Five on Friday - December 31, 2021

This will be the last post for 2021!   What a year!  We have high hopes for 2022 and here's hoping the year lives up to our expectations.  To close out 2021 here's Five on Friday ~

1.  The Bachelor

On January 3 we'll get the meet the new Bachelor - Clayton!  I'll be honest, we've set out the last couple of seasons, but we're excited to see how Clayton handles his chore of finding a wife this season.  I've enlisted a group of friends to watch this season and we're hosting a viewing party to kick off the fun!  Can't wait to see what's sure to do the most dramatic season yet!

2. The Comfortable Kitchen
Looking for a new cookbook to kick off the new year? Here's one that promises 105 laid-back, healthy, and wholesome recipes. Amazon summarizes it like this ~

What does comfort mean in The Comfortable Kitchen? For Alex Snodgrass, New York Times bestselling author of The Defined Dish, bringing her family around the table to share a home-cooked meal is a favorite way to show love. Her recipes are designed to bring joy into that display of affection, from your own comfort cooking to your loved ones’ delight at the delicious flavors, to knowing that you’re caring for your family’s nutrition with each bite.

Though many of her meals are fully paleo compliant, or at the very least paleo-ish, there are plenty of other recipes with simple, flexible ingredient swaps for a cleaner meal when desired—perfect for people who are enjoying their “food freedom” stage of their health journey. And for those who have dietary restrictions, Alex clearly marks each recipe as gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and paleo, as appropriate.

Alex brings back the joy of being in the kitchen for those at all levels of cooking skill and provides food for every occasion, with soups, salads, pasta, vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains, apps, and sides ranging from one-pot meals to not-so-junky junk food--and even cocktails and desserts--with recipes including:
Cajun Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Green Curry Poached Halibut with Herbs
Texas Style Brisket Tacos
Herby Green Olive Pasta with Feta
Sheet Pan Honey-Sesame Cauliflower
Clayton’s Margarita
7-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

With 105 approachable and nutritious recipes for real, busy life, The Comfortable Kitchen is a must-have cookbook for everyone who cares about what they eat and what they make.

3.  Windshield Protector

We have seen any snow accumulation this year, but we know it's just a matter of time.  A few years ago, my mom got me a windshield protector and it's the best thing ever!  I have to park outside at work and it's such a pain when it snows or sleets during the day when I'm inside working.  This cover makes it so easy to clean your windows!  You literally have to just pull it off and the window underneath is perfectly clear.  Plan ahead and get yours now!

4.  Roll for It

Looking for a new game to play? Try Roll for It!  It's super easy to learn.  Roll the dice, match them to cards on the table, and win points.  It's a game of chance and quick decisions.  Two to four players ages 8 plus can play.  Great for playing during the long winter nights we have ahead.

5.  I'm on the wrong planet...

Have a safe and fun-filled New Year's Eve!  We are spending the evening with friends playing games and eating fabulous food.  See you in 2022!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - December 29, 2021

 

Are you breathing a sigh of relief now that all of the Christmas festivities are over? If you are like me, you can finally sit back, relax, and enjoy looking back through pictures and even making some plans for next year. I am a sucker for after-Christmas sales-especially for Christmas decorations! Maybe you are needing some fresh ideas for transitioning from Christmas to winter decorations.

Join this week’s blog hop to find inspiration from dozens of bloggers for all things home and family including crafts, decor, DIY, fashion, recipes, fitness, gardening, travel, home improvement, 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 never know when it will be your turn to be our next feature!

Before we get the party started, let's meet the hosts and check out this week's features.

Meet The Hosts

1. Ahna - HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Anne & AnnMarie - SIMPLY 2 MOMS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Angela - THE SHORT ORDER COOK | FB | IG | PINTEREST
4. Bev - ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
5. Cindy - SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE | FB | IG | PINTEREST
6. Emily - LeCULTIVATEUR | FB | IG | PINTEREST
7. Jana - HARVESTING HOME | FB | IG | PINTEREST
8. Kera - HAUTE HOUSE LOVE | FB | IG | PINTEREST
9. Penny - PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
10. Sinea - DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
11. Tammy - MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST
12. Tara - STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST

Top Viewed

Before Christmas At The Thrift Store by Thrifting Wonderland

Very Popular

A Vintage Christmas Home Tour by Common Ground

Flowers For Christmas by Thrifting Wonderland

Christmas Home Tour with A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

Editor's Choice

A New Year's Tablescape With a Timely Twist

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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - December 24, 2021

Happy Christmas Eve!  Wow - I'm not sure how we got here this fast, but here we are.  I've been playing this holiday one day at a time and I'm running out of days.  Today will be filled with wrapping, last-minute grocery shopping, and some cooking.  Before I start to tackle my to-do list, here's my five for this week ~

