Friday Favorites September 11, 2026: Tiki Boat, Good Cleaning Product, Fall Lip Gloss, Autumn Hallmark Movie and Essential Oils

 

Before I get into Friday Favorites, I do want to stop and acknowledge those that lost their lives in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 and the many heroes that helped on the ground the day of the attacks and for months after. We can never forget that day and the sacrifices that were made.

To close out this week, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites. To lighten the day a bit, I am sharing a very fun night I had last weekend, a cleaning product I have gone back to, and a Good lip gloss to kick off fall. I am also including a favorite fall Hallmark movie that brought us Joy again the other night and some essential oils that are providing me some relief lately. If you need to exhale right now, join me for Friday Favorites.

1. Birthday Tiki Boat

In June, my lovely friend had a big birthday. On Saturday night, we celebrated her on a Tiki boat that cruised up and down the Potomac river on a beautiful September night. It was super fun and we had the whole boat to ourselves. We laughed, we danced and the boat captain said we were the most fun group they had in weeks.

I would follow this group of ladies anywhere. There are ladies in this group who have been there when I cried, loved on Hockey Guy, protected me and always make me laugh. I am truly blessed.

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Friday Favorites September 4, 2026: Favorite Tennis Shoes, Body Serum, 9 to 5, Lovely Show with Companion Podcast and Dry Eye Mascara

 

Hey there Besties. I am finally back for another Friday Favorites. Writing and sharing things that bring me Joy seems to be exactly what I need right now. I am so looking forward to taking a deep breath and trying to enjoy this weekend. Last weekend felt a little hard. 

Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites. This week's list has my favorite tennis shoes of all time, a body serum that will help cut down on shaving (really), and what the movie 9 to 5 taught me. I will finish things up with a lovely show that I needed right now and I think I finally found a mascara that works for my dry eye. Let's jump into this long weekend and enjoy a few Friday Favorites.

1. Tretorn Tennis Shoes

I have been wearing Tretorn tennis shoes since I was probably thirteen years old. The reason why I have always loved Tretorns is that they are not clunky. Some of the trending tennis shoes look rather clunky in my opinion. For a person who is not very tall, my feet are on the larger size. I am an 8.5 shoe size now, and was an 8 before I had Hockey Guy. That means in any type of sneaker, I am in a 9. A clunky size 9 on someone who is not super tall is not super cute.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge: February 9, 2026

 

I think the snow and ice may actually start melting over the next few days. Can I get a hallelujah Besties? Things have been challenging with the snow and ice around here and also with the devastating ice storms where Hockey Guy goes to school. What has been a bright spot over the last few weeks is Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce. It's been so fun that I am joining up again this week. I am so ready for this linkup!

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'? 

This is a small thing, but I flipped through the channels this weekend and How to Marry a Millionaire was on. I would say that I was tickled pink to find it this weekend and then added it to our movie list becuase Running Daddy has never seen it.

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Hello Monday: 2026 and January 2026 Monthly Musings Topics

 

Good morning from the frozen tundra. We only had about seven inches of snow but the challenge is the ice. A chilly morning like this is perfect for Hello Monday with Sarah and Holly and sharing the topics and prompts for January Monthly musings and all of the topics for the 2026 Monthly Musings.

If you are impacted by the storms, stay stafe, stay warm and settle in for Hello Monday. I will see you back here for Monthly Musings on Thursday.

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Hello Monday-August 25, 2025: August Monthly Musings Topics

 

Hey there Besties. I am back at home after sophomore year college drop-off. It was definitely easier in year two, and because he is so happy there, how can I be sad? He's ready for his classes to start, has already started hockey and is spending time with friends. 

Speaking of back-to-school I am here for Hello Monday with Sarah and Holly to share the topics for Monthly Musings coming up on Thursday. Holly and I have all of the early fall and back-to-school feels for you. 

I hope you will join us on Thursday for Monthly Musings as a writer and/or reader. Just grab our graphic, link back to both of us in your post and answer our fun questions.

See you then!

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Monthly Musings Topics May 2025: Kicking Off Summer

 

Hey there Besties, I hope you are having a relaxing long weekend. I am definitely enjoying a few moments to breathe before I get really busy with work again.

I am linking up with Holly and Sarah on Tuesday to share the topics for Month Musings. Holly and I are kicking off summer for Monthly Musings and joining the talented ladies who are part of our Thursday link-up to talk all things summer 2025! 

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Friday Favorites April 11, 2025: Fun, Spring Fashion and Beauty

 

It's been a while since I have posted a Friday Favorites and my writing has not been as frequent as in the past. Mostly, I am pretty exhausted recently. The traffic has really picked up around here and I think it is taking its toll on me. In general, it's a stressful time to live and work in the nation's capital. Not a political statement, just the truth. I am excited to be back and taking a moment to link up with Erika and Andrea and share the simple pleasures that brought me Joy this week. Today is all about fun, spring fashion and beauty. Let's end this week with a little fun for Friday Favorites.

1. Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nail Gummies

I was not born with a Good head of hair. My hair is naturally fine, thin and not cooperative post menopause. I know there are a lot of pricey hair supplements on the market that people really like, but I can't swallow the price. I bought the Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails gummies at the beginning of the year. Last month when I went to have my eye brows done, my gal who has been doing my eye brows for 18 years (only one other person has touched my brows once in that time) asked me if I was taking a hair growth supplement.

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Friday Favorites October 11, 2024: Pumpkin Spice Edition

 

Before I even start this post today, I want to make sure that everyone is sending prayers, Good thoughts and any aid they can to the people impacted by the storms over the last few weeks. If you are looking for a place to make a donation, of any amount, think about World Central Kitchen. They are currently sending water and fresh food to the southeast. Always double-check to see if your employer will match your donation. My employer will and it is a way to send additional help to impacted areas.

I am going to switch gears and move to Friday Favorites. It is ok to take a moment to focus on things that bring us Joy and levity even when times are challenging. Since there is no denying now that we are in full pumpkin spice season, I am sharing with you my favorite pumpkin spice items and not all of them are food items. Join me today as I link up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites-Pumpkin Spice Edition!

1. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix

If you have spent any time on this site over the last few years you know that I am not a big baker. Baking can be tough when you are gluten-free but I have definitely figured out my go-to recipes and mixes. Trader Joe's makes an amazing pumpkin bread mix that comes in regular and gluten free. It is so Good that honestly, there is no reason in my mind to make it from scratch.

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Monthly Musings April 2024: All Things Spring

 

Oh Besties, I am so loving spring this year. I always love spring but there is something about spring 2024 that is really making me notice all of the flowers, colors and gorgeous weather this time around.

My spring mood is perfect for Monthly Musings because Holly and I are joining the talented women who participate in this monthly linkup for all things spring.  Are you ready? I sure am!

1. Favorite thing about spring?

This year, and almost every year, I am all about the flowers. I love to drive through Old Town and other parts of our neighborhood and just take in people's flowers. I am super proud of some of the flowers that I have planted, transplanted and helped cultivate over the years.

Below are some of the flowers from seasons past in our yard. I had to use photos from previous years because I got home too late to take photos and it was already dark out.

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What's Up Wednesday-April 2024

 

Wow April what a month. You brought us my birthday, spring weather, a bit of travel and a whole lot of fun. April has been a Good month so far. Because it is the last Wednesday of April I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for What's Up Wednesday. This linkup is a little food, a little fashion, what I was watching and what I was wearing in April. Embrace this spring weather and join me for What's Up Wednesday April 2024.

What We Are Eating This Week

Monday-Greek meatballs, quinoa, roasted vegetables and garlic breadsticks for the boys

Tuesday-Tacos, black beans and salad

Wednesday-Baked chicken thighs, rice and veggies

Thursday-Shrimp scampi, noodles and salad

Friday-Some type of take-out

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Hello Monday-Monthly Musings Topics April 2024: All Things Spring

 

Happy Monday Besties! We had a pretty delightful weekend in the Good Better Best household. We are really soaking up spring in our house and all the fun and beauty that comes with the rebirth of this season. 

Today I am linking up with Sarah  and Holly for Hello Monday and sharing the questions for Monthly Musings coming your way on Thursday. For April, we are embracing all that spring brings to all of us. Our April topic is All Things Spring. Follow the questions listed above, link back to Holly and me and join us for all the spring beauty.

I hope to see you back here on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday and then Thursday for Monthly Musings. Plus if my week cooperates I hope to squeeze in a Friday Favorites too!

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Monthly Musings February 2024-Surviving the Winter Months

 

Happy Leap Day Besties! How fun to Monthly Musings on Leap Day. Today Holly and I are hosting our linkup party and talking about surviving these last few days of winter. It is more like fake spring around here and a cold snap could be just around the corner, so we may need these tips any day now/

1. What do you do in the winter that brings you Joy?

In the winter I like to use our fireplaces and light candles. It just brings a sense of warmth and calmness like nothing else. I really like it when I have an hour or so to be in the house alone with my candles and the fireplace on and maybe some music.

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Monthly Musings November 2023: How We Holiday

 

Are you ready to kick off the holiday season Besties? I totally am! Today, Holly and I are getting together with a group of talented writers to share how we celebrate the holiday season. We want to hear about all of the holidays. I personally love to learn about different holidays and the traditions they hold. Ok, let's kick off the holiday season Monthly Musings style!

1. Favorite holiday traditions?

Even though Hockey Guys is not little anymore, the elf does still make an appearance at our house. He doesn't do anything too crazy at our house but he does make an appearance and show up in a different part of the house every morning.

The last few years we have also gone to church on Christmas Eve around 6pm and then gone out to dinner just the three of us. It has been a really nice way to start Christmas and just have a quiet evening and reflect on the night.

We also adopt a nun every year and fulfill her Christmas list. The things she asks for are so simple that they warm my heart. This is probably Running Daddy's favorite Christmas tradition.

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Friday Favorites September 29, 2023: Best Fall Movies

 

I am so glad the weekend is here. This week was ahem, interesting. Running Daddy noticed that on Wednesday night there was a full moon and it definitely seemed like it this week. 

