My WAHM Plan

The Productive Garden: An Essential Guide Toward Self‑Sufficiency Book Review & Giveaway

2026-04-10T18:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, readers. It’s been a few weeks since I reviewed a book and hosted a giveaway, so I’m happy to say, I’m fixing that today with a wonderful new garden book from Stephanie Hafferty, award-winning homesteader and no-dig garden expert, called The Productive Garden.

The Productive Garden: An Essential Guide Toward Self‑Sufficiency

My Thanks to Quarto Publishing for the complimentary copy of The Productive Garden and for hosting a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

About The Productive Garden by Stephanie Hafferty:

Publisher: Frances Lincoln/March 2026/ Hardcover/256 Pages/Genre: Gardening, House and Home

Are you ready to start your journey to self-sufficiency? Are you a novice gardener wishing to change up your lifestyle by growing, preserving, and cooking more food at home? This book is an essential resource. One you’ll come back to again and again through the seasons, and I dare say, through the years as you grow in your garden and self-sufficiency journey.

Stephanie Hafferty has over 30 years of hands-on experience and shows how anyone can create an abundant, resilient garden using simple, sustainable methods rooted in no‑dig and permaculture principles.

In The Productive Garden, Stephanie covers topics like:

Planning a productive plot (garden)
Improving soil health
Growing reliable crops across the seasons
Turning harvests into preserves, cleaners, and body‑care products

My Thoughts:

I’ve looked through this book, but tend to read a garden resource book of this size (256 pages) and scope using a current-season methodology. Since we’re just starting our growing season in zone 7b, that means I’m focusing on our garden location and improving soil health, key topics in Part One: In The Garden.

We’re transitioning our main garden area from big grow bags and pots to wooden raised beds, so I’m focusing on bed placement and improving soil. Thankfully, both are fairly straightforward: we think our current spot is ideal for continued garden success, and we’ll be able to reuse much of our soil from last year.

It’s already got worms, so I’ll take note of Stephanie's knowledge of amending soil. I’m also keeping an eye on my seed starts and small seedlings to ensure they’ll be ready to transfer into our garden. Stephanie covers sowing and propagation in part one, and I wish I’d had this book before starting our seeds. I’d have done a few steps differently.

Tomorrow, I’m going to decide which other plants we may want to grow this year with the assistance of the next section of the book, Part Two: Seasonal Produce. This is a guide to reliable crops. Everything from veggies to flowers is covered.

Part Three: Using Your Harvests is perhaps my favorite part of this book. It covers garden crafts with flowers, making body care products, and products for your home, such as soaps, cleaners, and fragrances.

There’s even a section on setting up your own pantry (larder) with preserves, oils, ferments, vinegars, cordials, and more.

It makes sense that this would be my favorite section since it’s home-centric and I’m a work at home Mom who enjoys home and garden projects.

Part Four: Useful Resources lists Stephanie’s recommended books and websites, as well as harvesting schedule, and a guide to foraging.

The Takeaway:

Coutesy: Quarto Publishing

The Productive Garden is a fantastic resource for gardeners and homemakers of any skill level. Stephanie’s warmth and love for gardening and self-sufficiency are evident throughout the pages of this book. Her approach to these topics blends affordability, ecological care, and everyday practicality, making self‑sufficiency feel like something we all can achieve.

I invite you to learn more about author Stephanie Hafferty and her lastest garden book The Productive Garden by visiting Quarto Publshing.

Win It:

Courtesy:Quarto Publishing

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Quarto Publishing, one lucky reader will receive a hardbound copy of The Productive Garden by Stephanie Hafferty. Open to USA residents only. Please read all the terms outlined below so that your entry is valid. I do check them.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment; the sponsor is. Winners will be notified by email used on the entry form and have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook or any other social channel.

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Please share in comments: If you win, what part of the book will you read first?

Five Analog Hobbies I Enjoy and Have Found Online Communities For

2026-04-01T17:37:00.006-05:00

Happy April, dear readers. I’m back from my no-blogging spring break, and I must say, the break did me a world of good. I’m back with creative ideas flowing. Today’s post is one of those fateful things. My daughter gave me a gift, which happened to be part of a Gen Z trend of analog hobbies, and I thought, I’ve been enjoying several analog hobbies forever, I should share them on the blog! I’ll start with five hobbies today.

Five Analog Hobbies I enjoy. Join Me!

One: Hobby Bag, A.K.A. W.I.P. Bag:

First up is the gift that started it all. My daughter Melissa gave me a trend within a trend when she scored a lilac Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote for me. She noticed my craft/hobby bag was looking a little worn and was kind enough to snag me a new bag. I jokingly said, “Oh, now I can be trendy and show this on W.I.P. Wednesday!” She said exactly that! I scored cool Mom points too.

I posted my Work In Progress tote on Instagram and found to my delight, several friends and followers were doing the same. I’d love for you to join us. Just follow me, or look for #wipwednesday. I'll be sharing my progress on my embroidery project soon.

Two: Houseplants and Propagating:

I got my love of houseplants from my Mom and Aunt. Both of them had beautiful plants that they talked about, mulled over problems together, and shared plant starts with each other. I do this now with my daughters.

This lovely leaf is a start from my daughter's big Monstera plant. I shared the progress of this start with houseplant enthusiasts on Instagram, who are so kind and generous with their knowledge. Join this strong community by using #houseplants.

Three: Seed Starts:

Gardening is another really strong community of analog-loving hobbyists on Instagram. I’ve learned so much from this tribe of gardeners from a wide array of gardening zones. Some aren’t even in the United States, but that didn’t stop them from praising my first seed-starting efforts in many years.

Spring is the perfect time to hop into a gardening group! Just use the appropriate hashtag in a search, like #springgardening #containergardening, or use your garden zone as I do,#zone7gardens.

Four: Nature Walks and Flowers:

I’m sure by now, you’re noticing I’m talking about Instagram shares, but rest assured, I’ve found communities on other social platforms as well. For instance, Films and Entertainment shares do well on X. And to my surprise and delight, my nature walks and flower shares are really having a moment on Facebook.

Care to join us? Go to my blog’s Facebook page and follow along! Use #nature or #flowers to find a community you like.

Five: Books:

Books are a universal connector. Whether you’re like me and prefer holding a book and flipping pages, reading by the glow of your Kindle, or perhaps prefer listening to audiobooks, the love for books remains strong.

For instance, I shared the above photo of The Productive Garden on Instagram and Facebook, stating I’d be hosting a giveaway here on my blog soon, and got just interest from both places. My preferred hashtags on both socials are #books and #booklover. The giveaway for this book will go live on Friday, so please be sure you’re following me on my socials, or subscribe to my blog using the subscribe box on the right.

I’ve truly enjoyed my offline time and analog hobbies! So much so, I’m going to make this a monthly blog segment where I’ll share what I’ve been doing, making, and reading. I do hope you’ll join me here to share what analog hobby you’ve been up to.

I think this is a great way to have a healthy mix of offline and online time. Who knows, perhaps being offline more than online during our free time will continue to trend upward as the year progresses. Now wouldn't that be novel? I’d love to see, in person, hobby clubs make a comeback.

Please share in comments: Do you currently enjoy any of the analog hobbies I shared today?

He Calls Me Daughter in Theaters 3/17-3/18 Review + Giveaway

2026-03-16T16:54:00.003-05:00

I'm still in movie love mode after the 98th Academy Awards last night. Did you watch it? I loved the romantic gowns and dapper men with their sparkling lapel pins. Jessie Buckley's acceptance speech for Best Actress in Hamnet made me misty-eyed, and Barbra Streisand's tribute to Robert Redford was truly touching. I was equally touched while screening He Calls Me Daughter for today’s post. Below are my thoughts and a giveaway.

A Heavenly Father Changes Everything

Courtesy: Fathom Entertainment

Many thanks to He Calls Me Daughter for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

About: He Calls Me Daughter: Distributed by: Fathom Entertainment /Directed by: Rick Altizer/Produced by: Rick Altizer, Erik Dellenback /Run Time: 1 hour,26 mins./Genre: Documentary/Faith/ Spirituality. /Rated: Not yet rated

Cast and Participants: Alex Kendrick, Dr. Meg Meeker, Chonda Pierce, Lynsi Snyder, B.J. Arnett, Kia Stephens, Tracey Robison, Rachelle Starr.

Courtesy: Fathom Entertainment

Film Synopsis: He Calls Me Daughter is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported,

or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing.

He Calls Me Daughter is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw, but one who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

My Thoughts:

It’s by sheer coincidence that I'm posting back-to-back film reviews that cover highly emotional subject matter. As a lighthearted optimist, delving into the last two films, most especially He Calls Me Daughter, has been cathartic. Until watching this film, I didn’t have a name for the disconnect I sometimes felt between my father and my spiritual father.

Watching the truthful, sometimes raw stories showcased in He Calls Me Father allowed me to acknowledge that how we’re raised does have bearing on our relationship with God and our interpretations of the bible’s teachings.

If you can sit with the question. “Do you have a father wound in your heart?” and really listen to your response, you might be surprised to note some issues, even for those of us who feel we were raised in a normal Christian family.

Father Wounds can be felt in small and big ways! If you know pain caused by a distant or absent father, it can make it difficult for us to trust a loving heavenly father. Use this link to watch the official movie trailer.

The Takeaway:

Dr. Michael Reeves states, “Most Christians are functional orphans, thinking that while God might be a father for all these other Christians, he’s not a father for me,” which, I feel, resonates with many women today. He Calls Me Daughter explores the importance of a father in a woman's life and the hope and healing available in Christ.

Check Local Showing Times:

He Calls Me Daughter is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw, but one who offers peace, belonging, and restoration. Buy tickets today to see He Calls Me Daughter in theaters only 3/17-3/18! Here’s the link where you can check local showings. Be sure to follow He Calls Me Daughter on IG: @hecallsmedaughterfilm and on FB: @hecallsmedaughterfilm.

Win It:

Courtesy:Amazon

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Momentum Influencer Network, one lucky reader will win a $10 Amazon e-giftcard. No purchase is necessary to enter. Open to USA residents only. Please read all the terms outlined below so that your entry is valid. I do check them.

Terms:

Good Luck! Be sure to check out my other giveaways and film reviews while you're here.

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Please share in comments: Will you go see He Calls Me Daughter in theaters?

My Thoughts on The Optimist, Inspired by True Events, In Theaters 3/11/26

2026-03-10T15:17:00.003-05:00

I’m pleased to share my first film review of 2026 with you today. What I assumed would be a sad, hard-to-watch film brought me more smiles than tears. The Optimist covers heavy topics, including Holocaust remembrance, mental health awareness, infidelity, suicide, love, loss, grief, and yet, after watching this film, I find it to be perfectly named. Please consider these trigger warnings before reading my no spoiler review or seeing this film.

The Optimist: Inspired by True Events- released nationwide on March 11, 2026

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Trafalgar Releasing. Thank you for the opportunity to screen and review this film before its nationwide release.

About The Optimist: Distributed by: Trafalgar Releasing /Directed by: Finn Taylor /Produced by: Jeanine Thomas /Run Time: 1 hour,52 mins./Genre: Drama/Historical/Rated: PG-13 for thematic elements, emotional intensity, and some language

Cast: Stephen Lang as Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, Elsie Fisher as Abby, Luke David Blumm as young Herbert. Ensemble cast: Luke David Blumm, Leah Pipes, Ben Geurens, Ursula Parker, Slavko Sobin, Stella Stocker, Oskar Hes, and Robin Weigert.

The Optimist Film Synopsis:

Based on a true story, The Optimist follows Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and the unlikely friendship that transforms two lives. At 15, Herbert escaped the Auschwitz-Birkenau death march, carrying the weight of silence for six decades.

