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!

What I Read in September 2026

Hello and thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  On the first Thursday of the month, I share my reading list from the month prior.  Let's jump in to what I read in September ~

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

I really enjoyed A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. I love historical fiction that weaves together stories from different time periods, and this one did that beautifully. It was an emotional read filled with love, loss, and the courage it takes to move forward after tragedy. Here’s a little about the book:

September 1911. On Ellis Island in New York Harbor, nurse Clara Wood cannot face returning to Manhattan, where the man she loved fell to his death in the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Then, while caring for a fevered immigrant whose own loss mirrors hers, she becomes intrigued by a name embroidered onto the scarf he carries...and finds herself caught in a dilemma that compels her to confront the truth about the assumptions she’s made. What she learns could devastate her—or free her.

September 2011. On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, widow Taryn Michaels has convinced herself that she is living fully, working in a charming specialty fabric store and raising her daughter alone. Then a long-lost photograph appears in a national magazine, and she is forced to relive the terrible day her husband died in the collapse of the World Trade Towers...the same day a stranger reached out and saved her. But a chance reconnection and a century-old scarf may open Taryn’s eyes to the larger forces at work in her life.

Available HERE

A Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

A Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose was one of those twisty thrillers that kept me guessing! Just when I thought I had things figured out, another surprise came along. It was a fast-paced read with plenty of secrets, deception, and twists that made me want to keep turning the pages. Here’s a little about the book:

From New York Times bestselling author Jeneva Rose comes the definitive edition of her shocking breakout thriller, The Perfect Marriage. Fully reedited, it features a sneak peek of the first three chapters of the upcoming sequel, The Perfect Divorce.

Sarah Morgan is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington, DC. With a perfect case record and having made named partner before the age of thirty-five, her life is going exactly as she planned.

However, the same cannot be said for her husband, Adam, a failed author, who's grown to resent his wife's meteoric success as he feels it's come at the expense of their relationship.

For almost two years, Adam has kept his affair with Kelly Summers a secret, but everything changes when her body is discovered at the couple's lake house and Adam is arrested on suspicion of murder.

Sarah now finds herself facing her most challenging case yet when she vows to defend her husband--a man accused of murdering his mistress.

While Adam is certainly guilty of sleeping with Kelly, the question remains: Is he guilty of killing her too?

Available HERE

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Horse by Geraldine Brooks was our library book club selection this month. I really enjoyed how the story blended historical fiction with the fascinating world of horse racing while moving between different time periods. There’s a lot to unpack in this one, so it also made for a great book club discussion! Here’s a little about the book:

Kentucky, 1850. An enslaved groom named Jarret and a bay foal forge a bond of understanding that will carry the horse to record-setting victories across the South. When the nation erupts in civil war, an itinerant young artist who has made his name on paintings of the racehorse takes up arms for the Union. On a perilous night, he reunites with the stallion and his groom, very far from the glamor of any racetrack.

New York City, 1954. Martha Jackson, a gallery owner celebrated for taking risks on edgy contemporary painters, becomes obsessed with a nineteenth-century equestrian oil painting of mysterious provenance.

Washington, DC, 2019. Jess, a Smithsonian scientist from Australia, and Theo, a Nigerian-American art historian, find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in the horse—one studying the stallion’s bones for clues to his power and endurance, the other uncovering the lost history of the unsung Black horsemen who were critical to his racing success.

Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, Horse is a novel of art and science, love and obsession, and our unfinished reckoning with racism.

Available HERE

The English Bookstore in Bologna by Boo Walker

The English Bookstore in Bologna by Boo Walker was such a charming read! With its Italian setting, books, and a story about new beginnings, it was an easy one to get swept up in. And a little bonus—if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free! Here’s a little about the book:

Tucked away on a cobblestone street in enchanting Bologna, Italy, is the only English bookstore in the city. It’s owned by prickly Sandy Cooke, who keeps love, and even romantic fiction, at a distance. Her employee, timid and hopelessly optimistic Moira, dreams of transforming the struggling shop into a vibrant community hub. Against the odds, one Bolognese summer, it becomes a haven for fellow expats at their own crossroads.

