Promised | June Book Club

Buy Promised

“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Or so thought Margaret after she gave her heart to someone only to have it broken. She vowed this would never happen again.

Promised, by Leah Garriott, my June Book Club pick, is another delightful period-piece romance, set in Warwickshire, England, in the year 1812. It’s in the same collection that gave us Lakeshire Park, in March, Proper Romance®.

Margaret Brinton believes she’s devised an effective plan; marry someone that would mollify those whom demand a match, but choose a suitor that does not incite any real feelings, and thus protect her heart from further injury. But the plan goes awry and Margaret finds that her father has already promised her to a man that does, in fact, rouse some strong emotion in her - loathing…

This is the kind of romance fans of Jane Austen will embrace. It has memorable characters, plenty of plot twists, and is rich with historical detail. I’m going to love putting Promised, and Margaret Brinton in the hands of my young teenaged girls, and then watch the emotions cross their faces with each twist and turn, as the story unfolds before them.

Order Your Copy of Promised

Music! Music! Music! | Music Notes

What’s new under the sun? MUSIC!

There is so much new music being released, and with tours cancelled world-wide, it’s up to radio and other media to get it to you! So here’s three to make you feel good while grounded:

KATY PERRY: “Daisies”

Soon to be mama, Katy, introduced her forthcoming 5th full-length album on May 15 with the single “Daisies".

Positive, powerful, and (dare I say it?) FRESH as a daisy… I know you and I are equally happy to welcome the single and eventually - in August!!! - the whole album, into our summer play list!

WATCH the Video
BUY link

for KING & COUNTRY: “Together”

With a new song and video, Grammy Award-winning music duo, for KING & COUNTRY, remind listeners what it means to be "Together" in this beautifully written and performed new single featuring Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin.

Reflecting the reality of the times, the “Together” video couldn’t be produced on a stage set, so it features video shot in the artist’s homes with fan-submitted messages of all the emotions felt during the coronavirus pandemic; loss, love, strength, and humor.

"And if we fall, we will fall together/ Together. And when we rise, we will rise together/ Together." 

WATCH the Video
BUY link

TIM MCGRAW: “I Called Mama”

As he often does, Tim made me cry with his latest, “I Called Mama", released before Mother’s Day this year.

Tim captures just how cathartic it can be to hear that familiar voice that makes you feel like whatever the issue, everything is going to work out ok in the end.

Right now we’re all wanting reassurance, so for those who can, call your mama - for those who can’t, be a compassionate ear for someone who may need it, and listen to this great new tune!

WATCH
BUY link

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?

Her Mother’s Hope & Her Daughter’s Dream | May Book Club

For the month of May, I have a special treat for my book club readers, a hefty pair of books, well-researched and rich in history and content, tracing four generations of women; Her Mother’s Hope & Her Daughter’s Dream, by Francine Rivers.

Born in Switzerland at the turn of the century, matriarch Marta Schneider Waltert is strong, capable, and fiercely independent (perhaps to her detriment at times). Her story begins at the hearthside of her family of origin with a kind, but sickly and subservient mother, a handsome older brother, and a beautiful but incapable younger sister. The lion’s share of work—as well as the scorn and abuse of her domineering and drunken father—often falls to middle child, plain Marta.

You’ll want to come along on the journey that takes Marta first to Germany, then France, and on to London before an ocean voyage deposits her as a lone female emigrant on Canada’s shores just before the first World War. And as she, her husband, and three small children, travel to the farming epicenter of California’s Central Valley, where this band of outsiders build their forever lives. Her struggles help to shape her into a wise and resilient woman, but no one would describe her as a tender mother, least of all her own middle child, Hildemara (Hildie).

Her Mother’s Hope, the first of the two books, ends with Marta, older and widowed, recognizing that she has been unduly harsh on Hildie, which she’s justified because she believed a terrible fate might have befallen her frail daughter if tough love weren’t employed early and often.

Her Daughter’s Dream picks up where the first story leaves off. . . Hildie is married with two children of her own and unwittingly repeating some of the same parenting patterns that left her wondering if she was ever loved by her mother. Her daughter, Carolyn, suffers abuse by a neighbor when she’s a young girl, and fear and shame cause her to keep the dark secret. We feel the years pass, and the rifts between generations widen.

