Five on Friday - July 3, 2026

Happy 4th of July weekend!  Let's take a look at the five things I'm sharing today ~

1.  Minions and Monsters 

If you're looking for a fun way to escape the summer heat this weekend, why not spend a couple of hours in a cool movie theater? The newly released Minions & Monsters looks like the perfect family-friendly choice! The Minions always deliver plenty of laughs with their goofy adventures, and this latest movie promises more of the silly humor and entertaining antics we've all come to expect. Grab a bucket of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy a fun afternoon in the air conditioning. It sounds like a great way to beat the heat while making some summer memories!

2.  US Postage Stamps

If you use stamps on a regular basis, here's a little money-saving tip! The price of a USPS Forever Stamp is scheduled to increase from 78¢ to 82¢ on July 12, so now is a great time to stock up. The best part about Forever Stamps is that they never expire, so any stamps you buy now can still be used even after the price goes up. Whether you mail birthday cards, thank-you notes, Christmas cards, or bills, purchasing a few extra books of stamps before the increase is an easy way to save a little money. It's one of those small purchases that can really pay off later!

3.  World Cup!

Have you gotten swept up in World Cup fever yet?! The excitement is building as the U.S. men's national team gets ready to take on Belgium on Monday. The winner will move on to the quarterfinals on July 10, so it's the perfect time to show off your red, white, and blue spirit! This makeup stick is such a fun and easy way to cheer on Team USA, whether you're watching from home, heading to a watch party, or just getting into the excitement of the tournament.

Available HERE

4.  No-Bite-Me Cream

With summer in full swing and mosquitoes out in full force, now is definitely the time to find a good line of defense. A friend recently recommended SallyeAnder No-Bite-Me cream, and after hearing how much she liked it, I'm adding it to my cart. Nothing can ruin a pleasant evening outside faster than those pesky mosquitoes, and there is truly nothing more annoying than dealing with itchy bites afterward. Whether you're sitting on the patio, working in the yard, heading to a ballgame, or enjoying a summer get-together, having something handy to help keep the bugs away sounds like a must-have this time of year!

Available HERE

5.  Hmmm...

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! I hope you found something that made you smile, inspired your weekend plans, or introduced you to something new. Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends, watching the World Cup, heading to the movies, or simply relaxing at home, I hope your weekend is filled with laughter, good food, and plenty of wonderful memories. Thank you so much for stopping by—I always appreciate you spending a little part of your day with me. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

What I Read in June 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.  On the first Thursday of each month, I share what I read the month prior - so today I'm sharing what I read in June!

June was a great reading month for me!  I read three books that I loved and one I can't stop recommending to anyone who will listen.  Let's jump in ~

When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon and others

This was our library book club selection this month and I was excited to read it because of one of the authors - Ariel Lawhon.  Ariel wrote Frozen River, which I absolutely loved!  When We Had Wings was also very good and kept my attention.  If you are wondering, everyone in the book club liked it also! Bonus:  if you have Kindle Unlimited, this book is free.  Here's the summary ~

The Philippines, 1941. When U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel forge a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila, they believe they’re living a paradise assignment. All three are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war.

Caught in the crosshairs of a fight between the U.S. military and the Imperial Japanese Army for control of the Philippine Islands, the nurses are forced to serve under combat conditions and, ultimately, endure captivity as the first female prisoners of the Second World War. As their resiliency is tested in the face of squalid living arrangements, food shortages, and the enemy's blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, the women strive to keep their hope— and their fellow inmates—alive, though not without great cost.

Available HERE

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

I listend to this one on audio, and it easily earned a spot among my favorites books of the year.  If Kathryn Stockett's name sounds familiar, it's because she's also the talented dautor of one ofmy all-time favorites, The Help.  The audiobook narration was absolutely wonderful and made the story even more enjoyable.  I found myself looking for excuses to keep listening!  This is one of those books that stays with you long after it's over, and I've been recommending it to just about everyone I know.

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she’s left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister’s seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg’s—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan for them to take control of their lives. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women’s freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

Available HERE

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

Culpability dives into the rapidly evolving world of AI in a way that's both fascinating and thought-provoking. It raises some intriguing questions about technology, responsibility, and the choices we make. I never knew where the story was headed, and I loved all the twists and turns along the way. It's one of those books that keeps you guessing long after you think you've figured it out!

When the Cassidy-Shaws’ autonomous minivan collides with an oncoming car, seventeen-year-old Charlie is in the driver’s seat, with his father, Noah, riding shotgun. In the back seat, tweens Alice and Izzy are on their phones, while their mother, Lorelei, a world leader in the field of artificial intelligence, is absorbed in her work. Yet each family member harbors a secret, implicating them all in the tragic accident.

