Five on Friday - April 18, 2025

 Hello!  Man, who's ready for a weekend?!?  It's been a whirlwind of a wind and I'm so excited to have a couple days to regroup over here.  Let's kick things off with Five on Friday ~

1.  Through Mom's Eyes by Sheinelle Jones

Sheinelle Jones, one of the familiar and beloved faces from the Today Show, has written a book—and I am so excited to get my hands on it! I’ve always appreciated her warmth, authenticity, and the way she connects with people on screen, so I have a feeling her writing will be just as engaging. I can’t wait to dive in, hear more of her story, and see what insights and inspiration she shares in this new chapter.

From the beloved Today show host Sheinelle Jones comes an inspiring collection of heartfelt life-lessons from hard working moms who raised some of our favorite celebrities.

When Sheinelle Jones launched “Through Mom’s Eyes,” a recurring Today show segment interviewing celebrities’ mothers about raising successful kids, she had an ulterior motive—she wanted to bring all their wisdom to bear on raising her own three children. So she asked Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mom about staying present with kids while balancing a demanding career, talked with Lady Gaga’s mom about how to recognize bullying, and got tips from Steph Curry’s mom on making sure even future NBA royalty does his chores. She has since interviewed dozens of remarkable women and gathered a candid, warm, and insightful collection of valuable lessons about life, love, and parenthood.

Now in her first book, Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle is ready to share even more of those life-changing secrets with the world. Combining insights from celebrity mothers with her own journey through modern parenting, Sheinelle reveals how to make it through the hard parts of motherhood and still tap into the joys of it with empathy, generosity, and solidarity. Through Mom’s Eyes is a beautiful celebration of those who are the guiding light for their loved ones—mothers.

Available HERE

2.  Normal

Looking to see a movie this weekend?  Normal, starring Bob Odenkirk, opens in theaters today and it looks like a movie Eric and I would both enjoy.  Heres the summary ~

Normal is a neo-Western thriller that stars Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses, an unassuming substitute sheriff assigned to the quiet Midwestern town of Normal. Seeking a temporary escape from personal and professional turmoil, Ulysses instead finds himself drawn into a crisis when a botched bank robbery exposes a dangerous secret beneath the town's calm exterior. As tensions escalate (and boy, do they escalate), he is forced to confront his troubled past and the true nature of the community he has been tasked with protecting.

3.  Bird Bath Fountain

With the warmer weather finally here, we got our bird bath up and running again last weekend. We’ve been using this solar-powered model for years now, and it’s been such a great addition to our yard. I originally chose it after reading that it could help attract hummingbirds—and it must be true, because we’ve seen more of them visit each year! It’s incredibly easy to set up and comes with several spray options, so you can switch up the look and flow depending on what you like.

Available HERE

4. 3-in-1 Window Cleaner

Are your windows due for a little spring cleaning? I recently found this handy squeegee, and it made the whole process so much easier! It features a built-in spray bottle, so you can keep your cleaning solution right on hand—no extra supplies needed. Just spray and swipe for a streak-free shine. It’s not only perfect for windows, but also works great on shower doors, car windows, and mirrors.

Available HERE

5.  Great idea...

Hope your weekend is wonderful!  We have a pretty low-key weekend ahead and I'm perfectly fine with that.  We still have some clean up to do from the shower we hosted last weekend.  You can see the highlights from the shower HERE.  I have book club on Monday night and need to finish the book, so there will be a lot of reading time happening.  See you next week!

Five on Friday - March 27, 2026

Happy Friday!  Who's ready for the weekend?!?  It has been a week over here and I'm so glad to have a little break to regroup as we head into Easter week.  Let's just right to the Five on Friday post ~

1.  The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez's newest book was released this week and I can't wait to dive in!  This new book, The Night We Met, is the second in a series after Say You'll Remember Me.  Her books always make me laugh out loud, shed a few tears, and make me think about life choices.  Here's the summary ~

For Larissa, it came when choosing who to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great friends, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.

