Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid TJR does it again. Atmosphere  is a moody, evocative look at fame, identity, and the emotional wreckage left in the spotlight’s glow. It’s not just about celebrity—it’s about who we become when the world sees us before we even know ourselves. As Noted By Me I devoured this in two days and found myself haunted afterward. Not just by the story—but by the question it asks: What would you give up for a version of success you’re not sure you wanted? This one sticks. Coming next month: Can you change the future by rewriting the past? Let’s find out.

Oneota Conservation Foundation Winter Solstice Party On December 21st (you guessed it, the Winter Solstice) I was invited to be one of four judges for the "Kids' Soup Cook Off "at the Winter Solstice Party hosted at Oneota Park in Spencer. The event had so many fun activities for everyone and the weather was AMAZING - one of those days where you think..."I can make it to through the next four months in NW Iowa." The event had cookie decorating, holiday hay-rack rides, hands-on crafts, a kids' soup cook off, and a bonfire. The perfect way to welcome winter’s stillness and celebrate the return of the sun. "The Winter Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and find warmth in community and nature’s quiet beauty." - Oneota Conservation Foundation Photo : Oneota Conservation Foundation Photo : Oneota Conservation Foundation Photo : Oneota Conservation Foundation Photo : Oneota Conservation Foundation Kids' Soup Cook-Off Here are the guidelines for the soup cook off: 1. The soup must be homemade and include adult supervision. 2. The soup may be made by a group of kids or individually. Transport in a slow cooker or container. Deliver the soup to the Oneota Lodge by 1:30 PM on December 21st. Kids must provide: 1. Title of your soup. 2. Reason you decided to make this soup. 3. A list of ingredients for allergy awareness. There were seven entries for us to judge on four specific categories. Each soup was scored from 1 to 5, with 5 being "a party in your mouth." :) Here is a brief run down of each category. Flavor: Taste and seasoning Creativity: Unique ingredients or fun name Presentation: How it looks (garnish, color, etc) Kid Chef Spirit: Enthusiasm, theme, or storytelling behind the soup Entry One :: Comfort Yule Soup Entry Two :: Broccoli Cheese Soup Entry Three :: Lazy Sunday Chowder Entry Four :: Taco Soup Entry Five :: Italian Wedding Soup Entry Six :: Chicken Parm Soup Entry Seven :: River's Solstice Soup This was a tough judging gig. These soups were all fantastic (so creative) and the scoring ranged from a total of 13 to 19 overall - with my top three being separated by one point - an extremely close contest. My top three soups were: River's Solstice Soup Comfort Yule Soup Italian Wedding Soup I offered up just a few things as a home cook ( and hobby blogger ) To the parents: Keep your kids in the kitchen with you. Let your kids help you meal plan and prep, budget for and get groceries, and then have them help you in the kitchen as much as you can. Busy happens (a lot) and sometimes it is much easier to not have them underfoot - BUT - the feeling of cooking with your children and teaching them how to cook is special and valuable. To the kids: Try all new foods and be adventurous. Congratulations to the kids on a job well done and bravo to the parents and Liz Kluver who helped make this such a fun contest!!! Thank you for the invitation to be a guest judge. I was incredibly honored and left with a big smile and full stomach. Photo : Oneota Conservation Foundation Below you will find some more information about the Oneota Conservation Foundation and how to get involved!! What is the Oneota Conservation Foundation? The Oneota Conservation Foundation was formed in cooperation with the Clay County Conservation Board in October 2005.  It was established in response to public concern over the rapid decline of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and other natural areas.  The goals are as follows: Promote environmental education and the awareness of natural resource conservation. Facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of public areas in Clay County. Support outdoor recreation and camping areas in the county. Foundation Board Members: Luana Nair, Liz Kluver, Trista Elsbecker, Brenda Griffin, Paul Becker and Abby Weber Winnie’s Nature Playscape Winifred Schoenewe “Winnie” was the light that brightened any room she went into. Her spunky and kind heart led to the plan of building a nature playscape at Oneota Park.  Why  - We are helping to bring healthy risk and adventure back into the lives of children!  Adventure playgrounds are places where kids can freely experiment and create with loose materials.  They are places for kids to get messy, get creative, and take risks! Play  - Play is absolutely crucial for healthy development of the children’s brains, bodies, and spirits.  