Bianca is a psychotherapist escaping both a breakdown and withering reviews of her new self-help book. On her heels is her father, George, wrestling with retirement―and regrets. He’s had a few, but the light of his life has always been his daughter. Then there’s Harold, a young and awkward barista from Denver recovering from his first belly-flopping high dive into love. Maybe it’s time for reinvention.

At the only English bookstore in Bologna, paths converge for five damaged souls who discover that healing doesn’t require much―just honest connection and an open heart.

Available HERE

And that wraps up my September reading! I had a nice mix of historical fiction, suspense, and lighter reads this month, which always makes for a good reading month in my book. Now it’s time to turn the page to October, and I already have a few books waiting on my TBR. I’d love to know—what was the best book you read in September?

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 - September 30, 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

Pecan Pie Cupcake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Recipe

What Signs Do You Follow?

Crunchy Apple Salsa

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 - September 25, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! We’ve made it to the end of another week, and I am extra excited about this Friday because vacation starts tomorrow! We’re headed to Maine for a week of lighthouses, beautiful scenery, easy hikes, lobster, and hopefully lots of gorgeous fall color. Of course, our timing couldn’t be more interesting—we’re heading straight into a nor’easter! Nothing says “Welcome to Maine” quite like wind and rain, right?! We’re packing the raincoats, keeping an eye on the forecast, and planning to make the best of whatever Mother Nature sends our way. But before the adventure begins, I’ve got five things to share, so let’s get this edition of Five on Friday started!

1.  Dolly Pardon Day

This one feels a little bittersweet this year. After losing Dolly Parton in August, Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible life and legacy she left behind. I was so sad to hear of her passing—she was truly one of a kind! From Jolene and 9 to 5 to her huge heart and the millions of children impacted by her Imagination Library, Dolly gave us so much to love. I think the best way to celebrate today is to turn up a little Dolly music and remember the joy she brought to so many. There will never be another Dolly!

2.  Churro Doughnut Dots

Well, Krispy Kreme has my attention! They just introduced Churro Doughnut Dots, and they sound dangerously good. They take Krispy Kreme’s light and fluffy doughnut dough, toss the little bites in cinnamon sugar, and serve them with dulce de leche dipping sauce. Each order comes with eight dots, and they’re only around for a limited time. These sound like the perfect little fall treat—and I’m pretty sure “shareable” is merely a suggestion! If you love churros AND doughnuts, you might need to make a Krispy Kreme run.

3.  Heart of the Beast 

There’s a new movie hitting theaters this weekend that looks like it could be a good one! Heart of the Beast stars Brad Pitt as a Special Forces officer who survives a plane crash with his combat dog, Odin, only to find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. The two have to battle the elements and find their way back to civilization—and apparently the bond between Brad and the dog is a huge part of the story. It’s part survival thriller, part adventure, and part man-and-his-best-friend story. This one looks intense, but so good! And really...Brad Pitt and a dog? You don’t have to twist my arm.

4.  Closet Drawers

I’ve been doing a little fall cleaning and decided my closet could definitely use some help! I added these Fixwal Closet Drawers, and I’m loving the extra organization they give me. The set comes with two stackable units with two drawers each, and at 21.2 inches wide, they give me plenty of extra storage without taking up a ton of space. They’re perfect for sweaters, workout clothes, pajamas, accessories—or all those things that never seem to have a good home. There’s just something so satisfying about walking in the closet and seeing everything neat and organized. Now let’s see how long I can keep it that way!

Available HERE

5.  Put this on your to-do list...

And that’s a wrap for this week! My suitcase is calling my name, and I still have a few things to check off the list before we head out tomorrow. I’m ready to put the to-do list away for a bit and enjoy a week of making memories with Eric and our friends. I’ll be sharing some of our adventures along the way, so be sure to follow along! Have a wonderful weekend, friends. Next time you hear from me, I’ll be in Maine!

Let's Make White Chili!

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a time when I share something that’s on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.

Now that the temperatures are starting to cool down, I’m thinking about all those cozy meals that just seem to taste better this time of year. One recipe that has been a favorite in our house for years is White Chili. I actually shared this recipe on the blog quite a few years ago, so I thought it was time to dust it off and bring it back to the top of the recipe box! It’s warm, comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a chilly fall evening. Let’s get cooking!