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

When he finally breaks that silence, he forms a life-saving bond with Abby, a troubled teenager confronting her own pain. Together, they discover hope, healing, and the transformative power of being truly seen.

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

Directed by Finn Taylor and produced by Jeanine Thomas, The Optimist stars Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher in an intimate, intergenerational story about trauma, memory, and healing. Lang delivers a career-defining performance opposite Fisher in a story developed over more than a decade by Thomas, who first met Heller before his passing in 2021. The film honors Heller’s legacy as an educator and survivor who shared his testimony with thousands of students nationwide.

My Thoughts:

Even though this film has a very melancholy tone and slow tempo, I wasn’t overcome with sadness like I thought I’d be because there were moments of happiness and light. For instance, going to the circus with his family prior to the invasion showed a warm, family outing. This day would serve as a before-and-after moment for all of the Herberts, most especially Herbert, I think, because he was so young.

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

To meet Herbert at his store, listen to him interact with others, you would never guess by his calm and optimistic demeanor that something of this magnitude was part of his story. This is one of the reasons why I feel the film is so aptly named.

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

The Holocaust was a heartwrenching part of history, to put it mildly. Yet this well-written and well-acted film left me feeling hopeful and uplifted after spending the afternoon listening to Herbert and Abbey’s story.

Courtesy: Trafalgar Releasing

To me, this story is full of hope and faith and family, understanding and friendship. As early screeners and film reviewers, we were asked to select from a list of discussion topics regarding this film, and I chose friendship. Below is a thoughtful discussion guide I hope you’ll read.

Discussion Guide: The Necessity of Friendship:

The Optimist reminds us that even brief, authentic friendships can bring lasting healing. Abbey and Herbert find in each other a kind of spiritual connection—a witness to their pain, a mirror to their strength, and an invitation to be vulnerable. The film reminds us that friendship doesn’thave to be lifelong to be life-giving.

Scripture Reflection: “Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Questions for Consideration:

Who is someone in your life who truly sees you? How has their friendship impacted the

way you see yourself?

Is there someone around you who may need to feel seen or supported right now? How

might you extend friendship or compassion to them?

How can you be more intentional in nurturing or initiating friendship with someone in

need?

Friendship, especially across generations, can bring joy, healing, wisdom, and perspective.

While life is full of challenges, grief, and unpredictability, it becomes more bearable, more

meaningful, and often more beautiful when we’re not walking it alone. That doesn’t always

mean having a lifelong companion, but it does mean having someone, at some point, who sees you, understands you, and accepts you as you are.

The Optimist illustrates this truth with quiet power. One of its most poignant lessons is the

value of authentic friendship, even if it comes briefly and unexpectedly. Herbert and Abbey are not lifelong companions, but in the short time they share, they offer one another something essential: permission to be fully seen. Their friendship becomes a turning point—unlocking honesty, vulnerability, and healing. Though their paths may ultimately diverge, the impact of their connection endures.

Abbey begins her story alone, shaped by dysfunction and pain, until she finds a sense of safety and recognition in her friendship with Herbert. Herbert, though supported by his family, finds in Abbey the freedom to express a part of himself long kept hidden. Their friendship is not about fixing one another, it’s about witnessing and accepting each other with kindness.

This is what true friendship offers: not necessarily a lifelong partner, but a shared moment of

grace and mutual affirmation. The memory of such friendships can continue to shape us long

after they end.

The Takeaway: From Darkness to Hope:

“Herbert’s story shows how one person can change countless lives,” said director Finn Taylor. Producer Jeanine Thomas added, “This film is the fulfillment of a promise to honor his truth.” Stephen Lang called the role “a profound privilege.” Follow this link if you would like to learn more about Herbert Heller.

The Optimist is more than a film; it is a journey from darkness to hope. The film is deeply rooted in two causes that reflect its heart: KAVOD, which supports Holocaust survivors living in poverty, and Bring Change to Mind, a national nonprofit empowering youth to end the stigma around mental health. Contributions supporting these organizations help extend the film’s impact beyond the screen. Please consider following the film on social media here TikTok/ X/ Facebook and visit Fandango for ticket information.

Please share in comments: Who would you like to see The Optimist with?

Marching into Spring $150 Amazon E-Gift Card or PayPal Giveaway

2026-02-27T19:08:00.006-06:00

For a short month, February sure has felt long this year. I think it’s because of all the harsh winter weather we’ve had to endure. I felt like we all could use some cheering up and hosting a giveaway is a great way to do that! I’ve teamed up with a great group of bloggers for the last Friday in February.

Marching into Spring $150 Amazon E-Gift Card or PayPal Giveaway Winners Choice!

Welcome To The $150 Amazon eGift Card or PayPal Cash Giveaway!

Giveaway: 1 lucky winner a $150 Amazon eGift Card or PayPal Cash. The event is running from February 23^rd to May 16^th. Giveaway open Worldwide everywhere PayPal is negotiable & age 18+.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize:

$150 Amazon eGift Card or PayPal Cash

One Lucky Winner Will Receive choice of: $150 Amazon eGift Card or PayPal Cash

Hosted/Sponsored By:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER/"X" ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM ~ YOUTUBE

Check out Versatileer's other giveaways!

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SARCASTICALLY YOURS, JEN ~ THE FRUGAL GRANDMOM ~ DELICIOUSLY SAVVY ~ OTTAWA MOMMY CLUB ~ IT'S FREE AT LAST ~ BABUSHKA'S BAILE ~ THE ESOTERIC CAT

Rules: Use The Giveaway Tools Form To Enter Daily. The giveaway ends 05/16/26 at 11:59 PM (PST), and is open Worldwide. Entrants must be 18 years old to enter. The winner will be notified via email.

Now To The......

Good Luck! Enter Below

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Terms:

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This event is not sponsored or endorsed by Amazon or PayPal Company. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to Versatileer at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! Once a winner is drawn and confirmed, the name will be announced on the Giveaway Tools form. Versatileer will be responsible for sending the winners their prizes. By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by a random winner selection method. Twitter and Facebook dummy/fake accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. Next seasonal giveaway starts 3 hours before this giveaway ends, and the two giveaways will overlap for the three hour period. More giveaway terms and conditions are listed: HERE. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to become a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Jerry Marquardt at versatileer at gmail dot com or you can use the Contact Form. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Are You A Blogger? See the latest Blogger Opps HERE. Use the Contact Form to get a FREE Link added to One Of Our Giveaways. Just post and report!

If you are a brand/company or author and would like to work with Versatileer, or have any questions please use the Contact Form HERE or email Jerry at versatileer at gmail dot com.

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Please share in comments: What would you purchase if you win?

Friday Faves: Quick Dinner Ideas, Good Books, Bedroom Closet Organizing Ideas

2026-02-06T18:27:00.001-06:00

Happy first Friday in February! I’m excited to watch the replay of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games with my husband tonight, so dinner has to be quick and easy. I’m sharing a dinner that fits busy nights, a set of lovely books for the American Horticultural Society and a few bedroom closet organization essentials in this edition of Friday Faves.

Friday Faves First Week of February

My thanks to all the brands showcased in this post today for sending me complimentary products to try and share with my community. No further compensation was given. I just love sharing good stuff. I’m using my affiliate links and will receive a commission should you make a purchase. Thank you.

The American Horticultural Society book Ecological Gardening and Planner:

The Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening, from The American Horticultural Society, offers insights into the many ways gardeners can embrace nature for a healthier, more vibrant home landscape.

I’m learning so much about how I should make thoughtful decisions in my garden each day, knowing they impact the millions of plants and animals living there. Another topic of interest is protecting my local watershed. Other key topics of interest are:

How To:

Safely manage weeds and pests
Have wildlife-friendly garden cleanups
Maintain your garden in a nature-friendly way
Prevent stormwater runoff with the use of rain gardens and rain-capturing systems

If you want to learn more about eco-friendly garden design, habitat gardening, rain gardening, smart water conservation, and use, I highly recommend this book. I’m fortunate to have this valuable gardening book resource in my home library.

I also received a beautiful Weekly Planner from the American Horticultural Society. It’s filled with botanical beauty with over fifty illustrations of North American plants, including dogwood, asters, milkweed, and trillium. It has a flat-lay binding, making it easier to use and less smudging! I love the thick paper pages that feel good to touch and write on. The layout features include:

Year-at-a-glance pages

Lined page for additional notes

Blank weekly layouts for flexibly tracking your appointments and to-dos

A ribbon marker that allows you to quickly access your current week

This is one of those planners that just feels special each time you pick it up! I’ve enjoyed using it daily so far for all my appointments and find it helpful to have in my bag while I'm wearing it at appointments to jot down thoughts,or just flip through the beautiful botanical illustrations. I’ve had several inquiries about where I got this planner, and I sent them to Quarto.com!

I've finally decided to tackle organizing my bedroom closet! No small feat, since this walk in with shelves has been pressed into years of storage service as well as holding all my clothing and accessories. I knew I needed a better storage solution for my out of season clothing and sweaters etc, so when I saw that Lowe’s was having a sale on a lot of closet storage solutions, I thought you might need some help in this area too.

Here’s a run down of the items I put in my Bedroom Closet Organization Essentials.

No slip smooth hangers in pink and gray
Expandable/Stackable two tier Shoe Rack
Fabric Storage Bins
Purse Organizer Closet System
Double Side Gift Bag Storage Organizer

I’m going to do a Lowe’s run soon to see what they have in store too. Did you know Lowe’s carries a lot of cute and stylish home decor? I have to go in at least once a season, so I can touch things. If you prefer to shop online, which, Totally get, and I do often, be sure to check out my full list of bedroom closet organization essentials here.

True Nature Meats, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, blends sourcing expertise with chef-crafted recipes to create ready-to-eat meats made from real, clean ingredients—no shortcuts, no fluff. Just meat, made right. Meat delivered ready for you to heat and eat, or make your favorite meals in just minutes.

I had the opportunity to partner with them and was wowed by the ambassador box they sent! The regenerated box was expertly packed and kept all the meat cold. I got one package each of:

Argentine Sirloin Steak
Brazilian Garlic Steak
Kansas City Shredded Smoked Brisket
Cajun Smoked Chicken Thighs
Tennessee Pulled Pork
Southern BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast

Ideas for meals started forming as I was putting the meats in the freezer. It’s been so nice to be able to meal prep and just defrost the pre-seasoned, pre-cooked meat. I made the Southern BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast first. I didn’t do much to the meat, just added pepper and a little bit more BBQ sauce, because my family likes a lot of sauce. I served this with white shell mac & cheese, and peas, with the option of putting the BBQ chicken on a bun if you wanted to. It was a huge hit!

This weekend is going to be really busy as well, with storm damage clean-up and the Olympics, so I’ll probably defrost the Argentine Sirloin Steak and Brazilian Garlic Steak for my husband to grill up, along with a baked potato and artichoke hearts. All made on the grill, so after dinner, clean up will be a breeze!

If you’d like to stock your freezer with delicious heat-and-eat meats, please use my code ISMILEFIRST15 at checkout here https://get.aspr.app/SH1W8T to save $15 on your order.

That’s a wrap on another Friday Faves! I hope you’ve found this post helpful.

Please share in comments: Are you going to watch the 100th Winter Olympics? If yes,what is your favorite event?

Snow Day Fun with Puzzles to celebrate National Puzzle Day

2026-01-23T16:37:00.006-06:00

Since National Puzzle Day is next Thursday, the 29th, I thought I’d share this fun, offline snow day idea since so many states in the US are under a winter storm warning for this weekend. Now’s the time to find your puzzle stash and clear off a table before the winter weather arrives.

Puzzles are a Fun Offline Snow Day Activity!

