Weekly Wednesday Wish List #215

This week’s Wish List features a curated collection of summer ideas for your home, Christmas in July, delicious recipes, seasonal clothing, charming homes to visit, easy home DIYs, and lots more. Our lists have a little something for everyone.

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Welcome to Weekly Wednesday Wish List #215

We have so much to share, so let’s get right to it…

1. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Does something about your room seem a little off? It could just be that you need to add some symmetry. Whether on a sideboard, console table, or end tables, using a pair of matching lamps will the space and help the entire area feel pulled together.

2. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that I rarely splurge on a home decor item? I always do my best to shop at consignment/thrift stores, purchase items that are dupes for designer brands, or purchase items when on major sale. BUT – sometimes a room just calls for something special. A splurge is what was call for when I madeover my dining room and found the perfect splurge to complete the look that I was after.

3. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE:

We are slo-o-owly making progress at our new-to-us house, but this is by far my scariest, but most favorite purchase so far. I actually sought the advice of an interior designer friend to see if I was crazy for using it.

4. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND:

• Will you be hosting any outdoor gatherings while summer is still in full swing? This article is filled with ideas and inspiration for creative outdoor entertaining, from tablescapes, flower arrangements, signature beverages, to charming outdoor settings that feel relaxed yet thoughtfully styled.
• Speaking of entertaining. As I was unpacking our kitchen boxes at our new-to-us house, I came across the collection of tea cups and saucers that I inherited from my mom. I’ve always wanted to throw a tea party and thanks to this article, I no longer have an excuse not to.
• We just did this in two rooms at our house and I’m praying that we won’t regret it.
• Here’s one more reason to love watermelon (as if I needed one – haha).

5. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How should I decorate my kitchen counters so that they are stylish, yet functional and uncluttered? The answer is below!

6. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

• I just ordered these and can’t wait for them to get here so that I can have lamps made with them. Currently on sale!
• This little gadget is a workhorse when it comes to cleaning nooks and crevices.
• Save versus splurge for this bathroom staple.
• Quite possibly the prettiest kitchen towels I’ve ever seen. Plus free shipping!

• The perfect little table to tuck into a tight spot. Current $100 off!
• Currently on my kitchen counter.
• This would be so pretty above a bathroom vanity.
• If you have a shower curtain and a liner, do yourself a favor and get some of these.

7. WEARABLE STYLE: Every woman’s dream – a basic, black dress that can be dressed up or down. And it has pockets!

8. HOME HACK: Short on space in your kitchen? I sure am. Use small Command Hooks to hold pot holders on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door. Works like a charm!

9. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: Is it too early to talk about fall? One of my most popular fall porch decorating posts was when I used a lantern as a centerpiece in a fall planter. You guys loved it.

10. ANSWER TO THE READER QUESTION: The key to keeping countertops stylish without making them appear cluttered is to use just a few key items that are both pretty and useful—like canisters, or a utensil holder. Group them together in small clusters or on a tray and stick to a consistent color palette. Be sure to vary the heights and textures for visual interest.

1. Fall Decor…Without the Pumpkins Just Yet: If you’ve got the itch to start transitioning your home decor from summer to fall (if not, that’s ok too), there is a way to do it without the obvious pumpkins and plaid. In this post on the blog, I share some of my favorite ways to ease into the next season with soft textures, warm neutrals, vintage touches, and a few nature inspired details. It’s all about creating a seasonal shift that feels right and intentional.

2. Cozy Tip of the Week: To make your throw pillows look extra full and cozy, use an insert that’s 1–2 inches larger than your pillow cover. For example, a 20″ square cover should have a 22″ square insert. This gives your pillows that plump, high-end designer look with no sad, saggy corners.

3. Wednesday Wellness: Science recently confirmed what I’ve known all along…“Grandma Hobbies” like knitting, thrifting, crafting, gardening, and baking aren’t just good for the soul, they might actually help you live longer. One study says up to 8 years longer! So go ahead and don’t be shy embracing your cozy quirks. Rock that cardigan, sip that tea, and enjoy the slow life.

4. Recent Purchases That I Love:

• When fall and cozy come together, you get this throw pillow.
• I couldn’t resist grabbing this kitchen accessory…the retro style is so fun!
• Charming framed art under $12 that you can display all year long.
• The prettiest ceramic bowl that you’ll be shocked is from Walmart.

• This cozy quilted tote bag is coming on vacation with me.
• Oh, and the matching travel pouches are a must!
• I’ll be keeping my grandma hobbies going while sitting on the beach with this DIY kit.
• Because you can’t go on a summer vacation without a cozy coverup.

5. From My Kitchen to Yours: It’s been hot here and one of my family’s favorite ways to cool down is with a tall glass of homemade lemonade. I recently started making my own lemonade concentrate that we keep in the fridge. It’s sweet and tangy without all the artificial stuff (you know the ingredients you can’t pronounce) you find in store bought mixes. This concentrate is just fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and water. So simple and so refreshing! Plus, I created free printable gift tags that you can use to share a jar with neighbors or friends.

