Galilee Artza Premium Box

A couple of years ago I finally got the itch to go to Israel. I've been a Christian for 30 years and it's only been recently that I've had a desire to go and see the places Jesus walked and to see holy places. With the world being what it is right now, I don't foresee me or my family going there any time soon. When Artza reached out to me again to see if I'd like to experience their Galilee Artza Box, I felt very blessed!

I had the opportunity to learn more about Artza back in November of last year with their Nazareth box. The wall hanging still graces the wall by my front door, the soap sits on my side table next to my bed because it smells heavenly, and I ate through the Apple, Pomegranate, & Honey Spread like it was going out of style. I'm pretty sure no one even had a chance to sample it after I opened it. Oops.

So, let's chat about the Galilee Artza Premium box! The Premium box gives you an extra an extra hand-crafted gift. For instance, with the Galilee Premium box I also received a hand crafted Mosaic making kit. The "basic" box doesn't come with this feature. If you sign up for Artza, they send a box out quarterly. For the Premium box, you can either pay $94.99 seasonally or pay an annual amount and save 10%!

Here are the items that I received in my box. The first item that stood out to me was Itamar Even's custom designed and handmade ceramic bowl. The turquoise caught my attention as soon as I opened the box. I love that there a fish and bread loaf etched inside the bowl as a reminder of the fishes and loaves story. This will definitely hold trinkets. Ok, maybe not "definitely". It'll probably find a coveted spot on my bookshelves and you'll see it in my future bookstagram photos.

I'm also going to fess up right now. I used the olive oil immediately. Did not pass "Go" and did not collect $200. I just pulled it out and made a quinoa and kale lunch for myself. It's one of my favorite recipes and this olive oil added a delicious flavor. Sindyanna of Galilee is the only certified Fair-Trade olive oil producer in Israel! They've even won  multiple international awards! I can see why! My husband LOVES cooking with olive oil and now he's going to want to use this olive oil in all of his recipes.

To stick with the food theme, I've recently gone on a kick again about hummus. I'm trying to find ways to be a healthier eater. Seriously I am. In fact, this is how dorky I am. On the way to Minnesota on the 3rd I was sitting, waiting for my plane, when the people across from me pulled out veggies galore and hummus. I decided to ask them about flavor suggestions. HA! Now that I have the Spice Road Farm hummus seasoning, I can venture out and use the recipe that was sent as well. This seasoning blend is actually custom made for Artza!

Next up is the chocolate spread from Tzuf. The Galilee Artza Premium box came right before I left for 8 days in Minnesota so I had enough time to grab photos and look through the box, but haven't had time to sample anything. Doesn't "Nectar Spread" sound amazing? I mean, I'm a gardener and my nectar garden for my bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds brings me great delight. I have a feeling this Nectar Spread will as well! Oh, and it's vegan!

Moving on from food, take a look at these gorgeous hand-dipped candles by Safed Candles. I have a feeling if I were to visit Galilee I'd end up spending a LOT of time in their shop. I always find candles to be so fascinating, especially if they're hand-dipped. They're never exactly the same. Now, I get that the point of having candles is to burn them, but these are serious too beautiful to burn. Shhhh don't tell them I'm not using them as intended. These, too, will probably grace my bookshelves and you'll see them in future photos!

When we travel places, and I don't know how this happens, I'm always drawn to soaps and scrubs. If you were to ask my husband, he'd confirm this for you! The only problem is, I get them and love them so much, I don't want to use them. I know, much like the candles. I DO end up using soaps and scrubs though. Michal Soaps lemon-lime body scrub will definitely be used!

In Israel there's a local game maker called Family Nature Games. This card game for the whole family will help reinforce and teach about Christ's journey in the Holy Land. What I liked about the cards, and I think this is such a brilliant feature, is the map on each of the cards. You'll have to order the box to see the cards to understand why I'm digging them.

And as an added piece to Premium box, subscribers will get Holy Land Mosaics. It's a DIY kit to make a design of your own creation or follow one of their patterns. These are natural stones and once you create your design, you can either glue them to a frame following the pattern or come up with other ideas on how to display your creation. You could also just play around with them coming up with creative new designs over and over.

Do you have a favorite item from this box? If you went to Galilee, what artisanal or handmade item would you pick to bring home? Something altogether different?

