Five on Friday - October 16, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! Another week is in the books, and somehow we're already halfway through October! The days are flying by, the fall decorations are out, and I'm loving everything this cozy season has to offer. I've rounded up five fun finds to share with you today, so grab your favorite morning beverage, get comfortable, and let's jump into this week's Five on Friday!  

1.  Hallmark Countdown to Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year — at least for us Hallmark Christmas movie lovers! Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas kicks off this week, and I couldn't be more excited! Bring on the small-town charm, snowy streets, cozy sweaters, unexpected romances, and, of course, those perfectly predictable happy endings. I know it's only October, but I'm more than ready to curl up with a blanket and enjoy a little Christmas magic. Let the holiday movie marathon begin!

2.  Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus

Fans of Lessons in Chemistry, take note! Bonnie Garmus is back with a brand-new novel, Peck & Peck! After the huge success of her debut, I've been excited to see what she would write next. This is definitely one to add to the ever-growing TBR list! If you loved her witty storytelling and memorable characters in Lessons in Chemistry, you'll want to check out her latest release!  Here's the summary ~

Peck & Peck tells the irresistible story of a young man whose life turns upside down when he is hired by the most prestigious, secretive and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world: the renowned Peck & Peck.

It's 1982, New York City. Crime is on the rise, muggings are in the streets, and Batter Gray, recent college graduate with a skill that no one wants - an 'ear' for poetry - is worried about his future. While all his friends have real jobs, he's folding T-shirts at the Gap. As for love? No. Not unless you count Sallie Mae, the student loan tyrant. He hears from Sallie all the time.

But when Batter gets a dream job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry quarterly in the world, his life moves into the literary fast lane. Soon Batter is knee-deep in the secret war between the two Editors in Chief, the famous Peck brothers - twins and enemies - as well as being privy to the private affairs of their thirty-nine editors, whose professed mission is the same: Find originality. Reward creativity. Burn the rest. And by 'burn', they mean incinerate.

Because at Peck & Peck, 'good' isn't good enough, 'interesting' doesn't cut it, plagiarists aren't tolerated, and parolees run the mailroom. Still want to submit your poem? Go with God.

Welcome to another dazzling and unforgettable novel from Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry. Hugely original, brilliantly funny and peopled with unforgettable characters, Peck & Peck is both a passionate ode to the written word and a heartwarming exploration of all that makes us human.

Available HERE

3.  Sense and Sensibility

Calling all Jane Austen fans! A brand-new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility arrives in theaters today, October 16! Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, this timeless story follows the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and the challenges of finding happiness. I'm always up for a good period drama, and this one looks like a perfect choice for a fall movie date! Anyone else planning to see it?

4.  Christmas Garland

I know, I know...it's only October, and we're just getting into the swing of fall, but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas decorations, especially when there's a great deal involved! How gorgeous is this Christmas garland?! I love the lush, realistic greenery and the warm twinkling lights. It would look absolutely beautiful draped across a mantel, wrapped around a staircase, or decorating an entryway. And here's the best part — you can snag this beauty for 50% off with a special discount code through October 24! If you're planning to add a little Christmas magic to your home this year, now's the perfect time to grab it at a fabulous price!  Click HERE and use discount code PXECZFRM at checkout.  

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! We've got a fun weekend ahead, starting with Glow Bingo tonight! On Saturday we have our Bible study group, followed by some Mahjong and cheering on the Chiefs on Sunday! A little faith, fellowship, friendly competition, and football sounds like a pretty great weekend to me! Whatever your plans may be, I hope your weekend is filled with laughter, relaxation, and time spent doing the things you love. Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I'll see you back here next week! Happy weekend, friends!

Let's Make Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp!

Happy Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Is there anything that says fall quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven? With the leaves changing colors and a little chill in the air, I've been craving all those cozy fall flavors. That got me thinking about an Apple Crisp recipe I first shared way back in 2020! Some recipes are just too good to be forgotten, and this is definitely one of them. So today, I'm dusting off this old favorite and sharing it again. Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream, because you're going to want it for this one!

Here's What You Need

Filling

6 medium apples (I used Granny Smith and Gala)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Topping

1-1/4 cups old fashioned oats

2 tablespoons flour

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top

Here's What You Do

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

After washing the apples, peel and core them.  Cut them into bite-size pieces and add to a mixing bowl.

