Five on Friday - August 8, 2025

Hello!  Taking a little break from our vacation to share my five today ~

1.  Freakier Friday

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back on the big screen this weekend in their new film Freakier Friday. Who would've guessed they'd swap bodies again? But they do—and this time, they’re dealing with all the chaos that comes when two families blend together. Sounds like a hilarious ride to me!

2.  For Richer or Poorer

Next week watch for Danielle Steel's newest book, For Richer For Poorer.  I always love a good Danielle Steel book.  I'm adding this one to my TBR list.

After working as head designer for Oscar de la Renta, Eugenia Ward started her own company when she turned forty, fourteen years ago. She is now a major name in evening gowns and wedding gowns, ready-to-wear and haute couture. But with the fashion business in major downturn, she has recently suffered heavy losses, and Eugenia desperately needs new investors—and new ideas.

At the same time, she is the matriarch and guiding light for her five adult children, a single mother for more than a decade, since her divorce from the spendthrift Italian prince she’d married young. As the family gathers for a summer vacation at a beach house, wedding plans for her daughter Gloria are ballooning in expense even as the loutish behavior of Gloria’s fiancé causes Eugenia to question her daughter’s judgment. Meanwhile, Gloria’s sister Daphne is due to deliver twins right around the wedding date . . . which is also very close make or break New York Fashion Week.

The silver lining in it all may be meeting Patrick Hughes, a successful real estate developer who’s also going through a rough patch. A brilliant and creative businessman, Patrick gives her valuable advice about her business challenges. Eugenia finds friendship with Patrick sailing on his yacht and starts to imagine a new beginning, independent of her roles as mother and entrepreneur. But as the family gathers for the big wedding, tensions are running high, money may be running out, and a hurricane is looming on the horizon.

Danielle Steel’s glamorous and gripping novel offers an inspiring portrait of a strong and determined woman who rises to meet life’s challenges with fortitude, creativity, and love.

Available HERE

3.  Little Debbie Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies

Well, it’s starting—summer is winding down, and the pumpkin spice craze is kicking into gear! Little Debbie has announced the launch of their Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies, available for a limited time. They may look like the classic version, but this fall twist features a layer of pumpkin spice-flavored orange crème sandwiched between two soft oatmeal cookies. They're also rolling out more seasonal treats, so keep an eye out on store shelves!

4.  Waterlogue App

I've been capturing some incredible scenic photos during our vacation this week! One of my favorite things to do is run them through the Waterlogue app to transform them into watercolor-style images—they turn out beautifully. I'll be sharing a few in upcoming posts, so stay tuned! If you enjoy experimenting with your photos, definitely give this app a try.

5.  Yep...

Have an awesome weekend!  We'll be traveling back home from vacation and then catching up with some friends.  I can't wait to start sharing our vacation with you next week!  See you soon.

What I Read in July 2025

Happy Thursday, friends! I'm checking in from sunny California, where we're having an amazing time exploring a few national parks. I can't wait to share all the details with you soon!

But today is Thinking Out Loud Thursday—my weekly spot to chat about what’s on my mind and invite you to do the same by linking up. Since it’s the first Thursday of the month, I’m sharing everything I read in July. Let’s dive in!

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (Book 2 of Series) by Elle Cosimano

This is such a fun series!  Immediately following the first book, I loaded Book 2 and started reading.  I loved it as much as the first one!  Can't wait to move on to the next one.  

Finlay Donovan is—once again—struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...

Available HERE

The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah

I might be the last person on the planet to read this book—but I finally did! And wow, it was absolutely wonderful. I could even see myself picking it up again for a re-read down the road.

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France—a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

Available HERE

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

What a great read! I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. Just a heads-up: the book does touch on the topic of suicide, so if that’s a sensitive subject for you, you might want to skip this one. That said, I found it heartfelt and endearing—and I truly loved it.

It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.

Available HERE

The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

One of my book clubs chose this book for July, and while I usually enjoy historical fiction, I realized biblical fiction isn’t really my thing. It wasn’t a favorite of mine, but I will say it challenged me—I found myself double-checking facts and diving into my Bible more than once to refresh my memory about Noah and his family.

