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Journey Jots #80

By Rachel

published 05/25/2025

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Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Rachel

Greetings! Welcome to this week’s Journey Jots #80 newsletter!

In this weekly recap, I’m sharing latest news from life and blog, thrifty summer patio decorating ideas, simple summer decor tips, a selection of favorite summer essentials, and an assemblage of encouraging content from other creators. Settle in and join me for Journey Jots #80!

Table of Contents

Journey Jots #80

Hello, guys! How are you? Can you believe it’s already Memorial Day weekend?! What are you doing to celebrate??

I love hearing from you and learning what’s new in your world. Let me know in the comments!

Life Lately

This spring has been just packed with things…and it was yet another busy week!

We’re still in full training mode for that long bike ride next month. Last Saturday, I rode 40 miles in one go, the most miles I’ve ever done! Is it hard? Yep. Is it worth it to push myself and do things that are hard? Yes…1000% percent.

As you are reading this, I will have completed a 50 mile ride, as well!

Last Sunday, I did something SUPER fun!! My mom got tickets for me, as a late birthday present, for her, my sister, and myself to see Riverdance! I’ve been obsessed with this dance troupe for YEARS and was SO excited to be able to finally see them live!

You guys…it was AMAZING. It was the most enthralling 90 minutes of my life. Those dancers are so extremely talented. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it!

I also was able to get in a little thrifting! Here’s my cart shot with some amazing finds that you will see very soon. Have you found anything neat while thrifting lately?!

As we were into a second full day of rain, this little hummingbird came and took refuge on my hummer feeder!! I make fresh nectar for my little hummer friends once a week, sometimes twice if it’s hot out to keep it fresh.

This little guy sat for what must have been 10 minutes…eating, then resting, eating, then resting. I was enthralled!

It makes me so happy to take care of these tiny little birds.

FYI: IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE HUMMINGBIRD’S HEALTH TO ONLY DRINK NECTAR MADE FROM WATER AND SUGAR. PLEASE DON’T USE ANYTHING ELSE TO FEED THEM OR THEY WILL GET SICK!

Here’s my nectar recipe:

-bring 1 cup of water to a boil

-add 1/4 cup of white sugar (not organic…just plain white sugar)

-stir slowly to mix

-let cool in the pot for 2 hours

-rinse the hummingbird feeder out with warm water and wipe dry.

-replace the new nectar

That’s it! Super easy.

AND! FINALLY! This sweet girl turns 2 on Thursday!! Can you believe it? Cuz I can’t.

Miss Molly brings such a calming joy to the world and everyone around her. She is SUPER funny and adores playing with babies, play dough, and going down slides at the park. I just love her so much!

We will be celebrating her birthday this coming weekend with a big family party!

Weekly Shopping Finds- Summer Essentials

There are a few things that I can’t go without during the summer including this mineral sunscreen, this natural bug spray, and my Goodr sunglasses.
I rarely leave the house without a ball cap in the summer.
These sandals are my go-to shoe choice for summer. I always have two pairs going…one at the back door and one at the front door!
I also like to wear my hair in a braid most days for the hot weather. These pony binders are so fun for the season!
It’s important to wear sunscreen on your face, too! This broad spectrum 30 SPF face lotion does the job and doesn’t make my face feel greasy.

On the Blog-Journey Jots #80

This past Thursday, I shared a brand new post on summer patio decorating ideas! It’s a roundup post of sorts featuring three of my own patio decor posts as well as three other bloggers. Find tips on frugal patio decor using thrifted items to create your dream outdoor space on a budget!

With summer knocking on the door, you might be looking for some summer decorating ideas! For patriotic specific decor, try this post on how to create a patriotic vignette with vintage decor. It’s super easy to put together and you can do so for just a few dollars!

And, for more seasonal decorating, this popular post on decorating the summer hutch with vintage finds gives a plethora of simple styling tips. You can totally decorate for the summer season with things you already have!

Coming Up on The Antiqued Journey

This coming week I’ll be sharing the next installment in the Thrifted Goodies series! I’ve got a super amazing haul to share with you. Then, in a few weeks, come back for an all-encompassing vintage shopping guide!

Also, if you have any specific topics or things you want me to cover, send me an e-mail! I’d be happy to oblige.

There is a ton of fun content coming your way. Be sure you are subscribed to my e-mail so you are the first to know about new posts and merchandise updates!

The Antiqued Journey Shop

There is lots of fun merch and products available in the shop. Each purchase made helps me to continue writing weekly content. Thank you for your support!

My E-Book: ‘An Introduction to: Antique and Vintage Home Decor’

VISIT THE SHOP HERE FOR MORE MERCH!

Inspiring Content from Around the Web

My friend Donna has an amazing post on how to start decluttering when you’re overwhelmed. SO good!
I found this article on the connection between AI and the environment to be EXTREMELY eye-opening. It’s a real thinker and poses some really good questions.
Find beautiful and simple ideas for styling a summer mantel!

Closing Tidbits for Journey Jots #80

Thank you so much for being here and joining me! I love sharing a little bit of my daily life with you.

Have a lovely week ahead!

Mindful Living Tip of the Week: ‘I give thanks to this day that has never come before and will never come again.’

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!