Five on Friday - May 15, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! This week seemed to fly by in a blur of everyday life, little projects, and a few fun moments mixed in along the way. I always enjoy slowing down on Fridays to share a handful of things that have been making life a little brighter lately.  So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this week’s Five on Friday!

1.  Dutton Ranch

Okay, where are all my Yellowstone fans? Are you excited for Dutton Ranch? Beth and Rip are back on Paramount+ bringing all the drama and excitement we love - but this time the story heads to Texas instead of Montana. We’re getting two episodes today, with new episodes dropping every Friday through July 3. Here’s the official summary:

Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton gamble everything on a new life in South Texas, but the promise of building a future far from the ghosts of Yellowstone quickly collides with new realities and a rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire.

2.  The Martha Way:  Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living

Looking for the perfect wedding shower gift? What could be better than giving the gift of Martha Stewart? Her newest book is filled with inspiration for just about everything — from delicious recipes and entertaining ideas to beautiful home organization and timeless style.  Here's the summary ~

Step inside the world of Martha Stewart and discover her timeless approach to living well. The Martha Way: Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living is a thoughtfully crafted guide to the foundational principles that shape a well-kept, inspired life. With her signature clarity and elegance, Martha distills decades of experience into elevated yet accessible solutions for the everyday, covering:

Cooking: Tips to master the basics, cook seasonally, and keep a well-stocked kitchen.

Entertaining: Host with elegance, whether for a dinner party or for weekend guests.

Home Organizing: Martha’s golden rules for a well-maintained, clutter-free home.

Collecting: How to get started, what to look for, and how to best treasure your finds.

Gardening: Sowing soil, timing blooms, composting, growing vegetables, and more.

Drawing wisdom from her own life well lived, Martha breaks down each area of expertise into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re arranging your pantry, preparing a simple but impressive meal, hosting with intention, curating meaningful collections, or cultivating a lush garden, Martha shows you how to do it beautifully and with purpose. With her time-tested tips, and unique but ever practical insights, Martha helps you bring order, style, and joy to every corner of your life.

More than just a book, this is a modern blueprint for a well-kept home and life. After all, there’s only one way to master the art of everyday living—and it’s the Martha Way.

Available HERE

3.  Dunkin' Donuts Summer Drinks    

Feeling thirsty?  You might want to swing by Dunkin' Donuts and check out their new summer drink menu!  It includes 21 new drink offerings.  There are several black cherry refreshers (Black Cherry Refresher, Cherry Daydream Refresher, Very Cherry Daydream Refresher, Black Cherry Protein Refresher, and Cherry Lime Rickey Refresher), Limeade Refreshers (classic Limeade, Matcha Limeade, Raspberry Limeade, Strawberry Dragonfruit Limeade, and Coconut Limeade), Cloud Lattes, Matcha Drinks, Coffee Chillers, and even Dirty Soda!  My car might be pulling in the drive-thru to see what these are all about!

4.  Blue Hydrangea Pillow Covers

Our front porch is embracing a hydrangea theme this year, and I’m absolutely loving these new pillow covers! We have two rocking chairs out there, and adding pillows makes the space feel so cozy and inviting. A few years ago, I started buying pillow covers instead of brand-new pillows whenever I wanted to refresh our decor, and it has been such a great way to switch things up easily. These hydrangea covers are the perfect touch and make the whole porch look beautiful for the season!

Available HERE

5.  Ever feel like this...

Have a wonderful weekend!  We are going to a dinner party on Saturday and doing some volunteer stuff at church on Sunday.  Other than that, I'm looking forward to a nice, peaceful weekend.  They are calling for rain here on Saturday, but I'm really hoping on Sunday we can get some plants in the ground.  See you back next week!

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 2

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing my recap of a trip to Belgium I took with my son, Ian.  If you missed Day 1, you can catch up HERE.  Let's jump into Day 2!

We had a food tour planned for Day 2.  One of the most fun ways to experience a new city is through a food tour, and Brussels was the perfect place for it. Wandering from one tucked-away café and chocolate shop to the next felt like getting a little taste of the city’s personality with every stop. Between the warm waffles, crispy frites, rich Belgian chocolate, and cozy local restaurants, it wasn’t just about the food — it was about slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere. A food tour gives you the chance to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, hear stories from locals, and discover hidden gems along the way. By the end of the day, Brussels felt a little less like a place we were visiting and a little more like a city we truly experienced.