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

Available HERE

Overall, it was a great reading month!  Don't forget to pick your free Amazon Prime First Read selection this month.  It looks like there are several good ones to choose from.

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 6, 2025

 

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 | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Harry Potter Craft Stick Hogwarts Scarves

Raspberry Shortcake

Mixed Berry Sparkling Lemonade

Easy Smoked Cheesy Potatoes 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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - August 1, 2025

It's August!  Boy, this summer has flown by.  We're on the eve of our vacation and when we were planning it, August seemed so far in the future.  Now, here we are!  Before I head off to pack, let me share my Five on Friday post ~

1.  She Didn't See It Coming

Shari Lapena's newest book came out this week and it sounds so intriguing!  It sounds like a great book to curl up and read for hours.  Here's the summary ~

When a beloved wife and mother disappears, a luxurious condo building transforms into a potential crime scene, and the investigation begins: can the detectives find her before it's too late?

Bryden and Sam have it all: thriving careers, a smart apartment in a luxury condominium, supportive friends and a cherished daughter. The perfect life for the perfect couple.

Then Sam receives a call at his office. Bryden – working from home that day – has failed to collect their daughter from daycare. Arriving home with their little girl, he finds his wife’s car in the underground garage. Upstairs in their apartment her laptop is open on the table, her cell phone nearby, her keys in their usual place in the hall.

Except Bryden is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just walked out.

How can she have disappeared from her own home? And did she even leave the building at all?

With every minute that passes – and as questions swirl around their community – Bryden and Sam’s past seems a little less perfect, their condominium less safe, their friends, neighbors and relatives no longer quite so reliable . . .

Available HERE

2.  Little Debbie Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies

Little Debbie has officially kicked off pumpkin spice season with the launch of their brand-new Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies—and they look amazing! This seasonal treat features two soft and chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a rich, pumpkin spice–flavored orange creme filling. It’s a nostalgic twist with a fall-inspired flair that sounds like a perfect match for cooler days and cozy cravings. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for these limited-time goodies—because once they hit store shelves, they probably won’t last long! Let the pumpkin spice festivities begin!

3.  Lunch Box Notes

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and what better way to brighten your child’s day than with a little surprise? These adorable lunch box joke cards are the perfect way to bring a smile to their face during the school day! Each box includes 60 unique, kid-friendly joke cards that are sure to get a giggle at the lunch table. And the best part? There's space on the back of each card for you to add a personal note, word of encouragement, or sweet message. Whether you tuck one into their lunch box, backpack, or pencil pouch, it's a fun and thoughtful way to stay connected while they’re away at school.

Available HERE

4.  Slim Leather Watch Band

I’m absolutely loving this new Apple Watch band I found! One of my favorite things about having an Apple Watch is being able to swap out the bands to match my outfit, the season, or even just my mood—and this one looks like a total winner. It’s comfortable, stylish, and super affordable—under $20! Even better, it comes in tons of different colors, so you can mix and match or grab a few to rotate throughout the week. If you're like me and enjoy personalizing your watch without breaking the bank, this is definitely a great find!

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

We are celebrating our daughter-in-law's birthday tonight.  I can't wait for them to get here so we can start celebrating her!  Then, bright and early tomorrow morning, we are headed off on vacation.  We're visiting three national parks we haven't been to before.  I'll be posting on Instagram, so follow along to see what we're up to!  

Let's Make Chicken Enchiladas

Hey friends! Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is where I share what's on my mind and invite you to link up and share what's on yours too.

Tomorrow we’re celebrating our daughter-in-law Kayla’s birthday! I always let the birthday person choose the meal, and this year Kayla picked my Chicken Enchiladas. It’s been 10 years since I originally shared the recipe on the blog, so today I’m bringing it back for a little reshare ~

This recipe was in a church cookbook circa 1980 and I've adapted it a couple times over the years.  The thought of blogging this recipe didn't come to me until well into the prep, so please forgive my lack of pictures.

