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6.14.25

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“.)

I just returned from a truly wonderful, too short, vacation!

Along with meeting some lovely new people (always the best, right?)
I also met some of the most incredible foliage!

Dark purple-black succulent rosettes with light green centers grow on branching stems, surrounded by various green succulents in a lush garden setting.

Some seemed somewhat similar to what my midwestern living has acquainted me to.

Close-up of several pink succulent flower buds on thick, pale stems, with hints of green leaves in the background. The buds have a soft, velvety texture and are not yet open.

Some seemed rather foreign — in many ways!

A cluster of colorful succulents with green and reddish leaves, topped with tall stems bearing small, star-shaped cream flowers, surrounded by variegated foliage in the background.

And then some seemed other-worldly, rather Dr. Suess-ish!!!

(Notice how the flower center grows up tall, like the trunk of a palm tree,
but with a tree of white blossoms on top. — crazy cool!)

Aren’t they incredible!!!!

On the Blog

A cocktail making station of a vintage bar cart with a lake in the background

Cocktail Gardens!

It’s not too late to make sure you have the summer beverages covered with a few quick snips whenever friends or neighbors drop by.

I cover what herbs to plant, how to plant them, and then even how to set up a patio cart for an informal party with two signature cocktails.

Cocktail Garden

It’s Wedding Present Season!

No it’s not Ground Hog Day, it just may feel like it here because this is actually a post from the week before. But I received such a response, I thought I’d share it again for those who might have been traveling and missed it.

Want to make the bride cry happy tears? These are the answer!

I broke down what makes a great wedding gift — particularly for second marriages.

Wedding Gift Ideas
A collection of neatly wrapped blended family wedding gifts in white, pink, purple, and silver sits on a table. Each box is tied with ribbons, while a white vase with green leafy flowers adds elegance in the background.

Tech LIFE Tip

A-ha tip that has me wondering

Why, oh why have I not known this my entire life?!?!?

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!

Great Shares From Around the Web

Most Popular Shopping Item!

This streamlined, go-with-anything-anywhere bag was hands down the most popular shopping item so far this month!

It was surprisingly hard to find one bag to check all my boxes!!! But this one does!

  • X -Convertible crossbody to waist bag
  • X -Outside zipper pocket for phone
  • X -Clean design to dress up or down
  • X -Fresh, neutral color

Two views of a light beige crossbody bag: the front shows a plain, zippered pouch; the back displays an adjustable strap and an outside zip pocket. Text reads, "Must Have: outside zip pocket for phone.

A light blue vintage cabinet with a diamond design on its door stands on a white surface, next to a green glass jar holding red and pink flowers. Four white mugs hang on hooks above the cabinet.

Adorable Cabinet Makeover

Anna, of Skylark House, shares the methods she used in this gorgeous makeover.

I am certainly hanging on to her tutorial and tips! I know i’ll be needing them someday soon.

Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars

Elizabeth, of Pinecones and Acorns, shared these fabulous looking and sounding dessert bars.

I mean, who doesn’t appreciate the ease of bar cookies? They are perfect for summer’s kickback attitude.

Three stacked crumb bars filled with strawberry and lemon, surrounded by more bars. In the background, lemons, a teapot, blue-and-white dishes, and a bowl of strawberries are visible.

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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