Five on Friday - May 10, 2024

 Let's hear it for Friday!  I'm knee deep in wedding prep over here so I'm going to get right to my five for today ~

1.  Mother's Day

Sunday is the day to honor your mom!  Looking for a way to show your mother some love?  Here are some ideas ~

Handwritten Letter or Card: Express your love and gratitude through heartfelt words. Write a letter or card detailing what she means to you and how much you appreciate her.

Create a Memory Book: Compile photos, mementos, and notes that highlight special moments shared with your mother. This personalized gift will surely touch her heart.

Homemade Brunch or Dinner: Cook her favorite meal or treat her to a homemade brunch. Spending time together in the kitchen can be a bonding experience, and enjoying a delicious meal you've prepared adds a personal touch.

Quality Time Together: Plan a day filled with activities she enjoys, whether it's going for a nature walk, watching her favorite movie, or simply spending time talking and laughing together.

Gift of Relaxation: Treat her to a spa day, massage, or pampering session to help her unwind and feel appreciated.

Personalized Gifts: Consider personalized gifts such as custom jewelry, a photo book, or a piece of artwork that holds sentimental value.

Acts of Service: Offer to help with chores or tasks she typically handles to give her a break and show your appreciation for all she does.

Plant a Garden: If she enjoys gardening, consider planting flowers or herbs together. It's a meaningful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Virtual Celebration: If you're unable to be together in person, organize a virtual celebration with family and friends. Plan activities like a virtual brunch or game night to make her feel loved and special.

Donate in Her Honor: Make a donation to a cause or charity that is meaningful to her. It's a thoughtful way to honor her and make a positive impact in her name.

2.  Summers at The Saint

Looking for a book to give your mom for Mother's Day?  What about the new one by Mary Kay Andrews titled Summers at The Saint?  I've read a few books by this author and find them to be great vacation reads.  With summer coming, pick this one up for your beach bag.  Here's the summary ~

Welcome to the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia, where traditions run deep and scandals run even deeper. . . .

Everyone refers to the St. Cecelia as “the Saint.” If you grew up coming here, you were “a Saint.” If you came from the wrong side of the river, you were “an Ain’t.” Traci Eddings was one of those outsiders whose family wasn’t rich enough or connected enough to vacation here. But she could work here. One fateful summer she did, and married the boss’s son. Now, she’s the widowed owner of the hotel, determined to see it return to its glory days, even as staff shortages and financial troubles threaten to ruin it. Plus, her greedy and unscrupulous brother-in-law wants to make sure she fails. Enlisting a motley crew of recently hired summer help—including the daughter of her estranged best friend—Traci has one summer season to turn it around. But new information about a long-ago drowning at the hotel threatens to come to light, and the tragic death of one of their own brings Traci to the brink of despair.

Traci Eddings has her back against the pink-painted wall of this beloved institution. And it will take all the wits and guts she has to see wrongs put to right, to see guilty parties put in their place, and maybe even to find a new romance along the way. Told with Mary Kay Andrew’s warmth, humor, knack for twists, and eye for delicious detail about human nature, Summers at the Saint is a beach read with depth and heart.

Available HERE

3.  Jif Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Look what Jif's done - they have combined chocolate and peanut butter for an extra special snack! The company is releasing a new flavor for the first time in almost 10 years.  This item should be rolling out in grocery stores soon, but if you can't wait it's available at Amazon right now.  This would be so delicious on apples or pretzels!  The snack cups are perfect for dropping into your lunch bag or putting on a dessert charcuterie board surrounded by animal crackers, apples, strawberries, pretzels, graham crackers and vanilla wafers.  I've got to get my hands on some of this!

Available HERE

4.  Summer Dress

I picked up this casual summer dress before my recent trip to Waco, Texas and boy, was that a good decision!  It traveled great (very few wrinkles) and was the perfect thing to wear during my long weekend trip.  The fabric is soft and has just the right amount of thickness.  But the best part is it has pockets!  It comes in a boatload of colors so grab one for your summer wardrobe today!  

Available HERE

5.  This is me...

Okay - I'm off to do more cutting and gluing to get ready for the wedding we're helping with this weekend!  Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy Mother's Day!  See you back next week.