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!

What I Read in January 2026

Hello and happy Thursday!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday today.  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  It's the first Thursday of the month and that's the time I share what I read the previous month.  Let's take a look ~

Yours For the Season by Uzma Jalaluddin

Yours For the Season was such an enjoyable read. It was fun, lighthearted, and wonderfully entertaining from start to finish. The story had a cozy, festive feel that made it perfect for the season, and it was exactly the kind of book you want to curl up with when you’re ready to unwind and relax. The characters were engaging and easy to root for, and the storyline moved at a nice, comfortable pace that kept it interesting without ever feeling heavy. It’s one of those feel-good reads that pairs perfectly with a warm drink and a cozy blanket, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a charming escape during the holiday season.

When Sameera Malik and Tom Cooke meet at a ho-hum holiday party, neither is looking for romance. Sameera’s working ridiculous hours at her law firm and healing from heartache while navigating a recently resolved family estrangement. Tom’s hustling to turn his social media stardom into a real career while fending off his family’s demands to give up his chef dreams and move back home. The two share a few laughs and a samosa-making lesson and go their separate ways.

But when one of Tom’s posts starts a viral rumor that they’re a couple, he suggests they keep up the ruse for a few months. It’s a good proposal, and a fauxmance will help Tom grow his popularity, and, in return, he can help Sameera land a wealthy client. The only problem? Their parents.

When Sameera’s very Muslim parents insist on meeting Tom’s very not Muslim family over Christmas in rural Alaska, the stage is set for misunderstandings, holiday hijinks, and an epic culture clash. As the Maliks and Cookes exchange holiday traditions and endless opinions on their children’s lives, Sameera and Tom realize they have a lot in common—including an attraction that’s starting to feel very real.

Available HERE

The Last Father-Daugher Dance:  A Short Story by Lisa Wingate

I love settling in with a good short story on lazy Saturday mornings before I even get out of bed. There’s something so relaxing about easing into the day with a quick, enjoyable read while everything is still quiet and cozy. This particular story was the perfect choice for that kind of slow morning, and even better, it’s available for free with Kindle Unlimited. It’s always a nice bonus when you can discover an entertaining read without having to purchase it separately, making it an easy and convenient pick for a peaceful weekend start.

Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks has built a successful life in California, complete with a thriving sports technology company and a handsome fiancé. But when her father’s heart condition takes a critical turn, she rushes home to Atlanta. There, her father makes a surprising request: to relive favorite memories from all four seasons in just one month at their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With help from the community and her long-lost sidekick Calvin Calhoon, Kalista creates a tapestry of cherished moments—dogwoods in bloom, homemade blackberry jam, autumn bonfires, and a magical winter evening that will live forever in her heart. But as father and daughter share these precious weeks together, Kalista discovers that time has a way of revealing what matters most. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she grew up, she learns that sometimes the sweetest seasons of life come when we least expect them.

Available HERE

Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

This was our library book club selection for January, and it turned out to be a wonderful choice to kick off the new year. The story was engaging and thoughtfully written.  One of the most impactful parts of the book was how it highlighted the realities of immigrant life, shedding light on experiences and challenges that many people may not often consider or fully understand.  The author did a great job of weaving these perspectives into an interesting and emotional storyline, making it both eye-opening and memorable. It sparked thoughtful discussion for our book club and gave us all a deeper appreciation for the resilience, sacrifices, and everyday realities that often come with building a life in a new country. 

Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant living in Harlem, has come to the United States to provide a better life for himself, his wife, Neni, and their six-year-old son. In the fall of 2007, Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Clark demands punctuality, discretion, and loyalty—and Jende is eager to please. Clark’s wife, Cindy, even offers Neni temporary work at the Edwardses’ summer home in the Hamptons. With these opportunities, Jende and Neni can at last gain a foothold in America and imagine a brighter future.

However, the world of great power and privilege conceals troubling secrets, and soon Jende and Neni notice cracks in their employers’ façades.

When the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Jongas are desperate to keep Jende’s job—even as their marriage threatens to fall apart. As all four lives are dramatically upended, Jende and Neni are forced to make an impossible choice.

Available HERE

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

As soon as I saw this book was based in London, I wanted to read it.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, there are several references to her work that you would find interesting too.  This was also one of those books that completely pulled me in and refused to let go. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” over and over again, and before I knew it, I was reading way past my bedtime. It’s always a sign of a great book when you lose track of time because you’re so wrapped up in the story!

