Red, White, and Blueberry Beet Salad

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Reprinted from July 2019

Here’s a fun, festive, 4th of July salad for your holiday table. My sister made this one up just for the occasion (and because she knows I LOVE beets, even if she doesn’t!)

It calls for 4 very basic ingredients as well as a basic vinaigrette dressing made with red-wine vinegar. You can whisk one up yourself, or use a bottled one you’ve purchased, whichever get’s the job done to your satisfaction and gets you out of the kitchen and back into the celebration as quickly as possible.

You’ll wow your guests (or your hosts) when you place this on the banquet table!

Red, White, and Blueberry Beet Salad

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 large beets, peeled, cooked (you may boil or roast - your choice), cooled, and cubed

  • 2 pints of blueberries, washed and drained

  • 6-8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

  • a bed of baby spinach

For the dressing:

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

  • 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced

  • ¼ teaspoon fine kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Make the vinaigrette dressing:

    1. In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine all of the ingredients except oil. Stir well with a small whisk.

    2. Drop a single drop of oil into the mixture and whisk briskly, add another drop and continue to whisk, then add remaining oil in a stream, continuing to whisk until well blended.

    3. Taste, and adjust as necessary.

  2. Place cooked cubed beets in large bowl, add blueberries, pour viniagrette over top and mix well.

  3. Place baby spinach leaves on serving platter.

  4. Layer dressed beets and blueberries over the top of spinach, then sprinkle liberally with crumbled feta cheese.

  5. Refrigerate until serving.

Enjoy this salad, bursting with red, white, and blue flavor, as we celebrate our great nation’s birthday! I hope your 4th full of your favorite ingredients, and mixes up to be a happy and safe holiday!

Freedom Fudge

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Reprinted from June 2021

Am I the only one that gets a hankering for “out of season” foods? I think not. So when a friend said they were making “Freedom Fudge” to share at an Independence Day gathering, my eyes lit up and my mouth watered.

And besides, as someone who grew up in a coastal town, summer tourism and fudge shops are pretty synonymous. But you don’t see fudge recipes circulating much in the summer time, they usually show up in our feeds around Thanksgiving. I mean to change that with this post!

This quick-fudge recipe, that makes a plate-full of rich little morsels in a jiffy, calls for only 3 ingredients.

It’s so quick and easy, you can make them any day of the year and the recipients will almost certainly erupt in smiles of gratitude.

My friend dressed them up for the 4th of July by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top and adding some red, white, and blue sprinkles. That seems like a lot of work to me, but if you want to, go ahead!

Ingredients:

  • 1 12oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter



Directions:

  1. Place sweetened condensed milk and butter in saucepan and heat on stovetop on medium heat until butter is melted.

  2. Turn off heat and add chocolate chips, stirring until melted and mixed thoroughly.

  3. Pour into 8”x8” baking dish lined with waxed paper.

  4. Chill in refrigerator 3 hours or over night.

  5. Cut into squares and serve.


Double this recipe for a larger crowd and use a 9”x13” pan. Feelin’ nutty? Add half a cup chopped walnuts. Going soft? Toss in a cup of mini-marshmallows. Trying to lighten up? Substitute white chocolate chips….

Keep it simple, or make it a show-stopper, ‘cuz hey, it’s a free (and almost fully open) country!

Freedom Fudge; your fudge, your way. Any time of the year!

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Red White & Blue - Berry Bites

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Reprinted from July 2020

President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, or Veteran’s Day… there are many designated holidays throughout the year that encourage us to celebrate the American Spirit. One way to do that is to serve up a little red, white, and blue on the buffet table.

I'm not quite sure that Red White & Blue - Berry Bites qualify as a "recipe" as much as it does as a "craft", but since it is definitely edible (very, deliciously edible) I'm filing under both categories.


Ingredients:

  • Red ripe strawberries, rinsed, stem on

  • White chocolate chips - melted

  • Blue sugar crystals

  • Waxed or parchment paper

Instructions:

  1. Take a sweet, red, beautiful strawberry, holding the stem end in your fingers, dip the tip - up to about 3/4  of the berry into melted white chocolate, then immediately dip it again - leaving a band of white - into blue sugar sprinkles. Place on parchment or waxed paper to "set".  Voila! 

Friend, and Point Hope Director, Jan, made some up with daughter Erin and grandkids; while she thought that perhaps they weren't as picture perfect as the ones from a magazine, there's no doubt a ton of fun and even more love went into their creations.

This is an uncomplicated but showy display of patriotic pride with a berry big blast of flavor! Have fun with it!

Aquarium Birthday Party Splash!


One of my granddaughters wanted an Aquarium theme for her 5th birthday party and this grandma delivered!

I spent weeks painting sea creatures and cutting them out to fill an aquarium (mounted on the inside of a window) and then got started on party games.

