2024 Christmas Music Must

Every year, about this time, as we head into the holiday season and I flip the Christmas switch to holiday music on my radio program, I like to recommend some Christmas Music MUST’s to you. Songs and albums I think belong on your own personal holiday playlists.

This year there are several tried and true, and some brand new babes, swaddled and waiting to be picked up and played! Read on for this years MUST haves, to find the order links, and even watch a video from each selection.

Merry Christmas everyone, let the Holly Jolly, Ho Ho Ho begin on what would otherwise be a Silent Night! Let’s shake up some happiness together!

for KING + COUNTRY
”A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)“

for KING + COUNTRY rings in the 2024 holiday season with a live rendering of their beloved Christmas show delivered straight to fans.

“A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)” captures the joy, the wonder and the pageantry of the seasonal tour that has become an annual tradition for the duo capped by their signature rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” The brand new recording serves as a companion to Christmas shows in LA, London, New York and Nashville; as well as a Fathom Event that will bring their live spectacle to theaters nationwide Dec. 5-9, 2024.

“Silent Night (Rewrapped)” is especially moving and the first on my list of Christmas Music Musts!

ORDER: “A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE)”

SIA
”Everyday Is Christmas”

"Everyday Is Christmas" first released in 2017 with a total of 10 original tracks. The album featured songs including "Santa's Coming for Us", "Candy Cane Lane", and "Snowman".

The all original album was written in only two weeks, and since then, “Snowman” has become a Christmas classic with over 1 BILLION streams. It’s since been reissued three times, in 2018, 2021 and 2022 with bonus tracks being added each time, bringing the total track list up to a whopping 21 with three different versions of “Snowman.”

It’s simply not Christmas without Sia’s Everyday Is Christmas!

BUY: “Everyday Is Christmas”

 Lindsey Sterling
“Snow Waltz”

Snow Waltz is the second Christmas album by the amazingly talented American violinist and dancer, Lindsey Stirling. It contains a mix of traditional Christmas standards and some refreshing original tracks.

Because Lindsey’s performances are theatrical productions full of dance and beautiful costuming, the first single, “Ice Storm,” was released via YouTube on in August of 2022 and in October, the video for "Snow Waltz", featuring a Halloween theme, was released alongside the album.

While many of the songs may be familiar, Lindsey’s emotive violin arrangements are new and exciting and so very very moving.  Adding “Snow Waltz” to your playlist is therefore a MUST in my book. It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

ORDER: “Snow Waltz”

Dan + Shay
 “It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”

Proven global superstars and 3x Grammy Award winners, Dan + Shay excitedly announced their very first Christmas album this year, and surprise, it’s a DOUBLE album!

“It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album” is a 21-song 2-LP colored vinyl/CD collection of brand new originals and their takes on classics that you already know and love. The project was a whole a decade in the making, and they are so proud of every single note. They truly leaned into our love for the holiday season and found some magic in the songs.

Dan + Shay’s hope is that you are able to enjoy + share that same magic with your loved ones for years to come. It’s mine too!

ORDER: “It’s Officially Christmas :The Double Album”

 Walker Hayes
“Christmas Vacation”

Walker Hayes' Christmas EP, “Christmas Vacation,” was just released November 1st! It contains 5 tracks in all, “Fancy Like Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Christmas Vacation”, “Come On Christmas”, and “Let It Be Christmas”.

Walker is the charming, affable, family-oriented country singer-songwriter who had a number one hit with "Fancy Like" in 2021 and then the remake, “Fancy Like Christmas” in 2023. “Country Stuff: The Album” was released in 2022, which reached number two on Billboard's Top Country Albums. Walker joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE, last year to talk about his Christmas hit and share all kinds of wonderful tidbits about his life with his wife, Laney and his seven children!

Be watching for Walker in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, on Thursday, November 28 and later in December for his guest appearance on The TODAY Show!

ORDER: “Christmas Vacation”

Elton John
”Step Into Christmas”

Just in time for the holidays, Elton’s classic "Step Into Christmas" is available on colored 7” vinyl!

