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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.
How amazing this community is!!!❤️
I am truly in awe of some of the wonderful relationships that develop in the online world!
There are many blogger friends that I have only met a time or two in person, yet we inspire and empower each other through this crazy journey — and yes, more than full-time job– of blogging.
But I was sincerely surprised by you — my followers, my readers, my community — my friends.
When I was opened up as to how much I have been struggling recently, you showed up. You shared your concern, your advice, and your encouragement. And it means the world!
I thought a lot about time — or the passage of time this week. Our first grandchild is now 8 months old! How can it be 3/4 of a year already? Even more amazing is that Tuesday marked the 25th year of living without my dad.
It feels like he’s been gone forever, yet not!
I can still hear his voice and the way he answered the phone “Yell-ow”
That he always had a pack of dentyne gum in his pocket.
How he would make a big show of squirting ketchup all over his green beans, all to pompt a chorus of “Oh, gross!!!!” from my kids.
How when I wanted to quit my secure, good paying career to stay home with my kids while following my entrepreneurial dream, he came over and built floor to ceiling fabric racks in the basement to hold all my rolls of fabric.
Dad, I still miss you, but know you are proud of me, The Hubs and your grandkids and now great- granddaughter🩷
On the Blog This Week
It Can Be Easy + Budget Friendly to Frame Artwork the Float Mount Way!
I shared all the steps and tips you need to float mount a piece of art.
BONUS: This was an old print I really like but it had some water damage from in our old house. You won’t believe how easy it way for me to fix that.
Tech Tip
Did you know there is a way to stop cutting off half of Aunt Susie in your family selfies?
Our Grandpa, or brother Bill, or etc.
This tip’s in the subscriber email.
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!
Shopping With Friends
Planning your Summer getaway too? To help it feel real, let’s do a bit of shopping and prepping for those trips!
If you’ve been here for a quick moment, you know I subscribe to Function First — yes, even in my clothes and accessories! Specifically pockets!!!
Vacation Multi-Purpose Bags
I won’t consider a bag that does not have a secure exterior pocket for my phone/camera. You, too?
Well, they just might be the unicorn of bags. I had quite a bit of trouble coming up with functional bags that also had style.
I found this streamlined one in leather, and then this cute one and in blue, and this one might be my fave and the same but with a different pocket configuration.
That cute coral bag does not have that critical outside pocket, but I just had to include it!!! (Maybe you aren’t so pocket obsessed as I)
Travel Comfort and Ease
Whether by train or car, we want to travel comfy, yet pulled together.
There is nothing as easy as matched sets.
I’m loving this set (the pin tuck down the pant leg, helps them fall nicely).
And I always want a light sweater or jacket on planes in particular. A long sweater like this light one or this more tailored one are easy and comfy options.
I also like this shrug or this one. They’re easy to carry along and work over the skirts or boho skirts as well as jeans and dresses.
SUMMER WARDROBE MVP: THE MAGICAL SKORT!
The perfect marriage of skirt + shorts has my heart forever!
These NEW 20″ length skorts (18″ also available!) are GAME-CHANGERS for summer comfort without sacrificing style. No more thigh chafing or wind worries! 🙌
Obsessed with all these gorgeous colors/patterns – literally goes from coffee run to picnic to dinner date without missing a beat. If you buy ONE thing this season, THIS IS IT!
Styling tip: Pair with the oversized tee for casual cool, the lace-trimmed v-neck for brunch vibes, or the basic tank with pinstripe linen blouse for ultimate versatility.
BREAKING OUT OF MY STYLE BOX! 💃
You know I’m usually all about that tailored classic, tailored style, but VACATION calls for something free-spirited and fun!
Enter: the perfect tiered flowy skirts (with pockets!!!) that are made for those magical vacation twirls and sunset strolls!
My secret weapon? These tiered beauties minimize any extra volume on waist/hips while bringing ALL the vacation vibes! Currently obsessing over:
- The ankle-length blue & black (my personal fave — but no pockets)
- This STUNNING red/orange/blue pattern WITH POCKETS (!!)
- The “spice floral” floor-length for maximum drama
- That cheeky leopard print for wild child chic
STYLE TIP: Balance the skirt volume with a simple fitted top, then add a short shrug when the A/C hits or evening arrives.