  • I painted an aquarium scene on a sheet that, when draped over a curtain rod, made a perfect fishing booth. (A couple of dowels with string and an alligator clip at the end were poles for catching little sea creature stuffies… )

  • A corn hole board painted over with a shark’s gaping mouth, and bean bags I sewed together - again in the shape of sea creatures - saw a lot of tossing action.

  • And there was blindfold fun with Pin the Shell on the Otter game!

I also made several giant jelly fish out of paper lanterns, ribbon, netting and whatnots, cut and glued eyes onto red felt circles and toothpicks for crabby sandwiches (turkey and cheese on mini croissants) and brought blue table clothes, and shell table scatters for the final touch.

My daughter created a magical coral reef using pool noodles cut, shaped, and wired into place that set the stage for it all. Her party favors were sand buckets with sea themed crafts and sea creature face masks.

An inflatable pool/ slide /spray park was a giant hit! And a cake made by my sister was as tasty as it was creative.


The sun shone brightly, the kids went wild, and one little girl exclaimed "This is the best day of my whole ENTIRE life!" That’s saying quite a lot since she’s been here for five whole years!

Ok, Ok, I did go a little overboard, and I’m not recommending that every kid needs an over-the-top (or under-the-sea) blowout birthday party, but I loved having something to pour my creative energies into and loved seeing how happy it made her and the new group of friends she made in Pre-K this year.

Are you more “party” or “pooper”??? I hope you have some fun planned for the summer!


Under The Cover of Mercy | June Book Club

A beautiful book has come my way that I can’t wait to share with you this June!

“Under The Cover of Mercy”, by Rebecca Connolly.

It’s another from one of my favorite genres, historical fiction, and you’ll love this fast-paced novel about a nurse “on a mission of mercy and rebellion.” It’s set during the tumultuousness of WWI, and it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat - or lounge chair, or beach towel - where ever you devour your summer reading list.

You won’t want to wait to dig into the based on the true story novel of a nurse that risked charges of treason to help wounded Allied soldiers escape their German captors.

”November 1914

The Great War has come to Brussels, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. She has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking German officer, has ordered her and her nurses to also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping.

Edith feels that God called her to be a healer, not a jailer. How can she heal these broken boys, only to see them returned to the hands of their oppressors to be beaten again?

So when members of the Belgian resistance, desperate for help, bring two wounded British soldiers to her hospital in secret, she decides she will heal the soldiers, and then help smuggle them out of the hospital to freedom.

With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Lizzie, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds as she fights to bring hope to her small corner of a war-torn world.

Based on a true story, Under the Cover of Mercy is the remarkable account of one woman who defied an entire nation in order to heal those who needed her help the most.”


Rebecca Connolly
photo credit: Sarah Schroering

I’m looking forward to many summer days in my garden with a stack of books to keep my company! “Under The Cover Of Mercy” will be the first of the season.

Get yours HERE.

I hope you’ll join me in your own garden, on your patio, or under the shade of a big tree in your neighborhood park.











Belinda Carlisle | "Kismet"

Belinda Carlisle has touched the hearts of pop fans around the world while creating the song-track to so many of our memories!

She began her career as co-founder and lead vocalist of the all-female new wave/rock band The Go-Go’s and has amassed worldwide sales in excess of 15 million albums and singles! 

Their 1980's self-penned, multi-platinum debut album, Beauty and the Beat saw international top-10 singles in “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat” which became enduring anthems for independent women from ages 8 to 80.

When the band dismantled in 1985, she quickly released Belinda in 1986 with an out-of-the-box, gold-certified smash, “Mad About You”, and the hits just kept coming. “I Get Weak” and “Circle in the Sand,” put Belinda-mania into full effect.

So much has happened since then and you can catch up on it all by listening to my podcast episode with Belinda HERE.

But the big big news???

Belinda’s latest 5-track EP, KISMET, dropped on May 12, and she has a US tour coming in July & August too!

All songs were written by the incomparable songwriter Diane Warren.

KISMET, is released on Warren’s label imprint RAF through BMG and features the brand new tracks, “Big Big Love”,“If U Go”, “Deeper Into You”, “I Couldn’t Do That To Me”, and “Sanity”.

Belinda and Diane first collaborated in 1987 on the Diane Warren songs, “I Get Weak”, “World Without You,” and “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” - the track that established Belinda Carlisle as a global star. They’re working together again after a chance meeting in a coffee shop!

Belinda, after decades in the music business, shows no signs of slowing down. Like most of us, she's more grounded than she was back in the 80's but just as talented and sharing the same energy and verve as she did when she burst onto the scene.

Tickets for her American “Decades” tour are on sale now!

The tour kicks off on July 1st in Peachtree City, GA, hits multiple cities including New York, San Fransisco, and Las Vegas, before coming to a close on August 27th in Los Angeles. The set list will be comprised of her more than twenty top-charting singles performed with her infectious energy and verve.

You'll want to check to see if she'll be anywhere near you - or someplace you'd like to visit! You'll find all the info at BelindaCarlisle.net and at Ticketmaster.com.