The Vietnam War exacts its toll on this family as they lose a son to the conflict and Carolyn to her inner demons. Returning home from the stupors of Haight-Ashbury and months of homelessness, her parents are first relieved, then pained anew when Carolyn realizes she’s pregnant. Her baby, May Flower Dawn, is a salvation, but Hildie and Carolyn are locked in a battle for the little girl’s affections from the beginning, each misunderstanding the other just as Hildemara and Marta had.

One might wonder if history is indeed doomed to repeat itself despite everyone’s best effort, until Dawn herself is poised to become a mother. Bringing her child into the world isn’t her only mission; she’s determined to open up the old wounds in her family so that this time they may heal properly.

Through it all, the years, the experiences, the hopes and hardships, it is faith to which these women tether their stars, and it is He who guides them to truth and understanding.

From the publisher: This is a story about the foundational and often-challenging relationships between mothers, daughters, and grandchildren, and the best gifts we hope to leave behind. It is a story that will resonate across generations of readers who will likely recognize a piece of themselves in one of the four women. Marta’s legacy is one of faith and love passed down by a woman who heard from her own mother about God’s good plans for her future. Her story—and one that also becomes her daughter’s, granddaughter’s, and great-granddaughter’s—is a legacy of resilience: of moving past physical and emotional abuse, of overcoming loss and achieving prosperity, and of surviving in the face of war and cultural upheaval. It is an encouragement to mothers and daughters to never give up on the effort to love each other. It is also about the tenacious love of family and the hope that God can be trusted with our lives in every generation.

Many of us have a little more time on our hands than usual these days, and I wasn’t exaggerating when I said these are hefty books. They are not a light or simple read, but hearty in prose and not lacking in meaningful details and descriptions so exquisite, it’s easy to close your eyes for a moment and be transported to the Swiss Alps, the Royal Kew Gardens, the boughs of an almond tree in full bloom . . .

Take a long and lovely journey without ever leaving your home in Her Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream; perfect Mother’s Day gifts as well!

Order Both Today!

Her Mother’s Hope Her Daughter’s Dream

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.

DAWGS | April Book Club

by Diane Trull
with Meredith Wargo

Order your copy of DAWGS

We’ve all seen them, the cardboard boxes outside grocery stores and gas stations, filled with a litter of puppies… and we’ve all felt the tug. But most of us find a way to talk ourselves down from the impulse to arrive home from our errand with a new family pet (or pets!) Usually I do too - but not always - I‘m a sucker for a puppy or a matted stray in need of a loving home, and my family does little more than raise an eyebrow when another “Buddy” or “Lobo” or “Scaredy Cat” join the circus at the farm…

My book club pick for April was born of a scene just like the one I described above. You’ll get the history, and many touching vignettes, on the special animals and special people of DAWGS, by Diane Trull. It’s 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.

I’m not kidding, that’s exactly how it happened. Ms. Trull was working with one student on reading aloud skills, when she was repeatedly interrupted by a group of other students who had a LOT of questions about this picture. “Where did the puppies come from?” “Who’s going to take care of them?” (And the big one…) “What happens to them if they don’t find families???”

And that is how the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary - DAWGS - was born! But I’m not going to tell you anymore, because Diana Trull already has! When you get your copy, you’ll hear all about that day at Allyn Finch Intermediate School, and the weeks, months, and challenges she and the students faced to make their mission of helping every animal find it’s way home.

If you have a heart for animals, you 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 you to do the same!

Join this ambitious group of 2-legged care-givers and their 4-legged clients, such as Princess Mitzy - the Pekinese, Sweetpea - the miniature Pinscher, Stewie - the tiny Tuxedo cat, and many others on their journeys to forever homes and an ever-widening circle of love.

DAWGS is on sale now, just when we need some uplifting stories to help us through a difficult time!

Get your copy HERE

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

Rustic Mixed Berry Tart

It’s almost “Pi Day!” 3.14 happens on Saturday this year, and there’s no better day for making or eating pie than a weekend!

I’ve got a freezer full of berries from last year’s farm bounty. Blueberries, Marion Berries, Raspberries, and Gooseberries… Sometimes the purest in me likes a straight-up blackberry pie, or nostalgia reminds me of how my Grandpa Mac loved his gooseberry pie and I’ll feel the need to put one together, but for “Pi Day” this year, I’ll toss together a couple-three bags of whatever I grab from the freezer and make this rustic mixed berry tart.

