Nod to the ABC Upfronts and Nashville Season Finale

There is plenty of TV news this week as the networks announce their upcoming fall schedules. Here are some of ABC's newest entries, and thankfully, they're bringing back some favorites, including Castle, S.H.I.E.L.D, Modern Family, and Nashville. If Callie Khouri and company can keep the country music and drama momentum going, they'll be golden, along with Shonda Rhimes (the undisputed queen of Thursday night).
Here's a sneak peek at tonight's Nashville Season Finale. I sure hope they don't kill off Deacon. Although, it looks grim from the clips I've seen. If they do, they better promise to bring him back in numerous clips and flashbacks, or I'm gonna get upset— #Dayna forever!

Anyway, enjoy scouting some new shows to watch or DVR!

Must Hear/See Music

I'm a big Nashville fan, it's true. I often tweet about the show, and I've blogged about it at least a half dozen times. So, whenever I hear of a Lennon & Maisy cover, like this one, I try to check it out. Thanks to PopSugar, I was turned onto their "Boom Clap" Cover here: http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Lennon-Maisy-Boom-Clap-Cover-Video-36785217

and here: https://youtu.be/X6f1yACIoNY

If you want to hear something amazing, listen to the Stella sisters sing. Want some incredible music with a side of Music City drama? Check out Nashville on ABC. Really, go do it now, and enjoy!

Friday Inspiration-Nashville: "A Life That's Good" by Lennon & Maisy Stella

Talented young singers, and a great song—amazing! Happy Friday!

Need a quickie meal? Me too!

It’s a week packed with all sorts of work projects and celebrations – our little guy turns 3! So, I’m planning a quick meal from “Weeknights with Giada” by Giada De Laurentiis, followed by a little downtime with the kids, party preparations, book editing and indulging in some Nashville drama (which I sometimes live tweet :) with my honey.

I’ve cooked most of my life and love sharing food and stories with family and friends. I aspire to be a New York Times Bestselling author, and you can imagine I stay pretty busy as a wife, mom, freelance writer and budding novelist.

Even on busy weeknights, I like to prepare meals at home. It gives me a chance to feed my family quick, healthy and delicious meals like this one for Wagon Wheel Pasta with Pancetta and Peas, and indulge my inner Food Network Star.

I have an entire bookshelf in my kitchen dedicated to cookbooks and recipes, so there are many choices. Giada’s cookbook was a gift, and I’ve found several recipes in it that worked for us. If you’re busy and need a good family-friendly meal, try this one. In order to use what we already have and keep the troops happy, I reduced the peas just a bit and added in some carrots. Even our kids love this!

Here’s a link to Giada’s website where you can learn more. If you want the full recipe, I think you need to sign up or buy the book. Check it out, she has other recipes available online.

Nash-Bash (the good kind)

It’s no secret, I love Nashville on ABC. I’ve talked about it before, like here and here. But, I just watched and listened to Nashville On the Record and I had to share it. 

The clips show interviews and jam sessions with the singers and songwriters. I completely got lost for almost an hour the songs are so good. The talent, music, and vision on this show amazes me. The songs help move the story forward, and most of them are on repeat at our house. Sure, there’s a lot of drama (hello, crazy Peggy) but I love the fact Callie Khouri and the entire team of writers, songwriters, actors and staff give it so much depth. 

The Nash is back tonight. Watch, listen, and get swept away. 

Nashville Season 2 is Coming!

If you get a chance to see it from the beginning, do! You'll hear plenty of entertaining music, and see interesting characters with all sorts of evolving relationships. Gunnar + Scarlett. Rayna + Deacon. Juliette and the world (will she find the right guy?). Yeah, glad it's coming back. Here's a link to the season 2 premiere announcement, with video. 

http://abc.go.com/shows/nashville/blogs/the-latest-on-nashville/premiere-announcement-season-2

Music you should hear

I admit it. I'm a fan of Nashville on ABC. If I started out unsure before the first episode, I was convinced when I heard the music. By the end of the pilot, a smoldering number sung by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen, "If I Didn't Know Better" hooked me. It got even better when they sang "Fade Into You" this week. The young characters have an attraction that jumps off the screen every time they sing. I've downloaded the songs and can't wait to hear what comes next. Not sure how the numbers will play out, so tune in if you can, check out episodes on ABC here and listen to the tunes. There's real depth to some of the songs — sample a bit of old country angst with lyrics like "Til there's no way to know where you end and where I begin." 

The series was created by Callie Khouri, who won an Academy Award for Thelma & Louise. The music comes from some amazing singers and songwriters. On October 2, 2012, it was announced that Big Machine Records will release all covers and original songs from the series. Some of the original songs will be written by John Paul White of The Civil Wars, Hillary Lindsey, and Elvis Costello. (Wiki and The Hollywood Reporter) The HW story has more details here.