7-27-24
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.
The beauty of the nature all around us.
But yes, it also comes with challenges, and I need to learn to tolerate those challenges better so they don’t detract from the beauty.
The picture above is from my morning walk around the lake.
The dam is covered in “wildflowers” right now and the water has been so clear.
And all of a sudden, two rascally critters have decided they want to hangout on the balcony right outside our bedroom. So this is what I woke up to 3 days apart.
So far they haven’t been as destructive as the deer and geese. Although the squirrel was making himself at home in the railing planter.
Maybe I need to make a Costco run for a 2 pound canister of chili powder. Any other suggestions?
On the Blog This Week
Summer Tablescape With MisMatched Dishes
Oh my goodness, this charming table is one of my absolute favorites. What you see here is not even the finished table.
I decided it need one more touch. Can you guess?
Jump over to the blog post and see if you agree.
And the post isn’t just about this table, but the bigger lesson how to take an inspiration picture and adapt it to your personal style.
Mastering that will go a long way in developing confidence in your styling!
Let’s Get Started!!!
No, not actually decorating yet — way too early, even for me!
But I like to enjoy the holidays, which means having a plan. I’m always scrambling at the last minute, so a plan is what saves me.
I spent a crazy amount of time compiling all kinds of options for great Christmas stocking displays without a fireplace or mantel.
Jump over and check them out to get a start on planning for your holidays.
Tech Tip
One of the coolest apps that comes built into the iPhone
(and you probably don’t even know it exists)
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
Croquet, Anyone?
I am sooo excited! I have been looking for old croquet pieces all year. I stumbled on a whole set at my favorite thrift store.
And now, because it is a complete set, we want to actually play croquet! But I have an upcycle project planned for it. What’s a girl to do?
I guess find even more bits and pieces of croquet sets to make something super fun, like Lora, of Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder, did.
You need to click over and see what she created — and for what. I am very familiar with the croquet tournament she writes about (our daughter went to the Naval Academy and I have pictures of her croquet team).
PEACHES!!!
My friend Michele, of Vintage Home Designs, enjoyed a bumper crop of peaches on her tree for the first time this year.
And of course they were all ripe at about the same time.
So Michele shared a post of all the delicious peach recipes and even some entertaining ideas the use peaches.
The Bourbon Peach Jam/Sauce sounds amazing, as does the peach and basil cocktail.
Be sure to jump over and pick your favorites to try.
Actually, maybe the peach bread.
Sore Muscles From Weeding and Pickleball?
Lunch on the Go?
Sounds like Summer!
Fortunately Manda ,of The Merrythought, has a 2 for 1 DIY aid for both.
Have you ever tried making your own ice gel packs?
I hadn’t even thought about it until I saw their post. Now it’s on my list this weekend!
You won’t believe how simple they are and Manda had a great tip that I’m certainly using.
I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
I’m new which may explain my issue.
I can’t proceed to the post. Nothing responds to my selections.
So the secret is???
Welcome Lyn! I’m so sorry and embarrassed you encountered issues on your first time here. But I appreciate you letting me know “Diane, we have a problem”!
Links ar fixed and working.
As they say, It takes a village — and Im thrilled to have you in my village.
Love your lake picture and pretty flowers, looks like a great place to walk.
Thank you Marlene!!! It is fabulous. And something about being on thee water, just is so soothing to everyone that the neighbors are all amazing, laid back and enjoy hanging out together. Of course, every cove thinks theirs is the best, so there is a lot of friendly competition.
I can’t wait to read all about your stocking display ideas.
Thanks so much for sharing my peach recipe and tablescape ideas Diane!!