and pipe crosses over the buns.

7. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes, or until risen and golden brown.

8. For the glaze, gently heat the sugar and orange juice in the microwave until the sugar has dissolved. Brush the glaze over the hot buns, and serve warm.

10 Million Hope Masks Challenge!

Hospitals and clinics across America are anticipating a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as the number of COVID-19 patients rise. I am asking everyone that may have a store of much needed PPE’s to please donate them to a local clinic or hospital!

These include:

Forman Supply Company

• Masks

  • N95 masks (clinical or industrial)

  • Surgical masks

• Face/eye protection

  • Face shields (medical grade)

  • Goggles (medical grade)

• Gowns

  • Isolation gowns

  • Surgical gowns

  • Tyvek suits

• Gloves

  • Examination gloves

  • Surgical gloves

PPE’s are commonly used by businesses in manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, industrial clean-up, and many more.  For example, paint spraying, wood-working, metal working ( such as welding, sanding/polishing,) machine or auto maintenance, general industrial clean-up and processing including abatement/remediation, agriculture, and those that work with herbicides and pesticides, house cleaning, spas, hair, and nail salons. All of these businesses purchase and utilize PPE’s that are sorely needed back in the medical community to protect our healthcare workers!

If you, or anyone you know, has access to a quantity of these items, please please please get them to where they will do the most good right now. Your stock can be replenished when the coronavirus pandemic has subsided and we are back to some semblance of normality.

And, if you are associated with any type of manufacturing that could produce these items, I so hope that you will! My brother has temporarily suspended normal operations of his metal fabrication business to make face shields. I am so proud of him!

If you do not have access to PPEs, and are not in the manufacturing sector, you can still help!

Join me and thousands of others across the country in sewing cloth face masks and donating them to the medical community. I’m calling upon all my listeners to help me in my Hope Masks efforts!

In addition to providing masks for the medical community, there are several encouraging reports demonstrating that face masks worn by the general public can help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The age-old advice of “cover your cough” is something I feel we should all be taking, and encouraging others to do the same.

Because one can be contagious weeks before noticing any symptoms, or in fact, without EVER becoming symptomatic, treating ourselves as potential carriers is a wise practice. So, make masks for yourself and your family members too, wear them when venturing out to the grocery store or other public places. Choose a fabric that you love and rock those masks!

Instructions from Deaconess, with a pattern from The Turban Project,*
and How-To video can be found HERE.

And a tutorial created by JoAnn Fabrics can be found HERE.

With all my girls and my mother-in-law helping with the effort, we’ve been able to make over 100 masks in less than a week. It’s an activity that has brought us together for conversation, laughter, and skill building, all in an effort to help others.

Having something meaningful to do with your hands and heart is good for you and those your efforts will support!

Join my 10 Million Mask Challenge!

Use hashtags #hopemasks #10millionmasks #radiodelilah

Bacon & Cheddar Doggie Biscuits

In the midst of all this holiday cooking and gathering around our friends and family, let’s not forget about our furry friends!

When it comes to doggies biscuits, I tend to stick to simple and whole food recipes to ensure my pals are getting tasty and nutritious treats!

And when one of my lovely friends sent me photos of the treats she just made her pups I HAD to share them, (with permission of course!) Luckily, she loves to document her recipes through photos and agreed to send them my way! She also confirmed that they were DEVOURED, because they were so yummy!

Here’s the recipe and instructions so you have something to share with your four-legged “fur babies.” No pets of your own? Your friends and neighbors will be touched if you were to gift some to theirs!

Ingredients:

• Oat Flour - 3 Cups

• Bacon (cooked and crumbled) - 8 Strips

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese - 2 Cups

• Eggs - 4

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Add oat flour, bacon, and cheese to a food processor and combine until the ingredients reach a crumble like texture.

3. Then add your eggs

4. Mix

5. Sprinkle flour out onto flat surface and roll the dough out until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Using the cookie cutter of your choice (I used little stars) begin to cut dough into desired shape.

6. Transfer treats onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

7. Bake for 20 minutes

8. Let cool and then store in your favorite container!

Depending on the size of your cookie cutter this recipe can make 3-4 dozen treats!

“I hope your fur babies enjoy these yummy treats as much as mine did!”
- Angelina