Hey friends! Welcome to this week’s Mitten Moments. This is my space where I pause to reflect on life’s simple joys, meaningful moments, and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re here for inspiration, connection, or just a quiet moment to yourself, I’m so glad you’re here!
“Breathe in the serenity of lavender and exhale the worries of the day.” – Unknown
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My Personal Moments
- A local lavender festival was the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends. We were surrounded by the scent of fresh lavender, handmade goods, lavender drinks, friendly alpacas, and a sweet treat of lavender and lemon donuts.
- I learned something new this week. Did you know some states offer “sales tax holidays” during back-to-school season? It’s a great time to stock up on school supplies, clothing, and even tech items without paying the extra tax! Sadly, Michigan has yet to implement this holiday, however, you can check the complete listing of states that have, by simply checking online.
- If you’re a true crime junkie like me, the new documentary on Netflix, Amy Bradley is Missing, is definitely worth the watch. It follows the story of Amy Bradley who went missing in March of 1998 on a Caribbean cruise with her family. Based on multiple people who believe they have come in contact with her over the years, and FBI involvement, the hope is this new documentary will bring new clues to her disappearance. It’s only 3 episodes and an easy binge.
- The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware is on my list to read. I enjoyed her book The Woman in Cabin 10 , so I thought I’d give her new novel a try. The Woman in Suite 11 follows the same character Lo Blacklock. In this new book, Lo is older, a mom of two, and trying to restart her career as a travel journalist. While she’s no longer on a cruise ship, she’s once again drawn into a high-stakes mystery, only this time at a luxury hotel on Lake Geneva.
Recently on the Blog
Have you had the chance to do some traveling, this summer? Every summer, my family heads to our favorite little town in northern Michigan. It’s become a tradition we look forward to all year long! If you missed my post, Leland & Fishtown: A Hidden Gem on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, you can read all about how special this small slice of the Mitten is!
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for hydrangeas. How about you? If you love them too and wish there was a way to preserve their beauty, I recently shared how you can do just that! My post How to Dry Hydrangeas for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide equips you with all the information you need to keep those beautiful blooms beyond their growing season.
Motivation Monday / Wednesday’s Word
This Week’s Top Picks
Walmart is running some great sales this week, and I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite finds to share with you.
I use my Dutch oven all the time. With fall around the corner and all the good soup and chili that will be consumed by my family, I picked up another one. This Lodge Cast Iron 5.5 qt. makes a great addition to my kitchen must-haves.
Need more storage? This Better Homes and Garden Rounded Arch Cabinet is stylish and has a great price point.
Wait until you see this outdoor rattan loveseat!
A Few of My Favorite Moments
Is there anything better than a yummy dessert. Yvonne from StoneGable shared her Strawberry Lemon Pound Cake With Lemon Glaze. My granddaughters love strawberries and I’m a big fan of anything lemon. I’ll definitely be making this for their next visit!
I like entertaining and the summertime is no exception. I picked up some great ideas for my next gathering from Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms. She shared her Sunflower Brunch Table Setting and Menu Idea. So many good options in one post!
And Now…
Here are some other WONDERFUL moments I found:
This vintage and antique glassware guide
These 15 blackberry recipes for a sweet-tart taste of summer
This charming new build designed to look 100 years old
These 15 books to read that are set in England
amazon
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If you enjoy the home decor, DIY projects, and cozy finds I share here on the blog, you can find many of my favorite items in my Amazon storefront. Shopping through my storefront is a wonderful way to support Cottage in the Mitten, and it means so much to me. Thank you so much for being here and following along!
Until Next Time!
There you have all the moments for this week! Thanks so much for stopping by to spend a little time with me this week. I hope something here brought you a bit of inspiration or a smile.
Until next time! Have the best week ahead and remember to look for the simple, amazing moments throughout your day!
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Raised Bed Trellises: Maximize Your Garden Space
Unleash the vertical potential of your raised garden beds with trellises! Let’s explore different trellis options, from easy DIY designs to beautiful pre-made structures. Get inspired today!
Kim thanks so much for sharing my glassware guide, that was so nice of you. Looks like youre having an amazing summer!
You’re welcome, Ann! The summer has been fab, so far!
Kim, thank you so much for featuring my Strawberry Lemon Poundcake. I hope you make it. xo
I will definitely be making it! Be blessed, Yvonne!
The peachy onion dip is on my list to try! Sounds so different but so good!
Doesn’t that sound amazing! Let me know what you think!
Happy Sunday Kim,
The lavender festival sounds lovely. A few years ago my husband and I visited the Pelindaba lavender farm on San Juan Island and the scent, the buzz of the bees and all of the wonderful treats, soaps, etc that they made were amazing.
Thank you for sharing my English book list!
It was a really lovely day! So many good lavender items to enjoy!
Lavender fest was so much fun. Thanks for inviting me. I really want to try that strawberry lemon poundcake. That looks absolutely delicious. I’m thinking that it might be a great addition to my ladies’s tea party in September. What do you think?
Oh, yes! That would be yummy! Maybe I will make it and bring!