The Gilded Margin

I always look forward to Favorites Friday because it gives me a chance to slow down and appreciate the little things. Life has been busy lately, and it’s easy to get caught up in work, appointments, responsibilities, and everything else that fills the calendar. This is my excuse to pause and recognize the books, drinks, shows, and everyday moments that made this week just a little bit brighter.

Maybe you’ll find a new favorite too.

What I’m Reading

I’ve been bouncing back and forth between two completely different books.

The first is The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone. This is my second time reading it, and it’s amazing how differently a book can speak to you depending on where you are in life. This time around, I’ve been paying more attention to the discipline behind success than the motivation. It’s been a good reminder that the life I want isn’t built in one big moment—it’s built in the choices I make every day.

When I need a break from personal development, I’ve been escaping into Brimstone, the second book in the Quicksilver series. I love having both fiction and nonfiction going at the same time. Some days I want to learn. Other days I just want to disappear into another world for a while.

Speaking of books… I have to give a quick shout-out to one I’m already counting down the days for.

Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros releases on September 29, 2026, and it’s already available for preorder. If you’ve been following along with me, you know how much I’ve loved the Fourth Wing series. There was absolutely no hesitation when it came time to preorder this one—mine is already reserved.

If you’re planning to read it too, go ahead and preorder your copy. Then when it comes out, we can read it together. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those books we’ll all need to talk about when we finish.

What’s in My Cup

This week has been fueled almost entirely by coffee and flavored water.

If you’ve never tried Dirty Little Secret from Swig, it’s definitely worth adding to your list. It’s become one of those drinks I keep thinking about long after I’ve finished it.

When I’m staying home, I’ve been making my Coconut Snickerdoodle coffee. It’s still one of my favorite recipes because it feels like a coffee shop drink without leaving the house.

I’ve also been drinking a lot more water thanks to Mio Strawberry Watermelon. If flavored water helps me stay hydrated, I’m calling that a success.

What’s Been Playing

When I have time to sit down with a book, I’m reading.

When I don’t, Audible usually takes over.

And when neither of those are happening, Spotify is carrying the weight.

My playlists make absolutely no sense to anyone except me.

One minute it’s rock.

Then rap.

Then country.

Then pop.

Then alternative.

Somewhere in the middle there’s usually a movie soundtrack or a song I forgot existed until Spotify decided I needed to hear it again.

There isn’t a theme. There isn’t a carefully curated vibe. It’s simply whatever fits my mood that day, and I honestly love that.

Worth Watching

I recently started rewatching the Austin Powers movies, and I forgot just how ridiculous they are. Sometimes you don’t need a serious movie. Sometimes you just need something that makes you laugh.

For TV, I’ve been watching Secrets of Polygamy on Hulu. If you’re interested in psychology, manipulation, or understanding how people become involved in high-control groups, it’s been an interesting watch.

This is of course as I await any of my favorite series to release something new. It’s a little dry right now.

Things I’ve Actually Been Using

Some of my favorite purchases are the ones that quietly make everyday life easier.

The first is this little pill organizer. I originally bought it to keep my vitamins and medications organized, but it has become the unofficial first-aid station in my office. More than once, an officer has stopped by asking if I had Tylenol or Excedrin, and instead of digging through my purse or desk drawers, I just pull out the organizer. It’s helped multiple people already, and it’s one of those purchases that ended up being far more useful than I ever expected.

If you’re curious, this is the one I use:
AMOOS Cute Pill Dispenser⁠

The second is my Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker, and I am obsessed.

My mom surprised me with it, and it has quickly become one of my favorite gifts. I love that I can make a full pot when I’m home for the day or brew a single cup when I’m rushing out the door. Since coffee is basically a necessity around here, it has made my mornings so much easier.

This is the coffee maker:
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker⁠

The other thing that’s made a huge difference is my garage.

My ex-husband recently bought me heavy-duty garage shelving with matching tote bins because my garage had officially reached the point where it was more stressful than functional. I spent an afternoon getting everything organized, and now I can actually find what I’m looking for without moving ten other things first.

It’s funny how something as simple as shelves and storage bins can make your whole house feel lighter.

Sometimes the best purchases aren’t the flashy ones.

They’re the ones that quietly make everyday life easier.

A Little Gratitude

One thing I’m trying to do more intentionally is notice what I’m grateful for instead of rushing on to the next thing.

This week, my heart is especially grateful for my family.

I’m thankful for my mom and my brother for fully embracing our ridiculous Shit Cake and Inappropriate shirt exchange. It was one of those moments that reminded me how lucky I am to have people who understand my sense of humor and are always willing to join in.

I’m grateful for my mom’s thoughtful gift of a new coffee maker and for the garage shelving my ex-husband surprised me with that has already made such a difference in my day-to-day life. They’re practical gifts, but they’ve made my routines easier and reminded me how loved and supported I am.

I’m grateful for the co-workers in my department that support and lift each other up. The ones that are supportive when you feel at your lowest sometimes.

I’m grateful for the new and old friends I have made and who have been a positive impact in my life.

I’m grateful for the opportunities that continue to come my way—both the ones I’ve worked hard for and the unexpected blessings I never could have planned. Even on the busy or difficult days, I don’t want to lose sight of how much I’ve been given.

Most of all, I’m grateful for healthy kids and healthy animals. I know that’s something that can change in an instant, so it’s never something I want to take for granted. Watching them laugh, grow, play, and simply be themselves is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

This Week’s Reminder

One quote has been on my mind all week.

“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” — Rocky Balboa

This is about life.

It’s about getting back up after disappointment.

Showing up when you’re exhausted.

Continuing to work toward your goals when progress feels painfully slow.

Choosing not to quit simply because things got hard.

Most of us aren’t fighting for championships.

We’re just trying to build lives we’re proud of.

So wherever this Friday finds you, keep going.

Celebrate the small wins.

Notice the blessings.

Laugh when you can.

And remember that moving forward—even one small step at a time—is still moving forward.

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I’d love to hear from you. What are you reading, watching, listening to, or simply grateful for this week? Leave a comment and let’s share a few good things together.