So many kids today are deprived of the basic right to play, as academic and social pressures displace unstructured free time.  Kids need to mess around, to experiment, to imagine, and to take some risks!  It is our mission to help create beautiful environments that support children’s right to play outside. Coming Soon: Oneota Environmental Learning Center The Friends of Oneota Conservation Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is embarking on an exciting fundraising campaign to build the Oneota Environmental Learning Center. Nature is Calling, make a donation towards "no child left indoors." Contribute to our quest to educate and connect generations. We hope to see this exciting and stimulating facility completed as soon as possible with people of all ages running in and out and all about the Oneota Environmental Learning Center.   Donate here: https://gateway.ncmic.com/pay/6nkt6v4fm8y59n833/Zcn7xP6h https://claycountyparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/OCF-Brochure.pdf Stay up to date on upcoming events with the Clay County Conservation Board To be added to the email list please reach out to : bblom@claycounty.iowa.gov Keep your soup bowls full and enjoy the longer days ahead! As noted by me, Josie

There are some people on TV who feel like old friends. Joanna Gaines is one of them. When Fixer Upper  hit our screens in 2013, I was instantly hooked. The houses, the shiplap (obviously), the way everything felt cozy but intentional. I’ll fully admit it, Joanna is goals. Her design style. Her business brain. The entire Magnolia world… I love it all. But where she really won me over? The kitchen. The Magnolia Table  cookbooks are my go-to, reach-for-first collection. These are the food-stained, page-creased, “what page was that again?” cookbooks that live on my counter and get used on repeat. This is the last of my three-part blog series where I’ll be reviewing all three Magnolia Table cookbooks, one book per week, for three consecutive weeks. In each post, I’ll share my family’s favorite recipes, broken down by sections within each book; the ones that get requested again and again and have officially earned their spot in our regular rotation. This isn’t a fancy, chef-level breakdown. It’s real life. Real meals. The recipes that actually get made in a busy family kitchen. If you love cooking for your people, or just enjoy flipping through a really good cookbook with a cup of coffee, I hope you’ll follow along. Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering Published 2023 | Volume 3 of 3 The final stop at the Magnolia Table. For this last review, I’m diving into Magnolia Table, Volume 3  and highlighting the recipes that have truly stuck with us. These are the meals that feel fun to make, even better to share, and always worth pulling out when everyone ends up around the table a little longer than planned. Breads Simple, satisfying bakes that bring warmth and flavor to any table. Garlic-Cilantro Naan (pg. 11) Soft, flavorful, and perfect for scooping and sharing. Lemon Blueberry Bread (pg. 25) Bright, a touch tart, and lightly sweet. Lemon Blueberry Bread Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Lemon Blueberry Bread Flavored Butter Flight (pg. 33) A fun, flavorful way to elevate warm bread. Breakfast Easy, comforting favorites made for slow mornings and simple starts. Bananas Foster Pancakes (pg. 39) Warm, indulgent, and full of cozy flavor. Bananas Foster Pancakes Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Bananas Foster Pancakes Garden Vegetable Quiche (pg. 65) Savory, fresh, and beautifully balanced. Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats (pg. 75) Wholesome, make-ahead, and lightly sweet. Appetizers & Starters Shareable bites that set the tone and bring everyone to the table. Crab Cakes (pg. 107) Crisp, savory, and full of flavor. Texas Caviar (pg. 119) Fresh, zesty, and perfect for scooping. Texas Caviar Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Texas Caviar Homemade Ranch Dip (pg. 130) Creamy, classic, and always a hit. Soups & Salads Comforting bowls and fresh salads made for any season. Enchilada Soup (pg. 137) Bold, cozy, and full of flavor. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (pg. 149) Bright, comforting, and beautifully balanced. Antipasto Salad (pg. 155) Fresh, hearty, and packed with savory bites. Antipasto Salad Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Antipasto Salad Side Dishes Flavor-forward favorites that round out the meal beautifully. Brussels Sprouts Gratin (pg. 173) Creamy, cozy, and full of depth. Brussels Sprouts Gratin Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Brussels Sprouts Gratin Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (pg. 181) Hearty, comforting, and satisfying. Cast Iron Spicy Street Corn (pg. 183) Bold, smoky, and perfectly crave-worthy. Dinner Comforting, crowd-pleasing meals made to linger over. Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki (pg. 199) Fresh, savory, and full of flavor. Spinach Manicotti (pg. 203) Hearty, comforting, and classic. White Chicken Alfredo Lasagna (pg. 213) Rich, cozy, and indulgent. White Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - White Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Dessert Comforting, indulgent treats that end every meal on a high note. Sheet Pan Smores (pg. 285) Warm, gooey, and made for sharing. Chocolate Molten Cakes (pg. 297) Rich, decadent, and truly indulgent. Chocolate Molten Cakes Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Chocolate Molten Cakes Peanut Butter Cookies (pg. 325) Classic, soft, and always satisfying. These remind me so much of my Grandma Beverly. This collection of THREE amazing cookbooks encompasses what matters most...good food, shared often. These are the recipes made for real life: weeknights, weekends, celebrations, and everything in between. Thanks for following along with me. Now, pick out a few and start cooking! Here’s to full tables, second helpings, and always saving room for dessert. As noted by me, Josie

There are some people on TV who feel like old friends. Joanna Gaines is one of them. When Fixer Upper  hit our screens in 2013, I was instantly hooked. The houses, the shiplap (obviously), the way everything felt cozy but intentional. I’ll fully admit it, Joanna is goals. Her design style. Her business brain. The entire Magnolia world… I love it all. But where she really won me over? The kitchen. The Magnolia Table  cookbooks are my go-to, reach-for-first collection. These are the food-stained, page-creased, “what page was that again?” cookbooks that live on my counter and get used on repeat. This is part two in my three-part blog series where I’ll be reviewing all three Magnolia Table cookbooks, one book per week, for three consecutive weeks. In each post, I’ll share my family’s favorite recipes, broken down by sections within each book; the ones that get requested again and again and have officially earned their spot in our regular rotation. This isn’t a fancy, chef-level breakdown. It’s real life. Real meals. The recipes that actually get made in a busy family kitchen. If you love cooking for your people, or just enjoy flipping through a really good cookbook with a cup of coffee, I hope you’ll follow along. Magnolia Table : A Collection of Recipes for Gathering Published 2020 | Volume 2 of 3 The story continues right back in the kitchen. This week, I’m flipping through Magnolia Table, Volume 2  and sharing the recipes my family reaches for most; the ones that feel cozy but still a little special. These are the dishes that work just as well on a busy weeknight as they do when there’s time to slow down with no where to be. These are the kind of recipes that make cooking feel easy and gathering feel natural. Scratch Made The essentials that anchor so many meals. They are simple, timeless, and worth making from scratch. Homemade Gnocchi (pg. 34) Soft, simple, and made to be savored. WAY easier than you'd imagine! Jo’s Marinara Sauce (pg. 36) A classic sauce you’ll reach for again and again. This is made for dippin'! Jo's Marinara Sauce Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Jo's Marinara Sauce Pesto (pg. 37) Fresh, bright, and endlessly versatile. Breads Warm, homemade favorites that make any meal feel a little more special. Garlic Knots (pg. 43) Soft, buttery, and finished with just the right amount of garlic. Pretzels with Cheese Dip (pg. 55–56) Warm, chewy pretzels paired with a rich, cozy cheese dip. Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping (pg. 65) Tender muffins bursting with blueberries and a sweet, crumbly finish. Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping Breakfast & Brunch Comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes made for slow mornings and easy gatherings. Bacon & Leek Quiche (pg. 83) Savory, rich, and perfect for lingering mornings. Huevos Rancheros (pg. 93) Bold, comforting, and full of vibrant flavor. Huevos Rancheros Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Huevos Rancheros Bacon Cheddar Cups (pg. 102) Crispy, cheesy, and made for sharing. Soups & Salads Cozy bowls and fresh, flavorful salads that work year-round. Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup (pg. 113) Creamy, comforting, with just a hint of warmth. Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup Classic Minestrone (pg. 119) Hearty, timeless, and filled with simple goodness. Just add warm, crusty bread for the perfect meal. Asian Salad (pg. 131) Fresh, crisp, and full of bold flavor. Our favorite SUMMER salad. Appetizers & Starters Shareable bites that set the tone for the meal and keep everyone lingering at the table. Arancini (pg. 143) Crispy on the outside, rich and comforting within. French Onion Dip (pg. 153) Creamy, savory, and irresistibly classic. Cheese Balls, Four Ways (pg. 154) Fun, flavorful, and made for gathering. Cheese Balls, Four Ways Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Cheese Balls, Four Ways Side Dishes The classics round out the plate and often steal the spotlight. Hasselback Potatoes (pg. 167) Crispy edges, tender centers, and full of flavor. Broccoli & Rice Casserole (pg. 173) Comforting, creamy, and always a favorite. Greek Pasta Salad (pg. 183) Fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced. Greek Pasta Salad Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Greek Pasta Salad Dinner Comfort-forward meals that feel special enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights. Philly Cheesesteaks (pg. 201) Savory, hearty, and packed with classic flavor. Philly Cheesesteaks Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Philly Cheesesteaks Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple (pg. 233) Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. SO EASY! Weeknight Salmon with Baby New Potatoes & Fresh Dill (pg. 235) Light, fresh, and effortlessly satisfying. Dessert Sweet finishes that feel nostalgic, indulgent, and always worth it. Lucy’s Peanut Butter Brownies (pg. 277) Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly nostalgic. Chocolate Soufflés (pg. 291) Light, decadent, and truly special. Magnolia Silo Cookies (pg. 315) Soft, classic, and perfect every time. A staple at the Silos. Magnolia Silo Cookies Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Magnolia Silo Cookies This series wraps up next week with the final review of Volume 3, where I’ll share the last round of recipes that put a big dollop of whip cream on it. From everyday favorites to those “save this one” dishes, it’s the perfect ending to a cookbook I keep reaching for and I can’t wait to share it with you. All of my favorites from the Magnolia Table series - as noted by me, Josie

I asked...and you answered!! Here is the list of YOUR favorite reads from last year. Consider them added to my TBR (to be read) shelf - and a big thank you to Goose Feather Books in Spirit Lake, IA for the haul. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon A quiet river. A winter that won’t loosen its grip. A story buried beneath the ice. The Frozen River  by Ariel Lawhon sounds like mystery, part history, and completely atmospheric. Set in a frozen New England town, it promises secrets, strength, and a woman at the center who refuses to stay silent. This one feels like a slow burn in the very best way. P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly A note you never wanted to read. A past that refuses to stay quiet. Feelings you didn’t plan on revisiting. P.S. I Hate You  by Lauren Connolly sounds sharp, emotional, and impossible to ignore. It promises tension, heart, and the kind of love story that’s anything but simple. This one feels messy in the best way. A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall A remote place. A past that won’t stay buried. A cold that cuts deeper than winter. A Killing Cold   by Kate Alice Marshall sounds dark, chilling, and full of unease. It promises secrets, survival, and the kind of suspense that creeps in slowly and refuses to let go. This one feels icy, tense, and impossible to shake. It's A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Old feelings. New timing. A story that knows exactly how love complicates everything. It’s a Love Story   by Annabel Monaghan sounds warm, witty, and full of heart. It promises charm, second chances, and the kind of romance that feels honest and real. This one feels cozy, hopeful, and quietly swoony. The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young A small town. A family curse. A past that refuses to stay in the past. The Unmaking of June Farrow  by Adrienne Young sounds moody, mysterious, and beautifully haunting. It promises secrets, love, and a story where time itself feels fragile. This one feels atmospheric, emotional, and quietly powerful. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Long summers. Old memories. A love that never quite let go. Every Summer After  by Carley Fortune sounds tender, nostalgic, and full of heart. It promises second chances, lake days, and the kind of love that lingers long after the last page. This one feels warm, wistful, and perfectly bittersweet. The Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy A remote island. A rising sea. A world where survival is never guaranteed. Wild Dark Shore  by Charlotte McConaghy sounds haunting and deeply connected to the natural world. It promises isolation, resilience, and a story shaped as much by the land and sea as by the people clinging to it. This one feels wild, eerie, and impossible to forget. 