Hallmark Channel Announces 'A CHRISTMAS TREASURE' - SEE HERE:

HALLMARK PRESS RELEASE:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES

POWERHOUSE SINGER JORDIN SPARKS

TO STAR IN ALL-NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE,

'A CHRISTMAS TREASURE'

Michael Xavier is set to co-star alongside Sparks

STUDIO CITY, CA – July 13, 2021 – Hallmark Channel has announced that Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and actress, who won season six of “American Idol,” Jordin Sparks, will be starring in the all-new original Hallmark Channel movie, “A Christmas Treasure,” alongside Hallmark alum Michael Xavier. The film will premiere as part of the network’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming event.

After opening a 100-year-old time capsule and finding her grandfather’s journal, Lou (Sparks) questions whether she should move to New York after Christmas to further her writing career or stay in Pine Grove to carry on her family’s local newspaper. Charming chef, Kyle (Xavier), is also at a crossroads, visiting Pine Grove for the holidays. When Lou and Kyle meet, they both have doubts about their future, but the magic of the holiday season and the connection they have, helps each of their journeys.

“Christmas is so special to me and I’m thrilled that I get to share this festive movie with you this year,” says Sparks. “I loved being able to perform some of my favorite Christmas melodies, one for the first time, as part of the movie. Joining the Hallmark family is a dream come true! I know people are going to fall in love with Lou and our story that truly represents the phrase, ‘Home is where the Heart is.’”

Sparks sings two classic Christmas songs in the movie, covering “This Christmas” and on the piano, “Oh Holy Night.” Her original song from her 2020 Christmas album Cider & Hennessy “Oh, It’s Christmas” will also be part of the movie.

With much success in series television and film including SYFY’s "Bitten" and Netflix/CBC’s "Northern Rescue" and also a Hallmark Alum, Michael Xavier is the perfect fit for this heartwarming film.

The all-new original movie is a part of Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming event, the destination for holiday entertainment. The premiere date of the movie will be announced at a later date.

“A Christmas Treasure” is from Christmas Treasure Road Productions Ltd. Stephanie Germain, Jordin Sparks, Harvey Kahn and Allen Lewis serve as executive producers. Charles Cooper serves as producer. Michael Robison directed from a story by Jen Notas Shapiro and teleplay by Sandra Berg & Judith Berg. Music is by Sean William.

-- HALLMARK CHANNEL --

Hope you enjoyed this Hallmark Christmas movie news during Christmas in July! By the way, the press release mentions Michael Xavier is a Hallmark alum, he also starred alongside Tamera Mowry-Housley in 'Christmas Comes Twice.'

The time capsule story sounds quite intriguing, I think. Plus, I'm always in tune with a Christmas movie with good music. What are your thoughts? Please share in comments below.

Joyous Blessings! Net

Kellie Pickler to star in Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie - at Graceland!

USA TODAY has revealed that Kellie Pickler, American Idol alum, country singer, and co-host of the talk show Pickler & Ben - will star in "Christmas At Graceland," an all new Hallmark Channel Original Countdown to Christmas Movie!

photo: Kellie Pickler Website

The storyline reported by USA Today: Pickler will portray Laurel, an "executive from Chicago who heads to Memphis with hopes of nabbing an old family-owned bank. Laurel's ex, Clay, who promotes local musical acts has bigger aspirations. Despite, Laurel's steadfast focus, she's reminded by Clay of their time as performers who were once on the cusp of fame. With what we presume will include a little holiday magic, Laurel shifts her focus to music once again."

"Christmas At Graceland" will film at Elvis Presley's former home in Tennessee, according to USA Today, and will, of course, include Elvis Presley music!


My Take:

Oh, "I'm all Shook Up"!

We first learned Kellie Pickler was doing a Christmas movie earlier this year. It is exciting now to have a title and a basic idea of the storyline. "I Can't Help Falling in Love" with the plans for this upcoming Christmas movie! Kellie Pickler is just as sweet and charming as she can be; I can only imagine this movie will be just as delightful to see! I do hope she wears her "Red High Heels".

