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!