Put a 10" cast iron skillet on the stove and melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.  When the butter is melted, whisk in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.

Pour the butter mixture into the mixing bowl with the apples and toss until the apples are coated.

Return the apple mixture back into the skillet and turn the heat to medium.  While stirring, cook for about 5 minutes.  The apples will begin to soften.  Remove the skillet from the heat, keeping the apples inside.

Now it's time to make the topping.  Cut 5 tablespoons of butter into small pieces.  Mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt together in a bowl.  Add the pieces of butter and mix until crumbly.  Feel free to use your hands to mix this up!

Spread the topping over the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and place it in the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.  The apples will be tender and the topping will have a nice crunch to it.

We served the apple crisp with a generous scoop of ice cream.  We used vanilla ice cream, but I was thinking it would also be scrumptious with a big scoop of cinnamon ice cream!  What a perfect fall dessert.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we need!

Now it's your turn! What's been on your mind lately? Whether it's a favorite fall recipe, something fun you've been up to, or just a few random thoughts, I'd love for you to link up below and share what you're thinking out loud about this Thursday. I can't wait to see what everyone has to share!

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - October 14, 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

Halloween Printable Sign

One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta - East Dinner

7 Books That Gave Me Something to Think About

Creamy Apple Squares

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 9, 2026

Happy Friday! I'm slowly easing my way back into reality after a glorious week of vacation. Why is it always so hard to get back into the swing of things? But Friday is here, and that means it's time for another Five on Friday! Let's jump right in ~

1.  The Social Reckoning

Adding another movie to my list.  If you watched The Social Network, here's one to put on your radar! Aaron Sorkin is taking us back into the world of Facebook, this time diving into the scandals, secrets, and whistleblowers behind the social media giant. Starring Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White, this drama looks like it could be a fascinating watch! I'm always intrigued by movies inspired by real events. How about you?  

2.  Pick You Up! 

Sheryl Crow Has New Music! – Here's something that makes me happy! Sheryl Crow is releasing a brand-new album today called Pick You Up! If you loved her music back in the '90s (and who didn't sing along to "All I Wanna Do"?), you'll be excited to hear she's returning to that familiar sound. The album features seven new songs centered around hope, connection, and finding a little light in this crazy world. I think we could all use a little of that! This one is definitely going on my playlist!

Available HERE

3.  Every Story is a Love Story

You know I'm always on the lookout for a good book, and this one caught my attention! With a title like Every Story Is a Love Story, how could I not be intrigued? I'm a sucker for a story that tugs at the heartstrings, and this sounds like one worth adding to my ever-growing TBR list! How about you? Is this one on your reading radar?

Three years ago, Wolo’s wife was killed in a tragic car accident. In an instant, the great love of his life was gone, and so was their beautiful future. In the face of a loss that seemed insurmountable, Wolo has slowly rebuilt a semblance of a life: he goes to work, hangs out with a small circle of friends, and fends off the matchmaking efforts of the older women in his family. The grief that dogged him has, with time, become a little gentler.

Until a letter arrives one day, unbidden, threatening to upend his life once again. It is from Victoria, the woman who was behind the wheel that terrible day. Wolo’s family pastor tells him the letter is the work of the devil; his mother expressly forbids him from making further mention of it; his father’s second wife calls, from Cameroon, to tell him to destroy it. But Wolo ponders it for days, and ultimately agrees to meet with the woman who killed his wife. When he does, the compassion and deep remorse of the woman affects him in ways he had never imagined, and he begins to wonder if the long road to healing can be shared.

What do we owe to those who have hurt us? Are we defined by our worst moments and our deepest regrets? And, more than anything, can forgiveness ease our suffering? Moving and full of life, Every Story Is a Love Story charts the uneven path from heartbreak to healing.

Available HERE

4.  Jelly Bras

Comfort Meets Cute! – Who says you have to sacrifice style for comfort? These COCOMARTS Jelly Bras are wireless, have a little push-up support, and feature the cutest scalloped edges! No uncomfortable underwire digging in, just a smooth, flattering fit. If you're looking to give your bra drawer a little refresh, these might be worth checking out!

