5-4-24
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“.)
The Fun of picking a baby name!
Spending the week with our expecting kids was a real treat!
I can’t help but share this fascinating video — an historical pictogram of most popular baby names from 1910 – 2014, by state!
Suggestion: click the gear (bottom right) for option to slow it down
Don’t you wonder what triggered the takeover of the Linda’s in 1947? And Lisa? Can you guess the girls’ name that dominated the country in 1973?
And wow! Talk about Southern solidarity — the same boys’ name from 1910 thru 1965!
Tip of the Week
I’ve heard from some long-time HouseMates, that they miss the weekly Tech Tip I used to include in my Weekender House Party.
So I’m adding it back in. Although it may not always be Tech related.
Tips of the Week will only appear in the email you receive.
They are a small weekly THANK YOU for being a subscriber and opening the emails.
Besides checking socials, texts and email and mapping the quickest route somewhere, we probably use our phones most as cameras, right?
I’ve got some great shortcuts to snapping those pictures, so you don’t miss the perfect shot.
Check your email for the tips. If you’re not a subscriber, join now.
On the Blog This Week
The One Room Challenge Tutorials-
The week before was the week we were in DC to remodel our kids’ mai floor half bath.
And this is the second tutorial (Week 5) where we shared all the details step-by-step for planning and installing a stunning, modern chair rail but picture frame molding.
But not just any molding, this is custom assembled stacked molding — made super easy with our diy jig (Week 4)..
Are you hosting a party or event on the horizon?
I have a charming, easy to make — and very thrifty, too — centerpiece to make. Or use a cluster of three birdbaths at different heights for a welcome table or buffet table.
As you probably know by now, I use affiliate links in my newsletters and on my website. An affiliate link means that if you click on that link and then buy something, you pay nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission. I truly appreciate if you could use my links whenever possible.
It’s the first Saturday of the month, so that means “The Girls” have gathered together to share their favorite finds with you.
What Was the Top Seller From Last Month?
This gorgeous, but very budget friendly pitcher I found that’s perfect for my daily batch of sun tea.
I’m shocked at how hard it was to find a glass pitcher with a wide mouth for better cleaning and a lid. There is actually three different styles of this one pitcher to choose from.
A close second was this fun set of stacking dinosaurs!
Of course!!! Who can resist these cuties?
Now for New Finds For This Month
We borrowed a Kreg pocket hole system from a friend in DC to use in building the bathroom vanity table.
Never could have done it so well, and so easily without it!
I am so getting one for our home projects!
Now which model — the 720-Pro or the 520-Pro with Screw Starter Kit.
Both of these are specials that have to be ordered online and can then be delivered to your home or your Home Depot store
I am in love with this tablecloth — perfect for our dining niche and out on the patio.
It will get constant use all Summer long. I might have to get a round one also for the round table under the balcony
Bonus: That sweet tassel fringe!!!
Comes in multiple colors and sizes.
And these super cute placemats /chargers are so cute and different. I love the braided edge.
Speaking of outdoor living, do you have a Solo Stove yet? (They’re on sale right now)
What makes them so great?
Smokeless — much better for the environment and better for the fire sitters. No more jumping around to avoid the smoke, stinging eyes and all the rest.
Perfect for Mother’s Day, with new colors — and they can be personalized.
I don’t know a mom who doesn’t love gathering her family in a circle telling stories and maybe singing a few songs!
There’s lots of great accessories too!
I have some of these wonderful wooden loaf baking baskets from JSH Home Essentials.
They are so charming and a delightful treat for baking loafs to give as gifts or to serve individual snacks as shown here.
Even for organizing drawers.
I’m going to have to order more for all the crafting possibilities!
BONUS: They come in four different sizes.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
- One of my crafting/sewing/painting sisters (Patti) recently bought this mini heat gun. She said she is loving it for quickly drying Mod Podge on her upcycling projects. She says it runs quiet and is efficient for her craft room. My heat gun is large and I keep it in my garage workshop. I think I need the small one for my indoor craft room!
