2025 Valentine's Mantel

Happy Thursday! Thanks for visiting Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I share what’s on my mind and invite you to join in and do the same. Today, my thoughts are all about our Valentine’s mantel!

Perhaps it’s because the ground is still buried under several inches of snow, but I opted to simply replace a few of our Christmas decorations on the mantel with Valentine’s Day accents. I kept the garland, the white trees, and the bells in place.

To replace the Christmas items, we added in a couple strands of white and red berry garland, along with a felt garland of hearts and envelopes.

In the center, I placed a wood heart that we picked up at Hobby Lobby.  What would we do without that store?!?  

This came together so quickly!  Next up is the tiered tray in the kitchen window.  I'll be showing you that soon!

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 15, 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

TOP VIEWED

Simple DIY Valentine Shadow Box

VERY POPULAR

How to Create a Calming Home Office

Fabulous DIY Fabric Baskets

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Enjoying Tea and Scones:  Cozy Winter Moments

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

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Five on Friday - January 10, 2025

We are ten days into the new year and they have been doozies!  The recent snow storm kept us home the first two days of the week and now we are bracing ourselves for more snow today.  Thankfully, the temperatures are supposed to warm up next week and hopefully, things will return to normal.  What is normal is for me to share my Five on Friday so here goes ~

1.  With Love, Meghan

Next Wednesday Netflix will premiere the show With Love, Meghan starring the Duchess of Sussex herself.  There are eight episodes and all are dropping at the same time (binge anyone?).  Meghan will invite friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen, garden, and beyond.  My calendar is marked for next Wednesday, January 15, and I can't wait to see how Meghan puts on the show.  Will you be watching?

2.  All Creatures Great and Small

Eric and I are hooked on the PBS show All Creatures Great and Small.  Season 5 starts on Sunday!  Here's the summary ~

James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in the 1930’s Yorkshire Dales get a glorious new adaptation in a TV series based on his internationally celebrated books. Nicholas Ralph makes his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring humor, compassion for his animal patients, and love of life. With plenty of heart, a picturesque setting, and a cast that utterly charms, the show delivers drama both comforting and entertaining.

3.  The House of My Mother

Shari Franke's new book released on Tuesday and it sounds like it would be interesting.  Here's the summary ~

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.”

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

Available HERE

4.  Electric Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Winter’s chill can make even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge. Whether you’re out walking the dog, hitting the slopes, or just commuting to work, freezing fingers can put a damper on your day. Enter electric rechargeable hand warmers: the modern, eco-friendly solution to keeping your hands toasty.  These are rechargeable and will provide hours of warmth!

 

Available HERE

5.  Which one are you?

Now let's get the weekend started!  Have an amazing weekend filled with laughter, relaxation and good vibes!  See you back here next week.

Trip to Asheville, North Carolina in 2024

Hello friends!  Thanks for popping into Thinking Out Loud Thursday where I talk about something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm circling back to a fantastic trip we took with our friends Jill and Craig back in November to Asheville, North Carolina.

You might wonder why we chose to visit Asheville right after the devastating hurricane had struck the area. The truth is, we carefully considered and prayed about it before deciding that, if ever there was a time the region could use our support, it was then. Our trip had been planned months before the hurricane hit, and we were determined to proceed. Our main goal was to experience the Biltmore decked out in Christmas decorations and the Chihuly exhibit that was featured there. We also looked forward to hiking, as well as relaxing at the back of the Omni Grove Park Inn while soaking in the breathtaking mountain views.

As our departure date approached, we learned that both the Biltmore and the Omni Grove Park Inn were set to reopen just before our arrival. After speaking with our Airbnb host and confirming they were comfortable hosting us, we knew the trip was a go!

If you haven't seen the Biltmore decorated for Christmas, let me just say it's a sight to be seen!  Eric and I had been there several years ago but were fine with visiting again.  The Christmas decorations coupled with the Chihuly exhibit that was on the property made this the perfect trip to kick off the holidays!  Let me share some pictures of the interior of the Biltmore mansion ~

To go along with the beautiful decorations, the sounds of a children's choir rang throughout the first floor.  How could you not get in the Christmas spirit with all this beauty and sounds of the holiday!

Our tickets to the Biltmore included the evening candlelight tour of the house and access to the 8,000 acres of grounds the following day.  Some areas were still closed due to the hurricane, but there were plenty of spaces for us to explore.  

We added a behind-the-scenes rooftop tour, offering us spectacular bird’s-eye views. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and shared plenty of fascinating side stories.

The Chihuly glass exhibit was a breathtaking showcase of blown glass art created by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly.  These exhibits are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs.  Seeing the glass exhibit was a wonderful bonus!

The third day of our trip was my birthday!  Every day I was up early to see the sunrise and the view on my birthday was amazing.  It made getting up at the crack of dawn so, so worth it!

We had the best day enjoying the views off the back of the Omni Grove Park Inn.  The weather was warm enough that we could sit in the sun and soak in the beautiful mountain views.  Sipping on our gourmet hot chocolates made it even better!

Our trip to Asheville was short but packed with fun! Traveling with friends made it even more enjoyable. Each evening, we’d return to our cabin and play games late into the night, far past our usual bedtime. Isn’t that the mark of a fantastic getaway?

