For today’s blog post I enlisted the help of the amazing Christie Millet and her super-powered craft skills. She has come up with a fantastic craft to give a boost to your holiday decorating. I LOVE this project because it is easy on the budget as well as just plain EASY! Take it away Christie-

 Holiday Present Blocks

These adorable blocks are both fun and simple to make, and they dress up any holiday decor!

All it takes is four easy steps.

1. We went to the local Home Depot for supplies, here you see a 4 x 4 that has been cut in 3, 6, and 9 inch increments.

2. Next you will want to paint or stain the blocks. For our project, we used both Wood Stain which we purchased at Home Depot and Chalk Paint we bought at Walmart.

3.Once they are dry, tie the ribbon on. I love ribbon, it always adds just the special something to a project. Here you can see we added it to the block before cutting so we could get just the right look. We also used two different ribbon styles and colors. The best thing to do is add the ribbon you love because the ribbon is the pop in the project.

4. Here you can see the finished block. To add a little bit of  flair, we sanded the edges and a bit towards the middle. Then they were then sealed with Modge Podge.

**The ribbon is dove tailed on the ends. Love it, but not sure how to do it. Don’t worry- I’ll show you how in my next post.

– Christie Millet/ Owner of Designs By Christie Millet.

 If you guys love her stuff as much as I do, head to her Facebook  store

 https://www.facebook.com/designsbychristiemillett ( I couldn’t get the link to work, but it will pull up easily and is taking a minute to do some shopping. One less trip to the store for presents.)

We are still looking for entries for the Dec. 1 drawing for a copy of the Miracle Maker movie. To have a chance to win all you have to do is sign up for the newsletter below.

The Miracle Maker coming out in full-color illustration has been a dream come true. To celebrate I decided to fill the next few months of posts with gloriously-good food, decorations, and holiday tips. I call it “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”. For the first holiday blog post I decided to skip straight to dessert. Those of you who know me aren’t surprised by this, and of course it’s chocolate.

This is one of my family’s go-to desserts with a little extra holiday flourish. If you have a pot luck event, or holiday company this recipe is sure to get oohs and aaahhs.

TURTLE BROWNIE TEXAS SHEETCAKE

When I was young, my brother Russell, (*waves wildly- “Hi, Russ!”) brought this cake recipe back from Missouri. I grew up calling it “Russell Cake”. Until I was married, I didn’t know Texas Sheet Cake was even a thing. By any name you want to call it, it is DELICIOUS. I don’t make it too often, because I will literally eat the entire sheet pan of it by myself. I’ve added a special turtle topping to make it holiday spectacular.

It’s a super easy cake to make, and one of the great things about this cake is that you get to ice it hot- so no waiting around for it to cool. The caramel topping tastes delicious, but it does start to break down the frosting after a day or so. (If it’s even possible to have leftovers.) Just one more reason to eat it quickly.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp soda

½ sticks butter

1c water

2 beaten eggs

½ cups buttermilk (If you don’t have buttermilk use 1/2 tsp vinegar in regular milk)

1 tsp vanilla

4 Tblsp cocoa

Turn oven to 325 degrees.

STEP 1

Sift together flour, sugar, soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.

STEP 2

Bring to low boil butter, cocoa, and water. Add to dry ingredients while it is still hot.

Add eggs and buttermilk and vanilla.

Bake in a greased jellyroll pan at 325 for 20 minutes.

Frosting- (Again frost while the cake is hot.)

1 stick butter

4 Tblsp cocoa

5 Tblsp milk

1 Tblsp vanilla

1 lb powdered sugar

Bring first three ingredients to a slow boil. Add vanilla, then slowly add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. (It can get clumpy if you’re not careful) Frost as soon as cake comes out of oven. For the Turtle version continue to the next step.

Top frosted cake evenly with:

1 cup of chopped pecans

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup caramel sauce (put this on last after everything is cooled.) I prefer a salted caramel variety, but that is purely a taste preference. Squeeze bottle versions are the easiest to use.

Just don’t let it get too gloppy. It’s prettier if you keep circling it lightly.

Happy baking!! Don’t forget, if you haven’t entered the contest for the Miracle Maker Movie, by joining the newsletter list, you can do that at the bottom of this page. The drawing is Dec. 1.

For our final day, I have an interview with Caitlin E. J. Meyer.

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get involved with this project?

Caitlin: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City with a big family of 7 siblings! I loved acting from a very young age and started doing theatre when I was 5. I grew up on the stage and then later starting doing film. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Psychology. I am a preschool teacher in a school specifically for children with Autism and I am so lucky to work with such amazing kids! I got married 7 months ago to my best friend Daniel. We love to go to movies, take road trips, and spend time together with friends and family.

How did you get involved with this project? 

