Five on Friday - August 30, 2024

We've made it to Friday and, as a bonus, it's a holiday weekend!  I'm looking so forward to three days off.  Let's start things off with my Five on Friday post ~

1.  Black Butterflies

Priscilla Morris has a new book titled Black Butterflies that is getting rave reviews.  It's even been short-listed for the Women's Prize for Fiction.  The book is set during the conflict in the Balkans in the early '90s.  It sounds so intriguing and I'm adding it to my ever-growing list of books I want to read.  Here's the summary ~

Sarajevo, spring 1992. Each night, nationalist gangs erect makeshift barricades, splitting the city into ethnic enclaves. Each morning, the people who live there—whether Muslim, Croat, or Serb—push the barriers aside.

When violence erupts and becomes, finally, unavoidable, Zora, an artist and teacher, sends her husband and elderly mother to safety in England. She stays behind, reluctant to believe that hostilities will last more than a few weeks. As the city falls under siege, everything she loves about her home is laid to waste, black ashes floating over the rooftops. Yet Zora and her friends find ways to rebuild themselves, over and over. Told with breathtaking immediacy, this is a story of disintegration, resilience, and hope—a stirring debut from a commanding new voice.

Available HERE

2.  Reagan

I always had a soft spot for President Reagan and was happy to see there is a movie coming out about him.  Dennis Quaid is starring as Reagan himself.  Hopefully, with the extra day off this weekend, we'll have time to pop by the theater and see it!  Here's the summary ~

From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding the world stage, REAGAN is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds. Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan's when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, this film offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating. Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey.

3.  Sweater Dress

I guess I've been secretly looking forward to fall because I've purchased a few new things to add to my closet.  The latest was this sweater dress.  It comes in 10 different colors.  I chose the "apricot" which is really more what I would call "tan".  The fabric is soft and the fit is nice.  Can't wait for the weather to cool down just a bit so I can wear it!  Right now there is a 40% off coupon available.  Quite the deal!

Available HERE

4.  Coke and Oreos Team Up

Starting in September (which is just days away), be on the lookout for two new products - Coca-Cola-flavored Oreos and Oreo-flavored Coke Zero.  On the cookies, the creme middle will have the Coke flavor.  For added pizazz, the cookies are embossed with a Coca-Cola design and are sprinkled with red edible glitter.  Both items are only here for a limited time, so if you see them and want to try the new flavor, scoop them up quick!

5.  Just a thought...

I’m really excited about having an extra day this weekend! We’re heading out on vacation at the end of next week, and it would be fantastic if we could be packed well before midnight the night before we leave! Hopefully, we can use this extra day to get a bit more organized for the trip. Stay safe, have a great weekend, and see you next week!

Let's Make Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Today is the day I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.

Today, I'm sharing one of our favorite recipes again. So many of my friends are posting pictures of their apple-picking adventures, which always makes me think of this apple recipe! I absolutely love this time of year and the smell of freshly baked apples filling the house. If you're a fan of apples, you should definitely give this recipe a try!

Here's What You Need

Filling

6 medium apples (I used Granny Smith and Gala)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Topping

1-1/4 cups old-fashioned oats

2 tablespoons flour

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top

Here's What You Do

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

After washing the apples, peel and core them.  Cut them into bite-size pieces and add to a mixing bowl.

Put a 10" cast iron skillet on the stove and melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.  When the butter is melted, whisk in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.

Pour the butter mixture into the mixing bowl with the apples and toss until the apples are coated.

Return the apple mixture back into the skillet and turn the heat to medium.  While stirring, cook for about 5 minutes.  The apples will begin to soften.  Remove the skillet from the heat, keeping the apples inside.

Now it's time to make the topping.  Cut 5 tablespoons of butter into small pieces.  Mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt together in a bowl.  Add the pieces of butter and mix until crumbly.  Feel free to use your hands to mix this up!

Spread the topping over the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and place it in the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.  The apples will be tender and the topping will have a nice crunch to it.

We served the apple crisp with a generous scoop of ice cream.  We used vanilla ice cream, but I was thinking it would also be scrumptious with a big scoop of cinnamon ice cream!  What a perfect fall dessert.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we need!

Now it's your turn - link up and share what you're thinking about today!

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 28, 2024

 

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature! 

