Five on Friday - November 6, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! Here we are, already a week into November! I feel like I blinked and October was over. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away and Christmas right behind it, things are about to get busy! I'm hoping to slow down a bit and enjoy all the fun this time of year brings.  Grab a cup of coffee and let's get started!

 
1. A Dog's Perfect Christmas

Netflix is getting into the holiday spirit, and its lineup of Christmas movies is starting to roll out this week! On Wednesday, A Dog's Perfect Christmas was released, giving us another festive movie to add to our holiday watchlists. There's something about this time of year that makes me want to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a good Christmas movie. I'm always excited to see what new holiday movies Netflix has in store, and it looks like we're just getting started. Let the Christmas movie watching begin!

2.  Cookie Queen:  80+ Irresistible, Doable, Giftable Recipes

Calling all cookie lovers! A new cookbook hit the shelves this week, and the timing couldn't be better with the holidays approaching. Cookie Queen by Susan Spungen is packed with more than 80 recipes, from familiar favorites to creative new treats. Think Mocha Spice Crinkles, Earl Grey Shortbread, and Caramel Stuffed Cashew Chocolate Chunk Cookies. The book even helps you put together beautiful assortments for holiday cookie boxes. I don't know about you, but this has me ready to pull out the mixer and start baking! It would also make a great Christmas gift for the baker on your list.

Available HERE

3. Holiday Menus

It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas! Both Starbucks and Dunkin' rolled out their holiday menus this week, and there are plenty of festive drinks to try. Starbucks has some fun new additions, including a Tiramisu Velvet Latte and an Apple Pomegranate Refresher, along with returning favorites like the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte. Over at Dunkin', it's all about Cookie Butter and Toasted White Chocolate! I'm always excited when the holiday drinks make their appearance. Now the big question is, which one should I try first? Are you a Starbucks or Dunkin' fan?

4.  Cloth Napkins

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I've started thinking about how I want to set our table this year. I decided it was time to freshen things up with some new cloth napkins! It's amazing how something as simple as changing out your napkins can give your entire tablescape a fresh new look. Cloth napkins are such an easy way to make a meal feel a little more special, and the best part is that you can use them year after year. They're practical, reusable, and add that extra touch of elegance without spending a fortune. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, or just want to dress up your everyday table, this is an easy and affordable little upgrade. And with the holidays coming, now is the perfect time to grab a set!

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

Have a wonderful weekend!  We're celebrating Eric's birthday tonight and tomorrow headed to our son and daughter-in-law for our monthly family breakfast.  I'm hoping to dig into holiday preparations and get ahead of the game too!  Whatever you have going on, I hope you take a minute to enjoy life and have some fun.  See you next week!

What I Read in October 2026

Hello!  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.  One the first Thursday of the month, I like to reflect back on the books I read the previous month.  Let's look at the books I read in October ~

The Me I Used To Be by Kristan Higgins

I really enjoyed The Me I Used to Be by Kristan Higgins! This was a quick, engaging read with a few twists I definitely didn't see coming. It's been sitting on my reading list for a while, and I'm so glad it finally made its way to the top! And here's a little bonus — it's free with Kindle Unlimited!

At their twenty-fifth high school reunion, four former best friends discover that growing up is way messier than anticipated—and the past isn’t nearly as finished as they thought.

Back in senior year, Audrey, Micah, Jasmine and Beck were the Core Four: the lucky one, the beautiful one, the smart one, the sporty one. They had color-coded dreams, inside jokes and a lifelong friendship they thought would last forever. But graduation night ended in a tragic accident, followed by the kind of silence that stretches for decades.

Now, they’ve returned for their reunion, each carrying a life that looks nothing like the glossy future they imagined. There are stalled careers, complicated marriages, outspoken adult children and secrets that never fit into holiday cards. For one of them, a diagnosis of early-onset dementia turns the weekend into a ticking clock. 

Across one unforgettable weekend, the Core Four must decide if their past can still change their future together.

