Five on Friday - February 20, 2026

It’s Friday! Even though it was a short work week for me, it somehow felt like it stretched on forever. Does anyone else feel that way sometimes? I’m extra happy to see Friday roll around and to know the weekend is finally here! Let’s jump into this week’s Five on Friday ~

1.  Little Debbie Birthday Cake

A brand-new Little Debbie treat is making its way to store shelves, and it’s ready to turn any ordinary day into a celebration! Who says you have to wait for your actual birthday to enjoy a slice of birthday cake? Now you can indulge in that classic party flavor whenever the craving strikes. This festive snack features soft, fluffy vanilla cake layered with sweet crème filling for that perfect balance of light and creamy. The entire cake is coated in smooth white icing and topped off with a generous sprinkle of bright rainbow confetti for a fun, cheerful finish. Even better, it comes in a unique hexagonal shape that makes it feel extra special and party-ready. Whether you’re packing it in a lunchbox, serving it as an after-dinner treat, or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, this little celebration is sure to make the day a bit sweeter! 

2.  Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown

Misha Brown’s new book, Be Your Own Bestie, has been getting absolutely glowing reviews, and everywhere I turn someone is talking about how encouraging and empowering it is. From what I’ve heard, it’s filled with practical advice and heartfelt reminders about treating yourself with the same kindness and loyalty you so easily give to others. That alone has me so intrigued! I’m really looking forward to carving out some quiet time to dive in and see what all the buzz is about.

Here’s a quick summary of the book ~

You deserve happiness.
You deserve hope.
And you deserve a sassy best friend who can help you learn not to settle for less.

It’s time to start loving yourself radically. And Misha Brown—you may know him as @yourbestiemisha—is here to guide you along your journey of self-discovery, accountability, and most importantly, self-love. With his no-nonsense (but always loving) approach, Misha shares stories from his own life, encounters with others, and the wisdom gleaned from them to help you release the patterns, relationships, and beliefs that have kept you from stepping into your full fabulousness.

With equal parts hilarity and heart, Misha’s S.A.S.S. Method to glowing up your life consists of:

S – Self-reflection: Turn your focus inward to push away what’s been holding you back
A – Affirmations: Reshape the way you speak to and about yourself
S – Standing your ground: Set boundaries and stop apologizing
S – Sculpting the life you want: Take bold steps toward your own happily ever after

No matter where you are today, now is the time to begin showing up for yourself as your own best friend. Because you deserve it, bestie!

Available HERE

3.  The Last Thing He Told Me - Season 2

I'm carving out some time this weekend to watch the first episode in the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me.  I loved the book by Laura Dave and the first season, so I'm expected a lot from season 2.  It's streaming on Apple TV+.  We'll get to see a new episode every week on Fridays until April 10. Based on the sequel The First Time I Saw Him, the upcoming installment features a time jump, more revelations, a reunion, and even more danger that will get Hannah into mama bear mode as she struggles to figure out how to keep her daughter safe.

4.  Relaxed-Fit Cable Crewneck Sweater

I grabbed a new sweater from Amazon last week and I’m so glad I did — I absolutely love it! This classic cable-knit crewneck is such a great find and is currently priced at just $13.94. It’s incredibly soft, super comfortable, and best of all, machine washable (always a win!).  I was on the hunt for something easy and casual to pack for an upcoming trip, and this one checks every box. It’s perfect for layering, throwing on with jeans, or dressing up just a bit with accessories. It comes in three great colors and ships quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to wear it. Honestly, at that price, you might want to add one — or maybe even all three — to your closet!

Available HERE

5.  Hmmm...

Have a great weekend!  I'm excited to be having lunch with a friend tomorrow, then we're having a few friends over for dinner tomorrow night.  Hope your weekend if full of fun too!  See you next week.

Three Tiers of Irish Cheer

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking about the invite to you link up and do the same.  Today I'm thinking all about our St. Patrick's Day themed tiered tray!

