Five on Friday - April 11, 2025

We’ve finally made it to Friday—and you know what that means: it’s time for Five on Friday! This week felt like a long one, and I wasn’t sure we’d ever get here. But now, just one more workday stands between me and the weekend. Let’s get things started with my five for today!

1.  Your Friends and Neighbors with Jon Hamm

Apple TV's new show Your Friends and Neighbors debuts today!  Two episodes are dropping today, then the next seven will come on Fridays until May 30.  It's starring my favorite St. Louis Blues fan, Jon Hamm, along with Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn.  We've been catching the previews and it looks great!  Here's the summary ~

When a financial titan (Jon Hamm) suddenly finds himself divorced and jobless, he starts robbing his wealthy neighbors to stay afloat.  Stealing from his own social circle strangely exhilarates him - but he gradually gets tangled in a deadly web.

2.  Every Day with Babs

The complete title of this new cookbook says it all:  Every Day with Babs:  101 Family-Friendly Dinners for Every Day of the Week.  If you're like me, one of the hardest things to do at the end of the day is to come up with what you will have for dinner.  I'm putting this cookbook on my wishlist and hoping to unwrap it on Mother's Day.  Then I'm planning to take my meal planning straight from the pages within the book!  

From her years of experience feeding her family as a mother of four and now a grandmother of nine, Barbara Costello has perfected her roster of comforting and delicious family-approved meals. Now all the mealtime ingenuity that has been passed down to her, or that she’s earned through trial and error, is here in this book, for you! Every Day with Babs will be your go-to dinner resource, with Babs as your surrogate mom or grandma helping to get delicious meals organized, prepped, and on the table in no time, every night of the week.

In the pages of Every Day, Babs has done all the thinking for you because with so much on your plate already, you shouldn’t have to stress about dinner! The chapters are organized by day of the week, each with a particular theme or cooking method that keeps in mind the rhythm of the week. We all know making dinner on a Monday feels very different than a Sunday, so there are recipes to suit everyone’s mood, schedule, and cooking style:

Get Your “Sheet” (Pan) Together Monday: Sheet-pan recipes such as Roasted Sausage, Peppers & Gnocchi, Maple-Lime Salmon with Coconut Rice, Lemon Basil Chicken & Couscous, and Family Fajita Night

Eat Twice Twosday: Batch cooking at its best, with Grammie’s Chicken Cutlets, I Nailed Falafel with Tzatziki Slaw, Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad, and Minnie’s Meatballs

One and Only Wednesday: One-pot meals such as Warm Hug Bacon Pasta, Salsa Verde Fish Tostadas, Mini-Van Pepperoni Pizza Chicken, and Spinach-Artichoke Rice & Bean

BakeThrifty Thursday: Dinners that use pantry staples, like Cook’s Secret Weeknight Beef Stew, Chicken & Rice Casserole for the Soul, Beth’s Sloppy Joe Casserole, and Clean Your Fridge Frittata

Fri-Yay: Fun crowd-pleasers like Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake, Pimento Cheese Patty Melts, The BEST Fish & Chips, and Reuben Pastry Pockets                             

Low and Slow Saturday: Hands-off slow cooker recipes such as French Onion Soup Pot Roast, Finger Lickin’ Good Sweet & Sour Ribs, and Not to Be Missed Moroccan Chickpea Apricot Stew

Sunday Supper: Special meals to share, including Lobster Roll Cobb Salad, Pesto Rack of Lamb with Tomato-Mozzarella Salad, and Aunt Louise’s Eggplant ParmesanSweet Tooth: Easy and nostalgic desserts like Babs’ Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, Key Lime Icebox Cake, Caramel Apple Crisp, and Scotcheroos

No matter how you’re feeling by dinner, there is a recipe in here that will fit the bill. Your family will soon be part of the clean plate club and you will be considered a virtual magician in the kitchen, too! Don’t panic, it's easier than you think. Babs has you covered!

Available HERE

3.  Wendy's Frosty Swirls 

Wendy's is bringing us a new treat to try starting today!  The wait is over for the Frosty Swirls.  Starting today, they will be available on the Wendy's app and in stores starting Tuesday, April 15.  According to Wendy's, the Frosty Swirls add a twist of sauce to your choice of a vanilla or chocolate Frosty.  Fans can choose strawberry, caramel or brownie batter sauce to make the dessert their own.  Sounds pretty yummy!

4.  Flower Garden for Kids

While searching Amazon for the perfect birthday gift for a little girl, I struck gold with the flower garden set! With 238 colorful pieces, it offers endless building fun. Kids can mix, match, build, and rebuild to their heart's content. The set even comes in a handy portable box, making cleanup and storage super easy. It would make a fantastic surprise from the Easter Bunny, too!

