Welcome to the weekend, my friends! I’m so happy that the peonies are blooming at last. They’ve been making me grin all week. I can hardly believe that today is the fifth anniversary of The Little Things Newsletter! I’m so glad that I started writing these emails all those years ago – this has become my favorite way to connect with you.
To celebrate 5 years of writing this newsletter, I’m giving away 5 Kindle Paperwhites just for newsletter readers! I’ve been a Kindle fan for over 8 years now and the backlit paperwhite is my favorite Kindle ever. Mine is connected to the library and I keep it filled with stacks of (FREE) books waiting to be read. Best. Invention. Ever.
Leave a comment on this post telling me about your favorite book/s or telling me the book you want to read next! Thanks for being here with me and being a loyal reader of The Little Things Newsletter.
Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S to enter. (Unfortunately, this is the law for international giveaways, not something that is in my control.) Five winners will be randomly selected and notified via email on Tuesday, June 1st.
ON THE BLOG this week: Over the years this has become our go-to favorite Classic Potato Salad. The recipe is a combination of several of the potato salads on the site and it’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and weeknight dinners throughout the year. (Can you ever really have too many potato salad recipes? I don’t think so!)
A crisp shortbread crust is topped with a chewy gooey layer of pineapple and coconut to make these Pineapple Coconut Bars. Not too sweet and slightly tart, these bars are a fruity tropical drink in bar cookie form.
What I’m CRAVING: All things grilled! Have you tried spiral cut hot dogs? They’re awesome – and they make a heck of an addition to the Hot Dog Bar: Chicago-Style, Hawaiian, Green Chile Queso, and BBQ Sundae hot dogs are all fantastic!
My friend Heidi’s Garlic Burgers sound incredible, as do these Grilled Steak Fajitas, and the ever-popular Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Crema.
What I’m WATCHING: The Mentalist – Anyone else a fan of this show? I’m pretty hooked!
What I’m READING: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. I’m breaking my own rule here and talking about a book before I have finished it. I’ve barely begun this one and it’s already so good! As a Holocaust survivor, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose.
“Live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time.” – Viktor E. Frankl
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
Congratulations to the lucky winners! Enjoy your Kindles!
Tricia Rampata says
Lately, I am reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It’s a good summer read and takes me back as the two women, Kate and Tully, grow up together as best friends in the 1960-1970’s.
I can’t wait to try your Pineapple Coconut Bars. Just made some Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers and I was looking for a great recipe to use up the rest of the pineapple! Thanks for posting!
Cathy Gaylord says
I have gotten hooked on the Lee Childs – “Jack Reacher” series. Can’t wait for the next one!
Brenda Core says
I just finished “These Tangled Vines” by Julianne Maclean. Loved it! So many emotions with this book and the ending is the best (don’t skip ahead). Also “The Words Between Us” by Erin Bartels. A story about books – how exciting! Finding meaning and life in between the pages of books, and wanting those around you to understand. Inspiring. I want to read the “Sunstone Brooch” by Katherine Lowry Logan. I have read each brooch novel. They pull you in and don’t let you go – have loved, loved every one. This one is a LONG one, waiting for the right time to start the adventure.
Beverly OBrien says
Congratulations on your 5 years and thank you for your generous offering of the Paperwhites. I love reading all kinds of books when I get the chance. Trouble is when I get into a good book I don’t want to do anything else. I love John Grisham and am reading his series of 3 books starting with “A Time To Kill” at the moment.
Ann South says
I commented yesterday, but am not able to find it in the feed. It is not my intention to have a duplicate entry.
I look forward to reading your newsletter every Saturday.
I enjoyed reading Susan Wiggs’ books The Apple Orchard and The Beekeepers Ball because of your reference in the newsletter. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I read Viktor Frankl’s book in college a “few” years ago – it’s very thought provoking. I think I will read it again – I’m sure I will have a different perspective a few decades later.
I look forward to reading The Paris Library and The Great Circle very soon.
Thank you for all the recipes and your newsletter. I hope you’re enjoying this special Holiday Weekend.
Gloria Dellaria says
After reading Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman, I’m interested in reading more of her novels. Next, one of her national bestsellers The Ice Queen.
Cecile VanTyne says
Hi, Mary! Thanks for the great giveaway! Some of my recent favorite reads are The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson and When I Last Saw You by Bette Lee Crosby. If you’re into mysteries/suspense, I found Diane Chamberlain last year and loved Big Lies in a Small Town and then The Stolen Marriage. Hope you enjoy and have a terrific weekend!
Cecile VanTyne
Andrea says
Congrats on 5 years!
I’m an avid reader enjoying many different troupes and genres.
Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Geraldine Chavez says
First of all I LOVE your peonies, mine are just about gone and it makes me sad that they are here for such a short time. My favorite author is Diana Gabaldon and am anxiously waiting for her next book in the Outlander series. Her new book is titled “Go tell the bees that I am gone”. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes. Have a wonderful summer!
Mary Margaret Lindstrom says
Hi. I really enjoy your newsletter. I like books by Pat Conroy, Nora Roberts and others. I would love a kindle. Thanks for your work.
MM Lindstrom
Alene says
I just read a book called Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt. It actually changed my mind about the transgender issue and when and if you make the change. A fascinating and ultimately upbeat book. I’ve been reading your newsletters for what seems like years! Hope you have a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day.
Jean says
I love reading your newsletters. I’m into reading about bread baking & gardening right now.
Carol Shoults says
Mary, thank you so much for all your delicious recipes. I am going to be 80 years old this year and would love to have a Kindle. Some of my favorite books are from years and years ago. I loved On Golden Pond and The Bridges of Madison County. I loved and just finished Where the Crawdads Sing. So fun reading what everyone else is reading.
Suzette McCaig says
I love to read. I like Nora Roberts and James Patterson. I would love to read his 31st birthday. Love your blog.
Lynne Ham says
I just read “Women of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed this book very much as Shannon contrasted 16 women of the Old and New Testaments and how the interacted with our God.
Jacquelyn says
Congratulations on 5 years! I really enjoy your newsletter and recipes. I have read several books by Mary Kay Andrews and love them. I was drawn to her books because they are primarily beach reads. She also happens to live in my home state of Georgia! 😊
Diane May says
Hi Mary!
I love to read your newsletter. Ive even enjoyed some products you recommended. The thick sweater with hood is my favorite!
My favorite book is “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Not a fan of the title. Never would have picked it up! But my bookclub picked it… I am sure glad they did too.
Pam says
Well, “Mans Search For Meaning” just got added to my list of books to read. I read a lot of books from the Holocaust. But I have to space them out because they can get pretty heavy. After reading others comments, I will add to my list of books to read.
And I am….
Still enjoying your blog, newsletter, and cookbooks!
Dianne Finnegan says
I have so many books on Kindle already, but haven’t read them because I don’t like trying to read them on my phone! I would LOVE to have a larger Kindle reader so I can finally get at them! The first one I might actually check out is “Essential Oils for Pets”, since I have 10 cats and some essential oils on-hand, but have been paranoid about them possibly being toxic to my cats. This book would not only tell me which ones are safe for ME to use, but which ones I could also actually use on my furry babies!! Imagine that! Hope to be one of the winners, and thank you so much for sharing all you do in these newsletters!
Elizabeth Tello says
My most recent favorite was 9 Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty which is going to be a new Hulu show in August. I really like her books and want to read them all.