Cauliflower 'Faux-tato' Salad

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Reposted from June 2019:

My potato salad is famous (or perhaps infamous, not sure which…) and I’ll make it for any occasion; BBQ’s, birthdays, bar mitzvah’s… but (confession session) sometimes I crave a lighter dish.

Enter this delicious “faux-tato” salad made with steamed cauliflower florets - it’s so so tasty, but far lower in carbs. It’s got everything you want for a great picnic salad except all the starch. Go ahead, give it a try!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1/2 cup bacon bits (about 6 rashers of bacon)

  • 1/2 c. sour cream

  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise

  • 1 tspn stone-ground mustard

  • 1 tbsp. dill pickle brine (vinegar or lemon juice work too!)

  • Salt and Pepper

  • 1 1/2 c.  cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/4 c. chives, chopped small

Directions:

  1. Add cauliflower florets to about 1” of boiling water in large pot or pan. Cover and allow to steam until tender - about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Set aside.

  2. Cook bacon rashers until crispy, turning to crisp each side. Drain on paper towels then break or chop into bits.

  3. Mix together, sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle brine (or vinegar or lemon juice) in a large bowl. Add the steamed and cooled cauliflower florets and gently stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in bacon, cheddar, and chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Of course, like most of my recipes, they’re more suggestion than anything else. If you have a particular way you like to dress your potato salad, give it a try only use the cauliflower florets instead of starchy ‘taters.

I’m always interested in what you think - so tell me if you try this, any adjustments you might make to it, and most importantly, what was the cause of your gathering and celebration?! I’m nosy that way!

Lauren Daigle | "Thank God I Do"

Have you heard the new single, from two-time GRAMMY® award winning singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle, “Thank God I Do” ??

It debuted to critical acclaim in March and her self-titled new album, “Lauren Daigle”, is available EVERYWHERE May 12. I love love love, “Thank God I Do”, and can’t wait to download the entire LP.

This marks a new creative chapter for our multi-platinum selling friend who also brings together a new team for this endeavor. It’s led by GRAMMY®-winning producer Mike Elizondo and features co-writes with more award-winning songwriters, including Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Amy Wadge, Jason Ingram, Lori McKenna and Jon Greene.

“Lauren has created a body of work which showcases the multi-faceted artist’s stunning and powerful voice, rich storytelling and incredible musicality.” I expected nothing else from this incredible artist and she didn’t disappoint!

Lauren also announced her highly anticipated US arena tour set for fall of 2023. The Kaleidoscope Tour kicks off on September 6 in Memphis, TN.

Lauren joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, a few years ago, and I’m hoping she’ll agree to sit down with me again soon. Stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, find her new album, “Lauren Daigle” and enjoy all it has to offer!

DOWNLOAD “LAUREN DAIGLE”

You're Going To Make It | May Book Club

YOUR’E GOING TO MAKE IT

Ohhhh life! Such a beautiful, bizarre, complicated, thrilling, confusing jumble of glorious existence! While I’m firmly committed to the belief that we must choose positivity and create our own happiness, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Throw in some profound loss and times of inevitable loneliness, things can get downright murky!

We need tools, and skills, and intentional practices to help us maintain balance and perspective - and JOY!

I’ve found something to help us all, and have made it my May Book Club choice:

“You’re Going To Make It; 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today”, by New York Times #1 bestselling author, Lysa TerKeurst.

In her newest devotional Lysa TerKeurst helps us stay connected to God and continue loving others even in the middle of discouraging, disappointing, or even devastating circumstances.

It’s a GORGEOUS hardbound book created with all the little details that make my heart trill when I hold it in my hands; beautiful gold lettering, a satin ribbon marker, stunning graphics and serene photography.

Each of the 50 daily devotionals provide grounded and faith-based insight and comforting reassurance to reflect back on throughout the day.

Each evening a “statement to remember” is provided, along with a space reserved for the reader to make a notation of “Something to release back to God from today.”

This devotional is such a gift from Lysa and will be accepted with gratitude to whomever you decide to share it with. Start with yourself.

Spring is the time for new beginnings and if you were wondering how you might get started, here’s your answer.

Find a lovely note from Lysa, more information about the devotional, and purchase information here:

YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE IT


Mother's Day Sweepstakes

Mother’s, and those with mother’s hearts, are very special! So many women (and men) have held space for me, providing love, guidance, and shelter from the storms of life. They became even more important when my own beautiful mother passed when I was still a young woman.

This Mother’s Day - May 14th - I want to celebrate you all, and so do some of my incredible radio sponsors!

We’ve put together this bundle of goodies and will be gifting it away to 5 lucky sweepstake recipients.

Use the ENTER button at the bottom of this page to send me a note telling me who you’d like to see blessed by this bundle and why. Make sure you include full name, shipping address, and an email.

Please share all your stories of love and mothering with me.


