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

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:

 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:

 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

 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 

 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

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:

 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:

 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

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

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!

 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

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

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!