Finally Friday!

It’s Finally Friday!

It is finally Friday! 🙌 And let me just say—I am so grateful that this workweek is nearly at the end.

Today already feels like a win because I’m leaving work at 3:00 p.m. so I can head over to Lawton to pick up my new glasses from Dr. Head’s Family Vision Eye Clinic. I went with a totally different style than I usually choose, which is a little out of my comfort zone… but I’m excited to see how they look on my face. The drive should take about 35–40 minutes, so I’m planning to get there as soon as I can, grab my glasses, and keep things moving.

After that, I want to stop by JCPenney to see if they have any good clearance finds. I’m always on the lookout for items I can tuck away for Christmas or birthday gifts throughout the year. I also still need to find a gift for Elizabeth’s birthday, which we’ll be celebrating Sunday at the bowling alley in Chickasha, so I’m hoping I’ll stumble across something perfect while I’m there.

Once I get home this evening, supper will be simple—Luther and I are having salads. We’re slowly trying to eat better, and honestly, that’s something we’ll probably be working on for the rest of our lives. I truly admire people who can stick to a rigid health and fitness routine, but that’s just not who I am—and that’s okay.

I don’t have many plans for the weekend, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Saturday is supposed to be really cold, so I’m planning on staying home with my husband and maybe catching up on a few TV series we’re behind on… or possibly watching a new-to-us movie or two. And no, I’m not even going to try to talk him into a Hallmark movie—even though y’all know that’s my favorite, no matter the season. 😉

Sunday will be a little more active. I plan to get together with Cherrie, and I need to swing by Walmart in Duncan to pick up Luther’s medications. I’d also like to look for a couple of birthday gifts for Lane and Landon since their party will be at Chuck E. Cheese soon.

Overall, though, I think it’s going to be an easy, restful weekend—starting this evening when I walk back into the house.

I’m also really excited that I’m off work on Monday with no plans made at all. While this would have been a great time to make a quick trip to see Trevor and Melissa, I’m trying to stay focused on saving money with my New York City trip coming up. I really want to avoid putting too much on my credit cards, so staying put feels like the right choice right now.

Anyway, that’s about all that’s on my mind this morning as I head into work. It’s 7:00 a.m., and my goal for today is to stay focused, serve each of my members well, and hit my daily saves goal. I’ve thought about moving to a different department, but I really like the saves bonus we get when members are retained for two months—it makes a difference.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. I hope you have a wonderful Friday! If you feel like it, I’d love for you to leave a quick comment—even just a simple “hi.” If you have a question for me or any suggestions for my blog, I’m always open to hearing them. I truly enjoy the interaction. 💛

Have a blessed day!

Fudge Around and Find Out Book Review

                                Fudge Around and Find Out 

By Ember Davis

Published November 20, 2022

Genre: Romance

There’s just something irresistible about a romance set in a bakery, and Fudge Around and Find Out delivers that cozy charm in the sweetest way possible. I read this book in just two evenings, and honestly, it was the perfect blend of lighthearted romance, holiday vibes, and baked-goods temptation.

The story centers around Raegan, who works at the bakery Eclair Wishes—a place that feels warm, bustling, and full of sugary comfort, especially during the hectic Christmas season. While everyone around her is leaning into holiday cheer, Raegan struggles with Christmas, feeling that it has become far too commercialized. That inner conflict made her feel relatable and real, especially in a season that can be overwhelming instead of joyful for many people.

Enter Evan, a regular customer at the bakery with a serious sweet tooth—or so it seems. It quickly becomes clear that his favorite treat isn’t just what’s behind the glass case, but Raegan herself. Evan is thoughtful, kind, and quietly persistent in the best way. He’s drawn to Raegan’s spirit and genuinely wants to make her happy, especially during a season she doesn’t particularly love. Watching his affection unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book.

What really worked for me was the balance. The romance never felt rushed, but it also didn’t drag. The bakery setting added warmth and charm without overpowering the love story, and the Christmas backdrop enhanced the emotional stakes rather than turning the book into an over-the-top holiday cliché. The dialogue felt natural, the pacing was smooth, and the story had just enough depth to keep it engaging while still being an easy, feel-good read.

Overall, Fudge Around and Find Out is a sweet, cozy romance that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee—or maybe a pastry. If you enjoy small-town vibes, bakery settings, and gentle holiday romance, this book is absolutely worth picking up. It’s charming, heartwarming, and leaves you smiling long after the last page.

