Five on Friday - July 17, 2026

Hello!  We've made it to Friday!  This week has been somewhat of a blur and I'm ready to slow down for a few days and suck up all the fun I can.  Let's kick things off with my Five on Friday post ~

1.  The Odyssey

If you're looking for a reason to head to the theater this weekend, The Odyssey is finally here! Director Christopher Nolan brings Homer's legendary epic to life on the big screen with an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Lupita Nyong'o. The film follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, filled with mythical creatures, impossible challenges, and unforgettable adventures. With breathtaking visuals and Nolan's signature storytelling style, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest movie events of the summer.  

2.  Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I'm starting to pull together the stack of books I want to take on our beach vacation in August, and Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey has definitely made the cut. There's nothing I love more than spending a relaxing day at the beach with a book I can't put down, and this one seems like it was made for vacation reading. I'm hoping it's every bit as delightful as it sounds!

After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm. In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

Available HERE

3.  Tanologist Self-Tan Drops

I have had almost no time to soak up the sun this summer, and I was starting to miss having that healthy summer glow. That's when I discovered Tanologist Self-Tan Drops. You simply mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer, and within a few hours you have a natural-looking tan without spending hours in the sun. I love that you can customize the color by adding more or fewer drops, and because you mix it with your own skincare products, it goes on smoothly and evenly. It's been the perfect solution for giving my skin a little sun-kissed color while protecting it from the summer sun.

Available HERE

4.  Inspirational Insight Cards

One of my favorite little ways to brighten someone's day is by leaving inspirational cards where they're least expecting them. I'll tuck one onto a coworker's desk before they arrive, slip one into a card for a friend, or pin one to a community bulletin board at a local business. It's such a simple gesture, but you never know when a few encouraging words might be exactly what someone needs to hear. These little cards are an easy and inexpensive way to spread kindness, encouragement, and a reminder that someone is thinking of them.  Who would you like to inspire today?

Available HERE

5.  Truth...

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! I'm trying something new tomorrow—I have my very first mahjong lesson! To say I'm excited would be a huge understatement. I've heard so many people rave about the game, and I can't wait to finally learn what all the fuss is about. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with all the tiles and not embarrass myself too much!  Wish me luck, and I'll be back next week to let you know how it goes. Have a fantastic weekend!

A Whirlwind 24 Hours in Nashville

Hi!  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.  Today I'm reflecting on our recent trip to Nashville.  We had roughly 24 hours in the Music City and made the most of it!

My friend Debbie and I are both huge Ed Sheeran fans, so the minute he announced his Loop Tour, we started looking at the schedule to figure out which city would work best for us. After comparing dates and locations, Nashville quickly rose to the top of the list. We decided it would be even more fun to turn it into a little getaway, so we invited our husbands to come along. Before long, all the pieces had fallen into place, and our 24-hour Nashville adventure was officially on the calendar!

Nashville is only about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from our house, making it the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. The plan was simple: hit the road Saturday morning, enjoy everything we could fit into our time in Music City, and head home Sunday afternoon. With just about 24 hours to explore, eat, laugh, and soak it all in, we were determined to make every minute count!

Our first stop was the iconic Loveless Cafe, a Nashville landmark that's been serving Southern comfort food since 1951. Famous for its made-from-scratch biscuits, homemade preserves, and legendary fried chicken, it's one of those places that's worth visiting for the experience alone. We couldn't pass up the fried chicken, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with all the classic Southern sides, it was a meal to remember. Of course, no visit to Loveless is complete without one of their warm, buttery biscuits slathered with homemade jam. It was the perfect way to begin our 24 hours in Music City.

After lunch, we headed to the hotel to get checked in and fresh up before the main event - the concert!  We stayed at the Motto Hotel by Hilton,  a boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Nashville. One of the biggest perks was its location; we were able to walk to the stadium, which made getting to and from the concert incredibly easy.

The rooms were definitely on the smaller side, but they were thoughtfully designed and had everything we needed for a one-night stay. Since hotel prices in downtown Nashville can be pretty steep, we felt like we found a great value. The combination of a clean, comfortable room and such a convenient location made it the perfect home base for our quick 24-hour Nashville adventure.

The concert started early and had three opening acts.  We made our way to the stadium and had plenty of time to both enjoy two of the three openers and scope out the concessions and souvenirs.  There's always something fun about the atmosphere before a big concert. Thousands of fans wearing Ed Sheeran T-shirts filled the stadium, everyone buzzing with anticipation and counting down the minutes until the main event. It was the perfect chance to grab a snack, snap a few photos, and take it all in before the lights dimmed and the real show began.

