1) Think local when searching for the perfect host or hostess gift. Susie says, “Really anything is wonderful. I like to bring something local from where I live when visiting out of town. The farmer’s market is great for this. Some jam or honey by a local provider.” Share your gift ideas and read suggestions from others here.

2) We support Mary’s shed building efforts wholeheartedly. Dana offers her advice on finding recycled materials for construction. “While you’re looking for reclaimed materials, don’t forget farms and construction sites. There will almost always be a dump site nearby and you can get all kinds of wood and other materials.” Offer your own words of wisdom right here.

3) Even a brown thumb can manage a bit of mint. In fact, you may end up with more mint then you asked for. Here’s what Ali had to say about planting mint in her own garden, “Be careful putting mint in the ground, even inside a pot–I tried this with a 6-inch plastic pot a few years ago, and by the end of the summer had a patch of mint over two foot across, which spread even further the following year. I guess that it sent runners through the drainage holes? Fortunately, we drink a lot of juleps.” Check out Katie’s flourishing mint plant.

4) There are Pimm’s fans all over this blog! We like Ashley’s attitude towards the delicious drink. “Pimm’s isn’t just a summer drink! My partner and I drink Pimm’s year round, it is our favorite afternoon “is it too early to drink well this is classy and British and therefore acceptable” drink– think 4 PM on lazy Saturdays. There are as many variations of Pimm’s pitchers as there are… well… things there are a lot of. I’m a fan of Pimm’s, Lemonade, and a few cucumber wedges. Best sipped with someone you love, feet up, and chores ignored.”

5) It seems vintage Pyrex evokes feelings of nostalgia in all of us. VelocityJohn says, “I have such fond memories of that blue bowl with the folk pattern on it. We used that all the time to make chocolate chip cookies as a kid. Thanks for this great post.” Find out more about the Pyrex museum right here.

Photo by Agata Urbaniak