For today's Friday Favorites, I am linking up with Erika and Andrea and sharing a list of my favorite fall movies. Not Halloween movies...yet, just fall-themed. I am hoping this list broken out into Hallmark fall and non-Hallmark fall gets you into the fall mood and helps you relax this weekend. Grab your softest blanket, your favorite movie snack, your favorite fall beverage and let's fall into movie night. 

Note: this list is not ranked. This is just a list of fall movies that I love and make me think of fall. I will make note here and there of some that I particularly love.

Non-Hallmark

You've Got Mail

This movie is just the perfect fall setting in New York with two delightful main characters. I tell Hockey Guy every time we watch a Tom Hanks movie that Tom Hanks is the greatest actor of his lifetime and a national treasure. He rolls his eyes, but he also agrees.

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What's Up Wednesday September 2023

 

Wow September you were eventful. We spent time getting back into the school routine and I had a big work event at headquarters which took up a lot of time and energy. Here on the last Wednesday of September, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for their monthly link-up What's Up Wednesday. Settle in with your favorite fall treat and join me for all things September.

What We Are Eating This Week

Monday-Burgers, hot dogs, tots and cucumber/hearts of palm salad

Tuesday-Crockpot beef barbeque sandwiches with salad

Wednesday-Beef tips, rice, salad

Thursday-I am going out to celebrate a friend's birthday and the guys are on their own.

Friday-take out, always take out on Fridays

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Friday Favorites : August 25, 2023-Playlists, Good Hair Serum, a Hint of Fall, Cute Dress and Five Below Desk Accessories

 

Ah Friday, Good to see you. We are in post-vacation, back to school and deep in work mode around the Good Better Best household. I am so ready to exhale this weekend. Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share a fun summer list with you of things that are bringing me Joy this week. Are you ready? Let's go.

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty playlists on Spotify

Why yes, yes I am talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty...again. This week I busted out the many playlists on Spotify from this show that we are obsessed with.

 

Running Daddy and I finished the series up this week and we remain firmly on Team BelRad! 

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What's Up Wednesday-July 2023

 

July has been a little hot, a little rainy and a month when we were mostly home the entire month, which is rare in our world. July has been filled with work, some summering and someone in this house became an Iron Man for the second time! Hint, they are not the author of this post. Since it is the last Wednesday of July I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for their monthly link-up What's Up Wednesday. Pour your favorite summer beverage and settle in for What's Up Wednesday, July style.

What We're Eating This Week

Honestly, I am not sure what we are eating this week. Running Daddy is getting back from Lake Placid on Monday night but I am not sure what time. Hockey Guy is working a lot this week and then has hockey. This week's schedule is up in the air so I am doing my Best to have healthy, easy food on hand for everyone.

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Friday Favorites July 21, 2023: Christmas in July, Bravo Drama, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Time on the Weekends, and Twist on Taco Night

 

Hello weekend, I am so glad to see you. The last few weeks have been a lot, but there have been some Good things mixed in too. I am so ready to take a deep breath this weekend and hopefully get some sleep.

I am linking up with  Erika and Andrea for today's Friday Favorites and I have all of the Hallmark Christmas in July, a summer series on Prime we are obsessed with, all the Bravo drama, time on the weekend and Rancho Taco mix. This is, as usual, a pretty eclectic list but totally what I am loving this week. Ready? Let's do this!

1. Hallmark Channel Christmas in July  

Anyone who has ever stopped by this site knows that I love the Hallmark Channel. I have been a Hallmarkie long before it was a thing. While some people think it is odd to watch Christmas movies in July, I cannot imagine not watching them.

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What's Up Wednesday June 2023

 

Oh June you have been mostly a lovely month. You have given us a strong finish to the school year, a wedding anniversary, two Good trips and lots of hard work for everyone. Since it is the last Wednesday of June I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for their monthly link-up What's Up Wednesday. This June post is going to be a little quick because this is a busy week but more on that in a bit.

What We're Eating This Week

We have some travel at the end of the week and I am finishing up a big work project so the dinner plans are a little fluid in the beginning of the week and then a lot of dining out in one of the Best food cities in the USA later in the week. Here's what I can tell you so far:

Monday I was super glad that I put some stew beef with broth and taco seasoning in the slow cooker before I left the house in the morning because I didn't expect to get home so late! I luckily had the meat cooking all day so that we could have easy tacos when I got home.

Tuesday will probably be burgers and dogs with sweet potato puffs along with cucumber, hearts of palm and chickpea salad. I am going to post this salad recipe in July...I promise!

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Monthly Musings Topics June 2023: Summer Fun-Vacay, Trips, and Adventures

 

Happy Monday Besties! Even though it hasn't felt like it lately here in Virginia, summer is officially here!  Today I am starting the week by linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday and sharing the topics for Monthly Musings.

We hope you will join us on Thursday as a writer, reader or both as we discuss all the summer fun. From vacations, to adventures to cocktails/mocktails and more, Monthly Musings will have it all for you.

To join us as a writer, grab our graphic, link back to the both of us and share all of your summer fun!

I will see you back here on Wednesday for What's Up Wednesday and then again on Thursday for Monthly Musings.

 

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