1.  American Underdog

American Underdog opens this weekend and tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner.  We had the privilege of sitting in our Rams seats and watching this story unfold in real-time and I can't wait to see how it's portrayed on the big screen.  Here's the movie summary from Rotten Tomatoes ~

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner's unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player -- but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

2.  Book Journal

In 2022, I want to keep track of the books I've read.  Do you keep a book journal?  This one from Anne Bogel looks like a good one.  Here's the description from Amazon ~

Anne Bogel, creator of the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog, provides you with insightful reading lists for every popular genre and each season. She even helps you determine the kinds of books you’d most like to read based on your interests. You’ll also appreciate the sleek, compact design, perfect for taking on the go to the library, bookstore, or your next book club gathering.

So much more than just a journal, this book is a joyful celebration of the written word, one that will significantly enrich every day of your reading life.

3.  KFC Firelog

Do you need a white elephant gift?  I might have the perfect thing!  Walmart exclusively carries the limited-edition KFC Firelog.  This firelog will fill your house with the aroma of 11 herbs and spices and will burn for two and a half to three hours.  Anyone over 21 who orders one by midnight on December 31 will be given a QR code that would win you a sweepstake for a luxury cabin getaway for up to eight people in Kentucky.

4.  Emily in Paris Season 2

Lily Collins is back in the second season of Emily in Paris which hit Netflix this week.  I'm so excited to have this to totally binge-watch over the holiday!  Season 2 is comprised of 10 episodes.  The critiques are saying season 2 is more of the same as season 1 and I think I might be okay with that.  I loved the first season and can't wait to see the shenanigans that season 2 will bring.

5.  Things to ponder...

Merry Christmas!  May your holidays be merry and bright!  We will be seeing family and spending time at home.  My to-do list is a mile long like it always is between Christmas and New Year's.  I'll be popping in next week to talk about my 2022 goals and 2021 reflections.  See you then!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - December 22, 2021

 WELCOME!

Christmas week is filled with last-minute gift buying, wrapping packages, parties to attend, and welcoming family and friends to celebrate this wonderful season. If you are searching for some inspiration on how to set your table for Christmas dinner or cute ideas for wrapping your gifts this year, you can definitely find some creative ideas right here.

Join this week’s blog hop to find inspiration from dozens of bloggers for all things home and family including crafts, decor, DIY, fashion, recipes, fitness, gardening, travel, home improvement, 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 never know when it will be your turn to be our next feature!

Before we get the party started, let's meet the hosts and check out this week's features.

Meet The Hosts

1. Ahna - HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Anne & AnnMarie - SIMPLY 2 MOMS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Angela - THE SHORT ORDER COOK | FB | IG | PINTEREST
4. Bev - ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
5. Cindy - SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE | FB | IG | PINTEREST
6. Emily - LeCULTIVATEUR | FB | IG | PINTEREST
7. Jana - HARVESTING HOME | FB | IG | PINTEREST
8. Kera - HAUTE HOUSE LOVE | FB | IG | PINTEREST
9. Penny - PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
10. Sinea - DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
11. Tammy - MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST
12. Tara - STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST

Top Viewed

Another Thrifting Adventure with Thrifting Wonderland

Very Popular

A Three-Tiered Christmas Stand by Penny's Passion

Fairy Ornaments by Thrifting Wonderland

No Mess Bacon by My Life Abundant

Editor's Choice

Snowy White Churches on a Beautiful Sideboard by Common Ground

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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Weekending - December 17, 2021

The weekends left in 2021 are dwindling fast!  We took full advantage of this past one.  Here's the rewind ~

Eric has a work trip at the end of the week and I tagged along.  Wednesday night we traveling to Des Moines, Iowa and I think the wind blew us halfway there!  Fortunately, we made it safely to the hotel and I got to spend Thursday in the hotel on Zoom calls while he headed off to his sales meeting.  You might recall that Eric switched jobs in August after being in the grocery store business for 30 years.  It has turned out to be a great move for him and he loves his new job.  Thursday night we attended his company holiday party which was so fun.  I'm already looking forward to next year's event!

Friday we departed Des Moines for my hometown to pick up my niece and nephews.  We scooped them up and arrived back home just in time to get them to bed.  

This year we added personalized ornaments to our tree.  Before calling it a night, the kids had fun slipping into their new Christmas pajamas that were waiting for them on their beds and finding their names on the tree.

Saturday morning we were up bright and early.  I had a couple special helpers making waffles!

We had reservations to go up in the Gateway Arch at 10:30 am.  I was pretty proud of myself for getting three kiddos fed, dressed, and in the car in time to make it on time!

