A wicker basket with pine cones and evergreen branches sits on a brick fireplace mantel, surrounded by blue and white patterned vases. The text "South House House Mates" is overlaid at the bottom.

1-18-25

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

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,

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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


A decorative frame on a brick wall features a wreath made of birch bark leaves. Below the wreath, there's a plaid fabric tied in a bow, accented with red berries.

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.

A cozy table setting perfect for winter-party-themes, featuring three candles on a bed of white crystals in a wooden bowl, surrounded by rustic decor. A small burlap-wrapped plant sits nearby, while the table boasts neutral-toned textiles and wooden accents.

A person uses a plastic card to press white paint onto brown paper, creating vertical streaks. Their hand is visible, wearing a ring, and the pattern resembles tree bark.

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!

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!

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.

A white candle in a glass sits on a decorative plate with a floral pattern. Next to it, a box of matches with a similar floral design rests on a wooden surface. In the background, a bundle of dried wheat stands vertically.

A rustic wooden mantel is decorated with a garland made of folded book pages shaped into hearts. A small silver reindeer figurine and a miniature house are placed on top of the mantel.

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.

A festive dining table adorned with lit white candles, greenery, and silver goblets. Plates and cutlery are neatly arranged, with a grand piano visible in the background. The atmosphere is warm and elegant.

A heart-shaped wreath made of fluffy, white material is adorned with a tattered pink ribbon. The wreath is hanging against a blurred background, creating an elegant and rustic appearance.

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,

round image of Diane smiling next to a Signature that reads: With Joy, Diane

2 Comments

  1. Michele - vintage home designs

    Thanks so much for sharing my decorative matchbox DIY Diane! I really appreciate that and so glad you like it.

    Reply
  2. Cindy Rust

    Love the tip you shared about paint over in your email!

    Reply

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