The Tuesday Ten With Sandra Byrd

It's time once again for today's Tuesday Ten! I know that it's been a while, but life has been NUTS since the start of the year. I'm so excited to have the wonderful Sandra Byrd on my blog today!

Q1: If you could go to any location in Washington to find inspiration for your next story, where would you go?

Sandra: Happily, my next book is set in Washington, on one of my two favorite places in my home state, Whidbey Island. 

Mimi: In all the years I lived there I never went to Whidbey Island. IF I were a writer I'd probably go to Olympic State Park because it's so stunning!

Q2: We're visiting England together, and you want to take me to tea. Where are we going and what kind of tea do you suggest I try?

Sandra: Oh, Claridge’s, absolutely.  There are many other places to try, in London, but Claridge’s has my heart.  (Scroll down to see the Tea, in this link.) The history behind the hotel is a story in itself—and I do think a book has been written about that—but the tea and tea treats are delightful.

The setting is amazing, and you can eat as much as you like.  I don’t think they counted on my then-teenaged son eating so many plates of dainties one time when we visited. But they were gracious!

Mimi: Oh my word, I'm ready to go there when you are! It sounds absolutely delightful and I'd make the most of the food as well!

Q3: What inspired you to start your tea & coffee mug exchange?

Sandra: When I was a kid, I loved it when my school would set us up with pen pals  - I looked forward to it all year. As a teen, I loved one summer’s month in France, and one in Germany, and how it expanded my understanding of the world, and friendship. 

Later, my husband and I hosted students from other cultures and made lifelong friends.

I love the idea of connecting reading friends I love with other reading friends I love.  I hope your blog readers will join us in 2020!

Mimi: I have enjoyed the two ladies I've done the exchanges with! I appreciate that you created this experience for all who participate!

Q4: You're given the opportunity to dress up and act in character in Williamsburg (or anywhere they have period actors) as one of the characters in your book. Which character would it be?

Sandra: Anne Boleyn, for sure.  I’m a dark brunette, and my husband is a strawberry-blonde like Henry XIII and can grow a huge, bristly beard if he wants to. I suggested he grow his beard, get costumes, and host a party.  He didn’t dig the idea of being Henry XIII. 😊 I know people think about the traumatic parts of her life, and there’s a lot of shaming that doesn’t show the whole woman.  I think she was a powerful – if imperfect – aid to the Protestant Reformation, which eventually led to tightening and strengthening the Catholic church, too.

I think I’d pick a period early in her marriage, though, for obvious reasons!

Mimi: lol I'd go with an earlier period of her life as well! I've been thinking about this, and I don't think I'd want to be a specific character, but maybe someone who was in the upper class so I could enjoy the gowns and parties... even if just for a day!

Q5: If you could go to Israel and visit one spot where Jesus had been, where would you go?

Sandra: Sea of Galilee. I have seen so many beautiful photos, and I can close my eyes and imagine being there with the first-century disciples.  I hope we can go some time.

Mimi: I think I'd want to go to Gethsemane. I've never felt a huge pull to go to Israel, but I know if I ever went it would be more that I could ever imagine.

Q6: What facet do you enjoy most when you're researching history for your period books? Is it the clothing, how they spoke, the setting, etc.?

Sandra: I am an immersive researcher. I eat what they ate (yes, even eels!) and try to walk where they walked. I watch films and read dozens of books.  I listen to YouTubes of dialogue and interview as many people as I can. I care immensely about getting the details right, whether they be cultural, professional, or personal. I hope that when my readers slip into the pages of the book, they are right there – and then – too!

Mimi: I really appreciate that as one of your readers! I definitely feel like the time period comes to life with your books. I can admit that I cringed when I read about you eating eels. 😬

Q7: If you could design your dream library, what would it look like? Would it be big with rows and rows of bookshelves? Would it be small and cozy?

Sandra: I have books in every single room of my house. Honestly, they are friends, and my home would feel naked and soulless without them.  So, I seek to make special places in each room a nook – or a shelf – for books, rather than one dedicated library.

Mimi: My dream would be to have a room with walls of books and there would definitely have to be a sliding ladder! But I'm with you, I like having friends nearby so having them in each room is fantastic! I have them around my house as well!

Q8: Since you do book coaching, do you ever find yourself giving a tip that you realize you should've used in your writing? Can you give us an example?

