8-2-25
July, good-bye my friend.
Not sure where you hid this year, but I missed you!!!
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“.)
August — Favorite Middle Child?
Here we are, sliding into August like it’s that kid at family dinner who keeps interrupting the conversation just to remind everyone they exist. “Hey! Remember me! I’m still technically summer! But also… anyone want to talk about Halloween decorations?”.
August is the ultimate middle child of months – stuck between summer’s main character energy and fall’s cozy comeback tour, desperately trying to figure out its own vibe.
What even is August? It’s too hot to pretend we’re still in peak summer mode, but way too early for pumpkin spice everything. August is out there wearing flip-flops with a light cardigan, completely confused about its own identity.
I can’t let go of how perfectly awkward this makes it. It’s the month that throws us back-to-school sales in week one (rude), teases us with one random 75-degree day (cruel), and somehow makes us nostalgic for summer while craving fall sweaters we can’t wear for six more weeks.
August doesn’t apologize for being in-between though. It just shows up with its humidity and late sunsets and says, “This is me, take it or leave it.” There’s something beautifully unhinged about a month that makes you sweat at 9 AM and online shop for boots by 9 PM.
So here’s to August – having an identity crisis and somehow making it work.
Yes, I was a middle child! Does it show? You, too?
How About Starting With Subtle?
A little seasonal accent in unexpected places can be a true delight.
With this little touch of fall, the payoff is great for such minimal time and money invested.
The Perfect Early Fall Wreath
Light and airy!
This wreath feels fresh even in the sweltering days of August but celebrates the transition of our gardens and the season just ahead.
Bonus: Easy to make and customize!
Shopping With Friends
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Here’s to August and wearing flip-flops yet trying on boots.
Transitional Fall Skirt
This cute tiered skirt, with pockets, is one I bought for summer. But the actual pattern was more fall colored than it looks here.
I loved the fit (very flattering and the pockets) so I’ve held it over for fall to wear with black and other fall sweaters .
I wore it once with sandals, but it is destined to be my fall go-to layered with sweaters and booties.
GREAT sale price — don’t wait!
Fall Accent Pieces — Perfect For Easing Into Fall Decorating
Fall Decor? ANYTHING in this Etsy shop, Arkansas Artist Tree.
The Sunflowers, large and small, and the leaves are almost sold out.
See what he has available and snap them up!!!!
Yes, small creative business support + a high quality unique gift to yourself. It’s a win-win.
Cutest Acorns Ever!
I’m crazy about these wool felted acorns. And Martha Stewart even picked these fabulous acorns to be part of her Etsy Curated Fall Collection.
So obviously you really need them. I mean Martha and I know what it’s all about, right?
And another opportunity to support a small creative business.
Unbelievable Fall Art!
Fall Art? Once you see the stunning work from this Australian artist who sells them as digital downloads on Etsy, you’ll want to change some wall art with the seasons.
Each one comes with 7 files and 30 sizes. Print at home, local store, or online. Don’t be intimidated by download, tons of support is included.
My choice: this one and this one together and this one solo. Together, all three cost me less than $10.
Fall Pillow Covers!
Too many pillows? Never!
Especially when you buy seasonal covers (saves money and space!).
And I am loving so many of the fall hand-painted pillows in this Etsy shop, Sipping Iced Tea. Plus this unique cotton bolls garland — LOVE!
Scented Candles for Fall Feels!
When the days are still too warm for pumpkin spice everything in the kitchen, but the nights cry out for cozy, scented candles are the answer!
And just look at these!
Gorgeous visuals. Delicious aroma!
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
I can’t believe it’s August already! I’m starting to think about fall. It’s my absolute favorite time of the year when the days are warmish and the nights are crispy and cool. In Illinois it seems like it only lasts for a few weeks so I try to make the most of it. So I’m shopping for fall home decor.
- I never dreamed I’d be adding this color to my home but here it is! These pillow covers will set the tone for the coming seasons.
- And these drapes make me swoon!
- This flower arrangement from Target is a great fall statement piece. It’s from the Studio McGee Collection.
- I have an antique persian rug in our primary bedroom that I’m considering moving to our living room. It’s very similar to this rug HERE. I think it will bring a cohesive look to the space with my new color palette.
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- I love all old books for decorating, but this time of year I especially love the old school textbooks I’ve found. Their covers are charming to enjoy as art, or prop them open on a plate rack to enjoy the vintage illustrations. Find vintage textbooks HERE.
- Did you always get a new pair of jeans when school started? For a twist on tradition, I ordered two cute denim skirts. One is classic straight, the other gathered and more fun. Perfect for Summer into Fall easy outfits. Find them HERE and HERE.
- August is zucchini month; you can find it in abundance at farmer’s markets, or in your own garden. I love getting my fill of zucchini this month. Italian Zucchini Quiche is an old favorite. But we’ve also started to enjoy sauteing zucchini noodles and having them with spaghetti sauce. THIS kitchen aid mixer attachment makes zoodles so easy. I can’t wait to peel and slice apples next!
- The end of the summer is also for sunflowers! Their happy faces are waving high. I just set a fun sunflower-themed table to celebrate these special flowers. See all the fun sunflower-themed things I found HERE. (and be sure to follow me on the LTK app while you’re there;)
Anna – Sky Lark House
Anna is on vacation and will be back with us in September.
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
We are hoping that Cindy will be able rejoin us next month, in the meantime we hold her close in our thoughts and prayers.
I hope you’ve been enjoying this beautiful weekend!!!
I sure appreciate you sharing some of your day with me. Please consider sharing this newsletter or any of my posts with a friend you think might enjoy it.
I so enjoyed your photos of your granddaughter exploring the world of children’s literature! “A Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle is in this preschool teacher’s TOP TEN list of books! I even decorated a Christmas tree about the book for a Festival of Trees auction. Literature and crafting make a great pair! 🐛
Oh that’s so fun to hear Marcia. Yesterday was her 1st birthday, which this year fell during her parent’s annual beach trip. Katie sent pictures including her in a high chair with a party hat on — a hung, hungry caterpillar birthday hat. Looked like it was made of felt, so probably an Etsy find.