I love the term “rustic” because it means I don’t even have to pretend I can make a pretty pie crust. I can’t, and moreover, I don’t want to! I leave that up to my talented baker friends who have time and passion I can’t muster for something that’s just going to be devoured by my tribe in minutes.

This is pretty in it’s own way however, and the sprinkling of raw sugar gives it a certain appeal that lattice work doesn’t hold… So grab some berries from your freezer (or the nearest frozen grocery aisle) and get to baking. Happy Pi Day!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp. table salt

• 5-1/2 oz. (11 Tbs.) unsalted butter, cold, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 large egg yolk

• 3 Tbs. whole milk

For the filling:

• 4 - 5 cups mixed berries, your choice!

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

• 1 Tbs. all-purpose flour

• 1/8 tsp. kosher salt

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 Tbs. raw sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

Make the dough:

• Place a large piece of parchment paper onto a somewhat heavy, rimmed baking sheet; set aside.

• Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, then add the butter and mix on low until mixture resembles coarse crumbs - about 2 minutes. (If mixing by hand, use a pastry cutter or two forks).

• In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk thoroughly, then add to flour mixture and beat, on low, until the dough begins to come together.

• Turn the dough out onto pastry mat, and knead gently until it has a slightly elastic consistency.

• Create a ball of dough, place onto a sheet of plastic wrap, press it into thick flat disc, wrap it, and place in refrigerator to rest for 20 minutes.

• Remove from the refrigerator and allow to warm slightly if too cool to handle. Place some flour onto the pastry mat, and roll into a 13-15 inch round.

• Transfer rolled dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Fill the tart:

• Pre-Heat oven to 350°.

• Toss the berry mixture with the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt n a large bowl. Add a little more sugar if using very tart berries.

• Dump the berry mix in the center of the rolled dough, and leave about a 2-3 inch border. Fold the border over the top of the fruit in a somewhat rustic manner, to prevent berries from spilling out during baking.

• Brush the dough evenly with the beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over the top of dough and fruit.

• Bake until golden brown - about 55 minutes - expect some juices to leak onto the baking sheet.

• Allow to cool on baking sheet or transfer to cooling rack. Slide onto a serving platter before slicing and serving. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a delicious addition!

Tasty Lentil Coconut Curry

Whole grains and legumes are packed with fiber and nutrients. I love cooking with them and serving them up to my family, but sometimes I get stuck in a rut. Does this sound like you?

That’s why I was excited when a friend brought over this super yummy lentil coconut curry dish for us to try. It was packed full of fresh ingredients, flavor, and fiber, and it was oh-so filling!

It would be a perfect dish to try on a “Meatless Monday,” if you’re into that. I really enjoyed the leftovers as they seemed to be even more flavorful after all the spices and ingredients had a chance to hang out together over-night in my fridge.

Give this a try and let me know what you think!

ps - I added a “Supercheat” if you are more like me than we sometimes want to admit, and find yourself long on intention, but short on time or patience… scroll to the bottom for my suggestion.

Lentil Coconut Curry

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

• 1 full head of garlic, chopped

• 1 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 teaspoons sea salt

• 1 cup dried lentils

•  3 cups of water

• 1 13-ounce can of coconut milk 

• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Using a large pot or skillet, saute’ chopped garlic in coconut oil over medium-high heat until softened and a bit browned. 2-3 minutes

2. Add diced tomatoes, grated ginger, cumin, turmeric, and sea salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring the mixture so that it heats evenly and does not stick to bottom of pot.

3. Add the water, dry lentils, and the cayenne pepper to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and have softened. Stir a few times so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

4. Once mixture has thickened, and the lentils are soft, add the coconut milk and bring the pot back to simmer for a few minutes.

5. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro before serving over basmati or jasmine rice.

Supercheat:
Use a can of diced tomatoes, a can (or two) of lentils, a couple large dollops of curry paste, a can of coconut milk, and finish off with fresh cilantro. No, it won’t be as good, but it will still be yummy, warm, and filling!

New Movie | "I Still Believe"

There is a phenomenal new movie coming to theaters this spring. “I Still Believe” the true story of Jeremy Camp, is available OnDemand, Friday March 27th!

