*hey there, it's christa*

My Favorite Summer Read (So Far)...Finding Colin Firth by Mia March

Since it's only July 10, I know it's probably a little early to crown a "favorite summer read," but so far, that coveted title goes to Mia March's new novel, Finding Colin Firth.

Ever read a book where there's such a strong sense of place that you feel like you've been transported there yourself?

Although I've never been to the quaint Maine coastal town where everything's happening in Finding Colin Firth, March manages to make you feel like you belong there, too.

And really, isn't that one of the many joys of reading? Without leaving the comfort of your favorite chair, sofa, wherever, you can escape to somewhere new.

Not surprisingly, I've always wanted to visit Maine for all the usual reasons (the out-of-this-world lobster, for one), but after reading Finding Colin Firth, I'm ready to make my way to Boothbay Harbor now—a sure sign the author did her job exceptionally well.

In addition to the breathtaking scenery, what also hooked me almost immediately was the array of fascinating, multi-dimensional characters. Unlike so many books I've read where I could've cared less about what happened to the protagonists (sad but true), you find yourself thoroughly invested in Bea, Veronica and Gemma's well-being.

In fact, the story reminded me of one of my favorite movies that March references, Love Actually (starring Firth, of course). In the same way the characters' stories criss-crossed, overlapped and intersected in such intriguing ways on the big screen, there are many universal points of resonance in Finding Colin Firth  that can't help sticking with you.

See, on paper, these women really couldn't be more different in terms of age, income and life experience, but strangely enough, they share so many similar struggles that play out in memorable and meaningful ways. Without spoiling the fun for anyone who plans on reading, I'll spare you the plot specifics. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have tissues nearby...just sayin'.

In short, reading Finding Colin Firth (and yes, Mr. Darcy himself plays a key role in the story) has many rewards, including mouthwatering descriptions of pies so heavenly that I'd recommend not indulging on an empty stomach.

Yes, I actually found mine growling on several occasions (I think the salted caramel cheesecake was the true tipping point). If only I'd had one of Veronica's magical elixir pies nearby...yes, I believe that would've done the trick.

Ok, Now I Get the Cronut Craze

For the past few weeks, people have been tweeting like crazy about something called a cronut, and I honestly thought it was a new iPhone ap. Or maybe a new exercise craze like Zumba.

So today for my continuing cultural education, I finally decided to google "cronut" and see what all the fuss is about.

A doughnut and croissant merged into one sinful treat? Ok, now I get it...

So, friends, have any of you tried a cronut yet?

Since people seem to be waiting in very, very long lines for a taste and one guy even held off on proposing to his girlfriend because of a cronut shortage, I can't help wondering if they're that delicious—and available in DFW, perhaps?

Homemade Fling Tea: A Sip of Nashville in Texas

It's been (gasp!) seven years since I left Nashville, and there's still so much about my time there that's stuck with me, namely great friends (you know who you are) and fling tea.

Yes, before I moved to Music City in 1998, I had no idea that hashbrowns could be scattered, smothered or covered. I'd also never heard of a "meat and three" or that ham hocks were a foundational ingredient in cooking vegetables of all things.

It was a brave new world, and one of my favorite culinary discoveries happened a full year and a half after I'd arrived. On my first day of working at CCM, my editors took me out for lunch to celebrate, and I had my first sip of fling tea at Calypso Cafe.

Now whenever I've had a fruit-flavored tea in the past, it was basically unsweetened iced tea with a hint of raspberry, lime or whatever.

But fling tea, well, that was something different altogether. The iced tea itself plays more of a supporting role and is paired with a medley of juices that are infused with warm spices. It's a unique flavor pairing and totally addictive, and to me, it was basically heaven in a glass.

After living in St. Paul and making my way to DFW, I naturally assumed that living in the south would equal an abundance of fling tea in restaurants again. Sadly, though, I was wrong, which means I basically needed to learn to make it myself.