Before long, the lights dimmed, the crowd leaped to its feet, and Ed Sheeran appeared on stage. The stadium instantly erupted with cheers as thousands of fans sang, screamed, and welcomed him with deafening applause. It was one of those moments that gives you goosebumps.

He was everything we had hoped for and more. With just his guitar, his incredible loop pedal, and an endless amount of talent and energy, he captivated the entire stadium from the very first song. His vocals were flawless, his storytelling between songs felt genuine and personal, and he had a way of making a stadium full of people feel like an intimate performance. Every song had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs, and it was impossible not to smile while taking it all in. It was one of those concerts that reminds you why live music is such a special experience.

After an incredible three-hour performance, we walked out of the stadium even bigger Ed Sheeran fans than when we walked in. Every minute of the show was packed with hit after hit, and his energy never seemed to fade. It's amazing to watch one person command a stadium with nothing more than extraordinary talent, a guitar, and a loop pedal.

As we joined the sea of happy concertgoers making their way through downtown Nashville, we couldn't stop talking about our favorite moments and songs. The entire trip had been worth it for those three unforgettable hours. If Ed ever announces another tour within driving distance, you can bet we'll be trying to get tickets again. It was a concert we'll be talking about for years to come.

We kicked off Sunday morning with breakfast at another one of our Nashville favorites—Puckett's. Whenever we're in town, it's one of those places we always hope to visit. The welcoming atmosphere, Southern hospitality, and hearty comfort food make it the perfect way to start the day.  After the excitement of the concert the night before, it was nice to slow down, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and relive all our favorite moments from the show. 

After breakfast, we made our way to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We'd walked past it countless times on previous trips to Nashville but had never taken the time to go inside. This visit finally gave us the perfect opportunity, and we're so glad we did.

The museum is a dream for anyone who loves country music. We spent our time wandering through the exhibits, taking in the incredible collection of memorabilia, stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, instruments, awards, and artifacts that tell the story of country music through the decades. It was fascinating to see pieces connected to so many legendary artists, as well as today's biggest stars. Every turn seemed to reveal another display that made us stop, read, and reminisce about songs and performers we've loved over the years.

If you've never been inside, I highly recommend adding it to your Nashville itinerary. Even if you're only a casual country music fan, the museum does an excellent job of showcasing the history, artistry, and impact of the genre.

Before heading home, we made one final stop in Nashville's charming 12South District for a little retail therapy. With its locally owned boutiques, colorful murals, and inviting atmosphere, it's one of my favorite neighborhoods to stroll. Even if you don't buy a thing, it's a fun place to wander and soak up the Nashville vibe.

Sometimes you don't need a week-long vacation to make wonderful memories. Our 24 hours in Nashville were packed with delicious food, great shopping, incredible music, and lots of laughter, but the very best part was getting to share it all with dear friends. From singing along at the top of our lungs during the Ed Sheeran concert to chatting over breakfast and exploring the city together, every moment reminded me that it's the people you're with who make a trip truly special. Nashville gave us another unforgettable weekend, and I'm already looking forward to the next adventure we can take together!

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 15, 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

Smoked Olives

Easy Air Fryer Salmon Fillets in 10 Minutes

Cake Mix Pineapple Dump Cake made with Pineapple Juice

Fresh Cucumber Pickles

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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Five on Friday - July 10, 2026

 Hey there!  Welcome to my Five on Friday post.  Let's jump right in ~

1.  Five Star Weekend

Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel The Five-Star Weekend has officially made its way to the small screen! I loved the book, so I’ve been anxiously waiting for this one to arrive. The new Peacock miniseries stars Jennifer Garner, and all eight episodes are available to stream right now. I have a feeling a serious binge-watch session is in my very near future! Who else read the book and is excited to see the story come to life?

2.  Moana

If you’re looking for a fun way to beat the heat and stay cool this weekend, you might want to head to the movie theater to see Moana! The beloved Disney story is coming to life in a whole new way on the big screen, making it a fun option for a summer outing. Grab some popcorn, settle into those comfy theater seats, and enjoy a couple of hours in the air conditioning!

3.  New Dress

A few years ago, I bought this dress on Amazon, and after countless wearings and trips through the washing machine, it has held up so well! It’s still one of those dresses I find myself reaching for again and again. So, this week I decided it was finally time to add another color to my closet!  I love finding clothes that are cute, comfortable, and easy to care for, and this dress checks all those boxes. You can toss it in the washing machine, and it comes out looking great time after time. No special care or fuss required! When I find something I love that has stood the test of time, buying it in another color just makes sense, right?

