8-3-24
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“.)
Wondering, is it possible to slowly shift or transition between being an introvert and being an extrovert. So much of our temperament can change over time, but I always thought (remember being told this in grade school) that being an introvert or extrovert was part of your fiber, part of who you are and therefore doesn’t change.
On the Blog This Week:
Sorry, this week has been consumed with much behind the scenes activity as I needed to work ahead for the time I will be in DC on new Grandma duty AND I need to get going on this year’s Christmas Stockings
(they are in the hospital as I write this – expecting baby probably Sunday)
So how about some behind-the-scenes look into a bit of Christmas stocking preparation?
First, the studio had to recover from last Christmas season. It took three days and wee cleared out 12 trash bags of fabric scraps (I save all the sizable remnants in the bins above the windows for Add-On stockings for my growing Stocking Families.
I have close to 100 cardboard tubes and 72 plastic thread cones to take to ScrapsKC.
Many, many rolls of fabric that will be combined with new rolls to make up the 2024 Christmas Stocking Collection.
It feels so good to have the studio clean and organized with full access to the cutting table and then . . . .
Wednesday, The Hubs was my driver for a VERY SUCCESSFUL 12-hour whirlwind fabric shopping expedition. Almost 400 yards of wonderful fabrics for the new collection.
So much for my clean studio!
But my creative heart loves it!
Coming Next Week
WARNING: Prepare for an overload of cuteness
Plus details on the nursery walls and furnishings.
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?
I was sure surprised!!!
Obviously I’m not the only one who is running out of enthusiasm for watering our pots and beds.
Besides the plants are big enough now to hide these genius water bottles!
Wish you had gone for them. They’re still available right here.
I Must Be Nesting
Is that a thing for pending grandmas?
I’ve sure been on a streak around the house lately while waiting for the call to say they’re on the way to the hospital. Then we’ll be on our way to DC to welcome our first little grand.
We had two doors that would not stay open, grrrr. Not anymore with this genius solution!!!
I love that they are two for one — stopper and holder, replacing the old rubber stoppers.
And a set of two is under $10.
I’m looking ahead to all the Fall leafs and flowers!!!
I love Fall foraging, whether in my yard or my generous neighbors or even the woods at the end of the street.
I need a new vase or two for those beauties I’ll soon be harvesting.
Like this gorgeous glass one that’s less than $7!!!, and this first wood one by Dave and Jenny Marrs (Big fan of these two), and this wood one that’s a bit larger and more contemporary shape.
All are at unbelievable prices (less than $25). Click on the blue dots to see.
Of course those vases need a new tray to showcase them with a gourd or two.
I have this tiered tray in white, but may have to get it in brown for Fall (btw: the two trays can be used individually too, just set something over the hole).
I am crazy about this small wood round one for small displays. Look at that clean raised base!
And then this large one for a coffee table or large vignette.
I shared in last weeks newsletter a post on making your own freezer gel packs.
I’m using these resealable bags — just .50 for each gel pack.
Perfect for:
- school lunches
- all the remaining hot weather excursions
- all the sore muscles from Fall projects.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
This last month has been busy since we built our DIY garden shed so my mind is filled with all the gardening things I need and want for planting!
- Bug spray has been a necessity while we worked on this garden shed. And citronella candles too. We’ve worked into the late evening hours and couldn’t have survived the bugs without these lifesavers!
- Purchasing tools for this little greenhouse shed is going to be fun! I’ll have a couple of hand rakes, hand shovels, and gardening gloves. Plus, I’m looking forward to thrift shopping for it too!
- I need a new tool tote bag to carry out to the gardens this fall. And maybe a garden apron would be a good idea too!
- This fall, I plan on hanging vintage style string lights somewhere around this garden shed. Should I hang them in the crape myrtles next to the building or inside? Be sure to watch the video and tell me where I should hang them!
Making a Great Bed
In my blog post yesterday, I shared the secret to having a pressed sheet feel without the time or money of ironing or laundering. It’s the only way I make my bed anymore.
Today I’m going to share some of my favorite bedding and bedroom must-haves.
- One of my favorites is the Crinkle Percale Organic Cotton Sheet Set from Nest Bedding. I love that you get 4 pillowcases with a King set and the top sheet is very generously sized so it tucks in well. These sheets are on sale right now! Get an extra $10 off this set by using my discount code LLCRINKLE10. It’s good from 8/2/2024 – 10/31/2024
- Another favorite is Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set. They are also on sale right now 15% off.
