Star Spangled Fruit Skewers

Headed to a 4th of July BBQ tomorrow and don't know what to contribute? Take these red, white and bluuuuue fruit skewers and watch folks rocket themselves toward the buffet table!

Made with ripe red strawberries, sweet white nectarines, and sensational blueberries, it's a sweet treat that agrees with kids, parents, and most dietary considerations. For a little added pizzazz, these are topped with an angel food cake star, but that's completely optional.

Serve alongside a super easy, super delicious cream-cheese fruit dip, to take the whole thing into outer space!

Serve with some sweetened cream cheese fruit dip for an extra explosion of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the skewers -

• Fresh Strawberries

• Fresh White Nectarines (Substitute marshmallows or cubes of angel food cake)

• Fresh Blueberries

• Angle Food Cake, sliced and cut into star shapes (Optional!)

• 6” bamboo skewers

For the fruit dip -

• 8 oz (standard package) cream cheese

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  

Directions:

For the Skewers -

1. Wash fruit.

2. Remove stems and cut strawberries in half, if desired. Leave whole if you prefer.

3. Cut nectarines in wedges, peel, then cut wedges in half.

4. String fruit onto skewsers in a red, white, and blue pattern.

5. Top with star shaped angle food cake piece.

6. Layer on serving tray.

For the dip -

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. 

2. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined,

3. Add vanilla and combine

4. Then add in the lemon juice and beat until creamy, smooth, and irrisistable! 

A Kingdom To Claim | July Book Club

A Kingdom To Claim

Ready to escape reality for a little bit, letting the noise of the world fade into the background, and the roar and excitment of a Viking battle take its place? My book club pick for July will take you there!

“A Kingdom To Claim”, by Sian Ann Bessey, will immerse you in ancient culture, clashes, and a kingdom on the brink.

Wessex, AD 878

“Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was a little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.”

I enjoy my life so much, especially the chaotic parts, but I still need an escape every once in a while. Books, more than anything else, provide it. A few pages into “A Kingdom To Claim” and I am walking in Aisley shoes, sharing her doubts and desires, experiencing her insights and feelings as she practices her healing arts, falls in love, and fights for the future of her Saxon home.

Welsh born, Idaho state resident, author Sian Ann Bessey, transports us to a time and a place that is the stuff of legends, but really DID exist.

The lives of the Viking and Saxon people during the time of King Alfred’s reign, and the Viking invasions of the British Isles will fascinate you as it does me. Rich in detail and masterfully told, “A Kingdom To Claim” is historical fiction at it’s best.

Pick up your copy HERE.

MY BAG MY STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember: One Bag Purchased = One Bag Donated.

To learn more, visit:
MY BAG MY STORY

Marvelous Mint Summer Salad

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups canned roasted bell peppers, chopped

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

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

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

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 2 Tablespoons honey

• 2 Tablespoons mustard

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

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

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

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

Barry Manilow 2024 Arena Tour

This spring, millions were treated to a stunning array of lights in the night sky when the Aurora Borealis made a rare appearance in cities and towns from coast to coast.

This summer, you have a chance to be dazzled yet again, but this time, you’ll need to get tickets.

Barry Manilow, the most successful Adult Contemporary artist of all time, is returning to 17 arenas this summer for his final concert in those cities.

This is not the end of the road for Barry, but it is the final curtain call for the cities below:

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! The Northern Lights may return to your city, but Barry won’t. Get your tickets now and see Barry perform his hit songs in a one-night-only concert event. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for all the love and support over the years,” said Manilow. 

Tickets are available now at www.manilow.com and the local venue box office.

Beneath A Crescent Shadow | June Book Club

“Beneath A Crescent Shadow”

New month, new book club pick!

“Beneath A Crescent Shadow” is from a genre I share with you a lot, historical fiction, but instead of a Victorian period piece, this one goes way way back to the Ottoman Empire toward the end of the dark ages.

Author A.L. Sowards has obviously done an incredible amount of research to be able to depict the era with such realism and fascinating detail.

“After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and dangers much closer to their Balkan home.

The Balkans, 1373
A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin’s father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana’s betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana’s abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.”

Although it’s an arranged marriage, neccessary because Konstantin needs the wealth Suzana’s dowry will bring to him and his floundering kingdom, I loved that our two main characters fall for one another at their first meeting. I was cheering them on from the beginning!

As a reader I too felt the cold realities of the period, wartime, and the duties and expectations placed upon the young rulers. And, as each is only human, they must also overcome personal struggles, learn and grow as individuals, and find their place in a brutal world. When hope is a meager commodity, the ability to trust in one another helps them to work through past and current traumatic events, staying resolved and steadfast in their love and the execution of their overwhelming responsibilities.