Available HERE

4.  Earring Find

Check out these adorable earrings! I was looking for the perfect pair to wear with a sundress I recently bought when I stumbled across these beauties. They have real dried flowers inside, and I think they are just so pretty and unique!  They would also make such a sweet birthday gift. You can choose a pair for any month of the year, giving the gift a little extra personalization and thoughtfulness. I love finding gifts that feel special without being overly complicated, and these definitely fit the bill. They’re cute enough that you might want to grab a pair for yourself while you’re at it!

Available HERE

5.  Hmmm...

Have a wonderful weekend!  We have a lot of fun things on the agenda.  Hope you do too.  See you next week!

Katie and Matt Get Married!

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is the time each week when I share something that’s been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today, you’re in for a real treat because I’m thinking out loud about something extra special—Katie and Matt’s beautiful wedding day! I can’t wait to share all the gorgeous details and special moments that made their celebration so unforgettable.

A year ago, I was convinced my days as a wedding coordinator were behind me. For years, I had taken on two weddings a year, with every couple finding me simply through word of mouth. The wedding coordination was a fun side hustle I could work in around my nine-to-five job.  From the moment they got engaged until the very last guest left the reception, I was right there beside them—helping with plans, working through details, answering questions, solving problems, and doing everything I could to help make their dream wedding come to life.

My friend TW worked alongside me on most of those weddings, and having him there made the long days, late nights, and endless to-do lists even more fun. We made a pretty great team and created a lot of wonderful memories along the way.

But last May, we made a decision: we were done. Finished. Retired from the wedding business. No more timelines, seating charts, vendor calls, rehearsals, or fourteen-hour wedding days. I was absolutely, positively not going to coordinate another wedding.

And then along came Katie and Matt...

Katie came to me and asked if I would sit down with her and have a simple conversation about wedding planning. Just a conversation—nothing more. Well, you can probably guess where this is going! Before I knew it, that one little conversation had turned into me being completely sucked right back into the world of wedding coordinating. And you know what? I wasn’t one bit sad about it! There was something so special about helping Katie and Matt plan their big day, and it reminded me just how much I truly love being part of making a couple’s wedding dreams come to life.

Katie had always dreamed of getting married in her beautiful church and then celebrating with a reception in a space that had the feel of a museum. She found the perfect combination! After a beautiful ceremony at her church, the celebration continued at the Missouri History Museum. It was such a unique and lovely setting for the reception and provided the perfect backdrop for bringing Katie and Matt’s wedding vision to life.

Before I go any further, I need to give a huge shoutout to two of the incredible vendors who helped make Katie and Matt’s wedding day so beautiful!

Katie chose Petal Pushers STL for the florals, and owners Ken and Cyndi are an absolute dream to work with. They nail it every single time! The flowers were absolutely gorgeous and brought Katie’s vision to life perfectly.

Photo Credit:  Adara Jade Photography

And then there was Adara Jade Photography, who captured the entire day so beautifully. Her photos perfectly reflect the joy, love, and excitement that filled every moment of the wedding. Looking through them feels like reliving the day all over again!  Thanks so much to Adara for letting me use many of her photographs in this blog post.

I truly hope my path crosses with both of these talented vendors again. Working alongside wonderful people makes an already special day even better!

One of the things I typically handle for the weddings I coordinate is all the printing and assembling of the paper details. From invitations and programs to menus, table numbers, signage, and anything else that needs to be printed, I love watching all those little details come together. Here’s a photo dump of some of the special touches we created for Katie and Matt’s big day ~

For me, one of the moments that makes all the planning, preparation, and hard work completely worthwhile is the reception reveal. There’s nothing quite like watching the bride walk into the finished space for the first time and seeing her face light up as she takes it all in. After months of talking about colors, flowers, linens, menus, and countless little details, suddenly it’s all right there in front of her. Seeing Katie’s reaction and knowing that we had helped bring her vision to life was truly one of the sweetest moments of the entire day!

Big shout-out to my always-helpful husband, Eric.  He is right there with me every step of the way, making sure I have the things I need.

I also have to give a huge thank you to my wonderful friends, Jill and Regina, who stepped up and helped me make sure every single detail was covered. Wedding days have a lot of moving parts, and having two friends I could count on to jump in wherever needed made such a difference. I’m so grateful they were there by my side helping make sure everything came together perfectly for Katie and Matt!

Cheers to Katie and Matt! It was such a joy and an honor to play a small part in their beautiful wedding day. I hope that every time they look back at the photos, remember the special moments, and tell the stories from that day, they can’t help but smile. May the love and happiness they felt on their wedding day continue to grow with each passing year. Wishing them a lifetime filled with laughter, adventure, and so many wonderful memories together!

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

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