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!

A Charming Girls’ Trip to Galena, Illinois

Hello!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reflecting on a fun girls' trip to Galena, Illinois!

In December, I had the best weekend getaway to Galena, Illinois with three of my good friends.  If you've not heard of Galena, it's a quaint little town in northern Illinois just across the border from Iowa.  It's been on my list of places to visit forever and I finally made it happen!  Luckily, three of my friends came along to make it the perfect trip.

Galena is about a five-hour drive from where we live, so the girls and I decided to head out after work on Friday and return home on Sunday. It was a short getaway, but one we planned to fill with as much fun as possible.   Friday night, we met up, packed the car, and hit the road. To kick off the trip on a festive note, I had goody bags waiting in everyone’s seat when they climbed in.  Tucked inside the bags were a few of my favorite things:  handwarmers, face mask, nail file, chapstick, snacks, and tissues.  

Along the way, we stumbled upon the perfect greasy spoon diner and couldn’t resist stopping for dinner. It was just what we needed—comfort food, great conversation, and lots of laughter to fuel the rest of the drive. Afterward, we headed on to the charming VRBO we had rented for the weekend. The house was ideal for our group, with four cozy bedrooms and plenty of space for us all to spread out. Even better, it was just a short walk from the main street, putting shops, restaurants, and all the Galena activities right at our fingertips.

We intentionally picked this weekend because Galena was hosting its Luminaria Walk and the Night of the Living Windows events. On Saturday morning, we treated ourselves to booked massages at the Stonedrift Spa, just a short drive away at Eagle Ridge Resort—and let me just say, it was absolutely fantastic. Every one of us loved the massage we chose, and the peaceful time spent relaxing in the lounge afterward was just as wonderful. We sipped their delicious flavored water, enjoyed a few snacks, and soaked in the calm atmosphere before deciding it was time to head back into town for a bit of shopping ahead of the evening festivities.

Downtown Galena is so charming!  It looked like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie.  We meandored in and out of the adorable shops and picked up some special Christmas gifts.  

Now, I have to say the weekend we were there it was COLD!  Like freezing cold.  But we bundled up and made the most of it.  

The Living Windows were so interesting to see! Basically, most of the stores had live things happening in the storefront windows.  I was amazed at the number of live animals!!  Dogs, cats, goats, ponies - yes, LIVE PONIES!

We had made dinner reservations at Fried Green Tomatoes.  Highly recommend dining there if you are in the area!  Also, highly recommend getting reservations ahead of time.  Our dinner was wonderful and fueled us to walk around a bit more and enjoy the luminaries.  

Did I mention how cold it was? After a while, we decided it was the perfect time to head back to our rental and warm up with some games. Once we were back, we slipped into our comfy clothes and gathered around the table to play Mexican Train dominoes. It was the perfect, cozy way to end such a great day.

Sunday morning, we packed up early and grabbed breakfast before heading out of town. We chose Charlie's Place Eatery, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the hot chocolate was especially perfect for warming us up before the drive home.

There’s something truly special about a girls’ trip—the kind of magic that happens when laughter comes easy, conversations run deep, and time slows down just enough to savor it all. It’s a chance to step away from everyday responsibilities and reconnect with friends in a way that feels both refreshing and grounding. Whether you’re exploring a new town, sharing late-night snacks, or laughing until your sides hurt, a girls’ trip reminds you how life-giving friendship can be. You come home with a full heart, inside jokes that last forever, and memories that feel like little treasures tucked away for the days when you need them most.  

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 - January 21, 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

Heartbeat Pouch Bag

DIY Mossy Heart

Chipotle Spaghetti

Chocolate Milk Pancakes

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 16, 2026

Here we are - it's Friday again!  I'm pretty excited because this is the beginning of a three-day weekend for me.  I love having an extra day off!  We've got some fun things lined up to do, and I'm starting by sharing my Five on Friday post.  Let's go ~

1.  Woman Down by Colleen Hoover

We’ve been waiting for more than three years for this moment, and it’s finally here—Colleen Hoover’s newest book has officially been released! As a longtime fan, I can hardly contain my excitement and cannot wait to dive into its pages. I have a feeling this one is going to be another emotional, unforgettable read. Here’s a look at the summary to give you a glimpse of what’s in store… 

In this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a frustrated author looks for her muse in a remote hideaway, but what she finds defies all expectations…and reality.

Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career―and herself.

Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.

Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her―the reputation only she can reclaim.

Available HERE

2.  People We Meet on Vacation Movie

Last week, People We Meet on Vacation was released on Netflix, and it’s high on my must-watch list. I’m really hoping I get a chance this weekend to curl up on the couch and finally watch it. My daughter-in-law has already seen it and enjoyed it, even though it doesn’t follow the book exactly. From everything I’ve seen, it looks like the perfect cozy movie to settle in with during the cold days ahead.

3.  Makeup Brush Holder

Every time I travel, I’m reminded how thankful I am to have one of these silicone makeup brush holders packed in my bag. It keeps all of my brushes neatly tucked away, protected, and secured with a strong magnetic closure, so nothing shifts around during the trip. Best of all, there’s no more worrying about makeup residue getting on clothes or other items in my suitcase—such a game changer! The case is also roomy enough to hold a couple of extra makeup essentials, making it both practical and convenient for travel.  Treat yourself to one!

Available HERE

4.  I Just Might

Bruno Mars is back with a brand-new single, I Just Might, and it feels like a joyful return to everything fans love about his music. The song has that unmistakable Bruno groove—smooth vocals, a retro-inspired beat, and a fun, flirty energy that instantly puts you in a good mood. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to turn the volume up, dance around the kitchen, or roll the windows down and sing along.  Have you heard it?  What do you think?

5.  How I'm Feeling About Now...

Have a wonderful weekend! I’m determined to finally get the last of my Christmas decorations put away—and who knows, I may even pull out the Valentine’s décor and start decorating for the next season. Be sure to check back next week to see if I actually made it happen!