And thanks to my pal Laura MacCorkle who served it at a potluck (yes, she also lived in Nashville once, too), I was now armed with the recipe for making superb fling tea at home. In fact, I'm happy to report that I'm sipping some as we speak...

Now for your drinking pleasure, here's the recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

Coffee + Christa: A Book Signing Next Saturday, June 22nd

If you're in the DFW area, or you know, just feel like making a very long commute to say hello, I'm doing a book reading/signing/discussion at my local Starbucks next Saturday morning, June 22nd, at 11:00 a.m.

In addition to fabulous discussion about all things literary and movie-related, there's going to be a coffee tasting, so basically, you don't want to miss it.

And for anyone who's been curious about my upcoming third novel, Tuesday Nights in Italia, well, I'm providing a bit of a sneak peek.

For more information about the signing, feel free to comment or e-mail me at freelance_Christa@me.com.

Hope to see ya there! I'll be the one with the triple grande caramel macchiato and a stack of pink books with my name on them. :)

Five Questions With Lee Wilson, Author of "The Last Hybrid: Bloodline of Angels"

It's always fun whenever a friend has a novel out, and this is Lee Wilson's first, The Last Hybrid: Bloodline of Angels.

Described as a "paranormal romance," he says it'll help feel the void that Twilight has left behind.

Now with no further adieu, get to know Lee and what inspires his writing...

Tell me a little bit about your novel. How did the idea come about and how long did you work on the manuscript?

Lee Wilson: The Last Hybrid: Bloodline of Angels is about a girl named Hannah who is returning to college with the intention of actually applying herself this time. In the past, she lost her academic scholarship because of excessive partying. Naturally, she's convinced this time will be different, well, unless she falls in love with a sexy, half-angel, vampire-fighting blond named Daniel. But what are the odds of that?

The idea came from a dream I had as a teenager. At youth group we had talked about a Bible passage where angels had children with human women. I started thinking about what that would be like and had a dream about it. Several of the characters and situations that are now in the book were in that dream.

Who are some of your literary influences and what book have you read lately that's rocked your world?

Wilson: Carl Deuker, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ben Mezrich, Stephenie Meyer and Anne Rice.

Rumor has it, you're an actor, too. How do you fit writing in with all that's going on? Where can people see your acting work?

Wilson: I see them fitting together well. Both are telling stories. My acting work is mostly in TV pilots that are held up in network considerations at the moment and SAG films that are still in festivals. Then there are music videos of Alan Jackson, Brandi Carlile and others that probably shouldn't be considered acting.

Are you an avid social networker? Where can people keep up with what's going on with you, and where's the best place to order your novel?

Wilson: I'm on Twitter and Facebook. The Last Hybrid can be ordered on Amazon.

What's next in your writing pipeline? Is there a sequel in the works?

Wilson: The sequel is in the works for sure. Two of them. News and updates on that are at http://www.TheLastHybrid.com. The sequel also came to me in a dream. Kind of spooky when you think about it!

A Cookbook Worth Reading From Cover to Cover

I'm embarrassed to say that I got this for Christmas and (gasp!) finally got around to flipping it open this past week.

Better late than never, right?

Yes, I'm one of those people—the kind who practically devours cookbooks like good fiction. Like most things, I admittedly jumped on the Smitten Kitchen bandwagon way, way later than most, but I'm thrilled that I did. I can't wait to try these recipes.

While her Smitten Kitchen blog is nothing short of extraordinary, I love this cookbook even more. The breathtakingly beautiful photography, not to mention the intriguing flavor profiles, are nothing short of spectacular. Plus when you factor in that everything's being made in a very small kitchen in Manhattan, well, you love it that much more. 

But what really won me over was Deb Perelman's charming introductions to each recipe. I love, love, loved her snarky kitchen confessions, her borderline picky attention to detail and the unconventional way she came up with a few of the delicious creations she invented. Rather than saying, "hey, this is a great cookie recipe," she makes a strong case for why this particular cookie will change your life. And yes, you'll believe her and want to start baking immediately. 