Our guide was an adorable college student who shared all kinds of great information about the city with us!

Along the way, we sampled so many of the foods that make Brussels famous. We munched on perfectly crispy frites, tried delicious seafood fritters that were warm and flavorful, sipped traditional Belgian beer, and indulged in some of the richest, smoothest chocolate imaginable. Of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without waffles, and they absolutely lived up to the hype — warm, light, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness. Each stop gave us a little glimpse into the city’s food culture, and it was such a fun way to experience Brussels beyond the typical tourist attractions.

During the tour, we also learned a bit about the fascinating history of the city. Centuries ago, Brussels was completely surrounded by a protective wall that helped defend the city from outside attacks. At each corner of the wall stood massive stone structures that served as part of the city’s fortifications. Today, only one of those original rock structures still remains, making it a special glimpse into Brussels’ medieval past. Seeing it in person added such an interesting historical layer to our day of wandering and eating through the city.

A highlight was visiting the chocolate shop where the royals purchased their chocolates.  It's evident by the crest over the doorway.  

After the tour, we spent the rest of the afternoon meandering through the city streets and taking in even more of Brussels’ beautiful historic sites. We passed by one of the city’s oldest restaurants, full of old-world charm and character, and admired the stunning architecture along the way. 

We also made our way to the magnificent Royal Palace, whose grand design made it such an impressive sight to see in person. Wandering without much of a schedule ended up being one of the best parts of the day because around every corner there seemed to be another lovely building, hidden square, or historic landmark waiting to be discovered.

We headed back to the hotel and had dinner at the square across the street from the hotel.  The next day we were headed to the train station to travel to Brugge for the day!  Stay tuned for that recap.

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

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Five on Friday - May 8, 2026

Happy Friday!  I'm ready to wind down this work day and enjoy this Mother's Day weekend!  How about you?  But first things first - here's my Five on Friday for this week ~

1.  Remarkably Bright Creatures

I might actually be the only person left on earth who hasn't read the book Remarkably Bright Creatures, but now the movie is out so I might watch that instead of reading the book.  It premieres on Netflix today! This wildly popular story centers on the unexpected connections formed during overnight shifts at a small aquarium, with Sally Field starring as Tova, the heart of the story.  If relaxing is on your list of things to do this weekend, you might want to cozy up on the couch, grab some popcorn and enjoy this movie!

2.  The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore

Book 6 of the Dream Harbor series is out!  The Daisy Chain Flower Shop hit the stands this week and it's going straight to the top of my reading list.  I've read the first five, so I have to read this one - right?!?  Here's the summary ~

Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.

Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.

When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?

Available HERE

3.  In the Stars by Rolling Stones

If you thought The Rolling Stones might finally be slowing down, think again. The legendary rock band is back with a brand-new single, “In the Stars,” and it proves they still know how to deliver that signature mix of swagger, grit, and classic rock energy fans have loved for decades. The song serves as the lead release from their upcoming album Foreign Tongues, and early buzz is already building around the project. It’s amazing to see a band with such an iconic history continue creating new music that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or simply love discovering new music from legendary artists, this latest release is definitely worth a listen.

Available HERE

4.  American Flag Bunting

I know May has only just begun, but Memorial Day weekend will be here before we know it! If you love decorating for patriotic holidays as much as I do, now is the perfect time to start getting your home ready. I picked up this American Flag bunting and can already picture it hanging across the porch all summer long. With our country celebrating its big 250th anniversary this year, it feels like the perfect excuse to lean into all the red, white, and blue décor. I’m planning to add lots of festive touches both inside and outside the house to celebrate the season!

Available HERE

5.  Been there...

Have a wonderful weekend! Tonight we have our church small group gathering, and I’m really looking forward to catching up with everyone. Tomorrow, Eric is playing in a golf tournament while I tackle a few projects of my own. I’ve got some wedding preparations to work on for a June wedding I’m helping with, along with finishing a few details for a graduation party a friend is hosting for her daughter. There are so many happy celebrations and fun events filling up this season, and I’m loving every bit of it! See you next week!

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 1

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a space where I share what’s been on my mind—and invite you to link up and do the same. Today, I’m taking you back to March as I begin sharing about a special trip my son Ian and I took to Belgium!

First, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to take a trip with just my son. I truly have one of the best husbands—he not only encouraged this adventure but was genuinely happy for me to take our son while he stayed home.