8. Sandwich by Catherine Newman A crowded house. A family in motion. A moment in life that feels both full and fragile. Sandwich   by Catherine Newman sounds tender, funny, and deeply relatable. It promises motherhood, marriage, and the beautiful chaos of being caught in the middle. This one feels honest, warm, and achingly real. Wreck by Catherine Newman The sequel to my #8 selection above, Sandwich . The same woman. A later chapter and life is a little messier than before. Wreck  by Catherine Newman sounds raw, reflective, and quietly powerful. It promises growth, grief, and the courage it takes to keep going when things don’t look the way you imagined. This one feels vulnerable, thoughtful, and deeply human. 10. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall A small place. Long-held secrets. A past that refuses to stay quiet. Broken Country  by Claire Leslie Hall sounds emotionally filled and quietly intense. It promises love, loss, and a story where the land holds just as much weight as the people who live on it. This one feels haunting, reflective, and deeply felt. The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff A family over time. Quiet moments that shape everything. Love that lingers through the years. The Bright Years  by Sarah Damoff sounds tender, emotional, and deeply heartfelt. It promises connection, growth, and the beauty found in both the ordinary and the hard. This one feels gentle, nostalgic, and full of hope. Life & Death, & Giants by Ron Rindo Big questions. Ordinary lives. Moments that quietly shape who we become. Life & Death, & Giants  by Ron Rindo sounds thoughtful, layered, and deeply human. It promises connection, meaning, and a story that lives in the spaces between joy and loss. This one feels introspective, tender, and quietly powerful. Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan A woman at a crossroads. A summer that changes everything. A love story that doesn’t follow the plan. Nora Goes Off Script  by Annabel Monaghan sounds witty and full of heart. It promises second chances, unexpected romance, and finding yourself when life veers off course. This one feels cozy, charming, and quietly delightful. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans I KNOW - I KNOW - How in the world have I not read the much celebrated book of 2025? Oops...better late than never! Letters exchanged. Lives revealed. A story told in quiet moments. The Correspondent  by Virginia Evans sounds thoughtful, intimate, and beautifully reflective. It promises connection, memory, and the way words can bridge distance and time. This one feels gentle, observant, and deeply personal. Long Bright River by Liz Moore A city divided. Two sisters. A mystery rooted in love and loss. Long Bright River  by Liz Moore sounds gripping, emotional, and quietly powerful. It promises suspense, family bonds, and a story where place and personal history are inseparable. This one feels tense, compassionate, and impossible to put down. Fifteen stories, countless pages, and every single one inspired by you . Proof that my followers have impeccable taste. Thanks for filling my 2026 TBR with the best recommendations. My 2026 reading list is officially stacked. As Noted By YOU for As Noted by Me. Go out and support your local book store. Happy reading, Jos

There are some people on TV who feel like old friends. Joanna Gaines is one of them. When Fixer Upper  hit our screens in 2013, I was instantly hooked. The houses, the shiplap (obviously), the way everything felt cozy but intentional. I’ll fully admit it, Joanna is goals. Her design style. Her business brain. The entire Magnolia world… I love it all. But where she really won me over? The kitchen. The Magnolia Table  cookbooks are my go-to, reach-for-first collection. These are the food-stained, page-creased, “what page was that again?” cookbooks that live on my counter and get used on repeat. I’m kicking off a three-part blog series where I’ll be reviewing all three Magnolia Table cookbooks, one book per week, for three consecutive weeks. In each post, I’ll share my family’s favorite recipes, broken down by sections within each book; the ones that get requested again and again and have officially earned their spot in our regular rotation. This isn’t a fancy, chef-level breakdown. It’s real life. Real meals. The recipes that actually get made in a busy family kitchen. If you love cooking for your people, or just enjoy flipping through a really good cookbook with a cup of coffee, I hope you’ll follow along. Magnolia Table : A Collection of Recipes for Gathering Published 2018 | Volume 1 of 3 The book that started it all. This week, I’m diving into Joanna’s very first Magnolia Table  cookbook and sharing the recipes from each section that my family loves most (and a few recipe links directly to Magnolia's website). These are the comforting classics, the crowd-pleasers, and the dishes that make you want to call everyone to the table. Breakfast The kind of breakfasts that make you want to slow down… or at least sit at the table a little longer. Baked Egg Bread Pudding (pg. 29) Cozy, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This one feels special without being fussy and is a great way to use up day-old bread. Overnight French Toast (pg. 41) A forever Christmas morning favorite. Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and suddenly you look like you really have your life together. The Best-Ever Fluffy Pancakes (pg. 51) The name doesn’t lie. These are weekend pancakes—the kind that disappear fast and bring everyone to the kitchen. Lunch Easy, satisfying, and perfect for those “what should we eat?” afternoons. Curry Chicken Salad with Toasted Nuts (pg. 79) A little unexpected and so good. Warm spices, great texture, and perfect on toasted bread or wrapped up for a quick lunch. Gaines Brother Burgers with Drip Jam (pg. 81) Not your average burger and that’s exactly why we love it. Sweet, savory, a little messy, and totally worth it. 1919 Pimento Cheese (pg. 89) A classic for a reason. This one shows up for lunches, snacks, and every “Master's Weekend” moment. 1919 Pimento Cheese Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - 1919 Pimento Cheese Soups & Salads Comforting and fresh. Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Strips (pg. 107) Comfort with a fun twist. The grilled cheese strips are genius and make this extra cozy. Peach Caprese (pg. 117) A summer standout. Simple, fresh, and just fancy enough to feel special. Peach Caprese Photo : Magnolia Website Click here for recipe - Peach Caprese Jo’s Quick Table Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette (pg. 127) This is a go-with-everything salad. The vinaigrette alone is worth making and keeping on hand. Appetizers & Starters The recipes that always show up when company does. Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with Garlic Toast (pg. 139) Warm, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Every. Single. Time. White Bean Hummus (pg. 153) Smooth, simple, and perfect for snacking or serving with a spread. Fresh Tomato Salsa (pg. 157) Bright, fresh, and way better than your stand by, store-bought. Fresh Tomato Salsa Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Fresh Tomato Salsa Side Dishes The support staff. Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Toasted Pecans & Balsamic Reduction (pg. 165) Even the skeptics go back for seconds. Dutch Oven Cabbage & Bacon (pg. 170) Old-school comfort food in the best way. Simple and full of flavor. Potato Gratin Mini Stacks (pg. 179) These feel special without being complicated and they’re always a hit. Dinner The recipes that earn repeat status. King Ranch Chicken Casserole (pg. 207) Creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Chicken Spaghetti (pg. 213) A family classic that never disappoints and makes regular appearances around here. Mom’s Bulgogi (pg. 240) Big flavor, incredibly satisfying, and always requested again. Dessert It's complete with something sweet. Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Whipped Cream (pg. 285) Simple, fresh, and timeless. The homemade whipped cream makes all the difference. Aunt Opal’s Banana Pudding (pg. 287) Pure comfort in a bowl. This one feels like a hug. Mina’s Lemon Bars (pg. 309) Bright, buttery, and just the right amount of tart. In my opinion, these are THE perfect for ending ANY meal. Mina's Lemon Bars Photo: Magnolia Website Click here for the recipe - Mina's Lemon Bars This book has earned its dog-eared pages in our house and that’s the highest compliment I can give a cookbook. Next week, I’ll be back with Volume Two, sharing more favorites from our table to yours. As noted by me, Josie

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been doing what I always do best:: looking back with gratitude, a full heart, and probably a bowl of something cozy nearby. This year brought travel, comfort food, new favorites, and a few posts that truly connected with you. These are the five most-read and most-loved posts of 2025, counting down from five to one :: and the number one spot - a repost - ran away with it (no surprise there). 5. Sips and Snacks in January This month’s lineup was all about cozy indulgence and classic favorites. We poured a crisp, crowd-pleasing Riesling, served up a rich and comforting lobster bisque, and mixed my most-asked-for cocktail  :: the Fireside Old Fashioned. Warm flavors, winter sips, and comfort in every bite — the perfect way to settle into January. Read the full post: Make the recipe: Fireside Old Fashioned Make the recipe: Lobster Bisque ⸻ 4. Cheeseburger Bake Comfort food will always have a place here—and you proved that with this one. The Cheeseburger Bake quickly became a family-favorite kind of recipe: easy, nostalgic, and perfect for busy weeknights. Make the recipe: Cheeseburger Bake ⸻ 3. Half Baked Harvest Cookbook Reviews You love a cookbook review, and these posts delivered. Sharing my thoughts on the Half Baked Harvest cookbook series sparked great conversation::what you loved, what you’ve cooked on repeat, and which recipes are truly worth the hype. Read the reviews: Half Baked Harvest Cookbook Reviews ⸻ 2. 