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

TOP VIEWED

Wind Chime - Wine and Copper

VERY POPULAR

How to Make a Calzone

Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries 

will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party! 

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Five on Friday - August 23, 2024

Happy Friday!  I'm just back from a short vacation and am so looking forward to the weekend!  We have guests coming in tonight and we are ready to have a fun few days with them.  Before that fun begins, let's look at my five for today ~

 

1.  Starbuck's Fall Menu

Earlier than ever before, Starbuck's fall menu is here!  Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, and Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, have all returned.  New to the menu this year is the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai.  So much goodness!

2.  Out of the Darkness

The new book about the famous quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit the stands this week.  Out of the Darkness sheds light on this mysterious man.  Here's the summary ~

Aaron Rodgers is among the two or three most talented players to ever hold the most important job in American team sports – quarterback. He also stands as the most mysterious and polarizing figure in the modern-day national pastime that is professional football.

From his controversial Covid stance to his methods of spiritual awakening to his estrangement from his family to his high-profile romances to his devastating Achilles injury a mere four plays into his New York Jets career, Rodgers has long dominated the NFL’s news cycle.

At thirty-nine, in search of a challenge that would rejuvenate him, Rodgers divorced the iconic Green Bay Packers of Vince Lombardi fame for the Jets, who have not appeared in a Super Bowl since Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. The trade made Rodgers the biggest story in the biggest league in the biggest market. By far.

That story only got bigger when Rodgers shockingly went down on the night of 9/11, in front of a packed house that roared for him when he took the field carrying an American flag, and in front of the biggest Monday Night Football audience in ESPN history, peaking at more than 25 million viewers across all platforms. Rodgers then shocked the world by pulling off the fastest recorded comeback from an Achilles tear, returning to practice eleven weeks after surgery. Remarkably enough, he would have played again in the 2023 season, at age 40, had the Jets remained in playoff contention.

Ian O’Connor uses hundreds of original interviews to pull back the curtain and answer the most penetrating questions about the league’s most enigmatic player. Just like he did in his defining bios of Bill Belichick, Mike Krzyzewski, Derek Jeter, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer, O’Connor reveals all sides of an all-time great and delivers a portrait of a complex man that will forever shape the way he is viewed.

Available HERE

3.  National Banana Split Day

Sunday is National Banana Split Day!  Now this is a day I can get behind!  Making a banana split is easy - cut a banana lengthwise and place it in a dish.  Add scoops of ice cream and top with crushed pineapple, strawberry and chocolate syrup.  Don't forget the whipped cream, nuts, cherries and sprinkles on top!  

4.  Tabletop Fire Pit

Have you ever wanted to make s'mores without having to build a fire outside? This tabletop fire pit is perfect for indoor use! Made from high-quality concrete with specially thickened bowl walls, it's smokeless, odorless, and durable. Plus, it's so portable that you can take it anywhere you want to enjoy some s'mores.

Available HERE

5.  Totally possible...

Have a great weekend!  See you next week!

Let's Make Apple Dip

It's Thursday and that means it's time for Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Get ready to share what you're thinking about by linking up below.

Fall is fast approaching and that always makes me thinking about apples.  Apple picking is such a fun activity and we have the best apple dip recipe!  I blogged about it way back in 2019, so I think it's time to share it again.  

Here's What You Need
For Apples:

6 apples (Granny Smith or whatever is your favorite)

1 large can of pineapple juice

For Dip:

8 ounce container of whipped cream cheese

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

8 ounces milk chocolate toffee bits

Here's What You Do

There's two parts to this recipe.  Let's start with the apple part.  Wash and slice your apples.  I love using my Pampered Chef Apple Slicer.  If you don't have one of these little gadgets, invest in one!  We love ours.

Pour the whole can of pineapple juice in a large container.  I always use my Rubbermaid Cake Carrier, turned upside down.  Who says the container has to just be used for carrying a cake!

Put the lid on and pop in the fridge.  You can let the apples sit overnight or as short as 15 minutes.

Next, let's whip up the dip.  Place all the dip ingredients in a bowl EXCEPT the toffee bits.  Combine with a mixer and then stir in almost the entire bag of toffee bits.  Save just a bit to sprinkle on top so it looks pretty.

To serve, take the apples out of the juice and spread on a platter.  The juice will keep the apples from turning brown while it's sitting out.

WARNING:  This dip is quite addictive!  You will want to make it over and over!