- When I’m storing my sheets, I love these elastic straps so I’m no longer guessing what size the sheets are and if they are a matching set.
- My bedding wouldn’t be complete without this butter-soft Tencel Quilt from Pottery Barn. This is also on sale right now.
- I’ve always loved fun overalls, and there are so many cute variations to choose from. They’re the perfect, easy wear-anywhere outfit, paired with a simple T shirt. I ordered a pair of black linen ones to transition into Fall. They’re loose, comfy and cute. You can roll up the legs for a casual look, too. THIS is the pair I ended up liking the best.
- We’ve been too hot when we’re sleeping lately. I decided to give cotton linen sheets a try. I bought my first pair and am putting them on the bed. I’ve heard they are cooler and feel wonderful to the touch. Do you use cotton linen sheets? I picked up a gray pair like THESE to transition into Fall.
- When I went to a friend’s home for brunch, she used the coolest little cordless lamps on the table. They made the table so cute and cozy! She also had one in the bathroom. I came home and immediately added some to my Amazon cart. They turn on with a simple touch of your finger, have several lighting options and are charged with a USB cord that’s included. There are 2 pieces to the stand, so they can be used at 2 two different heights. Such a wonderful invention for those of us who love ambiance;) I got a set of THESE. And also got one of THESE for a spot with no outlets. There’s a wide variety of styles to choose from also.
- I’ve grown a love for stoneware lately. The subtle colors, rustic texture and simple shapes are drawing me in. I’ve picked up several jugs while thrifting last year. Think I’m ready to tear down my coastal hutch display and create a subtle early Fall look with stoneware, ironstone and rustic wood. And then add sunflowers. If you’re crushing on vintage stoneware, check out all the variety there is available HERE.
- I’ve got to add a fifth pick to my usual 4 faves this month. Fasting has been a great way to control my Type 2 the last year +. I follow Dr. Mindy Pelz and am excited to see she’s coming out with a 2nd book to follow up her wildly popular 1st book (find it HERE). For healthy eating ideas to fit with the fasting lifestyle, pre-order her new book HERE.
Anna – Sky Lark House
These are my favorite finds for the month.
- With fall just around the corner, these napkins are cute and affordable. A pack of 12 was less than $16. They are also offered in 8 different colors.
- Mr. SLH was kind enough to give me an Apple Watch for my birthday. However, I have small wrists and none of the regular watch bands were snug enough for the watch to read my heart rate. So, after searching around I found this pack of six different colored adjustable watch bands for less than $10.
- To make the most of the remaining summer evenings outside, this pack of led outdoor globe lights is cute. These little lights always make a meal more magical.
- If you are like me, you are always writing thoughts in a paper journal. I am constantly writing down “to do” lists, project ideas, notes to myself etc. This little journal is pretty and it’s only $10. It’s also perfect for anyone who is going back to school soon.
- Finally, last fall I purchased this little Bose bluetooth wireless speaker and I absolutely love it. I bring it with me outside when I am gardening. Or into the office. If you stream music, you will love this device.
I am so glad you joined us. I hope you gathered many snippets of shopping inspiration and advice, and maybe even stretched your budget a bit with some good deals.
I know you are excited about a grandbaby, they are so precious. Have a wonderful week and thanks for the tip.
I forgot about the tip. I made sure the house was clean, clothes were washed, dried and put away and of course held the baby so, my dil could rest.
My stepmother’s mom came to help after we had our first baby and thank goodness she came! She washed laundry for me, brought casseroles, cleaned the bathroom and cleaned the kitchen for me. Grammie had birthed 10 children of her own so she had the “what can I do to help?” down to a science! I miss her every day. She was a very special woman. My mother-in-law came by but just to hold the grandbaby which, while nice, didn’t take anything off of my plate so to speak. A friend dropped by more than once to tend to the baby so I could take a bath and wash my hair which was such a gift! So, I guess my tip is taking over the household chores, shopping, cooking and taking care of the baby so the new mama can take a bath or get a little rest is the best help grandma and grandpa can give. Congratulations on your first grandchild!
You must be on cloud nine with that precious baby bundle Diane! Enjoy your time with your family!
Diane – First CONGRATULATIONS on being a grandma! It’s so exciting. Second, I am so impressed with your studio space. Wow! It’s gorgeous. Love the newsletters you send out. They are always packed with good info. Thanks also for all the shopping links. I have my eye on that vase . . .