Five on Friday - January 9, 2025

Wow - it's finally Friday!  This was my first week back to work since before Christmas and it was a long week!  I had dinner with a friend last night and I didn't think Thursday was ever going to get here.  Now I'm excited to get the weekend started because we have a guest for the next few days and I can't wait to catch up with her!  Before all the fun begins, let me share my Five on Friday post with you ~

1.  Lay's Baked Potato Crisps

Keep an eye out for Lay’s new Baked Potato Crisps flavors—Loaded Baked Potato and Roasted Garlic & Herbs. They officially hit store shelves on January 5, and I already know a couple of bags will be coming home with me. PepsiCo also announced last year that they plan to remove all artificial flavors and colors from their products by the end of 2025, so it’ll be interesting to see how that change tastes in these new flavors.

2. The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
The sequel to Laura Dave’s hit The Last Thing He Told Me is finally here! I really enjoyed the first book and am eagerly waiting for this one to become available at the library. That said, I’m not sure I’ll have the patience to wait my turn—I may end up giving in and buying my own copy.  Here’s the summary ~

Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.

But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.

Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.

A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving readers the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.

Available HERE

3.  Collar Extenders

Have your collars gotten a little tighter with all the holiday feasts?  Here's your solution - collar extenders!  They attach in seconds without sewing. Slip the loop over your shirt button and secure the extender’s button through the buttonhole for instant neck size increase.  My husband has been using them for years and loves them.  Even if your collar isn't too tight, it makes button-up shirts so much more comfortable!  

Available HERE

4.  Shoe Dryer

This little gem is on sale right now, and the timing couldn’t be better. It dries all kinds of footwear—boots, cleats, and sneakers included. The adjustable drying posts fit a wide variety of shoe styles, and its compact size makes it ideal for mudrooms, entryways, or even tucked away in a closet.  I really wish I had had this when my son was little.  It seems like his shoes were always wet from playing outside!  

Available HERE

5.  Exercise Plan...

In case you missed it this week on the blog:

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

What I Read in December 2025

Have a great weekend!  I hope to see you back next week!

What I Read in December 2025

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reflecting on the books I read in December.

The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole

This was a sweet book to read around Christmas!  It was a bit sappy, but overall a great holiday read.  

One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.

When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.

Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.

Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.

The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.

The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.  A touching holiday read. Perfect for fans of uplifting winter romances.
A delightful Christmas gift.

Available HERE

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand

I'll be honest, this was not one of my favorite Elin Hilderbrand stories.  It was filled with high school drama and dysfunctional parents.  Maybe my view of it would be different if I had been sitting on a beach, but to read it during the holidays it just fell short in my opinion.

It’s move-in day at Tiffin Academy and amidst the happy chaos of friends reuniting, selfies uploading, and cars unloading, shocking news arrives: America Today just ranked Tiffin the number two boarding school in the country. It’s a seventeen-spot jump – was there a typo? The dorms need to be renovated, their sports teams always come in last place, and let’s just say Tiffin students are known for being more social than academic. On the other hand, the campus is exquisite, class sizes are small, and the dining hall is run by an acclaimed New York chef. And they do have fun—lots of parties and school dances, and a piano man plays in the student lounge every Monday night.

But just as the rarefied air of Tiffin is suffused with self-congratulation, the wheels begin to turn – and then they fall off the bus. One by one, scandalous blind items begin to appear on phones across Tiffin’s campus, thanks to a new app called ZipZap, and nobody is safe. From Davi Banerjee, international influencer and resident queen bee, to Simone Bergeron, the new and surprisingly young history teacher, to Charley Hicks, a transfer student who seems determined not to fit in, to Cordelia Spooner, Admissions Director with a somewhat idiosyncratic methodology – everyone has something to hide.

As if high school wasn’t dramatic enough...As the year unfolds, bonds are forged and broken, secrets are shared and exposed, and the lives of Tiffin’s students and staff are changed forever. The Academy is Elin Hilderbrand’s fresh, buzzy take on boarding school life, and a thrilling new direction from one of America’s most satisfying and popular storytellers.

Available HERE

The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani

This book had been on my TBR list for a while.  It didn't disappoint!  

Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close.

In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, “the perfect husband," Jess moves into her parents’ basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).

When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.

From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.