But she didn’t choose Chris to drive her home all those months ago—she went with his best friend, and he became her boyfriend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. How can something that feels so right be absolutely impossible?

Available HERE

2.  Amazon Big Spring Sale

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale started this week and runs through March 31. I’ve been checking in to see what deals are popping up, and there are some really great prices right now. I’m sharing a few of my favorite finds below ~

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows - 48% off

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet - 40% off

Snail Mucin Repairing Serum - 48% off

BOGG Bag Large Tote - 25% off

Ello Pop & Fill Stainless Steel Water Bottle - 62% off

3.  Super Stuffed Pop-Tarts

Okay, fellow Pop-Tart lovers—have you seen this?! Hitting store shelves now are Super Stuffed Pop-Tarts! These new toaster pastries come in three flavors: Strawberry Blast, Molten Lava Cake, and Cinnamon Caramel. Each box includes five individually wrapped treats. Now I’m wondering…will I love them twice as much with all that extra filling?

4.  Short Sleeve Dress

I’ve been searching for a new dress to wear to a few events we have coming up this spring, and it was Amazon to the rescue! I love the eyelet fabric and the elbow-length sleeves. I went with the blue, but it comes in several other colors too. It’s machine washable, which means no extra trips to the dry cleaner. I can’t wait to wear it soon!

Available HERE

5.  Exercise plan...

Enjoy the weekend!  We will be watching lots of college basketball (even though my bracket is already a bust).  I’m heading out for a little shopping trip with a friend tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to spending some time together. In between, I’m hoping to get our outdoor furniture cleaned up and ready for summer. We also put out our hummingbird feeders this week, so I’m crossing my fingers we spot a few visitors this weekend. See you next week!

Five on Friday - March 6, 2026

Hello!  I'm coming to you today from my vacation with my son!  We are in Belgium exploring all the fun places.  I can't wait to share them with you when I get home.  Until then, please enjoy today's Five on Friday ~

1.  Rooster

Have you caught the trailers for Steve Carell’s new series, Rooster? It starts streaming on HBO on March 8. I’m really looking forward to it—feels like it’s been a while since I’ve had a genuinely funny show to dive into!

2.  Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns

Jenna's newest book club book was released this week - Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns.  It sounds pretty interesting ~

Young folk singer Elle Harlow reaches the height of her prowess in 1973, with two wildly beloved albums to her name and a hidden history of impossible heartbreak. When she sets foot on the famed Grand Ole Opry stage, a far cry from the mountain that raised her, Elle gives the biggest performance of her life. Then, to the dismay of shocked fans, her producer, and the man who still loves her, she vanishes.

Almost two decades later, eighteen-year-old Marijohn Shaw is spending her summer pumping gas, writing songs on her broken mandolin, and longing for a mother. Her father, Abe, has always sworn he was the last person to see Elle Harlow alive, but when a meteor strikes the woods of their sleepy Pennsylvania town and a piece of Elle’s past emerges from the wreckage, the truth of her disappearance sets fire to everything Marijohn believes about herself, her music, and her ability to love with abandon.

Wait for Me exalts the lush hills of Appalachia and the bright lights of Nashville as it reveals the legacy of Elle Harlow, the bold voice that defined her, the intimate betrayal that undid her, and the unexpected faith of another young woman determined to resurrect her.

Available HERE

3.  Little Debbie's Strawberry Delights

Spring is in the air, and Little Debbie is joining the celebration with a brand-new treat hitting store shelves: Strawberry Delights. These soft, delicious cookies are filled with a sweet strawberry-flavored filling that brings a bright taste of spring in every bite. Adding to the fun, each cookie features an adorable cutout smiley face—sure to make you smile right along with it.

 

4.  Wide Leg Yoga Pants

Before heading out on vacation, I wanted to pick up a couple of pairs of comfortable pants to take along. I found exactly what I was looking for with these wide-leg yoga pants. One of my favorite things about them is that they come in several different lengths, so I was able to choose a pair that works with my shorter legs without dragging on the ground. They’re also available in a ton of colors, which makes them even more fun to shop for. Best of all, the fabric isn’t bulky, so they packed easily in my suitcase.

