Friday, December 13, 2019

Five on Friday - December 13, 2019

Hey, hey! Welcome to Five on Friday. I love sharing these weekly five things with you! Take a look at today's ~

1. National Cocoa Day
We are all about hot chocolate over here! Celebrate today by whipping up a batch of true hot cocoa. There's a recipe on the back of the Hershey's Cocoa can that can't be beaten. Add in extras like whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, and mini chocolate chips. Put it in a to-go cup, load up in the car and sip while driving around looking at the Christmas lights!

2. Krispy Kreme Holiday Doughnuts
Need a holiday treat but have no time to make one? Drive through your local Krispy Kreme and get a dozen of their holiday doughnuts! Now through Christmas Eve, you can get a box of joy-filled doughnuts to present to your co-workers, friends, and family that will put a smile on all their faces. You can even grab one of their gift cards to give as a gift while you're there!

3. Jumanji: The Next Level

Okay Jumanji lovers - The Next Level releases today! Fandango summarizes it like this: "In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game." It sounds like a fun flick to catch over the holidays.

4. Marvel Encyclopedia

Do you have a Marvel lover in your life? The Marvel Encyclopedia just might make the perfect gift for them! As Amazon says, "Keep up with the ever-expanding Marvel Universe with this new edition of DK's best-selling Marvel Encyclopedia. Updated and expanded, this definitive Who's Who of Marvel Comics reveals vital info and secret histories of more than 1200 classic and brand new Marvel characters, and provides the lowdown on recent key events including Civil War 2, Secret Empire, and Infinity Countdown."

5. A good day...

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'm wrapping up a week of vacation with a big finale weekend. My daughter-in-law and I are going to a glass blowing class tomorrow and Sunday my family is coming over for a special surprise day. You'll want to stop in next week to hear about the surprise!

Linking up with:

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday

This post contained affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase. Thanks

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Friday Favorites Linky Party - December 13, 2019

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

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Big Cedar Lodge Review

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Glad you stopped by to see what I am thinking out loud about today. Hope you link up below and share what's on your mind.

This year, Eric and I decided to take a week off in December to get ready for Christmas in a slow and leisurely way. To put us in the right frame of mind, we decided to begin our vacation by visiting Silver Dollar City to fully get in the Christmas spirit. Their light display is amazing and definitely worth the trip.

We also decided to splurge just a bit on our hotel accommodations and stay at Big Cedar Lodge. Best decision ever! Our home away from home was a one-room cabin tucked in the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Big Cedar has a way of making sure every detail is covered, down to putting a Christmas tree in every room!

We arrived after dark and were enchanted by all the Christmas lights in and around the Big Cedar grounds. Checkin was a breeze and we were off to find our cabin. Upon walking in, I wondered if we would want to leave the cabin or just hibernate there for a few days!

Wondering what there is to do at Big Cedar in the winter? Well, there is PLENTY to do! From ice skating to bonfires to checking out board games, there are always options. A visit to Fun Mountain, which is located on the property, can have you bowling a game or two or honing your pinball skills. Of course in the summer there are even more things to do like swimming in their five pools or taking a ride on the lazy river. We are definitely thinking a trip back when the weather warms up is a must-do!

If you were so inclined, the kitchen is stocked with all the pots, pans and dishes you would need to cook a complete feast. We didn't do any cooking ourselves but did enjoy heating water in the provided teapot to make hot chocolate and hot tea to enjoy in front of the fireplace. Provided for you to partake were tea bags, instant hot chocolate, and coffee. Sodas were also provided in the frig.

See that basket of goodies on the table? What a fabulous touch! And they were great to munch on after a full day of being out and about.

Each night, the staff leaves a bag of gingersnaps on your pillow. They were delicious with hot tea!

Eric built a fire each evening with the provided firewood and starter supplies. Sitting in front of the fire was a perfect way to wind down and relax.

There was a big luxurious tub in the bathroom that would be perfect for a long, soaking bath. The bathroom was perfect for two people to get ready in with double sinks, a big mirror and plenty of room to walk around. If you want more pampering than a long, soaking bath there is a full-service spa on site.