During a weeklong recuperation on the Chesapeake Bay, the family confronts the excruciating moral dilemmas triggered by the crash. Noah tries to hold the family together as a seemingly routine police investigation jeopardizes Charlie’s future. Alice and Izzy turn strangely furtive. And Lorelei’s odd behavior tugs at Noah’s suspicions that there is a darker truth behind the incident—suspicions heightened by the sudden intrusion of Daniel Monet, a tech mogul whose mysterious history with Lorelei hints at betrayal. When Charlie falls for Monet’s teenaged daughter, the stakes are raised even higher in this propulsive family drama that is also a fascinating exploration of the moral responsibility and ethical consequences of AI.

Culpability explores a world newly shaped by chatbots, autonomous cars, drones, and other nonhuman forces in ways that are thrilling, challenging, and unimaginably provocative.

Available HERE

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 - July 1, 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 

Red, White and Blue Fruit Sparklers

Air Fryer Zucchini & Yellow Squash

Mango Bliss Frozen Smoothie

Sweet & Salty Fruity Pebbles Popcorn

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! 

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Click here to enter

Five on Friday - June 26, 2026

Happy Friday! I'm off to help with a wedding today, so instead of my usual chit-chat, I'm jumping right into this week's five favorites. Let's get started!

1.  Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike opens today and is going on my list of movies I want to watch.  If you're a fan of World War II stories, Lucky Strike is a tense survival thriller inspired by true events. Set during the brutal Battle of the Bulge, the film follows an injured American soldier who becomes trapped behind enemy lines and must rely on his courage, resourcefulness, and a field radio to evade Nazi forces and find his way back to safety. Starring Scott Eastwood, the movie delivers suspense, action, and a gripping look at one man's fight to survive against overwhelming odds.

2.  It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell's newest book was released this week and it sounds like a great ready.  Here's the summary ~

Jane Trevally is walking her dogs on her country estate when a small white terrier appears, alone and with no sign of the teenaged girl he’d been staying with nearby. When the teenager is reported missing, Jane offers to return the dog to his registered owner, hours away in London. Arriving at a run-down house called Thornwood in the deepest backwaters of Hampstead, she is immediately on alert—because Jane has a dark history with this house.

The man who answers the door is not the man that Jane remembers from her past. He is cagey, and claims to know nothing about the missing teenage girl. Then, through the window of the house, Jane catches a glimpse of a haunted-looking woman.

Conjuring her memories from twenty-five years ago, Jane knows this unsettling house holds the key—to the missing teenager, to her own traumatic story, and to the dark secrets of the past.

Available HERE

3.  Cold Foam Frother

I've been hearing so much about dirty sodas lately, and it has me wanting to try making fun, coffee shop-style drinks at home! This large-capacity milk frother seems like such a great tool for that—it can create rich, creamy hot or cold foam in just a couple of minutes, which would be perfect for topping everything from iced coffees and lattes to hot chocolate and those trendy dirty sodas. I also love that it can heat milk for cozy morning drinks. The stainless steel design looks sleek on the countertop, and the larger 350ml capacity means you can make enough for more than one drink at a time. If you're into experimenting with specialty drinks at home, this seems like a really fun addition to the kitchen!  As a bonus, it's on sale during Amazon Prime Days!

Available HERE

4.  Season Five of The Bear

One of television's most acclaimed dramas is back! The Bear returned this week with its fifth and final season, giving fans one last trip into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of Carmy and his restaurant crew. All eight episodes dropped at once, making it the perfect weekend binge if you've been following the series. Known for its incredible performances, emotional storytelling, and edge-of-your-seat kitchen chaos, this final season promises plenty of heartfelt moments as the team fights for one last shot at success. If you've been waiting to see how their story ends, now's the time to grab your favorite snack and settle in!

5.  Try this one...

Well, it's time for me to go help make a bride's wedding dreams come true! This wedding is especially meaningful because it's the daughter of some of our dearest friends. She's planned so many beautiful details, and I know the day is going to be absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see everything come together! Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

Let's Go to Belgium - Day 6 in Brussels!

Hello, and thanks for stopping by for Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is my little corner of the internet where I share what's been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today, I'm wrapping up my Belgium adventure with my son, Ian, by sharing highlights from Day 6 of our trip. If you missed any of the earlier recaps, you can catch up on them here ~

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3     |     Day 4     |     Day 5

Day 6 was our final full day in Belgium. We had originally considered taking a day trip to Ghent, but with reports of a possible train strike, we decided not to risk transportation headaches on our last day. After our busy and exciting adventure in Paris on Day 5, we were also feeling a little tired and ready for a slower pace. Instead, we chose to spend the day exploring more of Brussels and checking out a few sights we hadn't had a chance to visit yet. As an added bonus, Day 6 was also Ian's birthday, making it the perfect day to relax, celebrate, and enjoy our remaining time in Belgium.

One of the attractions at the top of Ian's Brussels wish list was the EU Parliament museum. He was completely fascinated by it and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the exhibits. As for me, I was content to relax on a nearby bench and do a little people-watching. Needless to say, I didn't take a single photo during this stop!

