♥ What the heck is a 5 Heart Rating? ♥

"A real life is not getting what you want; the achievement, the privilege, too, is knowing what you love." ~ Marisa de los Santos


5 Heart Rating was created with the intent to bring only positive attention to people, places, and things in this world that have made that extra effort to be the very best they can possibly be.

Sharon McMahon

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 [...]

“Open”, by Andre Agassi

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 [...]

Amy Straley Fine Art Notecards

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 [...]

Detroit Metro Airport

Detroit Airport is my favorite airport in the United States. This 5 Heart Rating is based solely on one experience of a layover at DTW. I still have not visited the actual city of Detroit, but really want to! If the city is anything like the airport, I know I will enjoy it. Plus, there's just so much history! I will admit I have actually consciously avoided DTW for plane changes. Why? I have no idea. But the one time I didn't really have a choice, I found myself making my way through this great Read more [...]

Cheryl’s Cookies

Cheryl's cookies are good. Especially since they ship all over, which I know is a challenge, having shipped fresh-baked cookes many times. But the thing about Cheryl's Cookies I love most is their 2 Pack Cookie Card. For a few dollars more than what a greeting card would cost, you can send two delicious buttercream decorated (one is flavored such as key lime) cookies with a theme such as "Thinking of You" or "Enjoy Your Day" to anyone in the United States. With free shipping! If you know me, you Read more [...]