Available HERE

The Teacher by Freida McFadden

Oh my goodness - every book I've read by Freida McFadden is so twisty!  The Teacher was no exception.  There was only one little part that didn't tie together for me.  If you've read it, do you know what I'm talking about?  We read this in one of my book clubs and there was plenty to discuss!  Another free one on Kindle Unlimited.

Lesson #1: Trust no one.

Eve has a good life. She wakes up each day, kisses her husband Nate, and heads off to teach math at the local high school. All is as it should be. Except…

Last year, Caseham High was rocked by a scandal involving a student-teacher affair, with one student, Addie, at its center. But Eve knows there is far more to these ugly rumors than meets the eye.

Addie can’t be trusted. She lies. She hurts people. She destroys lives. At least, that’s what everyone says.

But nobody knows the real Addie. Nobody knows the secrets that could destroy her. And Addie will do anything to keep it quiet…

Available HERE

The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano

This was our library book club's October pick, and it was the perfect Halloweenish read for the month! It had just the right amount of spookiness and gave us plenty to talk about at our meeting. I always enjoy a book that sparks a good discussion! And here's a bonus — it's free with Kindle Unlimited, too!

A gripping and intimate novel based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1646. Thomas and Margaret Jones arrive from England to build a life in the New World. Though of differing temperaments, cautious Thomas and fiery Margaret, a healer, are bound by a love that has lasted decades. With a child on the way, their new beginning promises only blessings.

But in this austere Puritan community, comely faces hide malicious intent. Wrong moves or words are met with suspicion, and Margaret’s bold and unguarded nature draws scorn. Soon, Margaret is mistrusted as more cunning woman than kind caregiver. And when personal tragedies, religious hysteria, and wariness of the unknown turn most against her, even the devotion Margaret and her husband share is at risk.

Inspired by actual diary entries and court records, The First Witch of Boston is at once the riveting story of a woman unjustly accused and a love story set amid the political and social turmoil of both Old and New England. Harrowing, and with a deep understanding of the human heart, history is brilliantly imagined.

Available HERE

Book Club Confidential by Julie Hatcher

This was just a fun little read!  It, too, is free with Kindle Unlimited.  I think it was actually one of my Amazon Prime First Reads from a month or so ago. (Let this be your reminder to pick your free book for November!)

Once upon a time, friends Tessa, Kate, and Hallie dreamed big. Now they’re all that’s left of a once-thriving book club, meeting weekly to drink wine, talk novels, and quietly wonder how their lives got so small.

Tessa, a lifelong people pleaser, excels at a corporate job she hates, while influencer Kate grows weary of chasing false perfection and true love. Meanwhile, independent Hallie drifts toward a wedding she never really wanted—nursing feelings she’s too afraid to name.

But out of their growing regret comes a decisive pact: For one month, they’ll make every choice boldly, like they’re the protagonists of their own stories. The results are immediate, transformative…and chaotic. Careers stumble. Relationships fumble. Carefully crafted images start to crack.

It turns out, having agency is easier said than done. But with their friendship intact, they each come to grips with their new character arc—and discover what they’ll risk to find their happy ending.

Available HERE

It was a great month of reading!  What was your favorite read from last month?

Now it's your turn.  Link up and share what you're thinking out loud about today!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 4, 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.

1. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
3. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
4. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

Turkey Cheese Ball

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Coffee, Pastry, and Red Bricks:  An Early Morning Guide to New Albany's Market Square

Excuses

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 - October 30, 2026

Happy Friday!  This week flew by.  Here we are, already time for this week's Five on Friday ~

1.  Time to Change the Clocks

Don't forget to fall back this weekend! Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m., so we'll gain an extra hour of sleep. That's one thing I won't complain about! While you're changing your clocks, it's also a great time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. A quick check now can make a big difference in keeping your home and family safe. And don't forget to test those alarms, too!

2.  The One About Matthew Perry

If you were a Friends fan, there's a new documentary on Netflix you might want to add to your watchlist. The One About Matthew Perry premiered October 27 and takes a heartfelt look at the life of the actor we all knew and loved as Chandler Bing. The three-part series features interviews with his sister and longtime friends, along with never-before-seen family photos and videos. It celebrates his incredible sense of humor while also sharing the heartbreaking struggles he faced with addiction. It's hard to believe it's already been three years since his passing. I have a feeling this one will bring both smiles and tears.