It’s action-packed, with epic nail-biting battles too. History is so much more interesting when there’s a romance to guide you through it! Just the thing to take out into the garden or tuck into a beach bag.

“Beneath A Crescent Shadow, The Balkan Legends” is Book 1 in a new series, and once you’ve cracked the cover, your going to want to read them all! I know I do!

Order: “Beneath A Crescent Shadow”

"Long Yellow Dress" new from Train + Train & REO Speedwagon Summer Tour!

Train released a brand new single “Long Yellow Dress” on April 24. The breezy, California-cool rock song is quintessentially “Train” and leans toward old school, San Fran vibes while still feeling super fresh and new! 

Coinciding with the release of “Long Yellow Dress,” the band announced they will be releasing a live album this summer, Live at Royal Albert Hall, which was just recorded during their first-ever performance from London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on April 30. 

Train’s iconic album Save Me, San Francisco with global hit “Hey, Soul Sister” is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in October and the celebrations will be going all summer long!

Additionally, Train & REO Speedwagon, two diamond-selling bands, are hitting the road this summer for an epic co-headlining North American tour, featuring very special guest, Yacht Rock Revue.

You guys, this is going to be soo fantastic! I was spinning REO Speedwagon hits when DJ’s still spun records! Classics like Ridin’ The Storm Out, Roll With The Changes, and Take In On The Run.

And I’ll never forget when Train hit the scene with their smart, sentimental sensations, Drops of Jupiter, Hey Soul Sister, Marry Me… and the hits just keep coming!

Two incredible groups that treat their fans (of ALL ages) to a high-octane fun-filled experience! I can’t wait to join them with my family and friends when they cruise through on their Summer Road Trip!

The Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour kicks off July 8th and runs through September 11th!

General tickets can be found at
at SaveMeSanFrancisco.com and REOSpeedwagon.com

The Summer Road Trip 2024, is bringing together Train’s critically-acclaimed catalog of global hits with REO Speedwagon’s vast collection of timeless classics for an unforgettable night of music, high energy, and fun that transcends generations.

With more than 50 million albums sold worldwide, 32 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, and 28 albums on the Billboard 200 albums chart between them, fans nationwide will have a chance to witness epic sets from two of the hardest-working, fun-loving, non-stop touring bands as they perform hours of hits featuring chart-topping anthems and timeless fan favorites.

Produced by Live Nation, the 44-city tour kicks off on July 8 in Somerset Amphitheater, in Wisconsin, making stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and more before wrapping up on September 11 in Phoenix, AZ at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre.

Train frontman Pat Monahan shared: “When I was younger I heard a band called REO Speedwagon and fell in love with their numerous, infectious hit songs. Years later I met Kevin Cronin, and thank goodness he’s as great a person as he is a songwriter.

This tour won’t just be a great time with great people, but a tour that will have a ton of familiar songs to most generations. I will be wishing I was in the audience as much as I’ll love being on the stage.”

REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin said: “Pat Monahan and I have done several benefit shows over the years, and now we get to take out our bands for a summer full of music and fun.

I love the idea of bringing together people of all ages, who share a common love for well-crafted songs and high energy live performances. The REO boys are stoked about this tour.”

Get your tickets TODAY and get plenty for the friends and family that will want to take in the experience with you. These accomplished groups know the importance of their fans and they never fail to deliver. Having both Train and REO Speedwagon on the stage is going to be epic!

Highcliffe House | May Book Club

I only had to glance at the cover of “Highcliffe House”, by Megan Walker, to know I wanted to lose myself between its pages.

When you see the beseechingly moody scene of a women dressed in a Regency era long skirt and bonnet, gazing up from the beach toward a formidable stone house… I know you’ll feel drawn to it as well, that’s why I chose it for my May Book Club recommendation.

It’s a Proper Romance too, so while it tells a sweet, charming story full of splendid detail, historical references, and witty repartee, it skips all the stuff that might make you uncomfortable if your young daughter were to pick it up and flip through.

“When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time fried and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Lucking, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation; Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.”

Mom’s would love to receive this on their Mother’s Day breakfast tray along with lovingly prepared french toast, orange juice, hot tea and fresh flowers.

When the last bite’s been eaten, tidy up the tray and leave her to her book and tea for a while, she deserves it.

Sweepstakes | Mother's Day Delights

Mom’s are heroes! Grandmom’s, Bonus moms, and all those who stand in the gap providing love and nurturing care deserve to be celebrated.