Laura Geller Beauty products are specially formulated for women over 40, but loved by women of all ages. (My daughters can’t keep their hands out of my makeup bag!) They’ve gathered some of their most popular products to include in our bundle.

It begins with their luxurious Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer in Original Clear; it feels sooo good as it glides onto your bare skin! Their Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbelized Blush in Tropic Hues will brighten your cheeks and your day! The eyes have it with the The Ultimate Palette Hidden Gems 31 baked eye shadows, and the Deep Charcoal Kajal Longwear Eyeliner that I’ve come to love! (It’s infused with caffeine to reduce puffiness around the eyes!) Finishing off the look is Modern Classic Waterproof Lip Liner in Magic Mauve, and their luscious Modern Classic Cream Lipstick in a light and lovely, Berry Bliss.

Visit Laura Geller Beauty to see all their amazing offerings, get a few things for yourself, and something for a special lady in your life!

LAURA GELLER BEAUTY


Oooooooh, Cariloha, how spoiled I feel when wrapped in your luxuriousness - and you will too! Cariloha products, which include bed, bath, and apparel, are made of sustainable bamboo-viscose that provides luxurious comfort while also helping to save the environment. Making you feel good inside and out!

Cariloha’s contribution to our pampering package is an oh-so-yummy Sherpa Bamboo Knit Throw that will take the chill off these still nippy spring mornings and is simply perfect to wrap up in for some Netflix at night!

Do yourself a favor and check out Cariloha - Where the style of the Caribbean meets the spirit of aloha.™ - and get to know all their incredible offerings. Your Mother’s Day shopping just got easier!

CARILOHA
(Use promo code LOVE for 35% off your order!)


Our besties at Bigelow Tea have come through for us with this charming duo: A generous sampling of signature tea blend, Constant Comment, and an adorable 12 ounce distressed-look Warm Hugs Teapot.

Created to “give a warm hug” and honor those served at the Norma Pfriem Breast Center and women and families everywhere as they overcome the challenges of breast cancer, you’ll enjoy snuggling up with this warm little teapot and taking 15 minutes to yourself to sip, breathe, and relax.

Stop by Bigelow Tea to see their incredible selection of hot teas, Bigelow Benefits blends, and their refreshing Cold Water Infusions that will be perfect for the approaching warmer weather! Mom will love this thoughtful (re)treat.

BIGELOW TEA


My good friends at Eyes of Faith Optical are providing these gorgeous sunglasses in the Delilah Shadow style frame.

Eyes of Faith, a company founded on the three principals of Purpose, Passion & Style, places a bible scripture on the inside of each frame to remind us to go forward each day with eyes of faith. Their frames are both beautiful and durable, and a portion of each purchase helps to make the world a better place through their many charitable works and good deeds.

You’ll want to take a look at all they have to offer, and ask your favorite optician to do the same!

EYES OF FAITH OPTICAL


Years ago I paired up with Balsam Hill and it’s been a match made in heaven. Their faux Christmas trees, greenery, spring and fall florals are so realistic even my florists friends have been awed!

This spring the Balsam Hill Villa Cucina Foliage collection caught my eye, and I knew you’d love it too!

The Hanging Door Basket will greet your guests as cheerfully as the chirping robins we’re hearing in the mornings! This handcrafted beauty is stuffed with olive sprays, olives, lemons, kumquats, and citrus blossoms, and hung by a wide burlap ribbon and bow. The look will instantly transport you to the Italian countryside.

Pay Balsam Hill a visit to see the rest in the Villa Cucina Collection, and all their spring delights! Pick something out for Mom and for yourself while you’re there!

BALSAM HILL


Moms do. it. all. This package is for her.

Picture her on the veranda on a crisp sunny spring morning feeling glam wearing some gorgeous cosmetics, wrapped up in a cozy throw, sipping the citrusy warmth of the first blended tea in America, sporting stylish sunglasses and gazing upon her lush basket of spring florals… It’s quite the image, because she’s quite the special lady!

Our sweepstakes will be open for entries Friday, April 28 through Friday, May 12. To enter, click the button below and send me a note telling me who you feel deserves all these special gifts and WHY. Winners will be chosen at random, but I would like to share your stories with our listeners.

Best of luck to everyone!

May | National Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and I’m doing all I can to help raise awareness of the Number 5 cause of death (Number 3 for women!) and the leading cause of disability in the U.S.

I’ve been talking to my friends at the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and I’m passing along some information they’ve shared.

Thankfully, a large majority of stokes can be prevented. It goes without saying that we should take good care of ourselves; proper nutrition and exercise, along with getting the right amount of Zzzz’s is so important!

You and your health care professional should act as a team! Having a good relationship with your family doctor and understanding your risk factors is another step you can take to reduce your chance of a stroke.

Some risk factors are controllable and treatable, while others aren’t. Things like knowing where your blood pressure’s at and taking measures to keep it in a healthy range can help to keep you healthy, happy and here with your loved ones for years to come. High blood pressure is the Number 1 preventable cause of stroke and there are safe and effective treatments available to keep it in check.