3.  To Stay, To Stay, To Stay by Devon Halliday

If you enjoy a good character-driven story, To Stay, To Stay, To Stay by Devon Halliday might be one to add to your reading list! Set in a small Midwestern community, this new novel explores the secrets, relationships, and unexpected connections between neighbors. It sounds like the kind of book that would make for a great book club discussion!

An ensemble cast collides and crosses paths in their small corner of the Midwest where no one is a stranger: the baker, the realtor, the poet, the gardener, the frustrated artist. In Devon Halliday's transcendent debut novel, secrets turn contagious, impulses transform into resolutions, and no one is certain whether they will remain in the confines of their Appalachian college town or step out into the unknown. Surrounded by hills, buried in green, Eden is a forgotten town full of ordinary lives. But over the course of a humid summer week, seven of these ordinary lives reach their boiling point, as the existential questions of each begin to urgently entwine. Underneath the threat of marital infidelity, financial ruin, and life-changing illness is always the same question: To stay, or to go? If you choose to stay, is it ever a permanent choice? Can you be sure you'll choose it again tomorrow? A mosaic portrait of love and its close substitutes, the novel suggests, fearfully, that even our best decisions might be fragile, arbitrary, and impermanent.

 

4.  Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This time of year, I'm always on the lookout for great deals on things that would make perfect Christmas gifts! I came across this portable Bluetooth speaker, and the price is too good not to share. Now through November 8, use promo code RT598XEI to snag it for an incredible 76% off! This would make a great gift or stocking stuffer!

Available HERE

5.  Hmmm...

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! It's hard to believe we're saying goodbye to October and welcoming November this weekend. The holiday season will be here before we know it! I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with a little relaxation, some fun, and maybe even an extra hour of sleep. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I'll see you back here next week!

Josie and Tyler Get Married!

Hi - 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 share what's on your mind too.  Today I'm finally sharing the highlights from a wedding I helped with way back in June!

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

There are weddings you coordinate, and then there are weddings that hold an extra-special place in your heart. This one definitely fell into the second category!  If you've been around here for a while, you know that I've coordinated my fair share of weddings over the years. I absolutely love all the little details that go into making a couple's big day special. From the timeline to the decorations to those last-minute finishing touches, there's just something about watching months of planning come together that makes my heart happy.

But this wedding was different. The beautiful bride was my best friend's daughter! Being part of such an important day in her life was truly an honor.

Photo by Kayla Ann Photography

One of the sweetest moments of the day happened before the ceremony even began. During their first look, Josie and Tyler took the opportunity to privately read their vows to one another. I absolutely love this idea! It gave them a chance to slow down, soak in the moment, and share their promises without an audience. With all the excitement and activity that comes with a wedding day, having those few quiet moments together must have been incredibly special. What a beautiful way to begin their wedding celebration!

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

The ceremony was extra special because Josie's uncle was the officiant! Having someone who knows and loves the couple make their marriage official added such a personal touch. Josie and Tyler also chose to take communion together during the ceremony, which was a beautiful way to put their faith at the center of their marriage. Between those special moments and the joy of watching them become husband and wife, it was a ceremony to remember!

Can we just take a moment to appreciate these stunning tablescapes?! Every detail was absolutely gorgeous! The tables were the perfect combination of elegance and romance, creating such a beautiful atmosphere for Josie and Tyler's reception at the Marriott Grand St. Louis Hotel. I love how all the elements came together to make such a breathtaking statement. It's those thoughtful details that truly transform a reception space, and these tables certainly had the WOW factor!

And let me tell you, this crowd knew how to have a good time! Once the reception got underway, the celebration was in full swing. The dance floor was packed, the music kept everyone moving, and the energy in the room was contagious! I love a wedding where guests aren't afraid to kick off their shoes and dance the night away, and Josie and Tyler's reception certainly delivered. It was such a fun-filled evening of laughter, dancing, and celebrating the happy couple. Nobody wanted the party to end!

