2024 Gift Guide for Book Lovers

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is where I share what’s on my mind and invite you to join in and share yours. Today, I’m kicking off my holiday gift idea series with a post dedicated to the book lovers in your life!

Novel Teas

This would be the perfect gift for someone who loves books and tea!  Each of the 25 English Breakfast teabags is individually tagged with literary quotes.  It's great as a stand-alone gift, paired with another book-themed item or as a stocking stuffer.

Available HERE

Personalized Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark

You just can't have too many bookmarks and this personalized one is adorable!  I always love a personalized gift because it shows the giver actually thought ahead enough to pick out something just for you.  This beauty would be great in a basket with other things or if you need just a little something for a neighbor or friend.  

Available HERE

Bookshelf Christmas Tree Ornament

Does your book club do an ornament exchange?  How cute is this Christmas Tree Bookshelf Ornament?!?  This would be an adorable gift for the school librarian.

Available HERE

 

Jane Austen Books Coaster Set

All book lovers need a special set of coasters to keep by their favorite reading chair.  These are especially great for the Jane Austen book lovers!

Available HERE

Book Embosser

I have gotten this book embosser for so many people and they have all loved it!  This is my go-to gift for young adults.  They will be able to mark their books for a long, long time.  This one has a little bit longer delivery time so order it today!

Available HERE

Custom Library Neon Sign

Know someone who has a special reading nook?  Why not give them a light with their name on it!  If you don't want their name on it, go ahead and click through to see the other designs offered.  They are all adorable!  There are 5 sizes and 12 colors for you to choose from.

Available HERE

Book Journal

Keep track of all your reads in this handy book journal.  This would be especially good for people in book clubs because you could easily jot down your thoughts on the book selected and have your notes from previous books all in one spot.  

Available HERE

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

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 20, 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

DIY Dehydrated Oranges for Christmas Decor

VERY POPULAR

Scandinavian Comfort Discovery

Crochet Mug Cozy Pattern

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Condensed Milk Rolls

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 - November 15, 2024

Hello from Asheville, North Carolina!  We had planned a trip here long before Hurricane Helene devastated the area.  After much thought and prayer, we decided to continue with our vacation plans.  And I'm so glad we did!  Tonight we visited the Biltmore, which is all decked out for Christmas.  I'll be blogging more about the trip in the coming weeks, but today we need to get on with Five on Friday!  Here goes ~

1.  Christmas Movie Streaming Cheat Sheet    

As soon as I saw this Christmas movie streaming cheat sheet I knew I wanted to share it on the blog!  Christmas is rolling towards us like a freight train so if you need help getting on board, these movies are just what you need!  Here's a list of all the movies you are able to stream.  Surely one of these will have you humming Christmas carols in no time!

2.  To Die For

The third book of David Baldacci's series 6:20 Man came out this week.  It's getting great reviews!  Maybe this would be a book series you could gift someone in your life this year for Christmas.  Here's the summary ~

Travis Devine has become a pro at accomplishing any mission he's given. But this time it’s not his skills that send him to Seattle to aid the FBI in escorting orphaned, twelve-year-old Betsy Odom to a meeting with her uncle, who’s under federal investigation. Instead, he’s hoping to lay low and keep off the radar of an enemy–the girl on the train.

But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise around the death of her parents. Devine digs for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy bigger than he could’ve ever imagined.

It might finally be time for Devine and the girl on the train to come face-to-face. Devine is going to find out the difference between his friends and his enemies–and in some cases, they might well be both.

Available HERE

3.  YogoToes Gem Stretchers

Let's face it—aching feet can be miserable! Here's a gadget you can wear just a few hours a day to alleviate your foot pain. They are great for people who have no foot issues but need some foot pain relief or they can help improve things like hammer toe, minor bunions, or plantar fasciitis.  Toss them in the freezer then slip them on your feet for relief.  They are built to last a lifetime too!

Available HERE

4.  Thanksgiving Kids Table

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to plan how to keep the kids entertained while you put the finishing touches on the feast. Here are a few ideas to make your kids' table so fun, even the adults will want to join!

Tablecloth Available HERE

Thanksgiving Craft Available HERE

Placemats available HERE

5.  Here's a thought...

Okay - I'm back to vacation!  Today we're taking the rooftop tour at the Biltmore Mansion and seeing the Chihuly exhibit.  Can't wait to share our experience with you!  Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

In Case You Missed It

Let's Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Let's Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

It's Thursday and time for some thinking out loud.  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  Today, I’m excited to share an incredible soup recipe we tried last week. After reading, feel free to link up and share what’s on your mind today!