Available HERE

5.  What season is this?!?

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! We are so excited to be hosting an out-of-town guest this weekend for our annual putt-putt golf tournament! It's always such a fun time filled with lots of laughs, a little friendly competition, and probably some questionable golf skills! I'm looking forward to a weekend of making memories and spending time with friends. Hopefully, the weather cooperates and my putting game is better than usual! Whatever your weekend has in store, I hope it's filled with things that make you smile. Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

Let's Make Noah's Ark Clam Chowder

Welcome to another edition of Thinking Out Loud Thursday! We are fresh off a wonderful vacation in Maine, where we enjoyed our fair share of delicious seafood! All those tasty meals reminded me of a fabulous clam chowder recipe I've shared in the past. It's simply too good to keep tucked away in the archives, so I thought today would be the perfect time to bring it back and share it with you again!

When the weather turns cold, I like to bring out the soup recipes.  One of my favorites is this clam chowder.  It's easy to put together and will make a crock pot full.  The consistency is thick enough that it's perfect to serve in a bread bowl, which definitely makes it guest-worthy.  

 Here's What You Need

2 cans Cream of Potato Soup
2 cans of New England Clam Chowder
2 cans Cream of Celery Soup
1 can of clams - rinsed
1 pint Half & Half
1 cup of cooked diced potatoes (I use one drained can)
1 stick of melted butter

Here's What You Do

This is pretty simple ~ you open all the cans.  Melt the butter.

Mix all the ingredients together and put it in a crock pot.

Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.

That's it!

 

In just a few short hours and not a lot of effort, you have a large pot of wonderful clam chowder.  When the cold wind is blowing outside, this delicious thick soup really hits the spot.  We love to scoop up a big bowl when we're watching the football games on Sunday or coming in from running errands on Saturday.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - October 7, 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

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe

Easy Cranberry Apple Muffins — Pinecones & Acorns

Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Cards and Scrapbook Pages

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 2, 2026

Happy Friday from Maine!  We are spending our last few days in Maine exploring Acadia.  It is truly so beautiful here!  But I'm taking a minute away from the amazing views to share my Five on Friday post.  Let's go ~

1.  Verity

If you’re a Colleen Hoover fan, you’ll want to put Verity on your movie radar! The bestselling psychological thriller is hitting the big screen with Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett. The book was dark, twisty, and definitely a little disturbing, so I’m curious to see how it translates to the screen. This one looks perfect for kicking off spooky season!

2.  The French Illusion by John Grisham

John Grisham has a new book out this week, and this one definitely caught my attention! The French Illusion takes us to Paris for a honeymoon that goes terribly wrong. With Grisham’s signature suspense and a beautiful European setting, this sounds like one I might need to add to my TBR list.  Here's the summary ~

After Paul and Chelsea Tanner’s fairytale wedding, their future is full of promise. But their honeymoon to Paris takes a dark, shocking turn when they are kidnapped while on a day trip to the French countryside. Who would target them, and why? It turns out this is not the first crime of its kind. The search for clues soon stretches across borders, with the FBI, CIA, and French Intelligence trying to work together to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Struggling to find answers, a young lawyer is recruited to be the bait in an elaborate CIA operation.

Available HERE

3.  Halloween Facial Masks

How cute are these for a little Halloween self-care!  The Loopeer 8-Piece Halloween Facial Mask Sheet Bundle is such a fun way to turn an ordinary night into a spooky spa night. With festive Halloween designs, these would be perfect for a girls’ night, Halloween party favors, boo baskets, or just treating yourself while watching a scary movie. Grab a bundle, invite your girlfriends over, and make it a ghouls’ night in!

Available HERE

4.  Lobster Sweater

I bought this lobster sweater specifically for our Maine trip, and it has been one of my favorite things I packed! It’s cute, fun, and just screams New England coastal style. Throw it on with jeans and you have an instant outfit that looks put together without even trying. And honestly, you don’t need a trip to Maine as an excuse to wear it! If you love unique sweaters that get noticed, add this one to your cart—you’ll be so glad you did!

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

We’re wrapping up our Maine adventure, and I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to the beautiful views, lobster, and all the memories we’ve made along the way.  I hope you have a wonderful first weekend of October filled with a little fall fun of your own. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you back here next week!