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!

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 3 in Bruges!

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing the recap of my trip to Belgium with my son Ian.  We're on Day 3.  If you missed days 1 and 2, you can find them HERE and HERE.

By Day 3, we had mostly shaken off the jet lag and were feeling much more like ourselves. We started the morning bright and early, heading straight to the train station. Our destination for the day was the charming city of Bruges!

I had heard so many wonderful things about this city and was so excited to finally experience it for myself. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage, it felt like stepping into a storybook. Our first stop was the Belfry, a magnificent 13th-century tower that has long stood as a symbol of the city’s power and prosperity. And if you’re willing to make the climb to the top, you’re rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views overlooking the entire city.

To reach the top, you’ll need to make the climb up all 366 stairs. It’s definitely a workout, but the stunning views waiting at the top make every step worthwhile!

Along the way, you'll get to see the many city hallmarks, including the city seal and treasury.  Also along the way is the impressive music roll that controls the carillon.  We didn't get to hear the bells play, but if you visit on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday from 11:00 to 12:00 you can.

Once at the top, the views are absolutely spectacular! Stretching out in every direction, the city looks like something straight out of a postcard. Along the edge of the tower, distances to cities both near and far are engraved into the stone, adding such a unique and interesting touch to the experience.

After making our way back down, we were more than ready for lunch! Ian discovered a restaurant called Ammuni that had been named one of the top 50 pizzerias in 2023, so of course we had to check it out. The pizza was absolutely delicious, but the real standout for us was the Spaghetti alla Carbonara — it completely won us over! If you’re ever in the area, this spot is definitely worth a visit. It had everything you could want: amazing food, friendly service, and prices that were surprisingly reasonable.

With full bellies, we walked the short distance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood.  Inside you will find the relic identified as the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ that was brought to Bruges from the Holy Land during the Second Crusade in the 12th century.  No pictures are allowed of this piece.  But the church itself is stunning!

Next up was a relaxing boat ride through the canals. For the next half hour, we sat back and enjoyed the beautiful scenery drifting by around us while listening to stories and bits of history about the city. It was such a peaceful way to take in the sights, and seeing the architecture and charming streets from the water gave us a completely different perspective of the area.

We decided to visit the Chocolate Museum next. To be completely honest, after experiencing it, this is probably one stop I could have skipped. I think Ian enjoyed it a bit more than I did, but overall we both felt like our time may have been better spent exploring more of the city. That said, I did love seeing the beautiful dishes and displays throughout the museum — those were definitely my favorite part!

On our way back to the train station, we made a quick stop at the Church of Our Lady Museum. The church itself is absolutely stunning, filled with beautiful architecture, intricate details, and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you slow down and take it all in. Walking through the museum gave us one last opportunity to soak in the city’s incredible history and artistry before heading out. It ended up being such a lovely and memorable way to wrap up our time there.

Inside this church, you can see Michelangelo's marble "Madonna and Child" along with several other beautiful pieces of art.  There was beauty everywhere you looked inside!

Our day in Bruges was absolutely wonderful! If we had the chance to do it all over again, I would definitely plan to spend at least one night there so we could slow down and explore even more of the charming little shops and quiet streets. Everywhere we turned, there was something beautiful or interesting to take in — from the picturesque buildings and canals to the hidden corners full of character and history. It truly felt like a city meant to be wandered and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

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

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 20, 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
6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

HIGHLIGHT LINKS 

Raspberry Baby Greens Salad

10 Items You Should Have On Your Camping List

Grand Ideas for Gifting Cash

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 15, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! This week seemed to fly by in a blur of everyday life, little projects, and a few fun moments mixed in along the way. I always enjoy slowing down on Fridays to share a handful of things that have been making life a little brighter lately.  So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this week’s Five on Friday!