We returned home refreshed and filled with the Christmas spirit. It was the perfect place to start the holiday season!

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 8, 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

TOP VIEWED

Celebrating Advent

VERY POPULAR

Homemade Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Creamy Ranch Pasta & Sausage

EDITOR'S CHOICE

How to Make Seasoned Pretzels

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!

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Five on Friday - January 3, 2024

Happy Friday!  Let see what five things I have for you today ~

1.  The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Just in time for the new year, Mel Robbins' new book The Let ThemTheory was released.  I always like starting the year with a good self-help book and this just might be it.  Here's the summary ~

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.

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory now and discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words.

Available HERE

2.  Beckman Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

Eric and I kicked off the new year sleeping soundly on our brand new pillows!  We had a few that had seen better days, so I had been on the hunt for new ones.  It's amazing how much pillows can cost!  These had great reviews and didn't break the bank.  The plush bounce-back design keeps its shape whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach.  

Available HERE

3.  A Complete Unknown

Are you a Bob Dylan fan?  If so, you must be so excited about the new movie about him call A Complete Unknown.  It came out on Christmas Day and is getting some pretty good reviews.  Here's the summary ~

New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. As he forms his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement and, refusing to be defined, makes a controversial choice that culturally reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.

4.  Golden Globes

Host Nikki Glaser will kick off award season this Sunday night at the Golden Globes. The show will air on CBS at 8:00 PM Eastern. I love award shows—they're a fun way to discover new shows and see which ones come out on top!

5.  Happy New Year!

Have a fantastic weekend!  We are bracing for a huge snowstorm.  Huge like in potentially getting 16" of snow!  I'm headed to the grocery store to stock up on all the comfort food I can think of and then we're settling in to see if the weather people are accurate.  See you next week!

What I Read in December 2024

Happy New Year! I'm thrilled you're stopping by for Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is where I share what's on my mind and invite you to join in and do the same. On the first Thursday of each month, I recap what I read the month before. Let's dive into my December reads!

The Christmas Pearl

In December, our book club read The Christmas Pearl. Most members enjoyed it, though some felt it leaned a bit too much toward a Hallmark vibe. Personally, I adored it! It was a beautifully heartwarming story, perfect for the holiday season. Here’s a brief summary:

Still spry at ninety-three, Theodora has lived long enough to see her family grow into an insufferable bunch of truculent knuckleheads. Having finally gathered the whole bickering brood together for the holidays at her South Carolina home, the grand matriarch pines wistfully for those extravagant, homey Christmases of her childhood. How she misses the tables groaning with home-cooked goodies, the over-the-top decorations, those long, lovely fireside chats with Pearl, her grandmother's beloved housekeeper and closest confidante. These days, where is the love and the joy . . . and the peace?

But this is, after all, a magical time. Someone very special has heard Theodora's plea—and is about to arrive at her door with pockets full of Gullah magic and enough common sense to transform this Christmas into the miracle it's truly meant to be.

Available HERE

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

I had heard so much chatter from people reading The Pumpkin Spice Cafe that I had to give it a read.  It was surprisingly spicy!  This is the first book of five and I definitely like it enough to want to read the others.  Here's the summary ~

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

Available HERE

Bright Lights, Big Christmas

Mary Kay Andrews books are usually fun and entertaining.  Bright Lights, Big Christmas was just that!  It was a fun book to read in December and it was especially fun because the storyline revolves around a Christmas tree stand in New York.  While reading this book, I was also planning to trip to New York and it was so fun on our first walk about in the city we can into a tree stand!  Here's the summary ~

When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.

In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,

And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?

Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.

Available HERE

The Summer Pact

Typically, books by Emily Giffin are some of my favorites.  The Summer Pact fell a little short for me.  Maybe it was because I was reading it during the time I was trying to get ready for Christmas causing me to be a but preoccupied, but this one just didn't grab me like some of her other books had.  

Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and aspiring lawyer from Washington, D.C.; Summer, an ambitious, recruited athlete from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after arriving on campus, they strike up a conversation in their shared dorm, and the seeds of friendship are planted.

As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, they make a pact, promising to always be there for one another, no matter how separated they may become by circumstances or distance.

Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are all facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a shared journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.

In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides, helping us pick up the pieces?

Available HERE

The Year of Less

I was hopeful that The Year of Less would jumpstart my goal to buy less and declutter in 2025. Honestly, it didn't do it for me. The author, Cait Flanders, talks a lot about herself, which didn't really motivate me to do much.  It's a short book, so I didn't feel like it was a total waste of time.  If I do make strides at buying less and decluttering in 2025, I'm not going to give this book any of the credit.

In her late twenties, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy—only keeping her from meeting her goals—she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.

The Year of Less documents Cait’s life for twelve months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero waste movement; and completed a television ban. At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt.

The challenge became a lifeline when, in the course of the year, Cait found herself in situations that turned her life upside down. In the face of hardship, she realized why she had always turned to shopping, alcohol, and food—and what it had cost her. Unable to reach for any of her usual vices, she changed habits she’d spent years perfecting and discovered what truly mattered to her.

Blending Cait’s compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you’re holding on to in your own life—and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.

Available HERE

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