Anna first fell in love with London at her hometown library—its Jane Austen balls a far cry from her life of food stamps and hand-me-downs. But when she finally arrives after college, the real London is a moldy flat and the same paycheck-to-paycheck grind—that fairy-tale life still out of reach.

Then Anna meets the Wilders, who fly her to Saint-Tropez to tutor their teenage daughter. Swept up by the sphinxlike elder sister, Anna soon finds herself plunged into a heady whirlpool of parties and excess, a place where confidence is a birthright. There she meets two handsome young men—one who wants to whisk her into his world in a chauffeured car, the other who sees through Anna’s struggle to outrun her past. It’s like she’s stepped into the pages of a glittering new novel, but what will it cost her to play the part?

Sparkling with intelligence and insight, All That Life Can Afford peels back the glossy layers of class and privilege, exploring what it means to create a new life for yourself that still honors the one you’ve left behind.

Available HERE

A couple of the books mentioned here are currently available for free with Kindle Unlimited, which is always a nice bonus for readers. It’s a great opportunity to discover new titles and authors without having to purchase each book individually. If you’re looking to expand your reading library or try something outside of your usual genres, this can be an easy and budget-friendly way to do it.

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 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.

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

Chocolate Covered Nutter Butter Footballs

14 Day Kindness Challenge

Fresh Strawberries and Cream Martini

Blueberry Crumb Coffee 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.

We are going to be taking a little break from doing the blog hop for the next two weeks.  Our next blog hop will be on January 7.  Enjoy your holidays!

Let’s Party! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - January 30, 2026

Has anyone else completely lost track of what day it is this week? Between Snow-palooza last weekend and working from home on Monday, my sense of time has been totally thrown off. I’ve spent most of the week doing double takes on the calendar! Thankfully, I did finally realize it’s Friday, which means it’s time for Five on Friday. Let’s do this!

1.  Bridgerton - Season 4

The wait is finally over! The first four episodes of Season 4 have officially dropped, and I am beyond excited to dive in and binge every single one. This season promises plenty of romance, drama, and swoon-worthy moments as we watch Benedict’s story take center stage. We’ll be introduced to Sophie Baek, a clever and resourceful maid who captures Benedict’s attention after appearing in disguise at a glamorous masquerade ball. Of course, nothing is ever simple in the world of high society, and I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. If four episodes aren’t enough to satisfy your cravings, mark your calendars — Netflix will release the final four episodes of Season 4 on February 26, and I already know I’ll be counting down the days!

2.  Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

Dear Debbie is the latest psychological thriller from bestselling author Freida McFadden, and it’s already getting a lot of buzz among fans of twisty, fast-paced reads. The story centers on Debbie Mullen, a longtime advice columnist who has spent years helping other women navigate difficult marriages and complicated lives. But when Debbie’s own world starts to unravel — from losing her job to uncovering troubling secrets about her husband — she decides it’s time to stop giving advice and start taking it herself. What follows is a darkly entertaining tale of revenge, justice, and blurred moral lines that keeps readers guessing until the very end. If you enjoy thrillers with sharp wit, unexpected twists, and a “good for her” edge, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list. 

Available HERE

3.  Shrinking

Season 3 of Shrinking is officially here, and it’s already shaping up to be another heartfelt, funny, and emotional ride. The new season premiered on Apple TV+ on January 28 and continues to follow Jimmy, Paul, and the rest of the crew as they navigate grief, forgiveness, and the challenge of moving forward. With its signature mix of humor and honesty, Season 3 dives deeper into personal growth, complicated relationships, and what it really means to heal — even when it’s messy. Fans are also buzzing about the powerful new storylines and guest appearances, including Michael J. Fox, which add even more depth and emotion to an already beloved cast. If you’ve loved the first two seasons, this new chapter is a must-watch and feels like the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments and tearjerking reality.

 

4.  2026 Grammys

Sunday night is the 2026 Grammy Awards, and I’m excited to tune in! On February 1, Trevor Noah will return to host the 68th annual Grammy show for the sixth consecutive (and final) year. Every year it feels like I recognize fewer and fewer of the artists who are nominated, but that never stops me from watching. I still love the excitement, the performances, and of course, finding out who takes home the big awards. No matter how familiar I am with the nominees, it’s always fun to see music’s biggest night unfold! 

5.  Yep...

Have a great weekend!  See you back next week.

Three Things I'm Loving Right Now - January 2026

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.  As January comes to an end (how is that even possible!), I'm reflecting on a few things around the house that I'm loving right now ~

1.  Towel Warmer

Winter has definitely arrived! This past weekend brought us just over 10 inches of snow along with some seriously freezing temperatures. A few years ago, Eric surprised me with a towel warmer for our bathroom, and on cold days like these, stepping out of the shower and wrapping up in a warm towel feels absolutely luxurious.