1.  Dutton Ranch

Okay, where are all my Yellowstone fans? Are you excited for Dutton Ranch? Beth and Rip are back on Paramount+ bringing all the drama and excitement we love - but this time the story heads to Texas instead of Montana. We’re getting two episodes today, with new episodes dropping every Friday through July 3. Here’s the official summary:

Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton gamble everything on a new life in South Texas, but the promise of building a future far from the ghosts of Yellowstone quickly collides with new realities and a rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire.

2.  The Martha Way:  Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living

Looking for the perfect wedding shower gift? What could be better than giving the gift of Martha Stewart? Her newest book is filled with inspiration for just about everything — from delicious recipes and entertaining ideas to beautiful home organization and timeless style.  Here's the summary ~

Step inside the world of Martha Stewart and discover her timeless approach to living well. The Martha Way: Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living is a thoughtfully crafted guide to the foundational principles that shape a well-kept, inspired life. With her signature clarity and elegance, Martha distills decades of experience into elevated yet accessible solutions for the everyday, covering:

Cooking: Tips to master the basics, cook seasonally, and keep a well-stocked kitchen.

Entertaining: Host with elegance, whether for a dinner party or for weekend guests.

Home Organizing: Martha’s golden rules for a well-maintained, clutter-free home.

Collecting: How to get started, what to look for, and how to best treasure your finds.

Gardening: Sowing soil, timing blooms, composting, growing vegetables, and more.

Drawing wisdom from her own life well lived, Martha breaks down each area of expertise into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re arranging your pantry, preparing a simple but impressive meal, hosting with intention, curating meaningful collections, or cultivating a lush garden, Martha shows you how to do it beautifully and with purpose. With her time-tested tips, and unique but ever practical insights, Martha helps you bring order, style, and joy to every corner of your life.

More than just a book, this is a modern blueprint for a well-kept home and life. After all, there’s only one way to master the art of everyday living—and it’s the Martha Way.

Available HERE

3.  Dunkin' Donuts Summer Drinks    

Feeling thirsty?  You might want to swing by Dunkin' Donuts and check out their new summer drink menu!  It includes 21 new drink offerings.  There are several black cherry refreshers (Black Cherry Refresher, Cherry Daydream Refresher, Very Cherry Daydream Refresher, Black Cherry Protein Refresher, and Cherry Lime Rickey Refresher), Limeade Refreshers (classic Limeade, Matcha Limeade, Raspberry Limeade, Strawberry Dragonfruit Limeade, and Coconut Limeade), Cloud Lattes, Matcha Drinks, Coffee Chillers, and even Dirty Soda!  My car might be pulling in the drive-thru to see what these are all about!

4.  Blue Hydrangea Pillow Covers

Our front porch is embracing a hydrangea theme this year, and I’m absolutely loving these new pillow covers! We have two rocking chairs out there, and adding pillows makes the space feel so cozy and inviting. A few years ago, I started buying pillow covers instead of brand-new pillows whenever I wanted to refresh our decor, and it has been such a great way to switch things up easily. These hydrangea covers are the perfect touch and make the whole porch look beautiful for the season!

Available HERE

5.  Ever feel like this...

Have a wonderful weekend!  We are going to a dinner party on Saturday and doing some volunteer stuff at church on Sunday.  Other than that, I'm looking forward to a nice, peaceful weekend.  They are calling for rain here on Saturday, but I'm really hoping on Sunday we can get some plants in the ground.  See you back next week!

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 2

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing my recap of a trip to Belgium I took with my son, Ian.  If you missed Day 1, you can catch up HERE.  Let's jump into Day 2!

We had a food tour planned for Day 2.  One of the most fun ways to experience a new city is through a food tour, and Brussels was the perfect place for it. Wandering from one tucked-away café and chocolate shop to the next felt like getting a little taste of the city’s personality with every stop. Between the warm waffles, crispy frites, rich Belgian chocolate, and cozy local restaurants, it wasn’t just about the food — it was about slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere. A food tour gives you the chance to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, hear stories from locals, and discover hidden gems along the way. By the end of the day, Brussels felt a little less like a place we were visiting and a little more like a city we truly experienced.

Our guide was an adorable college student who shared all kinds of great information about the city with us!

