Darkly Comical Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body by Jennifer Holdich, Reviewed

 

I can’t remember the last time a book kept me glued to the pages like this one. I had actual plans that day—important ones—but the moment I started reading, everything else disappeared. I finished it in a single sitting, completely captivated from the first line.

In Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body by Jennifer Holdich, Daisy Dixon lives in a once-grand stately home that’s now falling apart, much like her marriage. On the eve of leaving her abusive husband James, she accidentally runs over a man with James in the passenger seat. Instead of calling for help, they bring him home. When he dies, panic takes over and they bury him in the family mausoleum on their crumbling estate. Everything unravels when a storm washes the body into the nearby village.

 What begins as a desperate cover-up turns into a twisted race to see who ends up in prison first. James betrays Daisy to the police, but she’s not the type to go down without a fight. Sharp, ruthless, and surprisingly funny, this story had me on edge the entire time. I felt so immersed I half-expected the police to knock on my own door.

 This is more than just a crime novel—it’s a painfully realistic portrait of a marriage strained by resentment, passive-aggression, and quiet hatred, thrown into absolute chaos. Dark, clever, and way more fun than you’d expect from a story about hiding a body, it’s the perfect escapist read for summer. I absolutely loved it.

You can order a copy here. 

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

McKenzie-Childs Fans, This Is Not a Drill: Prime Day Deals End Today!

  

Hold onto your hats, my friends, because I have stumbled upon something that has me positively giddy. Like many of you, I’ve been keeping an eye on Amazon Prime Days, hoping to snag a bargain or two. What I didn’t expect was to discover that a surprising number of McKenzie-Childs pieces are included in the sale, and not just with a token discount. We’re talking genuinely impressive savings on some of the brand’s most beloved items. 

If you’ve followed Olla-Podrida for any length of time, you already know that I have a soft spot for McKenzie-Childs. Their whimsical designs, hand-painted details, and signature Courtly Check pattern have a way of adding personality and charm to a home like few other brands can. Naturally, once I realized these pieces were on sale, I found myself tumbling down a rabbit hole of teapots, serving pieces, kitchen accessories, and decorative treasures, trying to decide which ones I simply couldn’t live without.

 Since the sale ends tomorrow, I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds with you before the opportunity slips away. I’ve gathered several items that caught my eye, and all you need to do is click on the item name to be taken directly to the sale page. Whether you’re looking to start your McKenzie-Childs collection or add another piece to one you already cherish, now may be the perfect time to indulge. Happy shopping—and don’t blame me if your wish list suddenly grows longer!

Morning Coffee Necessity: Royal Check Enamel Mug Set, $172.40 (orig. $229.95) 

Sweet Cream: White Flower Market Enamel Creamer, $67.50 (orig. $89.95)

  Sipping Essential: Sterling Check Highball Glasses, $66.49 (orig. $99.95) 

 

Set The Table: Butterfly Garden Enamel Dinner Plate, $56.21 (orig. $74.95)

   Stylish for the Stovetop: MACKENZIE-CHILDS Enamel Tea Kettle $149.90 (orig. $199.95)  

 Happy Hour Must Have: Sterling Check Tumbler Glasses, $66.49 (orig. $99.95) 

 

The Perfect Place For Family Recipes: Royal Check Enamel Recipe Box, $112.40 (orig. $149.95) 

 The Cup You’ll Reach For Daily: Sterling Check Enamel Tumbler, $37.46 (orig. $49.95) 

 

Made For Hosting: White Flower Market Enamel Dipping Bowl, $29.96 (orig. $39.95)

  The Signature Checkered Accent: Royal Check Wall Clock, $75 (orig. $99.95)

 

Are you a fellow McKenzie-Childs enthusiast, or are you discovering the brand for the first time? I’d love to hear which pieces caught your eye. Let me know in the comments what made it into your cart—or which item you’re trying very hard to resist! 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

A Touch of the Shore Tablescape

 

One of the things I miss most about our former home is the garden. We lived on an acre, which gave me plenty of room to indulge my love of flowers. I carefully planned the beds so that something was always in bloom, beginning with the earliest spring bu lbs and continuing through the last days of autumn. There were annuals for bright seasonal color and perennials that faithfully returned year after year.

 

Among my favorites were the hydrangeas growing along the side of the house. Their enormous blooms always felt a little magical to me, especially in shades of blue. They were one of those flowers that never failed to make me smile. 

 

Since moving, my gardening opportunities have become much more limited. My deck garden brings me a great deal of joy, but despite several attempts, hydrangeas have never been particularly happy there. Sometimes we simply have to accept that certain plants have minds of their own. 

 

As a result, I’ve learned to satisfy my hydrangea cravings another way. 