The minute Valentine’s Day was behind us, we pulled out all the green and started decorating for St. Patrick’s Day! Our tiered tray, which sits in the kitchen window, is now overflowing with shamrocks and a little bit of shenanigans. It was definitely time to swap out the wintery evergreen for something lighter and more spring-inspired.

All three tiers are filled to the brim with shamrocks and cheerful little leprechauns! From top to bottom, each layer has its own festive touch — pops of bright green, playful Irish accents, and just enough whimsy to make it feel extra fun. Every tier adds a little more luck and charm, creating a sweet St. Patrick’s Day display that makes our kitchen feel ready for all the shamrocks and shenanigans March can bring. 

The teapot that graced the window during our Valentine’s display decided to stick around for St. Patrick’s Day, too. Instead of packing it away, I loved the idea of letting it transition right into the next holiday. With a few shamrocks and touches of green added around it, the teapot feels perfectly at home in its new festive setting. Sometimes it’s the simplest pieces that can carry over from season to season with just a little styling tweak — and this one was too sweet to put away just yet.

With just a few extra touches here and there, the window came together perfectly! A couple of small accents were all it needed to feel complete — festive, cheerful, and ready for St. Patrick’s Day. 

Now that the kitchen window is finished, I'm moving on to the mantle.  You'll be seeing that on the blog soon!

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 - February 18, 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

Red Velvet Meringues

Cherry & Almond Strudel Bites

Coffee Filter Dragonfly Craft for Kids

Buckwheat Upside Down Plum Cake

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 - February 13, 2026

Happy Friday!  What a great weekend - Valentine's Day tomorrow and Presidents' Day on Monday.  I'm looking forward to a fun long weekend.  Kicking things off by sharing my five for today ~

1.  Wuthering Heights

I honestly can't decide from the previews if I'm going to like this movie or not.  But it looks intriguing enough that I definitely want to see it!  Here's the summary ~

Wuthering Heights is the multigenerational love story between the free-spirited Catherine and Heathcliffe. The pair, having grown up together since childhood, have always loved each other, but their class differences — and Heathcliffe’s background as a foundling — prohibit them from being together. Heathcliffe goes off to make his fortune, hoping his new circumstances will finally win him Cathy, only to discover she has married the wealthy Edgar Linton. 

The book continues on and explores the lives of the next generation: namely, Catherine’s daughter with Edgar (also named Cathy, of course), Heathcliffe’s son with Isabella Linton, the sickly Linton Heathcliffe, and Hareton Earnshaw, Catherine’s nephew. Hareton, raised as Heathcliffe’s ward, soon finds himself falling for Cathy Jr., with the question of whether history will repeat itself. 

Because of the confusing repetition of names and the similarities in the plot, most film adaptations tend to focus on the first 23 chapters of Bronte’s novel, and on Catherine and Heathcliffe’s relationship exclusively. It’s unknown whether Fennell’s take will touch on any of this, though it’s doubtful based on the trailers.

2.  Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

A series I’m definitely adding to my watch list is Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The first of three episodes premiered last night on FX. This limited series dives into the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship, and high-profile marriage of this iconic couple, offering a closer look at their captivating and often scrutinized love story.  From their fairytale beginnings to the realities of living under constant media attention, the series promises a more intimate portrait of a relationship that captivated the world and continues to fascinate decades later.  Can't wait to see it!

3.  Chobani Raspberry Rose Coffee Creamer   

Looking for a sweet little way to surprise your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Add a little extra love to their morning cup with this festive coffee creamer! It’s such an easy (and delicious) way to make an everyday routine feel a bit more special. Imagine starting the day with a cozy cup of coffee infused with a hint of Valentine-inspired flavor — it’s a small gesture that feels thoughtful and fun.  Even better, this seasonal creamer is available for a very limited time — only through February 15 — and you can find it at Target. If you want to treat your sweetheart (or yourself!) don’t wait too long before grabbing a bottle. Limited-edition flavors like this tend to disappear quickly! 