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

Okay, it's back to vacation for me!  Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday - February 27, 2026

It's Friday!  I'm ready to get the weekend started.  Let's kick it off with my Five on Friday this this week ~

1.  Bridgerton - Part 2 of Season 4

I can hardly believe we’re down to the final four episodes of Season 4—I’ve been counting the days! I’m so excited to see how everything wraps up. Tomorrow I’m hosting a little Bridgerton-themed tea party for one of my book clubs, and it feels like the perfect excuse to fully immerse ourselves in all the romance, drama, and Regency-era glamour. We’ll be sipping tea, nibbling on sweet treats, and, of course, diving deep into the latest twists and turns of the series. Something tells me that once I press play, I won’t be able to stop—I’m fairly certain all four new episodes will be completely devoured before the weekend is over!

2.  Holloway House Floor Cleaner

Our hardwood floors had started to lose their luster and were looking a bit tired, so we decided to give Holloway House Floor Cleaner a try—and wow, what a difference! Oh. My. Goodness. They’re now gleaming brighter than when they were first installed. You would never guess they’ve endured 20 years of daily wear and tear.  It’s incredibly simple to use, and it leaves behind a protective layer that helps fill in tiny micro-scratches and smooth out the overall appearance of the floor. The finish looks even, refreshed, and beautifully polished. We couldn’t be happier with the results!

Available HERE

3.  Repairing Serum

My daughter-in-law recently gave me a bottle of COSRX Snail Mucin Repairing Serum, and I am beyond impressed! I had a few stubborn dry patches on my face that just wouldn’t seem to go away, but after only a handful of applications, they completely disappeared. My skin feels smoother, softer, and so much more hydrated.  This serum truly works wonders—and the best part is that it’s incredibly affordable. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get amazing results. It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine!

Available HERE

4.  New M&M Flavors

The creative team at Mars has clearly been hard at work dreaming up some fun new twists on a classic favorite. They’ve just rolled out three brand-new M&M’s flavors, and they sound absolutely delicious!  Now hitting shelves are Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, which combines that creamy peanut butter center with warm, bakery-inspired cinnamon sweetness; Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, a rich chocolatey treat with a fruity cherry flair; and Lemon Meringue Pie, a bright, zesty option that’s perfect for anyone who loves a citrusy dessert.  It’s always exciting to see what new flavor combinations they come up with next, and these dessert-inspired varieties definitely bring something fresh and playful to the candy aisle!

5.  Good idea...

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! My son and I are heading out on vacation together next week, so I’m planning to have all my packing finished before the weekend wraps up. It’s going to be a busy few days — we have our Bible small group meeting tonight, and tomorrow is the Bridgerton-themed tea party. So many fun things happening all at once! I can’t wait to share all the highlights with you. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for updates and a little behind-the-scenes peek at everything!

Five on Friday - February 6, 2026

Happy Friday and welcome to Five on Friday! I always look forward to rounding up a few fun finds, favorites, and things that caught my attention during the week. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend and share a little inspiration along the way. Let’s get to it ~

1.  Winter Olympics

The Olympics are officially underway, and there’s something so special about this time when the world comes together to cheer, celebrate, and be inspired. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be watching incredible athletes compete at the highest level, many of them after years of quiet dedication and hard work. From early-morning events to late-night highlights, the Olympics always seem to create a shared sense of excitement—and maybe even a little friendly competition right from our living rooms.  I can wait to be mesmerized by all the events we will be seeing!

2.  Solo Mio

Solo Mio, starring Kevin James, opens today and looks like a movie I will love!  From the previews, it looks like a simple, heartfelt movie that focuses on finding yourself when life feels a little off course. It’s not loud or over-the-top, but instead offers a calm, introspective story that stays with you long after the credits roll.  Here's the synopsis ~

Matt, a man whose dreams of a picturesque Italian wedding are shattered when his fiancée leaves him at the altar, embarks on his planned honeymoon across Italy alone, immersing himself in the country’s vibrant culture, food, and beauty.

