My niece Logan got married this weekend on a ranch near Wichita Falls, Texas, and it was the sweetest ceremony straight from every country girl's Pinterest board. Think cowboy boots, string lights and a light breeze off the lake. The reception was pure joy, and I especially loved catching up with my aunt Lois and uncle Richard, who were practically second parents to my sister Monica and me growing up.

A silver lining of my dad’s passing a few years ago is that it’s brought the family closer together. We used to see Lois and Richard maybe once or twice a year, but now it’s every few months. They still live down in the Rio Grande Valley, where I grew up (about an 8-9 hour drive due south from Dallas), so geography is the real enemy here. But I’m grateful. Every time we’re together, it feels like coming home.

Also, Christmas decorating starts Saturday. Don’t try to stop me.

NESSIE UPDATE

The Puppy Who Ate 2025

Remember that tiny puppy I was holding in July? Yeah, well, Nessie’s not tiny anymore. Here’s a side-by-side of me holding her then and now. Same dog, wildly different weightlifting experiences.

Claire’s been taking her to obedience classes every week. Big shoutout to All Breed Obedience Training Club in Dallas. Nessie’s finally learning that “sit” doesn’t mean “immediately jump on and get mud all over Daddy's pants.” Progress!

ADD TO CART

Amazon Essentials Jeans

Every now and then, I roll the dice on Amazon fashion, and this time it actually paid off. These Amazon Essentials jeans were less than $20, and I fully expected them to feel like denim-flavored cardboard. Instead, they’re good! They’ve got a little stretch, they fit right out of the package, and the size range is impressive, whether you’ve got extra-long legs like me or you’re on the more compact side.

ASK ME ANYTHING

Send Me Your Christmas Quandaries

In two days, it'll officially be my most wonderful time of year. So let’s have some fun and make it interactive! Send me your Christmas questions. Decorating dilemmas, tree topper debates, wrapping strategies, anything.

And while you’re at it, tell me what kind of gift guides you’d like to see this year. Gadgets, kitchen stuff, cozy things... Hit reply and share your Christmas quandaries.

WHAT'S COOKIN', GOOD LOOKIN'

Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole

This casserole is pure Texas comfort and an instant hit in our house. There’s already been a request that it become a weekly staple, and honestly, I’m fine with that. It’s creamy, cheesy, and tastes like something your favorite aunt would bring to Sunday lunch.

I’ll be making a video about it soon, but for now you can grab the recipe here. (PS - Because I'm terribly allergic to sour cream, I sub in Greek yogurt instead, and it's still fantastic.)

HIT PLAY

"Walk On" by Reba McEntire

My love of 1990s music isn’t limited to R&B divas and pop queens. I’ve also got a soft spot for '90s country women, and nobody walks on like Reba. This song popped up on a playlist this week and sent me straight down memory lane. The outfits. The sax solo. The “life lesson but make it catchy” energy. Watch the magic here.

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SH!T COOPER SAYS

"Turkey tastes better with tinsel."

- Cooper

That’s what I tell people who complain about decorating before Thanksgiving. You can have your gratitude and your garland, too, Mr. Scrooge. Besides, if you wait until after Thanksgiving to start, you’re already behind.

Countdown to Christmas Decorating

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That’s it for this week! I’m still riding high from the family wedding while daydreaming about Christmas lights. Next time we chat, I'll probably be covered in rouge specks of glitter.

Until then, always remember...

YOU ARE LOVED!