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Home Again (and Already Packing!)
After two extensions, I’m finally home from DC!
(And boy did the deer feast while I was gone —
who am i kidding? They feast when I’m home too!)
The nursery transformation was a very long process,
but the results are so wonderful.
And all that time with the grandbabies has filled my heart so full!
Keep an eye out for nine (yes, nine!) blog posts
covering every step of turning a home gym
into a fresh, light nursery filled with whimsy and X’s and O’s.
Now I’m on to the next adventure:
getting ready for our first overseas trip in many years.
So, seasoned travelers, I have a burning question:
Can I really cram 10 days into one carry-on?
Have you done it? Would you do it again?
Leave a comment and tell me everything!
On the Blog
Those nursery posts are on their way. In the meantime, here are a few October favorites:
Surprisingly Simple DIY Witch Hat Decor
It starts with a basket. No sewing, and it’s more boho than spooky!
Creepy, Spooky Tree for Halloween
Got a tree that didn’t survive the summer? Give it a second (after)life.
Give Guests the Hotel Treatment
Luggage is on my mind, so here’s the folding luggage rack I made for our guest room.
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!
Remember the incredible deal I scored on our daughter’s duo dream stroller? Yes, the one with the electric assist!!!. I returned to this amazing site hoping to find the perfect Christmas present for our two precious grands.
I was NOT disappointed!!!
Pops and DeeDee are giving our grands this play kitchen in cream that is almost as adorable as our little ones.
This one has even more storybook charm (but we loved the “full” size fridge in the above kitchen and it is going to look great against a small wall between their “real kitchen”. and the dinner table.
But truly if they had more room, I would love this freestanding fridge, plus this stove and sink, and even this laundry set up. Doesn’t laundry deserve to be fun too?
And of course every little chef needs an apron, chef’s hat and mitts. I love these sets!
And if you have the room, how about a full corner coffee shop?
I sent word of the kitchen to our other adult kids with a list of six links if they might want to gift the girls any of the accessory sets.
The oldest son went to look at them two hours later. His first choice was already sold out!! So he quickly ordered all five of the others for all the aunts and uncles to split amongst them.
Do NOT wait on these!!!
Our littles will totally enjoy their placesettings to serve up meals for four.
They have a small set of wooden food that the 2 year old loves to cut with the wood knife by slicing through the velcro.
After six months, this has not lost any fascination, and she now enjoys putting the food back together in interesting combinations.
I know the toddler will love making sandwiches of bread and meat for their dad and uncles! Plus meals including vegetables and fruit and even a whole cutting set with knife block.
It feels so good to have this most important gift of the holidays already purchased and on its way..
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
Have you started adding new pieces to your fall wardrobe? I’m working on it! Adding a few new pieces helps to keep my closet fresh! Here are some of my favorite finds from Walmart. They have really improved their womens clothing department in the last few years! And the prices can’t be beat! Click the links to shop!
- Sweaters are a must for fall and winter. This button-up cardigan sweater is mostly cotton, so it will stay breathable while keeping me cozy. The rich brown color will look beautiful with so many outfits. The same brand makes a henley-style long-sleeve sweater. It has a touch of spandex so it’s sure to keep its shape. I’m going with the navy color for fall! Before I forget, be sure to check out these cashmere sweaters from Quince. The price is unbeatable. I own several colors but this year I’m adding the Burgundy Cashmere V-neck and the True Navy Crewneck.
- A few years ago, I found my favorite jeans. Seriously, these are so classic, and the fit is perfect. The dark blue wash straight-leg jeans are a staple in my closet. This year, I’m adding Coffee Roast Brown to my wardrobe.
- New jammies are a treat, aren’t they? This fall I’m choosing these soft pink bamboo pajamas to stay cozy. I’m also grabbing these long sleeve Henley style pajamas for the cooler nights of fall.
- A new jacket for staying warm while I running errands is a must. Would you choose the Navy Drawstring Waist Jacket or the Coffee Brown Drawstring Waist Jacket for your wardrobe? Did I mention they are on clearance for only $15 each? Maybe I should grab both! That way I can grab these adorable new leather shoes too!
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
In between raindrops I’ve been working on getting my garden cleaned up. Most of my veggie garden is done for the season, and some of my flowers are starting to look pretty sad. And of course there are leaves everywhere. I filled up our yard waste bin last week, and I’m sure I will again this week. I want to share some of my favorite tools for working in the yard in fall.
- Good water-resistant gloves are great to have when you’re working in gardens that have damp foliage and dirt. These are the best gloves I’ve ever had.
- Raking leaves in our yard is a massive chore. I have an adjustable rake that I love because I can get into narrow areas along with making it wide for open areas. I also have a lawn sweeper in my cart because I’m hoping it will make the job a little easier.
- When cleaning up my beds, I use my clippers to trim things up and cut things down before trying to pull out the spent plant. I have two that are my favorite. One I use for plants that are easy to cut down and another one for plants with larger stalks.
- Fall is also the time when I plant my bulbs while I’m cleaning up the beds. I use an auger that I attach to my cordless drill to dig the holes for my bulbs. Once they are planted I cover the soil with blood meal to keep the squirrels from digging them up.
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- Whenever the leaves outside begin to change, I love to bring out my rusty metal leaves to scatter around. They add such great texture to my decor. You can find similar ones HERE.
- Sadly, sandal season has come to an end. But I’m not sad when I can pull on THESE cute, ruffly gingham socks in fun Fall colors. I always get compliments 🙂
- It’s been just chilly enough to pop on a vest, and THIS soft plaid version has been a favorite. Think I need to get another in a fall-ish color. Wear a long sleeve T or a light sweater underneath with jeans for a classic, everyday Fall look.
- Next week is Amazon’s Fall Prime Days (Oct 6, 7) It’s a great time to start Christmas shopping or get stocked up on the basics (find all my favorites HERE). If you’re not a Prime Member, now’s a great season to start. We love that the video streaming service is included and free shipping has spoiled me…especially since gas is expensive! You can sign up now and get the Prime Member specials that usually start early: Sign Up HERE.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Anna is not able to join us this month. But she’ll be back with us for November.
One More Thing to Make You Smile
While I’ve been debating how much I can pack,
the bears of Katmai National Park in Alaska have been packing it on.
Fat Bear Week wrapped up Tuesday, and this year’s champion is Bear 89, better known as Backpack. He earned the name as a cub by climbing onto his mama’s back.
And that mama, Holly, won the crown herself in 2019.
A champion named Backpack, the very week I’m trying to go carry-on only? I’m taking it as a sign.
Meet Backpack here.
Did You Miss This Week’s TECH TIP?
This week’s email included a quick TECH TIP every traveler
should set up before leaving home.
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you can subscribe below, plus receive my Creative’s Toolkit.
Wishing you a week full of joy and a little adventure!