Sandra: I hope that, when I coach, I help my clients learn from the many years I have been writing, coaching, and editing.  I want to help them avoid potential pitfalls, when I can, and give them skills and tools it took me years to learn.  I wish I would have learned much earlier in my career how important it is to structure a novel a bit before writing it. It would have saved me many long deletions! I show my clients how to structure and create while retaining their voices.

Mimi: So fantastic that you are able to pass on what you've learned over the years from your own experiences.

Q9: What do you do to get into your "zone" as you prepare to start writing your next book?

Sandra: Once I slip into the next book, I am almost always in the zone.  I see things all around me with a view to the story. I take notes on my phone when I’m with my friends or family and something occurs. I cook from the culture or preferences of my characters. All of my reading and much of my tv is geared toward supporting the book. I slip away, as it were, and don’t really emerge until the draft is done.  The time at the computer is just an extension of that.

Mimi: Aside from the eels, I'd love to be around you as you're creating your books where the food is concerned. lol Sounds like you become one with the creation of the book as you're in process. That's incredible!

Q10: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Oh, and it's going to be the setting of your next book! 

Yes, ma’am, it is! Whidbey Island, and I’ll be there in just a few weeks and popping in and out all summer long!

Mimi: Sounds like a fantastic way to spend your days doing research, especially during the summer!

Be sure to keep up with Sandra via her newsletter from her website or on Instagram!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Guarded By Sara Davison

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for Guarded, the second book of The Night Guardians series by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT GUARDED

Series: The Night Guardians, Book 2 

Author: Sara Davison 

Release Date: February 1, 2020 

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

The tip the stranger left sent Nicole a painfully clear message. The past is no longer in the past.

Nicole is fighting to bury the memories. Someone else is fighting to keep them exposed.

Detective Daniel Grey is back in town, and diner owner Nicole Hunter isn’t sure how she feels about that. It’s been almost seven years, and now she doesn’t just have herself to think about but her six-year-old son as well. If she does find the courage to take a chance on love, her heart could be smashed into pieces. Again.

And it’s not only her heart that is in danger. Someone is working hard to disrupt her present with reminders of the past she has worked hard to forget, especially her darkest memory—of the night her husband was gunned down in the street in front of her. As much as she might want to push Daniel away, Nicole needs him closer now than ever before.

But the one she trusts to keep her and her son safe has a secret that may prove to be the biggest threat of all.

Here's the Cover:

PURCHASE LINK*: Amazon

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novels The Watcher and The Seven Trilogy. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including the Word Award for Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature and currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

---

 
TOUR GIVEAWAY

Sara Davison is offering a $25 Amazon card to the winner - US and Canadian residents

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 4, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US/CAN mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture Blu-Ray

Are you taking time to recover from the holidays? I can't believe how incredibly busy last month was.  I had a daughter come in from overseas and my oldest daughter & her husband as well. One of my most anticipated movies for 2019 came out on Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Code last month!! Wondering what to do with gift cards you received? Are they burning a hole in your digital wallet? Then grab Downton Abbey! I received mine for review and I'm in my happy place!

We saw this movie the first weekend it came out in the theaters! I tell you what, we weren't disappointed! This movie was just as amazing as the tv show and picked up right where it left off.

Universal City, California, November 5, 2019 – DOWNTON ABBEY, the global sensation hailed as “a grand, cinematic experience” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Earning an “A” CinemaScore, the film, which is celebrated by critics as “a true love letter to the fans” (Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds), arrives just in time for the holiday season with a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.
 
Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy^® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The incredible ensemble cast been applauded by critics as “funny and charming as ever” (Caroline Siede, The A.V. Club). The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family. Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members. Lauded as “a delight” (Stephanie Zacharek, TIME), the film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.
 

BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
  • Upstairs Cast
  • Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20^th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

*Available only on Blu-ray™ and iTunes

DOWNTON ABBEY will be available on Blu-ray^TM, DVD and Digital. 

• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

For artwork, please log onto our website at www.uphepublicity.com
Website: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbey
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/DowntonAbbeyTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntonAbbey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DowntonAbbey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtonabbey_official 
#BringDowntonHome

The Tuesday 10 With Jen Turano & Giveaway

I'm so excited to start a new weekly (hopefully) feature on my blog! It's going to be called The Tuesday 10. To say I'm over the moon having author, Jen Turano, as my first author is putting it mildly. Absolutely, hands down, she is one of my favorite Christian authors! Her stories are such a fun ride from beginning to end. I can guarantee that you will love each and every one of her books.

