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10-5-24

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

(just like the NPR Politics podcast on Fridays- minus the “Politics or otherwise” disclaimer.

This blog is a publicly politics-free zone, so all musings will be “Otherwise“.)

How many times have we heard,

and repeated

Never say never!!!

Over the course of a month, I broke a really big “never”.

A group of stockings I said I would never make is live and well in this year’s collection!

I’m shocked! And I know you will know right away which group it is.

In fact, I state it up front and lead off the collection with it.

What can I say? Things change, we evolve.

And sometimes you stumble over a piece of fabric that tells you exactly what it wants to become, and no matter how hard you try to do something else with it, eventually you have to give in and let it live the life it was destined for.

I can’t wait to hear what you think!!!

On the Blog This Week

Truth: It’s been two weeks! Did you realize I missed you last weekend?

Yep, serious tech issues tied me up trying to get the Christmas stockings posted.

But yet, I persisted. And it eventually paid off.

Close-up of a hand holding a graham cracker sandwich filled with gooey, toasted pumpkin marshmallow and melted chocolate, resembling a s'more. The background is blurry, focusing attention on the appetizing treat.

Do you love ooey gooey too?

I shared how to make

And oh, are they ever delicious!!!

Nothing like the sad Jet Puff variety at Walmart.

And I included all kinds of different ways to use them.

Making them is very straight forward. I think it’s easier and faster to make batch of marshmallows than a batch of most cookies.

And the biggest, happiest share:

The 2024 Christmas Stocking Collection went live yesterday.

I love the creative process, but it is a huge job and the house is in a shambles for weeks!

(thank goodness The Hubs is so patient!!!)

Now to clean up the studio and start the production side of the business!

Three personalized Christmas stockings hang by a fireplace. The stockings are in shades of blue and white with buttons and fabric accents. A small plush puppy peeks from one stocking, and they are labeled with names: Willow, Carter, and Hannah.

Please jump over to the stockings and let me know what you think of the group I said I’d never make! And while you’re at it, let me know your favorites. It’s always so fun to see how well I guessed as to which groups will be the most popular.

TECH TIP:

Today I have a really simple tip for iPhone users that Android users were enjoying long before.

Remember, these tips are exclusive content for my creative community. 

They will be in the Saturday newsletter emails only 

(and sometimes in the FB and IG stories for my followers there).

It’s just one way I say “Thank you” to all those who support me time after time!

Don’t worry, you too, can become a House Mate!

Sharing From Around the Web

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

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!

It’s the first Saturday of the month — the day we take a shopping excursion together, you and me and some of my blogging friends! Let’s see what we found this week.

A plastic case of Azure Professional Artist Markers, featuring 24 dual-tip markers. The packaging shows an illustration of a modern interior space. The markers are alcohol-based and come with a colorless blender.

I’m thrilled that so many learned about the magic of alcohol ink markers! This set was so well-received, I’m sure there’s a lot of marker magic going around.

Image of a kitchen butane torch kit. The set includes a black torch with a blue flame, two red and white cans of butane fuel, and a product box labeled "Superior RX Refillable Butane Torch" with temperature details of 2370°F (1300°C).

The pumpkin marshmallow recipe post that I shared last week had me craving roasted marshmallows, but I didn’t have time and energy for the whole fire building thing.

Here’s the answer!

This kitchen torch is amazing! (there are cheaper ones, but I wanted a stable base and a solid safety lock, plus 2 bottles of butane).

Now toasted marshmallows in the blink of an eye to top a brownie, pumpkin pie, a hot beverage. You name it.

And it’s good for crafting too.


Am I the last person on the planet to give in and get a baking mat?

Anticipating all the holiday baking to come, I have treated myself.

Game Changer!

A person kneads dough on a silicone baking mat with measurement markings on a kitchen counter. A pink whisk is placed on the mat beside the dough. Rolls of similar mats are partially visible.

Three arms wearing different gold bangles are showcased on a white background. One bracelet features circular links, another is a smooth band, and the third has a twisted design. The text "Gold Bangles" is in the upper-left corner.

Speaking of treating myself, I have been wanting some new gold bangle bracelets (The Hubs didn’t get the hint for my birthday).

So I’m ordering a couple for myself.

Look at this one, and this one and this one. All from the same Etsy shop!


