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Week in Rewind Volume 116

Week In Rewind

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Welcome to volume 116 of the Week in Rewind with Midwest Life and Style. In each recap, I’ll share my most recent posts, favorite finds, and a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration from other bloggers around the web.

The Week in Rewind Volume 116 with Midwest Life and Style

*As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Week in Rewind Volume 116

Happy Sunday, friend!

It’s been an oddly quiet few weeks here at home, but I’ve been busy as ever working away on my little business, planning, dreaming, and sharing here on the blog.

Last week, I shared my first new recipe of 2026, and I also updated a few favorites, including tips for hosting a book club, a drool-worthy coffee cake recipe, and some free printables that would make the perfect addition to your Super Bowl celebration.

And because I love to share the love, I’m also including a few posts from friends that I think you’ll enjoy.

So grab something warm and cozy, get comfy, and let’s catch up on the latest week in rewind.

Table of Contents

  • Week in Rewind Volume 116
  • Tidbits from Home
  • What I’m Loving This Week
  • Recently on the Blog
  • Coming Soon to MWLS
  • More Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration
  • Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 116
  • Did you enjoy this post? PIN it for later!

Tidbits from Home

The past two weeks have been all about getting back into routine. Kirk and the girls are back in school, and I have my “office” back to myself, which means I’ve really been trying to buckle down and get to work after a much-needed break.

I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, planning content and thinking about ways I can be an even better resource for you when it comes to all things hosting and entertaining. I can’t wait to share more with you throughout the year.

A Fresh Start for the New Year

In other news, I finally have all of my Christmas decor packed away for another year. I spent extra time making sure things were organized, purged, and color-coordinated. I know future me will be very thankful when next Christmas rolls around.

Cozy winter living room with a vintage trunk coffee table styled with a woven basket, greenery, pinecones, and candle cloches.

And while the house always feels a little bare for a few days, it also feels really nice to have more space and a fresh start. To help it feel a little less bare, I left out some greenery and a few twinkle lights, so the house still feels cozy for winter.

A Big Birthday Milestone

girls miling and holding up a cookie cake for her birthday
girl smiling and hoilding up a sweatshirt and new clothing that she recevied for her birthday

To wrap up the week, we celebrated a big birthday milestone. Harper turned 12 on Friday. We celebrated with a cookie cake, presents, and dinner out at her favorite place, Pizza Ranch.

baby sitting in a yellow chair smiling
young girl playing in the water as a science museum smiling

Looking back at some of these photos, it’s so hard to remember when she was that little, and part of me feels sad that I can’t remember every single moment. But the other part of me is just so proud of the young lady she’s becoming.

I’m really trying to embrace the now and soak in every moment, from snuggles to silly giggles on the car ride to school, because it’s our last year before we officially have a house full of teenagers. (Please tell me how that’s even possible?!)

What I’m Loving This Week

When you shop through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It truly means so much and helps support this little corner of the internet. Thank you for being here and trusting me with your shopping inspiration.

Hosting and Entertaining Favorites

If something catches your eye, you can tap the images below to shop the full collection.

Shoppable graphic with soup season essentials including a slow cooker, soup bowls, ladles, measuring spoons, immersion blender, and serving accessories.
Shoppable graphic for game day party essentials including football-themed plates, napkins, serving trays, drinkware, and party decor.

  • I’m trying to walk 100 miles in 30 days, and this has been helping me get my steps in even when it’s chilly outside!
  • Our old Christmas tree box had definitely seen better days, but this made packing it away so much easier.
  • I like keeping our fridge organized, and I love these so much that I just grabbed two more.
  • Speaking of organization, these are going to help me finally tackle our deep freeze, and I’m so excited. I don’t know why I didn’t buy them sooner!
  • If you have a lot of Apple devices, this has been such a game-changer for cutting down on cord clutter.
  • We’re planning to do more meal-prep in 2026, and I can’t wait to use these for overnight oats and healthy snacks.
  • I’m always cold, and this little find has become my new favorite thing!
  • I was gifted a smoothie blender for Christmas and just bought this to go with it.

Shop the Collections

Looking to browse a little? I’ve rounded up all my favorite finds, seasonal decor, entertaining essentials, and everyday favorites in one place, so it’s easy to shop by category.

Amazon storefront logo to shop Midwest Life and Style custom links
Shop My storefront logo to shop Midwest Life and Style custom links
Shop My Lowe's logo to shop Midwest Life and Style custom links
Shop My Walmart logo to shop Midwest Life and Style custom links

For more great finds, you can also shop with me on the LiketoKnowIt app.

A front facing view of blueberry overnight oats in a clear jar topped with crunchy granola and blueberries, styled on a white surface.

Recently on the Blog

I shared my first new recipe of 2026 with these overnight blueberry oats.

With just five easy minutes of prep, you can have a whole week’s worth of quick, grab-and-go breakfasts ready to go. They’re simple, wholesome, and perfect for busy mornings.

Blubeberry sour cream coffee cake plated up and ready to serve

I also shared a recipe for blueberry sour cream coffee cake. The sour cream keeps it light and tender, not dense, making it perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or when you need an easy baked treat for a special occasion that everyone will love.

Dining room table set for a book club brunch

Are you in a book club, and is it your turn to host soon? If you’re looking for some easy inspiration, I shared my go-to hosting tips, including ideas for setting the table, what to serve, and even how to choose a book that actually gets people talking.

Dining Room styled with a free printable Super Bowl game day banner and foot-ball themed tablescape party with appetizers, a football cheese ball, and charcuterie cups withd dip for the Big Game.

With the Super Bowl just a few weeks away, I also shared some fun and free football printables that are an easy way to add a festive touch to your party setup.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball served with crackers on a game day appetizer board

And of course, it’s not game day without a good appetizer. This jalapeño popper cheese ball, shaped like a football, is always a hit and perfect for celebrating the big game.

Coming Soon to MWLS

This week, I’ll be sharing more Super Bowl entertaining ideas, including tips for hosting the ultimate watch party, a simple party DIY, and an easy crockpot game day dip.

And later this month, I’ll be sharing even more game day–ready appetizers along with a roundup of all my favorite Super Bowl party foods. If you’re hosting or just all about the snacks, I’ve got you covered.

More Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration

  • When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a lot of sugar, these frozen fruit cups are the perfect solution.
  • Update and refresh your space on a budget with these five ways to make your home feel like new again.
  • A quick and easy beginner craft, this DIY adds an old-fashioned touch to your home for Valentine’s Day
  • This simple Valetnie’s Day recipe makes the perfect sweet treat to share with family, friends or neighbors.


Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 116

As always, thanks for following along! If you enjoy these posts, you can find past Week In Rewind posts here.

And… If you are catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to subscribe to become part of the MWLS community and be the first to get all of the latest recipes, DIYs, decor tips, and more sent straight to your inbox.

Xo,

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The Week in Rewind Volume 116 with Midwest Life and Style

January 18, 2026 · Leave a Comment

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Welcome!


Hi, I’m Jen, an entertaining pro sharing simple ideas and inspiration to help you host with ease. From tips for setting a beautiful table to easy recipes, seasonal decorating ideas, and DIYs, you’ll find everything you need to make every gathering and celebration feel special.

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