DIMPLES DIARY July 2024

Can you believe we’re already at the end of July? The summer has flown by, and I feel I have nothing to show for it.

But maybe it’s okay to do what you have to do or not do to simply “get by”, be as present as you can, and enjoy the little things in life without having much to show for our efforts.

For this month’s diary, I thought I’d share some of the little things that have made me happy this month. I want to leave you with a little encouragement if, like so many others right now, you’re feeling anxious about the future.

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HOMEMADE MILKSHAKES

I help transport three of my grandsons to The Boys & Girls Club most weekdays, but I try to pick one day every week to have them with me. On those days, they like to get treats at McDonalds or Dairy Queen, but that costs a lot of money.

But, one day, I remembered having vanilla ice cream at home and suggested we make homemade milkshakes (because we had already played mini-golf); it was an activity and a treat. I had forgotten this old-fashioned pleasure of “homemade.”

I don’t have a fancy blender or anything; we eyeball ice cream and milk into this blender/food processor combo I’ve had for years and blend it with whatever else they like. Did you know they have churro Oreos now? The kids loved choosing their own flavors by adding cookies or chocolate syrup. My favorite is a copycat of Arby’s orange cream milkshake.

I LOVE THESE APPS

I love the vintage art trend popular in decor right now. You can find lots of printable digital art on Etsy, making it affordable to download and make your own prints. However, a few weeks ago, when we went to my grandson’s 4-H shooting extravaganza at a conservation club, I took some landscape photos that I thought would make beautiful paintings.

I researched, and “there’s an app for that“! Actually, there are lots of them. But I looked at several and downloaded Brushstroke, Waterlogue, and Glaze. I can’t remember which one I used for the above photo, but they are all fun to play with.

LITTLE DIY’S MAKE ME HAPPY

I’ve used this little second-hand tray to corral my utensils, cooking oil, and salt & pepper for many years. Previously, I had painted and distressed the entire surface because I couldn’t get whatever paper lined the tray off the bottom.

This latest makeover was a last-minute decision. The paper started breaking down and causing a sticky mess, so I stripped it using CitriStrip and then added these peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. They are quite thick, and The Mister ended up helping me cut them with a utility knife.

I love the results!

THIS WEEKS OUTFITS

Click here for sizing information and to shop the entire outfit.

I collaborated with Coldwater Creek this month for their early fall preview, and I wasn’t expecting to like the clothes, but I honestly do, and so do LOTS of my Instagram followers. Every piece is so good, and now we’re all yearning for sweatshirts and jeans weather. The lightweight jeans are perfect for now, too.

And, if you’re a child of the seventies, you’ll dig that patchwork bag! Where are my purple hiphugger bellbottoms? 😉 (Click the link under the photo to check them out.)

Overalls (wearing 3X but could size down) || Similar Shirt (I wear a XXL) || Sneakers || Bag

I have some feminine overalls from an online boutique, but they are always out of stock in larger sizes, so I’ve been on the hunt for something similar because I’m asked about them every time I wear them. I shared this reel on Instagram this week with one pair I found that only went up to a size XXL. But the ones I’ve linked above are available in sizes up to 5X.

THE MISTER GOT A JOB

The new job is 100% commission in-home home improvement sales (thankfully, no cold calls), and that’s very scary for us. But we praise the Lord for His provision and trust that He’ll bless it since He’s brought us to it.

Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers during these many months of unemployment. Your continued prayers are appreciated too; we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

I don’t know if I always “waited well,” but I’ve had to lean extra hard on God. But aren’t we supposed to do that anyway?

I heard something in the last few months that I’ve tried to focus on: So often, when we pray through a challenge, we think the answer or solution is the prize. But we must realize that the prize is God with us the entire time!

Perhaps you are currently experiencing high anxiety, or you feel very unsettled because of your circumstances or upheaval around you. We’re all feeling it right now.

Please remember, the PRIZE, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, is with you. And He’s been in control all along.

Love you!