Caitlin: I am very blessed to have an extremely talented mother who happened to write the movie! She is amazing and it’s a really fun thing for both of us to spend time together doing the things we love (writing and acting!). I also have known John Lyde since my awkward teenage years and it’s a great time working with him also.

What was you favorite part about making this movie?

Caitlin: Well first off, it is always a pleasure to work on a film that my mom has written, so that was really special. And secondly, it is probably the experience and the attitude that everyone had on set while filming. It was so fun and everyone was always joking and having a good time.

  Is there a funny story you could share about the filming, or a particular scene that would be interesting readers?

Caitlin: One of my favorite moments while filming was when Melanie and I were on the horse carriage trying to find “Oliver.” I was pretty excited when I first sat up there…until I saw Mel’s face! I asked her if she had much time to practice driving the carriage with the horses and she said no. *gulp* But we thought we would wing it! As soon as they called action the horses took off like they were in the Kentucky Derby! I was pretty impressed with Melanie that she was able to control them so well, until I heard the real sheer panic in her voice as she was trying to make them slow down. We just kept getting closer and closer to the camera and I was almost certain we were going trample everyone. Thankfully the horses stopped at what seemed like the last second. As soon as they said cut we both started laughing! Both because we were terrified, and secondly because it was hilarious and exhilarating. If Melanie ever quits acting I really think she could get into horse racing! 🙂

Is there anything else you would like people to know about this movie?

Caitlin: This was not an easy film to make! There were lots of really long days and nights and the heat and the cold and the bugs and the sewer sprinklers (another funny story J) and uncooperative birds, and the rain, but there was still such an awesome feeling of joy between everyone. People were just happy to be a part of such an amazing project. There were so many people stepping in, helping and working hard to pull it off. Those are the ones who made it all possible! It was so worth it!

How do you feel about Miracles?

Caitlin: Having the opportunity to have a role in three “Miracle” movies, I would be pretty ungrateful if I didn’t notice the miracles around me. I think God sends me little miracles to keep me humble and to always remember Him. It is a little piece of Heaven on earth that shows us that God loves us.

Here is a great interview with the hilarious Karen Baird, who plays Bessie in the film. I told you I went to the premiere with a friend, well we have been friends for around 25 years. We plan to become Bessie and Agnes.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Karen: I was born in Connecticut to a very talented family. All of my brothers and sisters and my Father were very musical. My Father could even make playing a comb sound wonderful – whereas my Mother always said she had a rocking chair voice and we would go to sleep rather than listen to her. My sisters and I never did dishes without singing in our little trio. I was the youngest, so I always sang the melody. After moving to CA I became involved in several singing groups and was bitten by the acting bug. I even met my husband while playing opposite him in a musical in Los Angeles. I love performing. I love the opportunity to create and “become” the characters the playwright has given me to develop.

How did you get involved with this project?

Karen: My agent sent me an email regarding the audition for The Miracle Maker. I was in Idaho visiting my daughter when I received the information and almost didn’t consider auditioning. But the very last day to submitting the audition I convinced my daughter and grand-daughter to play the other characters in the sides I received and my grandson was the “filmer” on my IPhone. You can’t imagine how delighted I was when John Lyde, the director, contacted me saying he wanted me do the role of Bessie.

What was you favorite part about making this movie?

Karen: I loved every moment of filming. Being able to perform with Anne Sward was pure delight. We just hit it off and had the best time together. And working with such a talented cast and crew was beyond my expectations. I have never worked with such a fantastic group of people. The director, John Lyde, was incredible. Everyone was a joy. Every day of the shoot was fantastic.

Is there a funny story you could share about the filming, or a particular scene that would be interesting readers?

Karen: Filming in Heber, the last day of the shoot, it grew dark, rainy and very windy. It was quite the shock to see the makeup tent literally blow away!!!!! The makeup crew was then transferred to a stable building that turned out to be a tattoo parlor! Pretty funny, but we were all grateful. Then the wind calmed, the rain turned to sunshine and we were able to complete the shoot. Talk about a little miracle.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about this movie?

Karen: One of the underlying themes of The Miracle Maker that really touched me is how we can all become part of a miracle, part of a change for the better, part of improving our situations by changing our attitude and allowing the “miracle” to happen.

How do you feel about Miracles?

Karen: I do believe in miracles. I know, without a doubt, that miracles do happen. Interception and promptings can change our lives. We just have to be sensitive enough to respond to the those promptings.

Sometimes I talk to much so for today’s post I am just posting ten behind the scenes pictures.

Thanks so much to all the cast and crew for all your hard work.