About Jen Turano:

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com or https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.

Ok, ok, enough of me gushing! Let's get to my 10 questions!

Q: Do you ever find yourself laughing out loud at the lines that you write for your

characters?

Jen: Interesting tidbit about my early drafts – they’re not amusing. It’s not until I get to the

third edit that things begin to change, and then, yes, I do occasionally laugh out loud

when something absurd strikes and I add it to the manuscript. I then, of course, have to

share that absurdity with Al (husband person,) who normally just shakes his head and

wonders about the state of my mind.

Mimi: I'm shocked that it's in later drafts the humor is added! I'm fascinated by this glimpse into your process!

Q: Before you start writing a series do you already know how many books there will be?

Jen: I do, but that’s probably because I decided after my first series, which was four books,

that I would only write three books in a series from that point forward. Four is tricky

because you have to remember so much about the characters, and I have the attention

span of a gnat. Even with three, I spend a lot of time pouring over my notes to make

certain I’m not mentioning that a character has blue eyes in the third book when in the

first, they were green. One time, I wrote that one of my heroes had never seen the

heroine cry, and didn’t realize until the very last moment, as in right before it was about

to go to print, that he had seen her cry, in the very first book. I had to apologize rather

profusely to one of my editors for making that change so late in the process. Thankfully,

I have really cool editors, so…whew.

Mimi: I have a hard time calling my kids by their correct names. Having to keep track of so many things throughout 3 books sounds tricky!

Q: I know this is like picking your favorite child, which of your characters is the most like

you?

Jen: There’s a little of me in most of my characters, but I relate best to Gertrude Cadwallader

in “Out of the Ordinary,” and Poppy Garrison in “Diamond in the Rough.”

Mimi: I don't think I relate to her, but Gertrude is one of my favorite characters!

Q: If you could travel to any period of time, whether in the past or the future, where would

you travel to?

Jen: That’s easy, the Gilded Age since I spend so much time there, at least in my

imagination.

Mimi: I think I'd have to agree on the Gilded Age!

Q: What book(s) are on your TBR pile for the fall?

Jen: My TBR pile is somewhat overwhelming at the moment because I don’t read historical

romance while writing a first draft, and lately, I always seem to be writing a first draft.

However, on the top of that pile is Elizabeth Camden, “The Spice King,” Joanna

Politano, “Finding Lady Enderly,” and Jody Hedlund, “Evermore.”

Mimi: I just finished "The Spice King" and really enjoyed it! It was my first Elizabeth Camden novel. I haven't read either of the other books, but they're on my list.

Q: If you can have a library in your home that's a replica of any other library in the world

which one would it be?

Jen: Hmm…difficult question, but I’m going to go with the small library from my childhood

hometown, the St. Clairsville Library. It just always seemed like the coolest place in the

world to me, especially the basement where they had this great collection of Nancy

Drew books that had bright pink bindings. Frankly, it was a somewhat spooky part of the

library, which made visiting it all the more exciting.

Mimi: If there's one out there that looks like it was in a really old castle, with several floors, that's what I'd want mine to look like!

Q: You're going on vacation to your dream location. What are 3 items you bring with you?

Jen: Al (husband person,) flipflops, and a bathing suit.

Mimi: HA! I'm glad you'd bring your husband along.

Q: You hear back from your editor that the publishers want an exotic animal in your next

novel. Which animal do you choose?

Jen: I don’t know how exotic this is, but an elephant, because that would open up all sorts of

possibilities, or…a giraffe, now that’s not an animal one sees often in a book. Hmm…something to think about there.

Mimi: Oh my goodness, maybe a baby elephant! My friends wouldn't be surprised at my answer, which would be an alpaca. Although, I don't know that it's exotic either.

Q: Since we're early on autumn what is one thing that you like about each of the four

seasons (and I'm not talking about the musical group)?

Jen: Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the colors and the way the sky out

here in Denver turns this really brilliant shade of blue – apparently that has something to

do with how high up we are out here. Next comes Winter because I love snow and the

cold. Third would be Spring because of all the fabulous smells when the trees begin to

flower, and last would be Summer. I’m not really a girl who enjoys the hot, although I do

enjoy all the activities the hot brings, such as kayaking, swimming, and lounging in the

shade, reading a book.

