Plates and cups are stacked neatly on a kitchen shelf. A decorative plate featuring a bird sits on a stand. Text below reads "South House House Mates." A small potted plant adds a touch of greenery.

3-22-2025

Happy Spring!!!

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.

I LOVE, Love, love Spring!!!

(once we make it through fickle tormentor March that is)

I always rely on March Madness for the fun distraction I need to get me through.

Although this year, sadly there is not that much pent up anticipation and anxiety

with my Jayhawks out of the race.

So now I can focus on cheering on the Cinderella teams — Go Drake!

Don’t you love when the surprise teams show up with the
heart and determination to slay their dragons!!!

So who are you cheering on?

On the Blog This Week

Before picture of the brick patio wrapped on two sides by a 2-story house with 5 large brick arches that shelter the 2nd story balcony

An 8 Blog Series!!!!

Revisited, Reworked and Updated

It’s our backyard Super Series, and there’s a lot in it. They are all linked together, so it is easy to jump between projects to only digest what you need.

If some new outdoor functionality is in your dreams or plans, look over how we came to determine what was needed and how we proceeded to realize our dreams.

If you enjoy a good Before & After — this is certainly one to see.

To the Super Series

Best Secrets & Tips for Artificial Flowers!

Have you noticed the jaw-dropping rise in the quality of artificial flowers and greenery?

I sure have!!! I even put together a blog post of my top 15 secrets to choosing, styling, cleaning and storing these gems.

Faux flowers are hot again, come join the fun!

To the Flower Secrets

A bouquet of pale pink and white ranunculus flowers with green leaves graces the left, while a single stem of lifelike white hydrangea stands on the right. The background features a soft, light hue, offering subtle inspiration for fake flower tips.

March Madness

Whether you’re celebrating a middle school tournament or your favorite collegiate team in the run to the Final Four, snacks are in order.

And not ordinary snacks — we need celebratory snacks. Snacks that say these times are special!

I can help you with that. Including the free printables to make the hoop and net cupcake holder. Also the recipe and directions for making these yummy basketball meringue cookies (or cupcake toppers).

These are the cookies to serve to a crowd: gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, plus fat-free!

To the Basketball Treats

Crazy Bargain Tip

A bouquet of pink tulips with green leaves is elegantly arranged in a white vase against a bright white background, offering an inspiring setting to apply fake flower tips for a lasting display.

Just Look at Those Tulips!

20 of them!!! Gorgeous shaded pink Real Touch tulips for just $4.99 (+ free prime shipping)

Yes these are the real things!

Do NOT miss out on these. The only bummer is only one bundle per buyer.

Hmmmm. I wonder if I could get a neighbor or two to order another set for me 🤭.

To the Tulips

Great Shares From Around the Web

Do You Know My Friend Michele?

If not, you need to!

Michele (Vintage Home designs)is a styling sorceress.

She is all textural and natural — 100% — Until this week. Now I have seen her introduce a bit of blue and white for the summer, but THIS week!

Just look! Such adorableness with that Mackenzie Childs touch of black and white!!!

A decorative ceramic rabbit with a colorful floral pattern is adorned with a large black and white striped bow. It sits on a gray surface, with white plates and small green potted trees in the background.

A framed picture of butterflies on a patterned blue background is displayed on a table. A decorative blue ceramic bird sits on a leaf-patterned tray nearby. In the background, there's a gold lantern.

Do You Enjoy a Great Free Printable?

Me too! But my friend Kim at Perfecting Places has a set of nine for us!

Every one is more beautiful than the one before.

And yes, the gorgeous mattings are part of it.

No work at all. Just print, cut and slip it into a standard 5 x 7 frame.

What a cute addition just about anywhere in your home to freshen up for the warm, sunny weather ahead.

Hello, Spring!!!

No surer sign of warm weather moving in, besides yard sale signs of course, than the move in our baking from ginger and pumpkin spice to strawberries, blueberries and lemon.

This scone recipe is from fabulous Ann (On Sutton Place). I’ve made Ann’s recipes before — they are always a winner!

Strawberry scones with white icing are arranged on a wire cooling rack. Fresh strawberries are placed around the scones, adding a pop of red color. The scones have visible chunks of strawberry in them.

A chocolate bunny with floral patterns sits on a small wooden pedestal. In the background, dried flowers in a white vase and a blurred smaller chocolate bunny are visible. Natural light filters through a window, creating a soft, bright atmosphere.

Look at This Cutie!

Makes your mouth water, right?

Don’t worry, no calories here!

That’s a faux chocolate bunny that Melaine at My Sweet Savannah crafted!

I think I need a whole riser board of these on our dining table. Luckily she has the “recipes” for milk chocolate as well as dark chocolate!

Check out all her cute bunnies here.

The links in this post may include affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything using these links, you pay no extra, but I may receive a small commission that helps keep this blog running. I truly appreciate you using affiliate links whenever possible. Please know that I will never recommend a product I do not believe in!

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

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