Not to be alarmist, but stroke actually kills more women than men. In fact, one in five women between the ages of 55 and 75 will have a stroke. Take this seriously my friends. Learning how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. could save a life - maybe your own!

  • F- Face Drooping

  • A- Arm Weakness

  • S- Speech Difficulty

  • T- Time to Call 911


A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, but most of us don’t know the F.A.S.T. warning signs. Because strokes need immediate medical help, recognizing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for a second one. This stroke month let’s come together to defeat stroke by acting F.A.S.T. Your health is in your hands. There’s loads of information and support at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth including checklists and information for healthy living tips. Visit them today.

April showers have delivered May flowers and this timely message. The HCA Healthcare Foundation is proud to be a national supporter of the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke®.

Sending heartfelt wishes for happy and healthy days ahead,





20-40-60 Minute Dinners | April Book Club

When daylight starts stretching into the evening hours, it’s time to celebrate! It’s also time to start doing all the things we forgot about during the winter months. Like gardening, Little League and Spring Soccer practices, and all kinds of other fun activities! But then the dinner hour sneaks up on us and all of a sudden we’re cruising through a drive-through groaning inwardly or outwardly…

That’s why I’ve chosen “20-40-60 Minute Dinners; Meals to Match The Time You Have” for my book club this month - to help take the anxiety around “what to fix for dinner?!” down a notch or two!

Arranged by the time it takes to prepare a meal, rather than alphabetically, author Kate Otterstrom, (who also, btw, is the creator of the Dinner in Real Time blog,) has put together a beautiful and oh-so-helpful cookbook full of meals to match the time you have to get them on the table! Kate is the busy mom of four, so you know that she’s got some practice at pulling together tasty and healthful meals in-between demanding schedules!

Anyone who finds themselves getting take-out far more often than they’d like will appreciate the abundance of fabulously simply ideas found between the pages of 20-40-60 Minute Dinners. I’ll be gifting a copy to one of my daughters, herself a mom of two active littles, because I know she’ll love the ideas it holds, and also because the recipes include gluten-free alternatives, which she must adhere to.

I appreciate how there’s nothing fussy about this cookbook, because delicious food that meet our dietary requirements does not have to be fussy! Even for folks like me, who’ve been at this dinner game for too many years to confess, will find some great reminders between its pages. For example, bagels with lox and cream cheese with a green salad? Yes! Perfect. A quick, filling, and fun dinner when you need to throw together something FAST. Kate suggests too, that served make-your-own bar style gets her kids more excited and up for trying new things like a sprinkling of capers. Note taken!

Here’s to a beautiful spring and summer and to getting dinner on the table, deliciously, in the time that you actually have, be it 20, 40, or 60 minutes!

Pick up your copy - and another for a gift - here: 20-40-60 Minute Dinners

New Movie! | Big George Foreman

There’s a new movie coming to theaters April 28th and it’s going to be one you’ll want to see!

BIG GEORGE FOREMAN: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World is based on the remarkable true story about one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances.

“Fueled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling and in need of spiritual and financial guidance, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming the title a second time, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever. “

This biopic focuses on Foreman’s boxing career. I’m not old enough to remember when he won Olympic Gold at the 1968 Mexico City Games but I’ll be able to see it all unfold on the big screen! It will include his world heavyweight champion run, his “retirement” which lead him to his faith and ministerial role, and how, after his church and his family face hardships he returns to the ring and becomes the oldest in boxing history to claim the title of heavyweight champion at 45 years of age!

Many of you have been inspired by Big George to grill up something tasty and fulfilling without all the unnecessary fats… This film is guaranteed inspire you in so many more ways. It stars Khris Davis (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Foreman and we’ll also get to see Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Foreman’s trainer and mentor Doc Broadus. 

You can get tickets ahead of time here: BIG GEORGE FOREMAN
Exclusively in theaters April 28th



Rise Today | March Book Club

RISE TODAY

March is a frenzied and chaotic month, wind, rain, sleet, hail, snow, and sunshine… sometimes all within 5 minute of the other! Don’t things always feel somewhat topsy-turvy when something profound is about to take place? Like the month before spring’s arrival, bringing rebirth and renewal. And like our lives as we navigate difficult or challenging circumstances.

Feeling a bit frenzied and chaotic yourself? Have I got a balm for you! My March Book Club pick,“RISE TODAY - Trusting God and His Promise”, by Jason F. Wright.

It’s a precious little hardback book, rightly likened to an “illustrated extended greeting card with a message that offers hope in dark times.” Absolutely perfect for tucking into an Easter basket, into a loved one’s hand, or into a padded envelope for the outgoing mail. RISE TODAY has full-color graphics between all 32 pages.

Author Jason F. Wright, who also penned the NYT bestselling novel,“Christmas Jars”, has been a guest preacher at many churches throughout the country, sharing motivational and inspiring messages while also doing outreach to people temporarily without housing or in financial difficulties.

