Five on Friday - June 5, 2026

 Happy Friday!  I'm crazy busy getting ready for a wedding I'm coordinating this weekend, so let's get right to my five for this week ~

1.  Whistler by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett's latest book was released this week and I can't wait to crack it open!

When Daphne Fuller and her husband Jonathan visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older, white-haired gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather, who had been married to her mother for a little more than year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie for many years, not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives. Meeting again, time falls away; while their relationship was brief, it had a profound impact on them both, and now that they are reunited, they have no intention of ever being separated again.

Whistler is a story about two adults looking back over the choices they made, and the choices that were made for them. It’s a story about bravery, memory, the often small yet consequential moments that define our lives, and the endless stream of loss that in time comes for us all. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is ultimately about how love endures, and how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.

Available HERE

2.  Carolina Caroline

Headed to the theater this weekend and wondering what to see?  Carolina Caroline opens today and is getting great reviews.  Carolina Caroline is a heartwarming film about family, second chances, and finding your way home. Filled with small-town charm and relatable characters, the story follows Carolina as she navigates unexpected challenges, rekindled relationships, and personal growth. With its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, it's an enjoyable feel-good movie that celebrates the importance of love, friendship, and staying true to yourself.

3.  Fourth of July Dress

I was searching Amazon for a cute dress to wear to our Fourth of July celebrations and came across this adorable find! The tiered silhouette is especially flattering and forgiving through the midsection, and the red gingham print feels perfectly festive for the holiday. It also comes in several other color options if red isn't your style. One thing to note: shipping took a little longer than the typical Amazon Prime delivery, so be sure to order early if you have a specific event in mind.

Available HERE

4.  Sunglass Case

I'll admit it—I own more pairs of sunglasses than I probably need, which means they tend to end up scattered all over the house. To make it easier to find the pair I want each day, I decided it was time for a designated storage spot. Enter this chic sunglasses case! Not only does it keep all my pairs organized and easy to find, but it also gives them a safe place to live when they're not in use. Stylish, practical, and much better than hunting through drawers and countertops!

Available HERE

5.  Charge it...

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! Thanks for spending part of your day here with me. I always love hearing what you've been reading, watching, wearing, or loving lately, so be sure to leave a comment. Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

What I Read in May 2026

Hello, friends, and welcome to another Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Since it's the first Thursday of the month, it's time for one of my favorite posts—looking back at all the books I finished during the previous month. Then it will be your turn to share what you are thinking out loud about today!

Not a lot of reading happened for me in May. As you can probably guess, I'm knee-deep in wedding planning mode, so most of my free time has been spent checking things off wedding to-do lists, meeting with vendors, and tying up all the little details that come with a wedding that's just around the corner.

Even so, I did manage to finish three books during the month. And if I'm being completely honest, one of those was actually a short story, so it wasn't exactly a record-breaking reading month! Still, every book counts, and I enjoyed having a few stories to escape into whenever I could carve out some reading time.

The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail

Our library book club chose The Seamstress of New Orleans for our book last month.  I have to admit, I had a hard time finding anything I liked about this book.  Well, I am glad it was free on Kindle Unlimited and was glad I didn't have to pay for it.  The person that recommended the book wasn't able to attend and I was so curious to hear what she liked about it...

The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage.

Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.

But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

Available HERE

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore

This is Book 6 in the Dream Harbor romance series, and it was such a fun, enjoyable read. It wasn't anything particularly deep or thought-provoking, nor was it trying to be the next great literary masterpiece. Instead, it delivered exactly what I was looking for—a light, charming story that was easy to pick up and get lost in for a few hours.

The characters were likable, the romance was sweet, and the small-town setting was as cozy as ever. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that simply entertains, and this one definitely fit the bill. If you're looking for something lighthearted and relaxing to toss in your beach bag this summer, I think this would be a great choice!

Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.

Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.

When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?

Available HERE

Lift Me Up by Millie Johnson

I love a good short story, and this one definitely fit the bill! Better yet, it's available for free on Kindle Unlimited, which is always a nice bonus.

There's something so satisfying about sitting down with a story and finishing it in one sitting. In a world full of lengthy books and never-ending to-do lists, it's fun to experience a complete story from beginning to end in just a few hours. Lift Me Up was the perfect Saturday morning read—quick, engaging, and easy to get through with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for a short escape that won't require a huge time commitment, this one is worth checking out.

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

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 2, 2026

 

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

HIGHLIGHT LINKS 

Grilled Corn Salsa

Simple Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Edible Rice Paper Flowers

Patriotic Table Design

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 - May 29, 2026

Happy Friday!  I always love these little Friday posts.  Let's jump right in ~

1.  The Four Seasons - Season 2

If you loved Season 1 of The Four Seasons as much as we did, you’ll be excited to hear that Season 2 is officially happening! All eight episodes are available now on Netflix.  The show perfectly balances humor, friendship and all the complicated moments that come with long-time relationships and getting older together. The cast chemistry is what really makes it special. Truth be told, I stayed up way to late last night watching the first several episodes!

2.  The Divorce

Frieda McFadden's newest book, The Divorce, has arrived!  The Divorce is a fast-paced psychological thriller full of secrets, twists and unreliable characters. The story follows a woman whose seemingly normal life begins to unravel as shocking truths about her marriage and the people around her come to light. Just when you think you know what’s happening, another twist changes everything — making it the kind of book that’s hard to put down.  And, if you have Kindle Unlimited it's free right now!  I'm adding this one to my summer reading list.