4.  Lucky Sweatshirt

As soon as Valentine’s Day wraps up, St. Patrick’s Day will be right around the corner — it always feels like the holidays come in quick succession!  I’m already getting into the festive spirit by planning ahead, and I’ve got my eye on this adorable St. Patrick’s Day sweatshirt. I’m adding it to my Amazon cart now so I’ll be fully prepared to celebrate in style, whether I’m enjoying a cozy day at home or heading out to a parade or festive gathering. It’s never too early to embrace a little luck-of-the-Irish fun!

Available HERE

5.  Just a thought...

In case you missed me sharing our Valentine themed tiered tray, you can see it HERE.

Hope you have a wonderful Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!  Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, family, friends, or just treating yourself, I hope your day is full of little moments of love, laughter, and sweetness. Take a moment to savor your favorite treat, cozy up with a warm drink, and remember — love comes in so many forms!  See you next week!

A Little Love in the Window: Valentine Tiered Tray Styling

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm thinking about our Valentine Tiered Tray!

Maybe it was because there were still inches of snow on the ground—or maybe I was just a little lazy—but the tiered tray is still filled with a lot of the greenery I used in our Christmas window. With how cold and wintery it’s been, I figured I could get away with it!

Since the tiered tray sits in the kitchen, it felt only fitting to include the Valentine cupcake picture along with one of my favorite teapots.

Lots of love and hearts fill out the space, making it impossible not to smile when you walk by.

I’m having a couple of friends over for a small Valentine’s Day brunch, and I can’t wait to see their reaction when they notice the window. With warmer days ahead, it’s also the perfect motivation to put away the winter greenery and start bringing out something a little more spring-inspired.

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 - February 11, 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

Valentine Suncatcher Craft

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Valentine's Day Bucket List

Creamy Hot Cheeseburger Dip

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 - February 6, 2026

Happy Friday and welcome to Five on Friday! I always look forward to rounding up a few fun finds, favorites, and things that caught my attention during the week. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend and share a little inspiration along the way. Let’s get to it ~

1.  Winter Olympics

The Olympics are officially underway, and there’s something so special about this time when the world comes together to cheer, celebrate, and be inspired. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be watching incredible athletes compete at the highest level, many of them after years of quiet dedication and hard work. From early-morning events to late-night highlights, the Olympics always seem to create a shared sense of excitement—and maybe even a little friendly competition right from our living rooms.  I can wait to be mesmerized by all the events we will be seeing!

2.  Solo Mio

Solo Mio, starring Kevin James, opens today and looks like a movie I will love!  From the previews, it looks like a simple, heartfelt movie that focuses on finding yourself when life feels a little off course. It’s not loud or over-the-top, but instead offers a calm, introspective story that stays with you long after the credits roll.  Here's the synopsis ~

Matt, a man whose dreams of a picturesque Italian wedding are shattered when his fiancée leaves him at the altar, embarks on his planned honeymoon across Italy alone, immersing himself in the country’s vibrant culture, food, and beauty.

3.  It's Not Her by Mary Kubica

Looking for a new thriller to add to your reading list? Mary Kubica’s newest book was released this week, and it might be exactly what you’re in the mood for. Known for her twisty plots and can’t-put-it-down storytelling, this latest release is already creating buzz. Here’s the summary ~

A scream shatters the silence…
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.

A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?

A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.

Available HERE

4.  Fake Collars

I saw a friend at work wearing one of these fake collars under a sweater this week, and it was absolutely adorable. Of course, I immediately added a couple to my cart. I’m especially excited to bring them along on an upcoming trip where I’m really trying to pack light. Just swapping out the collar makes the same sweater look completely different, which feels like a total travel win.

Available HERE

There are also some fancier ones that just might have to make their way into my closet!

Available HERE

Available HERE

Available HERE

5.  Yes!

Have a great weekend! We’ll be heading to a friend’s house on Sunday to watch the big game. The Super Bowl just doesn’t feel quite the same when your team isn’t playing, but it’s still fun to gather and watch together. The rest of the weekend I’ll be happily parked in front of the TV, soaking up all the Olympic coverage. See you next week!