Being from the St. Louis area, I've been up in the Arch more times than I can count.  But it's still fun taking new people and the kids' excitement was contagious.  They loved it!  If you're visiting St. Louis and want to take the ride to the top, plan ahead!  Times sell out and it's an attraction you don't want to miss.

In the afternoon, we divided up and went to the movie theater.  The boys saw the new Spiderman movie and I took my niece to see Encanto.  

After seeing the movies, we enjoyed a cruise through Wonder Lights.  This is by far the best drive-through light display we've been to.  As a matter of fact, this was our second time going this year.  Tickets have to be purchased in advance.  Get yours HERE.  It's all synchronized to music that you play over a radio station.  Truly amazing!

The little kids conked out soon after we got home.  We stayed up with our nephew Kayden to work on a puzzle.  It was way past our bedtime, but we got the entire 500 piece puzzle together!

Sunday we had a special surprise planned.  We invited more of my family and a few extended family members over for lunch.  Guess who showed up - SANTA!  I love having Santa at the house because it takes some of the kids a while to warm up to the big guy.  By the end of his visit, all the kids would at least stand next to him for pictures.  

The house had such a great feel to it with everyone there.  I love having all my people close!  Seeing the cousins interact with each other warms my heart.

When everyone left, Eric and I crashed on the couch and watched an episode of Yellowstone.  It was so quiet without the kids there!  

Now it's time to sprint to the finish of our Christmas preparations.  We are nowhere near ready with just a few days left.  I'm kind of taking it one day at a time, but the days are running out!  This is going to be a very busy week.  I'll be sharing a few special things this week, so pop back in to catch them.

Five on Friday - December 17, 2021

Happy Friday!  So glad you popped in today to see my five.  Let's take a look ~

1.  Call Santa Claus

Want to entertain the kids by letting them call Santa?  Here's his number:  605-313-4000.  The line is open 24/7 and ends by letting you leave a message.  His message goes like this, "Ho, ho ho, Merry Christmas!  This is Santa Claus and you have reached my personal hotline. We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning. And I want you to know that your family loves you very much and so do I, so be good and don’t forget to listen to your parents!”  Then he lets you know you can leave a message at the tone.  

2.  Spider-man No Way Home

The newest Spider-Man movie opens today!  Eric is taking our nephews this weekend while I take our niece to see Encanto.  The Spider-Man movie does sound exciting!  Here's the recap from Rotten Tomatoes ~

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero's identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange's help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who've ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.

3.  The Defense Lawyer

James Patterson is giving us the gift of his newest book right before Christmas!  The Defense Lawyer releases on Tuesday, December 20 and if you pre-order it now with Prime it should be in your hands before Christmas.  This would be a great book to curl up and read over the holidays.  Here's the summary from Amazon ~

For more than a decade, Barry Slotnick never lost a case—no matter how notorious or dangerous his clients.

Everyone deserves the best defense.

Known for his sharp mind, sharp suits, and bold courtroom strategies, Bronx-native Barry Slotnick is known as the best criminal lawyer in the US.

He calls himself “Liberty’s Last Champion.”

Slotnick mediates Bette Midler’s bathhouse contract and represents John Gotti, “The Dapper Don.” He defends “Subway Shooter” Bernie Goetz and negotiates future First Lady Melania Trump’s pre-nup.

His unparalleled legal brilliance defines a profession, a city—and an era.

4.  New Year's Photo Booth Frame and Props

I know a lot of us are still trying to get ready for Christmas, but New Year's is also right around the corner.  Pump up the fun on New Year's this year with a photo frame and props!  Rather you're celebrating with just a few friends and a whole crowd, pictures will be ones to cherish with this!

5.  Christmas tip...

We have the most fun weekend planned!  We are picking up our niece and nephews today and they will be spending the weekend with us.  Saturday will be full of fun and then we have a surprise on Sunday.  Pop in next week to see what it is!

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - December 16, 2021

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. 

Today I'm reflecting on our dining room when it's all decked out for Christmas.  I love dragging out all the Christmas dishes, silver, and crystal glasses to set the table.  Lots of people never use the good stuff, but I'm not one of them!  Every day is special, so why not bust out the special stuff every chance you get!

My friend Carol gave me these Christmas dishes the first year we were in our house.  I was telling her about them and how they would match our dining room so well.  Soon after, they magically appeared at my house.  I've used them every year since!  

We invested in a long and low centerpiece years ago and it's held up great!  I've thought about changing it, but honestly, it's beautiful and I still love it.  So, if it's not broken don't try to fix it!

Notice that Christmas tree in the corner?  Its white lights and glistening ornaments add the perfect Christmas touch and rounds out the dining room.  

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