 

Wednesday Ramblings

                                                                                               

                        Wednesday Rambling

It’s 6:45 a.m., and I’ve officially left the house for my morning commute—about 30 minutes of quiet time before the workday begins. I’m feeling pretty proud of myself this morning because I’m staying on track with my Monday lunch menu for the week, and honestly, that alone feels like an accomplishment.

Work-wise, things are going really well too. I’m not only on track with my monthly goals, but I’m also hitting my daily save goals, which is a huge win. I met with my manager, Sherry, yesterday, and she confirmed that I’m exactly where I need to be. I already knew that in my heart, but let’s be real—it always feels good to have that validation. It definitely put my mind at ease.

Looking ahead to February, I really want to focus on decluttering. I know everyone talks about decluttering in January, and I’m definitely behind. Other than the bathroom, I really haven’t started at all. This weekend—probably Saturday—I’m setting a goal to get rid of at least 40 items that are just hanging around the house and no longer serving us.

Letting go is hard for me. I know that. I think a lot of it stems from growing up with a single mom who didn’t have much. My dad didn’t contribute child support for my brother Stacy or me, so money was always tight. I think those old feelings still linger—the fear that I might need something later and won’t be able to afford it. Even though that’s not my reality anymore, those thoughts still sneak in. Old habits and old emotions can really get in the way of living a simpler life.

Another thing I want to work on is cooking more at home. I’m not a cook, and I don’t particularly enjoy it, but it’s not fair for Mr. C to have to plan and prepare every single dinner—especially when the alternative ends up being fast food. When I looked back at our bank statements last month, I realized we spend about as much money eating out as we do on groceries and household items. That’s not great financially—or health-wise.

With Mr. C’s health issues, I know standing and cooking in the evenings can be tough on him. Still, he always has a meal ready for me when I walk through the door around 4:45 or 5:00, and that alone tells you what kind of man he is. He is such a blessing to me. Truly. I don’t know what I would do without him—he has been my everything.

Since today is Wednesday, I’m looking forward to our town hall Zoom meeting at work. I always like hearing where leadership is heading and what’s coming next. After work, Mr. C will be picking me up, and we’ll be heading to Chickasha to meet up with Elizabeth, Charles, Savannah, Brody, Lane, Sophie and Landon—because today is Landon’s 4th birthday!

We’ll be eating at Interurban, which I’m really excited about. It’ll be a nice break from our usual routine. Mr. C will, of course, order his favorite chicken fried steak, and I’m leaning toward Chelsea’s honey chicken with a loaded baked potato.

Most of all, I’m excited to celebrate Landon. He was born prematurely in Texas, and now he’s this energetic little go-getter. He reminds me so much of Wreck-It Ralph—always on the move, always trying to figure out how things work, and never slowing down. Right now, he’s loving Spidey Man on YouTube, and of course, Bluey is still a favorite. 

I’m thankful it’s already midweek because this week has flown by. I also haven’t struggled much with phone calls at work, which I’m incredibly grateful for. Whether that’s me, my members, or a little bit of both—I’ll take it.

At home, I haven’t accomplished a whole lot this week, but we did get our hot water tank installed on Sunday. And let me tell you—being without hot water is a major inconvenience. I’m so thankful that’s taken care of.

Before I wrap this up, I just want to say thank you—whether you’re a subscriber or someone who just drops in from time to time. I started this blog as an online journal, something I could look back on through different seasons of my life. I don’t keep a personal journal the way I probably should, but I do enjoy sending journals through the mail when I participate in journal swaps on Swap-Bot.

Life is messy, beautiful, overwhelming, and meaningful all at once—and this little space helps me sort through it all.

Thanks for being here. 💛

The Cuddle Clause Book Review

                                               

                                                  📚 Book Review: 

                                                      The Cuddle Clause

                                                      Roxie Ray

                                                       Published September 24, 2025

                                              Paranormal Romance 

If you’re in the mood for a cute, cozy paranormal romance with shifters, feelings, and a healthy dose of miscommunication, The Cuddle Clause by Roxie Ray might be just what you’re looking for.

Published on September 24, 2025, this paranormal romance was an easy and enjoyable read for me. I’ve really been on a shifter-romance kick lately, and I’m genuinely enjoying Roxie Ray’s writing style. Her stories feel light but still manage to deliver heartache, warmth, and emotional growth along the way.

🐺 What the Story Is About

Maggie finds herself scrambling to locate a new place to live after her living situation suddenly falls apart. In a rush, she answers an apartment ad—without reading the fine print. And that fine print? Well… it includes a cuddle clause.

Roman is a neurodivergent werewolf shifter who has very specific needs after shifting back to human form. His roommate contract states that Maggie must provide emotional support cuddles to help him regulate after his shifts. Awkward? Yes. Adorable? Also yes.

