A cheerful illustration of a bear swinging from balloons, with the text "South House House Mates" written below in stylized font. The background is a mix of pink, white, and gold balloons with some pink confetti details.

8-24-24

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 volcanic eruption of my heart over our newborn grandchild!

If you’ve been there, you already know this.

As much as I anticipated this, as much as I looked forward to this time, as much as I thought I was prepared . . . I was still knocked off my feet. The world has truly shifted for us!

I have never struggled as mightily for words, for illuminating phrasing, as I am right now — and have been for the last three weeks! Ohh, to be a poet!

On the Blog This Week

A close-up shot of wooden blocks painted with various designs, including a cat, flowers, and a rainbow on a block with a semi-circular arch. The background features colorful balloons and a white surface with a confetti pattern.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Baby Shower

I offered up truly fun alternatives to the dreaded baby shower games.

And I shared how we wove them into a book-themed baby shower. But they will work for any theme you choose.

TO THE BABY SHOWER

Cutest and Oh So Simple Twine Decor

Rope and Twine were the theme of this month’s Handcrafted Society Challenge.

With pending baby taking up so much brain space, of course my twine creation ended up a decor piece for the nursery. But it would be equally at home in a teen’s room, the family hangout space, playroom and more.

It can also be made to hang on the wall or be a mobile. Loads of customizing options!

TO BOHO INSPIRED CRAFT

two macrame-inspired sunbursts are displayed atop a wood stand with twine leaves next to two wooden ducks on a child's book

Tech Tip

Is someone close to you expecting a baby?

This Tech Tip is for YOU!

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

Ease Into Fall On a Budget

My friend, Michele of Vintage Home Designs, is the master of vignettes and creative decorating!!!

She adds such beautiful touches throughout her home through how she displays her expertly curated found and thrifted items in perfectly edited displays.

Walking through her home is a Masterclass in charming, creative design.

Michele’s mother is a wonderfully gifted traditional artist. Michele has her artistic eye. But her medium is home decor.

And Michele shared an amazing post all about transitioning into Fall on a budget. Don’t miss it!

A white shelf decorated with natural, neutral-toned items: top shelf has a framed fern and a dark bust; middle shelves feature woven baskets, books, spherical objects, assorted dishes, and a white pumpkin; bottom shelf holds a lamp and a basket with dried herbs.

Three small, shallow bowls made from leaf-shaped materials are displayed on a bed of green leaves. The bowls are in varying colors and leaf shapes: one is golden brown and oval, one is bronze and maple-shaped, and the smallest is teal and heart-shaped.

Clay Leaf Tutorial

Jennifer [Cottage on Bunker Hill] made the most beautiful clay leaf trinket dishes.

I know, we’ve seen this done before, but never with such a complete and well written step-by-step tutorial. Kind of Jennifer’s signature.

If this is something you’ve been thinking about for a while. Now’s the perfect time, and this post is the perfect starting point.

Apple Cinnamon Blondies

This sounds like the perfect recipe for dipping our toes into Fall.

As much as I love Pumpkin Spice everything (except coffee! Yes, I’m one of those weirdo’s who doesn’t like coffee or even the smell of it), I’m just not quite ready to give up on Summer completely and dive fully into Fall.

These look and sound heavenly, from Elizabeth [at Pinecones and Acorns]. I’m planning on a bit of baking tomorrow and these will be top of the order.

A wooden table holds several frosted apple and walnut bars stacked on parchment paper. Fresh green apples and a small dish of chopped walnuts are nearby. The scene is rustic with a basket and kitchen towel in the background, evoking a cozy, homemade atmosphere.

Christmas Stockings

Yes, I’m working feverishly on the final designs for the 2024 Stocking Collection.

They will be rolling out a bit later in September. Be watching your emails and this newsletter to be the first to know when a new style drops.

If you are a South House Christmas Stocking Family. Thanks so very much!!!

If your family is growing and you need an Add-On stocking to blend perfectly with your existing stockings, place your order now while the Add-On surcharge is waived.

On Sept. 10, the price will go up by $15 each.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,