OnDemand Download Here

Camp, as many of you know, is a Grammy-nominated Christian singer and songwriter. He’s sold more than 5 million albums and has fans world-wide. He, and his music, which includes singles “There Will Be A Day,” and “Overcome,” (as well as many many more) are so beloved, he’s become nearly legendary.

I can say the film is phenomenal because I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak! (This radio thing has it perks!) It covers the very personal journey of faith, hope, love… and music that Camp undertook with his first wife, Melissa. It’s got a star-studded cast that includes K.J. Apa and Britt Robertson as Jeremy and Melissa, with Gary Sinese and Shania Twain portraying his parents.

The film does a beautiful job of demonstrating how God can, and will, carry us through the toughest of times.

Watch the Trailer on Facebook

You wouldn’t expect a film like this to have anything but incredible music, and I Still Believe doesn’t disappoint. Thankfully, the soundtrack will be available digitally on March 20, shortly after the film is released on the 13th. 

Lakeshire Park | March Book Club

Order Lakeshire Park

The month of March just came striding in, bringing with it the first tender shoots of a green spring. And nothing goes hand-in-hand with spring better than romance…

Lakeshire Park, by Megan Walker, is my book pick for this month. It’s 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?

If only it were that easy!

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!

Here’s what the publishers have to say about the PROPER ROMANCE ® line:

These books don’t have sex, swearing or graphic violence. They are ‘books your grandma would read.’

Step into a world of clean, smart, and engaging romance stories with a strong, relatable heroine and a devastatingly handsome hero! Our series seeks to tell stories filled with intrigue, flirtation, and that much anticipated kiss that will never embarrass the reader. These stories feature wonderful characters, obstacles to overcome, and happy endings. 

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.

Just to make sure, I’ll give them a read myself, perhaps with a picnic, on a blanket spread under a tree full of cherry blossoms… Ah, romance!

Lakeshire Park, the 30th book in the Proper Romance line, is available now!

Get your copy HERE.

Music Notes | Sam Smith: "To Die For"

Sam Smith is about to drop a brand new album on May 1st!

But before we get to dive into the full meal deal, the Grammy award-winning artist served us up a Valentine’s Day appetizer in the form of a single; the first song and also the title track from the album, “To Die For.”

Watch the Video!

Sam has been a listener favorite, and often requested artist since the US breakthrough “Stay With Me,” now certified 4x platinum with over a BILLION streams on Spotify. That, along with “I’m Not The Only One,” and many many more are requested so frequently, I’ve lost count how often!

photo by Walter Pfeiffer

“Releasing this song is going to be a wild one – I feel like it’s from one of the deepest parts of me,” explains Sam Smith. “I wrote this with Jimmy Napes and Stargate in L.A. during a time of self-discovery and heartbreak. This is for all the lonely hearts out there on another Valentine’s Day xx.”

I know this too will become a perennial favorite!

Here's the link to “To Die For.”  
Pre-order the album HERE!

Recipe | Cake Batter Protein Bites

Love is in the air…

Valentine’s Day might have been conceived as a marketing ploy by the holiday card companies but it is one of my favorite days of the year. And while my motto is to Love Someone all year long, it is nice that there’s a whole 24 hours dedicated to spending quality time with your sweetheart (or whomever it is you love & adore).

Baking an entire cake from scratch on a weekday is a find aspiration, but sometimes just isn’t in the cards (heart-shaped ones or not!) because of our busy lives. So often, we’re then tempted to grab something from the nearest grocery or convenience mart that comes in a box and is guaranteed to be full of processed coloring and added sugars.

So, if you are anything like me and are trying to stay healthy-ish as we embark upon a new decade, but still want to enjoy a sweet TREAT this Valentine’s Day…do I have a sweetheart of a deal for you with these delicious little protein bites!

CAKE BATTER PROTEIN BITES

NO BAKING REQUIRED!
Serving Size: 18-20

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Coconut Flakes

• 3 cups Organic Coconut Oil, melted

• 3/4 cup Almond Flour

• 6 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

• 3/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder

• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt

• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix with hand mixer or by using your hands until all ingredients are well-combined.

3. Scoop out heaping spoonfulls of mixture and roll between hands to form small balls.

4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

5. Refrigerate until firm - at least 30 minutes - transfer to bowl or sealed Tupperware and store in refrigerator until ready to eat - up to one week.