He graciously accepted my invitation to be a guest on my popular podcast series, “LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah” and when the episode is published you’ll definitely want to pull up a chair and have a listen.

Jason is one of the most positive, caring, kind, and inspirational people you’ll ever meet. His joy is infectious and you come away from every encounter with him feeling calm and hopeful.

That’s what his writing does for you as well. It’s why I feature his books so often in my book club, like Even The Dog Knows, from last August.

I’ve leafed through RISE TODAY, so many times since I received my early copy from the publishers. When I’m feeling anxious I find myself reaching for it, enjoying the comfort and inspiration that wash over me. I love the 5 specific suggestions it contains to help folks like me rise above life’s doldrums. Because, let’s be honest, we ALL find ourselves there from time-to-time. Jason offers advice he’s come by while striving to live a Christ-centered life and through worshipping with many different congregations together in churches across the country.


It begins simply enough. “He. Is. Risen. “

“Those three words are more than a headline,” says the author. “They are a promise. Because He is risen, we too shall rise again. Every child of God has moments when it feels as if a giant rock has been rolled in front of our path. You may feel emotionally whipped by winds beyond your control. You may be thinking your own saving miracle is too far away to lean on. If you feel alone, in the dark, or powerless, remember that rising again doesn’t need to wait until body and soul reunite. HE IS RISEN so we can rise . . . TODAY.”

Pick up your copy
(and copies for everyone you want to share this beautiful message with) here:
RISE TODAY

New Music | P!NK "Trustfall"

She’s done it again. 3-time Grammy winner (21 nominations!), P!NK, has released her 9th studio album, “TRUSTFALL,” I. Love. Her.

The album features hit singles “Never Gonna Not Dance Again,” and“TRUSTFALL,” as well as her latest release, “When I Get There.”

TRUSTFALL marks some of P!NK’s most vulnerable and exhilarating work yet. Featuring collaborations with Chris Stapleton, The Lumineers, and First Aid Kit, as well as tapping notable songwriters and producers Max Martin, Shellback, Greg Kurstin, FRED, Billy Mann, and more, TRUSTFALL is an exploration of the highs and lows of uncertainty, freedom, and letting go.

Stream TRUSTFALL now!!!

“This might be the album I’m most proud of,” says P!NK. “Get in your coziest pair of sweats, grab yourself an hour of self-care, and start on track one. Two ingredients needed: tissues and dance shoes.”


Remember her last studio effort, Hurts 2B Human? It was her third consecutive album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The first single, “Walk Me Home” was P!NK’s 10th #1 on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart and extended her record for the most at this format across all solo acts. At the end of 2019, P!NK wrapped her Beautiful Trauma World Tour ultimately selling over 3 million tickets worldwide.

In 2021, P!NK released “Cover Me In Sunshine”, a duet with her daughter Willow. Also in 2021, her documentary P!NK: All I Know So Far was released to critical acclaim on Amazon Prime Video as well as her live music project All I Know So Far: Setlist. She and I had a chance to chat back then, you can listen to the podcast episode with her here: LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah/P!NK

P!NK has also announced The TRUSTFALL Tour! Produced by Live Nation, the 14-city tour kicks off on October 12 making stops at arenas across North America, including a date at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fall tour will follow P!NK’s 2023 Summer Carnival Stadium Tour with special guests Brandi Carlile and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on select dates. GROUPLOVE and KidCutUp will be special guests across dates on both tours.

Tickets for the fall 2023 The TRUSTFALL Tour and for the 2023 Summer Carnival Stadium Tour are both on sale now at LiveNation.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show reception, limited edition lithograph, P!NK carpet entry and photo op & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

P!NK is a huge supporter of various charities, including: No Kid Hungry, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Planned Parenthood, REVERB, Autism Speaks and Human Rights Campaign, and she is an ambassador for UNICEF USA. In 2019 she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 2021 P!NK was Billboard Music Award’s Icon Recipient.

She’s someone I admire so much. I love her music. I love her grit. I love her style. I love her heart! If you have the means and the opportunity, get some tickets and allow yourself a guaranteed night of fun!





THE TRUSTFALL TOUR (FALL 2023) Ft. GROUPLOVE + KidCutUp on all dates :

  • Thu Oct 12 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

  • Sat Oct 14 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

  • Tue Oct 17 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome

  • Fri Oct 20 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

  • Wed Oct 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

  • Fri Oct 27 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

  • Wed Nov 01 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

  • Sat Nov 04 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

  • Tue Nov 07 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

  • Wed Nov 08 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

  • Sat Nov 11 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center

  • Sun Nov 12 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

  • Tue Nov 14 – Miami, FL – Miami-Dade Arena

  • Sat Nov 18 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center



SUMMER CARNIVAL TOUR dates (SUMMER 2023):
^ with Brandi Carlile | ! with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo | GROUPLOVE + KidCutUp on all dates

  • Mon Jul 24 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre^

  • Wed Jul 26 – Cincinnati, OH – Great American Ball Park^

  • Mon Jul 31 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park!