Originally released in 1973, it was intended as an audible holiday card for his fans following his record-breaking album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.“ This limited edition 7” re-issue also features the original B-side, “Ho Ho Ho (Who’d Be A Turkey At Christmas)”, and is available on festive green vinyl, adding even more holiday magic to your Christmas celebrations! 

“Step Into Christmas” has become an essential part of the Christmas music canon, and its cheerful and festive spirit continues to delight audiences during the holiday season.

ORDER: “Step Into Christmas”

Jimmy Fallon
”Holiday Seasoning”

Late night host, friend to all, Jimmy Fallon’s holiday comedy album, "Holiday Seasoning”, is coming down your chimneys this year!  It’s a collection of all original songs with collaborations from the biggest superstars on the (snow) globe!

Following his recent Christmas hits, “Almost Too Early For Christmas,” with Dolly Parton and “It Was A…(Masked Christmas),” with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion, Jimmy took the 2023 holiday season by storm with his hit single “Wrap Me Up” with Meghan Trainor! To date, these have received over 70 million combined global streams and counting!

This year he’s spicing up our holiday playlists by adding 13 more tracks, teaming up with The Jonas Brothers, The Roots, Justin Timberlake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Will Ferrell, Chelsea Handler and Cara Delevingne on a number of new great holiday tunes! This is the album you didn't know you were waiting for, but now can't wait to sink your teeth into!  

The exclusive CD will come with a signed insert, the standard LP is a custom Peppermint Swirl vinyl, and there will be a deluxe LP package with Blizzard vinyl that will include a sticker sheet, a holiday table topper, and a pop-up vinyl gatefold. Target will also sell an exclusive edition of the LP in Ruby Red vinyl. This is a MUST!

ORDER: “Holiday Seasoning”


Train
“Christmas in Tahoe”

“Christmas in Tahoe” is the only Christmas album by the rock group Train, fronted by the charismatic Pat Monahan. It’s been a perennial favorite of my since it’s release in 2015.

Featuring renditions of twelve traditional Christmas songs and three originals written by the band, “Shake Up Christmas”, one of the originals, rates high on my list! It is so joyously infectious, it certainly shakes up some happiness! That’s why “Christmas in Tahoe “is most definitely a MUST each and every holiday season!

Also, in 2021, (when the world needed some happiness) the Hallmark Channel aired a film, “Christmas in Tahoe”, based on the album. Pat Monahan of Train co-starred and was also executive producer on the film!

ORDER: “Christmas in Tahoe”

Most Requested Copycat Dishes | November Book Club

ORDER: “Most Requested Copycat Dishes”

The weather is colder, the leaves are falling, the days are shorter and darker… Must be nearly Thanksgiving! While that BIG FEAST is fast approaching, there are other meals to be prepared each and every day.

If you’ve grown tired of the same-old, same-old and want some inspiration, you’re going to appreciate “Most Requested Copycat Dishes”

From fast-food classics to gourmet restaurant delights, “Most Requested Copycat Dishes” brings the restaurant experience directly to your home kitchen. From crave-worthy appetizers like Disneyland’s Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels and PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps to mouthwatering main courses like Mizithra Pasta from The Old Spaghetti Factory and Gino’s East Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Then finish off your meal with decadent desserts like Marie Callender’s Chocolate Satin Pie or Nothing Bundt Cake’s White Chocolate Raspberry Cake.

This cookbook presents more than 100 tested and perfected recipes that mirror their famous cousins. With insider tips along with step-by-step photo instructions for some of the trickier recipes, “Most Requested Copycat Dishes” can elevate your home dining experience whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen enthusiast.

You’re sure to find a new favorite - or several - and maybe there’s even something so good it will make it to the big table on Turkey Day… This fall, my gift to you is recommending “Most Requested Copycat Dishes”, your tastebuds will thank me!

GET YOUR COPY OF: “Most Requested Copycat Dishes”


Pumpkin Scones with Coffee Icing

This delectable recipe comes from my fabulous radio sponsor, Cheri’s Hazel Cream and is just in time for holiday making and baking, and eating!

