5 | 2 | 26
Hello May, You Maxed-Out Month, You!
I have so many projects I am working on
and a growing family too!
Many wonderful opportunities and excitement lay ahead.
I’m scrambling to get further along in my re-organizing and storage game.
This one is a long, hard process for sure.
I’m also trying to make progress on my larger builds and projects while
setting aside supplies and materials for those projects that can travel and might be
more conducive to work on while caring for a newborn, her toddler sister
and soon to be sleep-deprived parents.
But there is no greater joy and honor!!!
(So we’ll see how much gets “done”)
DIY Side Table Umbrella Stand
This was such a fun little table to make.
It was my first step into working with real cement (as opposed to my joint compound crafts).
I learned a lot and shared all the steps and lessons learned so you don’t have to go through that.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!!!
Mother’s Day Reminder: What She Really Wants
Do you want to get Mom what she really wants for Mothers Day? Read this first: it may surprise you and save you some money, too.
But I wanted to remind you now, because you might want to do a bit of planning.
The links in this post may include affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything using these links, you pay no extra, but I may receive a small commission that helps keep this blog running. I truly appreciate you using affiliate links whenever possible. Please know that I will never recommend a product I do not believe in!
I’m consumed with the beautiful weather, enjoying the patio again and being surrounded by all the budding plants. So of course, my shopping is filled with all the outdoor essentials and fun frills.
Patio Umbrellas!
I know, I just bought one two years ago. The problem is that I opted for a rectangular one to match the shape of the seating group it was meant to shade.
However, when the wind blows, it spins and never stops lined up with the chairs. Learn from my mistake and stick with the tried and true round shape for an umbrella.
I love both of these. Having the top vent shaped and edged elevates them vs. a flat laying boring vent. The bird messes won’t show on the ivory with black trim. But I’m a sucker for a great traditional cabana stripe.
I made the side table umbrella stand above, but if you don’t want to DIY one, then I love this one.
New Cushions!!!
My lounges (and my bum and back) are way overdue for these new cushions, or maybe a significant upgrade like these.
And I love a bright burst of color on the black & white cabana stripes. Aren’t these pillows fabulous!
Really any bright color will do, Pick your favorite and run with it.
Ready-To-Go Bag For Outdoor Fun
This is my answer to truly enjoying all the spur of the moment outdoor fun that comes with warmer, longer days! No more rushing about and forgetting things!
This year’s bag is going to sell out fast! So don’t delay. If you can’t get to Target right away, order it online for pickup. They’ll have it ready and waiting for you and even hold it for several days.
Why this bag? Water-proof. Great size. Sits up straight or hangs right by the door for when duty calls. Plus, it looks great!!!
As empty nesters enjoying lake life, I keep our bag prepped with lake life essentials: my favorite sunscreen, spf lip balm, phone dry bags that float, the best Bug (and tick) repellent wipes, towels that double as picnic blankets and there is usually room for this insulated bag that waits in the freezer already loaded with freezer packs.
If not in the tote, once the freezer bag is loaded, it can easily be carried separately.
Your Favorites From April
Floral Mixing!!!
Do you struggle with mixing florals for a wreath or arrangement? I know I do!
You don’t need to be a flower savant when you know Sheila at Twisted Twigs Decor. She offers sprays of stems in the most imaginative combinations.
All you need to do add a few of her creations to a wreath or basket of greens for a new spring or summer accent everyone will be asking about.
And her prices are amazing!
Spring Hoop Embroidery Kit
This kit remains super popular!
I am thrilled that these hoops are introducing embroidery, one of my very favorite slow crafts, to so many of you!
And all the rave comments just light up my heart!
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
Are you prepping for spring? It’s early May and finally warming up in Delaware. Even though spring has been here for a few weeks, I feel like it’s just now here! I’ve been shopping for a few new things like little sneakers, faux flowers and a solution for the peskly fly problem that will be here before you know it!
- One of the first things I want to plan for might not sound like fun but so necessary …… it’s fly prep!! Flys in the house drive me crazy! My mom has been using the Zevo Flying Insect System since last year and she has loved it!! She did not have a problem with any flying insects in her home since she started using it. It’s a little pricey but so worth it. I got the system and also a pack of refills. Those pesky little buggers don’t stand a chance in the Rust household!