25th Anniversary Trip to Maui Celebrating 25 years of marriage with an unforgettable trip, and then sharing it with you was a highlight of the year for me. Follow along on our trip: 25th Anniversary Trip ⸻ 1. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup And the clear, far-and-away winner of 2025… Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. This cozy, comforting recipe was cooked, shared, saved, and loved more than any other post this year. It’s simple, rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of recipe that feels like home. Make the recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup ⸻ Thank You for Being Here Whether you came for the recipes, the travel stories, or the everyday moments in between::thank you for being part of As Noted By Me  in 2025. Every comment, share, and message means more than you know. Here’s to more food, more travel, more stories, and plenty of cozy moments ahead. With love and a hot cup of tea, -Josie As Noted By Me

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney Alice Feeney is a master of psychological suspense, and Beautiful Ugly  is sharp and emotionally gripping. It’s a story of two sisters, two timelines, and one buried truth that cuts deep. Every time I thought I had it figured out—wrong. As Noted By Me As someone with siblings, this book hit home. It made me reflect on the fragile, complicated bonds we share with the people who know us best. Sometimes love looks ugly. Sometimes the truth does too. Coming next month: Glitz, glamour, and ghosts of the past—TJR’s latest brings atmosphere in more ways than one.

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Twelve: Potato Leek Soup A simple classic to close out the series. Silky potatoes and mild leeks come together in this smooth and savory soup that’s as cozy as your favorite sweater. Tip: Make it your own and add crispy bacon, chives, or a swirl of cream on top. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Thank you for following along on our 12-week series! Let me know your favorites- Jos

There’s something magical about soup season. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to simmer something warm and comforting on the stove or in the slow-cooker. Each week this fall, I’ll be sharing a new soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You loved this series last fall so we're back for season two! From brothy classics to creamy indulgences, this 12-week soup series has a little something for everyone. Week Eleven: Marry Me Chicken Soup Inspired by the viral dish, this soup features creamy sun-dried tomato broth, juicy chicken, and aromatic herbs that might just make someone "fall" in love with you.Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Ready, Set, Simmer! Whether you follow along each week or pick your favorites, these soups are here to make your fall deliciously cozy. Tag your creations with #soupsonsaturday and let’s warm up together, one bowl at a time. Stay tuned for next week’s recipe! One week remains, Jos

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb Last Christmas in Paris  is a beautiful, slow-burn romance wrapped in the tragedy of war. It’s melancholy and hopeful all at once. As Noted By Me There’s something so intimate about reading letters between characters—it made me want to write one myself. The holidays can feel nostalgic, and this book fits that mood perfectly. It reminds me how precious connection is, even when the world is falling apart. Coming next month: Start the new year with a twisty thriller about sisters, secrets, and the ugliest kind of beauty.

(A Classic Worth Repeating) Every once in a while, a recipe from the archives deserves a little spotlight again; and this one is worth revisiting. Think: all the cozy flavors of yesterday’s feast, stacked up, crisped up, and reinvented into the most comforting day-after treat you didn’t know you needed. Here’s the beauty of it :: The waffle starts with your leftover stuffing, but it needs a little help to hold together. In a bowl, mix your stuffing with eggs until it forms a scoopable, sticky mixture. Then pack it into your waffle iron and let it cook until the outside is golden and crispy and the inside is still soft and savory. From there, pile on all your favorites:     •    A cloud of mashed potatoes     •    A drizzle (or let’s be honest… a flood) of gravy     •    Warm, tender turkey     •    And a bright spoonful of cranberry sauce right on top It’s leftovers… but make them feel brand new. It's s imple, cozy, and downright delicious Happy leftovers, friends- Jos