The view from the cabin was beautiful both day and night. I especially liked looking across the lake at night to see the hillside lit up.

We checked in on Sunday night after a full day at Silver Dollar City. Monday we were up and out fairly early to visit Dogwood Canyon and Lost Canyon. More on those locations will be coming at you soon. Tuesday morning we sadly checked out of the cabin and came home. I have to admit, I wish we would have stayed a few more days! But we do have to get ready for Christmas so back to reality we went.

If you're looking for a getaway, you should definitely check out Big Cedar Lodge. Big Cedar is located just south of Branson in Ridgedale, Missouri. It's about 4 hours outside of St. Louis. My only regret is we didn't stay longer!

That's what I'm thinking out loud about today. Now it's your turn - what are you thinking about? Link up and share!

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - December 11, 2019

Welcome!

Our hosts just want to say THANK YOU to all those who contributed to last week's party and WELCOME to all the new bloggers who have joined our weekly blog hop. Please invite your blog friends and social network to join us.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season so far! Lots of shopping, cooking, baking cookies, seeing all the beautiful decorations, Christmas pageants, and all those twinkling lights.

With a sad heart, we are saying goodbye to Beth from A Meal in Mind blog. She is purchasing a new home and life is so busy for her right now. We hate to see her go and have enjoyed her being a host of the blog hop.

If anyone would love to be a co-host or know of someone who would love to join our blog hop, please contact us.

Let's get this party started!!

Top Viewed

Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Very Popular

Blue Skys at Home

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S

My Life Abundant

Calypso in the Country

Editors Choice

Flour on My Face

Thanks to our co-hosts who share our party on their blogs every week ♥ Please follow them and share our party, too?

DUCKS ‘N A ROW [Sinea] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

ECLECTIC RED BARN [Beverly] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

ENGINEER MOMMY [Jennifer] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

LeCULTIVATEUR [Emily] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

MY LIFE ABUNDANT [Tammy] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

PENNY’S PASSION [Penny] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE [Cindy] – FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER

STILETTOS and SHIPLAP [Tara] – INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

THE SNYDER FAMILY [Brittany] – INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Please TWEET our party ♥
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
Visit others. Let them know you stopped by!
If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us the title.
NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a really good chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
Thanks! ♥

So, now, let’s get this party started!

Monday, December 9, 2019

Weekending - December 6, 2019

Happy Monday! It's extra happy for me because I'm on vacation this week! Eric and I decided to seek out some Christmas cheer, so we are in Branson for a few days enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday. But first, let me rewind to the start of the weekend.

On Thursday night Eric and I ventured to the Fox Theater to see Wicked. I know Thursday wasn't quite the weekend, but it was close enough to count. Wicked is one of my all-time favorites! It's playing in St. Louis until December 29, so if you're in the area it's a great thing to do.

Saturday I hosted a brunch for my friend, Debbie, who turned 60 years young. It was so nice spending time with her daughter, daughter-in-law and her friends that I rarely see. It was also nice to be able to celebrate a great friend! Debbie and I have had a lot of fun over the years and I'm looking forward to even more happy memories. I'll be doing a separate post on all the birthday festivities, but I'll share a picture of the party attendees with you now.

Sunday morning we were up with the sun to drive to Branson, Missouri. Silver Dollar City has become a premier spot this time of year because of their Christmas lights. Their Old Time Christmas display boasts over 6.5 million of them. We soaked in all the holiday goodness the park had to offer. Eric even convinced me to ride one of the roller coasters!

Before the sun went down and the lights came on, there was plenty to see and do. We watched several of the artisans at their craft and enjoyed a holiday show in the saloon.

As soon as dusk arrives, the lights come on and the magic happens. We so enjoyed just walking around soaking it all up.

There is even a lighted parade! People lined the street early to get a glimpse of the lit floats and characters.

