Two American flags flank a metal bench overlooking a lakeside lawn with trees and water in the background. Text below says "South House House Mates" in decorative lettering.

7-5-25

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“.)

The Importance of Community!

More than your circle of close friends, true community—with that genuine feeling of belonging—enriches us and helps us grow. It brings real peace and security, that feeling of being home.

This 4th of July week reinforces what I love about our little lake community — that feeling of being home. You might think “of course you feel at home—it’s where you live.” But this runs much deeper than an address. This is really knowing your neighbors, not just their names. Playing, laughing, and working together for everyone’s good.

We’ve found this same magic in a small group at our church. More than a year later, I’m still amazed we all came together at all—and how much these people mean to us. We challenge each other, encourage each other, pray together, and laugh so very hard.

Even blogging, solitary as it is, led me to community. I worked up my courage to attend a large blogging conference years ago, nervous as could be. It ended up being life-altering. I found my people.

My wish for you this holiday weekend: spend it with one of your communities, where you’re free to be you, encouraged to be you, loved for being you.

Shopping With Friends

Okay the 4th is past, but in my world, this is just the beginning of loads of summer fun. So let’s keep the fun going but add a bit of relief from the intense heat and intense flying pests.

Cool Misting Options

Have you tried misting in the extreme heat?

This really easy kit converts almost any fan into a misting fan for outdoor comfort.

Or if your activities include fishing, camping, boating, etc, where you need battery fan and mist, this is the one for you: oscillating, tilting fan with or with/out mist and all on a rechargeable battery.

And to keep a crowd comfortable this misting system is so reasonable, easy to install and use. Plus it come is white or black and many lengths to choose from.

Collage of misting fans and accessories: a green portable misting fan on ice, a garden hose misting kit, a circular misting ring, and a vintage-style standing fan, with the text “Cool Misting Refreshment.”.

Four rolled cooling towels in pink, blue, and green with mesh texture and carrying pouches with clips, alongside a woman using a blue towel around her neck, standing in sporty attire with a water splash effect below.

Low-tech But Effective Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are a decidedly low tech, inexpensive way to cool down quickly. If you’ve never used them, prepare to be amazed!!!

These cooling towels are the best price available.

More ICE, Chewable Ice

Is it possible to have too much ice during hot summer days? NOT possible! Think about adding a counter ice maker — such a treat! BONUS: I bet you and the kids will eat less ice cream!

For a very affordable option, this is the one I suggest with an external water tank and 2 sizes of ice available.

There is also a less expensive option that just holds less ice and less water, but requires less room.

If your budget allows, I’d definitely go with the GE Profile ice maker in Moonstone Blue of course (although there are two other options).

Three ice makers are shown: a light blue countertop model on the left, and two black portable models on the right, each with clear trays of ice and colorful drinks beside them. The text reads "Ice Makers - No More Bags.

Two orange boxes of Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes with 30% DEET, each containing 12 individually wrapped wipes. The packaging notes protection against mosquitoes that may transmit Zika Virus.

Keep Those Flying, Biting Pests Away!

If you are like me and think you have tried everything with mixed results, you must try these – Ben’s tick and insect repellant.

Friends put us on to these after their travels in Costa Rica. And they work!!!

I love the convenience of the wipe, and have found that one is enough for two adults.

For a Cold Refreshing Glass of Wine

Or maybe you prefer a spritzer, or bubbles.

My must-have for Summer heat survival is my thermal wine glass. Perfect for sipping on the patio evenings, and it fits perfectly in the cup pocket of a kayak — just saying.

I have curated a great suggestion for whatever your situation:

A very nice middle of the budget one from Corkcicle in many colors.

For the very discerning wine connoisseur, the Vinglace that has a glass liner.

When cute matters, this one from Lily Pulitzer

A value-minded option for girls weekend party favors.

And for the Stanley devotee and the Yeti lover.

A collage of six thermal wine glasses in various colors and patterns, including pastel blue, white, mint green, and a lemon floral design. "Thermal Wine Glasses" is written in cursive at the top right.

Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

Like most of the country, it’s been so hot in Illinois. I don’t have the luxury of staying inside all day. We are hosting a large bridal shower in early August and my gardens need attention.

- I’ve have been using sunscreen and I didn’t want anything full of chemicals on my all of my exposed skin. I found Sun & Sol Face and Body Sunscreen. It’s so clean you can eat it!! And it works – I also started wearing a sun hat. This one has a nice wide brim to shield your face.

- I found this fan that is battery operated so I can move it where ever I’m working. It’ also has a mist feature. What a way to keep cool in the hot sun. It’ in my cart.

- When you live on water, another thing we battle in the summer beside the deer is mosquitos. I’ve been seeing the new craze where you add water and organic matter (grass clipping) to a 5-gallon bucket along with a Mosquito Dunk. My dunks are arriving today, I’m going to give it a try.

- After a long day in the sun, I take my shower and put on my favorite Sundress as it is flowy and comfortable.

Anna – Sky Lark House

This summer I have been inspired by the beach and coastal living. So when I saw TJ Maxx had some great items along that theme, I knew I wanted to share them with you. Buying from TJ Maxx online is great because you can get free shipping when you spend more than $89 – use code SHIP89.

- First up are these coffee table books.
  - - This one captures scenes of living along the coast in Australia.
  - - Bunny Williams is one of my favorite gardeners and her book House by the Sea doesn’t disappoint.
  - - Recently, I have been bitten by the British decor bug. This book Perfect English Small and Beautiful is mighty appealing.

- Mr. SLH and I need to replace our living room rug. We need approximately an 8×10 size which can get expensive. This rug is so pretty and it’s less than $150.

- I love the large scale and texture of this large shell bowl. It would look pretty with a plant nestled inside and it’s than $30.

- A grouping of large pots filled with flowers on a patio or in a garden is beautiful. These outdoor urns are beautiful and affordable. The set is less than $100.

Lora – Lora Bloomquist

- I hate to sound like a broken record, but I love switching up my pillow covers for the season. It’s such an inexpensive and easy way to give your rooms a seasonal touch. And they don’t take up much space to store when not using. THIS adorable ruffled gingham cover is so fresh in our coastal living room. And THIS textured daisy cover is perfect to layer with it.

- The long weekend means our family will be enjoying the current favorite game (find it HERE). If your family has enjoyed any of the Catan games in the past, this expansion set takes it to a new level.

- Vintage picnic baskets are a summer staple decor item in my house. I’ve got many different kinds in various textures. The woven ones look great with coastal decor and the patterned vintage metal ones add a pop of fun anywhere. Definitely add vintage picnic baskets to your summertime decor. Find a great selection HERE.

- The daisies are blooming, and I’m obsessed with all things daisies. They speak happy summertime days. Find fun daisy-themed things on my LTK shop HERE. (and follow me there for seasonal recommendations:)