Mimi: I'm a spring kind of gal. When everything starts turning green and I can see my plants popping out of the dirt... it makes my heart sing! I do love the warmth of summer and getting out of the house more. Autumn, it's passable. HA! Everything in the garden starts dying, BUT I get to spend more time reading in my hammock so there's that. Winter, I had plenty of that white nonsense when I lived in Minne-snow-ta! I've become soft since moving to Maryland.

Q: We're hanging out over lunch. Are we having coffee or tea and what sandwich & dessert

are we having? And yes you could pick some weight watchers!

Jen: Not coffee because I only have one cup a day and that’s at five in the morning. I’m not a

tea drinker either, so I’m going to go with water. Sandwich would be ham, no cheese,

and since I have been dieting lately, although I hit my goal a few weeks back so I’m not

as intense about it as I was over the past several months, I’d probably choose some

type of yogurt with fruit for dessert. In all honesty, I’ve never been much for desserts,

but give me a bag of chips and I’m a happy girl.

Mimi: Yea, I have one cup of coffee in the morning. I'd want a tall, cold glass of milk with my sandwich. I love meat sandwiches on croissants. I think I'd bring a fruit salad to our lunch. :)

Jen: Thanks so much for having me, Mimi! It’s been a pleasure.

Thank YOU for being my first guest. While I don't have a gift to send you off with, you DO have one for my readers. I appreciate your generosity! You can also purchase Diamond in the Rough through Baker Publishing Group.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon

My son and I took our first trip to Mount Vernon in August. What an incredible way to spend a day! If you ever come to Washington, D.C. to tour the Smithsonian Museums and other sites, I'd highly suggest adding a day at Mount Vernon to your schedule. It's a day well spent!

The first thing you should do is visit the Mount Vernon website. Check out their calendar of events to see if anything is happening the day you're planning to visit. Check as soon as you decide to plan the trip because their events fill up rather quickly. The next thing you need to do is pick out a time to tour the mansion. It's part of your ticket, but you don't want to show up and realize you don't have a time set up.

Before you purchase your ticket, be sure to check out their social media. Facebook and Instagram will show you if they have any promo codes you can enter. I used their code "SMF2019" to get 20% off the regular ticket price. Also, if you're military you receive $6 off the adult ticket. If you have a Purple Heart entry is free year round!

The drive to Mount Vernon is beautiful. It's a partially wooded drive as you cruise along the Potomac River. When you arrive, parking is free! You'll start your day (more than likely) at the Ford Orientation Center and enter the grounds from there.

We passed by the slaves quarters, shoemaker's shop, and stove room. I don't know about you, but looking through these rooms is very difficult. A brief glance into what their lives looked like is a harsh reminder of our history, a place we never want to return to. They received 2 shirts and 1 pair of pants... for a YEAR!

From there we walked around the path until we made it to the mansion entry line. We learned so much about the mansion from the volunteers! It started off being owned by George Washington's father and it was only 1 1/2 stories. Seriously, they couldn't have picked a more picturesque location!

The tour of the mansion was delightful. I think I was most fascinated with the beds we saw and the study. It would be amazing to have a bed like the one in the Blue Room or Lafayette's Bedchamber. The plaster decoration on the ceiling is stunning and the carving on the marble mantle piece is spectacular. They point out how George Washington paid homage to his heritage of working the land with the intricate designs above the doors and on the mantle.

After we completed the tour we saw a fife and drum band from Michigan dressed up in period apparel getting ready to play period music. It was awesome! Next to the Bowling Green is the Upper Garden. You know I had to walk through there. Oh, you have no idea how much I loved it! The flowers and the garden are wonderful. What's fantastic is, they harvest the seeds from the plants AND sell them in Lady Washington's shop as well as the larger shop at the front of the grounds. They have a sunflower that I absolutely MUST get my hands on next spring or summer.

My son and I decided to have lunch after the tour. Since we didn't have reservations at the restaurant we went to the food court. We should've checked with the restaurant. I would say in comparison to what you'll spend at the food court, it's worth your while to eat at the restaurant. I'll share more about my experience enjoying their food in a future blog post.

After lunch we wanted to check out Washington's tomb. Thankfully since we were full, we took a shuttle down to the wharf and then walked up to the tomb. We passed by the pioneer farm, but we didn't see any activity down there. What I didn't realize was, there's also a slave memorial & cemetery. It's a beautiful area on the grounds just past Washington's tomb.