Along the way, we sampled so many of the foods that make Brussels famous. We munched on perfectly crispy frites, tried delicious seafood fritters that were warm and flavorful, sipped traditional Belgian beer, and indulged in some of the richest, smoothest chocolate imaginable. Of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without waffles, and they absolutely lived up to the hype — warm, light, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness. Each stop gave us a little glimpse into the city’s food culture, and it was such a fun way to experience Brussels beyond the typical tourist attractions.

During the tour, we also learned a bit about the fascinating history of the city. Centuries ago, Brussels was completely surrounded by a protective wall that helped defend the city from outside attacks. At each corner of the wall stood massive stone structures that served as part of the city’s fortifications. Today, only one of those original rock structures still remains, making it a special glimpse into Brussels’ medieval past. Seeing it in person added such an interesting historical layer to our day of wandering and eating through the city.

A highlight was visiting the chocolate shop where the royals purchased their chocolates.  It's evident by the crest over the doorway.  

After the tour, we spent the rest of the afternoon meandering through the city streets and taking in even more of Brussels’ beautiful historic sites. We passed by one of the city’s oldest restaurants, full of old-world charm and character, and admired the stunning architecture along the way. 

We also made our way to the magnificent Royal Palace, whose grand design made it such an impressive sight to see in person. Wandering without much of a schedule ended up being one of the best parts of the day because around every corner there seemed to be another lovely building, hidden square, or historic landmark waiting to be discovered.

We headed back to the hotel and had dinner at the square across the street from the hotel.  The next day we were headed to the train station to travel to Brugge for the day!  Stay tuned for that recap.

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

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Five on Friday - May 8, 2026

Happy Friday!  I'm ready to wind down this work day and enjoy this Mother's Day weekend!  How about you?  But first things first - here's my Five on Friday for this week ~

1.  Remarkably Bright Creatures

I might actually be the only person left on earth who hasn't read the book Remarkably Bright Creatures, but now the movie is out so I might watch that instead of reading the book.  It premieres on Netflix today! This wildly popular story centers on the unexpected connections formed during overnight shifts at a small aquarium, with Sally Field starring as Tova, the heart of the story.  If relaxing is on your list of things to do this weekend, you might want to cozy up on the couch, grab some popcorn and enjoy this movie!

2.  The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore

Book 6 of the Dream Harbor series is out!  The Daisy Chain Flower Shop hit the stands this week and it's going straight to the top of my reading list.  I've read the first five, so I have to read this one - right?!?  Here's the summary ~

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

3.  In the Stars by Rolling Stones

If you thought The Rolling Stones might finally be slowing down, think again. The legendary rock band is back with a brand-new single, “In the Stars,” and it proves they still know how to deliver that signature mix of swagger, grit, and classic rock energy fans have loved for decades. The song serves as the lead release from their upcoming album Foreign Tongues, and early buzz is already building around the project. It’s amazing to see a band with such an iconic history continue creating new music that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or simply love discovering new music from legendary artists, this latest release is definitely worth a listen.

Available HERE

4.  American Flag Bunting

I know May has only just begun, but Memorial Day weekend will be here before we know it! If you love decorating for patriotic holidays as much as I do, now is the perfect time to start getting your home ready. I picked up this American Flag bunting and can already picture it hanging across the porch all summer long. With our country celebrating its big 250th anniversary this year, it feels like the perfect excuse to lean into all the red, white, and blue décor. I’m planning to add lots of festive touches both inside and outside the house to celebrate the season!

Available HERE

5.  Been there...

Have a wonderful weekend! Tonight we have our church small group gathering, and I’m really looking forward to catching up with everyone. Tomorrow, Eric is playing in a golf tournament while I tackle a few projects of my own. I’ve got some wedding preparations to work on for a June wedding I’m helping with, along with finishing a few details for a graduation party a friend is hosting for her daughter. There are so many happy celebrations and fun events filling up this season, and I’m loving every bit of it! See you next week!