Weekly Wednesday Wishlist #254

Welcome to the Weekly Wednesday Wishlist. We’ve entered Blackberry Winter here in NC. I’ll give you ten jelly beans if you know what that is. Leave me a comment!

In this edition, you’ll find easy ideas to help you beautify your life and your home. There’s a simple decorating tip for creating a warm and inviting entry, a helpful reminder for keeping spring dirt and pollen at bay, and a gentle encouragement to pause and reflect on the good in each day. You’ll also discover timeless home finds, easy wearable pieces for the season ahead, and a practical answer to a reader question about pulling a room together with ease.

I hope this Wishlist inspires you to enjoy the beauty of the season and the small touches that make your home feel cared for and welcoming.

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1. MAY DAY: May 1st is May Day, a tradition that dates back centuries and includes leaving little baskets of flowers and treats on a neighbor’s door. My May Day baskets made from scrapbook paper are the perfect way to celebrate!

2. COZY TIP OF THE WEEK: As we head into the warmer months and the patriotic holidays approach…remember that red, white, and blue doesn’t have to mean flags and banners. Think red geraniums, a stack of white ironstone dishes, a blue pitcher filled with wildflowers. When you pull from what you already own in those three colors, the result feels more personal and intentional than any seasonal decor from the store.

3. AMAZON FINDS: Shop cozy finds I’m loving on Amazon.

4. LITTLE THINGS I’M LOVING:

• I grabbed a bunch of these faux blueberry stems that I’ll be putting in this basket.
• This milk glass pendant is GORGEOUS.
• I tossed all of our plastic cooking utensils last year and replaced them with this wooden set…now on major sale.
• How cool is this shell pillar candle holder!

• This coir doormat and this one too are the perfect way to create a cozy cottage entrance.
• Bought and love this flower arrangement. This one is so beautiful too.
• Stay cool in the summer heat by making your own homemade ice cream. So easy and delicious.
• Love this pint sized ice cream storage container and these ice cream bowls.

5. FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS: These strawberry lemon cupcakes with strawberry filling are bright, fresh, and have a little surprise in the middle. They’re great for a Mother’s Day brunch or a summer BBQ.

6. UPDATING MY WARDROBE:

• The coziest, oversized v-neck t-shirts I’ll be wearing on repeat.
• Love the style and fit of these shorts.
• This tank top is so pretty with the subtle ruffle trim detail.
• Pair this bucket hat with it for the perfect summer outfit.

• As soon as I saw this cardigan, I knew I had to have it!
• Yup, I had to have this top too.
• Love the color and print of this dress. I cannot believe it’s less than $20.
• The pleated waist on this comfy dress is beyond flattering.

7. MAKE THIS WITH ME: Skip the powdered mix and make my easy homemade lemonade concentrate with sugar, water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest instead. You can whip up a pitcher (or glass) anytime that lemonade craving strikes.

8. OVER ON THE ‘GRAM: Don’t change the wreath on your front door, do this instead.

9. WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: “Take care of your character in the home, for what we are there, we really are.” ~Charles Spurgeon

10. PRINTABLE WALL ART: Download, print, and frame this collection of 15 free Americana printable wall art designs to add summer charm to your home without spending a thing.

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1. FAVORITE STYLING MOMENT: Every time I enter the living room from the foyer, I marvel that the sweet bird painting, above the chair, is a paint by number. It was gifted to me by my sister-in-law. The level of detail is incredible!

2. EASY DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK: Refresh your front door with a seasonal wreath made of greenery or florals. A welcoming entry sets the tone for your whole home.

3. DID YOU KNOW: Did you know that placing a doormat both outside and inside your door can trap significantly more dirt and pollen during spring months? It’s a small change that keeps your home cleaner.

4. FAVORITE RECENT PURCHASE: Citrus decor is all the rage right now and Michael’s has a wonderful collection. I’ve purchased multiple items for my own home. I just noticed that the collection is currently on clearance, so get it while it’s still available!

Find all of my purchased and loved decorating, gadget, and organizing favorites HERE .

5. LOVELY LIVING AND BEYOND: Make space for gratitude. Pause for a moment at the end of the day and reflect on something good that happened.

6. READER QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “What’s the easiest way to make a room feel more pulled together?” See #10 for the answer!

7. WEEKLY AWESOME FINDS:

• With its soft ocean blue tone and graceful shape, this ceramic vase brings a calm, collected feel to any space.
• Scalloped edges give this hamper a soft, tailored look, making everyday storage feel just a bit more special.
• Clean lines and a simple shape give this piece a timeless look that works beautifully in just about any space.
• A classic chinoiserie pattern gives this temple jar a collected, timeless feel that adds charm to any shelf or tabletop.

