Five on Friday - September 30, 2022

Hip, hip, hooray - it's Friday!  Here's my five for this week ~

1.  Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme 

There is something very special happening today at participating Krispy Kreme.  Today you can get their original doughnut glazed in chocolate.  That's right - glazed in CHOCOLATE!  If you're a chocolate lover, race to your nearest participating store to grab a dozen while they are here.  Tomorrow they will be off the menu.  

2.  Bros

Bros is released today and it's one Eric and I definitely want to see.  We've seen the previews and they make me laugh every time I see it.  Here's the synposis from MovieWeb ~

Bros already makes history in three different ways. It is the first major studio gay rom-com, the first studio film featuring an all-LGBTQ+ cast in both queer and straight roles, and its creator, Billy Eichner, is the first openly gay man to write and star in his own studio film. Nicholas Stoller, who directed the 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall and co-directed the 2016 animated film Storks and the Netflix comedy series Friends From College, directed and co-wrote this pioneering big-screen project. Produced by Judd Apatow, known for his work on the popular HBO series Girls, this movie is guaranteed to garner plenty of laughs.

3.  Halloween Pillow Covers

We're starting to transition into Fall at our house, but Halloween will be here before you know it.  I love using pillow covers to help decorate for each changing season.  These Halloween ones from Amazon caught my eye this week!  Just get yourself some pillow inserts and use them over and over each time you change up the covers.  Such an easy way to add a special touch to your house each holiday.  And the best part is they fold up and are easy to store away until that holiday rolls around again.

   

4.  Verity with Extra Chapter

Last weekend I consumed Verity by Colleen Hoover and absolutely loved it!  I just found out that this week a new version of the book was released with an exclusive new chapter.  WHAT?!?  Now I'm dying to get my hands on the newest book so I can drive in to the extra chapter.  Very clever marketing ploy.  If you haven't read it, I strongly urge you to put it on your to be read list.  And if anyone what's to loan me their version with the extra chapter, I'd be forever grateful.  Here's the book summary from Amazon ~

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.

5.  Ever Feel This Way...

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!  I'm going to be finishing up some wedding invitations for a wedding we're helping with in Novemer.  Hopefully we're going to a pumpkin patch too.  See you next week!

2022 Fall Mantel

It's beginning to feel a lot like Fall around here!  This week we've been able to sleep with the windows open at night and it's a bit nippy in the mornings when we wake up.  I've also dug out a couple sweaters and some boots to wear to work.  Since we are moving into the heart of Autumn, I thought it was time for the mantel to get a little facelift for the season too!  That's what I'm thinking about today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday!

I wasn't really feeling like jumping straight to Halloween, so I thought we would do a little pumpkin transition.  A trip to Hobby Lobby later, I found a couple pictures that fit the theme and went from there.  

The picture with the saying is something we should all remember.  Fall is proof that change is beautiful!

Everything else on the mantel came straight from our stash of fall decorations we had in the basement.  

The theme carried through to each side of the hearth.  

Now that the mantel has embraced the transition away from summer, I'll start working on the rest of the house!  😊

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 - September 28, 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

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

TOP VIEWED

A Few Fall Changes - A New Look

VERY POPULAR

Prettiest Trends for Fall

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pumpkin Scones with Glaze and Candied Pecans

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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Weekending - September 23, 2022

What a memorable weekend!  It was the one my nephew got married!  We were able to spend the majority of the weekend with family and friends, which made it extra special.  Seeing my nephew tie the knot with the love of his life was beautiful.

Friday I had a vacation day and Eric scooted off to work.  I may have spent just a little longer than I should have sitting in my cozy chair, drinking a cup of coffee, and reading a book.  Verity was next up on my reading list and when I started it on Thursday night I wasn't sure I could put it down.  

The weather on Friday was dismal.  The temperature was very cool and it was rainy.  The problem with this was the rehearsal for the wedding was supposed to be outside at the venue, but no way was that going to happen.  We quickly pivoted and held the rehearsal at the reception site, inside where it was nice and dry.  My brother and sister-in-law hosted a fun rehearsal dinner and the mood was set for a festive wedding day on Saturday.

Saturday we woke up to perfect weather for an outdoor wedding!  There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was going to reach 85.  Mother Nature was definitely on the wedding couple's side! 

 This was the first wedding I officiated.  It was such an honor for my niece-to-be to ask me and I'm not going to lie, I was a bit nervous.  The one thing I hadn't mentally prepared myself for was the tears that sprang to my eyes when my nephew and brother hugged and again when I saw the beautiful bride walking down the aisle.

My niece was the flower girl and my two great nephews were the ring bearers.  I wasn't able to get a picture of the boys, but my niece would pose all day for the camera.  

The reception was full of eating, dancing, and lots of catching up with friends we hadn't seen in a while.  

And twirling.  Lots and lots of twirling!

I remembered to get everyone to sign the marriage license so I'd say my first attempt at officiating a wedding was a success!

After all the fun on Saturday, we slept in on Sunday and had a fairly low-key day.  We traveled home, stopped by an art fair, and then went over to our son and daughter-in-law's to watch the Chief game.  Very disappointed that they fell to the Colts, but my son's chili was fantastic!

I'm so grateful we were able to share in the joy of the weekend and celebrate with the new Mr. and Mrs. Talbot.  Wishing them all the best and can't wait to see what the future holds for them!

September Stitch Fix Review

It has been a minute since I've used Stitch Fix.  Like pre-pandemic.  I haven't done much with my wardrobe for the last couple of years.  But as we're getting more and more back to normal, we're having in-person meetings and get-togethers way more frequently.  It's time to take a closer look at what I'm wearing.  Stitch Fix to the rescue!

Let me explain how it works for those who may not know about Stitch Fix or are on the fence about trying it.  You let them know your styling preferences and how often you would like to get a "fix".  A "fix" consists of 5 items.  There are several ways to communicate with your stylist.  After filling out an online survey to understand what you like and your size, you can also send them a note or pictures so they better understand what you're looking for.  The styling fee is $20, which will be credited if you purchase anything from your box.  

I love opening the box and inspecting all the goodies inside.  My September fix consisted of 2 tops, 1 pair of pants, jewelry, and 1 sweater.  

Out of the five items, three are going in my closet to keep.  I'm sending back one of the tops and the jewelry.  They are not going back because I didn't like them, I just didn't love them.  What I did love was one blouse, the pair of pants and the sweater.

The pants fit perfectly and have the cutest detail on the hem.  There's a little cut-away on the side of the hem that adds a touch of flair.  They will be great for work or play.

Purple isn't something I have a ton of in my wardrobe, so the top and sweater will be a great addition.  The blouse has a scalloped neckline which I love!  

The purple sweater matches the top, but will also work great with other tops I have in my closet.  Love it!

This top is going back ~

I thought about keeping it too, but it's cotton, and not sure how it would look after I washed it a few times.  The thought of having to iron it helped me make the decision to send it back.

If you're interested in seeing what the Stitch Fix stylists would pick out for you, click HERE to get a $25 credit.  My next fix is coming in November and I'm already excited to see what's inside!

Five on Friday - September 23, 2022

So glad it's finally Friday!  I'm off work today so I don't have to wait until five o'clock to start the weekend.  YAY!  Let's start it off with my five for this week ~

1.  Avatar

The 2009 Academy Award-winning Avatar returns to theaters today for a whole new generation to see.  The sequel is coming out in December, so we have a chance to see the first one again and familiarize ourselves again with what happened in the alien world of Pandora.  I'm kind of excited to see it again.  Here's the summary: 

On the lush alien world of Pandora live the Na'vi, beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planet's environment is poisonous, human/Na'vi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na'vi woman (Zoe Saldana). As a bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world.

2.  Hostess Bouncers

Hostess has taken our favorite products and made them smaller.  They are calling them bouncers!  Bouncers are creme-filled snack cakes that are easy to pack in a lunch box.  Right now, the smaller versions are available for Twinkies, Glazed Chocolate Ding Dongs (my favorite!), and Cinnamon Donettes.  Sounds like great snacks for a road trip!  If I see these in the store, they are definitely going in my cart.

3.  Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks strikes again!  His newest book was released this week and I hear it's another hit.  Here's the summary from Amazon ~

Colby Mills once felt destined for a musical career, until tragedy grounded his aspirations. Now the head of a small family farm in North Carolina, he spontaneously takes a gig playing at a bar in St. Pete Beach, Florida, seeking a rare break from his duties at home.
But when he meets Morgan Lee, his world is turned upside-down, making him wonder if the responsibilities he has shouldered need dictate his life forever. The daughter of affluent Chicago doctors, Morgan has graduated from a prestigious college music program with the ambition to move to Nashville and become a star. Romantically and musically, she and Colby complete each other in a way that neither has ever known.
While they are falling headlong in love, Beverly is on a heart-pounding journey of another kind. Fleeing an abusive husband with her six-year-old son, she is trying to piece together a life for them in a small town far off the beaten track. With money running out and danger seemingly around every corner, she makes a desperate decision that will rewrite everything she knows to be true.
In the course of a single unforgettable week, two young people will navigate the exhilarating heights and heartbreak of first love. Hundreds of miles away, Beverly will put her love for her young son to the test. And fate will draw all three people together in a web of life-altering connections . . . forcing each to wonder whether the dream of a better life can ever survive the weight of the past.

4.  BOO Earrings

Do you have big plans for Halloween?  I have a few things coming up and from the minute I spotted these earrings, they've been on my wish list.  Aren't they so cute!  The price is right too.  Pretty sure the Amazon driver will be dropping these off at my doorstep.  

5.  Hmmm...

This is going to be the best weekend!  We are going to our nephew's wedding!  And I'm the officiant!  Wish me luck. See you back next week.

2022 Fall Goals

Hello!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Yesterday our temperature in St. Louis reached a balmy 95 degrees.  And Mother Nature must have gotten the memo that today was the first day of fall because our high today...71 degrees!  The perfect temperature to usher in autumn!  I'm thinking out loud today about some of our goals for this season.

Sort through my fall and winter clothes.

This hasn't happened in a few years and I know I could make a massive donation of clothes I haven't worn in a while.  It seems that since the pandemic, I really don't have a grip on what clothes I even own.  Who knows what treasures I'll find buried deep in my closet!  

Take a Scenic Fall Foliage Drive

I'm putting Eric in charge of finding a scenic route for us to take.  He loves reading Midwest Living Magazine and I'm confident that he will route the perfect weekend drive for us to enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

Make Apple Butter

Years ago, making apple butter was an annual ritual in our house.  Somewhere over the course of time, I've lost my recipe and stopped making the little jars of spicy apple puree.  Even if I can't put my hands on my old recipe, with Pinterest around I'm sure I can come up with something close.  

"Boo" My Friends at Work

Who doesn't like to get to work and have a little surprise waiting on your desk?  Fall is the perfect time to leave a little "boo" treat for friends to brighten their day. 

Create Thanksgiving Cards

Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays.  It's the perfect time to send a note of thanksgiving to family and friends.  If I start thinking about it now, maybe I'll actually get a few cards made and in the mail by November!

Go to the Farmer's Market

We have the most wonderful farmer's market in St. Louis in the Soulard neighborhood.  Fall is the perfect time to visit.  Can't wait to meander up and down the rows of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables!  There's also a fabulous Bloody Mary stand that's hard to walk past.

That's a few things on my fall goals list.   What's are yours?  I would love to hear some of your ideas!

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

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Five on Friday - September 16, 2022

 Happy Friday!  Thanks for popping in today for Five on Friday.  Let's see what I have for you today~

1.  Mummy Mug from Target

Target has the cutest Halloween mug and it's only $5!  This adorable mummy mug holds 12 ounces of the favorite drink.  If your coffee or hot chocolate gets cold, no worries.  Just pop it in the microwave to warm it up.  It's even dishwasher safe for easy washing.  I might need 1 (or 6) of these!

2.  Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
It's back - again.  That scrumptious seasoned beef and refried beans between two Mexican Pizza shells with Mexican Pizza sauce, three-cheese blend, and tomatoes on top Mexican Pizza is once again available at Taco Bell.  You know which drive-through I'll be in this weekend!

3.  Thermal-Aid Zoo
I was recently on the lookout for a baby shower gift week and ran across this gem.  This mini cuddly stuffed monkey can be a cold ice pack or a warm compress.  Keep it in the freezer and it becomes an ice pack for boo-boos or slip it in the microwave if you need a heating pad.  It's filled with a patented, natural corn filling and is mold-resistant.  A must-have when stocking a baby's first aid kit.  Plus, it's just so darn cute!

4.  Vintage Long-Sleeve Tunic Sweatshirt

Last Sunday it was downright cool in St. Louis.  I got excited for Fall and ordered this sweatshirt from Old Navy.  It's the coziest, softest sweatshirt I've had in a long time.  The length is longer, perfect for leggings.  Now I'm kind of getting excited about colder weather.  Get yours HERE.

5.  True Statement...

Okay, let's get this weekend started!  Eric and I worked last Saturday and Sunday so we are both excited to have a couple days off.  Tomorrow I plan on having a slow morning and doing a lot of relaxing.  I have book club on Monday and need to finish the book.  The perfect excuse to spend some time reading this weekend!  Then on Tuesday, we're hosting a Bachelorette Finale party.  Oh, the drama!  Pop back in next week to see how it goes.

Let's Make Cabbage on the Grill

Hey there!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  Today I'm sharing a recipe I just can't stop thinking about!

For reasons I can't really figure out, we haven't used our outdoor grill much this year.  A few weeks ago Eric replaced some of the parts in the grill and we were anxious to light it up.  If you are from St. Louis, a popular meat to throw on the grill is pork steaks.  If you've never had them, you don't know what you're missing!  One of the dishes I love to have alongside our pork steaks is cabbage on the grill.  It's so easy and cooks beside your meat.  

Here's What You Need

1 Head of Cabbage

1 Onion

1 Stick of Butter

Garlic Salt

Seasoned Salt

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

Here's What You Do

Tear off a couple large pieces of aluminum foil.  We like keeping a roll of the heavy-duty kind on hand and the pieces we use are about 18" square.  Lay one piece on top of the other for double thickness.  

Chop up the head of cabbage and onion.  Lay on top of the foil.  Cut the butter into squares and dot the top of the cabbage and onion.

Sprinkle garlic salt and seasoned salt on the top.  My brother likes to pour some beer on top.  That does change the flavor a bit, so if you're a beer fan give it a try.

Close up the foil to make a foil packet.  If your square isn't big enough to close the top, put another piece of foil on the top to close it off.  Place the foil packet on your hot grill.

Let the foil pack stay on the grill for about 30 minutes.  Your cabbage will cook to a nicely flavored, tender doneness.

This is one of our favorite side dishes to have with barbeque!  It's so easy to make and you don't even have to dirty any dishes making it.  Definitely a win-win!  

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

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