Can't you just hear Elvis singing softly in the background... "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me?"

Please share your thoughts on this movie below and your favorite Elvis song! I've always loved "Heartbreak Hotel," "Love Me Tender," and his version of "How Great Thou Art."

UPDATE: Kellie's co-star is Wes Brown ("Christmas Cookies").

Blessings! Net

*Also, be sure to check out new updates to Hallmark's Christmas in July schedule - here!

*****

Scotty McCreery wins American Idol

As American Idol aired on TV last night, storms went through the Midwest and through my state, as well. Fortunately, though we were in a Tornado Warning, the storm ended up being mild for us, though we were unsure and a little scared, for a time.

I cannot imagine the heartache others are going through now and have in recent months. Our Family prays for those who are searching for loved ones, those looking through rubble, and those who survived, but lost everything else. May God be with you and be your comfort.

After the storm had passed our area, our family watched bits and pieces of American Idol. (we recorded it) It was great because we could fast forward through any performance we didn't care for - and there were plenty.

Lauren sang sweetly, especially the song she sang about her Mother the night before, but she just couldn't beat Scotty McCreery, who won over everyones' hearts

"Baby Lock the Door and Turn the Lights Down Low".... Scotty McCreery is the American Idol Season 10 Winner. He was definitely my choice and I think he will be truly welcomed into the country music industry. I hope he stays as sweet, humble, solid, and down-home, as he appeared to be on the show.

After winning, Scotty immediately thanked the Lord for getting him there. I pray he remains close to his faith and his roots.

Did you all watch it?

Let me know who you liked and what you thought of it all!

Reality TV Winners & My Favorites!

Okay, this site is all about Family Movies, but our Family does watch a few Reality Shows, too. If you don't like them - then, please skip this post. If you enjoy a few, like we do - then, please read on...

(Please Note: I do not recommend all of these shows for family viewing - mostly due to Language)


Reality Shows:

American Idol - I stopped watching it a few years back, yet, after hearing about Scotty McCreery, I just had to turn in. I've been a Josh Turner fan for years, so when I learned about Scotty singing his songs... well, I just had to check it out, and after hearing Scotty sing Long Black Train, I'm totally a fan. He's fantastic! Plus, it was great to see him singing with Josh Turner, too... Go Scotty!


Biggest Loser - I have always been drawn to this show, though I've never been overweight, myself. We have watched it ever since Alison Sweeney became the host. I love watching each of their transformations - it's like watching a flower bloom! This time around, my favorite is Hannah, although, they have all been so nice - I like them all and hope they all do well.

Celebrity Apprentice - We enjoy the project building and how the creative process works and sometimes, how it doesn't work. It's a fascinating process. This time around, I've been cheering one celeb mainly along the way... John Rich! I was so glad he won.

-

Do you like any of my choices?

Let me know who your favorites are...

Click "Comments" Below....

Change of Plans - Family Movie Night on FOX

MOVIE REVIEW

Change of Plans
(sponsored by Walmart)

Network: FOX

Original Air Date: January 8, 2010


CAST:

Brooke White ... Sally Danville
Phylicia Rashad ... Dorothy
Jayme Lynn Evans ... Jordan
Bobby Soto ... Javier
Jakobe' Dempsey ... Kaleb
Joe Flanigan ... Jason Danville
Aurora Kruk ... Christine
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee ... Toby

PLOT:

Up to this point, Sally Danville's life has played out just as she hoped it would. A beautiful and free-spirited musician, she and her fighter-pilot husband, Jason, live life on the go, free of domestic responsibilities. But with a single phone call from Child & Family Services case worker, Dorothy (Phylicia Rashad, The Cosby Show), she learns that things don't always go according to plan. Sally (Brooke White, American Idol) is met with the news that her best friend from college has died in a tragic accident on a Peace Corps mission and has named Sally the legal guardian of her four kids - 3 of them adopted from third-world countries. Now Sally and Jason (Joe Flanigan, Stargate Atlantis) must quickly learn to parent this instant family and help the kids deal with the culture clash of life in America. The story is both humorous and heartwarming, revealing how fulfilling life can be when you look beyond your own plans and invest in the lives of others.