- My other two sisters are raving about their kitchen blenders! Debbie absolutely swears by her Vitamix Immersion Blender for smoothies. In fact, she bought each of her sisters one for Christmas! My other sister Laurie, needed a large blender for cooking so she also has the Ninja Blender Kitchen System for her needs. I have both blenders and love them equally!
- Speaking of craft rooms, hubby recently grabbed a Stanley Toolbox and Organizer for my space. It holds all of the little tools I need for small projects like spring-loaded pliers, wire cutters, and spare hardware. It fits perfectly in the cabinets in my project room!
- This week I have been using my hubby’s Yeti 20oz Rambler to hold my second cup of coffee. I sip on it over a couple of hours in the morning. The Yeti kept it piping hot until 11:30 am! I enjoyed hot coffee throughout the morning!
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
I’ve been out of town and now that I’m home I’m excited to get my plants planted. I’m also excited to add some summer touches to my home.
I’m a blue and white gal so I love to add yellow to my home. You don’t have to do much to give it a new vibe!
- I love these yellow pillow covers. My favorite size is 22″ pillows. It gives your pillows a more designer look. These inserts are the best that I’ve ever had. I use a 24″ insert for a 22″ cover.
- One of my favorite flowers are ranunculus, which I have not had luck growing. I also can’t always find them fresh at the store. These faux real-touch flowers will work with my yellow and blue summer decorating.
- This fleece throw not only adds a bit of color it has great texture to give your home the cozy feel we all crave, even in the summer.
- In two weeks I will be putting my seedlings out in the yard. While they are a good size to be out in the yard, they are no match for our chickens and the deer so I’m protecting them with these cones and holding them down with these stakes.
Lora – Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder
- The Beautiful Home Beautiful Life online summit kicks off next Tuesday, May 7th! For 3 days, you can learn from over 17 experts who are sharing their best tips, tricks, and advice on all things decluttering, organizing and decorating your home. If you haven’t already, you can register for basic admission for free! Learn all about it and sign up HERE.
- I’ve been scrubbing up my Spring roadside finds. My new favorite cleaner is THIS. It’s amazing-takes paint drips off, sharpie marker, crayon messes and sticky goop. This is going to make the junk revival process so much easier!
- Our frost date is May 15, which means it’s almost time to plant up our raised bed garden! A couple years ago we created a picket fence cottage garden with raised beds. I’ve been so impressed with THESE raised bed kits. We got them directly from the company, but now you can get them from this big retailer for less and in more colors! Maybe time to expand;)
- I am crushing on overalls. I bought this green pair for my Bday and Mom’s day last year and have loved them. They’re so comfortable, and I always get compliments. I think I need more overalls in my life. And they come in so many fun styles and patterns right now! I rounded up some of my favorite overalls HERE. (you can find mine there, too…and be sure you follow me while you’re there;)
Anna – Sky Lark House
- Most of you know that I have been following a gluten free diet for the last year. I feel so much better now that I have eliminated it from my diet. These are my favorite gluten-free snacks to eat on the run.
- My hair stylist introduced me to the LOMA line of shampoo and I love it. This shampoo doesn’t leave my hair frizzy and it also doesn’t leave it feeling weighed down and heavy.
- I love these monogrammed journals from Anthropologie and they would make a great gift.
- This necklace would make a great gift for Mother’s Day. You can choose the type of stone the heart is made from.
- Finally, this little watering can is perfect for houseplants or seedlings.
I am so glad you joined us. I hope gathered many snippets of shopping inspiration and advice, and maybe even stretched your budget a bit with some good deals.
Please let me know if YOU found something special this week. Send me a link and I just might share it with everyone next week.
That solo stove looks amazing Diane! I can just imagine a group sitting around it and enjoying their time together. Great shopping with you my friend!