Have you noticed the shift towards offline hobbies yet? From junk journaling to scrapbooking, to writing letters (hello pen pals!), to keeping up with appointments with paper calendars, planners, and notebooks, like me, it seems we’re all making 2026 the year we go old school. Puzzles fit right into this need to be unplugged from our busy, digital-forward lives.

Happy Hands, Happy Brainwaves:

I got my love of jigsaw puzzles from my Mom. At least once a season, she’d start a puzzle in our dining room. She’d set up a long card table for the puzzles that had 2,000 or more pieces. My first job was to help her sort out border pieces. As I grew older, I was allowed to help more and more because she trusted me not to force pieces into spots. Sometimes, it would take her many weeks to complete a puzzle, and it's the same way for me now.

Puzzles Don’t Need a Big Time or Space Commitment:

You can fit working on a puzzle during times you’d normally be scrolling on your phone. I started doing puzzles back in the summer of 2020, in the early morning hours instead of getting on my phone first thing. I started a puzzle Instagram account as a way to document my progress and found, to my delight, a vibrant puzzling community both online and off.

Some days, I can devote just a few minutes to try a few pieces here and there. Sometimes I get lucky, and pieces start falling into place. My Mom said working puzzles puts you in a state of flow and allows your brain to tidy up thoughts, so you come away feeling rested. I wholeheartedly agree!

I love how engaging working on a puzzle can be for the senses, and even though I work from home (hi WAHMS) and usually puzzle in my office, I’mable to move a puzzle I’m working on to another room to free up space, thanks to a portable puzzle board my husband gifted me.

Puzzles Are Fun For The Whole Family:

Even though I’m an empty nester now, I see my daughters often, and at least once a month, we have family dinners. When they’re here, they like to see what puzzle I’m working on. They’ll sit with me and chat, and help with the puzzle.

One likes to sort by color, while the other likes to put pieces that may fit near each other on the table. They both remember their love of children’s puzzles, so if you have little ones, give them their own puzzle to work on while you work on the bigger puzzle. My husband is a pick-a-piece-and-try-it puzzler, and sometimes he gets lucky!

Where to Find Good Deals On Puzzles:

If you don’t have a stash of puzzles on hand, like Ido, don’t worry, you’ll be able to shop and save today at these places in your neighborhood. You may even be able to score some freebies if you shop at second-hand shops like:

Facebook Marketplace
Nextdoor
Ebay
Etsy
Poshmark
Goodwill

Retailers to try:

Marshall’s
Homegoods
Michaels
Hobby Lobby
Walmart
Target
Amazon

Enjoy Your Snow Day!

If you do get snow and not ice, by all means, bundle up and get out there to enjoy the fluffy white stuff. Once you’re back inside and warmed up again from some hot chocolate, why not start a puzzle in honor of National Puzzling Day? You may be surprised at how much you and your family enjoy this offline hobby. My family knows I love puzzles, so I add them to my holiday gift ideas for them and usually get several, like the three I shared in the first photo in this post.

If you’d like to follow along on my progress on the pretty Color Cactus puzzle I used in the photos today, and I’m currently working on,just follow me @prettypuzzlepieces.

Wishing you a fun weekend ahead.

Please share in comments: Are you a 'border first' or 'color-sorting' puzzler?

Friday Faves: Top Ten Blog Posts of 2025

2026-01-16T17:05:00.008-06:00

Happy Friday, dear readers. I’m excited to combine two fun and popular topics in today’s post. Friday's Faves and a look back on the top ten blog posts here on the blog for 2025. I’m thrilled to see that my film coverage had the most interaction and views, with four film posts making the top ten. Next was food and drink, with three posts, and a three-way tie with one each for books, home and garden, and Nashville.

My Top Ten Blog Posts of 2025:

My thanks to each brand and production company for the complimentary products and film posters for usage. All opinions are my own.

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

1I Streamed Sinners on HBO Max: Was It A Good Date Night Option? My Review

It’s awards season, and Sinners is having a moment with several award nominations, including 12 from all members of the Music City Film Critics Association, with me included in the ranks. It comes as no surprise that this was my number one post of 2025.

If you haven’t streamed Sinners yet, you should before the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Stay tuned for more coverage on the awards show soon.

2 Old Stone Creamery: Inviting People to Eat at their Table since 1872

My husband and I have always enjoyed going on dates, especially day dates, where we drive to local places and discover good food or fun activities.

My second favorite blog post of last year is about a hidden gem nearby that we’d never been able to catch open because of their retail hours until we happened by the Old Stone Creamery one weekend day in August. If you're in the Nashville area,youshould pay them a visit.

3 Friday Faves Food and Drink Edition

I loved seeing a Friday Faves show up on this list because I struggled getting into a good rhythm with this blog series. I’m glad I stuck with them, though, because you all seem to enjoy them since two Friday Faves made the list! This food and drink list was fun to put together. From mushroom coffee to tasty dinners, I've got you covered.

Courtesy:Sony Pictures

4 Sundance Award Winning East Of Wall In Theaters Everywhere August 15th

Until I became a film critic, I didn’t pay much attention to The Sundance Film Festival and the buzz surrounding the films being shown and enjoyed. I’m glad that’s all changed now and I look forward to learning more about those buzz worthy films.

East of Wall was one of those films last year and I was honored to have the opportunity to screen it and share my thoughts with you.

Courtesy:Abramorama

5 Love Golfing? The Short Game opens in Theaters Aug. 29th

I was on a blog post roll last August. Creativity was high and I produced more blog posts than I usually do this time of year and I was rewarded with several of my top ten blog posts on this list being published in August. Golfing is such a fun, summery sport, I can see why you all enjoyed my post on the film The Short Game.

6.Serve up smiles at your next coffee gathering with Language of Flowers Mugs

I love coffee and collecting coffee mugs. I’ve passed both of those loves onto my daughters, so when I had the opportunity to review a set of lovely hand-painted flower mugs, I jumped at the chance. They have been a joy to use and add a cheery element to my kitchen. Since this post comes in fifth, Ithink you all must love these things too!

7.Friday Faves Book Edition

Another Friday Faves landed in the number seven slot. This time it's all about books. I am an avid reader, and I enjoy the diverse topics I can choose from as a book ambassador with Quarto Publishing and other publishers. Check out these seven books, and please let me know which one you’d read first in the comments.

8 Cocktails Southern Style Review and Southern Mule Recipe

My husband and I enjoy the occasional drink at home on date nights. I thought it would be fun to learn how to make something other than a standard Gin and Tonic. Cocktails Southern Style rescued us from drink boredom with countless fun recipes. I’m still dreaming of setting up a new bar cart.

9 No-Egg Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe to Delight Your Sweethearts

I’ve been making this no-egg chocolate chip cookie recipe for years, to the delight of my family and friends. I did make one change to this recipe by using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you're a dark chocolate fan, I highly recommend trying it.

Courtesy:Dreamworks

10 How To Train Your Dragon Filmed For IMAX® in Theaters Friday 6/13

Last on this list is another film, and this one makes me really happy because I loved How to Train Your Dragon live-action film. If you haven’t had a chance to see this film yet, you can stream it now on Peacock.

Thank you all so much for stopping by my blog and reading posts! It means the world to me.

Please share the comments if there is a topic you’d like to see me cover here more in 2026.

Friday Favorites The January 2026 Reset Edition

2026-01-09T18:07:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday, friends, and welcome to my January reset edition of Friday faves. We’re nine days into the new year, and I’ve spent the majority of those days offline resetting our home. Once the Christmas decorations are down and stored away for the year, I get busy. I enjoy cleaning, organizing, and adding decor to freshen up our home. Here’s what I’ve been enjoying so far this year.

Friday Faves- January Reset

This post contains affiliate links, which means I might earn a commission if you click and buy something, without any extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and trust! Thank you for your support.

Calendars, Notebooks, Planners:

I’m old school when it comes to jotting down special dates and appointments, whether that’s for personal or business use, so I get giddy when I receive any of these items as gifts. It’s a relaxing tradition.

I have to pour a cup of coffee, grab last year's calendars, notebooks, and planners, and start transferring information to the new ones. Bonus points if I’m using new pens too! Doing this first thing in the new year not only centers me, but I feel ready to take on any updates as they come my way.

If you didn’t get new organizing materials for Christmas, there’s still plenty of time to grab some now and write things down instead of glancing at your phone calendar all day. Here are a few I really like at Target.

Pinkalo Amaryllis Plant:

This plant has been showing up on my Instagram feed with some regularity since I purchased it in early December. I love flowers and plants of all sorts, so when the long winter months arrive, I bring greenery indoors.

It felt like a sign when I saw this Pinkalo bulb at Kroger after viewing so many splendid Amaryllis blooms on Instagram. I’m hoping this one will bloom in time for my daughter's late January birthday. I think it would make a magnificent addition to the festive decor since she loves pink.

Three Wick Balsam Fir Candle:

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love candles! Currently, I’m an ambassador for two brands, Ambervale Home and Miller Candle Co., but today I’m sharing Balsam Fir, a candle from Goosecreek Candle Co.who made an appearance on this blog in December of 2018 with this very candle!

This is one of my husband's favorite candles I’ve ever burned, so when I noticed they were having a sale, I ordered it for him. Balsam Fir has prominent scent notes of Fresh Balsam and Pine top notes, Woodlands and Bergamot mid notes, and Oak Moss and Evergreen as the base notes. If you want to experience this delightful scent, you’ll have to wait until the holidays roll around again, but don’t worry, Goose Creek has many other woodsy-scented candles for you to check out.

Color Cactus Puzzle:

By now, you may be noticing a theme to my January reset shares. They’re all something to enjoy offline! I think our ever-growing need to consume and make online content (yes, I see the irony) is leading us too far away from simple hobbies like gardening, cooking, and yes, jigsaw puzzles.

I belong to a vibrant community of puzzlers on Instagram, who don’t just show their finished puzzles there and are done with this hobby. Instead, they host meet-ups and puzzlealongs and little puzzle libraries, and I could go on. The point is, the community thrives offline just as much as it does online, and I think that’s a wonderful thing! If you’d like to join us, give me a follow at prettypuzzlepieces. If you like my Color Cactus puzzle, which was a gift from my husband, head over to Hobby Lobby.

I hope you enjoyed my Friday Favorites January 2026 Reset Edition.

Please share in comments: Which of these faves did you like most?

Was Marvel’s The Fantastic Four First Steps a great date night film

2025-12-29T15:14:00.002-06:00

It’s the last Monday of the year, which is really hard to believe, and this is my last film review for 2025. This is my fourth year as a Music City Film Critics Association member, and it's still an honor to be a member, share twelve or more film reviews here on the blog, and submit my Oscar nominations ballot. That’s up next after my final review is done. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on The Fantastic Four First Steps.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps- A Great Date Night Film?

Courtesy: Walt Disney Studios

My thanks to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for the For Your Consideration screener link to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps, so that I could share review coverage.

About The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures /Directed by: Matt Shakman /Produced by: Kevin Feige /Run Time: 1 hour,55 mins./Genre: Action-Sci-Fi/Rated: PG for Rated PG-13 for action/violence and some language

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles.

Film Synopsis:

“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet as they defend the Earth from Galactus and Silver Surfer."

My Thoughts- No Spoilers:

I enjoy Sci-Fi films for the most part, especially if I get to enjoy them with my husband, since this tends to be his preferred genre, so we were really excited at the opportunity to watch this film for our recent date night.

It’s been ten years since the last Fantastic Four film, which we both recalled as just “okay.” We really didn’t set the bar high for this latest storyline, and I’m glad we didn’t, because we would have been disappointed.

One of the most glaring problems I found with the film is its lack of continuity with scenes and the pacing of the story. Perhaps this was part of the overall retro vibe, but I didn’t like it.

I really liked the retro robot H.E.R.B.I.E. and found him to be a scene stealer!