 

Recently, I was in the mood for those beautiful blue blossoms, so I pulled out a bundle of artificial hydrangeas and arranged them in my seahorse pitcher along with champagne colored peonies and teal baby’s breath. The moment I set the arrangement on the table, inspiration struck. Before long, an entire coastal-themed tablescape began to take shape around it. 

 

The finished table feels light, fresh, and wonderfully relaxed—everything I associate with a day spent near the water. Soft shades of aqua, turquoise, and sea-glass blue mingle with creamy whites, creating a palette that is crisp without feeling cold. To keep the look from becoming too pale, I added warm cinnamon-brown dinner plates that provide a bit of grounding and contrast. 

 

The centerpiece is undoubtedly the star of the show. The cheerful blue hydrangeas spill from a whimsical Maxcera seahorse pitcher, creating a casual arrangement that feels both abundant and effortless. Around it, turquoise glassware catches the light beautifully, adding sparkle and reinforcing the coastal theme. 

 For each place setting, I layered a chippy farmhouse-style charger beneath a rich brown dinner plate from Pier 1’s Spice Collection. A star-shaped plate sits on top, bringing a playful nod to the shoreline. 

 

Soft sage napkins add texture while continuing the gentle sea-inspired color palette. One of my favorite details is the collection of glass pieces scattered throughout the table. The turquoise stemware and Mikasa Waves rocks glasses resemble sea glass, while the Portmeirion Botanic Garden wine glasses feature gorgeous hydrangea designs that perfectly echo the centerpiece. 

 

The table is also sprinkled with a few charming surprises. Vintage Josef Originals sailor and seaman salt-and-pepper shakers lend personality and whimsy, while starfish candle holders reinforce the coastal theme without overwhelming it. Small domed dessert stands at each place setting add a touch of elegance and make guests feel as though a special treat is waiting just for them. 

 

What I love most about this table is that it wasn’t planned. It began with a simple longing for hydrangeas and evolved naturally from there. Sometimes the best tablescapes come together that way—not from a carefully orchestrated design plan, but from a single object, flower, or color that captures your imagination. 

 

While I may no longer have a yard filled with blooming hydrangea bushes, this table reminds me that there are many ways to enjoy the flowers we love. Sometimes all it takes is a favorite pitcher, a few beautiful blooms, and a little imagination to bring the feeling of a summer garden—or a seaside retreat—right to the table. 

 

Do you have a flower that instantly transports you back to a favorite garden or home? For me, it will always be hydrangeas.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Lemon Butter Cake: A Bright, Gooey, Citrus Dream Come True

 

Lately I’ve been completely obsessed with lemons. I’m squeezing them over roasted vegetables, whisking them into vibrant salad dressings, and drizzling bright lemon-caper sauces over fish. It was only a matter of time before the obsession spilled over into dessert territory. I adapted this recipe from flouringkitchen.com and took the lemon factor up a notch because, in my opinion, you can never have too much lemon. The result? An incredibly delicious Lemon Butter Cake that’s equal parts creamy, buttery, and refreshingly citrusy. It slices like a dream, freezes beautifully, and is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This is my new go-to cooling summer dessert.

Lemon Butter Cake

Cake Batter:
1½ c. sugar
Zest of 2 Melissa’s seedless lemons
½ t. sea salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1 c. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2¾ c. flour
2½ t. baking powder

Filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
⅛ t. sea salt
2 large egg yolks
2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 2 Melissa’s seedless lemons
4 T. powdered sugar (for finishing)

Preheat oven to 340°F. Spray a 9-inch round springform pan with Baker’s Joy and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Rub the mixture together with your fingers until the sugar turns fragrant and pale yellow. Whisk in the egg, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.

 Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold with a spatula until you have a thick batter. Spread it evenly into the prepared pan.

For the filling, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest until creamy and smooth. Pour this over the cake batter.

Place the pan on a Silpat-lined baking sheet (to catch any butter that might leak) and bake in the center of the oven for 45–55 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and the center puffed. Tent with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

Cool for 10 minutes before releasing the springform sides. Slide onto a serving plate, dust generously with powdered sugar, and serve.

 

Serving & Storage Notes:

Serve slightly warm for an ultra-gooey, almost molten center. For a firmer, cheesecake-like texture, chill for a few hours or overnight.

The cake keeps well in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in parchment paper before freezing so they don’t stick together.

This bright, buttery lemon cake is pure summer sunshine on a plate. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for lemons every time you crave something sweet.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Yellow Watermelon Lemonade: Sweet, Tart & Surprisingly Delicious

 

I know summer has officially arrived when my fridge holds a pitcher of cold brew tea, pork steaks are prepped for the grill, and at least one watermelon is sitting on the counter. This year I went all in with three small ones. One didn’t make it to dinnertime because I turned it into ridiculously refreshing Watermelon Lemonade that has everyone doing a double take.