6. The Misconception & The Truth: There’s this misconception that in order to decorate for a new season, you need to completely overhaul your home. But the truth? You really don’t. A few swaps and/or additions are all it takes to usher in a new season. Think about a cozy throw pillow, a vase of branches snipped from your yard, or a candle burning in a seasonal scent. It’s the little details that create the feeling of a season, not a cart full of new decor.

7. Would You Rather: Leave your answers in the comment section, I’ll be sharing mine too!

• Sip Iced Tea on the Front Porch OR Lemonade in the Garden
• Spend a Sunny Afternoon Thrifting at Flea Markets OR Reading Under a Shady Tree
• Decorate With Seashells and Blue Tones OR Wildflowers and Vintage Vibes
• Walk Barefoot Through the Grass OR Cool off With Your Feet in the Lake

8. Make This With Me: I love displaying cut wildflowers in our home during the summer months, especially in simple glass or mason jars, but sometimes the stems need a little help staying upright. So, I made my own air dry clay flower frogs to help hold them in place. All you need is air dry clay (I used white) and a few basic tools. Roll the clay into a flat disc that fits the top of a small bowl or vase, then use a straw or skewer to poke holes where your flower stems will go. Let it dry for 24–48 hours, and you’ve got a handmade flower holder to help you arrange those fresh florals.

9. Weekly Motivational Quote: “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ~Helen Keller

10. The Weekly Sweep: I thought it might be fun to share a few simple housekeeping tasks that I’m working on this week to help our home feel extra cozy and cared for…

• Checking candles. Replacing any that are burned-out and cleaning dusty holders.
• Emptying the junk drawer. Tossing the takeout menus and mystery cords that no one knows what they go to.
• Running a cleaning cycle on the washing machine and the dishwasher.

My Would You Rather Answers: I would love to spend a sunny afternoon thrifting at flea markets, come home to sip iced tea on the front porch, take a walk barefoot through the grass, and then decorate with wildflowers and vintage vibes!

1. BEST OF THE BLOG: It’s hydrangea season! Keep Cut Hydrangeas From Wilting shares simple, proven tips to help your blooms stay fresh and beautiful longer, and 12 Easy Decorating Ideas You Can Do In Under 30 Minutes is a quick and inspiring read filled with simple ideas that make a big difference in your home. 5 Big Decorating Mistakes We All Make And How To Fix Them helps you spot common design slip-ups and shows you simple ways to correct them for a more beautiful, balanced home.

2.  AMAZON FINDS: See all my favorite new picks from Amazon

3. 5 DAYS TO BE A BETTER DECORATOR: Solve your 5 biggest decorating dilemmas for good and be more confident decorating your home. Go HERE to sign up for a free mini-course.

4. FABULOUS FINDS:

• I got 2 of these lumbar pillows on clearance for fall. LOVE!
• This handsome, solid wood hall table is a steal!
• These pretty curtains in various colors.
• Every room needs at least one drink table. This one is so handsome.

• This beautiful wood block throw is on sale.
• This beautiful glass-front cabinet with wooden doors. LOVE!
• This pretty citrus art is back in stock. I have and love.
• I love the colors of this summer-to-fall duvet set.

5. HOMES YOU WILL LOVE: Visit this dreamy white cottage in New Jersey and this stunningly collected home in Atlanta, Georgia. And then head over to Lake Forest to see this gorgeous, timeless home!

6. CURATED CLOSET: Sale! Sale! Sale! Everything’s on SALE! Summer through fall fashions.

• This white slub seater I just got- LOVE!
• These chinos in various colors.
• V-neck tee in a beautiful color.
• This pretty sweater I also got- LOVE!

• These tailored pajamas in various colors.
• This delicate crew neck animal print cardigan.
• This lovely damask blouse.
• This pair of comfy loafers.

7. FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS: What dessert or sweet treat is sold the most in July? What is the scientific word for a firefly’s light?

8. THIS AND THAT: If you ever struggle with decorating a room because you think something looks like it’s off but can’t say what, THIS will help. THIS home is so beautifully understated! To save the summer flavor of herbs, do THIS. THIS is the most fun club to start! And that’s THAT!

9. CULINARY CORNER: Crack Chicken Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup ranch dressing until smooth. Fold in 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon (reserve half), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1 cup), 1 cup diced green onions, and 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne). Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and remaining bacon. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

10. THE LAST WORD: You get the last word! What hobby would you like to learn? Leave your answers in the comments.

ANSWER TO #7: Ice cream is sold more than any other dessert or sweet treat in July. A firefly’s light is called bioluminescence. Now you know!

Enjoy Recent WWWs

Happy Wednesday, friends,