Available HERE

3.  Ice Pop Sleeves

I wish I had had these when my son was little!  These little things are honestly genius. No more freezing your hands while holding an ice pop, and they help catch all the drips before they end up all over clothes and patio cushions. They’re especially great for kids, but honestly adults would love them just as much. Such a simple idea, but one of those summer items that makes life so much easier.  They come in a ton of designs too!

Available HERE

4.  Short Sleeve Sweater

I was on the hunt for an easy peasy shirt to wear to work and I ordered this one.  I loved it so much that I immediately went back and got it in another color!  It looks more polished than a basic tee but is still comfortable and easy to wear, even on warmer days.  I plan to pair it with my skirts and pants for work during the week and jeans on the weekend.  Prices vary by color, so check them all out!

Available HERE

5.  Thoughts...

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We have several fun things planned, so it should be a really good one around here. We’re also officially just one week away from the first of the two weddings I’m helping with this summer, which means lots of wedding prep and excitement happening over here. See you back here next week!

Let's Go to Belgium - Day 4 in Antwerp!

 Hello!  Thanks for stopping in for Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is a space where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing my recap from our trip to Belgium.  If you've missed the first part of the trip, you can catch up here:

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3

Day 4 took us to Antwerp!  Antwerp — called Antwerpen in Dutch — is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most stylish and historic destinations. Located along the Scheldt River in northern Belgium, it’s famous for its massive port, diamond trade, fashion scene, medieval architecture, and deep artistic heritage.  Antwerp has a slightly edgier, trendier vibe than cities like Bruges or Brussels. Travelers often describe it as artistic, fashionable, lively, and less touristy — a place where historic Europe and modern urban culture naturally mix together.

We took the 50-minute train ride over from Brussels and immediately fell in love with the train station. The main train station in Antwerp is Central Station and is nicknamed "Railway Cathedral".  The dramatic glass roof over the platforms is stunning!  With it's enormous dome, marble interior, and cathedral-like design, you can see why many people describe it as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The moment you step out of the train station, you immediately notice a different energy in the city. It feels much busier and more fast-paced than the cities we had just visited.

Our first stop was at The Chocolate Line Shop, which quickly became my favorite chocolate store of the trip! Their flavor combinations were so unique and fun to sample, and the staff was incredibly generous about letting us try different truffles. Needless to say, quite a few chocolates from this shop ended up making the trip home to the States in our suitcases!

Even if you're not stopping by to try the chocolate, definitely step into this shop!  The historic building dates back to the 1800s and has ties to royalty.  

Next, we ventured to the Cathedral of Our Lady.  It took 169 years to build this masterpiece and was completed in 1521.  Inside, you'll find Baroque decor and Ruben's artwork.  So gorgeous!

You can't miss the beautiful gold clock near the top of the steeple.  

We popped over to the Het Steen next.  This is a small but pretty castle that sits on the side of the river.  The castle dates back to the early 13th Century!  

After grabbing some lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon roaming around admiring the architecture.  

After a fun day exploring Antwerp, we hopped back on the train to Brussels. It was such a fun experience traveling by train and getting to see cities beyond our home base. Just wait until you hear where we ventured on Day 5!

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 - May 27, 2026

 

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

HIGHLIGHT LINKS 

Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Grilled Peaches & Cream Cheese

7 Tips for Farmer's Market Success

Utah's National Parks Trip:  Day 5 (Bryce Canyon)

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 - May 22, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! We are more than ready for the long holiday weekend ahead. We have lots of fun plans over the next few days and are so excited to kick off the weekend festivities. Before all the Memorial Day fun begins, let’s start things off with this week’s Five on Friday post!

1.  Menus:  An Illustrated Dinner Journal

My friend Jill gave me the most unique gift this week — an illustrated dinner journal! You can record the menu from each dinner party and have your guests sign the page beside it. I cannot wait to start filling it up with memories of special meals and the people who shared them with us. Such a thoughtful way to remember what was served and who gathered around the table to enjoy it. And honestly… wouldn’t this make the cutest hostess gift?!?  Get one for yourself and one to give away.

Available HERE

2.  Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

It's a big weekend for all the Star Wars fans!  The Mandalorian and Grogu movie is opening this weekend!  Here's the summary ~

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.

3.  The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Kathryn Stockett, the author of The Help, is back with a new release called The Calamity Club. I had been hearing great things about this book, so I decided to download it on Audible — and it was such a good decision! The narration is absolutely fantastic. I’m only on Chapter 10 and have already laughed out loud more times than I can count. It has been such a fun listen so far, and I highly recommend the audio version! Here’s the summary ~

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister’s seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg’s—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan for them to take control of their lives. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women’s freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

Available HERE

4.  Snickers Whipped Dairy Topping

There’s a fun new treat hitting grocery store shelves just in time for summer — Snickers Whipped Dairy Topping! Inspired by the classic candy bar, this new whipped cream combines chocolate, caramel, and peanut flavors into one sweet topping that sounds absolutely delicious on everything from iced coffee to brownies and ice cream sundaes. If you’re a Snickers fan, this might just become your new favorite grocery store find!

5.  Oh boy!

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend filled with sunshine, good food, and time spent with family and friends. As we enjoy the long weekend and the unofficial start to summer, may we also take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Wishing you a meaningful, relaxing, and joy-filled weekend. See you back here next week!