
7-6-24
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“.)
I can’t get over and I don’t ever want to let go of the joy of having our children home and together.
Listening to the brothers laughing at a video or battling it out in fun board games,
makes my heart so happy and full.

Tip of the Week
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.
Because I had a house full all week, and am now writing this while on a plane to host a baby shower and set up a nursery for our daughter who was too far along to fly,
I took this week off from blog posts and this is a condensed newsletter so it’s a
perfect time to revisit the
Your Favorite Tips
(the ones the had the greatest response)
Check your email for the tips to make sure you haven’t missed any of these
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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?
Several versions of this jumpsuit were the runaway favorites of last month.
I love this outfit! It is super comfy — like guilty comfy, like am I showing up in my jammies comfy? (honestly, I’m wearing it on the plane right now).
This pic was snapped when It was a very hot day in Dallas with a LOT to do!!!
This one, and this one and this one are all very similar.
See the quick video here.
We Are All In on Summer Fun Now!
Celebrating the 4th made me long for a smoker over our standard gas grill. Guess what — you can have both! With this simple $10 addition, any grill can become a smoker easy peasy.
And these pellets are an award-winning BBQ classic. Apple, Hickory or Competition Blend are all amazing!



Beat the summer heat with these Self-Sealing, Resealable Water Balloons! These innovative water balloons are a blast:
- Endless Splashing: No more tying balloons or hoses and nozzles! Just dunk the balloons in water to fill (pool, bucket, lake, etc.), then toss for a refreshing splash.
- Easy for Little Hands: These self-sealing balloons are a breeze for kids to use on their own.
- Eco-Friendly Fun: no more tiny latex pieces to clean up after the fun.
I’m heading out of town for a few days, and these watering devices will save my potted plants — inside and out — while I’m gone.
And as my plants grow larger and fuller, it’s become easy to hide several of them making watering easier even when I am home.


And what’s summer without sunscreen?
This is my very favorite — and this is coming from a very fair-skinned gal who lives on a lake and loves to spend way too much time on her kayak!
This one feels and performs like the super expensive cosmetic department ones — but with a drug store price tag!
They also have a dry body mist formula I have not tried yet. It’s next on my must-try list.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
I recently went on a girl’s trip and I splurged and bought myself some new clothes. I love every outfit.
- From J. Jill I got some cute cotton-gauze pull-on shorts, a linen top, and a white linen button-down shirt that I’ve been wearing over everything instead of a sweater for summer.
- If you haven’t heard of Quince you need to take a look. They have luxury items at a fraction of the price. I have a pair of their soft-as-butter Fleece Wide-Leg Cropped Pants and a linen navy pinstripe shirt. All of their products are ethically sourced and that’s important to me.
- These Keds Sneakers are my go-to summer shoe. They are as cute with shorts or jeans as well as summer dresses.
- Speaking of summer dresses, these are my favorites this year. HERE and HERE
- Don’t forget that Amazon Prime Days are coming July 16th and 17th. But you need a Prime Membership to participate. Get yours HERE today as deals are already starting.
- My group of friends and I have so many weddings this summer with our kids, we’re calling it the “summer of love”. As I’ve been wrapping bridal shower gifts, I’ve loved adding THIS leafy ribbon to the packages. Several guests have commented how pretty it is. Perfect to layer over another wider ribbon and simply knot or make a bow. Definitely add it to your gift wrapping station! You can find other versions of it HERE, also.
- Hot July is the perfect time to spray paint. Several of my metal furniture pieces need to be refreshed. I always use THIS spray paint can grip. It saves your finger from getting cramped up and will give you a more even paint job as a result. THIS one would be great for larger jobs, too.
- Once all the parties of June are over, I’m ready to tackle furniture projects. I’ve got a long list for myself and the kids! I’m planning on painting several with my favorite paint, Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. I love this dry powder paint that you simply mix yourself with water. So easy to use! It allows the character of the furniture to shine through the color and keeps the beautiful vintage style I love. You can find all the Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint products HERE. Use my code 10OFFLB for a discount.
- After tasting homemade frothed creamer on my coffee at my friend’s cabin, I decided I needed to get this handy kitchen gadget myself. It quickly heats or chills your milk/cream and froths it, so you can add it to the top of your coffee and make it as yummy as the coffee shop. It will make enough for you and a couple other guests if you like. Find the instant frother HERE.
Anna – Sky Lark House
- I am in love with the Treasure Pendant Necklace from Madewell. It can dress up even the most simple of tops.
- Most of you know I love to change out my pillow covers with the seasons. These pillows from the Studio McGee line at Target are lovely. The best part is the pillow comes with a zipper so you can remove the insert and wash the pillow cover.
- Now that summer is here, we are spending more time outside. I especially like to work in the garden during the evening. However, evening is when the mosquitos are most active. This natural mosquito and tick repellant works well. It’s made by Murphy’s and smells like lemon and eucalyptus.
- With the warmer days and humidity, we are doing less cooking. Charcuterie boards have been our top choice in recent weeks. This Fig Jam is amazing and compliments cheese and crackers well. It would also make a great hostess gift.
- Finally, someone gave me a copy of Bunny William’s latest book Life in the Garden. It is filled with stunning photographs and good advice. If you love to garden, you will love this book.
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
Cindy was not able to join us this month, but she’ll be back next month with her usual great finds.
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.

So many great shopping ideas. You are adorable in the jumpsuit! Summer chic you are!
Thanks bunches Missy! You would look great in this — if it were in bright flowers!
That jumpsuit is just adorable. Have fun getting ready for that grand baby!
Thanks so much for the tips, they are much appreciated for this non-tec 76 yr. lady. Loved those jumpsuits and hope you had a great time with your children making memories.
Oh you bet I did Marlene! Thanks so very much for letting me know you enjoy the tech tips. Please tell your friends!!!
I’m having a blast Lynn. Baby shower yesterday, Today is painting day.
Hey Diane! Your jumpsuit looks so cute on you. The water balloons are perfect for my niece who is coming to visit next month. Thanks also for all your “tech tips” included in your emails.
Happy to help Anna! Have fun with your niece!
That jumpsuit looks great on you and does look super comfortable! And those watering devices; so essential for when you go out of town. Have a great trip and baby shower! Yes, love it when the kids are home:)