Last weekend I invited the ladies from our Bible study group to come over for a quick dinner before an event at church.  I decided to serve three different soups, a salad, and dessert.  Two of the soups on the menu were ones I had blogged about before (Loaded Potato and Gringo Chicken Tortilla).  My new soup was Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.  

Here's What You Need

1 lb Italian sausage

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 minced garlic cloves

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup ditalini pasta

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Here's What You Do

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks.  I'm a huge fan of my meat chopper.  We love ours!

When the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic.  Cook until the onion is translucent, which should take around 4 minutes.

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano.  Bring this mixture to a boil.

Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling broth mixture and cook until it is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and thicken the soup.

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to combine with the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The soup was a huge hit! We will definitely be having this one again!

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 - November 13, 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

A Thrifty Thanksgiving Table

VERY POPULAR

The Flavors of Fall Recipes for Every Table

Crochet Corn Pattern

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

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

What We Did in October 2024

We had a great October!  Today I'm sharing the recap ~

The first weekend of the month, we traveled to Jefferson City, stopping in Fulton, Missouri, along the way. Our nephew had a football game on Saturday morning, and we were thrilled to see him on the field. Adding to the excitement, our niece was the cutest little cheerleader, making it so much fun to watch them both in action!

After the game, we took a short trip to Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, to visit our friend Donna. I've seen the Capitol building countless times, but it never fails to look so striking!

Donna and I have been friends since college.  It was so fun spending a few days with her and get caught up.  After a little lunch, we were off to do some retail therapy.  Jefferson City has some adorable shops downtown!  A few of our favorites are Southbank Gift Company, Carrie's Hallmark Store, and Shaefer House.  

Saturday night we had the perfect weather to sit outside and listen to the Shiloh Country Band at the Pierpoint General Store.  

 

On Sunday we enjoyed more great weather and music at Porchfest.  Eric and I had never been to a Porchfest event and it was so fun.  In case you're not familiar with Porchfest, a street is shut down and entertainers sit on people's porches and yards to play their music.  You wander up and down the street and stop whenever someone's music interests you.  It was a great weekend!

The following week we celebrated our friend Jill's birthday.  I love having a reason to celebrate friends and dine out at one of our favorite restaurants!  Jill chose Eleven Eleven Mississippi.  So good!

We had an opportunity to spy the northern lights mid-month.  This was the second time we had luck seeing them through our phone cameras.  Someday I'd still like to be in a location to see them with the naked eye.

The second weekend of the month, we visited my friend Sherri in Monticello, Illinois. Monticello is a charming city with a beautiful town square. On Friday night, we enjoyed an outdoor dinner at one of the restaurants on the square. Saturday, we explored Allerton Park and Recreation Center—a true hidden gem!

The grounds of Allerton are fascinating, with magnificent sculptures scattered throughout. I’d love to visit again in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom.

We attempted to catch a glimpse of the comet but couldn’t see it. Instead, we enjoyed a lovely sunset picnic with friends and took in a fantastic view as the sunset.

Our porch has been transformed with fall decor, and I shared all the details on my blog HERE.

Our son and daughter-in-law joined us for the Alzheimer's Walk.  Thanks to all my friends who donated to this amazing cause.  If you'd like to contribute to finding a cure, you can donate HERE.  

Now that October is behind us, we are embracing November!  The holiday season is quickly going to be upon us and I'm trying to get as organized as possible so we can truly enjoy the season.  Keep your eyes out for some fun gift list ideas I'll be sharing on the blog soon.

Five on Friday - November 8, 2024

Hi there!  Thanks for popping in today for Five on Friday.  Before we dig into my five for today, I have a disclosure about something I shared last week.  I was so excited to see the movie Here with Tom Hanks.  We went over the weekend and, as hard as I tried, I didn't like it at all.  I'd love to hear from you if you saw it and liked it.  Maybe I missed something.  Now, to my five for today ~

1.  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

We've seen the previews for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and it looks so cute!  It seems like a heartwarming, fun story that really brings out the true spirit of the holiday season.  I'm looking forward to seeing this one!  Here's the summary ~

The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

2.  Food Warming Mat

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many of us are mapping out our cooking game plans. Have you come across these warming mats? They’re perfect for easing the stress of keeping dishes warm. With three temperature settings, they not only keep your food at the ideal temperature but can also be handy for defrosting items too.