Yummy pumpkin scones are topped with a coffee icing, and they pair perfectly with a cup of morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Serve with breakfast, brunch, as an afternoon delight, or evening treat. Cheri recommends using gluten free flour, dairy-free butter, egg recplacement, and of course, her own dairy-free Cheri’s Hazel Cream! They look soooo delish. Let me know how quickly a batch disppears at your house!



Pumpkin Scones with Coffee Icing

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups gfJules Gluten-free All Purpose Flour

  • 2/3 cups packed brown sugar

  • 1 Tbs baking powder

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp nutmeg

  • 8 Tbs dairy-free butter, chilled

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

  • 2 Tbs Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer

  • 4 Tbs water

  • 1/4 cup Cheri’s HazelCream, mixed as CREAM according to package instructions



For the icing:

  • 5 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted 1

  • /3 cup strong coffee

  • 2 Tbs butter, melted

Directions:

  1. Mix egg replacer with warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  2. Make Cheri’s HazelCream, mix as CREAM (16 oz water).

  3. Mix the pumpkin, Cheri’s HazelCream, and egg replacer together, set aside.

  4. Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder and spices together.

  5. Add the butter, use a pastry cutter to work it in. It should look crumbly.

  6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry.

  7. Mix into a dough, your hands are good tools.

  8. On a floured cutting board, form the dough into a log shape. Cut into 6 slices, then cut each slice diagonally. Place on a baking sheet.

  9. Bake the scones for 25 minutes at 425F.

  10. Let cool before icing.

Coffee Icing:

  1. Sift the confectioner’s sugar.

  2. Mix with melted butter and coffee.

  3. Spread on the scones.

*Cheri recommends: Cheri’s HazelCream, gfJules Gluten-free All Purpose Flour, Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer

Learn more about Cheri’s Hazel Cream, how and why it was created, find order links, cooking and baking ideas. and so much more HERE!

Amy Robach | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For nearly 40 years now October has also been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Recently I had the privilege of speaking to Amy Robach about breast cancer awareness. Oh My Word! What a powerful conversation! Amy is absolutely amazing. She’s a bold, brilliant, beautiful survivor telling her story and saving lives! You can listen to our conversation on my latest episode of LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah.

If the name Amy Robach is familiar, there’s good reason. Amy is a two-time Emmy Award Winning journalist, covering the latest headlines for nearly three decades. Most recently, she was the co-anchor of ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need To Know” and was previously the news anchor for Good Morning America, and the Co-Anchor of ABC News’ “20/20”. 

Amy has Interviewed countless newsmakers over the years. She’s had exclusive, headline-making interviews and has covered major national and global news events. She was the first television journalist to ever report live from the Galapagos Islands and went to Iceland with the world’s most elite ice climbers and to Tanzania on the poaching epidemic and its impact across the globe. And in 2013, after agreeing to be filmed undergoing a “routine” mammogram, Amy got some very shocking news…

In 2015, Amy wrote a New York Times Bestseller titled “Better: How I Let Go Of Control, Held On To Hope, And Found Joy In My Darkest Hour" about her unexpected journey with breast cancer after being diagnosed following an on-air mammogram on GMA.  After her recovery, Amy has devoted much of her free time to fitness and adventure. She is a five-time marathoner (and counting!) as well as an avid mountain climber!

In our conversation we talked about Amy’s surprise on-air diagnosis and how her family supported her through her treatments and recovery. We talk about the power of early detection and all the advances in treatment and outcomes. We implore listeners to be their own best advocates, and mostly we beg you to talk about breast health. Normalize it. Encourage one another to get your mammograms, and support each other through any diagnosis.

As well as listening to our podcast episode, I also want to encourage you to check out the special episode of Amy’s new podcast, “Amy & T.J.” which is co-hosted with T.J. Holmes.

They make a formidable broadcasting team with decades of experience delivering headline news and captivating viewers nationwide. The duo will get behind the microphone to explore meaningful conversations about current events, pop culture and everything in between. Nothing is off limits. And their special this month on breast cancer awareness is a must-hear episode!

