Random thoughts on an exhilarating, stupefying, scintillating, full of joy Monday morning:
1. Did you miss me? Thank you SO MUCH for all the sweet e-mails and messages when Thistlekeeping didn’t go live Saturday morning. I was at a blogging conference called Haven and I talked and laughed and giggled and chatted myself right out of my voice.
Seriously y’all.
I was scheduled to speak 3 times at the conference and my voice had left the building.
So I rested and whispered and drank tons of hot tea and found some cough drops and was able to speak at all my sessions.
2. We celebrated Christmas last week on the blog. We talked about:
- 17 Christmas tree decorating ideas
- how to repurpose last year’s Christmas decor
- 7 DIY Christmas wreaths
- how I store all my Christmas stuff
3. We are listening to the BEST audiobook right now. It’s called The Cuckoo is Calling by Robert Galbraith (who is secretly JK Rowling).
It’s SO GOOD and it has me on the edge of my ear.
4. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but we should all be drinking more water. Seriously. I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to keep off the weight.
Here’s a great resource for diffused water recipes.
And now?
Here are all the fun finds I discovered for us this week.
Let’s GO.
Have you seen this pantry?
It’s next LEVEL.
Take the pantry tour (with all the organizing ideas) here.
Three reasons to celebrate summer.
I only needed one.
These beautiful centerpieces.
This amazing cottage garden.
I so wish I had this garden and a cup of coffee.
You can take the entire tour here.
Furniture painting tips from one of my favorite furniture painters on the planet.
This stool is so much cuter now.
In random news:
This pretty living room
This budget kitchen makeover (look how she added a window seat)
This beautiful studio
The trailer for Persuasion (it’s so good)
These chocolate chip cookie brownies
This beautiful kitchen
10 ways to make your home feel more finished
How to make your window look cuter
These brownie mix crinkle cookies
This beautiful blue and white bedroom
This balcony idea
And this.
This island home is so pretty and it reminded me of this simple tip I shared last year to decorate for free that I think I need to do again today.
And one more for the road
Water.
Water.
Oh, wait. Water.
Here are 10 water infusion recipes (and a fun way to drink more water).
That dining room/balcony addition is amazing.
Karianne, YES!, you were missed! : ) Glad your voice made it through the conference.
KariAnne, as a classroom teacher, I would often lose my voice, particularly at the beginning of the school year. A friend who sings professionally recommended slippery elm lozenges, and they helped tremendously. You can find them in most health food stores. I am happy to hear that you had such a fun weekend!
So sad to miss Haven this year! We were in MN to see our middle- covered in mosquito bites but worth it! I am so happy to see clip of Persuasion! I was a wee bit judgy when i saw lead actress! It looks adorable! Happy Day!!!
I always miss my Thistlekeeping post but, I am so glad you were able to go and that you made it ok with your voice. Thank you and take care of yourself.
I love the links you post. The trailer led me to a movie I cant wait to watch. The 10 ideas to make your home feel finished was great. It points out the negative way a lot of us view our homes. It;s easy to compare and fall short in our own eyes. Thanks for your lovely blog.
Yes, you were missed! The balcony addition/home reno was stunning!! Thank you for all these goodies!!! xoxo
KariAnne, I'm glad you had a successful (voice) experience and a wonderful time. I'm also glad to see you back here, knowing all is well with you!
Beautiful shares! I need to drink more water! Going to try some of these shares! I missed Haven I was exposed to Covid and had to quarantine. Thank God my family and I are fine! But I think I felt more sick about Missing Haven Lol! Glad you got your voice back! I lose my voice often!
More water....I'm trying to drink more. It's hard if all you do all day is run to the potty:0) Loved the Island home. Saved the painting of the stool for later help. Glad you got your voice back for Haven. I bet you were a joy to listen to and learn from.
Thank you Kari I am very late responding. But know that I enjoyed it. As always
I’m always looking for my great next read so thanks for the book recommendation! I’m so interested in the infused water recipes too. Glad you had so much fun at Haven that you lost your voice!!!
My husband and I enjoyed the Persuasion movie; it was a fun adaptation. Those chocolate chip brownies sound delicious! I’ll have to bake a batch once the weather cools down a bit.
Haven is at the same time as my birthday and anniversary so I haven't gone before. But after seeing how much fun you ladies all had, I may need to change my plans for next year. Thank you so much for featuring my cottage garden tour KariAnne.
Thanks so much for sharing my dish collection! Love you sweet friend!!