
1-18-25
What I Can’t Let Go Of:
This blog is publicly, a politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)
(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.
The wildfires in LA have given me a powerful reminder about appreciating what we have,
right now, while we have it.
Our family, our pets, a secure roof over our heads, warm dry beds to sleep in – these simple comforts that make a place truly home.
You know what strikes me most? While some have lost nearly everything, they’re teaching us profound lessons about what truly matters.
As the saying goes,
“Sometimes what counts, can’t be counted.”
Through this crisis, we’re witnessing extraordinary displays of
fortitude, compassion, humility, and optimism.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to help, I’d like to suggest two options:
- Personal Impact: Friends of a dear friend lost everything in these fires – including their home of 40 years. If you’d like to help this sweet couple directly, you can contribute to their GoFundMe account.
- Broader Support: UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is an outstanding organization where 100% of your donation goes directly to recovery efforts. Their administrative expenses are covered separately through Sunday offerings from UMC churches worldwide. You can select “CA Wild Fires” from the dropdown menu here.

On the Blog This (and last) Week
Very Fun & Easy Cozy Winter Wreath
See how I made this super cool wreath for just $2!!! I know! It doesn’t seem possible does it?
Great Ideas for Casual Winter Party Themes + Decorating and Menu Suggestions
It’s all there waiting to help you start planning.
Botched Art Turns Amazing — And Crazy Easy Too!
I came up with the BEST way to make a birch tree forest on just about anything!

Tech Craft Clean-up Tip
I shared my favorite solution to screw-top paint jars
so the lids will never be stuck tight again!
Remember, these tips are exclusive content for my creative community.
They will be in the Saturday newsletter emails only
(and sometimes in the FB and IG stories for my followers there).
It’s just one way I can say thank you to all those who support me time after time!
Don’t worry, you too, can become a House Mate!

Great Shares From Around the Web
Perfect Gift to Make
My supremely creative friend Michele of Vintage Home Designs shared this fabulous post!
Who wouldn’t love receiving the cutest matchbox made just for you?
I was so tempted to keep this to myself — such stylish simplicity! Ultimately it was just too good not to share with my friends.
So just act surprised when I show up at your door with one.
Cutest 3-D Paper Hearts
Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse made these sweet 3-D Valentines hearts. Make these from brightly colored craft paper or vintage books as she did here.
Vintage Silver Success!
Robyn, from Robyn’s French Nest shared many creative ways to use vintage silver pieces in your decor and table settings with absolutely stunning results.

Reindeer Moss Valentine Wreath
Doesn’t this look so chic and expensive?
Jennifer of Cottage on Bunker Hill shared how she made this Gorgeous wreath! I’m am absolutely smitten with it (probably because I don’t really jump into the bright red and pink Valentine’s theme. I prefer mine to be more subtle).
I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,

Thanks so much for sharing my decorative matchbox DIY Diane! I really appreciate that and so glad you like it.
Love the tip you shared about paint over in your email!