Wednesday, August 31, 2022

What I Read In August

It's September!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm reflecting on the books I read in August.

August was a busy month so I was pleasantly surprised when I looked back and realized I read three whole books.  I know - a lot of you book people probably whip through three books a week.  But for me reading three books in a busy month is quite the feat!  Here's a summary ~


First up is Book Lovers by Emily Henry.  I'm not going to lie, I'd seen this book floating around the internet and I totally judged the book by the cover.  That cover just didn't seem appealing to me and it wasn't until my daughter-in-law raved about it that I decided to give it a try.  I know, don't judge a book by the cover!  Lesson reaffirmed.  

I totally loved this book and would give it a 5 out of 5.  Emily Henry has other books out (Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, Happy Place) and they are all going on my to-be-read list.  Here's the summary from Amazon ~
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming...

Nora Stephens' life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
 

I've been making a conscious effort to read more books that are "free" with my Kindle Unlimited membership.  This month I read When I'm Gone with my subscription.  Love it too!  Summary ~
Dear Luke,
First let me say—I love you…I didn’t want to leave you…


Luke Richardson has returned home after burying Natalie, his beloved wife of sixteen years, ready to face the hard job of raising their three children alone. But there’s something he’s not prepared for—a blue envelope with his name scrawled across the front in Natalie’s handwriting, waiting for him on the floor of their suburban Michigan home.

The letter inside, written on the first day of Natalie’s cancer treatment a year ago, turns out to be the first of many. Luke is convinced they’re genuine, but who is delivering them? As his obsession with the letters grows, Luke uncovers long-buried secrets that make him question everything he knew about his wife and their family. But the revelations also point the way toward a future where love goes on—in written words, in memories, and in the promises it’s never too late to keep.
 

The last book is The Book Woman's Daughter.  This is a sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which I read for book club a couple years ago.  I was so intrigued with the story of Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, coupled with the fact that the delivery lady had a condition where her skin was blue, from the first book that I just had to read the second book.  I wasn't as thrilled with this one as I was with the first, but it was still a decent read.  
In the ruggedness of the beautiful Kentucky mountains, Honey Lovett has always known that the old ways can make a hard life harder. As the daughter of the famed blue-skinned Troublesome Creek packhorse librarian, Honey and her family have been hiding from the law all her life. But when her mother and father are imprisoned, Honey realizes she must fight to stay free, or risk being sent away for good.

Picking up her mother’s old packhorse library route, Honey begins to deliver books to the remote hollers of Appalachia. Honey is looking to prove that she doesn’t need anyone telling her how to survive. But the route can be treacherous, and some folks aren’t as keen to let a woman pave her own way.

If Honey wants to bring the freedom that books provide to the families who need it most, she’s going to have to fight for her place, and along the way, learn that the extraordinary women who run the hills and hollers can make all the difference in the world. 



And that's a wrap on my August reading!  What was your favorite read from the month?

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

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Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 31, 2022

 

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you are here. 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

blog hop cohosts

Please follow the hosts on at least 1 social media channel!

  1. Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  2. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  3. Cindy – SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE FB | IG | PINTEREST
  4. Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR FB | IG | PINTEREST
  5. Jana – HARVESTING HOME | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  6. Pam – AN ARTFUL MOM | IG | PINTEREST
  7. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  8. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  9. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  10. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST

MOST VIEWED






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Weekending - August 26, 2022

Hi friends!  August's last weekend is behind us.  Here's the rewind on how it went down for us ~

Friday night we met up with our son and daughter-in-law for dinner at a new to us place.  1818 Offshore  had a patio where we could enjoy dining alfresco.  It actually made me look forward to Fall coming so we could do more dining outside.  It was great to have a casual evening catching up!  Eric is a big fan of oysters and they had great ones!


We capped off the evening with ice cream and headed home.  Once home and tucked in for the night, we watched an episode of the new Netflix show Partner Track.  Are you watching?  We liked it and caught a couple more episodes throughout the weekend.


