Ep. 07: From Guts to the GRAMMYs with Victoria Banks
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!
Ep. 07: From Guts to the GRAMMYs with Victoria Banks
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?
Victoria Banks' story takes a lot 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 in Nashville.
We also cover:
• How she went from writing songs for other artists to becoming a Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA)-winning Artist of the Year
• What it was like juggling her hit songwriting career in the U.S. and a hit recording career in Canada
• The benefit of pivoting in life
• How her favorite cut as a songwriter almost didn't happen -- and then led to a GRAMMY nomination
• Her family life organization strategies
🍵 Don't forget, we pair each episode with a delicious beverage and easy weekend recipe! This week, Victoria introduced me to homemade matcha latte. I paired the latte with a fan-submitted recipe for classic pimento cheese. Scroll down to get them below!
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Connect with Victoria here.
Listen to Victoria's music
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
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Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Homemade Matcha Latte
Sharon’s Classic Pimento Cheese
More Happiest Hour…
Louise's Baked Apples
This is a super simple, comforting dessert that my grandma used to make for me when I was little. We spent a lot of time together. Both of my parents worked, so she often picked me up from school and I loved spending the night on the weekends.
The weekend sleep overs is when this dessert would make an appearance. My grandma had a McIntosh apple with her every where she went. I’m not exaggerating. That woman loved McIntosh apples! She had them in her car, on her desk at the store (my family’s small business). at home.
I have such fond memories of her placing several McIntoshes in a casserole dish, baking the apples, then pouring cream over them before we dug in.
I hope this recipe might transport you back in time to a wonderful memory. The warm spices and sweet raisins make this the perfect way to cap off the night.
Try the Drink…
The Sparkling Jewel
My guest in Ep. 06, Cyndi Thomson brought over this yummy grapefruit-forward cocktail. This sparkling glass of goodness is the perfect thing to end your night, make a party or enjoy on the back patio. Get the recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 06 - When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson
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
Ep. 06: When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson
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!
Ep. 06: When Walking Away Means Walking Towards Something Bigger with Cyndi Thomson
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!
In this episode, we cover:
How the songs from her iconic gold record, My World, continue to make an impact
Where music fits in her life now -- and if we can expect more music from her in the future
What life has looked like between walking away from a hit music career and starting her hit luxury jewelry business, Haybelle Co.
Finding balance as a wife, mom, musician, small business owner
Her marriage secrets (married 20 years after only dating a few months!)
What she hopes to leave as her legacy
🍹 We paired this episode with a delicious grapefruit vodka cocktail that Cyndi loves and I share a super simple dessert that my grandma used to make. Scroll down for the recipes!
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Join Cyndi on Instagram
Shop her every day jewelry and luxury pieces at Haybelle Co.
Listen to her iconic hit country album, My World.
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
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Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
The Sparkling Jewel
Louise’s Baked Apples
More Happiest Hour…
French 75 Cocktail
For Episode 5 of Happiest Hour, my guest, Mary Helen Yarbrough brought in two delicious recipes. They pair great together, so after you make the cocktail, make sure you scroll down to grab the side dish.
A French 75 is such a classic cocktail. Mary Helen mixed us up a batch and gave me a few pointers along the way.
First of all, the says the secret to any great cocktail is lots of ice! So, she filled up the shaker with ice cubes before shaking the lemon juice, simple syrup and gin.
It hopefully goes without saying, but you want you shake those ingredients together first and pour them into the champagne flute. Then, top off the glass with champagne. Never shake the champagne — unless a bubble explosion is what you’re going for (insert sneaky grin here).
Another trick: peel a long singular strip of skin from the lemon. Express the lemon peel by holding it close to the rim of the champagne flute and twisting it with the skin down towards the glass. Then, you can twist it and put it on the rim or in the drink for added color and flavor.
Who knew gin and champagne went so well together? Make yourself a drink, then come join the conversation with Mary Helen and myself for Episode 5 of Happiest Hour! Scroll down for access to the episode.
Try This Quick & easy Side Dish…
Mary Helen is famous for this spicy and delicious shrimp dip. It’s the perfect side dish for any holiday or celebration! And best of all, it’s super quick and easy to make. It’s waiting for you here!
Mary Helen’s Shrimp Dip
Catch the Episode!
Ep. 05 - Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life with Mary Helen Yarbrough