“Amy& T.J.” is guaranteed to be informative, entertaining and above all, authentic. It marks the first time Amy and T.J. speak publicly since their own names became a part of the headlines. You’ll want to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. It’s available via iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcast fix.

Understanding your breast health is the first step in being breast aware and knowing your body so that you can proactively advocate for yourself when you sense that something is not quit right. There are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible, like eating a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly, and, while these may have some impact on your risk of getting breast cancer, they cannot eliminate the risk.

Developing breast cancer is not anyone's fault. Ladies, let's talk about it! Remind your friends to get checked and be there for one another when a diagnosis comes. 



Average Joe | New Movie

In between cookie baking, costume making, and dressing your home for fall, set aside some time to take in a movie with friends or family! “Which movie?” you ask?

AVERAGE JOE has my recommendation!

 GET TICKETS

Based on the unwavering true story, high school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight.

A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game.

When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost.

From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend movie selections I know you’ll come away from feeling empowered and inspired. Average Joe is that type of movie!

Grab some family, grab some friends, grab some popcorn, and this October, take in Average Joe!

BUY TICKETS


movie site / ticket link is www.averagejoemovie.com

Trailer on YouTube is here: https://youtu.be/Ehsy7aehAX8

Lady Flyer | October Book Club

October is a slowing month. It lounges between the frantic back-to-school pace of September and the bring-on-the-holidays race of November. October is for taking the time to rest, reflect, and ready oneself for winter. For that reason, it’s a very good time to pick up a book!

“Lady Flyer” by Heather B. Moore, is the the book I recommend. It’s got some heft to it, so pull on your cozy sweater, grab a cup of tea, and curl up in your favorite book nook, you’ll be here a while.

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

“In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.”

Author, Heather B. Moore is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications, including The Paper Daughers of Chinatown and Under The Java Moon. She’s lived on both east and west coasts of the United States, as well as Hawaii, and attended school abroad, including the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and is passionate about historical research. That is evident in “Lady Flyer”.

Order your copy of LADY FLYER

New Movie | White Bird

Experience the story behind WHITE BIRD—a deeply moving portrait of faith, young love, and hope even in the darkest times.

Now that the night is falling earlier, the weekends don’t seem so long.

Get a little more out of your Friday or Saturday night by going to the movies! (Or take in a Sunday matinee!)

Here’s one I’m especially excited about!

WHITE BIRD is a 2024 American coming-of-age period drama film directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Mark Bomback, based on the 2019 graphic novel of the same name by R. J. Palacio.

Serving as both a prequel and sequel to Wonder (2017), the film stars Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, Bryce Gheisar, Gillian Anderson, and Helen Mirren, with Gheisar reprising his role as Julian from Wonder.

Wonder, which I recommended to you when it came out in 2017, is the movie that sparked the movement to choose kind. White Bird is the inspirational next chapter. It’s got a powerful message we all need to hear, with a universal story of compassion, bravery, humanity, and HOPE.

Key takeaways from this inspirational young love story, a testament to the power of kindness and endurance of a friendship are:

  • Kindness lives forever.

  • Love is eternal.

  • Be brave.

  • Choose kind.

Don’t miss WHITE BIRD in theaters October 4!
GET TICKETS NOW!

Support Kingdom Story Company’s effort to create movies focused on faith, inspiration, and making a positive impact!

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Cream Cheese Pumpkin Dip

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Republished from October 2022

Need something that screams “Autumn!” to take to the PTA meeting, work luncheon, or other gathering? Didn’t have time to make your famous pumpkin loaf with cream cheese frosting? I gotchu!

This tasty cream cheese pumpkin dip takes just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to whip up. It's creamy, tangy, pumpkiny deliciousness that every pumpkin spice enthusiast will love.

It's best served with the small. crisp ginger snaps that come in the bag, or the very thin Anna’s brand Swedish ginger thins… but neither could be found on local grocer shelves, so it's pictured with larger soft ginger cookies instead; just as yummy but unless cut into pieces might encourage double-dipping, a thing I know we’d all like to avoid! Apple wedges would also be an option.

