WONDER | November Book Club

WONDER | November Book Club
by R.J. Palacio
Now a major motion picture

WATCH THE TRAILER

If they are going to start making movies like this, we are going to have to replace our definition of Real - vs - Hollywood.

WONDER, the movie, is based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name by R.J. Palacio. It is the story of an ordinary boy born into an unordinary body; one with facial differences that required multiple surgeries and kept him out of mainstream school settings until now.

When Auggie enters the %th grade at Beacher Prep, he becomes the most unlikely of heroes as his new classmates, and the community at large, struggle to find their compassion and acceptance. Auggie's extraordinary journey unites the community and proves that,

“You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”

WONDER will be in theaters on November 17th. It has a fantastic cast starring many of my favorites; Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Mandy Patinkin, Daveed Diggs and Izabela Vidovic. 

Hollywood just got real.  

BUY THE BOOK

From Tricks to Tinsel, Mantle Makeover Giveaway with Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill approached me this year with the idea of giving away some quality, realistic foliage that will take your mantle from Halloween through New Year's by swapping out a variety of accessories and timely seasonal pieces. Wreath, garland, candles and candle sticks can remain in place looking splendid throughout.

We paired up on "From Tricks to Tinsel, Mantle Make-Over Sweepstakes" where you can enter to win:

A White Berry Cypress Wreath and Garland (pre-lit,)
Set of 3 Faux Bois candle sticks in walnut, and
Three Miracle Flame Wax Pillar Candles.
Arms Full of Love, book by Delilah
Autographed photo of Delilah

Check out the inspiration photos at top to see how you might integrate your win with other fabulous Balsam Hill items to create a mantle that says WOW (or meow - your choice!)

Balsam Hill is the leader in realistic artificial Christmas Trees, beautiful spring florals and fall decor. Be sure to check out all their quality offerings at BalsamHill.com.

ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES NOW

Same Kind of Different as Me | October Book Club

October Book Club | Same Kind of Different As Me
by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

BUY THE BOOK

On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln approved the Joint Resolution of Congress submitting the proposed 13th amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States, to the state legislatures.

Astonishingly, entire families were held virtual captive in rural areas of the south, made to pick cotton, clean houses, take punishments and abuse, and live in squalid conditions for a nearly a century more; in rare cases up until the 1960’s!

In Same Kind of Different As Me, you’ll meet Denver, a man raised under this type of plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s. He escaped, but what does a man unused to the modern world, and bitter to the soul do with his new-found freedom? He wandered, homeless, angry, and hostile, for 18 years in Dallas, Texas. 

You’ll also meet Ron, and international arts dealer, who’s lived a life so completely opposite that of Denver, that it’s difficult to mention them in the same breath.

And then there is Deborah, Ron’s wife, who is currently being held by a different hostage-taker, cancer.

How they all come together is, of course, a God thing. Deborah believed in the power of prayer, and listened intently for direction from God. She obeyed what she believe He was telling her to do, and charges her husband to rescue a dangerous homeless man… Thus an unlikely trio was formed.

Same Kind of Different As Me is the emotional tale of their story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, a story of how one woman’s faith and trust in GOD saved a life.

Now an inspirational film with the all-star cast of Greg Kinnear, Renee Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, and Jon Voight, you can pick up the book at any booksellers, and find the movie in theaters on Oct 20th. 
 

WATCH THE TRAILER

Classic Beignets | "Cookin' it! With Kix"

Classic Beignets

Here's a great recipe to treat the special mother in your life with from Cookin' It! with Kix, adult supervision definitely required!

I'd melt if I were served this on a tray with a cup of tea, a link or two of sausage and some fresh raspberries, strawberries, or peaches... hopefully a dandylion or two as well.

Ingredients:

•         Vegetable oil, for deep frying

•         2 eggs

•         1 1/2 cups purpose flour

•         3/4 cup whole milk

•         1 tablespoon sugar

•         1 teaspoon

•         1/4 teaspoon salt

•         Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

•         1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Pour enough oil to come halfway up the sides of a large, heavy deep pot. Heat the oil over high heat for 360 degrees.

2. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl.

3. Add the flour, milk, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Whisk well to make a smooth batter.

5. Fry in batches, without crowding; drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the pot of oil. Fry, turning the beignets occasionally, until evenly browned. This could take several minutes. The best test is to take one out, cut it in half, and see if it's done in the middle. Use a slotted metal spoon to transfer the beignets to paper towels to drain.

6. Sift the powdered sugar onto the beignets, and serve immediately for breakfast or brunch.

Deliver (in bed) to the mom in your life and you probably won't have to do laundry for a month (no promises!)