Which pattern speaks to your vacation soul?
Stay tuned! I’ll be posting additional summer wardrobe picks over the next week or two.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- The naturalistic watercolor art in Ruth Chou Simon’s books are so beautiful. And her words focus the heart on faith-filled inspiration. Her books make a wonderful gift to a friend, or yourself. You can find her books HERE.
- I’m currently faking Spring inside my house, since everything’s white outside:( I love using Mrs. Meyers Spring-smelling cleaning products. They definitely help my mood. My faves are Fresh Cut Grass, Peony, Honeysuckle, Daisy, Rose, Bluebell, and any sweet Spring fragrances. Find Mrs. Meyers products HERE.
- Easter is just around the corner; time to get your silverware bright and shiny! Over Christmas when we were sick, Mr. Fix-it polished several sets of our silverware; they look so beautiful! Hate to tell him I found a whole other set in a box from a relative (I forgot about;) We use both liquid silver polish (HERE) and for small touch ups, a cloth (HERE).
- This time of year I bring out all the vintage bird books I’ve found. The illustrations are beautiful. I prop them in a plate rack, open to a pretty page, or rip out a page to clip onto an old clipboard for art. The smaller books get tucked here and there in Spring vignettes. Definitely start a collection of these books for yourself! Find vintage bird books HERE.
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
Beautiful Easter Baskets
I still use my Longeberger Easter baskets for my kids if they are home for the holiday. Now that I have a grand baby, I’m excited to make him an Easter Basket this year.
There are so many beautiful Easter Baskets that are available. Here are some that I found.
- I was able to find the beautiful Longeberger Easter baskets that I have in my collection, on Etsy.
- The new collection “LoveShackFancy” at Pottery Barn Kids is so beautiful. The collection reminds me of vintage Laura Ashley. Their Easter Baskets are stunning.
- I’m obsessed with scalloped baskets. If you use this basket you can repurpose it for storage after the holiday.
- Williams Sonoma has a really cute felt Easter Basket that is already filled with goodies. This makes for one stop shopping.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Here are some cute things I found knowing Easter is later this month. Each item shared below is $35 or less. Use code SHIP89 to get free shipping on orders $89 or more. A quick note, last month I shared some Peter Rabbit bowls, platters, and plates – they sold out within a few days. It took some work to find these recently listed Peter Rabbit items. They won’t last.
- I love these Peter Rabbit mini loaf pans. They are perfect for Easter and less than $13 for two.
- Along the same lines, these Peter Rabbit ramekin dishes are so useful and reasonably priced.
- Finally, with spring in full swing, this Bunny Williams book on Garden Style is indispensable.
- This is a charming and fun door mat. Plus, it’s less than $20.
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
- Have you found the perfect jeans? I think I have! In fact, I am convinced I have! The Gloria Vandervilt Amanda jeans fit me to a tee! They are high rise (thank you for holding in my menapause mid section!), have the PERFECT amount of stretch and come in several colors including white. I have the light wash (currenly only $17!!!), the dark wash and just added the vintage white (currently on 49% off sale!) color to my cart. They will be perfect for summer!
- My hairdresser gave me a fresh cut and when she styled my new curly bob-ish cut, she used a One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer tool to style it. Omgoodness, this tool is amazing! I had to order one. This all in one tool hair dryer dries, smoothes and adds volume to my thin hair. And it is super fast!
- Recently I made the cutest vintage bunny pillow covers for our living room. I bought neutral toned pre-made pillow covers and added a cute bunny and laurel wreath design to one side. The covers have a hidden zipper on the back and are machine washable. I’m ordering a light blue pair as well as a soft green color. The covers fit my Pillowflex pillow inserts perfectly! BTW, those are THE BEST pillow inserts!
- Yard clean up has been underway here! We have lots of shrubs and small trees to trim. My hands have developed arthritis and holding clippers all day become tiresome. So we splurged on a Stihl Battery Powered Pruner. I wish I had one these tools years ago! It looks like a very small chainsaw but weighs no more than my power drill. Clipping the bushes is so easy with this tool! I HIGHLY recommend getting this battery- powered pruner if you enjoy yardwork but need to get it done in a timely fashion!
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I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