Have you heard of the Invation self-inflating mattress on expanding legs?

These are the BEST for a temporary guest room.

I borrowed one during the ’23 Summer and planned to buy our own for the holidays.

Yikes! I waited too long and had to settle on a standard floor inflatable. Lynn made the same mistake.

Our advice: Order now from Target, or Amazon or, QVC, or Bed Bath & Beyond!

You won’t regret it!!!

An inflatable air mattress with built-in legs, elevated off the ground. The surface is quilted and appears soft, supported by several metal legs. The mattress is set up for use.

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

Cindy – Reinvented Delaware

Hubby and I have been walking in the evenings and it’s time to get some new walking gear! Getting new sneakers motivates me to keep walking!

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

Fall is such a perfect time of year. Warmish days and cool nights. Fireplace and Hot Chocolate Weather.

  • I was at my daughter’s house this week in Dallas. (It’s not fall here) Her little guy is sick and I came to help out so she could return to work. I broke one of the bowls they got as a wedding present just a few years ago. When I went to replace it, I found it was on sale. Everybody loves a sale and so I bought some for her and some for me. These bowls are perfect for chili, mac n’ cheese, and every kind of soup. They also have the cutest plate in the collection for soup and sandwich (It’s also on sale).
  • I saw the cutest little turkey’s at Target and I’m going to figure out a way to use them on my Thanksgiving table.
  • My favorite pants from Quince for fall and winter cozy wear are back in stock. They sell out fast so grab your pair now. I promise you they are the softest lounge pants I’ve ever owned.
  • I pair the lounge pants with a cozy long slouch sweater. My daughter Emma gave it to me for Christmas and I’m not sure where she got it but HERE is one just like it.

Anna – Sky Lark House

These are my favorite finds for the month.

  • I went into Target the other day and fell in love with this white shearling pumpkin pillow. It’s a subtle nod to Halloween and it’s only $10.
  • Similarly, these Halloween earrings were adorable and the set is $8. How can you go wrong?
  • These cute little pumpkin shaped candles add a warm glow to any corner and smell amazing. This $10 glass candle comes in a variety of fall colors.
  • This gold raven was added to the fall display in my front entryway. It’s a great find for $5.
  • Since I am usually wearing my hair up, this gold wavy claw hair clip was a great find. I like that metal hair clip dresses up any outfit. The best part is the $5 price tag.

Lora – Lora Bloomquist

  • I bought this bark edged cake plate on a whim, and it’s honestly become one of my favorite accessories. It adds beautiful height to any accessory and I love it’s rustic texture in the dining room hutch. It also looks beautiful with a freshly baked Caramel Apple Cake for Fall parties. Find a similar cake plate HERE.
  • It’s time to switch up the porch to Fall! I’m pulling out all my thrifted plaid blankets and switching up the outdoor pillow covers. THESE cute pumpkin covers add a whimsical touch, and coordinate so well with the plaid ones I got last summer. (find similar ones HERE)
  • THESE preserved leaves are the best for Fall decor. I got my first bunch at a floral warehouse decades ago. I’ve been using them for years in all the different colors. I cut them up in bunches and stick them in anything and everything. I love the real touch texture. Beautiful with dried hydrangeas and cornstalks, too.
  • Have you ever heard of faux bois? It’s a French word that means fake wood. It’s when an item is made with an imitation wood grain on any medium. I’ve noticed I’m drawn to the organic vibe of vintage pieces that are faux bois. This year’s Fall hutch features several pottery pieces with this texture. Peruse vintage faux bois pottery pieces HERE. (yes, you can blame me if you start a new collection;)

I hope you enjoy your weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,

As I said before, I would love to know what you honestly think of “that group of stockings”, and which are your favorites.

Please do me the huge favor of pinning any (or all) of the stocking groups and sharing them on your socials. Making and selling these stockings is a way for me to help feed our hungry neighbors, but also is my main source of income for all the bills that come with living this joy-filled life.

Smiling face of Diane under a signature that reads: With My Merry Best, Diane

2 Comments

  1. CoCo

    I always learn so much from these monthly posts, Diane. It’s fun to see what you guys are discovering and I always appreciate that you share so we can discover something new too. I can’t wait to dive into all your links. Big hugs, CoCo

    Reply
    • Diane

      Oh, that’s so great to know CoCo. Thanks bunches!

      Reply

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