Here's What You Need

About 2 pounds of chicken (I used boneless breasts)

Corn or Flour Tortillas

1 cup sour cream

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 Tbsp. taco sauce (I use mild, but if you like heat go for the hot)

1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese (yes, that lb. means pound, as in 16 ounces)

1 lb. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 - 4 oz. cans green chili peppers (diced)

2 Tbsp. (or more) chopped green onion

Here's What You Do

Cook chicken in salted water in a large cooking pot until tender.  As soon as it cools enough for you to touch it, shred it up.  You could also use a rotisserie chicken to simplify this step.

In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, sour cream, chicken soup, diced green chilies and taco sauce.

Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into a tortilla, roll up and place in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.  Continue until the baking dish is full.  I usually get the large tortillas and use 7 out of the 8 in the package.  If you roll them pretty tight, you could easily use all 8.  (It was at this point that I realized I was going to blog this recipe, so let the pictures begin.)

Spread remaining chicken mixture over the top of the tortillas.

Spread the cheeses over the top.  I usually alternate between the cheddar and Monterey Jack.  It's a lot of cheese guys, so just push it down a little if you have to.

Sprinkle the chopped green onion on the cheese.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 60 minutes.

While the casserole is in the oven, you can whip up some Spanish rice and beans and you are all set for your Mexican fiesta!  Óle!

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

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - July 30, 2025

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 | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Dutch Oven Artisan Bread

Rock Painting Fun!

Peach Ice Cream

Transforming Oui Yogurt Jars

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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - July 25, 2025

It's Friday - time for another Five on Friday post!  Let hop right in ~

1.  The Fantastic Four First Steps

Marvel's newest creation, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, hits theaters this weekend, promising to kick off a bold new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This highly anticipated film introduces audiences to a fresh take on the iconic superhero team, showcasing their origin story with stunning visuals, a dynamic cast, and action-packed storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Fantastic Four, this movie is set to be a must-see event for Marvel lovers everywhere.  Here's the summary ~

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

2.  Happy Gilmore 2

If you’re planning a cozy movie night at home this weekend, Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix! Adam Sandler returns to the green for another round of golf, and this time he’s joined by a star-studded lineup of cameos—including Travis Kelce, Post Malone, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus.  

3.  Celsius Powder Sticks

I’m obsessed with these Celsius water sticks! The flavor is amazing, and they’re perfect for staying energized on the go. I actually stocked up to toss a few in my suitcase for our upcoming Yosemite trip. Each stick is packed with seven essential vitamins and just the right amount of caffeine to give you a boost without the jitters.

Available HERE

4.  Birdbath & Fountain Maintenance

We were really struggling to keep our bird bath clean. Eric picked up a birdbath and fountain maintenance liquid to add to the water—and it works like magic! The water stays so much clearer now, and we no longer have that slimy buildup at the bottom of the bowl.

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

Have a great weekend!  We are looking forward to doing several things with friends.  Don't you just love weekends!  See you next week.

Let's Make Foil Pouch Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Summer is in full swing, and I know many of you are soaking up the great outdoors—maybe even heading out on a camping trip! Today, I’m reminiscing about a camping-friendly recipe I first shared back in 2016. If you're on the hunt for a sweet treat to make while camping—or just something fun to grill—this one’s for you!

Here's What You Need

Cake-style donuts

Can of Pineapple Slices (one can has 10 slices in it)

Brown Sugar

Butter

Marachino Cherries

Aluminum Foil

Here's What You Do

Tear off a piece of aluminum foil big enough to make a pouch around a donut.  Cut your donut in half and lay one half on the aluminum foil.  Put a little bit of butter and brown sugar on top of the donut.

Lay a pineapple ring on top and sprinkle a bit more brown sugar.  Drop a cherry in the middle of the pineapple ring.

Fold the aluminum foil into a pouch around the donut.  

Pop on the grill and let cook.  We put them on when we pull our entrees off the grill and let cook while we're eating.  

When you're ready for dessert, pull open the pouch and enjoy the pineapple upside down cake!  This mound of golden goodness is so moist and delicious!  

I love how the pineapple gets just a bit caramelized!  This is such an easy recipe and it's my goal to make it on the grill at home the next time we are in the mood for a little something sweet.  Hope you enjoy it too!

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