Available HERE

5.  Hmmm...

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We’re heading out with friends tomorrow night to try a restaurant that’s new to us—I’m really looking forward to it, and even more excited to share the experience with good company. Then on Sunday, we’re bringing a few special guests to church and hosting lunch at our place afterward. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend! Hope to see you next week!

What I've Bought on Amazon Lately

It's Thursday! It's time for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, and today, I'm thinking about some of the amazing things I've purchased on Amazon lately. When I'm done sharing, please link up and tell us what you're thinking out loud about today!

The Amazon driver has been making quite a few stops at our house recently and I'm excited to share some of the best things with you today.  First up is an Easter present I bought.  I know the little guy who receives this is going to be overjoyed!

Rocket Launcher

Available HERE

Have you used the electric candle lighter?  I recently used one at an event and fell in love with it!  They would make great items to add to a candle for hostess gifts.  Mine will get lots of use!

Available HERE

I talked about this shirt on my Five on Friday post, but it's worth mentioning again!  It's the perfect weight and will be great for working out.  It comes in a ton of colors and at its price, I might need a few more!

Available HERE

If you hop by my house, you'll see this Easter mat at my front door.  I love decorating the porch for all the seasons and I've started getting mats that match.  This is the one I chose for Easter!

Available HERE

We're absolutely loving these lights we’ve placed in our potted plants! They give off just the right glow to make the room feel warm and cozy. We can turn off all the other lights while watching TV, and these alone create the perfect atmosphere.

Available HERE

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

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 9, 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

HIGHLIGHT LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Vintage Easter on the Baker's Rack

Bunny Bait

Easter Charcuter-TEA Cups

Sensational Roasted Cabbage

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! 

Five on Friday - April 4, 2025

Happy Friday! This week has been a whirlwind, and I’m so relieved the weekend is finally here. Let’s dive right into my five for this week! ~

1.  Say You'll Remember Me

Abby Jimenez's newest book came out this week!  I've enjoyed her previous best-sellers from her Friend Zone series and am excited to dive into this new stand-alone novel.  Here's the summary ~

There's no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediate yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong . . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake.

But after one incredible and seemingly endless date, Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be. Only no amount of distance or time is enough to forget what's between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

Available HERE

2.  Workout Shirt

We had a brief spell of warm weather a few weeks ago, which got me thinking about summer. Realizing my summer workout shirts needed a refresh, I ordered this one from Amazon—and I love it! The fabric is breathable, the length is perfect for pickleball, and the price is fantastic!  I see a few more clothes working their way into my closet.

Available HERE

3.  Eye Lash Primer

Based on a recommendation from another blogger, I decided to try this lash primer from Amazon, and I’m so glad I did! It goes on smoothly, creating the perfect base for mascara while making my lashes appear noticeably longer and fuller. The difference is incredible—my lashes look more voluminous and defined, almost as if I’m wearing falsies! If you’re looking for an easy way to enhance your lashes, this primer is definitely worth a try.

Available HERE

4.  Whipped Frosting

Pillsbury has introduced a delicious new addition to the baking aisle—whipped frosting! The flavors sound absolutely scrumptious, with options like chocolate, strawberry delight, buttercream, and sweet cream. Each tub has enough frosting to decorate 24 cupcakes, but the possibilities don’t stop there! These fluffy frostings would make perfect fillings for whoopie pies or even a tasty dip for cookies. Honestly, they sound so good, I might just grab a spoon and eat it straight from the container!

5.  Seriously...

Have a fantastic weekend! We were all set to see the Savannah Bananas at Busch Stadium, but earlier this week, they postponed the game until July because of expected rain all weekend. On the bright side, that just gives us something to look forward to for a little longer! Luckily, we have plenty of other fun plans lined up for the weekend, and I can’t wait to wrap up the workday and dive into it all. See you next week!

What I Read in March 2025

Hello!  So glad you popped in today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  I'm going to share something with you and then you'll have a chance to link up and share what you are thinking out loud about.  On the first Thursday of the month, I share the books I read the previous month.  Here's what I read in March ~

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Our library book club book last month was The Dutch House.  This book had been on my shelf forever and it just hadn't bubbled to the top.  I was glad the book club selected this one so I could finally cross it off my TBR list.  Then, when I learned that Tom Hanks narrated the audible version I decided I wanted to listen to it instead of reading.  He did a great job and made the book very enjoyable!  Here's the summary ~

At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakeable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.

Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.