Enjoy!

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 21, 2024

 

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature! 

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

TOP VIEWED

Maine State of Mind Part 1

VERY POPULAR

Easiest Zucchini Pasta Recipe

Enjoying the Process of Home Organizing

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Jessica's Homemade Pesto

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries 

will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - August 16, 2024

 Happy Friday!  Glad you stopped by the Five on Friday today.  Let's get right to it ~

1.  By Any Other Name

Jodi Picoult has a new book releasing on Tuesday.  Her books are so good!  If you want to read it right away, preorder yours now and it will be delivered to you the day it releases.  Here's the summary ~

Young playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. But seeing it performed is unlikely, in a theater world where the playing field isn’t level for women. As Melina wonders if she dares risk failure again, her best friend takes the decision out of her hands and submits the play to a festival under a male pseudonym.

In 1581, young Emilia Bassano is a ward of English aristocrats. Her lessons on languages, history, and writing have endowed her with a sharp wit and a gift for storytelling, but like most women of her day, she is allowed no voice of her own. Forced to become a mistress to the Lord Chamberlain, who oversees all theatre productions in England, Emilia sees firsthand how the words of playwrights can move an audience. She begins to form a plan to secretly bring a play of her own to the stage—by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

Told in intertwining timelines, By Any Other Name, a sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire centers two women who are determined to create something beautiful despite the prejudices they face. Should a writer do whatever it takes to see her story live on . . . no matter the cost? This remarkable novel, rooted in primary historical sources, ensures the name Emilia Bassano will no longer be forgotten.

Available HERE

2.  Dairy Queen's Fall Blizzard Flavors

I'm not quite ready to give up summer yet, but the Fall items are popping up everywhere!  Dairy Queen announced its' Fall blizzard flavors this week and they sound pretty darn tasty.  Here are the flavors that will be available starting Monday, August 26 ~

Pumpkin Pie

French Silk Pie 

Oreo Fudge Brownie 

Salted Caramel Truffle 

Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough 

Royal NY Cheesecake

Caramel Java Chip

3.  Season 4 of Emily in Paris:  Part One

Today is the day!  Emily in Paris is back!  I can't wait to see what adventures Emily takes us on this season.  The fashion!  The romance!  The scenery!  ALL.OF.IT!  We get Part 1 consisting of five episodes starting today and then we'll have to wait for the next five episodes to come out on September 12.  

4.  Lighted Maple Tree

I know I said I wasn't ready for Fall, but I couldn't pass up buying these lighted maple trees!  They come in a 2-pack and will be perfect to pop in my planters on the front porch.  Right now there is a 30% off coupon you can clip in Amazon making them quite the deal!  They come with an "intelligent function" which means there is a build-in timer for the lights.  Can't wait to decorate our porch with these!

Available HERE

5.  I can't help it...

Have a great weekend!  I'm at the beach and am soaking up as much sun and sand as I can!  See you back next week.

Travel Ready: The Essentials I'm Packing

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I talk about something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  This is going to be a short one because I'm headed to the beach bright and early tomorrow morning and I still need to pack.

The beach is where I can truly unwind and reconnect with myself.  I'm taking this trip with a girlfriend and I can't wait to have days of fun and catching up.  No doubt we will solve several world problems!

I thought I'd share a few things that always make it in my suitcase when I travel.  If I love them enough to travel with them, you know you need them in your life too!  The first is my silk pillowcase.  My bedhead isn't as bad since I started using a silk pillowcase and I never wake up with sheet marks on my face.  It folds in a small form and hardly takes up any room in my suitcase.  Definitely worth bringing along!

Available HERE

Also making the suitcase are my face and body face scrubbers.  I love these things and don't leave home without them.  They, too, also take up virtually no room in the suitcase.  

Available HERE

Available HERE

I always throw in a few games.  My favorite travel games are Qwixx, Yahtzee and Roll for It.  They won't take up much room in your luggage and will give you hours of fun.

Available HERE

Available HERE

Available HERE

This year I'm also throwing in my little portable air pump.  My raft for the pool will need to be blown up and it's always a bit of a pain to have to fill it with air.  Not this year!

Available HERE

Okay, that's enough chatter about what I'm packing.  I've got to actually pack!  Link up and tell us what you're thinking out loud about today ~

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Click here to enter