• A beautiful way to keep things tucked away, this raffia storage box adds natural texture while still feeling polished and timeless.
• Tassel trim adds just the right touch of charm to this outdoor pillow, bringing in texture while still feeling classic and inviting. 
• Rich texture and a hand-knotted finish give this wool rug a classic look that brings warmth and depth to any room.
• Soft greenery and delicate blooms give this wreath a fresh, welcoming look that feels right for every season.

8. WEARABLE STYLE:

• An effortless option for everyday wear, this dress keeps things simple, comfortable, and easy to style.
• A wide brim and natural texture make this Bora Bora hat a timeless choice for sunny days and easy outdoor style.
• Polished with a relaxed feel, this dress is an easy way to look refined without giving up comfort.
• Woven raffia and tassel details give these mules a relaxed, classic look that’s easy to wear all season long.

• Perfect for laid-back days, this shirt has an easy feel that’s comfortable, simple, and ready for anything on your schedule.
• A classic statement, these goldtone doorknocker earrings add just the right touch of shine to finish any outfit.
• Clean and classic, this top has an easy, refined look that works for both everyday wear and dressier moments.
• Tie-shoulder details and a classic silhouette give this midi dress a pretty, easygoing feel that’s perfect for warm days.

9. HOME HACK: Give your front door a quick wipe every few days. Spring pollen builds up fast. A simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps your entry looking fresh and welcoming with very little effort.

10. ANSWER TO READER QUESTION (#5):  Focus on repetition. Repeat a color, texture, or material in a few places around the room. This creates a sense of unity and makes everything feel intentional. Read this post for even more info.

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1. BEST ON THE BLOG THIS WEEK:

• Natural Cleaning Hacks Using Everyday Ingredients For A Cleaner, Healthier Home
• 5 Big Mistakes We All Make And How To Fix Them

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

3. 5 DAYS TO BE A BETTER DECORATOR: In just 5 days, you can tackle your biggest decorating issues and get unstuck! I’ll show you how. Sign up HERE.4. THIS AND THAT: See what decor trends are fading, read THIS. Get ready for summer with THIS little sneak peek. If you love dishes on the wall, THIS has pretty ideas and how-tos. Get 35 ideas for small foyers, read THIS. Get ideas for decorating with THIS color and THIS one, too. THAT‘s all!

5. FABULOUS FINDS:

• If you love blue and white, you will LOVE this gorgeous ceiling light.
• These handsome solar path lights. LOVE!
• This architectural garden element and this woven planter on sale.
• This beautiful green-and-white lightweight block-print quilted throw.

• This set of two outdoor rockers with cushions. LOVE!
• Collect beautiful vases that can be filled or stand on their own. This one is stunning, and this one, too.
• LOVE this batter-operated scone– just got two!

6. BEAUTIFUL HOME TOURS AND MORE: Visit this beautiful home in Michigan that blends classic style with romantic details, and then take a tour of several southern homes deeply rooted in southern style. Make sure to check out this warm and inviting home in Florida. If you like color, you will love this Virginia home.

7. What is the life expectancy of a sofa? What is the most popular color to decorate with?

8. CURATED CLOSET:

• This patriotic sweater (unisex), perfect for celebrating our 250th- in various colors
• This beautiful, feminine convertible-shoulder top-on sale.
• ,My favorite summery three-quarter sleeve tee in assorted colors- on sale.
• LOVE these stretch Bermuda chino shorts and this skort– 50% off.

• This pretty ruffled shell.
• This sweet summery maxi skirt, perfect for summer- in lots of colors.
• This pair of adorable summer high-rise, wide-leg ankle pants.
• This pair of woven slip-in shoes.

9. CULINARY CORNER: One Pan Monterey Chicken Orzo: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish. Add 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs, 16 oz sour cream, 2½ cups chicken stock, 5 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper; whisk smooth. Stir in 3 cups torn fresh spinach (or 10 oz thawed frozen spinach), 16 oz dry orzo, 2 cups rotisserie chicken, and 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well. Top with remaining 1½ cups cheese and 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions. Cover; bake 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. THE FINAL WORD: It’s the perfect time to plant your outdoor pots. Consider a simple red, white, and blue color palette to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a fresh, pretty way.

ANSWER TO #7: The life expectancy of a sofa is 7-15 years. Most sofas can only handle 728 sitters and 1,663 spills. The most favorite color to decorate with is white. Now you know.