Why can’t life be like a Hallmark movie?
During this time when my normal routine is shattered and life looks borderline unrecognizable, I am finding myself getting back to basics. Conversations with friends and family are deliberate and delightful. Check-ins are both substantive and silly. Getting outside for exercise is not intense or competitive, but solely for the purpose of fresh air and… Continue reading Creating Hallmark Moments in Quarantine
While Country Hearts by Cindi Madsen introduced readers to the wonderful town of Haven Lake (see previous post here), Hallmark Publishing’s newest title, A Simple Wedding by Leigh Duncan, being released on March 10, 2020, welcomes readers into the community of Heart’s Landing where brides come to enjoy their perfect wedding. An hour outside historic… Continue reading Book Review of A Simple Wedding by Leigh Duncan
As I reflect back on the year, it’s clear that Hallmark has spread its wings, and therefore, so have its fans—traveling abroad to France, Italy, and the Irish countryside through the dazzling locations of several beloved movies. Together we visited Paris with Jen Lilley and Dan Jeannotte as they participated in an international wine… Continue reading Hallmark Abroad…Christmas in Rome
As was reflected in my post about a Hallmark-inspired Fall Harvest To-Do list, autumn is upon us, and a staple on the fall Hallmark movie list is Pumpkin Pie Wars starring Julie Gonzalo and Rico Aragon. It’s definitely one of my tried-and-trues. Who doesn’t enjoy watching two attractive people fall in love over baking pumpkin… Continue reading Savoring the Fall Season with Pumpkin Pie
One of the biggest surprises since beginning this Hallmark In Real Life journey is how supportive everyone has been. As I shared my journey about Getting “Hallmark Ready” (see previous posts here and here) to create my very own Hallmark wardrobe, Jaralin Detienne, costume designer and personal stylist on over 30 Hallmark films, was kind… Continue reading Behind the Scenes with Hallmark Costume Designer Jaralin Detienne
We are into week three of The Nine Lives of Christmas…in Real Life (see previous posts here and here to follow along), and this is as close to living out the Hallmark movie in real life without any movie magic as I think I’m going to get. I have located an actual New York City… Continue reading The Nine Lives of Christmas… Carlow the Firehouse Cat
If I’m going to do this, I might as well go all in and do this right! Which means I need to be Hallmark-movie-moment ready, including dressing the part. So what is Hallmark attire, anyway? I think of it as timeless and classic. I also picture Hallmark movie moments: a Hallmark leading lady always has… Continue reading Getting “Hallmark Ready”
Dear Hallmark Fans, Have you listened to the Deck the Hallmark podcast yet? In Real Life, I’m OBSESSED! If you’ve not yet had the listening pleasure, I’ll break it down for you: It’s three grown men from South Carolina analyzing Hallmark movies. Bran loves Hallmark movies, Panda likes Hallmark movies, and Dan despises Hallmark movies.… Continue reading Deck the Hallmark… In Real Life
Life really is better with girlfriends. Good girlfriends. The supportive, honest ones, who know you so well that they call you out when you lose your way, cheer you along as you begin to live out Hallmark movies in real life, and will meet you at 7:30 a.m. in the morning to throw bottles into… Continue reading Bottled with Love… In Real Life
Since Hallmark so brilliantly incorporates the actresses I grew up watching, such as Candace Cameron-Bure (Growing Pains), Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years), Kellie Martin (Life Goes On), Lacey Chabert (Party of Five), and Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill), Hallmark movies inspire me to share how I keep the celebrities of my youth alive… Continue reading Cherishing the Celebrities of My Youth