3.  It's Not Her by Mary Kubica

Looking for a new thriller to add to your reading list? Mary Kubica’s newest book was released this week, and it might be exactly what you’re in the mood for. Known for her twisty plots and can’t-put-it-down storytelling, this latest release is already creating buzz. Here’s the summary ~

A scream shatters the silence…
Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.

A town full of secrets…
As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?

A truth no one saw coming…
With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust.

Available HERE

4.  Fake Collars

I saw a friend at work wearing one of these fake collars under a sweater this week, and it was absolutely adorable. Of course, I immediately added a couple to my cart. I’m especially excited to bring them along on an upcoming trip where I’m really trying to pack light. Just swapping out the collar makes the same sweater look completely different, which feels like a total travel win.

Available HERE

There are also some fancier ones that just might have to make their way into my closet!

Available HERE

Available HERE

Available HERE

5.  Yes!

Have a great weekend! We’ll be heading to a friend’s house on Sunday to watch the big game. The Super Bowl just doesn’t feel quite the same when your team isn’t playing, but it’s still fun to gather and watch together. The rest of the weekend I’ll be happily parked in front of the TV, soaking up all the Olympic coverage. See you next week!

Three Things I'm Loving Right Now - January 2026

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  As January comes to an end (how is that even possible!), I'm reflecting on a few things around the house that I'm loving right now ~

1.  Towel Warmer

Winter has definitely arrived! This past weekend brought us just over 10 inches of snow along with some seriously freezing temperatures. A few years ago, Eric surprised me with a towel warmer for our bathroom, and on cold days like these, stepping out of the shower and wrapping up in a warm towel feels absolutely luxurious.

The towel warmer I’m linking below is a little different from the one we have. Ours folds up for easy storage during the warmer months, but this one includes fragrance pads you can add for an extra touch of pampering. It’s such a cozy little upgrade for winter!  This could be a perfect gift to get yourself for Valentine's Day!

Available HERE

2.  Under Counter Lights

I know we’re finally at that point where the days are getting a little longer, but it still feels like we’re spending most of our time in the dark. That’s why I’m absolutely loving our under-cabinet rechargeable lights with motion sensors. We have them installed under all of our kitchen cabinets, and when you walk into the kitchen, they automatically turn on—no need to flip a switch just to see where you’re going. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference! Installation is a breeze too!

Available HERE

3.  Wrist Bands for Washing Face

I am loving these new wrist bands for washing my face! I know it may sound silly, but I hate when water runs down my arms. At night, my pajama sleeves would get wet, and in the morning, moisture would even reach my watch band. Not anymore! Now I just slip on these wrist bands and they catch all the drips.

Such a simple little thing, but it makes me ridiculously happy! 

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

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!

Five on Friday - December 5, 2025

Happy Friday, friends! I’m so glad you stopped by today. Another week has flown by, and I’m excited to share a fresh roundup of five things that caught my eye, made life easier, or simply brought a little joy. Let’s jump right in!

1.  Jay Kelly
I am a sucker for anything George Clooney.  His newest movie, Jay Kelly, is out on Netflix this week and I'm hoping  to carve out some time this weekend to watch it.  Here's the summary ~

Jay Kelly is a 2025 comedy-drama film directed by Noah Baumbach and written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup. It follows a friendship between a famous actor (Clooney) and his manager (Sandler) as they travel through Europe and reflect on their life choices, relationships, and legacies.

2.  Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas

In this very busy time of year, we can easily forget the reason for the season.  It's not too late to start reading a daily devotional.  Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas is free with Kindle Unlimited!

Enjoy more peaceful moments this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas. This devotional collection of prayers and reflections from Sarah Young's bestselling Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling includes Scripture verses, and words of hope from God's heart to yours.

This inspirational holiday devotional is ideal for:

     - Anyone longing to draw closer to Jesus during the Advent and Christmas season.