Now,  my major dilemma is what to try first? I'm thinking it might be the potato, bacon and feta frittata. I'm not usually a big egg person, but my mouth was practically watering when I read the recipe, and I know Will will dig it too. To him, breakfast is the best meal of the day, after all.

Operation Don't Kill the Plants Update

Three weeks in, and my plants are still alive and thriving.

Now I'm not going to get cocky. It hasn't even hit triple digits here in DFW, mind you. But I'm proud to say that I haven't killed the plants yet. It's amazing what a little water and sunshine can do (and yes, I talk to them on occasion because I think they like it).

By the way, I think my favorites are the dark red ones with the smallish flowers. Anyone know what kind those are? Or should I just make up a name for them and call it good?

Happy, happy weekend all!

:) Christa

 

Intro to Beauty Boxes

My friend Kim Johnson is the coolest.

Not only was she the only person at the office (we worked together during my CCM days) who knew exactly what kind of perfume you're wearing with a single whiff (that's Marc Jacobs, isn't it?), but we'd spend way too many lunch hours talking about purses, shoes, home stuff, you name it.

And while I'd like to think I'm on top of all the current fashion trends, Kim is still the queen. After all, she introduced me to something I'd never, ever heard of before—beauty subscription boxes.

Yes, along In Style, Entertainment Weekly, Food Network magazine and my other monthly publications (yes, I'm singlehandly trying to keep the magazine business afloat), I'm now receiving new beauty products from Birchbox. 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect but was definitely pleased with my first box. In addition to some great skin care samples (I'm always a sucker for those), they sent a new spring lip gloss, leave-in conditioner for my frizzy mop and mini nail files from Tweezerman (and here I thought they only made tweezers).

Now that I've hopped on the bandwagon, how about you, fellow beauty product junkies, what subscription boxes are you loving and why? 

Marigolds, Marigolds...

In one of my all-time favorite movies, You've Got Mail, Meg Ryan's character talks about daisies being the friendliest flowers.

But now for your consideration, I'd like to nominate the humble marigold instead. When I saw these, they just made me smile.

And yes, the plant killer extraordinare has even more flowers she's responsible for...

Wish me luck.

Operation Don't Kill the Plants

Me and the great outdoors have always had a rather tumultous relationship.

It probably doesn't help that I don't particularly like dirt, have pasty white skin that turns lobster red in the blink of an eye and consider camping about the world's worst vacation.

That said, it probably isn't a big surprise that I'm terrible with plants, too. Yes, almost any attempt at green thumbdom has ended with a pretty container full of all kinds of brown, lifeless vines that had so much promise until a) I forgot to water them b)I over-watered them c) I killed them with a withering stare or my exceptionally horrible singing.

But now that I'm a proper homeowner, my Mom gave me the courage to give plants another chance—and yes, she did 99.9% of the work.

On a side note, I'm pretty legit as I'm now the proud owner of a spade, hoe, shovel, plant clippers and a watering can. I went to Home Depot and officially feel all grown up.

Ok, back to the plants...after a stormy Texas day turned into a dreamy, cool afternoon perfect for yard work, she planted all these lovely flowers. And yes, I even helped a little and expertly (ha ha) spread the grass seed on our yard's bald patches.

After a quick tutorial on taking care of these beauties, I'm now on my own since my Mom is back in Colorado. But I'm proud to report that it's already been two days, and they're still alive (quelle shock), so naturally, I'm thrilled. Now we'll see if they'll last through the blazing hot Texas summer...

P.S. Thanks to my mother-in-law, I've also made my foray into growing herbs. The basil, thyme, rosemary and lavender are thriving. The parsley and cilantro officially kicked the bucket more than a week ago. R.I.P.