Courtesy: Walt Disney Studios

I also enjoyed getting to know Earth’s “first family” and was glad they worked together to save Earth while not sacrificing their family.

Did I find the villains, Galactus and Silver Surfer, scary or threatening? Not really. I felt their characters could have been fleshed out more to be more believable as a true Earth threat, instead of relying heavily on the family dynamic. This is a Marvel film after all. There should, at the very least, have been highly tense moments.

The Takeaway:

Courtesy: Walt Disney Studios

Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fine movie to watch, even for a date night. You will be entertained for the most part during the overly long film, but you won’t be wowed. You can now stream The Fantastic Four First Steps on Disney+ or purchase it on Blu-Ray at your favorite retailer.

2025: That’s a Wrap!

Thank you for reading my film reviews and other blog posts this year. I appreciate you and wish you a happy and safe New Year's Eve and best wishes for 2026.

Please share in comments: Do you want to see The Fantastic Four First Steps?

Add After The Hunt to your Watch List for a crime drama fix

2025-12-23T12:47:00.003-06:00

Things are really heating up for the upcoming awards season with “for your consideration” films arriving in my inbox, streaming queue, and mailbox, and I love it! I don’t take any of this for granted. It truly is my honor to be part of this industry. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on After The Hunt, a psychological thriller set in a U.S. prestigious university.

After The Hunt: A Crime Happens and Generations Divide:

My thanks to Amazon MGM Studios for sending me a DVD of After The Hunt for consideration as a member of the Music City Film Critics Association, in preparation for the upcoming awards season. All opinions are my own.

About After The Hunt: Amazon MGM Studios / Directed By: Luca Guadagnino / Written By: Nora Garrett / Produced By: Brian Grazer, p.g.a., Luca Guadagnino, Jeb Brody, p.g.a., Allen Mandelbaum, p.g.a./Run Time: 2 hr 19 min/ Genre: Psychological Thriller/Rated: R for language and some sexual content and allegations some may find disturbing

Cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny

Film Synopsis:

“From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, After The Hunt is a gripping psychological drama about a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.”

My Thoughts:

As a long-time fan of Julia Roberts, I was excited to see her latest film arrive at my home. After reading the film synopsis, it brought to mind her role in Sleeping With The Enemy, another psychological thriller film from 1991, in which she was excellent, so I expected no less from her starring role in After The Hunt.

Courtesy: Amazon MGM Studios

If you can get through the pompous academic speak, dialogue-heavy slow start, and the obvious adoration of Julia Roberts' character, Professor Alma Imhoff, the film does get better and lives up to the hype for the characters and the film itself.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, though; the beginning had me second-guessing if I wanted to invest two and a half hours in watching this. Since I am a film critic, I chose to see it through, and I’m glad I did, because all is not what it seems at Yale University as the muli-layered stories start to unfold.

Not Everything Is Supposed To Make You Comfortable:

Courtesy:Amazon MGM Studios

After The Hunt shines a light on campus culture in the late 90s, where professors seem to socialize with students at public places on campus, but also in their homes. There’s clearly a power dynamic going on, especially with one female student, Professor Imhoff’s star student, Maggie, who clearly idolizes her professor and seeks her approval and support.

Maggie goes to Professor Imhoff with a startling sexual assault accusation against a fellow professor, Hank Gibson, played by Andrew Garfield, and let’s just say, Professor Imhoff didn’t handle the situation as well as she could have, setting off a riveting chain of events.

I spent most of this film not believing the words coming out of the mouths of most people, except Professor Imhoff’s husband, Frederik Mendelesson, and with very good reason! Each character has secrets they are hiding, and one by one, they are exposed.

There’s a slow and deliberate tempo to this film, with lots of gray area open to interpretation and speculation. This is a well-acted and directed film that dances around the #MeToo movement of the time without fully committing to it. Was this to show the huge generational divide on how we look at morality and power? Perhaps.

The Takeaway:

After The Hunt isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s a film full of great moments that didn’t quite land as a thriller with me. It’s more of a crime/drama. I’m glad I watched it to review here and be able to speak about it with other film fans, who also struggled to get through the opening sequence. If you like slow-moving stories with a twist at the end, you may enjoy After The Hunt, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this film review. I’ll be back after Christmas with one more to finish off my 2025 reviews. You can also check out recent entertainment coverage here.

Wishing you Happy Holidays!

Please share in comments: Have you seen, or do you want to see, After The Hunt?

Friday Faves Winter Edition

2025-12-19T14:33:00.007-06:00

Happy Friday, dear readers. I can’t believe we’re just six days away from Christmas and two days away from the official start of winter! I know in some parts of the country, the ground is covered in snow, so you are already in the thick of winter weather. We’ll be having a green and bright Christmas here in middle Tennessee, which is in line with one of my Friday Faves.

Friday Faves Winter Edition:

My thanks to the brands showcased in today’s post for sending me complimentary products to review. I’m a brand ambassador, sharing my savings code and shopping link, which I’ll earn from, should you choose to shop from them. Thank you.

About Succulents Box:

Succulents Box is committed to making our customers happy with healthy & gorgeous plants locally grown in CA, where Succulents got its start in 2017. Since then, they’ve become the online destination for succulent lovers with over 300 succulent varieties, 250 houseplants, 5 monthly subscription options, and various gardening accessories.

My Thoughts:

Oh, how I adore houseplants. I’d be lost in the dreary winter months without their happy greenery. I was delighted to receive an invitation for the Succulents Box beginner kit, which contains a four-pack of small succulents and the ambassador program.

I couldn’t wait to receive my succulent starts, and once they arrived, they did not disappoint. I received a delightful box of four fully rooted succulents, planted in cute two-inch pots.

Succulents Box says these succulents are for beginners and will help us overcome any gardening fears we may have about this fun hobby. I’ve learned two important tips since sharing my new succulents on Instagram:

One: Neglect is best! I know most plants require a weekly or bi-weekly maintenance, but that may actually be a problem when it comes to succulent care. Less is more.

Two: Succulent plants like to be crowded, so put them in small pots, or, if you grab a beginner set too, place them all in one container. You can get a Succulents Box beginner kit with 2,4,6,8, or 10 plants in plastic or clay pots.

If succulents really aren’t your vibe, don’t worry, Succulents Box offers a wide array of houseplants, tools, and accessories. I’d love it if you’d shop with my affiliate link: https://succulentsbox.com/WAHMWITHAPLAN, which will save you

15% off the entire order. Limited to one use per customer.

About Miller Candle Co.

Miller Candle Co. is a Texas family first and foremost, that has a love for scent and built a business by hand. I first shared the Miller Candle Co. in my Friday Faves early Autumn edition, and since then, I’ve received a lovely box of goodies for December. It was my first Christmas present, arriving in early December, so I was like a little kid on Christmas opening it.

I received:

Sugar & Smoke Room Spray
Sugar & Smoke Refillable Car Diffuser
Sugar & Smoke Soy Wax Melts
Christmas Tree Farm Soy Wax Melts

My Thoughts:

I love the products I received. They feel like handmade, small-batch items, which I love, and they all smell delightful. Sugar & Smoke blends the sweet comfort of toasted marshmallows with the warmth of fire-roasted vanilla and the depth of smoldering woods.

The Christmas Tree Farm soy wax melts feature notes of pine needles, Douglas fir, earthy patchouli, and cedarwood.

I invite you to discover all the lovely, affordable products Miller Candle Co. offers by using my ambassador link and receive 10% off your order with code [WAHM10].

About Demeter Fragrance Library: Simple. Subtle. Singular scents. Each day. Everywhere.

Demeter got its start in 1996 in New York city's east village. For twenty five years now, this family owned and operated business has been making their wonderful, singular scents in the United States.

My Thoughts:

I received their Signature foolproof blending roll on perfume oil pack,which included these scents:

Baby Powder
Jasmine
Lavender
Salt Air
Sunshine
Wet Garden

Each scent is vibrant and alive, transporting me to a different time of year. Baby powder and jasmine are light and delicate evoking thoughts of a mild winter day where there’s a scent of loveliness in the air. Lavender and wet gardens are full bodied and lush scents, like a spring day after a rain, while salt air and sunshine is a hot summer day at your favorite place.

I like each one individually, and can’t wait to experience blending some of them together. If I had to choose a favorite right now, it would be Salt air. It smells amazing!

I enjoy building relationships with brands over the seasons and that’s what I’ve done with Demeter. This is the third time I’ve had the opportunity to experience a line from The Demeter Fragrance library and share them with you here on the blog. I invite you to experience The Demeter Fragrance library by using my Amazon shopping link.

This is my last Friday Faves of 2025. As always, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and it inspires you in some way. Whether that's to try a new hobby, wax melt or fragrance oil.

Tomorrow, I’m sharing a movie review, and then I’ll be offline to celebrate Christmas until Monday. Wishing you happy holidays!

Please share in comments: Which of my Friday Faves products would you try first?

December Book Review and Giveaway: 5 copies of Akiko’s Quiet Happiness

2025-12-16T16:47:00.000-06:00

It’s been a while since I hosted a giveaway, so in the spirit of December giving. delighted to share today’s book review and giveaway for five copies of Akiko’s Quiet Happiness by Jan-Philipp Sendker. You may know him from his trilogy, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, which I’d love to read now after experiencing Jan’s gifted writing in Akiko’s Quiet Happiness, The Japan Trilogy, Vol. 1.

Akiko’s Quiet Happiness

My thanks to Other Press for the complimentary ARC of Akiko’s Quiet Happiness to review and host a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

About Akiko’s Quiet Happiness: The Japan Trilogy, Vol. 1. By Jan-Philipp Sendker/ Originally published in German and translated by Daniel Bowles/Other Press Trade Paperback Original/Genre: Fiction/Coming of Age/356 pages

About the Author: Jan-Philipp Sendker, born in Hamburg in 1960, was the American correspondent for Stern from 1990 to 1995, and its Asian correspondent from 1995 to 1999. In 2000, he published Cracks in the Wall, a nonfiction book about China. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, his first novel, is an international bestseller. He lives in Potsdam with his family.

About the Translator: Daniel Bowles is Associate Professor of German Studies at Boston College. His translation of Imperium won the Goethe-Institut’s Helen & Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize in 2016.

Book Synopsis:

“Two lonely former classmates reconnect in Tokyo and unravel a family secret. Still grieving the death of her mother, 29-year-old Akiko is single and lives in self-imposed isolation in Tokyo. Then one evening, she unexpectedly runs into Kento, her first love from school. Kento now leads a reclusive life as a hikikomori, only venturing out at night.

At the same time, Akiko discovers evidence that her mother had been lying to her about their family, causing her to doubt everything. She has to admit to herself that she doesn’t know who she is.

With Kento’s help, Akiko embarks on a journey into her own history, which takes her life in surprising directions and leads her to questions she had never dared to ask herself before: How do I want to live? And do I have the courage to love?”

My Thoughts:

Akiko’s Quiet Happiness is a charming, tender read. The tempo is measured and soothing. It was almost too slow for my taste at the beginning of the book. I sat it down for a few days, and when I came back to it on a chilly, cozy afternoon, I found it much more appealing. I suggest reading this book when you need a slow, cozy, heartwarming read that takes you into the Japanese world of Akiko.

On the outside, it looks as though Akiko has her life together. She’s got a good job, she’s got a strong circle of friends, and she’s settled into an apartment with her Mom in a vibrant city.

She is, for the most part, happy with her life as a single lady, even if her friends don’t understand her desire not to couple up. She works long hours at her accounting job, and while she’s not thrilled with the demands on her time, she knows she’s good at it, so she doesn’t yearn for anything else.

She is settled in her life and thinks all is well, until her mom passes away. In her grief, she moves through her days, one day flowing into the nest, until fate steps in. She sees her former classmate, Kento, and everything about her life changes.