Saturday I did a food demo at a local Target store handing out Thelma's ice cream sandwiches.  Their new seasonal flavor, pumpkin spice, just hit our St. Louis market and if you haven't tried one yet put it on your list to do ASAP!  The perfectly flavored pumpkin spice cookies are filled with cinnamon ice cream.  So, so good!


After the demo, Eric and I met up with our friends for lunch.  We got to the restaurant first and couldn't resist having a cocktail.


This was supposed to be a girls' weekend for me, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel.  My friend Sharyn and I, along with our husbands, met up for lunch anyway and had a great afternoon enjoying margaritas and Mexican food at Rosalita's.  Even though we didn't get to spend the whole weekend having fun together, it was great to at least spend some time together.


Sunday we went to the theater to finally see Bullet Train.  Man, that movie has a lot going on!  No one mentioned there was a snake in the movie, so I spent a good amount of time with my face buried in the blanket I always bring to the movie with me.  It was fun seeing so many cameos.  There were parts that made me laugh out load.  Overall, we thought it was ok.  


Sunday night we had the most gorgeous sunset.  It was a great way to cap off the weekend!


Hope your week is off to a fabulous start!  It's hard to believe we are wrapping up August this week and moving on to September.  Fall season here we come!

Friday, August 26, 2022

Five on Friday - August 26, 2022

It's Friday!  I was away from home for work most of this week and I'm glad to be facing a few days to get caught up.  Let me kick off the weekend by sharing my five for today ~

1.  National Dog Day
You've probably noticed your Facebook feed filled with dogs today.  It's because today is National Dog Day!  Even though we don't currently have a dog as a pet, we still carry fond memories of when we did.  If you're looking for a dog companion, please remember there are hundreds of dogs available in shelters ready for adoption.

2.  The Good Boss
There's a movie out today that I'm adding to our to-be-watched list.  It's called The Good Boss.  I haven't seen much about it, but the previews look good.  It's playing in a few theaters around St. Louis so maybe we'll try to get to one this weekend.  Here's the summary ~
Bardem stars as the charismatic Blanco, a proprietor awaiting the imminent visit from a committee that will decide if they merit a local Business Excellence award. Working against the clock, Blanco pulls out all the stops to address and resolve issues with his employees, crossing every imaginable line in the process. A biting dark comedy, THE GOOD BOSS is a portrait of depersonalization and the deterioration of labor relations, a landscape of a time in which outdated concepts such as solidarity, ethics or the common good seem to have been erased from the employment map, only to be replaced by the logic of profit and precariousness.

3.  Swiss Dot Smocked Mini Dress
Last weekend I was going to a bridal shower and I wanted something new to wear.  The problem was I had no time to go shopping, so I turned to Amazon.  I found this dress and with Prime, it was on my doorstep in two days.  It was great!  Several people complimented me on this little number and I can't wait to wear it again.


4.  Reminder...
Kids are going back to school.  Be on the lookout for those school buses that are carrying our precious cargo.



5.  Can you relate?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!  I'm hoping to spend some time curled up on the couch doing nothing.  Eric and I are also going to be at Target in Fenton, Missouri on Saturday morning giving away samples of Thelma's ice cream sandwiches (best ice cream sandwiches in the world!).  See you next week!

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 24, 2022

Hope you enjoy this week’s Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you are here.

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. Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  2. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  3. Cindy – SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE FB | IG | PINTEREST
  4. Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR FB | IG | PINTEREST
  5. Jana – HARVESTING HOME | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  6. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  7. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  8. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  9. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
  10. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

How to Create a Habit of Using Your Planner


VERY POPULAR

A Sunflower Mantel and Late Summer Inspiration


WHO ELSE WANTS A NEW UPSIDE-DOWN UPGRADE


EDITOR'S CHOICE FOR FALL IDEAS

DIY Fall Decor Crafts You Need to Start Now


Fall Apartment Entryway Decor


LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

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Friday, August 19, 2022

Five on Friday - August 19, 2022

Let's hear it for Friday!  Here's my five for the week~

1.  House of the Dragon
Okay all you Game of Thrones lovers - I know you are excited for House of the Dragon to start Sunday night.  This prequel to Game of Thrones is based on George R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," series, which is set 200 years before the Game of Thrones story.  We will now learn about the story of House Targaryen.  Who's excited?


