Five on Friday - December 26, 2025

Happy day after Christmas! We’re still in full celebration mode over here and heading to Eric’s mom’s house today. It truly is such a wonderful time of year. Before we head out for one more round of festivities, I’m excited to share my Five on Friday for today ~

1.  Oh What Fun

If you find yourself with a little downtime between Christmas and New Year’s and are in the mood for a movie, give Oh What Fun starring Michelle Pfeiffer a try. We found it entertaining and funny—and as a mom, a bit relatable too. Here’s the summary ~

Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, as her grown kids and distracted husband get swept up in their own seasonal dramas, they make one crucial mistake: they forget their mom. By the time they realize she's missing, Claire's already set off on a festive adventure of her own -- one that doesn't involve cooking, cleaning, or coordinating anyone else's chaos. As her family scrambles to find her and salvage their Christmas, Claire rediscovers what the holidays mean when you're finally free to put yourself first.

2.  New Year's Eve Decorations

2026 will be here before we know it! Why not welcome the new year by adding a few festive touches around your home? I picked up a few fun finds from Amazon to help ring in the new year, and they’re perfect for adding a cheerful, celebratory feel to your space.

Available HERE

Available HERE

Available HERE

3.  Sports Bra

I know a lot of you will be heading back to the gym as the new year begins, which means you might be on the hunt for a new sports bra. If you’re anything like me, you’re completely over the struggle of wrestling those tight, pull-over-the-head styles on and off—especially when you’re already sweaty. It always felt like a full workout in itself! That’s why discovering a sports bra that zips in the front felt like a total game changer. So easy on, so easy off, and no awkward contortions required. Honestly, it’s pure genius and makes getting dressed for (and after) a workout so much more enjoyable.

Available HERE

4.  2026 Journal

Looking to make 2026 your very best year yet? This interactive journal is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and intentionally create a life you truly love in the year ahead. With guided prompts, thoughtful exercises, and plenty of space to dream and plan, it walks you step by step through clarifying your goals and setting meaningful intentions for 2026. It’s more than just a journal—it’s a tool for designing a life that feels purposeful, balanced, and fulfilling.

Available HERE

5.  Comfort food...

I have a list that feels a mile long of things I’m hoping to tackle while I’m home in that sweet spot between Christmas and New Year’s. There’s just something so satisfying about using those quieter days to clean, organize, and sort through all the things that tend to get pushed aside during the busy season. I’m really looking forward to starting the new year with spaces that feel fresh, calm, and a little more put together.  See you soon!

Wishing You Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! I hope your day is filled with the things that matter most—time together, meaningful traditions, good food, and moments that make you pause and feel grateful.

As the year winds down, Christmas feels like the perfect time to slow the pace just a bit and soak in the beauty of the season. Whether your day is bustling and joyful or quiet and cozy, I hope it brings peace to your heart and a reminder of how truly blessed we are.

Thank you for stopping by, reading along, and being part of this little space throughout the year. Your support means more than you know. May your Christmas be wrapped in love, sprinkled with laughter, and filled with hope that carries you into the new year.

Merry Christmas, friends! 

Please feel free to link up your latest creations.  I'll be back Friday with my Five on Friday post.

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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!

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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

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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! 

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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!

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