*For a softer “bite” remove portions from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before eating.

Bon Appetit!

Lionheart | February Book Club

by David Francisco Platillero

Get Lionheart

About a year ago, I ran across one of the most touching videos on Facebook… it was a wedding proposal in the sweetest of settings, a wooded area with sparkling twinkly lights, and two of the most beautifully earnest people who were obviously over-the-moon in love. The man walked with the aid of forearm crutches, before getting to his knees, and from the second she realized what was unfolding, the woman was crying…

Watch the proposal video

Fast forward to an email I received a few weeks back telling me that the man kneeling in that video had written a book and recorded a music CD chronicling his journey - their journey - of “love, forgiveness, and the power of music.”

David Francisco Platillero is his name, and the first 24 years of his life read a bit like an American fairy tale; a happy, smart, and capable kid growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee with a loving, supportive family.

Involved in church, school, and music, and very very active, David went on to college and got a degree in electrical engineering, but soon decided that music, and music production, was where his heart and his passion lie. So in April of 2016, he packed up a few belongings and headed to Nashville where he’d enrolled in The Blackbird Academy (Owned by John and Martina McBride) to become the best music producer he could be.

23 days later the world David knew stopped. He was hit while riding his bicycle by a distracted driver, gravely injured, and told he would never walk again.

On February 14, 2020 his book, Lionheart, and the accompanying CD will be released. (I got an advanced copy!) Chapter by chapter, David recounts the days after the accident. Lionheart is an eloquent self-portrait of the talented musical artist that captures the pain, the progress the lessons, the love, and the miracles that define David’s new life.

By no coincidence, the chapters and song titles match, and David’s recommendation is that you read a chapter and then listen to the corresponding song for the story to be an experiential one for you, the reader, as well as for him, the writer. “Lionheart is a book. Lionheart is a CD. Lionheart is a movement that aims to empower people to find purpose.”

David and his bride, Kristi, joined me recently on LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah to record a podcast, which will drop a little later this month. Get the book and the music CD before that happens and then make sure to listen in! The story will amaze and inspire you and his music is so so good!!!!

Find it all at DavidFranciscoMusic.com!

Music Notes | Celine Dion: "COURAGE"

After six looooong years of waiting, a new Celine Dion album is here! Courage, her 12th English language album was released in November and it is being received with much excitement and gratitude!

Buy Courage

Celine is a staple of my radio program. Countless numbers of callers have requested her music for all of life’s celebrations; new loves, old loves, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, adoptions, promotions and parties, there’s a Celine song for that!

Courage, her new album, is all about where Celine is right now in her life - and not surprising, will resonate with millions of her fans that’ll hear a little of themselves in her music. She’s learning to live without her husband by her side, but instead within her heart. She’s watching her boys grow and change and championing their growth as well as her own. She’s on tour by herself for the first time, since the kids are involved in school and sports and in very good hands back home.

It’s a time of intense challenge, discovery, and COURAGE!

We’re chatting about it in an upcoming podcast on LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, so be watching for it to drop on Tuesday, 1/28!

Be sure to pick up COURAGE and if you have the opportunity, get yourself tickets to her Courage World Tour!

Celine Dion Web Site

Work in Progress | January Book Club

Work In Progress

Are you living your life by design or by default? That’s the question my January Book Club pick, Work In Progress, begs.

I’ve often told the story of how I was fired from one radio job after another before finally landing in the role I’ve had since 2002; Nationally syndicated radio personality and owner of my own production company. Oh, my friends, there is soooo much truth in the axiom, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” I’m a stronger, more confident, and much more successful person that I would have been had I stayed in one of those earlier, low-paying, single market jobs.

Work In Progress, is another story of failure leading to success, this one told by a sibling duo originally from suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now known as the king and queen of eclectic-design chic with their own HGTV show.

Leanne Ford and Steve Ford were born with creative spirits that manifest themselves in unique and unexpected ways. Their design aesthetics weren’t always embraced by mainstream, but by allowing their inner voices to guide them, and by never giving up, and never letting fear get in the way of a great idea, they too fell upon the perfect platform for their passions and abilities.

So what’s this book going to do for you? Well, Leanne and Steve want to know what makes you feel most ALIVE?! And once you’ve answered that question, they want you to take that passion and use it to see your dreams become your realities. They hope that by not only sharing their story, but also a few secrets, and some tried and true processes, they can help you navigate the many mine-fields that growth and success place in your path, and help you to realize the big-picture plan for your life.