Here’s how to make your own. Go ahead, take a dip!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (1 pkg) room temperature

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

  • 3/4 cups powdered sugar

  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

  • sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, mix all ingredients, except sprinkle of cinnamon, until well blended. You may use an electric mixer or immersion stick blender to make a smoother dip.

Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and serve with your favorite fall cookie, cracker, or even crisp apple wedges!




Faerie Tales

Rain has started to fall a bit in some parts of the country, and that means it’s the beginning of the fall mushroom season.

I’m not a forager myself. I was raised with what’s referred to as “fungiphobia”. My parents, who were the consummate hunter-gatherers, warned me never to touch a mushroom. But now I have a multitude of friends and family that forage for mushies and they are teaching me that the world of mycology is a world of wonder!

I don’t think I’m going to become a serious fungi forager, but I am taking notice of the amazing variety of fabulous fungi that surrounds us. My sis has been taking my granddaughters on mushie hunts, as they are low to the ground and great spotters! They love stomping around in the underbrush and the thrill of discovery. They also love to make up or hear other’s made up stories of the faerie folk that live amongst the toadstools and parachutes poking out of the duff.

Just for fun, I posted a picture of a vibrant amanita I’d stumbled up during a walk, and asked my social media followers to tell me a story about the faeries that might live underneath…

I loved the responses, here’s a few of my favorites:

Linda

Fair of face and full of grace, Lily, the sweetest of fairies, bakes mini dandelion pies for her neighbors. Her small acts of kindness spreads joy across the fields of the fairy folk.

Nikki :

Gaeilge the fairy lived alone and was content to drink her shamrock tea and listen to her wee fairy radio every evening in her mushroom cottage .. It brought her great joy and peace as she listened to the voice of Delilah and all the wonderful kins folk that called in to her show.

Lady Delilah's radio show was a way to connect by voice and by heart to all the fairy kingdom, and for Gaeilge this gave her comfort. For a fairy voice wasn't just simply noise but their words of their hopes, dreams, and yes even sorrows were like musical notes flowing through the passage of time...

It was said that every word uttered by fairies would transform in the corridors of melody near the emerald sea into a strong symphony. Humans only hear the winds blowing there but fairies could hear the songs of their kind from past to present every so pleasantly.

This united song of all the voices of the fairies kept dreams and memories alive. In other words it brought hope to the fairies like Gaeilge who lived alone ... for she never truly had to feel lonely if she just took the time to listen.


Andrea:

Wee tiny Reba Mac, a sweet purring calico cat , curls up under her mushie 🍄‍🟫 cap… And dreams of mice peeking over the edge of this lovely roof in the magical forest of faeries.

And this one, which has kind of a Grimms Brother’s spin to it (ha ha!):

Cristin

…They all died because they tried eating the mushroom, but it was poisonous. Thats why we don't see fairy folk. The end.

This fall, as the rain begins in earnest, take a mushie walk. If you have littles, have them look for mushrooms, and let them know it’s ok to touch, but not to eat. A good thing for them—and all of us—to know, is that unlike berries, no mushroom should be eaten raw.

Find a mushroom guide for your area. The symbiotic relationship between fungi, and well, all life, is nearly beyond comprehension.

Get to know the different mushroom parts, the cap, the underside - gills or pores?, the stipe (stem), what they growing in or on or around. Through observation, some of you may develop into mushroom foragers. At the very least, you’ll become more aware of the amazing diversity of the mycological kingdom and you’ll probably come away with some cool photographs and maybe a faerie tale or two!

Mush love,


So True A Love | September Book Club

SO TRUE A LOVE

September has arrived, and with it a changing of the seasons. Labor Day, regardless the weather, marks a turning point for many, from the idles of summer to the productivity of fall.

But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, as the old saying goes, so make sure you carve out some time for yourself between business meetings, school drop offs, shopping, cooking and house chores.

15 minutes a day curled up with a book that plucks you out of the daily grind and places you in the midst of the danger and passion of two love birds embroiled in a Bow Street investigation is what I’m talking about!

