Saturday, January 17, 2026

Saturday at Home



 Saturday Vibes: Cold Weather, Cozy Moments, and Taking Care of Business


Saturday finally arrived, and let me tell you—I was so glad to make it to the weekend. There’s just something about waking up without an alarm that instantly sets the tone for the day. I woke up around 7:00 a.m., which felt like sleeping in, and the extra rest was exactly what I needed.


I didn’t have much planned today, which honestly made it even better. The only real errand on the agenda was a drive to Marlow, Oklahoma, to stop by the bank and deposit some money. Of course, no trip into town is complete without food involved, so we planned a Sonic stop for breakfast burritos and drinks. I’m hoping Luther was feeling generous and willing to be my driver—because I truly enjoy being the passenger and just riding along.


We headed out around 9:00 a.m., and wow—winter definitely showed up today. It was around 27 degrees, which made me extra thankful that staying inside was an option for the rest of the day. Once we were back home, I happily settled in where it was warm and cozy.



One of my favorite plans for the day was working in my junk journal for my swap with Moira. I was genuinely excited when she asked if I wanted to do another journal swap. It’s such a fun and creative process, and I love pouring little bits of myself into the pages.


We also had the TV on throughout the day and watched a mix of shows, including Landman, Sister Wives, Wander, and a few true crime stories. Somewhere in between all of that, I carved out some quiet time to read on my Kindle, which felt like the perfect balance to the day.



I also took care of some grown-up business—something I’m pretty proud of. I called Walmart about a delayed package for Mr. C. The AI assistant wasn’t helpful at all, so I requested a representative and ended up speaking with Max, who was incredible. Not only did he issue a refund, but he also gave us a $10 credit off a $15 purchase. The refund was only $28, but hey—money is money, and at least it wasn’t lost.


Last night, I also called Amazon about a package that should have been delivered back on December 22, 2025. That one was refunded too—$25. It felt really good to make the calls and handle business instead of putting it off.


Tonight, we’re winding down by watching the Denver Broncos play football against the Buffalo Bills. They’re playing in Denver, Colorado, and it feels like the perfect way to end a low-key Saturday.


Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a little piece of my day with me. I hope to see you again soon!



Survival on Shell Mountain – Book Review


         

Friday, January 16, 2026

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!


Thursday, January 15, 2026

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, January 14, 2026

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. 💛


Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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