Available HERE

The Fall Risk:  A Short Story by Abby Jimenez

In February, this book was offered as a free bonus through Amazon First Reads. I usually enjoy Abby Jimenez’s work, and this one was no exception. At just 82 pages, it’s a quick read you can easily finish in one sitting.  Here's the summary ~

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

Available HERE

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

I’m not sure where I first heard about this book, but it was a fantastic find! I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning to recommend it for my book club. After finishing, I discovered it’s the first in a five-book series—and I wasted no time diving into the second one on my Kindle! Here's the summary of The Life We Bury ~

College student Joe Talbert has the modest goal of completing a writing assignment for an English class. His task is to interview a stranger and write a brief biography of the person. With deadlines looming, Joe heads to a nearby nursing home to find a willing subject. There he meets Carl Iverson, and soon nothing in Joe's life is ever the same. Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran--and a convicted murderer. With only a few months to live, he has been medically paroled to a nursing home, after spending thirty years in prison for the crimes of rape and murder. As Joe writes about Carl's life, especially Carl's valor in Vietnam, he cannot reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable acts of the convict. Joe, along with his skeptical female neighbor, throws himself into uncovering the truth, but he is hamstrung in his efforts by having to deal with his dangerously dysfunctional mother, the guilt of leaving his autistic brother vulnerable, and a haunting childhood memory. Thread by thread, Joe unravels the tapestry of Carl’s conviction. But as he and Lila dig deeper into the circumstances of the crime, the stakes grow higher. Will Joe discover the truth before it’s too late to escape the fallout?

Available HERE

The Guise of Another by Allen Eskens

The second book in the series was just as good—if not better—than the first! It was packed with surprises that had me gasping out loud more than once. I’m taking a short break before jumping into Book 3, but I’m definitely excited to continue the series! Here's the summary of The Guise of Another ~

Who was James Putnam? Answering that question may mean salvation for Alexander Rupert, a Minnesota detective whose life is in a serious downward spiral. A Medal of Valor winner, Alexander is now under subpoena by a grand jury on suspicion of corruption. He’s been reassigned to the Frauds Unit, where he is shunned by his fellow detectives, and he fears his status-seeking wife may be having an affair. When he happens across a complex case of identity theft, Alexander sees an opportunity to rehabilitate his tattered reputation. But the case explodes into far more than he could have expected, putting him in the path of trained assassin Drago Basta, a veteran of the Balkan wars who has been searching for “James Putnam” for years. As his life spins out of control, Alexander’s last hope may be his older brother, Max, a fellow police detective who steps in to try to save his brother from the carnage his investigation has let loose. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Available HERE

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

The popular book Let Them was a fascinating read. What made it even more enjoyable was that we started a small book club at work, and this was our very first pick. We split it in half, discussing the first part one month and the rest the next. I loved hearing everyone’s perspectives—some I agreed with, others challenged my views, which made for great discussions. Overall, I’m glad I read it! Several moments made me pause and really think about different situations.

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you'll realize how much energy and time you've been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way.

Learn how to:

Stop wasting energy on things you can't control
Stop comparing yourself to other people
Break free from fear and self-doubt
Release the grip of people's expectations
Build the best friendships of your life
Create the love you deserve
Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence
Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions
Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment. . . and so much more.

The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power. Whether you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.

Available HERE

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews

When a girls' trip took me to Savannah in February, I decided to pick up a book set in the area—Savannah Blues was the perfect choice! It was a fun, lighthearted read, though it took me longer to finish than expected. In my defense, it’s 512 pages! If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews’ books, you’ll likely love this one. It’s the first in a four-book series, and I’m invested enough in the characters that I’m sure I’ll get around to reading the rest eventually.

If you think you know Savannah, think again . . .

Landing a catch like Talmadge Evans III encouraged Eloise “Weezie” Foley to buy a gem of a townhouse in Savannah's historic district. Divorcing Tal got her exiled to the backyard carriage house, where she’s launched a spite-fest with Tal's new fiancé, the elegant Caroline DeSantos.

An antiques picker, Weezie combs Savannah's steamy back alleys and garage sales for treasures when she's not dealing with her loopy relatives or her hunky ex-boyfriend. But an unauthorized sneak preview at a sale lands Weezie smack in the middle of magnolia-scented murder, mayhem . . . and more. Dirty deals simmer all around her, just as her relationship with the hottest chef in town heats up and she finds out how delicious love can be the second time around.

Available HERE

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

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 2, 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

HIGHLIGHT LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Spring is in the Air Cottage Home Tour

Free Printable April 2025 Planner

Garlic Pita Bites

5 Minute Easter Candy Jars with Dollar Tree Supplies

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!