Once she met Kento and started remembering their middle school and high school days together, I became intrigued and then highly invested in this story.

I think Akiko and Kento help each other in profound ways. Mainly, their conversations give each other permission to ask tough questions of themselves. They become friends again, and Kento even ventures out of his self-imposed isolation to at first socialize, and then later comfort and support Akiko during one of her most heartbreaking days.

The Takeaway:

This is a beautiful story of friendship, family, loss, and grieving. Of losing yourself and your purpose in grief. Then finding a way back to yourself and realizing that new opportunities are waiting for you that lead to a life of happiness. I can’t wait to read volume 2 of Akiko’s Quiet Happiness.

If you enjoy book reviews, please check out my other recent book reviews here on the blog.

Win It:

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Other Press, five lucky winners will receive a paperback copy of Akiko’s Quiet Happiness: The Japan Trilogy, Vol. 1. By Jan-Philipp Sendker. Open to USA residents only. Please read all the terms outlined below so that your entry is valid. I do check them.

Terms:

Entry -Form

Please share in comments: If you won a copy of this book, would you keep it or gift it?

F1 The Movie is Action-Packed from Start to Finish

2025-12-11T18:12:00.002-06:00

Last week, I shared how much my husband and I enjoyed streaming Superman for our date night, and today, I’m sharing another film we enjoyed watching, F1 The Movie. If you like action and/or sports movies with a great plot, this one may be for you.

F1 The Movie is Action-Packed from Start to Finish

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

My thanks to Apple Screeners for the screener pass to see this film, as a member of the Music City Film Critics Association, for consideration in the upcoming awards season. All opinions are my own.

About F1 The Movie: Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures Present A Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Joseph Kosinski Film, “F1,” distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures./Run Time: 2h 36m /Genre: Sport/Action /Rated: PG-13 for mature themes, action, and strong language.

Cast: Brad Pitt- Sonny Hayes, Damson Idris-Joshua Pearce.Kerry Condon-Kate McKenna, Javier Bardem-Ruben Cervantes

Film Synopsis:

“Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career.

Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse.

Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie, intent on setting his own pace.

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him, and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.”

My Thoughts:

I’ve watched plenty of car races, including Formula 1 races with my husband, who’s an avid fan, and I must say, this film does a fantastic job showcasing what it must be like to race at this level. I learned that F1 was shot during the actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competed against the titans of the sport, which leads to the authenticity.

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

Another fun fact is that the actors, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, went through a four-month extensive training program and learned to drive and race modified F2 cars. No wonder both actors are believable in their roles as F1 racers.

I liked the race team as well and enjoyed watching them come together over many obstacles to try and get a win for the team APX GP. It turns out, not everyone is working for the same goal, and tensions and tempers flare.

There are plenty of great race scenes, drama, and laughs to keep this two-and-a-half-hour film moving along at a good pace, too, which I appreciated.

The Takeaway:

Courtesy: Warner Bros. Media

I enjoyed watching F1 on our movie date night and discussing it with my husband,who thoroughly enjoyed this film! We both agreed it was nice to see the “greatest that never was” change his story. I think it’s a fine pick to add to your movie watch list.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on After The Hunt starring Julia Roberts.

Please share in comments: Does F1 sound like a film you’d like to watch?

Need a Date Night Movie Pick to stream? Try Superman

2025-12-02T15:21:00.002-06:00

Over the long holiday week, my husband and I had a chance to catch up on some movies we’d been wanting to see. We both enjoy watching films, and while we still prefer experiencing them in theaters, we can’t make every screening, so being able to screen new titles at home is a huge plus and makes for a fun date night. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on Superman.

Superman in Theaters and Available to Stream

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

About Superman: Distributed by Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures /Directed by James Gunn /Produced by DC Studios/ Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company/Run Time: 2h 10m /Genre: Action/Sci-fi /Rated: PG-13 for violence, action, and language.

Cast: David Corenswet- Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan- Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult-Lex Luthor.

Film Synopsis:

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor, and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this latest iteration of Superman, despite its departure from the darker subject matter DC is known for. Even though I loved the past Superman, Henry Cavill, and Amy Adams as Lois Lane, I kept an open mind towards the big shoes actors, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, had to fill.

Did I see the same on-screen chemistry as their predecessors? No.
Did I like them separately in their respective roles in this Superman? Yes.
Did I find Lex Luthor to be villionous? Yes.
Did I believe Supermancould save humanity? Yes.

Courtesy:Warner Bros. Media

Superman truly leads with his heart and convictions, even when the very foundation he has built his life around shakes him to his core. He still shows up for us and fights hard, even when his motives and character are questioned.

Lois asks hard-hitting questions when she finally gets to interview Superman. She didn’t hold back. In fact, she puts their relationship on the line for the story she wants.

Ultimately, they, along with the Justice Gang, which includes Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho, band together to thwart Lex Luthor's dastardly plans.

Meet Super-Dog Krypto:

Courtesy: Warner Media

The real scene stealer for me was Superman’s superpowered dog, Krypto. This cute, CGI-generated pup adds a lot of humor and depth, and heart to this Superman movie right from the start.

The Takeaway:

My husband and I shared several laugh-out-loud moments, sidebar plot twist conversations, and were happy with the happy ending. Sure, it was a little campy, but I think its overall tone and happy ending were a welcome sight. I think Superman made a great date night movie.

We watched a few movies over the course of our Thanksgiving break together, which I’ll be sharing my thoughts on soon. Next up is F1 The Movie.

If you liked this date night movie suggestion and review, hop over to my Entertainment tab for my recent movie shares.

Please share in comments: Have you seen Superman yet? If yes, did you see it in theaters, or did you stream it?

Four Cozy and Calming Holiday Gift Ideas for Women

2025-11-19T17:08:00.002-06:00

It’s that magical time of year when I share some gift ideas with my holiday gift guides. Today, I’m sharing four products that have previously appeared in gift guides on this blog. I’m excited to share them for the holidays because I really do use and enjoy each one.

Calm and Cozy Gift Ideas for Women:

My thanks to all of the brands showcased in today’s post for sending me complimentary products to review. I’m an ambassador for some brands now, and will share my savings code and shopping link, which I’ll earn from, should you choose to shop from them. Thank you.

Gift Idea One: Otter Spirit Bracelets:

I first worked with Otter Spirit back in July, when they sent me a handsome Father’s Day bracelet set, which you can read about here, so when they asked if I’d like to work with them again for my holiday Gift Guides, I happily agreed.

About Otter Spirit- Each Gemstone Tells A Unique Story and has a purpose. Otter Spirit got its start in 2020 in Monterey Bay, California, with a mission to offer authentic gemstones while protecting wild sea otters. Each piece of their jewelry is handmade, natural, and AAA grade.

I received a complimentary trio of their beautiful bracelets, called the Serenity Set, to share with you today. I love that Otter Spirit includes an information card with each bracelet, allowing you to learn about the use and intention of each piece.

About The Gemstones:

The Serenity Bracelet trio is designed to be calming, bringing relaxation, ease, and peacefulness to the wearer. The three gemstone bracelets included in this beautiful set are:

Aquamarine- “ I navigate life with calm confidence.” Intention: balance, confidence. Zodiac Signs: Pisces, Libra, Cancer, Gemini. Chakra: Throat.

Howlite- “ I stay calm in stressful situations.” Intention: Balance. Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Scorpio, Virgo, Capricorn. Chakra: Crown.

Skyblue Jade- “ I cultivate peace and emotional healing.” Intention: Healing. Zodiac Signs: Libra, Pisces, Taurus, Cancer.

My Thoughts:

I appreciate that Otter Spirit includes an information card with each bracelet, allowing you to learn about the use and intention of each piece. I’ll be wearing this trio often throughout the holidays and beyond. I love how the light dances off the gemstones! Each bracelet is beautiful on its own or worn as a set. The gemstones, packaging, and attention to detail are phenomenal.

Perfect Gift For:

Jewelry and gemstone lovers, zodiac sign followers, and alternative healing users.Women wishing for calming energy. Learn more about this set and all the other beautiful Otter Spirit jewelry and save 20% by using my special customer code LINDAAKINSMAN35 at my Otter Spirit Ambassador Link.

Gift Idea Two: Amber Vale Home: Better Products, Naturally:

I was introduced to this local small business six years ago, when I was asked if I’d like to try their holiday candle trio. I fell in love with the fresh scents and clean ingredients, and I’ve been singing their praises and lighting their delightfully scented candles ever since, first as a reviewer and now as an ambassador, which makes them a perfect brand to showcase again today.

About The Holiday Candle Trio:

The holiday trio has evolved slightly since six years ago, but I think you’ll love filling your home with the classic seasonal scents just as much as I do.

Extra Whip: This is one of the original scents and is a beloved scent of peppermint and hot chocolate. It's the perfect candle to burn while drinking hot chocolate and watching a movie.

Tree Lot: If you love the scent of free Christmas trees, this is the candle for you! With notes of Balsam and Spruce, this is the perfect candle to burn while you’re awaiting the arrival of picking out your tree at the local tree lot, or for those who prefer an artificial tree but miss the scent of a real tree.

Gingerbread: This is a brand new scent, one I haven’t had a chance to try this one yet, but with the promise of the scents of ginger, molasses, and cloves, it's sure to go in my cart as I shop for gifts and seasonal home decor.

My Thoughts:

Amber Vale Home has extended its line of clean ingredient products to include a bath and body line and hand soap, all in its delightful signature scents. You can save 15% on your order simply by using this link: https://shop.ambervalehome.com/discount/ISMILEFIRST15, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout. I can’t wait to get my hands on the 2025 Holiday Candle Trio and share my thoughts with you.

Perfect Gift For:

Candle enthusiasts, authentic fragrance and home decor lovers, women who love simple and clean ingredients, pet pet-safe scent users.

Gift Idea Three: EverGrace Fur Throw Blanket:

EverGrace is another brand that I learned about over the summer, and I’m still thrilled each time I use the luxurious fur throw blanket on our bed. We have the faux Chinchilla, and you can’t help but admire its loveliness while also wanting to touch the fur and settle in for a cozy night's sleep.

The Luxe Chinchilla Faux Fur Throw Blanket comes in two sizes, 50x60 Inches and 60x80 Inches, and is made from 100% polyester. The front is 1000 GSM premium faux fur, back is 220 GSM silky velvet. EverGrace blankets and throws are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, free from 400+ harmful substances. You can shop EverGrace Fur Throw Blankets on Amazon.

My Thoughts:

I adore everthing about this luxe throw blanket. It's perfect for fall and winter use. Even my husband loves how it looks and feels. We both think we get a better nights sleep when we're using it because it envelopes you in warm comfort and offers a light weighted blanket feel. The real suprise though was how much our cat, Fiona adores this throw blanket! She is in biscuit making kitty bliss when I have this on our bed.

About EverGrace:

Founded by Grace Lee Grant, a designer and home decor product developer, aims to inspire people to create a home and life you love. EverGrace is certified by a number of organizations that truly make a difference when it comes to sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and safety.

Perfect Gift For: Women who love luxurious bedding and throws. People who love the feel of a cozy, weighted throw blanket. Faux fur lovers.

Gift Idea Four: Minnetonka Fur-Lined Slippers:

I like to wear slippers all year round, because my feet tend to get cold on hardwood floors. I usually save my fur-lined slippers for the colder months, which is what I did when I received a complimentary pair of Minnetonka Chesney fur-lined Women’s slippers last year around Labor Day.

My Thoughts:

I’m happy to report that I still love and wear these ultra comfy slippers often, and they still look almost new. There’s barely any evidence of wear on the thick, flexible soles, which can be worn indoors or out. The attention to detail, soft and comfy lining, easy on and off wear, and longevity of these slippers assured their place on my holiday gift guide list. These can be found on Amazon.