Here's What You Need

Rotisserie Chicken

2 cans Great Northern Beans (drained)

Olive Oil

2 Medium White Onions

4 Minced Garlic Cloves

6 cups Chicken Broth

2 cups of Monterey Jack Cheese

2 - 4 oz cans Green Chilies

2 tsp Dried Oregano

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

2 tsp Ground Cumin

Sour Cream

Here's What You Do

Chop up the two onions into fairly small bits.  Cover the bottom of your stockpot with olive oil and dump in the onions.  Saute them for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic.

Cook the onions and garlic for another 5 minutes or until the onions are clear in color.  

Add in the green chilies and spices (cumin, cayenne pepper and dried oregano).  Cook for another couple of minutes.

Add in the six cups of chicken broth and two cans of drained Great Northern Beans.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer while you cut up the chicken.

Use as much chicken as you like.  Typically I use two breasts and one leg, including the skin.  If you want yours a bit more or less meaty, add more or less to your discretion.

Right before serving, add two cups of Monterey Jack cheese and let it melt into the mixture.

To serve, I usually add a little bit of cheese on top and a dollop of sour cream.

This chili truly is even better the next day after the flavors have a chance to meld together, making it the perfect thing to fix on the weekend and have one night for dinner the following week.  Hope you enjoy it as much as do we!

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 - September 23, 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

Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops

4-Ingredient Quick & Easy Goulash

Catching Waterfalls in Cuyahogo Valley

Pumpkin Pie Crescent 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

Five on Friday - September 18, 2026

Hello, friends! We’ve made it to the end of another week, which means it’s time for another edition of Five on Friday! I’ve got a fun mix of things to share with you today, so grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get to it. Here we go ~

1.  Happy Hour with Ina Garten

Here's something new to add to your listening list this weekend!  Ina Garten has a brand-new podcast, Happy Hour with Ina Garten, and I'm pretty sure this one was made for me.  Each week, Ina invites an interesting guest to join her for a cocktail, a little something to eat, and some fun conversation.  The first episode featured Kate McKinnon and it was full of talk about gardening and pickling.  Kate also tells a story about her audition for Saturday Night Live.  You can listen wherever you normally get podcasts or watch the full video episodes on Ina's new YouTube channel.

2.  New Books Out This Week

This was a big week for book releases and several went straight on my TBR list.  Here's the ones that caught my eye:

Falling for Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey — The new novel returns to Peachtree Bluff and follows Caroline as she unexpectedly finds herself caught between a new romance and her not-quite-ex-husband, while Ansley faces trouble of her own. If you love a series, this is book 5 in the Peachtree Bluff Series.

Available HERE

Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult — A new novel about Molly Fitzgerald, whose mother died on September 11, and the way an unexpected crisis forces Molly and her husband to question what they thought they knew about their lives and each other.

Available HERE

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham — A new novel set at Tiffin Academy, an elite boarding school where the senior class is beginning a school year filled with relationships, secrets and drama.

Available HERE

3.  Sleeve Holder Arm Bands

Fall is coming, which means it’s almost time to pull out all those cute sweaters and long-sleeve tops! I love the look of sleeves casually pushed up, but getting them to actually stay that way is another story. Enter sleeve holder arm bands! Slip them on under your sleeves, push everything up to just the right spot, and your sleeves stay perfectly styled without constantly sliding back down. Such a simple little fashion hack that can make your whole outfit look a bit more polished and put together. I’m definitely adding these to my fall wardrobe arsenal!

Available HERE

4.  Dot's Chipotle Honey Pretzels

If you’re a fan of that sweet-and-spicy combination, here’s a new snack to be on the lookout for! Dot’s has a new limited-edition Chipotle Honey Pretzel flavor, combining a touch of sweet honey with a smoky chipotle kick. I already love Dot’s pretzels, so naturally I’m going to have to hunt down a bag of these. They sound like the perfect snack for fall football watching!

5.  Maybe she shouldn't be driving ~

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! We have lots of fun things on the agenda, and I can’t wait to get the weekend started! I’m ready to soak up every minute and hopefully make some great memories along the way. Whatever you have planned, I hope your weekend is filled with a little fun and plenty of reasons to smile. See you back here next week!