“So True A Love”, by Joanna Barker, is my book club pick for this month of transition, September.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

I love to take a book out onto the porch or into the garden, any time of year, but right now, when the kids have gone back to school and the days are still warm, is when I have the best opportunity to do so. “So True A Love” is good company.

BUY: So True A Love

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Blueberry Dream Pie with Streusel Topping

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The blueberry crop is a banner one this year!

Larger and sweeter than ever… but what to do, what to do with them all??? The possibilities are endless, blueberry pancakes, blueberry scones, blueberry smoothies, blueberry syrup, blueberry jam, blueberries on your cereal or yogurt… So. Many. Options.

I’ve been seeing variations of a blueberry cream pie all over the internet, and I was intrigued. Thankfully someone volunteered to try one out, and it was a DREAM pie! I also think this would work well with other summer fruits, like blackberries… Never know unless we try it!

This fruit pie is refrigerated, making it a cool, welcome, summertime treat. The “cream” gives it a slight cheesecake quality, and the streusel topping takes it, well, over the top, in taste and texture.

Share it at your next summer gathering and it will probably be requested for years to come!

Ingredients:

  • 1 single unbaked pie crust

  • 3 cups fresh blueberries.

  • 3/4 cup of heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ⅔ cup sugar

  • 4 tablespoons flour

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • juice of 1 lemon (2-3 Tablespoons)


  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

  • 1/2 cup of flour

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar


Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  2. Prepare bottom pie crust - pop in freezer while preparing filling.

  3. Whisk together sour cream, sugar, salt, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, juice & 4 tablespoons of flour.

  4. Place 3 cups of blueberries in unbaked pie crust, and pour sour cream mixture on top. Gently combine.

  5. Bake for 25 minutes.

  6. Make the streusel topping: Mixing flour, brown sugar & melted butter together with a fork until crumbs form.

  7. Remove pie from over after first 25 minutes of baking and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top.

  8. Return pie to oven and bake 20-25 minutes longer, or until golden and the filling is bubbling.

  9. Let pie cool completely then chill overnight in refrigerator.

  10. Serve cold.

What In The World?! | August Book Club

I adore Leanne Morgan! She’s smart, she’s beautiful, she’s humble, and she’s sooooo funny! Relatable is the word most people use to describe her. Actually no. “Funny” is the first word, followed closely by “relatable,” but you know what I mean.

She took the time to share some laughs and stories when she joined me on my podcast, LOVE SOMEONE and while I was a fan before, that cinched our relationship. I’m one of her loudest, proudest cheerleaders now, watching her star ascend, applauding every new endeavor.

From raising babies and doing some stand-up on the side, to social media fame, to her smash Netflix special, Leanne Morgan is now a household name and marquee’s all over the country are lighting up with it as she smashes sold-out show after sold-out show. She’s wrapped up a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Will Farrel, and a new sit-com is in the works. What more is there to do? Well, write a book, I suppose… and she did just that!

“What In The World?!”, by Leanne Morgan, “A Southern Woman’s Guide To Laughing At Life’s Unexpected Curveballs And Beautiful Blessings” is available to preorder now.

“For a long time, no one pulling the strings in the comedy world thought that a woman over fifty from rural Tennessee could make it in the industry. But Leanne Morgan has defied the odds, reaching millions with her musings on hormones, low-rise britches, Weight Watchers, and her opposites-attract relationship with her husband, Chuck.

In her charming southern accent, Morgan brings readers inside her quest to find her voice after spending many years trying to figure out what that meant. Along the way, we learn how she grew up as a butcher’s daughter, landed a husband with health insurance, honed her stand-up technique selling jewelry at house parties, embraced the glories of aging, and surrendered to the comfort of wearing big flesh-toned panties.
 
Equal parts warm and hilarious, this book is a must-read by one of comedy’s rising stars—reminding you that every time life leaves you asking “What in the world?!,” something good is bound to come out of it someday.”

Pre-Order “What In The World?!”

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

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Marvelous Mint Summer Salad

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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.