We wandered the grounds some more passing by the coach house, stable and lower garden. We didn't spend much time because it was getting late in the day. I was bummed we didn't take time to walk through the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center. I did take time to walk through the two big shops. My daughter would love the smaller one as they have an entire Christmas section! In the larger shop they have some amazing creations made from wood that was found on the grounds. There are also books galore!

Trust me, this is one visit you won't want to miss! You come to VA or Washington, D.C. It's well worth your time and you will thank me later! My next visit I hope will be by candlelight during the holidays!

THIRST By Jill Williamson Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Goodies

I'm excited to be sharing with you the cover reveal for Jill Williamson's newest book - THIRST!

How gorgeous is it?!

Wanna know what the book's about? Of course you do. Without further ado:

The end of the world is only the beginning. A waterborne disease has contaminated the world’s fresh water, decimating the human race. Seventeen-year-old Eli McShane and his friends flee the chaos and violence in Phoenix and journey north toward the rumored location of a safe water source. They add several to their number, including the mysterious Hannah, who is being hunted by a dangerous man. Desperation brings out the worst in many of the travelers, infecting even those closest to Eli. When division comes, will he be able to hold his group together or will each fall victim to their own thirst for survival?

Join some old friends from Glenrock and Jack's Peak in this thrilling first book of the Thirst Duology. Best-selling author Jill Williamson has brought back the breathtaking suspense of the The Safe Lands series in this chilling prequel that will leave readers panting for the next installment.

If that doesn't grab you, do you have a pulse? Just sayin'!

Here's your chance to pre-order it! BUT you have to be one of the first 50 (FIFTY) shoppers! Not only can you get your order in early, check out some goodies you'll receive:

Ok, so remember, those are only for the first 50 pre-orders! Don't miss out!

YESTERDAY On Digital TODAY & Giveaway

If you saw any of the commercials for the movie YESTERDAY, you had to have wanted to see it! I mean, how could you not? I grew up listening to the Beatles, and while I enjoyed them, I wasn't a crazed fan. THAT being said, this trailer for this movie sparked something in me that compelled me to have to see it! When I found out I was going to receive a copy for myself and one for a giveaway there was no way I could refuse!

Includes original musical performances not seen in theaters, an alternate opening and ending, gag reel, loads of deleted scenes and more. Bring family and friends together with The Beatles’ music inspired film Yesterday, on Digital September 10, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand September 24, 2019.

COME TOGETHER WITH THE UNFORGETTABLE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES AND BREAKOUT PERFORMANCES BY HIMESH PATEL, LILY JAMES, KATE MCKINNON AND ED SHEERAN IN THE FEEL-GOOD COMEDY

YESTERDAY
 

INCLUDES ORIGINAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCES NOT SEEN IN THEATERS, AN ALTERNATE OPENING AND ENDING, GAG REEL, LOADS OF DELETED SCENES AND MORE

ON DIGITAL SEPTEMBER 10, 2019
4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY™ AND DVD SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

"I BELIEVE IN YESTERDAY AND YOU WILL TOO'"
— MIKE REYES, CINEMABLEND

 

ONE OF THE BEST-LOVED FILMS OF THE YEAR WITH AN 89% AUDIENCE SCORE ON ROTTEN TOMATOES

Universal City, California, August 13, 2019 – Bring family and friends together with The Beatles’ music inspired film Yesterday, on Digital September 10, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand September 24, 2019. Jack’s life is changed forever when he discovers he is the only person on earth who remembers the music of The Beatles and must decide if he truly wants the spotlight, or if all he needs is love, after all. Filled with heart and humor from beginning to end, Yesterday on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital comes packed with exciting bonus features including deleted and extended scenes, live performances at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, an alternate opening and ending and several featurettes with the filmmakers and cast that take fans further into the charming story. Hailed as “Funny, original, and touching” (Patrick Stoner, “Flicks” WHYY-TV (PBS)), Yesterday is a rock-n-roll comedy about music, dreams, friendship, and the long and winding road that leads to the love of your life. Stay in, “re-experience the Beatles' songs as if they're brand-new” (Mara Reinstein, Billboard) and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ Abbey Road this year with the perfect at-home movie night when you own Yesterday on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital.
 