Available HERE

3. Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Day Cream

I recently switched to a Mary Kay face cream, which is always a bit of a leap for me due to my very sensitive skin. This day cream, however, was recommended for sensitive skin, and I’m happy to say I've had no issues with it! The results are noticeable—it not only reduces the appearance of previous skin damage but also provides protection against UVA and UVB damage.  If you're looking for a new day cream, this one is definitely worth looking at!  

Available HERE

4.  Advent - The Weary World Rejoices

Some friends and I are planning to do an advent Bible study this year and will be using this book.  If you are looking for an advent study, this might be the book for you too.  Here's the summary ~

Experience the Christmas season anew this year with this 5-session study on Advent, why we celebrate it, and how it fuels our worship of Jesus. Understand the anticipation and waiting the Old Testament world endured. And experience the joy of new life signaled by the coming of Christ, and the way Advent points to the glory of God still to come. First released in 2019, this study is expanded with tools for Scripture memory to help you savor this Advent season.

Features:  Beautiful, full-color designed pages to ready participants for the Christmas season
Personal study segments to complete between 5 weeks of group sessions
Weekly activities for adults, teens, and kids
Tips to guide discussion within small groups

Benefits: Fuel your worship of Christ with a deeper understanding of Advent
Grasp God’s character and His work on behalf of His people, in the past and present, as a catalyst to a more intimate relationship with Him
Learn how to practically extend joy, hope, peace, and love to others during the holiday season

Available HERE

5.  Decluttering...

Enjoy your weekend!  I'm hosting a dinner tonight before an event at our church.  Looking forward to having so many friends in one place!  Then the rest of the weekend we are wide open.  The thought has crossed my mind to start bringing out our Christmas decorations.  Too soon??

What I Read in October 2024

Hello! Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I share what's on my mind and invite you to join in and do the same. Since it's the first Thursday of the month, I'll be talking about the books I read last month. October was a fantastic reading month! Here are the books I finished ~

When We Were Friends by Jane Green

Jane Green's short story was a thoughtful read.  I'm starting to really like reading short stories.  You can start and finish the entire book before you even roll out of bed!  Here's the summary ~

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life.

When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?

Available HERE

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

The entire premise of this book was incredibly intriguing to me. After hearing Jodi Picoult discuss it on a webcast, I immediately bumped it to the top of my TBR list.  You'll need to settle in to read this one - it's 525 pages long!  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

Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson

Friends with Secrets surprised me in a very good way.  The more I read, the more I fell in love with this book.  If you like a little humor with your suspense, this is the book for you. 

What you see isn’t always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?

Available HERE

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

At the start, this book reminded me a lot of The Measure. While it did diverge as it went on, the similarities remained strong enough that I was disappointed; it felt like the author had reused an idea that was already done. By the end, I did end up liking it, but it took most of the book to get there.

Life is full of twists and turns you never see coming. But what if you did?

The plane is jam-packed. Every seat is taken. So of course the flight is delayed! Flight attendant Allegra Patel likes her job—she’s generally happy with her life, even if she can’t figure out why she hooks up with a man she barely speaks to—but today is her twenty-eighth birthday. She can think of plenty of things she’d rather be doing than placating a bunch of grumpy passengers.

There’s the well-dressed man in seat 4C who is compulsively checking his watch, desperate not to miss his eleven-year-old daughter’s musical. Further back, a mother of two is frantically trying to keep her toddler entertained and her infant son quiet. How did she ever think being a stay-at-home mom would be easier than being a lawyer? Ethan is lost in thought; he’s flying back from his first funeral. A young couple has just gotten married; she’s still wearing her wedding dress. An emergency room nurse is looking forward to traveling the world once she retires in a few years, it’s going to be so much fun! If they ever get off the tarmac. . . .

Suddenly a woman none of them know stands up. She makes predictions about how and when everyone on board will die. Some dismiss her. Others will do everything they can to make sure her prophecies do not come to pass. All of them will be forever changed.

How would you live your life if you thought you knew how it would end? Would you love who you love or try to love someone else? Would you stay married? Would you stop drinking? Would you call up your ex-best friend you haven’t spoken to in years? Would you quit your job?

Available HERE

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

I love Abby Jimenez's books, and Yours Truly was no exception! Her stories are always fun, easy reads with characters you can’t help but fall in love with.  Here's the summary ~

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter.

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.

Available HERE

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