Silver Dollar City is open through January 1, so if you are looking for a family destination between now and then, check them out. Between the shows, artisans, rides and food there's something for everyone in your entire family to enjoy regardless of their age!

After a full day at the park, we headed to our home away from home for a couple days - Big Cedar Lodge. If you haven't stayed here, you should really treat yourself and book a room! This place is totally amazing. We are staying in a one-bedroom cabin. I'll be doing a separate post on Big Cedar because it truly deserves one. I'll leave you with our view from the baloney.

Linking Up With:

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Five on Friday - December 6, 2019

Hello Friday! Thanks for stopping by to check out my Five on Friday. I love pulling together five of my favorites for the week and sharing them with you. Here's the five for today ~

1. Happy St. Nicholas Day
Did you set out your shoes last night to be filled by St. Nicholas? I'll be honest, when our son Ian was little, St. Nicholas would sometimes forget the night before and instead Ian would get a little surprise when he got home from school. December 6th is also known as The Feast of St. Nicholas and is widely celebrated in Europe. I'm definitely down with celebrating with a feast! However you celebrate, enjoy this special day!

2. Honey Dispenser
With the weather getting colder, I'm finding myself drinking more and more hot tea. And what makes the hot tea extra yummy is the honey I add to it. We all know that getting honey out of jar can be a bit aggravating - but check out this dispenser! It pours from the bottom so the honey is always ready to pour out the bottom. Ingenious! Keep your honey fresh in this no-drip container. Not only would this be great for honey, but also for anything that pours. Think maple syrup or chocolate. I want one! Or three! Get yours HERE.

3. PerfeCore Facial Mask

The stress of the holidays is upon us and we don't have to take to laying down! Well, unless you decide to lay down while using this amazing mask! Amazon has this mask on special sale right now so pop over and get one for yourself and every women in your life. Here's the description from Amazon:

NATURAL TREATMENT: The ultimate pain therapy. Get instant restoration for acute and chronic ailments. Soft touch over the face cover is included - perfect for sleeping. The included reusable gel packs are great for first aid or for home, school, or office use.

HOT AND COOLING POWER - A great remedy for muscle and joint swelling, headaches, to reduce dry tired eyes, TMJ, migraines, bruxism. No more black under eyes! Use as a therapeutic aid for sleep conditions. Gel beads form a custom contoured fit even while frozen, chilled, or heated.

CONVENIENT AND SIMPLE TO USE - Store in the refrigerator or freezer and use when needed. Microwave for heat therapy. Quick heating and cooling, but holds temperature effectively. Can also be used post wisdom teeth surgery, plastic surgery, for fever, shoulder, neck, back tension.

SOFT LINING WITH SMALL HOT COLD PACK - Soft cover for home spa luxury and comfort to soothe and protect. Use to naturally shrink pores, calm acne prone skin, or for pore opening before a deep clean and makeup application. A beauty product essential.

SAFE, EFFECTIVE, TRUSTED – All PerfeCore products are carefully made at a FDA Registered facility. PerfeCore ensures a safe and regulated product backed by an 18 Month Guarantee. Recommended by Doctors, Physical Therapists, Sports Trainers, and Chiropractors. FSA Eligible Items Only.

4. December Dairy Queen Blizzard Flavor

A lot of people are loving the December Blizzard flavor at Dairy Queen. It's Peppermint Hot Cocoa! They are whipping together their famous vanilla soft serve with pieces of candy cane, chocolate chunks and chocolate fudge. Then they're topping it off with whipped cream and more pieces of peppermint candy. Sounds like to perfect treat to enjoy after driving around to see all the Christmas light displays! Merry Christmas from Dairy Queen.

Dairy Queen Has a Peppermint Hot Cocoa Blizzard For December

5. Dieting in December...

Enjoy your weekend! Eric and I are on vacation next week and have a few fun things planned. Before we start vacation, I'll be hosting a birthday brunch for a friend of mine on Saturday and then we're helping another friend pack for a move into a brand new home. Pop in next week to hear all about it.

Linking up with:

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday

This post contained affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase. Thanks