Movie Review:

In my opinion, Change of Plans has been the best, of these Walmart Sponsored Family Movie Nights.

I was wondering if Brooke White, who was an American Idol finalist, would be good at acting, and she was truly great. She and the guy, who potrayed her husband, Joe Flanigan, were terrific together!

The story is about a successful couple, Sally and Jason, who find themselves caring for four children after their parents are killed. The children have been living in the Sudan, 3 are adopted, and are from different racial backgrounds and cultures... and, yet, they are very much a family.

It is really a precious and beautiful story of how this couple and these children open up there home and hearts to one another and become a family. Sally and Jason think they will take care of the children only temporarily until a new home can be found for these kids and they can return to their busy hectic lives and careers, but each day they grow closer and closer to the children. The storyline reminded me of: Rent-a-Kid or Raising Helen.

My only caution would be for younger kids, who might be upset by this storyline of these children losing their parents. So, please be aware of this before viewing.

Other than that, it is a very moving, inspiring movie... it may be a little cheesy for some, and predictable, at times, but even still, it is very heart-warming!


See or Skip:

See, a sweet movie.


Change of Plans - Available on DVD

---------------------

Carrie Underwood Christmas Special

I just added to the Christmas TV Schedule - Carrie Underwood's new Christmas Special, titled:

Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special

This information was released today, October 13, 2009:

The Fox network says Carrie Underwood will host a two-hour variety special tentatively titled, "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special," to air Dec. 7.

The network says Underwood will perform new music from her upcoming album, previous hits and holiday classics. Musical guests will include Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and David Cook.

Underwood won season four of "American Idol." The 26-year-old country singer is a four-time Grammy winner.

Her new album will be released Nov. 3.

The first CD listed above is Carrie's newest album - being released Nov. 3. The second CD includes a bonus CD of Christmas songs that are all so wonderful. I personally own this one and highly recommend it - as I enjoy it very much!

Reality TV

Lately, I've found myself - watching a lot more Reality TV. My favorites are the Amazing Race, the Apprentice, the Biggest Loser, American Idol, 18 Kids and Counting, Little People Big World, and Table for 12!

I know there are plenty more out there, but those are the ones I enjoy the most. Usually, I record them and fast-forward through commercials, or boring performances (American Idol)... so that helps to save on time.


The next question is, who do I hope wins?

Amazing Race (CBS)- Mother & Son Team - Margie & Luke

the Apprentice (NBC)- my pick is the Vivacious, Joan Rivers

the Biggest Loser (NBC)- Tara, she's Incredible! She never gives up - what a Great Competitor! I love how she doubts herself sometimes in the challenge, yet keeps going and going with determination, and in the end, she defeats those who were way in front of her. And if it can't be Tara, I'm pulling for Mike... he is so sweet - I just hope America votes him in for the Finale and he does well.

American Idol (FOX)- Kris Allen is my favorite of the Final 3 ! I just loved when he sang the country song in his own ballad tone - "To Make You Feel My Love" I have it downloaded from Itunes and it is just a beautiful version.


As far as my other favorite family reality shows on TLC - 18 Kids and Counting, Little People Big World, and Table for 12 ... I just love watching these precious families.

18 Kids is the Duggar family, who have 18 children. I am impressed with the love, respect, and moral discipline shown with such honor and grace in their home. I hope that it is inspirational to other families - we certainly need more like them today.

Little People Big World - Talking about Inspirational... nothing holds this family back - including their height. I so admire them for all they accomplish in life - and they have a very united precious family.

Table for 12 - another beautiful family with 10 children, this time. 2 sets of twins and one grouping of sextuplets. One of the little girls has cerebral palsy and it so precious to see how the other children and parents treat her so gently and kind. She's such a precious, beautiful little girl. I love how they, too, are such a close knit family.

Thank you, TLC, for giving us such great family programming. It seems to be lacking on TV sitcoms today.

If you wish to respond to this blog, just click on Comments below. I fixed this, so it is working correctly now. I would love to hear your favorite picks.

God bless & Take care, everyone...