Things get even more complicated when Roman, who desperately needs a mate, tells his pack that Maggie already is his mate—despite refusing to let the pack set him up with one. And just like that, fake dating enters the picture.

💕 My Thoughts

The chemistry between Maggie and Roman slowly builds, and while Roman starts off shy and uncomfortable, it doesn’t take long before things begin to heat up. Their relationship is full of sweet moments, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of miscommunication when it comes to their real feelings.

I especially enjoyed Roman’s character. His awkwardness and hesitations felt genuine, and watching him open up made the romance even more rewarding. Maggie’s patience and warmth balanced him nicely, creating a relationship that felt rooted in friendship before romance.

Overall, The Cuddle Clause is a feel-good romance with just enough tension to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why friends-to-lovers and fake-dating tropes are so beloved.

If you love shifters, cozy paranormal romances, and characters learning to communicate their feelings, this book is definitely worth picking up.

📌 Final Rating Thoughts

✔ Cute and cozy

✔ Easy, enjoyable read

✔ Shy MMC with emotional depth

✔ Fake dating + shifters = win

My menu for work lunches

                             Work Lunch Menu Monday

For the last seven years of working in the corporate world, I’ve made it a habit to take my lunch to work. It started as a way to eat healthier, but let’s be honest—it also saves a ton of money and time. With only a 30-minute lunch break, there’s really no time to leave the office and grab food, so bringing my own just makes sense.

Yesterday, Cherrie and I made a quick stop at Aldi so I could pick up a few things for my work lunches. Of course, I ended up buying more than I technically needed—but that just means I now have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the items I grabbed included Canadian ham, cheddar cheese, pineapple spears, grapes, individual chicken and cranberry salad, shredded lettuce, and two different salad kits. Easy, mix-and-match foods are my favorite for busy workweeks.

Here’s what my lunch menu looks like for the week:

Monday: Stew

Tuesday: Sub sandwich & grapes

Wednesday: Chicken salad & pineapple spears

Thursday: Grilled chicken & loaded baked potato

Friday: Canadian ham, cubed cheddar cheese, black olives, Ritz crackers, and pineapple spears

Most mornings, I open the refrigerator and decide what I’m taking for lunch right then and there. But having a menu planned out ahead of time really takes the guesswork out of it. Now, knowing me, I’ll probably change my mind at least once during the week—and that’s perfectly okay too.

Lately, I’ve been trying to cut back on carbs in my daily meals, and this menu is centered around foods I actually enjoy eating. No fancy recipes, no stress—just simple, satisfying lunches that keep me full and on track during a busy workday.

Sometimes the easiest plans are the ones that work the best.

Secret Shifters Next Door Book Report

                             Secret Shifters Compete Series

by Roxie Ray

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published: September 11, 2024

The Secret Shifters Compete Series by Roxie Ray is a sizzling paranormal romance series filled with fated mates, hidden identities, danger, and fiercely protective alpha shifters. From the very beginning, the author pulls you into a world where shifters must compete, survive, and ultimately trust fate—and each other.

This series follows four main couples: Miles & Celina, Steff & April, Blayne & Ava, and Tate & Harley. Each pairing brings its own emotional journey, challenges, and chemistry, making the series feel fresh from book to book while still staying connected through its overarching storyline and shifter competition theme.

Roxie Ray’s writing style is engaging and well paced. The story flows smoothly, with just the right balance of romance, suspense, and action. Each twist and turn kept my attention, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how each couple’s story would unfold. The danger lurking in the background adds tension, while the strong mate bonds give the series a solid emotional core.

While all the couples were enjoyable, Blayne and Ava’s relationship stood out the most to me. Their story carried the deepest emotional weight and had a strong sense of history behind it. Rather than falling into an instant, easy romance, Blayne and Ava had to confront past mistakes, personal struggles, and emotional walls. Watching them grow individually before fully coming together made their relationship feel realistic and earned. Their journey showed that love sometimes requires healing, patience, and personal growth before it can truly thrive.

One of the strongest elements of this series is the possessive yet protective nature of the alpha shifters. These characters will do anything to keep their mates safe, which adds intensity and passion to every relationship. The fated mates trope is done well here—romantic without feeling rushed, and emotional without losing the excitement of the paranormal elements.

Overall, the Secret Shifters Compete Series is an entertaining and well-written paranormal romance that fans of shifters, fated mates, and strong alpha heroes will thoroughly enjoy. If you’re looking for romance mixed with danger, competition, and emotional depth, this series is definitely worth adding to your reading list.