Fed by the author’s cherished Italian roots comes a bighearted, hilarious novel of the moment: the story of one woman’s determination to live a creative life that matters, with enough room left over for love. With a one-way ticket to Italy, Jess is determined to write a new story on her own terms--this time, in stone.

Available HERE

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Each December, our library book club selects a holiday-themed read, and this year’s choice was The Christmas Bookshop. It was generally well received by the group, and I felt the same way—a pleasant, enjoyable read for the holiday season.

Laid off from her department store job, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. The prospect of spending Christmas with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered yuppie life does not appeal.

Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want her prickly sister Carmen there either. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs help revitalizing his shabby old bookshop. So Carmen moves in and takes the job.

Thrown rather suddenly into the inner workings of Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the picturesque streets of historic Edinburgh, Carmen is intrigued despite herself. The store is dusty and disorganized but undeniably charming. Can she breathe some new life into it in time for Christmas shopping? What will happen when a famous and charismatic author takes a sudden interest in the bookshop—and Carmen? And will the Christmas spirit be enough to help heal her fractured family?

Available HERE

100 Rules to Living to be 100 by Dick Van Dyke

I was on the hunt for a biography to recommend to our book club.  I thought maybe this one by Dick Van Dyke would be a great selection.  I'm going to keep looking.  I've always loved Dick Van Dyke, but he revealed some things in the book I wish I just didn't know about him.  I'd hate to be the one to change anyone else's view of him.

Dick Van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Now, as he’s about to turn 100 years old, Dick is still dancing and approaching life with the twinkle in his eye that we’ve come to know and love. In 100 Rules for Living to 100, he reveals his secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre and making the most out of the life you’ve been given.

Through stories of his pivotal childhood, moments on film sets, his expansive family, and finding love late in life, Dick reflects on both the joyful times and the challenges that shaped him. His indefatigable spirit and positive attitude will surely inspire readers to count the blessings in their own lives, persevere through the hard times, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of being human.

Available HERE

I also completed my third full read-through of the Bible! For the past three years, I’ve followed The Bible Recap, and if you stick with it all year, you’ll read the entire Bible. Each morning while I’m getting ready for work, I listen to Tara-Leigh Cobble on the Bible app, and it’s been such a meaningful way to start my day. If you’re thinking about doing it in 2026, it’s not too late—just download the Holy Bible app and search for The Bible Recap under plans. Everything is laid out day by day, making it incredibly simple to follow.

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 - January 7, 2026

 

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
6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Homemade Pressed Flower Soap

Mini Caprese Pizza Copycat Idea

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.

We are going to be taking a little break from doing the blog hop for the next two weeks.  Our next blog hop will be on January 7.  Enjoy your holidays!

Let’s Party! 

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

As the calendar turns and we step into a brand-new year, I just want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for being here, for reading along, for commenting, sharing, and supporting this little space of mine. It truly means more than you know, and I don’t take a single visit for granted.

There’s something so hopeful about the start of a new year. It feels like a fresh page—clean, open, and full of possibility. Whether you’re stepping into January with big goals, quiet intentions, or simply a hope to take things one day at a time, I hope this year brings you peace, joy, and moments that make you smile when you least expect it.

My wish for you in the year ahead is simple: may you find beauty in the ordinary, strength in the hard days, and gratitude in the small moments. May your home be filled with laughter, your heart with contentment, and your days with things that matter most to you.

Cheers to new beginnings, fresh starts, and all that’s ahead. Happy New Year, friends—I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds for all of us. 

Feel free to link up and share what you're thinking about today.  I love hearing from you!

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Five on Friday - December 26, 2025

Happy day after Christmas! We’re still in full celebration mode over here and heading to Eric’s mom’s house today. It truly is such a wonderful time of year. Before we head out for one more round of festivities, I’m excited to share my Five on Friday for today ~

1.  Oh What Fun

If you find yourself with a little downtime between Christmas and New Year’s and are in the mood for a movie, give Oh What Fun starring Michelle Pfeiffer a try. We found it entertaining and funny—and as a mom, a bit relatable too. Here’s the summary ~

Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, as her grown kids and distracted husband get swept up in their own seasonal dramas, they make one crucial mistake: they forget their mom. By the time they realize she's missing, Claire's already set off on a festive adventure of her own -- one that doesn't involve cooking, cleaning, or coordinating anyone else's chaos. As her family scrambles to find her and salvage their Christmas, Claire rediscovers what the holidays mean when you're finally free to put yourself first.

