9 | 13 | 25
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.
Back in April, I shared the decision that I was going to sell part of
South House Designs.
The production side — basically the Christmas stockings and tree skirts.
Well, it happened!
And the last month has been spent working with the new owner, Kelsey, training her on all the sewing techniques that I use,
and proudly standing by as she perfects them.
no small feat!
Just a few moments ago, she pulled out with her first to orders to drop at the PO, and the first load of fabric heading to her new studio.
I must say, Kelsey’s determination and excitement, helps to quell my own anxiety!
This is very much like seeing my kids off to college.
I’ve done what I can and now it is time for them to grow even more
under someone else’s tutelage.
I get to stand on the sidelines cheering them on, but I am no longer responsible.
Bittersweet, for sure!!!
On the Blog
From Sweaters to Sippers
It was Handcrafted Society day — and this month’s challenge was sweaters! Hop over and see what my favorite crafting came up with this month — mind blowing!!!
Mine? Well, they’re the perfect gifts for so many friends and neighbors . . . . and, myself!
My Favorite Pumpkin Dessert
My all time favorite! And that is saying A LOT, because I love Pumpkin Spice, but I’m picky about it.
If I’m going to enjoy dessert, it has to be worth the calories — and this one is. I’ve even been known to enjoy seconds of this one!
We know these recent gorgeous summer days are not lasting forever. Soon it will be sweater weather! So I have been shopping appropriately, Sharing some of met favorites to start with:
Short Sleeve Sweater
Fashion transition into early fall, requires a short sleeve sweater knit t-shirt
— my favorite features a great fit that is roomy and slightly boxy, but not sloppy!
This can be a tricky tightrope to walk, but H&M balances it so smoothly. Perfect worn solo, but great for layering too. Love the elbow length sleeves
Don’t think you can layer a long sleeve shirt under a short sleeve sweater?
I beg to differ! I love the look of the insert — perfect for early fall .
Vests are The Thing!
Vests are the thing this fall!
Don’t miss out on this fashion workhorse.
These favorite basics of mine– cardigan button up vests — are from H&M in an acrylic blend and a gorgeous alpaca,. They are everything but boring.
Start now, by wearing it solo and then layer up as the days get a bit cooler.
For more fashion punch, I am crazy about this long houndstooth vest from H&M!!! There is something about menswear fabrics that captures my heart. This one works with skirts, slacks and even jeans!
New Board Games
As the nights get longer and the weather might start driving us indoor a but more, our family breaks out the board games.
Last week while we were visiting our kids in DC, our daughter taught me a very fun new board game — Azul.
It has just enough strategy to keep it interesting, but not so much that it’s overwhelming.
Everybody has identical boards to play on and all play off a shared assortment of tiles, so you can’t really complain that the cards are stacked against you.
If you’re a game loving family we highly recommend Azul, plus a perennial favorite, Sushi Go Party! Both are strategy games that move fast — not Settlers of Catan type strategy.
Watercolor Workbooks
As we move closer to the holidays and life can get a bit more stressful or chaotic, I love to slow down and chill out a bit with a creative activity where I don’t have to think too hard.
I’m a huge fan of Emily Lex!
I took her watercolor class and it was wonderful — enough instruction that you aren’t left floundering, yet enough leeway to really make the painting yours!
Have you seen her workbooks?
The key to her workbooks is that they include light sketches printed on real watercolor paper so you can start painting without the stress of drawing.
It’s like paint with numbers, but with results you’ll love!!!
These great workbooks are now available at Anthropology.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
Our weather in Chicago is perfect fall weather, warm but not hot days and crisp, cool nights. I was in Texas for almost two weeks and missed some of this delicious weather, but I’m making up for it now. My home is in full fall mode!
I’m using cranberry in my home decor palette, which is something I’ve never done as a base color. I’m loving it. Here is a mix of the things I’m loving for fall.
- These faux mums from Pottery Barn are in my cart not only because I love them, but they are also on sale!
- I’ve started collecting red transferware (the patterns that are more pink or cranberry) and Etsy has so many to choose from. I am especially drawn to the Spode plates.
- This lightweight cotton cashmere crew sweater is perfect for the weather right now, and it matches my fall decor!
- It’s this time of year when I love to sink into a chair with a good book (or a seed catalog) and wrap myself in a cozy throw. This one definitely has my name written all over it.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Fall has inspired me to focus my energy and time on making our home cozy. Here are some of my favorite finds.
- Our air fryer recently bit the dust so I purchased this air fryer from Drew Barrymore’s new “Beautiful” line of products. Of course, now I am considering buying this toaster and this 3 cup food chopper.
- Last year I purchased this large willow picking basket to hold dried florals for fall. It was one of the first things I unpacked for fall decor this year. Still love it!
- Since we are now transitioning to cooler weather, rain and -yes- snow, I purchased these boots which I can wear in wet weather and also to work.
- These terracotta jack-o-lanters are so charming for October. There are three styles to choose from. Tall, medium and small.
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
We think (and hope Cindy will be back with us next month).
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
Lora is off this week, but she’ll be back with us in October.
I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,