As they see it, life is a creative process and at the end of each chapter, Leanne and Steve will ask questions to help you design an extraordinary life. Because, it's NEVER too late to pursue your next dream!

Pick up Work In Progress HERE

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

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

Want a tasty and healthful side-dish for one of the many holiday meals you’ll be hosting or contributing to? I’ve got just the thing! This delicious - and super easy - Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower!

While I LOVE my green-bean casseroles as much as the next person, I know that more than a small helping each season would be considered an over-indulgence. This dish, whose star players are making headlines ‘round the globe for their nutritious, high-fiber and inflammatory properties, has no such guilt attached. I can (and did!) go back for seconds (or thirds) and feel GOOD about myself for doing so.

Roasting the cauliflower in a HOT oven, crisps and browns the edges and gives it a little bit of a sweet taste, which plays off the earthy turmeric spice in a lovely way. The garlic and sweet red pepper adds depth that would be missing if it were just roasted on its own.

If you want to add even more texture to the palate, and create a heartier side, top it with some roasted pumpkin seeds. (sunflower seeds or even slivered almonds wold work too!)

This photo was taken at a family Thanksgiving gathering, where even my grandkids dug in - No better endorsement than that!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1 florets

• 1 sweet red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces

• large head of garlic, peeled and minced

• 1 Tablespoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• kosher salt

• olive oil

• roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 

2. Trim the leaves and remove the core of the cauliflower, then cut into florets about 1-1/2”. Place them in a large mixing bowl. 

3. Add the bell pepper and minced garlic

4. Drizzle a liberal amount (1/8 - 1/4 cup) of olive oil over the vegetable mixture and turn several times to coat.

5. In a small bowl, combine turmeric, white pepper, paprika, and good dash or two of kosher salt. Mix. Shake over cauliflower, pepper and garlic, toss together until evenly coated with oil and spices.

6. Spread in an even layer onto a large baking sheet.

7. Roast in a hot oven for 20-30 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender but not overly soft, and nicely browned and crisp in several places.

8. For an added crunch and heartiness, sprinkle with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds.

9. Serve hot.

Nerves of Steel | December Book Club

NERVES OF STEEL

Like me, when hearing stories that involve amazing feats of incredible strength, character and composure, you probably ask yourself, “How were they able to DO that?!” and, “Would I have been able to do it?”

And, like me, you’ve probably heard the story of Southwest Airlines Flight #1380, when on April 17, 2018, a Boeing 737 experienced catastrophic engine failure causing an explosion that severed hydraulic and fuel lines, tore away sections of the plane, punctured a window, and took a woman’s life…

Were those your questions about Captain Tammie Jo Shults, and her first officer, Darren Ellisor, who were able to somehow stabilize the aircraft and safely land, saving 148 people aboard? They were certainly a few of mine!

Nerves of Steel, my December pick for the Delilah’s Book Club is going to provide the answers and so much more!

This is Tammie Jo’s story; the daughter of a humble rancher who became one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilots. The book will tell you how she became a flight instructor, and after leaving the Navy, a commercial airline pilot, and how she developed the skill set, along with the thick skin and the self assurance needed to persevere through the many obstacles and set-backs she faced before that fateful April day.

When you’ve had THOSE questions answered, you’ll know just what kind of person, and what kind of pilot she is, and you’ll have a much better idea of the internal power she was able to draw from to get that plane under control and back on the ground without any additional lives lost

At no point in her life or her career was Tammie Jo promised success. In fact, she faced opposition at every turn. But she only allowed that to fuel her desire to succeed. And so, 20 minutes into a routine domestic flight (that she wasn’t even originally scheduled be on, ) when everything went terribly terribly wrong, Tammi Jo Shults was the very thing necessary to set all to rights.

In her mind (and mine!) there is no doubt that God prepared her and placed her where she needed to be that day. Nerves of Steel is one of those books that seems to come along just when you need it; when you might be questioning yourself or your path. It’s the remarkably inspiring story of a remarkably inspiring woman, who reminds us that we all have a greater purpose than perhaps we are even aware of.

(It would be an inspiring read to find wrapped and under the tree come Christmas morning!)

Find your copy HERE