Danielle Steel has been cracking out the books lately and her latest, The Challenge, hit the stands on Tuesday.  Here's the summary ~
Fishtail, Montana, is home to Anne and Pitt Pollock, local royalty, high school sweethearts, and owners of the successful Pollock ranch. The sprawling foothills of the Beartooth Mountains surround the town, overlooking the Pollocks’ property and the nearby ranch belonging to Bill and Pattie Brown. The two couples have known each other since childhood.

Their sons Peter Pollock and Matt Brown are also the best of friends. When they and two other local kids meet Juliet Marshall, new to town after her parents’ bitter divorce, the five of them are soon inseparable, spending their summer days swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.

But one August afternoon, their latest adventure takes a dangerous turn—and quickly escalates into a battle for survival—when they find themselves trapped on Granite Peak. Fear reverberates through the town as their parents grow ever more desperate to hear word that their children have been found. They must place their own trials aside amid a massive search-and-rescue operation. As they come to lean on one another for support, a media frenzy ensues, heightening tensions and testing some already fragile relationships.

In the aftermath of this one fateful event, devastating secrets are revealed, new love appears on the horizon, and families are forced to reconsider what they once held dear. In The Challenge, Danielle Steel deftly weaves a story that is a portrait of courage and a striking tale of the bonds of love and family.


3.  Pumpkin Spice at Krispy Kreme
If you haven't been by Krispy Kreme lately, you might want to swing by and get some pumpkin spice doughnuts and drinks.  They are going all in with the fall flavor!  On the doughnut side, you can choose from Pumpkin Spice Latte Swirl, Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed, Pumpkin Spice Cake, or Pumpkin Spice Original Filled Cheesecake.  If you can't decide, grab a dozen of assorted.  Wash them down with a Pumpkin Spice Latte or a Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee.  You can get your fill of the pumpkin spice with just one drive-through trip!

Check out these pens - they make the most fun lines!  These babies could make any journal look so fancy!  The set consists of 8 vivid and classic colors.  One end marks a fine line while the other end makes the cool designs.  My doodling is about to go to a whole new level.



5.  There you have it...


Have a fantastic weekend!  I'm getting ready for a bridal shower and will be taking a road trip with my daughter-in-law to get there.  Fun times!

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Sunflower Themed Tiered Tray

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm thinking about our newly decorated three-tier tray!

Last week I finally decided it was time to take down our patriotic tiered-tray decorations and bring out the sunflowers.  Sunflowers always remind me that summer is coming to an end, so I'm kind of close to bringing them out.   It didn't take me long to warm up to their look though!



For years we had the same decorations in our kitchen window.  For the last few years, we've used the space to reflect the change in season or holiday.




The decorations are spread out on each side of the tiered tray.  



It's hard not to smile when you see the bright sunflowers!  It sure makes standing at the sink doing dishes a lot more pleasant!  


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


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Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 17, 2022

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you are here. 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

blog hop cohosts

Please follow the hosts on at least 1 social media channel!

  1. Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  2. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  3. Cindy – SIMPLE STEPS FOR LIVING LIFE FB | IG | PINTEREST
  4. Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR FB | IG | PINTEREST
  5. Jana – HARVESTING HOME | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  6. Pam – AN ARTFUL MOM | IG | PINTEREST
  7. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  8. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  9. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  10. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST

MOST VIEWED

Copy Cat recipes

25 Excellent Copy Cat Recipes by Ducks ‘n a Row

VERY POPULAR

book reads for July

What I Read in July from Penny’s Passion

fall decor ideas

Farmhouse Fall Décor Ideas from My Abundant Life

EDITOR’S PICK

DIY teacher bracelets

Heishi Teacher DIY Bracelet Set from Artsy Fartsy Mama

sunshine wall art

Easy Rainbow DIY Felt Wall Art from Creatively Beth

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