  • Tue Aug 01 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park!

  • Thu Aug 03 – New York, NY – Citi Field^

  • Sat Aug 05 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park^

  • Mon Aug 07 – Washington DC – Nationals Park!

  • Thu Aug 10 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Field!

  • Sat Aug 12 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field!

  • Mon Aug 14 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Field!

  • Wed Aug 16 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park^

  • Sat Aug 19 – Fargo, ND – FARGODOME^

  • Mon Aug 21 – Omaha, NE – Charles Schwab Field^

  • Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park^

  • Tue Sep 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park^

  • Fri Sep 22 – Nashville, TN – GEODIS Park^

  • Mon Sep 25 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome^

  • Wed Sep 27 – Houston, TX – Minute Maid Park^

  • Fri Sep 29 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field^

  • Tue Oct 03 – San Diego, CA – Snapdragon Stadium^

  • Thu Oct 05 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium!

  • Sat Oct 07 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium^

  • Mon Oct 09 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field^

Lemon Squares | Cookin' It with Kix



I think I have a thing for lemon bars. OK, I KNOW I have a thing for lemon bars.  As soon as I've discovered THE BEST recipe around, another comes along, and I love it just as much!  

If you think perhaps you do as well, try this recipe. You won't be disappointed!

Maybe it's the universal appeal of lemony lusciousness. Rarely, and I do mean rarely, does anyone turn away a lemon bar, when offered. Maybe it's the universal "season" of lemons  - yes, I know they ripen in the summer in climes where they are grown, but generally you can find them in abundance on your grocers aisle 12 months out of the year.

An’ maybe it's just cuz lemon bars are sooo darn good!

This recipe comes from Cookin' It with Kix my a book club pick from waaaay back in 2016. Of course, I tried it. Of course I loved them! I found the filling to be a perrrrfect consistency, probably because of the 4 eggs. (Any excuse I have to use more eggs around here!) 

Perfect for an Easter table or any early spring gathering!



Ingredients:

CRUST

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • pinch of salt

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp.

FILLING

  • 4 eggs

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  1. Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan

  2. To prepare crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press teh mix into the buttered pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Do not over cook!

  3. To prepare filling: Mix eggs, sugar, flour, and lemon joice. Pour over baked crust, bake for another 25 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when done. Cool.

  4. Cut into squares and serve.

Sweepstakes | Be My Valentine?

Be My Valentine? A few of my sponsors and I have teamed up to create a sweet bundle of gifts we'd like to give to 5 lucky recipients.

The centerpiece of this package is a very generous collection of Laura Geller Beauty products. Laura Geller and I want you to look and feel your best EVERY day. You don't need to wait for date night to play up your best features with some sumptuous lipstick or smokey eye makeup. Have fun with Laura Geller beauty products - for a night in or a night out! Our Valentine gift pack includes:

Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer
in Ethereal Rose Glow

Italian Marble Blush Stick in Apricot Spritz
Baked Natural Glow Highlighter in French Vanilla
 
Italian Marble Lipstick in Berry Vanilla
Kajal Longwear Eyeliner in Deep Black Kohl
and an
Angled Blush Brush


My friends at Balsam Hill, makers of the finest faux Christmas Trees and fabulous florals, are giving your front door a a touch of Mediterranean beauty with a lifelike Provencal Lavender Swag.  Visiting friends will think they've landed in the French countryside! Long lavender stalks in varying shades of purple and pink are accented by silver-gray leaves for added depth and realism. Its loveliness will last for seasons to come.


Heritage confectioners, Brown & Haley, are adding a giant decorator tin full of their foil-wrapped luxury confection, Almond ROCA to our package. It was one-hundred years ago, in 1923, that the company struck gold with a crunchy, log-shaped candy piece infused with butter and coated with chocolate and diced almonds, and they're still at it today. Go ahead, indulge.


Each winner will also receive a copy of this months book club pick, the Proper Romance historical romance, "Miss Newbury's List", by Megan Walker. This story will transport you back to 19th Century England. Rosalind Newbury's arranged marriage to the Duke of Marlow is fast approaching. With only three weeks before the nuptials, Ros is on a mission. As a child, she was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and has created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she's done none of them…


This sweet bundle includes such a nice variety of goodies, some for self-pampering, something to brighten your home, and good book, and a little self indulgence (feel free to share!)

Enter send me a note using the ENTER button below. Tell me what's going on in your life and why you'd appreciate this collection of goodies. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

Entries accepted February 1st through February 10th, 2023.
Winners selected at random.

Miss Newbury's List | February Book Club

Hello February! I love you so! (And for so many reasons!)