About Minnetonka: Crafting Joy Since 1946 in Minnesota:

I want to praise this brand that has stood the test of time and remained true to its core beliefs and missions: to bring joy to people’s feet. I can attest to that! My feet are very happy when I’m wearing my Minnetonka slippers. I love their commitment to honoring and uplifting the Native American community long-term. You can learn more about this family business at their website.

Perfect Gift For: Women who love wearing slippers, no matter the season. Cold-feet friends and family members.Women who like easy on and off slippers.

The Takeaway:

I hope you’ve found my cozy and calming holiday gift ideas for women inspiring and helpful in making a gift decision for a woman on your holiday gift list.

Happy Holidays!

Please share in comments: Which gift idea would you like for yourself, and which one would you gift?

Friday Faves Early Autumn Edition

2025-11-07T18:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday and happy November. I’m happy to say I’ve managed to regularly post this segment for a year now! It’s getting easier to curate my Friday Faves lists to share with you, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment in doing them, so they will continue in 2026.

Friday Faves Early Autumn Edition:

Thanksgiving Hosting Decor:

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just twenty days away? If you’re hosting this year like I am, it’s time to make a game plan for your decor and pick a theme. I’m going with simple and natural this year. Think leaves, pumpkins, wreaths, table linens, and whimsy foxes all in autumnal hues.

If you need some inspiration, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite pieces over on my LTK shop. Many are currently on sale, where you can shop online and pick up in store.

For those of you who may be interested in going straight to Christmas merriment, I’ve got a perfect book for you! It’s chock full of ideas to help you achieve your most dazzling Christmas ever!

About Merry & Chic Holiday Book: Author Kathryn O’Shea-Evans/ Publisher: Gibbs Smith/Published: July 2025/ JacketlessHardcover:224 pages /Genre: Holiday/Home/Decorating/Recipes

If you’re looking for a fun deck, the hall's guide to creating your most dazzling holiday ever, look no further than this book. It really has it all, from recipes from icons like Jackie Kennedy’s Polet A'L’estragon to Abraham Lincoln’s gingerbread recipe to wow-worthy Christmas decor, to fun and chic gift ideas throughout. I was so excited to receive a complimentary copy.

Merry & Chic is a beautiful book to flip through and has a month-by-month guide to getting ready for this magical time of year! So even if you got this book this week, there are still checklists and ideas to help you, including a fun playlist and even a DIY soap recipe.

I adore this book because I love the holidays and found it to be full of inspiration and helpful tips. I invite you to learn more about it, including where to purchase a copy at Gibbs Smith.

Epsom-It Natural, Powerful Epsom Salt in Lotion Form:

Nothing can dampen a mood faster than your feet or back hurting, and during this busy time of year, you may not be able to squeeze in a nice soak in an Epsom salt bath. Enter their new sooth and calming line of lotions. I received a complimentary box of goodies to try, which included the Soothing Nerve Lotion, Calming Foot Lotion, and Soothing Muscle Lotion.

About Epsom-It:

Epsom-It is woman-owned, patented, and made in the USA, transforming age-old Magnesium Sulfate into a modern solution for families on the go. Unlike messy foot soaks, Epsom-It products are 30–50x more concentrated and designed for real-world use, like mid-day reapplications.

I really like the light scent and quick absorption of this line, as does my husband. We will definitely keep this on hand year-round because it works! I’ve been using the calming foot lotion after walking and working out in the garden, prepping things for winter, and I really appreciate how much better my feet feel. My husband has tried both the soothing nerve and muscle lotion on his knee and shoulder, too, with great results.

If you have the occasional body ache or muscle strain, you should check out the convenience of Epsom-It lotions.

Miller Candle Co., Candle and Wax Melts:

At Miller Candle Co., you’ll find Texas-made candles, lotions, and home scents, where every scent tells a story.

I received a lovely set to welcome Fall into my home with their Apple Maple Bourbon candle. With notes of crisp apples, rich vanilla, and maple infused with bourbon, it is the perfect scent for fall. The caring folks at Miller Candle Co. included a candle lighter and wick trimmer as well, making my candle-burning experience delightfully easy.

I’ve also had the opportunity to try their Fall Harvest Wax Melts with rich notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, and cloves, and their delightful Apple Goat milk hand lotion. My daughter loves this so much, I have to keep it near the kitchen sink so she can use it when she visits.

I really like this line and can’t wait to try more of their products, especially their holiday line! As an ambassador, I’m excited to be able to offer you a savings discount code on all items! Just use the code WAHM10 at checkout when you shop my exclusive link.

Thanks for reading my Friday Faves! I so enjoy putting these fun products on your radar.I’ll be sharing my holiday Gift Ideas and Guides starting Monday, so please be sure to subscribe today using the subscribe box to the right so you won’t miss a post.

Please share in comments: Which of my faves shared today are you most interested in?

A Year of Garden Inspired Living by Linda Vater is Available Now

2025-10-21T18:14:00.004-05:00

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing two of Linda Vater’s gardening books, The Elegant & Edible Garden and The Garden Journal. I loved both these books, so when I was asked if I’d like to review her latest book, A Year of Garden Inspired Living, which is available today, I happily agreed. And thanks to the generosity of Quarto Group, I’m hosting a giveaway for a copy!

Discover Joy in Everyday Moments

My thanks to Quarto Group for the complimentary copy of A Year of Garden Inspired Living to review and for hosting a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

About A Year of Garden Inspired Living: Author Linda Vater/ Publisher: Quarto Group/Published: Oct 2025/Hardcover:208 pages/Genre: Gardening/Home/Health & Spirituality

Book Synopsis:

“A Year of Garden-Inspired Living offers an elegant yet easy way to bring the joys and textures of seasonal living into your daily life, welcoming peace and connection to your days and restoring the balance of nature’s seasons in your home and life. Bring simplicity and grace into your life, garden, home, and community with this treasured collection of ideas and daily inspiration from garden lifestyle guru Linda Vater.”

My Thoughts:

Linda's approach is achievable and budget-friendly. She shows how small, seasonal rituals can transform ordinary days into something special. Linda states: “This isn't about having the perfect garden or home—it's about cultivating contentment and community through simple acts like sharing homemade soup with neighbors or welcoming friends to cut bouquets from your garden.”

A year of Garden Inspired Living is bursting with great ideas, such as creating a basket of comfort items for a friend in need, to setting a beautiful, seasonal tablescape.

Each page features a narrative story about a special life moment, followed by an idea for bringing that moment to fruition in your own life, all organized by the season. Beautiful watercolor illustrations add further inspiration and a spark of creativity to the notion on each page.

Here are just a few of the guides I think you’ll enjoy as much as I did.

Giving a house blessing to a brand-new homeowner
Picking a seasonal wardrobe “piece” and letting it shine
Spreading seeds in an old spice jar
Being intentionally inefficient
Wearing your garden boots with a flouncy dress
Welcoming friends and neighbors to cut bouquets from your garden
Having a “ladybug party” for the children in your life
Creating herbal bouquets for cooking

I chose to start in the season we’re in and truly adored the ideas in Autumning!

Besides making and displaying decorative fall leaf bouquets, Linda suggests we try a white fall tablescape this year, or try decorating with dried red burgundy okra. I really want to try this one to add a happy pop of seasonal color to my centerpieces.

The book is divided into four seasons, with five categories in each season.

In the Home
In the Garden
In your Signature Style
In Celebration
In Daily Practice

This makes it easy to find a section or topic of interest to you. I decided to read along with the seasons as they come, so as I mentioned before, I started in Autumnning, then Wintering, and so on, but I think you’d find just as much enjoyment reading it like a traditional book, from front to back.

The Takeaway:

I loved reading this book and found it time well spent away from technology. Which, I think, was a key factor Linda wanted to convey in her writing. A Year of Garden-Inspired Living offers practical ways to add peace and connection back into our daily lives.

I invite you to learn more about this title and the author by visiting the Quarto Publishing page. If you liked this book review, please take a moment to discover some other recent book reviews here on the blog on my Books tab.

Win It:

Courtesy: Quarto Publishing

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Quarto Publishing, one lucky reader will win a hardcover copy of A Year of Garden-Inspired Living. Open to USA residents only. Please read all the terms outlined below so that your entry is valid. I do check them.

Terms:

Entry -Form

Please share in comments: If you win this book, will you keep it or gift it?

My Thoughts on Last Days, Based on a True Story in Theaters Oct.24, 25

2025-10-17T19:22:00.004-05:00

One of the things I love about being a film critic, besides getting to watch lots of soon-to-be-released films, is that it requires me to step out of my comfort zone, watch films in genres I normally wouldn’t, and then share my thoughts about them with you. Such is the case with Last Days, which is based on a true story and is in theaters starting October 24, 2025.

A Globe-Trotting Journey to Fulfill Life’s Mission:

Courtesy: Vertical Entertainment

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Vertical Entertainment. All opinions are my own.

About Last Days:

Distributed by: Vertical Entertainment /Directed by: Justin Lin /Produced by: Li Ruigang, Jonathan Lim, Joseph Restaino /Run Time: 2h 4m /Genre: Drama/Rated: PG-13 for Strong Language|Sexual Material|Some Violence|Smoking

Cast: Sky Yang as John Allen Chau, Radhika Apte as Meera Ganali, Ken Leung as Dr. Patrick Chau (John’s father).

Courtesy: Vertical Entertainment

Film Synopsis:

“Based on a true story, Justin Lin's Last Days follows 26-year-old John Allen Chau’s journey to fulfill his life’s mission. He embarks on a dangerous adventure across the globe to share his faith with the isolated tribe of North Sentinel Island, while a detective from the Andaman Islands races to stop him before he does harm to himself or the tribe.”

Official Film Trailer:

My Thoughts:

This film required me to set aside some of my ideas of right and wrong and common sense and view this story through an impartial lens. Still, there are moments I found myself questioning John’s choices throughout the film. There are clearly defined forks in the road in this young man’s life, and it seemed to me that he chose the hard path often.

He was consumed by the idea of going to the North Sentinel Island and introducing his religion to the Sentinelese people, who are one of the most isolated tribes in the world, and who have been known to reject contact with outsiders with hostility.

And, since this tribe is protected by the Indian government, legally, John should never have attempted this dangerous mission, but his faith guided him to go.

There is an overall heaviness to this film because it deals with some very heavy subject matter, but there’s lightness too. John’s smile could light up a room, and he was happy as a missionary.

The Take Away:

Courtesy: Vertical Entertainment

Last Days was filmed on location in India and Thailand, and is rich in natural beauty, adding to the realness of this film. Overall, I felt the cast did fine jobs in their respective roles, most especially Sky Yang as John Allen Chau and Radhika Apte as Meera Ganali, the latter who puts everything on the line to try to save John from himself while also protecting the tribe.

Visit Last Days on Social:

Last Days will be in theaters starting next Friday, October 24, 2025. Please check your local theater for showtimes. You can also learn more by following the film on socials: Facebook/Instagram/TikTok.

Giveaway Time!

And, just because I love films and my blog readers who love films, I’m hosting a giveaway for a $25 Amazon e-Gift card, so you can buy some movie night goodies to go see Last Days.

Win It:

Thanks to today’s sponsor, one lucky winner will win a $25 Amazon e-Gift card. No purchase is necessary to enter. Open to USA residents only. Please read all the terms outlined below so that your entry is valid. I do check them.

Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the giveaway form below. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment; the sponsor is. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again.

Winners will be notified by email used on the entry form and have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.

Entry -Form

Good Luck and thanks for reading!

Please share in comments: Who would you go see Last Days with?

Grab The Bad Guys 2 on Digital and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray

2025-10-10T14:34:00.002-05:00

With fall break right around the corner for many families, I’m excited to share that as of October 7, 2025, Bad Guys 2 is out on digital, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray. If you haven't seen this in theaters yet, this perfect time for you to grab your copy for family movie night.

