Note: Today is not an easy day. I've just received not-the-best news re my dear friend's health. So I'm gonna do the things I love: blog and bake. Thanks for reading 5 Heart Rating. I'm always grateful I can do this because it brings me joy, and that even one or two people actually read it! Every "foodie" should experience actually participating in a food critic's night out tasting at various restaurants. I mention foodies especially because I realized several years ago that not everyone is Read more [...]

Fortunate for me, my adult children love Motown. They've seen The Temptations three times! So when my daughter asked if I'd like to kick off the holiday season by seeing "A Motown Christmas" with her, I replied with a resounding "Yes!" Of course, she already knew I'd want to go. But both of us were absolutely blown away by the experience. Nothing could have prepared us for the nearly non-stop 3-hour performance by this incredibly talented group of musicians. Vocals comprised of past members of Read more [...]

Sharon McMahon says she used to be a history teacher but I would argue she still is. Now, more than ever! She's been called "America's Government Teacher" and has a podcast, "Here's Where It Gets Interesting", and viral Instagram account called "SharonSaysSo", where she provides "fascinating information about US politics and history in the most entertaining way possible." If McMahon hadn't chosen these platforms to share her genius, I could see her with a hugely successful career in stand-up. She Read more [...]

I’d be curious to know if someone with no interest in the sport of tennis would enjoy this book as much as I. My guess is, possibly? Though I consider myself a tennis player as I have competed, coached, and taught tennis, I did not pick up a racquet until I was 40 years old. So by the time I started playing, Andre Agassi was already winding up his career, plus I never watched tennis the first several years I played. I just wanted to play. Therefore, before listening to this great memoir on audiobook, Read more [...]

You may recall a 5 Heart Rating I did several months ago about Amy Straley, the artist. Well now I want to bring attention to this incredibly unique artist again for her just-released beautiful notecards. When I saw them on Instagram, I mentioned to my daughter that I wanted them for my birthday. (Usually I say I don't want anything because, well, I don't. I have everything I want and need.) And like magic they showed up in the mail just days later! And they are SO BEAUTIFUL! I'm so glad I asked Read more [...]