Jack Malik was just another struggling songwriter...but that was yesterday. After a mysterious blackout, Jack (Himesh Patel; BBC’s “EastEnders”) discovers he is the only person on earth who remembers The Beatles! As he rockets to fame by passing off the Fab Four’s songs as his own, Jack risks losing Ellie (Lily James; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cinderella) – the one person who has loved him and believed in him from the start. Kate McKinnon and Ed Sheeran also star in this romantic rock ‘n’ roll comedy from Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) and Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually).
 
The soundtrack to YESTERDAY is available on digital/streaming services as well as CD from Capitol Records/Polydor Records. The album will be available on vinyl this Friday, August 16.
 
*DVD format includes over 35 minutes of bonus content

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTrA HD, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL

• Alternate Opening*
• Alternate Ending
• Deleted Scenes
  • Corden & Roxanne – Includes deleted performance by Himesh Patel of “Something”
  • Late for School
  • Nutters Italian Ice Cream
  • Sortisimus
  • Moscow Audience
  • Alexa
  • A Gonk
  • W Hotel
  • Jack Calls Ellie
  • Hilary in the Mirror
  • Nick and Carol
  • Hazel's Selfie
• Gag Reel*
• Live at Abbey Road Studios - Watch Himesh Patel perform "Yesterday", "I Want To Hold Your Hand", and "Let it Be" at Abbey Road Studios.
  • "Yesterday"
  • "I Want To Hold Your Hand"
  • "Let it Be"
• Ed Sheeran: From Stadium to Screen* - Acting in his first major role, Ed Sheeran reflects on his experiences making the movie.
• Agent of Comedy: Kate McKinnon* - Kate McKinnon shares how eager she was to play the role of "Debra Hammer" while the cast and crew reflect on the fun and energy that the queen of improvisational comedy brought to the set.
• A Talented Duo* - Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle, two of the most successful British filmmakers, team up for the first time.
• Playing for Real* - The re-interpreting of the Beatles songs was a huge undertaking for newcomer Himesh Patel. Learn how he spent months learning to play the songs perfectly as the production decided to take the more challenging route of recording the musical numbers live on set.
• Soul Mates* - Beyond the music and the laughs, the film is, of course, a love story. This piece looks at the relationship between Jack & Ellie and the actors playing them.
• A Conversation with Richard & Ed* - Long-term friends Richard Curtis and Ed Sheeran have a funny and informal chat about the making of YESTERDAY.
• Feature Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Writer/Producer Richard Curtis

Yesterday will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack (4K Ultra HD+ Blu-ray™ + Digital). Bonus features on the 4K Ultra HD will all be delivered in stunning 4K resolution.

• 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for 4X sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio.
  • Yesterday 4K Ultra HD is available with HDR10+™, providing premium HDR picture quality. HDR10+ transforms your movie watching experience with incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights and deepest darks.
• Blu-ray™ delivers a pristine HD picture and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray™ and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

* Exclusive to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ & Digital 

Website: http://uni.pictures/Yesterday
Trailer: http://uni.pictures/YesterdayTrailer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yesterday
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yesterdaymovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesterdaymovie/ #YesterdayMovie
 
FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Himesh Patel, Lily James with Ed Sheeran and Kate Mckinnon
Score By: Daniel Pemberton
Costume Designer: Liza Bracey
Editor: Jon Harris
Production Designer: Patrick Rolfe
Director of Photography: Christopher Ross ASC
Associate Producer:­ Emma Freud
Story By: Jack Barth And Richard Curtis
Executive Producers: Nick Angel, Lee Brazier, Liza Chasin
Produced By: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Matthew James Wilkinson, Bernard Bellew, Richard Curtis, Danny Boyle
Screenplay By: Richard Curtis
Directed By: Danny Boyle
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD™:Street Date: September 24, 2019
Selection Number: 61203051 (US) / 61207088 (CDN)
Layers: BD-100
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Video: 2160p UHD HDR10+/HDR10
Sound: English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™:Street Date: September 24, 2019
Selection Number: 61203050 (US) / 61207083 (CDN)
Layers: BD 50
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:
Street Date: September 24, 2019
Selection Number: 61203049 (US) / 61207082 (CDN)
Layers: DVD 9
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: PG-13 for suggestive content and language
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
 
About Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television and Awesomeness.  UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

 Now you have the opportunity to win a Blu-ray/DVD of YESTERDAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway