Five on Friday - June 28, 2024

Hi there!  Happy Friday!  I'm in a little bit of shock that this is the last weekend of June.  Where is the summer going?!?  Before we get into the weekend, let's look at my five for today ~

1.  Resurrection

Danielle Steel's newest book hit the stands this week.  I know you're not supposed to judge a book by the cover, but I'm a sucker for anything that has the Eiffel Tower on it.  If the Eiffel Tower wasn't enough, the book's character is a blogger!  Here's the summary ~

Darcy Gray is a successful influencer with her blog, The Gray Zone, trusted by more than a million followers for her integrity and taste. At forty-two, she has the life she wants in many ways. Darcy and her husband, department store magnate Charles Gray, are a power couple in Manhattan and on the international stage. Their beloved twin daughters are each enjoying their junior year abroad, Penny in Hong Kong and Zoe at the Sorbonne in Paris.

To celebrate twenty years of marriage, Darcy impulsively flies to Rome to surprise Charlie, who is tending to business interests there. Instead, she gets the shock of her life, which upends her whole world.

Still reeling, Darcy flees to Paris to see Zoe. But a rapidly escalating worldwide health crisis forces her to remain indefinitely in France. Suddenly thrust into a gray zone of her own, her forced separation from Zoe and the rest of her family feels like too much to bear . . .

Until Darcy finds a welcoming refuge in the home of the aging French movie star Sybille Carton. There, she meets a widowed American engineer and former Marine who is also stranded. Bill Thompson is kind and courteous but also carries an air of mystery about him. In this shared confinement, and despite worries about her girls, Darcy begins to see glimpses of new possibilities.

In Resurrection, Danielle Steel poignantly shows how the hardest of times can give birth to a beautiful new life.

Available HERE

2.  Krispy Kreme 

Fourth of July is next week and if you're looking for a fun way to celebrate, look at these adorable doughnuts from Krispy Kreme!  The Star Spangled Sweetness Specialty dozen includes 3 Freedom Flag, 3 Cotton Candy Sparkler, 3 Firework Cookies & Kreme™, and 3 Original Glazed® doughnuts. The kiddos would love starting the day by eating the delicious patriotic treats.  Oh, who am I kidding, the adults would love them too!  I see a trip through the drive-thru in my future.  Pick up your dozen in our specialty box today!

3.  Reader Sunglasses 

I buy readers in bulk.  They are on every end table in the house, in every purse, and shoved in my suitcases.  And still, I find myself occasionally looking for a pair!  Somewhere I had misplaced my reading sunglasses so it prompted me to buy another set of readers to sprinkle through the house.  The sunglasses usually get lost first, but the price for the set isn't too bad if I have to reorder.  With summer here, reading outside in the sun happens more frequently.  These are my latest additions to my reader collection ~

Available HERE

4.  Horizon - An American Saga

This weekend I'm carving out some time to watch Horizon - An American Saga.  Kevin Costner is starring in the movie with several other stars by his side.  Chapter 1 opens today and Chapter 2 will follow in August.  Here's the summary ~

In the great tradition of Warner Bros. Pictures’ iconic Westerns, Horizon: An American Saga explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Kevin Costner’s ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.

5.  Know this feeling?

Have a great weekend!  We have very little on the agenda and I'm fine with that.  A couple days of putzing around sounds pretty great!  See you next week.

Let's Go to Waco! Days 3 and 4

Hello!  So glad you stopped by Thinking Out Loud Thursday today.  I'm going to share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm wrapping up the summary of my trip to Waco and The Silos!  If you missed the recap from days 1 and 2, you can find it HERE.  

My friend Sherri and I were excited to start our day at The Silos on Monday!  We had purchased tickets for the 45-minute tour of the grounds and wanted to grab a little something at the coffee shop before our tour started.  

If you are interested in taking the tour of the grounds, buy your tickets in advance because it does sell out.  Tickets are available HERE.  Currently, you can also purchase tickets for two of the renovations Chip and Joanna have done.  Unfortunately, these were not available when we were there.  Oh well, it gives us something to look forward to if we ever go back!  

The tour of the grounds was interesting and gave us quite a bit of history.  Our tour guide was so darn cute and entertained every question posed to her.  One of the areas you only get to see if you're on the tour is the rooftop.  Our guide said they really aren't using the area for anything right now besides bringing people up on the tours.  My mind immediately started thinking of all the cool ways it could be put to use:  weddings, corporate events, private dining with a cooking class.  Joanna - if you're reading this and need an event coordinator for this space, let me know!

After the tour, we needed to leave the Silos and get to our lunch destination at Magnolia Table.  The restaurant, Magnolia Table, is about a 15-minute drive from the Silos.  This is another place you are going to want to make a reservation in advance.   We had a short wait that we filled up by looking through the gift shop and then sat down to enjoy the culinary choices.  I had seen Joanna make strawberry butter on one of her cooking shows, so I was excited to see how it tasted in person.  It was as good as I had hoped it would be!

My selection for lunch was the 1919 Pimiento Grilled Cheese.  I love a good grilled cheese and this one was delicious!  

After lunch, we headed back to The Silos for more browsing and exploring.  On the grounds, there is a church that was moved to this location.  Like the rooftop, the church currently has nothing happening inside it.  And again, my mind was on fire with all the possibilities this space could be!

One of the unique things on the grounds is the Katy Ballpark.  The field is set up to play wiffle ball now, but the field once hosted the great Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in a game.  

You can even place your feet on the brass plates that are the exact place of Babe Ruth's stance.  Pretty cool!

We filled the afternoon by wandering in and out of the shops and taking in all the decorating ideas on display.  When we had our fill for the day, we decided to visit some other shops around town we hadn't gotten to on Sunday.

One of the things I love to do in cities I'm visiting is to go to a local bookstore.  The bookstore we visited in Waco was Fabled Bookshop and Cafe.  It was adorable!  

Store clerk Abby and I were even reading the same book!

There were several unique reading nooks throughout the space.  They even had a special area for kids and a story hour just for them!

For dinner, we picked a local favorite - George O's.  It was a fun atmosphere to sit back and relax.  We reflected on our day and mapped out a plan for the next day.  We'd have a little bit of time in Waco before flying home.

Tuesday morning we check out of our treehouse and found our way back to The Silos.  We still had a bit of the grounds we wanted to explore and we were also going to have lunch from one of the food trucks on site.

For lunch, we each selected what sounded good to us from the variety of food trucks on the grounds.  My choice was once again a grilled cheese!

To drink, I had to try the sweet tea from The Alabama Sweet Tea Company.  When we buy a drink, it comes in a refillable glass jar you get to keep.  If you're thinking of getting a glass, I would suggest buying it early so you can take advantage of the refills!

All through our visit to Waco, I was enamored by the vibrant street art and murals, which add a lot of character to the city.  Here's a few ~

After lunch, we traveled back to Austin for our flight home.  Exploring Waco and The Silos, enjoying the food at Magnolia Table, and appreciating the street art has created many wonderful memories.  So glad I got to experience it all with a good friend!

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 - June 26, 2024

 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

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 | TWITTER
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
5. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
6. Denise –THISISMYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

Grilled Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwich

VERY POPULAR

Chicken Pillows

Fruit Tarts with Puff Pastry

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Lemon Tart Recipe

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 - June 21, 2024

Oh boy - this Friday rolled around really quick!  Thanks for popping in to see my five for today.  Let's get started ~

1.  I  Am Celine Dion

Celine Dion's story took quite a turn a few years ago when she had to stop touring because of a rare illness.  The five-time Grammy winner is giving us a look inside her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS) in her new film titled I Am Celine Dion.  It opens today on Prime Video.  The soundtrack will also be available starting today.  Here's the summary of the show ~

Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I AM: CELINE DION gives us a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar's struggle with a life-altering illness. Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

Soundtrack available HERE

2.  Face Scrubber

I absolutely LOVE these face scrubbers!  I've used them for years and recently needed to update mine.  They are made of soft silicone with a nice little suction on the back for easy holding.  It's like using an exfoliator and massager all in one.  I keep one in my travel bag too. They come in a pack of four, so you'll have a few to share with friends!  

Available HERE

3.  Ed Sheeran - X

It's been 10 years since Ed Sheeran released X.  Today is the release of the 10th Anniversary Edition!  It includes the original 12-track album plus 9 bonus tracks that have never been released on vinyl before.  Ed Sheeran is one of my favorites and I'm excited to listen to this album over and over again.  

Available HERE

4.  Strawberry Moon

Look up into the sky tonight to catch the Strawberry Moon!  What's a strawberry moon you ask.  It links back to the ripening of wild strawberries in June.  This year the strawberry moon coincides with the summer soltice, giving us a super bright view.  Peak illumination is today at 9:08 pm EDT, but you can see the full moon through Sunday morning.  Our eyes will definitely be on the sky tonight!

5.  This could be me...

Have a great weekend!  We are headed to my friend's house in Monticello to go to a rodeo!  I'm so excited to spend some time with friends.  It's going to be an awesome few days.  See you back next week!

Let's Go to Waco! - Days 1 and 2

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Thursday is the day I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reminiscing about a recent trip I took to Waco, Texas with a friend of mine.

Earlier this spring my friend Sherri and I ventured to Waco, Texas to soak in all things Magnolia.  We were both fans of Joanna and Chip Gaines and wanted to check out the empire they had built in Waco.  

We flew from St. Louis to Austin on Saturday morning, picked up a rental car, and started the hour-and-a-half trek to Waco.  Since the Magnolia hotel, Hotel 1928, was booked we opted to rent a unique VRBO instead.  The description was Coach's Quarters on the Creek - A Night in the Trees.

After settling in, we decided to grab dinner and cruise around town to get our bearings.  The spot we chose for dinner was Buzzard Billy's.  We got a plate full of shrimp cooked all kinds of ways and it was delicious!  Side note - when I checked the website to link it here, it seems the joint is permanently closed.  

 

After dinner, we drove through town to get our first views of the Silos, stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things and headed back to our treehouse.  We were planning on driving to Fletcher's on Sunday.  Fletcher's is the place Joanna frequently visits to gather items for their makeovers.  This side trip was added to our agenda after we realized the Silos are closed on Sunday.  

Sunday morning we woke up to quite the surprise!  It had rained quite a bit Saturday night and the two ways into our treehouse were flooded.  Our VRBO host sent us a message saying they were hoping to have the road open by mid-afternoon.  

We were only mildly disappointed that our Sunday plans were scrapped.  Our cabin had a lovely deck and a couple cozy chairs so we hung out there reading and talking.  It actually ended up being a great way to spend the day!

We took a nature walk mid morning to see if the water had receded any (it had not).  But the flowers were beautiful and it was nice just being outside.

As promised, by mid-afternoon the water had started to go down and they were able to get equipment in to move all the debris.  The whole neighborhood came out to watch the show, including us.  

Once the road was reopened, we were anxious to get into town for a late lunch.  It was Cinco de Mayo and we were ready for a margarita!  Hecho en Waco had just what we were looking for!

Waco is full of little shops to visit, so we spent Sunday afternoon wandering in and out of them, discovering unique finds and local treasures. The downtown area, with its charming boutiques and quirky stores, made for a perfect leisurely exploration. Each shop offered something different, from handcrafted jewelry and trendy clothing to artisanal home goods and antiques.

As we meandered through the streets, we stumbled upon a cozy joint where the sound of live music beckoned us inside. The intimate atmosphere and soulful tunes provided a delightful break from our shopping spree. We sat back, enjoyed the music, and soaked in the local vibe, appreciating the talents of Waco's musicians.

Our last stop of the day was the historic Hotel 1928, an elegant establishment that exudes classic charm and sophistication. Many of you may have followed Chip and Joanna's journey to renovate the space.  We were excited to have dinner at The Brassiere, the hotel's renowned restaurant. Before heading into the dining room, we took some time to explore the rest of the hotel.

The grand lobby, with its vintage decor and luxurious furnishings, transported us back in time. We admired the intricate details of the architecture and the carefully curated art pieces that adorned the walls. Walking through the hallways, we could feel the history and stories that the hotel held within its walls.

If you're a fan of the book Lone Dove by Larry McMurty, you will be able to see his typewriter in the library of the hotel.  

Dinner at The Brassiere was the perfect way to cap off our day. The restaurant's warm ambiance and delectable menu added to our dining experience.  The burger and fries were calling my name!

After dinner, we made our way back to the treehouse.  We were excited to explore The Silos the following morning!  I'll be blogging about that soon.

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

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Click here to enter