The towel warmer I’m linking below is a little different from the one we have. Ours folds up for easy storage during the warmer months, but this one includes fragrance pads you can add for an extra touch of pampering. It’s such a cozy little upgrade for winter!  This could be a perfect gift to get yourself for Valentine's Day!

Available HERE

2.  Under Counter Lights

I know we’re finally at that point where the days are getting a little longer, but it still feels like we’re spending most of our time in the dark. That’s why I’m absolutely loving our under-cabinet rechargeable lights with motion sensors. We have them installed under all of our kitchen cabinets, and when you walk into the kitchen, they automatically turn on—no need to flip a switch just to see where you’re going. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference! Installation is a breeze too!

Available HERE

3.  Wrist Bands for Washing Face

I am loving these new wrist bands for washing my face! I know it may sound silly, but I hate when water runs down my arms. At night, my pajama sleeves would get wet, and in the morning, moisture would even reach my watch band. Not anymore! Now I just slip on these wrist bands and they catch all the drips.

Such a simple little thing, but it makes me ridiculously happy! 

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking about today?  Link up and share!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - January 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.

MEET THE HOSTS

Save

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 

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS

Strawberry Cupcakes

Game Day Printable Banner

Easy Floral Wreath for Valentine's Day

Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

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.

We are going to be taking a little break from doing the blog hop for the next two weeks.  Our next blog hop will be on January 7.  Enjoy your holidays!

Let’s Party! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - January 23, 2026

Hello!  We are over here getting ready for snow palooza.  A friend and I were supposed to be headed to Nashville this weekend, but our concert there was postponed so now my calendar is wide open.  I'll have plenty of time to shovel all the snow we may (or may not) be getting!  Before all that starts, let me share my Five on Friday for today ~

1.  My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney's new book, My Husband's Wife, was released this week.  Oohhh, it sounds so intriguing!  I've added it to my TBR list.  Here's the summary ~

Eden Fox, an artist on the brink of her big break, sets off for a run before her first exhibition. When she returns to the home she recently moved into, Spyglass, an enchanting old house in Hope Falls, nothing is as it should be. Her key doesn’t fit. A woman, eerily similar to her, answers the door. And her husband insists that the stranger is his wife.

One house. One husband. Two women. Someone is lying.

Six months earlier, a reclusive Londoner called Birdy, reeling from a life-changing diagnosis, inherits Spyglass. This unexpected gift from a long-lost grandmother brings her to the pretty seaside village of Hope Falls. But then Birdy stumbles upon a shadowy London clinic that claims to be able to predict a person's date of death, including her own. Secrets start to unravel, and as the line between truth and lies blurs, Birdy feels compelled to right some old wrongs.

My Husband’s Wife is a tangled web of deception, obsession, and mystery that will keep you guessing until the last page. Prepare yourself for the ultimate mind-bending marriage thriller and step inside Spyglass – if you dare – to experience a story where nothing is as it seems.

Available HERE

2.  Memory of a Killer

A new crime drama is premiering on FOX this Sunday, and it definitely looks worth checking out! It’s called Memory of a Killer and stars two of my favorites, Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli. Here’s a quick summary:

A ruthless hitman leading a double life begins losing his memory to early-onset Alzheimer’s just as his wife’s suspicious death and threats to his pregnant daughter force him to unravel a deadly conspiracy from his past.

3.  Bridgerton Finishing Sugars

Bridgerton returns next week, and McCormick is helping us celebrate in the sweetest way possible with three new Bridgerton-inspired finishing sugars!  The flavors include Strawberries & Cream, Sweet Lemon, and Lavender Vanilla.  I've already added all three to my Amazon cart and can't wait to try them out on the recipes from the McCormick website (HERE).

Strawberries & Cream Available HERE | Sweet Lemon Available HERE  

Lavender Vanilla Available HERE

4.  Moisturizing Heel Socks

Is winter weather doing a number on your feet? My skin gets incredibly dry this time of year, so I’m fighting back with these moisturizing heel socks! Just slip them on before bed and let the healing moisturizer work its magic while you sleep.

Available HERE

5.  Here's our forecast for this weekend...  

Have a great weekend and stay safe! I’ll be over here shaking my fist at the snow and wishing we were in Nashville at the concert we were supposed to attend. That said… I won’t complain too much, because there’s something I really love about a good snow day — curling up with a cup of hot tea and a good book isn’t the worst way to spend the weekend!  See you next week!