• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Printables Library
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Midwest Life and Style Blog

Midwest Life and Style Blog

Entertaining Made Easy

  • Home Decor
    • DIY
    • Decor Inspiration
    • Outdoor Living
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Saint Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day / Fourth of July
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Celebrations & Occasions
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Backyard BBQs
    • Picnics & Potlucks
    • Outdoor Dinner Parties
    • Brunch
    • Dinner Parties
    • Back To School
    • Football Game Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Breads
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Soups & Stews
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Recipe Collections
  • Shop
    • Amazon Storefront
    • LTK Boutique

Week in Rewind Volume 117

Week In Rewind

Share
Pin
0 Shares

Welcome to volume 117 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.

Graphic for the Week in Rewind Volume 117 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 117

Happy Sunday, friend!

I hope wherever you are, you’re staying cozy and warm. We were fortunate to escape the snow and ice that so many across the country were hit with recently. I’m praying for those who are still digging out and recovering.

While we missed the snow, we’re currently in the middle of a deep freeze with “feels like” temps in the negatives… brrrr! But it looks like today we’re supposed to hit a balmy 44 degrees, which honestly feels like the tropics compared to what it’s been lately.

Only 46 days until spring, but who’s counting?!

In other news, as I settle into the new year and take an honest look at my business goals and our schedules, I’ve decided that while the name of this series will stay the same, it will really be more like a peek at our last TWO weeks. Just a little heads up on what you can expect from me going forward.

With that housekeeping note out of the way, I’ve been busy on the blog sharing some fun ideas for the upcoming Super Bowl, and I shared another brand new recipe that doubles as an appetizer or an easy weeknight meal.

And, as always, I’m sharing ideas and inspiration from a few of my blogging friends.

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 117
  • 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 117
  • Did you enjoy this post? PIN it for later!

Tidbits from Home

Graduation Prep + A Weekend Away

We’re currently in the throes of planning for my oldest daughter, Peyton’s graduation party. If you’re a senior parent, or know someone who is, I’m sure you can relate!

Last Friday, we took a trip to my hometown to meet with a woman who makes custom t-shirt quilts. She took a lot of notes and was the sweetest. I’m so excited to see what she creates for Peyton’s graduation gift.

girl smiling at lunch sitting down to eat a Chipotle burrito bowl

It was such a cold day that school was canceled, so Peyton didn’t even miss any classes. We took advantage of our time together with a little day date and lunch out. Then we spent the rest of the weekend with my parents, just relaxing and enjoying a low-key visit.

two friends hanging out on the living room floor playing video games and snuggling a dog

Meanwhile, my husband Kirk and younger daughter Harper held down the fort at home, and Harper took advantage of the cold weather by having a sleepover with a friend. I think Sadie enjoyed the extra snuggles and attention, too.

A Long Day, But a Brave Girl

Speaking of Harper, she and I also had a mommy-daughter day last week, though for less fun reasons. Last August, she landed in the ER for what I thought was severe dehydration, only to find out her heart was racing at over 230 bpm!

After a follow-up with a pediatric cardiology specialist, they suspect that she has a condition called Supra Ventricular Tachycardia, or SVT, which brings me to our visit to the Omaha Children’s Hospital last week.

She had a series of episodes in December, so they asked to see us again to run additional tests. It was a long day filled with a bubble test, ECG, labs, and an echo, but she handled it all like a trooper. To make it up to her, we stopped by the outlet malls on the way home for a little retail therapy.

For now, we monitor and plan to go back in a year, unless her episodes become longer and more frequent. Prayers are welcome that we can continue managing things at home without additional ER visits, medication, or surgery.

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 for meal prep essentials including an instant pot, crockpot, glass food storage containers, food chopper, hand blender, muffing tin, resusable snack bags, and small glass jars for overnight oats.
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!
  • I originally ordered this for a creative project, but it’s quickly turned into the girls’ favorite way to do movie nights at home.
  • I’ve been on a big overnight oats kick lately, and I can’t say enough good things about these glass jars. They even come with lids and snap locks to prevent spills in the fridge.
  • I’m always cold, and this little find has become my new favorite thing.
  • This cozy find is currently in my shopping cart and feels perfect for cold days…I may need it in more than one color!
  • I ordered a few of these after the holidays to safely store some seasonal glassware, and I love them. Everything feels protected and finally organized.
  • I added these into my self-care routine and didn’t expect to love them this much.
  • If you’re planning a graduation party soon (or know someone who is), I started this list with all our favorite must-have items. I’ll keep updating it throughout the spring as we make purchases, so bookmark it and pop back in anytime you need party inspiration.

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.

Recently on the Blog

With the Super Bowl a week away, it felt like the perfect time to revisit my tips for hosting a game day watch party.

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.

If you’re looking for ideas for what to serve, how to set things up, or even how to add a few festive touches, I’ve got you covered. I even included some free football party printables you can download and print right at home to make things easy.

Drink buffet sprad for a game day with drinks and a chalkboard menu

In addition to the free party printables, I also shared a quick and easy football craft with these DIY drink stir sticks. They’re such a fun way to add a little something special to your drinks, and you can easily make them in an afternoon.

Crockpot teriyaki meatballs served in a cream colored bowl with sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

And last, but not least, I shared my second brand new recipe of the new year. These crockpot teriyaki meatballs are great as an appetizer, or you can turn them into an easy weeknight meal served over rice or egg noodles.

Coming Soon to MWLS

This week, I’ll be sharing a few more brand-new appetizer recipes (assuming the weather cooperates and I can snap photos when it’s not so gloomy).

And later this month, I’ll be sharing some simple and fun themed-dinner party ideas, so stay tuned!

More Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration

  • This pretty DIY vintage paper heart garland is a simple and affordable way to add a little Valentine’s touch to your decor.
  • These tiny tacos would be such a fun addition to your next Taco Tuesday dinner.
  • Have you heard of the Sunday Home trend? This one was new to me, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
  • This simple and hearty chicken with sweet potato and kale soup is the perfect coldy and snowy winter meal.
  • If you love architectural salvage, this is such a creative way to turn old windows and doors into statement wall decor.


Wrapping Up: The Week in Rewind Volume 117

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,

Did you enjoy this post? PIN it for later!

Graphic for the Week in Rewind Volume 117 with Midwest Life and Style

January 31, 2026 · Leave a Comment

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Join our growing community to get access to our library of FREE party printables PLUS all the best entertaining ideas, hosting tips and more.

Previous Post: « Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

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.

Read More…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads

Looking for something?

How to Style a Cozy Home for Winter

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

Sparkling Winter White Sangria

Cocktail glasses filled with sparkling white sangria with cranberries, orange and lime slices, bits of apple, and garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary

DIY Winter Centerpiece with Epsom Salt

Footer

As Seen In

Get Your FREE Soup Made Simple Digital Cookbook


Search

Copyright © 2026 · Midwest Life & Style · Anchored Theme by Restored 316

Disclosure Policy · Privacy Policy · Copyright Policy