     - Those who are looking for comfort, calm, and peace in place of the holiday bustle.

     - Families who want to cultivate a tradition of Advent prayers and devotions together.

This full-color prayer book includes:Prayers, reflections, and Bible verses based on the Christmas story and prophecies of Jesus' birth.
Stunning seasonal illustrations, making this holiday treasure a beautiful gift or keepsake.

As you pray Scripture throughout this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas, you'll experience not only God's answers, but also how prayer connects you to God, changes your heart, and brings peace and joy to one of the greatest celebrations of the year.

Available HERE

3.  Light-Up Football

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for the tween in your life? Check out this light-up football! Who doesn’t love something that glows in the dark—kids and even a few adults included. This fun pick is sure to provide hours of entertainment and might even lure your kiddos away from their screens long enough to get some fresh air and exercise. It’s a great holiday gift idea, and it’s also one of those handy items to keep tucked away for a last-minute birthday surprise.

Available HERE

4.  Stash Holiday Teas

Take a look at these adorably named holiday teas from Stash! This festive variety pack includes six different boxes, each filled with 18 bags — that’s a grand total of 108 cozy cups of tea. With both caffeinated and caffeine-free blends, there’s truly something for everyone.  They make a wonderful gift bundle as-is, or you can break them apart and tuck individual boxes into stockings, gift baskets, or teacher gifts. Of course, you could also keep the whole set for yourself and sip your way through the holiday season, one delicious cup at a time!

Available HERE

5.  Staying Fit...

Have a wonderful weekend! We just got back from a trip to Oklahoma, where we soaked up all things Pioneer Woman and even visited my cousin — someone I hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years! It was such a special trip, but now I’m definitely feeling a little behind on all the Christmas prep.

This weekend will be all about catching up, decorating the house for the holidays, enjoying dinner with friends, and taking in a PBR event. Busy, but in the best way! See you next week!

Five on Friday - November 28, 2025

Happy Friday! I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. We had such a great day celebrating with family and friends! Are you out braving the shopping crowds today? Thanks for popping by Five on Friday in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. Let’s jump right in!

1.  Landman

Season 2 of Landman is officially here on Paramount+! Eric and I love watching this show together, so we’ve been counting down the days to see what twists and turns this new season would bring. We’ve already watched the first two episodes, and they absolutely did not disappoint. The story pulls you in right away, and we’re already eager to see what happens next!

2.  Family Friendly Games

Whenever we get together with friends, we almost always end up pulling out a stack of games. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend time together—lots of laughs, a little friendly competition, and memories we talk about long after everyone’s gone home. Right now, Amazon has some fantastic deals on a few of our go-to games. If you’re looking to refresh your own game stash or need a fun gift idea, these are definitely worth checking out!

Mexican Train Dominoes

Available HERE

Elimino!

Available HERE

Splendor

Available HERE

Ticket to Ride

Available HERE

Quixx

Available HERE

3.  Heated Gloves

Winter has officially arrived! The forecast is calling for snow this weekend, which sent me digging through closets to round up all our cold-weather gear. While I was taking stock of what we have, I stumbled across these rechargeable heated gloves and now I can’t stop thinking about adding them to our winter lineup. They look so warm and practical—perfect for everything from shoveling the driveway to outdoor walks. And honestly, they’d make fantastic Christmas gifts too!

Available HERE

4.  Clevefy Citrus Shower Steamers

Let’s be honest—these next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind of activity, and every little bit of calm and energy helps. One of my favorite ways to start the day on the right foot is by using a shower steamer. I drop one in as soon as I hop into the shower, and the refreshing aroma fills the whole space. It’s such a simple little ritual, but it makes a big difference. If you’re looking for a way to give your mornings a quick boost, these shower steamers are a game-changer!

Available HERE

5.  Wish List...

Enjoy your weekend! We’re heading to Oklahoma to visit the Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve wanted to go for years, and we’re finally making it happen. I can’t wait to share all the fun details when we get back!