Home » Style Scouting

Style Scouting: Vol. 221

ByDiane Henkler

Thanks for stopping by for this week’s Style Scouting. My Sunday post where I share the random stuff that captured my attention or inspired me that I found online.

DIY clear bottle candle table centerpiece for Christmas dinner table setting.
Christmas Table Setting Using Repurposed Items

I am sure you know the saying…. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” right? Well, over the past 9 days I have been saying…. “Baby it’s cold INSIDE”.

A few days after Thanksgiving, Ed and I noticed that the house felt chillier than normal, but thought it was just because the weather did get colder outside.

Then when we woke up the next morning the indoor temp displayed on the thermostat was 52, we knew the heat pump that heats the first floor of the house was not working.

Long story short, we have been without heat since then. The HVAC techs have been here 3 times telling us it is fixed after they left each time. The most recent fix was on Friday and same thing…. still not fixed. Brrrrrr!!!

Having the heat not working while at the same time the ceilings are getting redone has taken out a little bit of the cozy feeling I like to create in the house this time of year.

The only thing keeping us from freezing is that our house has two zones/heat pumps. The second floor unit is working fine so it is keeping the second floor a bit too warm since it is cranked up and the main floor from getting unbearably cold.

That and wearing lots of layers, cozy warm socks while snuggled under a big fur throw as I write this is keeping me warm.

I am hoping that by early next week, the HVAC techs can figure out what the real problem is and fix it.

Hope you are staying cozy and warm.

Posts You May Have Missed This Week:

Decorating

A beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home decked for the holidays in all its “traditional with a twist” finery! (open in same tab)

A pretty and cozy home decorated for Christmas. (open in same tab)


It seems many are not loving this year’s Pantone color of the year. I understand why they chose it. I am OK with it as I do use the color as an accent in my home. (open in same tab)

DIY

These crafty Christmas ornaments made by repurposing items are so clever.(open in same tab)

If you like cottage, vintage and country Christmas decor, you will enjoy browsing through this Christmas Decor magazine online. (open in same tab)

This beautifully decorated floral Christmas tree. (open in same tab)

A creative holiday use for some of those Amazon boxes. (open in same tab)

Food

Both of these holiday dips look so good and great to make when entertaining or just for yourself. (open in same tab)

These Bow-Tie Antipasto Bites are dressed to impress for Christmas. (open in same tab)


Extra chewy molasses cookies. Oh yum. (open in same tab)

Yum! This Cranberry Orange Focaccia! (open in same tab)

Watching & Reading

So happy that a new season of Darby & Joan starts on December 30th. (open in same tab)

Ed and I enjoyed and just finished watching A Man On The Inside on Netflix. Have you seen it? (open in same tab)

I usually read thrillers, mysteries and historical fiction, but in December I always like to read books with a cozy Christmas setting (open in same tab) or that take place in bookshops or in a small town setting. (open in same tab)

Out & About

When I always enjoy seeing the holiday store window displays in NYC. (open in same tab)

Fun & Interesting

Visualize the popularity of your name over the years. (open in same tab)

Another reason to take a walk daily. (open in same tab)


How to take a great nap. (open in same tab)

Something to Think About


8 Days to Schedule each month to escape the daily grind. (open in same tab)

If the holiday season is making you feel stressed, this may help. (open in same tab)

About Christmas…. “We count down the days just to experience it nearly exactly as we always have. It is so comfortable, familiar and perfectly nostalgic that, frankly, we have no desire to improve upon it at all.” – Joanna Gaines

Oh… So Stylish Finds

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you enjoy these posts – You can find past Style Scouting posts here.

And… If you’re catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign-up to get my newest posts via email to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on the blog and more.

Would you like to save this post?

Enter your email below and I’ll send it to you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


12 Comments

  1. Oh Diane, as my mom used to say “it never rains but it pours”. Hopefully this trying time will soon be a memory to look back on, from the comfort of your warm house with new ceilings! I’m listening to your Spotify Christmas playlist right now, it’s great. We so enjoyed Man on the Inside, I wish there were more shows like that.

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Linda – It sure seems to be pouring at my house. I didn’t mention that we also had septic problems and needed a new toilet that was leaking. I agree with you that I wish there were more good shows like Man on the Inside. I find I like a few of the shows on Acorn TV. Signora Volpe and Darby and Joan. Have you watched either of these? I am listening to the playlist as I write this an do add new songs when I find ones I like. Hope you have a very happy holiday season.

      Reply

  2. Oh geez, hope that gets fixed very soon for you. The last half of 2024 has certainly held some unexpected events for you to keep things interesting to say the least!

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Holly – Yes it has been quite and interesting time. Since the hurricane it seems. :-(. But I am trying to stay positive and looking at the good things like finally getting the popcorn ceilings removed and more. The HVAC company can’t get back until next Monday since they keep telling us it is a busy time right now. It has gotten warmer outside so that has helped a lot.

      Reply

  3. Wow, hang in there, Diane! You’ve had a lot happen in the last two months!! Thanks for taking us along somehow; I enjoy your blog.

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Jackie – Thanks I am staying positive. :-).

      Reply

  4. Man on the Inside is one of the best shows in a long time. So good! Thank you, as always, for the work you put into your Sunday emails. Always so enjoyable!

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Lisa – I hope it is not too long for the next season of Man on the Inside to come on. It was very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for reading and enjoying my posts. :-)

      Reply

  5. Just wanted to say thank you. This post is part of my Sunday mornings with my cup of tea, I look forward to it each week. You’re doing a great job!

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Alice – Thanks for letting me know that you enjoy my Sunday posts with a cup of tea. It it the best thing a blogger can hear. XO

      Reply

  6. I have enjoyed your blog for so many years. And “MAN ON THE INSIDE”( well maybe its my age now 60…) but my hubs and I rated it “LOVE IT” so the Netflix network will approve a second season. Plus Ted isn’t hard on the eyes…haha

    Reply
    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Laura – I wish Netflix and other networks would make more shows like Man on the Inside. The way the show ended has it all set up for a second season. Maybe with it’s popularity they will get the message and start making more enjoyable shows like it :-)

      Reply