The Sparkling Jewel Cocktail
When I asked Cyndi Thomson if she had a drink recipe she’d want to pair with Episode 6 of Happiest Hour, this was literally the email response I received:
“My new fave drink is so yummy! A little (sometimes a lot) grapefruit vodka, a little Italian grapefrut soda (Trader Joe’s) and fresh lime juice on ice. Sometimes I add a little lime Lacroix!”
I mean, why complicate a good thing? Eyeball these delicious ingredients and enjoy a simple yet satisfying craft cocktail!
But, just in case you’re more of a rule follower (me 🙋🏻♀️), I added some measurement guidelines in the recipe card below.
Don’t forget to scroll down to get the easy dessert recipe we also paired with this recipe.
Cheers!
Try this Simple Dessert…
Louise’s Baked Apples
This week, I’m sharing a fond memory from my childhood; a dessert my grandma used to make me when I’d sleep over. Her baked apples covered with cream was one of my favorite dishes. Get the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 06 - When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger - with Cyndi Thomson
For decades, Kaci Bolls Scott has been a sought after Nashville session singer and songwriter. When life nudged her to do an about-face, get her Master's Degree in education and become a kindergarten teacher, Kaci found a way to combine her love of music and kindergarteners by releasing chart-topping hits of original children's music. Based on her song, "Dare to Be Me," Kaci has recently released a children's book by the same name.
We sat down to enjoy her delicious Apple Cider Bellini, and to chat about how she went from pro singer/songwriter to kindergarten teacher, chart-topping children’s music maker and author! Click to enjoy our conversation on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!
If you read about how I came up with the idea to launch my podcast, Happiest Hour, then you know I’ve been influenced by my favorite online influencer, Landyn Hutchinson (better known as Living with Landyn).
Last year sometime, Landyn shared a recipe for hummus she tried at a restaurant on the west coast. It just elevates the regular ol’ hummus dip from a package by mixing in some fresh herbs, cheese and a little kick (to taste).
I’ve adapted this idea into my own favorite hummus dip. I consider it a hack, since you use store bought hummus and just give it a little extra pizzaz. Give it a try, then whip up some frozen watermelon margaritas from Ep. 10 of the podcast (recipe below), and join my conversation with hit songwriter, Kirsti Manna!
I started my professional career in Nashville as a teenager. My first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry was at age 11. Because I started my professional path so early in life, I have had the amazing privilege of knowing some of my co-writers, collaborators, teachers and mentors for nearly 30 years.
One of those mentors is Kirsti Manna, my guest on Ep. 10 (the grand finale of Happiest Hour Season 1). Kirsti is a hit songwriter, record label president and a fierce advocate for female creatives.
You’ve heard Kirsti’s hits like “Austin” for Blake Shelton and “Loud” for Big & Rich, to name a few.
We sat down to enjoy her delicious watermelon margarita recipe (more on that later), and to chat about the difference music and creativity makes in our lives. Click to enjoy our conversation on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!
My guest on Ep. 09 of Happiest Hour, Jay Knowles, said to me: “How ‘bout I make the peanut butter and brown sugar sandwiches the way I remember incorrectly that my mom used to make.” That’s Jay’s sense of humor for ya! Eye ball this nostalgic after-school snack and enjoy the sweet and sticky memories. Read on for Jay’s recipe!
My guest on Ep. 9 of Happiest Hour podcast, Jay Knowles, asked if he could bring in a recipe and make black coffee in the very specific way he does. This recipe is more about the gadgets and tools needed to make an exceptional cup of coffee. Start with a high quality coffee bean and read on to learn how to make the best cup of coffee… ever.
No campfire needed! This quick S’mores Dip recipe could not be easier. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake!
A dairy-free iced latte with cinnamon, espresso, and a drizzle of honey. Serve it hot or cold — we made the iced version and it's a homerun. Your mornings just got better.
The synchronicities abound with Risa. That’s not surprising once you meet her in our upbeat conversation and feel her good energy.
Risa Binder has opened for legends, such as James Taylor and Ronnie Milsap. She hosts her own YouTube series and podcast. She is a recording and touring artist, a songwriter and she is releasing brand new music this spring! Oh… and did I mention she is also a mom??
In Episode 08 of Happiest Hour, Risa shares with us what it means to live her purpose, how she balances being a creative entrepreneur and a mom, and so much more.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!
How did a Canadian zoologist who, initially, didn't have the guts to pursue music become a Grammy nominated hit songwriter and CCMA-winning artist in her own right?
Victoria Banks' story takes lots of twists and turns. In Episode 07 of Happiest Hour, Victoria shares with us how it took losing her job in Canada to finally begin chasing her dream of being a songwriter, and so much more.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!
Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?
Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!
A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”
Have you ever heard something like that?
Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral.
So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well).
In Episode 5 of Happiest Hour, we don’t hold back. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick, and so much more.
Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube!
Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?
Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.
Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham.
In Ep. 03 of Happiest Hour, my guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards. You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. We chat about how they are taking control of the creative process, why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases and so much more!
In episode 2 of Happiest Hour, my guest is film director, recording artist, and daughter of country music royalty, Jenny Gill. Jenny is one of the most hilarious and authentic people I know. Listen in as she talks about forging her own path in TV and film, finding work/life/mom balance and why she thinks it so important to keep her social media super real.
In this inaugural episode of Happiest Hour, my guest is recording artist, songwriter and reality TV star, Whitney Duncan. You may recognize Whitney from her single, “Skinny Dippin’” or from her appearances on Survivor, Nashville Star and The Amazing Race!
How “taking over” Living with Landyn’s Instagram feed for a day planted the seed for the Happiest Hour Podcast and why shining a spotlight on the inspirational people in my life feels so important.
A bonus episode of Happiest Hour calls for a bonus cocktail! My guest on this episode, Kaci Bolls, brought in her friend’ss recipe for a Apple Cider Bellini. Let me tell ya, if this doesn’t taste like fall, I don’t know what does.
Make yourself this delicious libation and then come enjoy your conversation! The link is below to listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!