Mother’s Day 2024 is May 12th. I want to help make Mom’s day special, and together with some of my incredible radio sponsors, we’re giving away this collection of Mother’s Day Delights.

5 lucky winners will be selected between
Monday, April 22nd - Sunday, May 6th.

Use the ENTER button to send me a note telling me who you’d like to see blessed by these delights and why. Make sure you include a full name and shipping address, and an email too.

Winners will be selected at random, but I very much want to read all your stories of love and mothering!

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Laura Geller Modern Classic Cream Lipstick Trio

My mother rarely left the house without a swipe of lipstick. I bet you know a few moms like this too. Laura Geller does. She’s providing this lovely trio of lipsticks in a shade for every mood.

Luxurious and lightweight, this cream lipstick delivers color and moisture in one single stroke. The super-soft texture infused with Beeswax and Vitamin E, melts onto your lips and does not seep into fine lines. White Orchid Extract hydrates and soothes to help lips stay smooth, supple, and gorgeous no matter how long the wear.

Create unforgettable lip looks with these three Geller-gorgeous shades: Berry Bliss, Mauve Majesty, and Pink Passion.

Visit LAURA GELLER BEAUTY to shop a stunning array of cruelty-free makeup, made for mature skin.

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Bigelow Wooden Chest with Flavored & Herbal Tea

The Bigelow family has been blending and brewing their famous teas for three generations using only the finest ingredients, care, and passion.

Over 80 years ago, Ruth Campbell Bigelow created America’s first specialty tea, “Constant Comment,” and changed the way America enjoys tea. As a Certified B Corp and Women Owned Business, 3rd generation President and CEO, Cindi Bigelow, carries on her grandmother’s legacy by giving back to people and the planet.

Bigelow is sharing their beautifully crafted Tea Chest with us for cup after cup of delightful sipping. It contains 8 tea bags each of Lemon Lift, Earl Grey, "Constant Comment", English Teatime, Green Tea, Cozy Chamomile, Mint Medley, and Orange & Spice.

I’m of the mind that every occasion calls for a cup of tea. Take a moment just for you.

Learn the Bigelow story and find your favorite blend at BIGELOW TEA.

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“Eat Dessert First”, by Elise Thomas

Elise Thomas is known for her famous signature gourmet cookies that she started baking in her home kitchen and quickly turned into a highly successful chain of bakeries, “Cookie Co.”

But cookies isn’t all she knows… While her recently published cookbook, “Eat Dessert First”, does boast a significant collection of recipes that include cookies, bars, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats at the very front… An extensive collection of both sweet and savory offerings follow.

These include ideas for breakfasts and brunches, lunch offerings, and delicious dinners, PLUS breads, soups, salads, and all the extras. It’s a one-stop experience for recipes that any novice cook or experienced meal-maker, like Mom, will treasure.

Order additional copies of: “EAT DESSERT FIRST”.

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Lauren Daigle, The Complete Self Titled New Album

This collection marks a new creative chapter for multi-platinum selling, Lauren Daigle and features the songs, “Thank God I Do”, “These Are The Days”, and “Turbulent Skies” amongst it’s 23 tracks.

Its production is 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’s colorful personality shines through in her fresh, uplifting music, delighting every mom on the receiving end of this collection.

Catch up with Lauren, order her music, merch, and find performances at
LAURENDAIGLE.COM

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Eyes of Faith®, “Reflect” Sunglasses

Eyes of Faith® creates eyewear that changes lives and reflects the hope within you. Their glasses are thoughtfully designed with Biblical scripture printed inside, and every purchase supports meaningful causes like free glasses, shelter, and support for people in need around the world.

My dear friends are contributing a sleek and sporty aviator style pair of sunglasses, in their Reflect design. The classic shape flatters every profile and is finished with high-quality, comfortable spring hinges. The 2 Corinthians 3:18 passage "...see and reflect the glory of the Lord" , is printed inside the temple to remind you to seek and show God's love throughout your day.

In addition to vision-related missions, Eyes of Faith® has helped to build several homes at Point Hope Village in Ghana, West Africa, and recently helped to build and open the Eyes of Hope Vision Centre there, where prayers are being answered!

Learn more about Eyes of Faith® Optical, and find an Eyes of Faith® Showroom near you!

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Enter the sweepstakes using the button below.
INCLUDE NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS WHERE PACKAGES CAN BE RECEIVED!

Dandelion Fluff Fairy Garlands

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

Give Dandelion Fluff Fairy Garlands a go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat Dessert First | April Book Club

EAT DESSERT FIRST

“Eat dessert first!” is a credo I live by.

I mean, if the occasion calls for dessert (and what occasion doesn’t?!) why wait until the end of the meal?

Elise Thomas seems to feel the same. The first section of her cookbook, “Eat Dessert First”, lists 15 recipes that include cookies, bars, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. A very complete collection (135 more recipes!) of both sweet and savory offerings follow.

Elise is known for her famous signature gourmet cookies she first started baking in her home kitchen and quickly turned into a highly successful chain of bakeries, “Cookie Co.” Yes, they’re THAT good! But cookies isn’t all she knows… Her first cookbook contains delightful breakfasts and brunches, lovey lunch offerings, and delicious dinners, PLUS breads, soups, salads, and all the extras. It’s a one-stop experience for recipes that any novice cook or experienced meal-maker will treasure.

From fluffy sour cream pancakes, to wedding shower chicken pasta salad, to black beans burgers with chipotle sauce, you’re mouth will be watering and you’ll be making a long shopping list the first time you flip through the full-color glossy pages. The slow cooker ranch chicken baked potatoes look like something the kids and I could dig into after a day full of work, school and activities. But first, dessert!

Pick up your copy, and a few for friends here:
EAT DESSERT FIRST

New Movie | Unsung Hero

I’ve been a big big fan of for KING + COUNTRY, the Christian pop duo made up of brothers, Luke and Joel Smallbone, for a long long while.

They had my attention and admiration even before their huge hit “God Only Knows”, and even before I knew they were the brothers of Rebecca St. James, whose music I also adore! So of course I was excited to hear of the movie, Unsung Hero, (the title comes from a for KING + COUNTRY song of the same name), in theaters April 26th.

Based on a remarkable true story, Unsung Hero follows the father, David Smallbone, as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses.

With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (portrayed by his son, for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.

Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James. 

One of the perks of my position is often getting to see sneak-peaks at as-of-yet unreleased movies, and this one did not disappoint! The Smallbone family is one-of-a-kind! Their faith, fortitude, and fierce love for one another is evident. Their talent undeniable. It’s a moving, inspirational film that you’ll want to take the whole family to when it hits theaters later this month!

The accompanying Unsung Hero: Inspired By soundtrack is also phenomenal! The 11-track collection showcases original music and reimagined versions of iconic Christian pop hits, and includes a wealth of A-list collaborators such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Lee Brice, Hillary Scott, andmore. It is also available on April 26.

Pre-Order Here:
Unsung Hero: Inspired By

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and no one showcases the faith it sometimes takes to begin anew, than the Smallbone family in Unsung Hero. I hope you get an opportunity to see it, be blessed by its message, and entertained by one amazing family (and the fabulous performances by those portraying them!)

Spring Craft | "Bunny Bait"

Reprinted from 2023

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

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

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

Supplies:

• 1 package of wood shims (12 count)

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

• Rubber bands

• Craft paint

• Faux greenery

• 3 small nails or tacks

• Twine or Ribbon
  
  
  

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

Steps:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy, Happy Everything!

Iced Lemon Loaf

Reprinted from 2022

I don’t find myself in a Starbucks drive-thru very often, but when I do, their lemon loaf is a temptation that’s difficult - correction - impossible to pass up! I love the dense moist crumb cake and the sweet bright icing!

My sister and nephew recently tried to recreate this lemony goodness in their kitchen, because apparently he loves this treat even more than I do. Their attempt turned out temptingly tasty and quite beautiful too!

Paired with a cup of Bigelow tea (might I suggest the Lemon & Echinacea?) you can’t find a more perfect spring-time mid-day pick-me-up (say that three times real fast!), or a more welcome offering at an Easter brunch table!

Here’s everything you need to make 2 full loaves, one for yourself and one to share!

Ingredients:

Loaf:

• 3 cups all purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter – softened

• 2 cups granulated ugar

• 6 large eggs

• Zest of 2 large lemons

• 4 Tablespoons of lemon juice (plus 2 more for icing)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup sour cream

Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons milk or water

Directions:

To make the loaves

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Grease and flour two standard bread loaf pans

3. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

4. Now, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and the sugar together until very well combined

5. Add one egg at a time to the sugar and butter mix, then the vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice

6. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture a little at a time, alternating with the sour cream while mixing on low speed.

7. Once fully combined, pour half the mixture into one loaf pan, and repeat with the rest of the mixture into the second loaf pan. The batter will be somewhat thicker than a cake mix

8. Bake for 45 - 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean

9. Cool on wire racks.

For icing:

1. Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk (or water) mixing well, to make icing.

2. Ice loaves once cooled.

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

*Note - These lovely lemony loaves seem best enjoyed fresh. Left overs, though stored in a sealed baggie, became quite dry after just a few days.

** 2nd Note - My nephew solved the stale loaf issue by cutting the remaining slices into cubes, placing in a bowl, and covering with half-n-half, a la, old fashioned strawberry shortcake! He says he’ll always save a few slices to do this with from now on!

New Movie | Someone Like Yo

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

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

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

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

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

For tickets & information go to FathomEvents.Com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wat Kept Playing | March Book Club

“Wat Kept Playing”, by historical author, Emily Inouye Huey, is my book club pick for March!

This picture book biography about Asian American basketball hero Wataru Misaka will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and dream big.

‘The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka And His Rise To The NBA’, is sensationally illustrated by Kaye Kang. And whether or not those you might find yourself reading it to, (or gifting it to,) are basketball fans, they’ll love this story of “Wat” Misaka who often felt like he didn’t fully belong to the American culture he was born into, or the Japanese culture his parents had come from, and yet, “Wat Kept Playing”.

As he got older, Wat discovered he had both a love, and an amazing talent, for the game of basketball—his troubles would often disappear, or at least recede, when he had a ball in his hands.

Through a World War, when people who looked like Wat were feared in America, through college ball, when he was the shortest person on the team, and through racist heckling from referees and others, his skills expanded, the cheers kept coming, and he found his place on the court and in the world.

Wat’s undeniable talent changed history as he became the first person of color to play in the NBA when he was selected by the New York Knicks in the 1947 BAA Draft.

March Madness is upon us, and “Wat Kept Playing”, is a wonderful way to introduce young people to the game of basketball, while also delivering the important message that though finding our place in the world may not always be easy, the three-point set-up of Dream, Drill, and Determination, will get you well on your way!

Cheer Wat along by ordering copies of “Wat Kept Playing”.

Craft Project | Rustic Heart Wall Hanging

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro-tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Hang where you will enjoy!

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

What materials would you use and what color scheme?

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

Let me know if you give something similar a try!

First comes the materials collection… then arranging and hanging.

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

Cinnamon-Applesauce Hearts

Republished from 2/21

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:
(makes about a dozen cookie cutter hearts)

• 1 cup Cinnamon

• 1 cup Applesauce

• Thin ribbon or twine

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

5. Move hearts onto a cookie sheet.

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

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

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

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

Protecting Her Heart | February Book Club

ORDER: “Protecting Her Heart”

Ah February, the month of hearts and roses. What better book to chose to share with you than one of romance--Proper Romance that is.  Which means, that if your teen or pre-teen pick it up, you’ll have nothing to blush about!

"Protecting Her Heart", by Nancy Campbell Allen, takes us back to London, 1887.

Romance? Yes. But there is also a mystery to be sorted out and in doing so, our characters, Charlotte Duvall, who has just recently graduated from an American medical school, and her treasured friend, John Ellis, of the Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit, wrestle with danger and intrigue in a time and setting that is as foreign as it is familiar to us modern-day readers.

“Investigating the detais of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, bu as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more— and openingi her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protection her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.”

Come along with Charlotte and John, down dark alleyways enveloped in the foggy mists of London, it's social scene and schemes, and the tug of romantic feelings—welcome or not!

Get it HERE

Extraordinary New Movie | "Ordinary Angels"

Tickets are on sale NOW for “Ordinary Angels”, starring Hilary Swank & Alan Ritchson.

I got a sneak peek at this film and was overwhelmed with emotion. I can’t imagine the weight of the father’s sorrow after losing his wife, compounded by the worry over his daughter’s failing health, and feeling like whatever he did, it just wasn’t enough… But that’s not where the story ends.

Inspired by true events, Ordinary Angels is set in 1994 Louisville, Kentucky where a struggling hairdresser, Sharon (played by Hilary Swank), finds a renewed sense of purpose when she meets a recently widowed father, Ed (played by Alan Ritchson of Reacher ), working hard to care for his two daughters.

With his youngest critically ill and waiting for a liver transplant, the fierce woman single-handedly rallies an entire community to help his cause.

What happened in Ordinary Angels could happen in any town, and it does, because angels are all around us. In the most ordinary of people, extra ordinary courage, creativity, and care can be found.

Find your purpose. Make a difference.

Tickets for “Ordinary Angels” are on sale now!

tickets.ordinaryangels.movie 

As luck would have it, I got to interview Alan Ritchson, who plays Ed Schmitt in the film! You probably know him from his Prime series, Reacher, but you won’t confuse the two characters in this movie.

He portrays a bereaved husband, and father sick with worry, brilliantly. The LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah podcast episode with Alan will drop on February13, make sure you give it a listen!