Meet Kalea Atkinson, a tiny little actress who is destine to become a big star. Acting is in her genes. Both her older siblings act too, and Kalea had her first acting experience when she was two. Miracle Maker is her first feature film.  Her mom Kalani helped to get an interview with her.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Kalea: I am 8 years old. I have one brother (12 years old) and one sister (16 years old). My favorite color is pink. I want to be an Olympic gymnast and I workout 18 hours a week right now. I love owls and acting. I am also a good student. People say I am very mature for my age but that I look like I am 6. I was actually born early and weighed 4 lbs when my parents brought me home.

How did you get involved with this project?

Kalea: I auditioned for the part of Rae Grant. I sent a video audition to the director and he picked me to play the part.

 What was you favorite part about making this movie?

Kalea: I liked acting in the scenes because they were so funny. I also loved getting to be around all the kids. I made some good friends on the set.

Is there a funny story you could share about the filming, or a particular scene that would be interesting readers?

Kalea: As soon as they would call cut when I was filming the scene at the Miracle Makers house, I would start singing One Direction. Jason Wade and I would sing the song together. He would make the music for me and I would sing.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about this movie?

Kalea: It was a fun story to be in and watch. When we filmed in Heber, I couldn’t wear shoes and there were pokey things on the ground so I had to be carried a lot.

How do you feel about Miracles?

Kalea: I think they exist because when I watched the Cokeville Miracle it was a big inspiration. It was a miracle those kids and teachers survived.

When I wrote the book I literally was the sad woman in the story, so that part of the movie was super important to me. I absolutely loved her in the movie. She was played by the very talented Shaunna Thompson. She was sweet enough to answer a few questions for us about the movie. A big thank you to her and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Shaunna: I have been a stage actress for 35 years and a film actress for 21. I’m a classically trained pianist and a vocal instructor at a performance academy for children and teens. Currently, I serve as the music director for the musical theater program at American Fork High School and am also one of their Shakespeare competition coaches. My husband and I serve in an English-speaking branch presidency at the MTC. We have two children and two grandchildren. They are the joy of my life!

 How did you get involved with this project?

Shaunna: I have been long-time friends with both Sally Meyer and John Lyde. I’d do anything for those two! They’re kinda the best!

 What was you favorite part about making this movie?

Shaunna: Getting to look as old and tired as possible! I’m trying to gracefully accept that I’m getting older, ha! Playing character roles is so much fun, really stretches you, and is such a great opportunity. I loved not having to looked pretty! An actress could go through the roof seeing herself look like a mess on a big screen. But I loved it!

 Is there a funny story you could share about the filming, or a particular scene that would be interesting readers?

Shaunna: While filming my scenes in the bed, no one who sees the movie would ever suspect that it was 105 degrees outside and about 120 in the cabin. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THAT HOT IN MY LIFE! We had to soak my petticoat with water just to keep me relatively cool under all those layers of clothing and bedding. In between takes, I remember thinking, “I’ll just lay here and die. Then they’ll be sorry.”

Is there anything else you would like people to know about this movie?

Shaunna: It was a pure pleasure to be a part of this movie because it felt like we were all a team. No divas, no drama, just good people making something good together. That’s why I’ve been an actress for so long. I love creating beautiful things with beautiful & creative types.

 How do you feel about Miracles?

Shaunna:I know miracles happen. I look for God’s hand in my life, every day, in the form of miracles, big and small, and He is so present! He hasn’t forgotten us. I believe He send miracles to us, often times, through others. This makes my heart so grateful.

On the sixth day of blogging I decided to give you six new pictures from the set and six facts about the filming.

Fact 1- Director John Lyde, filmed Miracle Maker in 12 days. ( Ya, that’s super quick, but don’t let the time fool you. He is able to do quality in a crunch.)

Fact 2 – The movie was filmed  at This Is the Place State Park in Salt Lake City, old town Heber City, and American Fork. Lyde also got a few shots from a ghost town in California, but there were tons of tourists that had to be edited out of each one.

Fact 3- The wonderful actress that plays Sarah Cronin is Caitlin E. J. Meyer. She is the screenwriter, Sally Meyer’s daughter.

Fact 4- The actress that plays Rae Grant stole the show in most scenes. Her ability to ad lib and roll with a scene impressed even veteran actor Brian Krause. “Where did you get this kid?” was his response after one of their first scenes together.

Fact 5- Lyde admitted that Actors on horseback makes for an interesting shot. If you see worry in the eyes of Caitlin Meyer, or Melanie Stone in the buggy scene it’s probably not for Oliver, but for their lives because of the speed they were going. However, Lyde revealed that it was the mouse scene and not the horses that proved to be challenging. The mice refused to stay still, even when given cheese.

Fact 6- This cutie, Cooper Johnson, played Oliver in the film. He was supposed to release this pigeon to bring the Miracle Maker. The crew purchased the pigeons for $5.00 each, but none of them wanted to fly. They just kept coming right back. Rumor has it that they were offered to Johnson for doing a great job filming, but his mom said, ” No way.” ( I don’t blame her on that one.)