view of the. morning sun shining on 5-inches of snow covering the patio table, chairs railing with lake in background

1-20-24

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.

This blog is publicly, a politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)

View of morning sun on icy lake with thick snow on the balcony railing and yaard below

How much I am ready for the fruits of the Writer’s and Actor’s strikes being over! It has really just hit me in the last two weeks. This is the best time of year to escape for a bit from the ice and snow and enjoy a great movie with popcorn for dinner. Sadly, there hasn’t been anything that we wanted to see that much since the Eras movie.

And this was the first Christmas season that any of us could remember, that we didn’t take a solemn pledge to not see a big blockbuster ahead of time, saving it for a family outing instead. There has always been a Bond, Star Wars or Mission Impossible movie released at Christmas.

We had no trouble filling our week together, but it was still very strange not to go to a theatre together. And then the kids would spend the rest of the week quoting lines from it. (Man, I wish my brain still worked like that, sigh).

How about you? Any good movies to recommend?

I’d love to hear what you can’t let go of!

On the Blog This Week

Closeup of two pendant lights with clear glass shades rimmed with gold leaf hanging in front of a large black-framed kitchen window

I shared a how I turned my $40 basic pendant light into a high-end look with a touch of gold leaf.

Similar to Ballard Designs fixtures that are $249.

Plus you can take this technique and use it on a black or white metal pendant. And while you’re at, why not gold-leaf the inside!

That may not seem like much for the week, but I have three more posts all in the works in the background.

Coming Next Week:

It’s Pinterest Challenge Week

But we’re doing things a bit different this month.

Rather than being inspired by a pretty Pinterest image,

we are all sharing a favorite Super Bowl recipe!

Get ready for a lot of good yumminess!

Sharing From Around the Web

Collage of 5 women's pictures under a title: Shopping With Friends -- so much better than alone

It’s the third Saturday of the month — the day we take a shopping excursion together, I and my blogging besties are inviting you along!

New year, new beginning, new outlook. And as I am finishing tucking away all the holiday finery, I’m looking at our home with fresh eyes. And there are some specific spots that need (and deserve) some help!.

clear glass canister with a set of ceramic scoops

Starting with the kitchen and dining area. With the whole clan here for almost a week, these two put in thee time providing great meals and and a comfy setting for games conversation and more.

I think they deserve some love starting with these gorgeous sleek canisters. that have stolen my heart. And these sweet scoops to go with them.


To up the pantry organization a notch, I NEED these cord wranglers for sure.

set of six appliance cord wrangler with on a standing mixer

collage of round marble board with a plant a wood bowl and candle holderss

And then for all purpose serving and decor, I think this round, handled marble serving board would be on constant reshuffle, serving nibbles, and then as a centerpiece tray, then as a backdrop against the backsplash.

Can’t you see that centerpiece with a couple of these candle holders and this sweet faux potted plant and charming handcrafted piece like this bowl.


I can’t forget table linens! Love these new chambray placemats for Spring’s arrival — great quality at a great price! I can’t go wrong with these white napkins (hemstitched and 20″). And how about “fun” napkins too.

collage of blue chambray placemats and two matching napkins

brushed gold cocktail shaker

And one more goodie I’ve been wanting — a brushed gold cocktail shaker!

Let me know if you found something special this week,

Send my the link and I just might share it with everyone!


Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us

Cindy – Reinvented Delaware

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

These are the things that I have in My Cart This Week:

  • I found these fun heart ice cube trays at William Sonoma and thought that the heart alone or maybe a fruit-flavored heart ice cube could elevate any drink for Valentine’s Day.
  • This pink etched glassware has been something I’ve loved for some time now. How pretty would it be on a Valentine’s Day Tablescape?
  • While I’m not sure “Handy” would appreciate it, it might be fun to have a frilly romantic duvet for our bed. It would transition well into the spring and even the summer.
  • Another thing that can transition well from Valentine’s Day into spring is faux tulips. They make them so real-looking and they can be used longer than real.

But I am so glad you joined us. I hope we were able to help with snippets of shopping inspiration – and maybe even helped stretch your budget a bit with some good finds.

Sadly, Wendy and Michele were not able to join us this week.

As you probably know by now, I use some affiliate links in my newsletters and on the website. An affiliate link means that if you click on my link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission but you pay nothing extra.

I truly appreciate you using my links whenever possible!!!

I hope you enjoy your weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,

As I said before, I would greatly appreciate your feedback, any special requests, or questions you have.

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

1 Comment

  1. Cindy Rust

    Even though it looks very cold on your deck, your lake is gorgeous Diane! So fun shopping with you this week!

    Reply

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