They’re Back! Get Ready To Laugh Out Loud!

My Thanks to Universal Pictures Home Entertainment-Dreamworks Animation for sending me a complimentary collectors edition of Bad Guys 2 for review.All opinions are my own.

About The Bad Guys 2: Distributed by:Universal Pictures Home Entertainment-Dreamworks Animation /Directed by:Pierre Perifel /Run Time:1h 45m /Genre:Animated/ Family/Comedy/Rated: PG for action/mild violence, rude humor and language.

Based on the New York Times bestselling children’s graphic novel by Aaron Blabey, the latest animated adventure takes the Bad Guys to new exciting locations around the world and even further, to outer space!

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beets, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Alex Borstein, Richard Ayoade, Lilly Singh, Colin Jost, Jaime Camil, Omid Djalili, William Calvert, Ashley London, Maria Bakalova, Zazie Beetz

Courtesy:Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Film Synopsis:

“Everyone's favorite felons are back, and this time, they've got company. In this action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, the now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good—but get hijacked into a globe-trotting heist led by a new crew they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.”

Bonus Footage Unveils Their Master Plan:

Courtesy:Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Little Lies and Alibis: In this animated short, the Bad Guys recount their chaotic day to their parole officer after arriving 10 minutes late to their hearing.

Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans:

Lowrider Chase

Crime Sisters

Bad Guys: Out of Line: Step into the studio with the cast as they record some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording booth moments.

Double Jeopardy: The Making of THE BAD GUYS 2: Cast and filmmakers unveil their master plan to bring the Bad Guys back together for another epic heist!

Meet the Gang: The gang is back together! Catch up with the all-star cast behind your favorite Bad Guys and meet the Bad Girls.

Double Trouble: The Animals Behind The Bad Guys 2: The cast of The Bad Guys 2 meet the real-life animal versions of their characters.

Causing a Scene: Learn how the film's adrenaline pumping action sequences came to life.

Planning the Heist: Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans break down how they devised the elaborate Lucha Heist in this hilarious show and tell.

Sketching the Bad Girls: A crime has been committed and the suspects are the Bad Girls. Co-Director JP Sans (witness to the incident) gives a description of each of the suspects to the detective, Producer Damon Ross, and the sketch artist, Director Pierre Perifel, who shows how to draw them yourself.

Kitty
Doom
Pigtail

Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Co-Director JP Sans, Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis, Head of Story Katherine de Vries, and Head of Cinematography, Layout Théophile Bondoux

My Thoughts: No Spoilers!

I can't wait to watch this film again in its entirety with my family. Sure my girls are grown and flown, but we all still love a good animated film full of hijinx! I found it to be highly entertaining! I loved Awkfina’s Ms. Tarantula, a.k.a. Webs from The Bad Guys, so I’m happy to see her back in The Bad Guys 2. And there’s even a little romance to go along with the deception.

I think this is a fun family movie, but please keep in mind some of the action scenes are pretty intense.There’s a few innuendos and adult humor along the way that kids over 8 will probably get.

The Takeaway:

If you enjoy having funny, action packed animated movies you can watch with everyone in your family and friend group, you can grab your copy at most retailers. Find a store and learn more about The Bad Guys 2 by visiting the movie page and follow along on social media. Just search for thebadguysmovie and dreamworks and hashtag:#TheBadGuys2.

Please be sure to follow me on socials as well if you aren't already. Use buttons at the top on any blog page and while you're here, check out the Entertainment tab for more movie and series reviews.

Please share in comments:Who will you watch The Bad Guys 2 with?

Quick and Tasty Cheese and Cracker Snacks for Fall Hosting

2025-10-03T17:02:00.004-05:00

If you’ve been around a while, you know I love hosting informal get-togethers, and in my opinion, this time of year reigns supreme when it comes to hosting. Whether it's a bonfire and cookout, or a fun game or card night, you’ve got to have quick and fun snacks, and I’ve got just the thing today, thanks to Crackerology.

Serve up Smiles with Quick Snack Kits

My thanks to Crackerology for sending me the complimentary snack kits shown in today’s post to try and share. All opinions are my own, and no other compensation was given.

About Crackerology- Fancy without the Fuss:

When I learned that this company was started by three female friends who got together to play cards and eat crackers and other fancy appetizers, I thought, this is a fun and needed snack idea! Plus, I’m always willing to help support and showcase women-owned businesses here on my blog.

Janine (chief Crackerologist), DeeAnne, and Shelley saw a need for quick, high-end appetizers that would pair well with beer, wine, and cocktails. The ideas and concepts were formed, but it took many more games of cards to test and refine their recipes. After many focus groups, the kit was developed for the savvy consumer. Keeping the apps quick, easy, and upscale, the trio was satisfied with their product, and in July 2021, Crackerology launched.

The Party Host's Best Friend:

With Crackerology, they don’t just make snacks; they want to help hosts by curating experiences, which is exactly what I did by opening the Red Wine & Rosemary kit to share with my husband after work. He was surprised and delighted to learn I had something new for us to try.

This kit brings a bold flavor with a hint of rosemary. Inside, there are red wine crackers, creamy cheese, raspberry jam, and their signature crunchy cracker. When the flavors are combined, it does make for a highly flavorful appetizer!

My husband and I loved them! These bite-sized crackers are even good on their own. I may have indulged in a few plain ones while waiting for my turn to build my appetizer. The highlight for us was the smooth and creamy white cheddar spread. It pairs perfectly with the red wine and rosemary crackers and fruit jam.

My Thoughts:

These fun snack kits really are an easy way to serve an elevated version of a cheese and cracker appetizer. Next up, we’re going to try the White Wine and Basil kit, which, according to their website, is like sunshine on a cracker! I’m excited to try this light and bright-tasting appetizer paired with a white wine.

The Takeaway:

Crackerology offers crackers, cookies, and kits that are all-in-one, shelf-stable appetizers and desserts. These fun snack kits are a perfect way to have an appetizer served in record time. Talk about a great pantry staple! I’ll be keeping several of these tasty cheese and cracker snack kits on hand for fall hosting. And I’ve also added this to my gift ideas list for some friends who enjoy hosting.

I invite you to visit Crackerology.com to learn more about this woman-owned, Kansas City-proud business and all their delightful snack kits.

Please share in comments: Are you hosting a gathering this fall where these kits would come in handy?

Friday Faves Book Edition

2025-09-12T17:44:00.003-05:00

Summer is slowly fading into fall here in middle TN, and I am ready for the cooler temps, apple picking, and all things harvesty. I was having a good chat about apples before pumpkins over on my Instagram recently. I’d love for you to join in the fun there, too. I hope you’ll enjoy my latest Friday Faves Book Edition. There’s a good mix of book subjects.

Recent Favorite Books

My thanks to Quarto Publishing for the complimentary copies of the books showcased in today’s book post. All opinions are my own.

About New Camp Cookbook Fireside Warmers- Drinks, Sweets, and Shareables to Enjoy around the Fire by Emily Vikre, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Hardbound, 144 pages. Genre: Cooking

If you’re ready to take your get-togethers outside this fall, whether that’s a bonfire in your backyard or a family gathering at the cabin, you are going to love Fireside Warmers.

It’s filled with recipes for drinks for happy hour, as well as cozy treats that go beyond simple S’mores (hello, Dutch oven apple cake!).

Courtesy:Quarto Publishing

My Thoughts:

I love flipping through cookbooks to get ideas for seasonal meals and gatherings, and this one is a delightful addition to my growing collection. The photos of the recipes, whether it's a tasty drink or hearty stew, help you see how it all comes together in an inviting, yet straightforward way. From sweet and savory dishes to delightful spiked (or not) drinks, Fireside Warmers reminds us- everything tastes better by the fire.

If you’d like to learn more about this book, the author, or more cookbooks in this series, please visit Quarto.com.

About Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol -Lower Cholesterol and Support a Healthy Heart by Ashley Reaver, RD, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Paperback, 160 pages, Genre: Cooking/Health

Now that my husband and I are in our empty nest era, it's easier to focus on a meal plan and recipes for our way of life. One of the things we’ve both heard at our checkups is “watch your cholesterol”.

Easier said than done, as old habits are hard to break, and that’s why I was thrilled to add this book to my knowledge base. There are plenty of tasty recipes that focus on eating for a healthy heart.

Each recipe is broken down into preparation times of 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, so you can select meals that fit with your schedule and energy levels. Plus, each recipe page contains the nutritional value, which helps us make better meal choices

Some of my Recipe Picks from Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol:

Cobb Pasta Salad
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken Gyros
Macaroni and Cheese
Flank Steak Fajitas
Weeknight Beef Stew
Chicken and Dumplings
Walnut Honey Mustard Salmon
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Microwave Peach Cobbler
Banana Oat Pancakes
Chicken and Waffles

Courtesy:Quarto Publishing

My Thoughts:

I can’t wait to add some of these recipes to our weekly dinner lineup. The photos found in Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol make each dish look so appetizing. I/m going to start with the Chicken Gyros. With a prep time of 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, I’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal done in no time.

If you want to lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health while maintaining your busy lifestyle, finding quick, easy, and satisfying recipes tailored to your needs is crucial. This cookbook has you covered. There’s a syllabus to help you better understand the handful of things we can do to lower and sometimes reverse our cholesterol. If you’d like to learn more about this book, go to the books page on Quarto.

Next up is a book that’s going to be invaluable this fall as we conquer some of our outdoor projects.

About Black and Decker The Complete Guide to Patios (4th Edition): A DIY Guide to Building Patios, Walkways, and Outdoor Steps. By: Black and Decker, Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Paperback, 240 pages, Genre: Home & Garden/Home Improvement

If you own a home, chances are you have a list of home improvement projects or plans that you’d like to tackle. Fall is an excellent time to get started on them, and The Complete Guide to Patios is a perfect companion to help us plan and execute some really cool projects. Whether that means redoing a problem area ( like we have with our front walkway), or designing a new pathway to a focal point, and adding new lighting features, this book covers these topics and a whole lot more.

Broken down into easy-to-search topics, starting with hardscaping basics like patio design, material selection, and practical considerations, and has five patio and walkway plans. It shows you how to draw up your own patio and walkway plans as well.

There are chapters on patio projects that detail the types of patios, such as a paver, brick, or flagstone patio. Then they cover the details- adding a fire pit, or maybe you need a pool patio, or nature-friendly patios with added lighting (my favorite!). There are plenty of colorful photos to help you envision the project.

Courtesy: Quarto Publishing

Then there are different styles of patio rooms, a cool shade sail, I can’t wait to build for next summer's garden area depth. And in this fourth edition, there are new projects like the shade sail including:

A versatile Custom Wooden Bar, adaptable to your preferred style, whether it’s tiki or traditional.
A DIY-friendly Stacked Stone Outdoor Kitchen for those who prefer crafting their own culinary oasis.
A Privacy Screen Planter to create a buffer from neighbors or carve out a secluded area within your space.
Illuminating your outdoor space with Hardwired Landscape Lighting to define various areas, from cozy conversation spots to poolside surroundings.

My Thoughts:

Black and Decker has thought of everything in this patio DIY guide. They break down each project with photos, how-to text, and a handy color block Tools and Materials box. If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance for a patio project and other outdoor upgrades, this book is for you. Go check it out at Quarto.com.

Last but not least, fancy a trip to London? I sure did when I selected my final Friday Faves book, all about this enchanting city.

About London- The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers: By: Jack Chesher Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, Hardcover, 176 pages, Genre: Home & Garden/Home Improvement

“Whether you are new to the city or a seasoned traveller, London: The Hidden Corners is a must-have guide for anyone looking to uncover something beyond the familiar. Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was captured? Or in which backstreet can you find the pub that hid the masterminds behind the Great Train Robbery? Which pocket park contains the remains of a great medieval monastery? Have your questions answered and let London: The Hidden Corners reveal the capital’s unique and shadowy mysteries.

