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

 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!

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

 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!

 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:

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

 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