You’re the month that brings us homebound commutes that don’t require headlights. The month we see the first signs of an awakening earth, with crocus and forsythia blooms and branches of fuzzy catkins. The month of Valentine’s Day and all it holds. My birthday month - and too many slices of cheesecake! (We even get a three-day weekend from you.) All that, yet the temps stay low so there’s no guilt in the comfort food we’re still dishing up, or the long evenings spent near a fire curled up with our books.

Here’s one I’d like everyone to know about, “Miss Newbury’s List”, by Megan Walker, my February Book Club pick!

It’s a Proper Romance, which means it has a rich layered storyline and well developed characters, but nothing between it’s pages to make you blush should your teen or tween pick it up. In fact, you’ll encourage them to do so! This piece of historical fiction will transport you back to 19th Century England, arranged marriages, and outrageous societal expectations, as well as remind you that no matter the era, all people experience self-discovery and the human spirit is all about following one's dreams which when strong enough can lead to new beginnings.

“England 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice. The marriage is more an agreement between two families and less a romantic connection between two hearts, but Rosalind becoming a duchess will elevate her family’s status to dizzying heights. And the duke is a kind man who will care for Rosalind, even if he doesn’t love her.

She only has three weeks before her life changes forever, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her days. As a child, Ros was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, Ros has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.”

Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? This February, fall in love. With the month, with life, with yourself, with Miss Newbury’s List!

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY: Miss Newbury’s List

New Movie | Jesus Revolution

A new movie will be in theaters on February 24th, “JESUS REVOLUTION”. It’s a must-see.

This is not a faith-based movie as much as it is a movie of faith and revival. Specifically, it’s the historic retelling of what TIME Magazine called the “The Jesus Movement”, a series of events that happened in southern California in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s that launched the biggest spiritual awakening in American history, setting in motion a new counterculture crusade.

“In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love.” Charlene Laurie (Kimberly Williams Paisley) and Cathe Laurie (Anna Grace Barlow) also play pivotal roles.

I recently had Kelsey Grammer, who portrays Pastor Chuck Smith, on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah, and was able to get a sneak-peak at the movie before the conversation. I would have a difficult time expressing to you how much I loved it. I was a pre-teen when billboards outside my small hometown began proclaiming “I Found God!” The movement was spreading, though it would be another 15 years or so before I was to have my own, personal, Jesus revolution that changed my life forevermore.

Get Tickets HERE

People are not perfect, and that is why God uses broken, ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The church is not perfect either, and JESUS REVOLUTION shows a wide variety of faith experiences, making it accessible and honest. 

Written by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn
Directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle
Produced by Kevin Downes, Jon and Andrew Erwin, along with Josh Walsh and Daryl Lefever

“When you open your heart, there’s room for everyone.”













Dutch Babies

When my kids or my brother’s kids visit our sister, their auntie, they always ask for Dutch Babies.

She’s been serving them these puffy golden treats for years. As children they were fascinated with the way they puff up so impressively in the oven, and deflate once removed.

They can be topped with all sorts of sweet concoctions, fresh fruits and berries in the summer time, apples and cinnamon in the winter, lemon curd in the spring… jams, jellies, or sometimes just more butter and powdered sugar. (Zack preferred them with chocolate chips, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup!)

She uses a very simple recipe that calls for 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of flour for every egg, adjusted for pan size, and lots and lots of butter. She advocates for a few more minutes in the oven than many recipes advise because folks in this family don’t appreciate the “custardy” taste or texture that others do. You do you.

She recently cooked up a batch and made them “fun size” in individual muffin tins. This would make a delightful Valentine's Day breakfast served with your sweetie’s favorite fruit toppings, more butter, powdered sugar and/or syrup. (Much as you would a Belgian Waffle.)

The serving pictured here is topped with raspberry jam and whipped cream. Mmmmm.

The quantities below will work for 12 muffin tins or a 9” pie dish.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs

  • 3/4 cup milk

  • 3/4 cup flour

  • 1/2 cup (1 cube/ 24 teaspoons) of butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  2. Place 2 teaspoons of butter in the bottom of each muffin tin. Place in oven the last few minutes it is preheating until butter is melted and bubbling, but do not let it brown. Remove from oven.

  3. In a blender (a smoothie Bullet works well) combine eggs and milk, followed by flour added a 1/4 cup at a time.

  4. Pour batter over hot, melted butter, filling each cup about 1/2 full.

  5. Place in 400 degree oven and bake 15-20 minutes until puffed and a deep golden color.

  6. Remove from oven, top with favorite toppings, and serve.

    Notes:

    1. If using a 9x13 pan, use 5 eggs, 1 1/4 cup milk, 1 1/4 cup flour, and a full cube of butter cut into pieces.

    2. Serve alongside bacon, sausage or other protein. They are delicious but won’t take you to lunch time on their own.

    3. Fun fact. Yorkshire Pudding is made with the same batter, but “drippings” are used in place of butter and they are served with gravy, making them savory instead of a sweet side. Try both!