From the alleyways of Soho to the medieval remains of Moorgate, the second book from Sunday Times bestselling author Jack Chesher takes you on a journey through London and its history, showing you its hidden corners.”

Illustrated throughout and complete with a selection of maps to help you discover your new favourite locations, London: The Hidden Corners promises to bring the city to life for intrepid explorers and local Londoners alike.

My Thoughts:

I’ve always wanted to explore London with a local tour guide, so this book was a must-have when I saw it was available for review. It’s the next best thing to being there with Mr. Chesher!

The illustrations are beautiful and draw you into the story, like the one of Ely Court. According to the book, Ely Court is a delightfully crooked alleyway in Holborn that contains London’s most hidden pub and a Tudor feast.

Courtesy: Quarto Publishing

I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but let's just say, a certain King Henry once partied. A party that lasted for five days and included 4,000 larks. I invite you to learn more about London - The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers, which is available now at Quarto.com

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Friday Faves Book Edition!

Please share in comments: Which of these books would you read first?

Serve up smiles at your next coffee gathering with Language of Flowers Mugs

2025-09-04T10:55:00.002-05:00

Happy September, friends. I love this time of year for many reasons, such as the late summer days with their crisp, cool mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. Another thing I really love about September is that parents, especially Moms, get a little break in their busy routines with kids back in school, making it the perfect time to host a coffee gathering! These whimsical Language of Flowers mugs are sure to bring smiles to your guests.

Serve up Smiles with your Coffee!

My thanks to Our Name is Mud in partnership with Enesco Gift Shop for sending me complimentary mugs for today’s post. No other compensation given. All opinions are my own.

About Our Name Is Mud: Ceramics and Giftware that make you Smile:

Our Name Is Mud got its start in 1995 as a do-it-yourself pottery store in New York. They opened several retail shops along the way. In 2007, they were acquired by Enesco Gift Shop, where I first learned about them while shopping for holiday gifts, so when I was asked if I’d like to review this line of mugs, I happily agreed. If you are a fan of Boyd’s Bears, Department 56, etc., you simply must check out this gift shop.

Since Enesco Gift Shop specializes in gifts for special occasions, it makes sense that they would add the lovely and whimsical line of products from Our Name Is Mud to their shop.

About The Language of Flowers Mugs:

These beautiful, 15-ounce stoneware mugs feature six hand-painted flowers. This line will warm the hearts and receive compliments at your next gathering. I selected the Carnation, Daffodil, and Daisy mugs, and will add the Rose, Violet, and Sunflower mugs soon.

Each mug comes in a decorative box, perfect for gifting, with a To and From section on the box. There are details about each flower, including what each flower symbolizes. I’ll share those below.

What Each Flower Mug Symbolizes:

Carnation- symbolizes affection, love, loyalty, protection, distinction, devotion, family, and friendship. Carnations are also the flower for those born in January, which is why I chose it for one of my daughters.

Daffodil- symbolizes hope, vitality, joy, rebirth, luck, prosperity, and happiness. I chose this mug for my other daughter since Daffodils are the flower for those born in March.

Daisy- symbolizes simplicity, future blessings, purity, humility, joy, friendliness, and hope. Daisy is the flower for those born in April, and one of my favorite flowers, so I had to add this one to my mug collection.

These are delightful mugs that feel good in your hands and will look pretty in your kitchen. I can’t wait to hand-wash these and use them. I think my daughters will love having their own special mugs for when they visit and we have coffee together as well.

I invite you to discover the delightful line of The Language of Flowers Mugs, along with the other cute and funny mugs Our Name Is Mud offers, by utilizing the links above.

As we edge ever closer to Autumn, I hope you’ll take some time for yourself and perhaps host your own coffee gathering soon.

Please share in comments: Which of the mugs I shared would you pick to have coffee in?

Love Golfing? The Short Game opens in Theaters Aug. 29th

2025-08-27T11:44:00.003-05:00

Golf is a popular sport for adults and kids in our area of Tennessee, with several high school teams, so it was wonderful to have a movie where teen golfers are the focus. If you have a golfer in your family, especially a teen, who loves golfing, why not add this film to your weekend plans?

In Life Every Shot Counts!

Courtesy:Abramorama

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Momentum Influencers. Thank you for the opportunity to watch this film and share it with my readers, and for hosting a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

About The Short Game: Distributed by: Abramorama/Directed by: Frank Sanza/Produced by: David Parks/Run Time:1h 35m /Genre: Drama, Sports /Rated: PG for thematic elements and language.

Cast: Ben Krieger (Jeremy Avery), Owen Himfar (Ethan Avery), Mackenzie Astin (John Avery), Katherine Cunningham (Lisa Avery), Glenn Morshower (Jack Odom), Tyler Lofton (Tommy Winslow), Emma Parks (Carly Stewart), Adyn Alexander (Bruce Bennett), Brandon Potter (Couch Goulart), Jon Donahue (Mike Bennett), Brandon Gomez (Martin), Brody Stowers (Lewis).

Film Synopsis:

Courtesy:Abramorama

“Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State

Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having

to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan.

These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, lead Jeremy on a journey of discovery, both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that, if embraced, can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.”

Watch Official Trailer:

My Thoughts:

I’m not a golfer, but I respect the skill and dedication it takes to play at any level. In The Short Game, it's apparent that Jeremy loves golfing, even though he’s hit a rough patch and is unsure of his future. This film puts focus on the amount of stress high school kids are under. Not only be a good student, but also perform their extracurricular activities at a high level as well, so they can be in the running for college acceptance and scholarships.

As a Mom, I could empathize with the parents hoping for a sports scholarship that may not come for their oldest son. Meanwhile, bills pile up for the care of their younger, autistic son, who was never portrayed as anything less than an active member of the Avery family, which I loved seeing. In fact, Ethan Avery is played by Owen Himfar, an autistic actor making his film debut in The Short Game.

Courtesy:Abramorama

The Takeaway:

This sports film focuses on relationships, whether that’s the family dynamic, school friends, teammates, or coaches. The Avery's strong family bond, community support and acts of faith and resilience are the cornerstone of The Short Game.

There are highs, where I found myself cheering, and lows, which had me reaching for a tissue. I really enjoyed it! Even though it deals with some heavy subjects, it’s actually and uplifting film. If golfing is a part of your life, even if it's just to see the amazing courses(like me), or you enjoy feel-good sports films, I think The Short Game should be on your viewing list.

The Short Game is in theaters on August 29, 2025. I invite you to visit The Short Game website where you can learn more about the film and actors, plus check your local theaters and show times. Be sure to follow along on social media @TheShortGameMovie and check out my Entertainment tab for more film reviews and news.

Win It:

Thanks to today’s sponsor, one lucky reader will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Please read the terms before entering.

My Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter form below. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment; the sponsor is. All terms are listed on the Rafflecopter entry form. Winners will be notified by email used on the entry form and have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.

Sponsor Terms:

If you've entered this giveaway on another blog featuring this film sponsored by Momentun Influencers and are selected the winner, you can only collect the prize once. Alert the secondary blogger that you've already won, so they can select another winner.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please share in comments: Does this sound like a film you’d go see?

Friday Faves Food and Drink Edition

2025-08-15T18:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday, dear readers. If you are among the many who sent their kids back to school in the heat of August, I’m thinking of you and hoping your school year is off to a smooth start. Our school days are behind us now as empty nesters, but today’s topic brought back so many fond memories of making food and drink content with my girls. I hope you enjoy my latest Friday Faves.

Friday Faves Food and Drink Edition:

I’ll start with the one product that isn’t a drink: butter. In my opinion, you should use the best butter you can afford when every item you’re serving requires some, like this recent dinner.

About Ivy’s Reserve Salted Farmhouse Butter:

According to their website, Ivy’s Reserve has been made in the little Somerset village of Wyke Champflower for over 100 years. Named after the current owner’s grandmother, Ivy Clothier, who perfected the cheddar cheese recipe in 1930 using milk from their cows. It was a hit and won many awards. From there, they added more products, including their delightful salted farmhouse butter, which my family and I love!

It has a clean taste and smooth texture, perfect for breads and dishes like my steak, roasted carrots, and parsley mashed potatoes. I’m looking forward to trying their cheddar cheeses and other products. If you’d like to try their farmhouse reserve products, visit Ivy’s Reserve.

About Ryze Mushroom Coffee:

Over the summer, I’ve seen many good reviews on this product, so when they reached out on Instagram to ask me if I’d like to be an ambassador, I happily agreed.

Ryze is on a mission to help us feel a little better every day. The owners, Andrée and Rashad, say what started as a small shift in their morning routines from coffee to their special six mushroom blend has grown into a movement and a community.

After lots of testing and trial and error, Ryze settled on this unique six mushroom blend.

Cordyceps- For Stamina

Lion's Mane- For Focus

Reishi- For Mood

Turkey Tail- For Gut Health

Shiitake- For Immunity

King Trumpet- For Longevity

I was surprised at the flavor of this mushroom coffee. It tastes so good! I made an iced latte with a scoop of Ryze Mushroom Coffee, a small amount of cream, and, surprisingly, no sugar, and loved it as an afternoon pick-me-up. The special organic coffee/mushroom blend has 48mg of caffeine per cup vs. the 95 mg found in regular coffee, giving a light uptick in energy with no jitters. See my post on Instagram and give me a follow please.

If you’d like to try RYZE for yourself, please visit their website using my affiliate link . Save 15% on your purchase at checkout with my promo code:ISMILEFIRST15.

About Bee-Tastic: Beans & Teas™:

Bee-Tastic Beans & Teas is a small business in Wisconsin with a big heart. Their dream was to build a local coffee shop, support our community, and help the planet one cup at a time. All their coffees are roasted at the time of order, ensuring freshness.

I can vouch for the freshness and quality of their coffees. I received their sample pack blends and found each flavor to be delicious! I will be buying more.

Their subscription service is affordable, just $10 to start, and flexible, allowing you to pause, skip, or cancel at any time. And shipping is always free. Plus, they donate 5% from every purchase to The Bee Conservancy to support pollinator protection and biodiversity. How cool is that?

I haven’t had a chance to try their teas yet, but a quick look at their website and I found they have an Earl Grey blend, which happens to be my favorite tea, so I want to try it soon. To learn more about Bee-Tastic Premium Coffee & Tea With a Cause, visit their website, where you can save 10% off your order here and use the discount code WAHMWITHAPLAN at checkout.

Orgain: Organic Protein Powders, Bars and More:

I’ve been using and enjoying Orgain Protein powder and drinks for a few years now and love them. I recently decided to join their ambassador program and received their Nut Butter Protein Powder featuring Justin’s nuts, and it tastes delightful! I just mix a scoop of Orgain with water, then add ice, and it’s a delightful, filling smoothie that packs a whopping 20g of protein per serving.

I’m trying to add more protein to my day, and Orgain is here to help with an array of protein products. If you don’t have time for powders, give their nutritional shakes a try. They are so convenient. Just pop a few in the fridge for easy grab and go. Each offers 16g of protein.

If you’re unsure just how much protein you should have in a day, Orgain has a simple quiz to help. Just answer a few questions, and their Protein Calculator will tell you.

I’m truly excited to be an ambassador for Orgain because they offer organic nutrition for the whole family. They offer kids nutrition, collagen, peptides, and more! I can’t wait to shop their next sale and stock up on our collagen. I invite you to discover all that Orgain offers. You can save 15% off your order using my promo code: LINDAK15 at my Orgain shopping link.

As always, I hope you find this Friday Faves post helpful. Here’s wishing you a happy weekend as well.

Please share in comments: Which of these products would you try first?