A fun and unique touch at Josie and Tyler's reception was the drink selection at the bar! In addition to their signature cocktails, guests could also enjoy signature dirty sodas! Everyone loved it! These fun, nonalcoholic drinks were a creative addition to the traditional bar offerings and gave everyone something special to sip on throughout the evening. I love when couples add unexpected little touches to their wedding day, and this was such a fun way to make the celebration even more memorable. Cheers to that!

As beautiful as the venue and decorations were, the real magic was watching Josie and Tyler celebrate their love surrounded by family and friends.  Weddings have a way of reminding us what really matters. It's not whether every napkin is perfectly folded or every flower is in exactly the right spot. It's the love, the laughter, the happy tears, and the memories being made.  Those are the moments everyone will remember long after the last dance.

I also have to give a shout-out to a couple of my sweet friends who jumped in to help with the wedding! There are so many moving parts to a wedding day, and having extra hands makes all the difference. They were willing to pitch in wherever needed, and I was so grateful to have them by my side. Not only did they make my job easier, but we managed to have a little fun along the way, too!

Coordinating Josie and Tyler's wedding was more than just another event on my calendar. It was a chance to be part of a milestone in the life of a family I love dearly.  There's something incredibly rewarding about helping create a beautiful day for people who mean so much to you.  Josie and Tyler, thank you for allowing me to be part of your celebration! I wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventures, laughter, and love.  Here's to love, beautiful weddings, and happily ever after!

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 - October 28, 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.

1. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
3. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
4. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

Grand Candy Games for Sweet Family Fun!

Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese

Buckwheat Apple Cake with Honey

Easy Jack O'Lantern Waffles Recipe

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 - October 23, 2026

Oh happy day - we've made it to Friday!  Glad you popped in to see what five things I'm sharing on Five on Friday today.  Let's jump right in ~

1.  Nobody Wants This - Season 3

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are back as Joanne and Noah in Nobody Wants This, and I couldn't be more excited! This season, the couple is taking the next big step in their relationship as they move in together. Of course, with their very different backgrounds, quirky families, and all the ups and downs that come with relationships, I'm sure there will be plenty of laughs, awkward moments, and heartfelt scenes along the way. I just love the chemistry between these two! Netflix dropped all 10 episodes at once, so I definitely see some binge-watching in my weekend plans. Who else is excited to catch up with Joanne and Noah?

2.  Simply Ina

Calling all Ina Garten fans! The Barefoot Contessa has a brand-new cookbook out this week, and the timing couldn't be better with the holidays right around the corner! Simply Ina features 85 recipes, from easy everyday meals to impressive dishes perfect for entertaining. I love Ina's approach to making delicious food without making things overly complicated. This one might need to go on my Christmas wish list! Are you an Ina Garten fan?

Available HERE

3.  Magnetic Power Bank

How handy is this little gadget?! This portable power bank is perfect for keeping your phone charged when you're on the go! I love that it has a built-in stand, so you can prop up your phone while it charges, plus a digital display that lets you know how much battery power is left. Perfect for traveling, long days of shopping, or anytime you're away from an outlet. And that pretty pink color is a bonus!

Even better, there's a discount code you can use to save some money! Be sure to apply the code XGJV3WL5 at checkout to get the special price. This would make a great stocking stuffer, too!

Available HERE

4.  Lay's Holiday Chips

Well, this is something I didn't see coming! Lay's is getting into the holiday spirit with some interesting new potato chip flavors! Their limited-edition holiday lineup includes Roasted Holiday Turkey, Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes, and Maple Bacon. Yes, you read that right—Thanksgiving dinner in potato chip form! The first flavors are starting to hit grocery store shelves in late October, just in time for all that holiday snacking. I'm not sure which one I'd try first, but I'm definitely curious! What do you think—would you give these a try, or should some holiday foods just stay on the dinner table?

5.  Yep, it happens...

Have a great weekend!  We have a schedule full of fun things and I can't wait to get started!  If you missed my fall goals post, you can check it out HERE.  I'm dragging out more pumpkins this weekend and switching over my sunshine and mushrooms to all fall!  Can't wait to show you the end result.  See you next week!