 I chose a yellow watermelon for this batch not just because it was seedless, but the golden color turned out to be an unexpected bonus. People take one look at the drink and assume it’s some kind of tropical punch. The surprise comes with the first sip, when they realize they’re tasting fresh watermelon and lemon. The result is sweet, tart, icy-cold, and ridiculously refreshing on a hot summer day.

 If you’re serving this to children, be sure to set aside a portion before adding the vodka. Speaking from experience, that little detail matters. I made this one morning and kept sampling it “just to make sure it tasted right.” By lunchtime, I was feeling a little woozy. Quality control can be a dangerous job. 

Watermelon Lemonade

6 c. Melissa’s yellow watermelon chunks

½ c. granulated sugar

½ c. fresh Melissa’s Meyer lemon juice

¾ c. citrus vodka

 Combine the watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and vodka in a blender.

 Blend until completely smooth.

 Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.

 Serve over ice and enjoy.

 Summer in a glass.

 Sources:

Glass straws

Glassware

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Retired Spies, Sunny Menorca & Murder: A Review of The Armchair Detectives on Holiday by Matt Dunn​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

I mostly stick to female authors, so I’ll admit I hesitated before picking this one up, but wow, what a delightful surprise! The Armchair Detectives on Holiday by Matt Dunn is the second book in what I really hope turns into a long-running series. Even though I hadn’t read the first one yet (that’s next on my list!), I never felt lost at all. It works perfectly as a standalone.

Martin and Albie, two octogenarian retired spies, are an absolute dream duo. Albie’s always hunting down the next meal and zipping around on his motorized scooter, while Martin is like a determined old hound dog once he catches the scent of the truth. They play off each other so naturally that they often had me laughing out loud.

The story follows them to sunny Menorca for a relaxing break after their last case. That peace lasts about five minutes until they stumble upon the body of bestselling author Karen Squires at the bottom of a cliff. The local police call it an accident, but Martin notices those perfectly manicured nails and knows she was pushed. What follows is a clever investigation among the suspicious writers at Karen’s retreat, with plenty of motives, red herrings, and twists that kept me guessing right until the end. I loved how the solution ties back to one of her own books—such a fun touch!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with sharp, witty characters and a gorgeous setting, definitely add The Armchair Detectives on Holiday to your TBR. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait for the next one.

 You can order a copy here. You won’t regret it!

 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup: Easy Crockpot Comfort Any Season

 

 I was craving something deeply comforting yet effortless, so I leaned into two Italian-inspired favorites: golden loaded pepperoni bread fresh from the oven and this dreamy Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup.

Even with the summer heat in full swing, the slow cooker proved to be the smartest kitchen decision of the season. It gently simmered away all day, filling the house with the most irresistible aromas—rich tomato, fragrant garlic, earthy herbs, and that melty, cheesy ravioli goodness—without turning the kitchen into a sauna. By dinnertime, it felt like I’d stepped straight into a cozy Tuscan trattoria, only with a cool breeze from the AC and fireflies starting to glow outside.

And the flavor? Pure summer magic. A velvety tomato broth infused with garlic and thyme, finished with a swirl of cream and packed with tender two-cheese-and-spinach ravioli. It was every bit as comforting and delicious as it smelled, even on a warm July evening.

The slow cooker truly shines on hot days like these, building those deep, melded flavors while keeping things low-effort and heat-free. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites but still feels light and bright for summer. Easy customizations make it even better:

•  Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach at the end for extra greens and a pop of color.

•  For a heartier, meatier version, brown some Italian sausage in the initial sauté step before adding everything to the crock.

Serve it piping hot with a simple side salad, extra garlic bread (or those incredible slices of pepperoni bread for dipping), and a chilled glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio to capture those sunny Tuscan notes. Whether you’re powering through busy summer weeknights or hosting a relaxed weekend dinner, this soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss—proof that comfort food and warm-weather cooking can happily coexist.Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup

Perfect for set-it-and-forget-it days. Everything goes in the crockpot (minimal sauté upfront for best flavor), and the ravioli cooks at the end to stay tender.

1 T. olive oil

1 T. butter

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 celery stalks (with leaves), chopped

1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 T. light brown sugar

1½ c. chicken bone broth

½ t. dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ c. heavy cream (added at end)

10 oz. fresh or frozen ravioli

Fresh basil, torn for garnish

 In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery 4–5 minutes until softened. (Skip if you want truly dump-and-go; flavor will still be good.) Transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker.

 Add crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, chicken broth, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

 Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours) until flavors are deep and melded.

 Remove thyme sprig if used. Stir in heavy cream until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

 Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Add ravioli, stir gently, and cook 15–30 minutes until ravioli are tender and float (check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking).

 Ladle into bowls, garnish with torn fresh basil, and serve immediately.

 Tip: If your slow cooker runs hot or ravioli are fresh (not frozen), check earlier to prevent mushy pasta. For extra richness, some recipes stir in cream cheese instead of (or with) heavy cream at the end.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.