Five on Friday - December 19, 2025

Hello and happy Friday! The Christmas countdown is officially on, and this is the very last Friday before the big day arrives. If you’re anything like me, this weekend will be filled with all the final to-dos and last-minute details that need to be checked off the list. But before I jump into all of that, let me share my five for this week ~

1.  Emily in Paris

It’s finally here! All 10 brand-new episodes of Netflix’s Emily in Paris dropped on December 18, kicking off the highly anticipated fifth season of this smash-hit series. This time around, we’ll follow Emily as she dives into new adventures in Rome while still continuing her journey in Paris. I, for one, cannot wait to settle in for some serious binge-watching! 

2.  Avator:  Fire and Ash

The third installment of the Avatar series hits theaters today! We’ve seen the first two, so of course we have to see this one too—right?! Be prepared to settle in, though, because the runtime is a hefty 3 hours and 17 minutes. Here’s a quick look at what the movie is about:

With “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family.

3.  New Ritz Drizzled Minis Crackers

Looking for a new snack to munch on over the holidays?  Try these new Ritz Drizzled Minis!  They are bite-sized Ritz crackers with a sweet drizzle on top and dipped in a rich coating underneath.  Look for them in two flavors:  caramel and fudge.  The 4-ounce packagings are hitting the stores now.  

4.  New Earrings

We had a gift exchange at work this week, and I seriously hit the jackpot! I received three pairs of earrings, and each one is cuter than the last—I love them all. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the pair with the adorable blingy bow and red ball. I didn’t even hesitate—I took off the earrings I was wearing and put these on immediately after opening the gift!

Available HERE

5.  Gift Idea...

Have a wonderful weekend and best of luck tackling that to-do list! We’ll be celebrating Christmas with our son and daughter-in-law on Sunday, so there’s plenty to get done beforehand. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to the wrapping and cooking—it’s one of my favorite parts of the season. It’s shaping up to be a lovely weekend. See you back here next week!

Simple & Serene: A Nature-Inspired Mantel

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday today.  This is a space where I talk about something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm sharing our Christmas mantel!

There’s just something about bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside, especially this time of year. When I started decorating our mantel, I found myself drawn to soft greens, natural textures, and simple pieces that feel calm and collected rather than overdone. Pine, greenery, wood tones, and a few nature-inspired accents came together to create a mantel that feels cozy, welcoming, and perfectly in tune with the season. It’s a look that reminds me to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the beauty that’s already all around us.

I was thrilled when I spotted this wooden piece in our church’s bookstore—I knew right away it had to come home with me. It fits perfectly on our mantel and adds such a meaningful touch. If your church has a bookstore, be sure to stop in and see what little treasures you might discover!

All the other pieces were reused from previous years. The white trees were purchased from Hobby Lobby a few years back. I had planned to add more this year but forgot to look for them before decorating the mantel.  I'll have to try again next year!

I filled the space with a cozy mix of pinecones, dried orange slices, and a few charming owls, layering in natural textures and earthy details that bring the whole display to life.

The only thing left to do is to spend some time sitting back and enjoying the view!

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 - December 17, 2025

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

Save

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
6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Best Dinner Rolls Ever

Festive No Fuss Holiday Appetizer

Our Favorite Holiday Traditions

Cheese Fondue Recipes

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.

We are going to be taking a little break from doing the blog hop for the next two weeks.  Our next blog hop will be on January 7.  Enjoy your holidays!

Let’s Party! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - December 12, 2025

Oh my goodness—I'm so excited to wrap up work today because a girls’ weekend is on the horizon! Three friends and I are piling into the car and heading to Galena as soon as we all clock out. Before I shift into warp-speed prep mode, let’s take a look at my Five on Friday ~

1.  The End of an Era Docuseries and Final Show

If you haven’t had your fill of Taylor Swift yet, there’s a new 6-episode docuseries dropping today on Disney+! You can watch the first two episodes now, with two more arriving on December 19 and the final two on December 26. Here’s the description:

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era” is an illuminating docuseries on Disney+ that gives an intimate look at Taylor’s life as her tour made headlines and thrilled fans around the world. In addition, the series spotlights performers, family members, and friends – including Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch – offering never-before-seen insight into what it took to create a phenomenon.

2.  Ella McCay movie

We've been seeing the previews for the Ella McCay movie and it definitely looks like a movie I want to see!  It opens today.  Hopefully we'll have time to relax at a movie in the coming days!  Here's the summary ~

An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them. “Ella McCay” features an all-star cast including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson. The film is produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., Jennifer Brooks.

3.  Kevin Costner Presents:  The First Christmas

I am so looking forward to watching the new special hosted by Kevin Costner. The show takes a deeper look at the incredible journey of Mary and Joseph as they face the hardships, trials, and triumphs leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. It promises to be a beautiful and inspiring way to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas. The special was released this week on ABC, and I can’t wait to sit down and experience it.