Next, we headed to Cinquantenaire Park to relax for a while. Spring was just starting to make its appearance, with colorful flowers beginning to bloom, and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. We had both brought along something to read, but instead spent our time talking and enjoying each other's company. It was such a special way to spend the day, and I treasured the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with him.

For dinner, we had reservations at The Lobster House.  We hadn't had mussels yet and doesn't everyone need to have them in Brussels?!?  They were divine!

Instead of birthday cake, we decided chocolate-covered strawberries would be better!

We enjoyed our dessert as we wandered through the beautiful Grand Place. Although we had passed through the square several times earlier in the day, seeing it illuminated at night was an entirely different experience. The historic guildhalls and ornate buildings seemed to glow against the dark sky, creating a truly breathtaking scene. We strolled slowly, savoring every bite of our treat while taking in the stunning architecture and lively atmosphere around us. It was the perfect way to end the evening and one of those moments that made us pause and appreciate just how magical Brussels can be after sunset.

Day 7 was our journey home, bringing an unforgettable week to a close. As we left the hotel that morning, a steady rain was falling, and it seemed to mirror exactly how we were feeling. Neither of us was quite ready for the adventure to end. We had spent the past week making memories, exploring beautiful places, and enjoying time together, and it was hard to say goodbye to it all.

As much as I was looking forward to being back home, I found myself reflecting on all the wonderful experiences we had shared throughout the trip. I feel incredibly blessed that Ian was able to travel with me and that we had the opportunity to create so many special memories together. It was a fantastic vacation from beginning to end, and one that I know we'll both remember and cherish for years to come.

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

 

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 

Red White & Blue Mixed Berry Yum Yum

Banana Cinnamon Cake with Ganache

Fun with Foil!

4th of July Trifle

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 - June 19, 2026

Hello!  Happy Juneteenth!  I'm so happy to be off work today.  My to-do list is a mile long, so let me get right to my five for this week ~

1.  Toy Story 5

I'm so excited about Toy Story 5 opening today!  It's hard to believe that Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang have been part of our lives for so many years.  Every movie has managed to bring laughter, adventure, and a few tears along the way, and I can't wait to see what comes next for these beloved characters.  Whether you're a longtime fan or grew up watching the films with your kids, there's something special about returning to the world of Toy Story.  I'm ready to grab some popcorn and enjoy!

2.  Come Undone by Eddie Huang

Eddie Huang's new novel came out this week and is getting some buzz.  It sounds like a book I'd like to read.  Here's the summary ~

Hubie lives an exciting life. He hosts a traveling food show, works with his best friend, and samples the best the world has to offer. There’s only one problem: his love life. Hubie treats his romantic partners as courses on a tasting menu. His one rule when it comes to love: three months and it’s over. Hubie is no hubby.

Then he meets Anastasia, a mysterious woman who seems to share his approach to life—she wants fun, sex, and the freedom to depart before dawn. They have chance encounters in glamorous locations around the world—a luxury spa in the Utah desert, a cliffside hideaway in Jamaica, exclusive Los Angeles parties—where they party and flirt with electric energy, but are always with other partners. When they finally connect, the chemistry is undeniable. Just as they find a way to be together, the specters of their pasts—the secrets and burdens beneath their carefree exteriors—arise to threaten everything. Will they truly embrace each other, flaws and all? Can they shake off shame, regret, and the lingering weight of old wounds to open themselves fully to love?

Sharply comic but with hidden depths, Come Undone is about how we run from love and how it hunts us down.

Available HERE

3.  Softshell Ice Cream Ball

Are the kiddos needing something fun to do already this summer?  This clever little gadget turns making homemade ice cream into an activity everyone can enjoy. Simply add the ingredients, fill the outer chamber with ice and rock salt, and then roll, toss, or gently play with the ball while the ice cream freezes inside.  In about 25 minutes, you'll have a delicious batch of homemade ice cream and plenty of laughs along the way.  It's a great way to get kids and adults involved, and it makes dessert feel like part of the entertainment rather than just the ending to a meal.

Available HERE

4.  ALDI's Blind Boxes

ALDI is bringing a little extra fun to grocery shopping with its free Blind Box giveaway happening June 22 through June 25. Each day at noon Eastern time, shoppers will have a chance to snag a limited-edition mystery box filled with ALDI favorites—ranging from snacks and pantry staples to protein-packed and fiber-focused assortments. There are four themed boxes total, including a Snack Box, Protein Box, Fiber Box, and a surprise Mystery Box, each designed to highlight some of ALDI’s most popular products. The catch is that they’re only available while supplies last, which adds to the excitement and makes it feel a bit like winning a grocery lottery. It’s a creative way for ALDI to introduce customers to new and best-loved items while adding a little thrill to an ordinary week of shopping.

5.  Hmmm...

Have a wonderful weekend and very happy Father's Day!  Wishing all the dads, grandpas, and father figures a very Happy Father’s Day filled with love, laughter, and time well spent with the people who appreciate them most.  See you back next week!

In case you missed it this week on the blog:

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Bringing Red, White and Blue to My Kitchen Window