Apple Cider Bellini
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!
A bonus episode of Happiest Hour calls for a bonus cocktail! My guest on this episode, Kaci Bolls, brought in her friend’s recipe for an 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 our conversation! The link is below to listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!
Try this Dessert…
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts
Kaci’s Apple Cider Bellini reminded me of one of my favorite Happiest Hour recipes. It’s a really yummy fall staple from Episode 2. I thought I’d share it with you here!
Catch the episode!
Bonus Episode: Dare to Be Me with Kaci Bolls
Bonus Episode: Dare to Be Me with Kaci Bolls
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!
Bonus Episode: Dare to Be Me with Kaci Bolls
Get the Book!
You can get a copy of Kaci’s children’s book, Dare to Be Me, by clicking the button below. This is a great book for kindergarten aged children, grandchildren and teachers to have in their personal libraries!
mORE GOOD STUFF THIS WAY!↓
For decades, Kaci Bolls 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.
In this episode, we discuss:
• How she went from a top Nashville singer/songwriter to kindergarten teacher (and being awarded "Teacher of the Year," nonetheless)
• What propelled her to start making chart-topping children's music
• Coming to terms with how she was holding herself back (but NO more!)
• The #1 message she wants kids to know, and the theme of her new book, Dare to Be Me
...and so much more!
We pair every episode with a delicious beverage (because... it's the happiest hour, right?!). Make sure to grab Kaci’s Apple Cider Bellini recipe here that we enjoyed on the episode.
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Connect with Kaci here.
Grab a copy of Kaci’s children’s book, Dare to Be Me, here.
Enjoy Kaci’s wildly successful (and catchy!) children’s music here.
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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!
In this episode, we sipped on a cocktail Kaci brought in — a delicious Apple Cider Bellini. It reminded me of one of my favorite Happiest Hour recipes, Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donuts from Ep. 2, so I thought I’d share for you to enjoy!
Cheers!
Apple Cider Bellini
Bourbon Vanilla Apple Cider Donut
More Happiest Hour…
A Delicious Hummus Hack
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!
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!
Try the Cocktail…
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
My guest in Ep. 10, Kirsti Manna, brought in the most amazing frozen watermelon margarita recipe to pair with her episode. Try it here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 10 - Staying Inspired with Kirsti Manna
Ep. 10: Staying Inspired 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!
Ep. 10: Staying Inspired with 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 over 30 years (and counting)!
One of those mentors is Kirsti Manna, my guest on Ep. 10 of Happiest Hour (the grand finale Season 1)! Kirsti is a hit songwriter, publisher, record label VP, 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. Her songs have been heard around the world in such places as CMT, ESPN, Gayle King’s Grammy Special, The Tonight Show, The David Letterman Show, Friday Night Lights, and Dance Wars.
Known as the go-to person for inspirational information, Kirsti’s “whatever you do, stay inspired” mantra has helped girls and women find their creative voice. In 2008, Kirsti launched “Songwriter Girl” and “Songwriter Girl Camps” (www.songwritergirl.com).
Kirsti and I sat down to enjoy her delicious watermelon margarita recipe (more on that later), and to chat about the difference music and creativity can make in everyone's life.
In this episode, we also cover:
How she and her producer-husband, Bill Warner, came to Nashville from Ohio
Her goal of wanting to move people with her art — and how she’s accomplished that
What hard work looks like in the music business
Why mentoring women is so important to her
Her secret to success of working with her husband and staying married over 30 years
What she hopes to leave behind
Okay, now back to that mouth-watering margarita. As with every episode, we paired our conversation with a truly delicious watermelon margarita recipe (thanks to Kirsti’s husband, Bill), and a hack for making excellent hummus that I adapted from the woman who inspired me to start this podcast in the first place.
Get your recipes here! Blend yourself up a batch of Kirsti’s margarita recipe, then join us for the conversation!
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Connect with Kirsti here.
Ready to get inspired and spark your creativity? Check out Kirsti’s Spark Your Creativity Course here.
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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!
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Hummus Hack
More Happiest Hour…
Becky Knowles' Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar Sandwich (from Jay Knowles)
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. 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!
Try the Drink…
Clever Coffee
My guest in Ep. 09, Jay Knowles, teaches us the secret to making the best cup of coffee… ever. Click here for the recipe!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 09 - The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles
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!