4.  Holiday Earrings

If you’re looking to add a little extra holiday sparkle to your outfits, these adorable earrings are the perfect festive touch! They come in several different styles, and honestly—they’re all so cute it’s hard to choose just one. I ended up grabbing the snowflakes, and they’re even prettier in person! Such a fun way to dress up any holiday look.

Available HERE

5.  How's your advent calendar doing?

Have a wonderful weekend! I hope to see you back here next week. I’m taking things day by day right now, doing my best to stay ahead of the holiday to-dos—but honestly, I’m loving every minute of the season. We’ve got this… let’s get through it together!

Decking the Tiers with Gingerbread Cheer

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is my little space to share what’s been on my mind and to invite you to link up and do the same. And today, I can’t stop admiring our newly decorated tiered tray—decked out in the cutest gingerbread theme!

I’m loving our gingerbread-themed tiered tray in the kitchen window! This year I pulled it together using only decorations we already had—no new purchases needed. Thankfully, Hobby Lobby has carried gingerbread pieces for the past few years, so I’ve been able to collect a fun assortment to use.  

Let's take a look at each level of the tray ~

Our kitchen window is big enough that I can truly have some fun with the layout. I get to sprinkle the decorations all the way across, giving each little gingerbread piece its own moment. It feels like the whole window turned into a tiny gingerbread village!

I’ve had so much fun putting this gingerbread-themed tiered tray together, and I’m so glad I could share it with you today. It’s amazing how a few cute pieces can make the whole kitchen feel festive. Wishing you a season filled with cozy moments and a dash of gingerbread magic!

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 - December 10, 2025

 

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
6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

DIY Simmer Pot Gift

8 Books to See the World More Clearly

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Jenga Block Snowman Ornaments

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 - December 5, 2025

Happy Friday, friends! I’m so glad you stopped by today. Another week has flown by, and I’m excited to share a fresh roundup of five things that caught my eye, made life easier, or simply brought a little joy. Let’s jump right in!

1.  Jay Kelly
I am a sucker for anything George Clooney.  His newest movie, Jay Kelly, is out on Netflix this week and I'm hoping  to carve out some time this weekend to watch it.  Here's the summary ~

Jay Kelly is a 2025 comedy-drama film directed by Noah Baumbach and written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup. It follows a friendship between a famous actor (Clooney) and his manager (Sandler) as they travel through Europe and reflect on their life choices, relationships, and legacies.

2.  Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas

In this very busy time of year, we can easily forget the reason for the season.  It's not too late to start reading a daily devotional.  Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas is free with Kindle Unlimited!

Enjoy more peaceful moments this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas. This devotional collection of prayers and reflections from Sarah Young's bestselling Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling includes Scripture verses, and words of hope from God's heart to yours.

This inspirational holiday devotional is ideal for:

     - Anyone longing to draw closer to Jesus during the Advent and Christmas season.

     - Those who are looking for comfort, calm, and peace in place of the holiday bustle.

     - Families who want to cultivate a tradition of Advent prayers and devotions together.

This full-color prayer book includes:Prayers, reflections, and Bible verses based on the Christmas story and prophecies of Jesus' birth.
Stunning seasonal illustrations, making this holiday treasure a beautiful gift or keepsake.

As you pray Scripture throughout this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas, you'll experience not only God's answers, but also how prayer connects you to God, changes your heart, and brings peace and joy to one of the greatest celebrations of the year.

Available HERE

3.  Light-Up Football

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for the tween in your life? Check out this light-up football! Who doesn’t love something that glows in the dark—kids and even a few adults included. This fun pick is sure to provide hours of entertainment and might even lure your kiddos away from their screens long enough to get some fresh air and exercise. It’s a great holiday gift idea, and it’s also one of those handy items to keep tucked away for a last-minute birthday surprise.

Available HERE

4.  Stash Holiday Teas

Take a look at these adorably named holiday teas from Stash! This festive variety pack includes six different boxes, each filled with 18 bags — that’s a grand total of 108 cozy cups of tea. With both caffeinated and caffeine-free blends, there’s truly something for everyone.  They make a wonderful gift bundle as-is, or you can break them apart and tuck individual boxes into stockings, gift baskets, or teacher gifts. Of course, you could also keep the whole set for yourself and sip your way through the holiday season, one delicious cup at a time!

Available HERE

5.  Staying Fit...

Have a wonderful weekend! We just got back from a trip to Oklahoma, where we soaked up all things Pioneer Woman and even visited my cousin — someone I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years! It was such a special trip, but now I’m definitely feeling a little behind on all the Christmas prep.

This weekend will be all about catching up, decorating the house for the holidays, enjoying dinner with friends, and taking in a PBR event. Busy, but in the best way! See you next week!