Ian and I considered several destinations before finally choosing Belgium. Our decision came down to a couple of reasons: we found an amazing deal on airfare, and Ian has been a lifelong chocolate lover. A trip to the chocolate capital of the world felt like the perfect choice!

We landed in Brussels early in the morning and took the train from the airport into the city.  Our hotel was just a short walk from the station.  The room wasn't ready, but we dumped our bags there and headed out to see the city!  Side bar - I love a good sunrise and seeing the sun come up while in the airplane made my day!

As we headed back out to walk around, we navigated ourselves to the historic city centre of Brussels.  Along the way, we saw historical buildings blending with modern art.

We popped in the cutest little shop for crepes called Cappuccino.  I was extremely happy to learn that Coke Zero is a thing there!

When we mentioned we were heading to Brussels, so many people brought up the Manneken Pis statue—so of course, we had to see it for ourselves! This little guy is tiny. I was secretly hoping he’d be dressed in one of his famous costumes while we were there, but unfortunately, he wasn’t.

We wandered through the area, taking our time and enjoying a little window shopping along the way. The waffles looked absolutely amazing!

A stop in the first-ever Godiva store was a must!  We learned later that the locals aren't that impressed with Godiva because they believe they are too commercialized, but we still wanted to pop in and give it a try.

Our next stop was St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.  The remarkable architectural masterpiece is awe-inspiring!

The moment you step inside, the intricate details draw you in. The stunning stained-glass windows and beautifully detailed woodwork are truly breathtaking!

We made our way back to the hotel for an afternoon nap—the seven-hour time difference was definitely catching up with us, and it felt so good to rest for a bit. Once we woke up, we headed back out to grab dinner and enjoy the charming square just across the street from the Sofitel Hotel where we were staying.  I'll be back with our Day 2 adventures soon!

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 - May 6, 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 

Oreo Cream Pie Recipe

Easy Bacon Garlic Pasta

Easiest DIY Ever

The Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Mimosa for Mother's Day

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 - May 1, 2026

It’s May—and the first Friday of the month already! It’s hard to believe a third of the year has already flown by. I’m really looking forward to the months ahead; spring and summer are some of my favorite seasons, and I plan to make the most of every moment.

And speaking of time… it’s time to share my five things for today ~

1.  Devil Wears Prada 2

I am so excited that The Devil Wears Prada 2 is finally out! The first movie was such a favorite, and I can’t wait to see this one too. Can you believe it’s been 20 years since The Devil Wears Prada?! If you remember, the original followed Andy Sachs, a young journalist who lands a job at a high-fashion magazine and finds herself working under the famously demanding Miranda Priestly. What starts as a stepping stone quickly turns into a crash course in fashion, ambition, and figuring out who you are in the middle of it all.  The sequel steps back into that same high-pressure, fashion-forward world—this time exploring how the industry has evolved in a digital age and where these characters have landed all these years later. I’m expecting fabulous outfits, a little nostalgia, and hopefully that same witty charm we all loved the first time around.

2.  Oreo Firecracker Pop Cookies

Keep an eye out for Oreo’s Firecracker Pop Cookies hitting shelves around May 4! These festive treats feature a red (cherry), white (lemon), and blue (blue raspberry) creme layered between golden wafers. They’ll only be available for a limited time, so be sure to grab a pack while you can!

3.  Pizza Hut Summer Reading Program

It won’t be long before the kids are out of school and you’re looking for ways to keep them busy. Here’s a fun idea—let them read their way to free pizza from Pizza Hut! Their summer reading program is back, and each eligible child can earn one free Personal Pan Pizza per month at participating locations. Just download the BOOK IT! Mobile App for all the details and to get your child signed up!

4.  Custom Wine Bottle Wraps

Gifting someone a celebratory bottle of bubbly? Elevate the presentation with these wine bottle wraps! They’re super easy to use—just apply the wrap and use a hair dryer or boiling water to shrink it snugly around the bottle. In under a minute, you’ve got a beautifully wrapped, gift-ready bottle. Plus, there are so many fun designs to choose from!

Available HERE

5.  Definitely me...

Have a great weekend!  Hope to see you back here next week!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 29, 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

A Complete Guide to Candle Sand Wax

Cherry Linzer Sandwich Cookies

Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea

Fluffy No Fuss Bread Rolls

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