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Above, that was my neighbor’s yard.
Every spring, the front corner of Patty’s yard erupted into the most gloriously untamed little flower patch — cornflowers and daisies and wildflowers of every color, all tumbling together like they’d planned it that way.
Nobody had. They just found each other.
And somehow, every single one of them was better for it.
That was so Patty.
She was the matriarch of our little lakeside neighborhood — always colorful, whimsical, and perfectly coordinated. But never pretentious. Not even a little.
Patty welcomed everyone, no matter who you were or where you came from.
There was always room for you in her world.
We lost Patty a few years ago. But every spring, flowers like these remind me of her —
and honestly, of the kind of person I want to be.
I flew home Monday night and somehow that has thrown my whole week off.
But I would never trade the time with my growing DC family!!!
This week I’m back in a rhythm working on my new sewing mini-studio in our utility room.
I am so anxious to get back to sewing with projects backing up.
Yesterday was humming along until I ran into questionable insulation — wha! wha! wha!
Safety first. So that project is on pause until we can get a pro here to
test for asbestos.
In the meantime it sure felt good to get the power tools fired up.
This is a simple project that doesn’t really require all the power,
but it’s a great excuse to get in some more experience and fine tune my modest wood working skills.
Love learning new techniques!!!
Adding Function to a Great Basket Tray
If you’ve been around a while, you know my mantra: Function first, then we can make it pretty.
Well, this week was backwards. I have a basket tray with a great look, but . . . . So I came up with a quick and easy way to bring the function I wanted and needed from this beauty.
Jump over and see for yourself!
Custom X-Long Curtain Rods
Your length, sturdy, no-sag, just three brackets!
All in an afternoon.
I made mine double for layering pull-across sheers behind stationary side panels.
BONUS: great finial trick you’ll love!
Shopping Favorites
These TOMS Sneakers
These sneakers have been by far the favorite of this month.
They are my mode of transportation throughout DC, averaging 12K steps a day on concrete, brick and even some cobblestone paths and not a single issue!
Absolutely love them and highly recommend.
Bonus: elastic laces (love).
LOVEVERY
As a thrifty grandma, I admit I thought the kids were crazy with a subscription toy box service.
But every time I’m in DC, I am constantly amazed at the Lovevery toys! The quality, the age-appropriateness and the accompanying tips!
These are the Go-To toys!!! The ones our little bean goes for first, last . . . and in between. She loves experimenting with the various pieces, mixing and matching between toys.
As I look around the room, the center of the floor and low table are covered with Lovevery toys.
The others? Those are the ones waiting patiently, neatly stacked in the toy corner — the lonely toys that didn’t hold her interest past the first day or two!
This might be a stretch for a young couple on a budget. But if the grandparents or auntie could step up, your precious little bundle will be so much better off with these treasures.
Plus, the new parents will be parenting with more confidence having Lovevery on the scene. The guidance and suggestions in each box are so helpful.
Read all about them here — subscription and one-off purchases.
I hope you’ve been enjoying an amazing, restorative weekend too!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