2.  New Year's Eve Decorations

2026 will be here before we know it! Why not welcome the new year by adding a few festive touches around your home? I picked up a few fun finds from Amazon to help ring in the new year, and they’re perfect for adding a cheerful, celebratory feel to your space.

Available HERE

Available HERE

Available HERE

3.  Sports Bra

I know a lot of you will be heading back to the gym as the new year begins, which means you might be on the hunt for a new sports bra. If you’re anything like me, you’re completely over the struggle of wrestling those tight, pull-over-the-head styles on and off—especially when you’re already sweaty. It always felt like a full workout in itself! That’s why discovering a sports bra that zips in the front felt like a total game changer. So easy on, so easy off, and no awkward contortions required. Honestly, it’s pure genius and makes getting dressed for (and after) a workout so much more enjoyable.

Available HERE

4.  2026 Journal

Looking to make 2026 your very best year yet? This interactive journal is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and intentionally create a life you truly love in the year ahead. With guided prompts, thoughtful exercises, and plenty of space to dream and plan, it walks you step by step through clarifying your goals and setting meaningful intentions for 2026. It’s more than just a journal—it’s a tool for designing a life that feels purposeful, balanced, and fulfilling.

Available HERE

5.  Comfort food...

I have a list that feels a mile long of things I’m hoping to tackle while I’m home in that sweet spot between Christmas and New Year’s. There’s just something so satisfying about using those quieter days to clean, organize, and sort through all the things that tend to get pushed aside during the busy season. I’m really looking forward to starting the new year with spaces that feel fresh, calm, and a little more put together.  See you soon!

Wishing You Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! I hope your day is filled with the things that matter most—time together, meaningful traditions, good food, and moments that make you pause and feel grateful.

As the year winds down, Christmas feels like the perfect time to slow the pace just a bit and soak in the beauty of the season. Whether your day is bustling and joyful or quiet and cozy, I hope it brings peace to your heart and a reminder of how truly blessed we are.

Thank you for stopping by, reading along, and being part of this little space throughout the year. Your support means more than you know. May your Christmas be wrapped in love, sprinkled with laughter, and filled with hope that carries you into the new year.

Merry Christmas, friends! 

Please feel free to link up your latest creations.  I'll be back Friday with my Five on Friday post.

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Five on Friday - December 19, 2025

Hello and happy Friday! The Christmas countdown is officially on, and this is the very last Friday before the big day arrives. If you’re anything like me, this weekend will be filled with all the final to-dos and last-minute details that need to be checked off the list. But before I jump into all of that, let me share my five for this week ~

1.  Emily in Paris

It’s finally here! All 10 brand-new episodes of Netflix’s Emily in Paris dropped on December 18, kicking off the highly anticipated fifth season of this smash-hit series. This time around, we’ll follow Emily as she dives into new adventures in Rome while still continuing her journey in Paris. I, for one, cannot wait to settle in for some serious binge-watching! 

2.  Avator:  Fire and Ash

The third installment of the Avatar series hits theaters today! We’ve seen the first two, so of course we have to see this one too—right?! Be prepared to settle in, though, because the runtime is a hefty 3 hours and 17 minutes. Here’s a quick look at what the movie is about:

With “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family.

3.  New Ritz Drizzled Minis Crackers

Looking for a new snack to munch on over the holidays?  Try these new Ritz Drizzled Minis!  They are bite-sized Ritz crackers with a sweet drizzle on top and dipped in a rich coating underneath.  Look for them in two flavors:  caramel and fudge.  The 4-ounce packagings are hitting the stores now.  

4.  New Earrings

We had a gift exchange at work this week, and I seriously hit the jackpot! I received three pairs of earrings, and each one is cuter than the last—I love them all. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the pair with the adorable blingy bow and red ball. I didn’t even hesitate—I took off the earrings I was wearing and put these on immediately after opening the gift!

Available HERE

5.  Gift Idea...

Have a wonderful weekend and best of luck tackling that to-do list! We’ll be celebrating Christmas with our son and daughter-in-law on Sunday, so there’s plenty to get done beforehand. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to the wrapping and cooking—it’s one of my favorite parts of the season. It’s shaping up to be a lovely weekend. See you back here next week!