- Another practical purchase I made were faux morning glory flowers for my outdoor window boxes. My hubby used to water the handmade window boxes we built a couple of years ago but I just don’t want to deal with that every day. So I grabbed some UV resistant outdoor morning glory flowers in two colors: vibrant yellow and rich purple. They will be gorgeous together in the window boxes. The price for each is amazing! You get 12 bundles in each pack! I also picked up a set of wooden rolling plant carts for my back patio – I have some real flowers that will need watering the rolling carts will help!
- My closet needed a couple of new things for spring . This new leather purse in a taupe is better than I expected. The price point can’t be beat, the adjustable handle is convenient and it fits over my shoulder perfectly. The purse needed some new sneakers so I grabbed my fave little Skechers Bobs in Taupe. I have had Skechers Bobs in faux leather White for a couple of years and I wear them almost daily. The little taupe pair will be perfect for spring for so many outfits!
- If you have seen my recent YouTube videos showing my dining room refresh, then you know I have been searching for a solution for a new light fixture. The saga is almost over (the final reveal video will be published soon!) I thought I would give you a sneak peak at the solution I came up with! This beautiful Williamsburgh Chandelier is stunning! The price was great for the look. I am beyond thrilled with it! The perfect chandelier lightbulbs bring a warm glow to my dining room.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Friendly reminder! Next weekend is Mother’s Day. Here are some of my favorite gift ideas from Target.
- These pink and yellow Dearfoam slippers are adorable. Cute, comfy, and fuzzy slippers are the perfect way to restore yourself after a long day.
- Creating a self-care kit for your Mom is the perfect way to show her you care. This collagen face mask or collagen gel mask would be good to include. You can’t go wrong with these flower shaped shower steamers.
- With warmer weather around the corner, this 40 ounce pink or light blue Stanley stainless steel tumblers will be useful. Additionally, this 24 ounce stainless steel water bottle would also be useful.
- Finally, this lavender Keurig mini coffee maker is too cute not to share. It’s a great price and is available in other colors.
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- Last year’s veggie garden got attacked by squash bugs and vine borers; it was quite depressing. I’m trying something new this year and have heard good things about it from friends. Bought a bottle of THIS to deal with the little pests. It is a natural pesticide. Looking forward to a better harvest this year!
- I’ve started selling in a booth at an antiques store; it’s been 10 years! Of course whenever I’m bringing new things in, I have to peek around. Old clocks have my heart right now. I love the variety of shapes and different number fonts. They add a wonderful graphic punch to any vignette. Shop old clocks HERE.
- I absolutely love all of Ruth Chou Simmons books. Her watercolor art is gorgeous and I love to use her books as a daily devotional. She just came out with a beautiful journaling ESV bible. Great Mom’s day idea! This may need to be my first journaling bible;) Find it HERE.
- Over a year ago, I started milling my own grains into freshly milled flour. It has been an amazing change to our diets and our health ( and the flavor upgrade is amazing). You can read about it HERE. Sister made the change, too, and recently got THIS to make delicious, nutritious loaves faster for her family. She said it’s pretty amazing to dump all the ingredients in at night and wake up to a freshly baked loaf of bread. So I’m looking at the different styles. Hers makes a smaller loaf that is nice for gifting. I may want a larger size loaf…but seriously…one of the green ones may win me over;) Mom’s day gift, right?
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
I love the idea of shopping small when we can and not giving our hard-earned money to large corporations. I’ve picked some of my favorite things from small shops for Mother’s Day Gift ideas.
- My kids got me a personalized birth flower print for Mother’s Day one year. It has the flowers of all of our immediate family members. It’s a very prized possession.
- I recently purchased a waterproof Jelly Tote bag from Case-Mate, and I’m loving it. It’s so playful, fun, and grandma chic. It’s being used right now as a grandma diaper/library book bag. I also got the little matching clutch to house things like snacks and an extra pacifier. I also ordered an insert from an Etsy shop, and it organized everything beautifully. It’s a bag that’s not just for grandmas; I intend to use it as a bag for the beach and boat, a bag for picnics, or an overnight bag when I stay with the kids at the new apartment.
- My favorite deodorant is Salt & Stone (santal & vetiver). I just ordered the body mist sampler so I can decide which scent I want to purchase the bigger bottle of. In Chicago there is an old fashioned drugstore—Merz Apothecary—and I adore it. I get my fragrances there. Look for a similar type of small business in your area to find the Salt & Stone brand. If you can’t find anything near you, you can purchase it online HERE.
- I love great bedding! I’ve only bought clothing from Quince, but I’ve heard from people I trust that their textiles are fabulous. I would love it if I got these sheets from Quince from my kids for Mother’s Day.
Wishing you the most beautiful spring weekend!
