A window planter box filled with pink geraniums, yellow petunias, and purple verbena flowers. Below, a brushstroke graphic reads “South House House Mates.”.

6.7.25

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.

How everything can pile up right
when you’re trying to get away for a few days.

Does this happen to you?

So I gave myself 90 minutes this morning to decide what clothes I wanted/needed to bring.
I had a load full that needed washing. No big deal right?
Until this is the time that our washer decided it was no longer going to drain.

So the clothes I planned on taking went through three cycles in the same yucky water
while I tried everything to get it to drain so that it could then fill, rinse, spin, etc.

Fortunately The Hubs returned from a work reunion lunch and was game
to take my sopping wet clothes and his dirty clothes to a coin laundry.
Then he bailed most of the water out of the washer so we
won’t be coming home to a smelly mess.

It’s the little trials!

If we can laugh through these, then life is really good and we win!
We’re sharing the trophy on this one.

On the Blog This Week

A collection of neatly wrapped blended family wedding gifts in white, pink, purple, and silver sits on a table. Each box is tied with ribbons, while a white vase with green leafy flowers adds elegance in the background.

Wedding Gift Season!

Spurred by a number of emails and comments I’ve received, I finally wrote a blog post I’ve been thinking about for at least three years!

What makes a truly meaningful wedding gift.

Particularly for a second marriage, or a blended family marriage, or a more established couple that already has all the “stuff”.

To the Wedding Gifts

Shopping With Friends

I’m getting ready for a short escape next week to Northern CA. We’re planning a lot of walking and e-bike adventures. Hello, athleisure — must have casual sports attire that’s also cute. Because, after all we’re on vacation!

The “Fun” Cousin to Sneakers

These top shoes are soooo cute and incredibly comfy. I have been wearing them with everything!!! The sole is not super thick cushy.

So if you need that with extra support, I highly suggest these as a great alternative .

Two pairs of lace-up shoes: the top pair is white with perforated details and a sporty design; the bottom pair is off-white with mesh panels and a casual, flat sole.

Two views of a light beige crossbody bag: the front shows a plain, zippered pouch; the back displays an adjustable strap and an outside zip pocket. Text reads, "Must Have: outside zip pocket for phone.

Hard to Find Convertible Bag
(With outside zip pocket for phone)

This amazing bag is the only bag I’ll need, wearing it crossbody when we’re walking and as a waist bag when biking!

And the phone pocket sits against my body so I can feel the vibration (most of the time, anyway) when I need to have the ringer off.

Regardless The Weather!

I won’t let a little rain or cool, windy weather ruin my vacation.

I love this packable hooded rain jacket from Cole Haan — but don’t let the brand scare you off.

It’s at Nordstrom Rack so it’s a great price!

Yes, I’m not a fan of hoods . . . . until I’m caught without one! But this one hides away in the collar. A big plus in my book!

Fits in a neat little zipper pouch that you can take with you for any surprise weather.

Woman wearing a beige hooded trench coat, blue jeans, and black ankle boots, shown from the front and back on a white background. The coat has a drawstring waist and long sleeves.

product image of a tube of Neutrogena 70 spf sun screen

Sunscreen — Non-Negotiable!

Do you know sunscreen expires, losing its efficacy?

Stock up now on my favorite sunscreen!!!

You younger gals, always have sunscreen on your hands when you head out doors (I so wish my mother had told me this)!!!

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

Five women's headshots with their signatures under the title: Shopping With Friends -- so much better than alone

Cindy – Reinvented Delaware

It’s always nice to refresh a room with a new rug, especially with one that reflects the season. These rugs, from Walmart, are a great price. I especially love the vintage look to these rugs.
In addition to a new rug, I found these beautiful curtains that are perfect for spring and summer. Each package contains two panels. While I love the green on beige floral pattern, there are other patterns available.
Taking care of my skin is one of my priorities. These products from Josie Maran are my “go-to” solution for skin care.
With the warmer weather, I am spending more time in my She-Shed! Here are some one gallon watering cans that caught my eye.

Lora – Lora Bloomquist

There’s nothing I hate more than planting up a beautiful outdoor container and having pests dig in them and wreck them right away. Sooo frustrating! This year, I sprayed THIS around the containers and on the non-edible plants. So far, so good; no ones messed with the pretty! (yes, it does have a bad odor-similar to vinegar, but it goes away)
Summer is the best time to give your outdoor furniture a refresh. Pick a non-windy day when the sun is hot, and definitely use one of THESE handles if you are spray painting. An inexpensive way to save your trigger finger and get a much smoother paint job.
I bought these cute red striped pillow covers for Christmas, but enjoyed them for Valentine’s too. Now I’m loving them for summer with patriotic flags and old quilts. They have white rick rack in the seam all around, and wooden buttons. The matching curtains are adorable, too; so farmhouse classic. 100% cotton and made by a small business. Find them HERE.
THESE small solar lights are great to use anywhere. They last all night, too. I popped them in my hanging porch baskets and tucked them into tabletop containers. I also want to put them into an old brass chandelier, once “we” take the electricity out. I love the shadows they cast around the yard and house on summer nights. They come in a set of 6; less than a dollar a piece!

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

I’m not someone who goes crazy with decorations for this holiday. What I will do are some things that aren’t necessarily “4th of July” decor but adds the touches of red to my already white and blue palette. You can read about how I decorate my home with vintage for the patriotic holidays HERE.

All of my finds this week are from Walmart!

If I did have a 2nd floor balcony or a railing around my porch, I would definitely be investing in bunting. That is one holiday decoration that I love.
I also found this wreath that I thought would look amazing on the front door and can last all summer long, not just on the 4th.
A red, white and blue pillow for my outdoor living room along with a cozy throw adds a patriotic vibe to the space.
If you on the lookout for a comfortable outfit to wear to a party, I loved this dress paired with a straw hat, a straw bag, and these wedge sandals.

Anna – Sky Lark House

Have you seen the latest Pioneer Woman products at Walmart? OMG! They are adorable and perfect for summer. Here are some of my favorite pieces, all at a very reasonable price.

The entire “Agatha” design exemplifies country charm. This butter dish for less than $11, this 12 piece set of plates for less than $54, and this coffee mug for less than $6 are selling quickly.