Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share all that’s been happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come and the inspiration I have found from other bloggers around the web.
This and That…
Cheers to our first weekend of December.
My holiday wish for you AND for me is to find joy in all that the holiday season brings.
The month of December has always been a time of conflicted emotions for me. On one hand, it’s easy to feel bogged down and stressed by all there is to do whether it’s decorating, buying and wrapping gifts, entertaining, going to various functions and events, or anything else that has to be done in the next 21 days.
But on the other hand, it can be a magical time.
For me, I get joy from sitting at home in front of the Christmas tree with the twinkle lights glowing, lighting a fragrant candle, sipping my favorite drink, listening to my favorite music station, and relaxing with my hubby and two fur baby boys, Jax and Ollie.
When I was thinking of a title for this week’s Saltwater Sounds, I searched “’tis the season to be jolly”. I opened the first link that popped up on Google and read this by Jeffrey Gitomer…
Jolly is not just a gift, or a family dinner, or a holiday tree,
or singing a few songs, or a season.
Jolly is an attitude – and it’s an attitude for all seasons.
Don’t you love that?
I don’t need much to feel the joy and gratitude around me.
But it took a while to get here. With the loss of my dad, daughter, and most recently, my mom all in the last 9 years, I’ve had to let go of past family traditions and start new ones with my husband and dear friends.
I don’t share this for sympathy or attention. I share this for those who are feeling loss and sadness this time of year, to let them know that it is possible to find joy during the holiday season again. and not to give up hope.
If you struggle during this time of year, please know that you’re not alone. I’m sending you much love and hope for peace.
I will admit that I’ve been overly busy this past week with not only decorating the house but taking pictures and videos, editing, writing blog posts, working on blog updates, and going to fun events.
I’m tired and it’s only the first week of December.
But the good news is that my husband and I are going to go boating for a while. We love winter boating.
Not too many people are at the marina this time of year, and we get to visit different towns and go shopping, eat at new restaurants and explore the Puget Sound.
I also have some fun things planned with friends this month.
- Wreath-making with friends
- The Gig Harbor boat parades
- Christmas caroling
What gives you joy during the holiday season?
Holiday Shopping
Here are some of my favorite things online right now. Just click the picture to see more.
Be sure to follow me on LKT. to see my favorites online. Here’s a link to my account.
For your shopping convenience, this post contains affiliate links. As a Reward Style and Amazon affiliate, I earn commission on sales at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
Up to 50% Off Sale Still Happening!
The up to 50% off candle sale has been extended and today is REALLY the last day! At least that’s what they tell me.
Here are some of the highlights…
- All orders $50 and more get a FREE 2 oz. candle.
- $75 and over orders get a FREE Tree Farm 16 oz. candle
- Free shipping on U.S. orders.
What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…
Quick and Easy Cozy Christmas Cottage Kitchen Decorating Ideas
My friend Kelly at TheTattered Pew hosted a Bloggers’ Best Home Tour this week with 35 bloggers sharing their homes and inspiration. All the links are in this post.
Here, I take you on a tour of my decorated kitchen and show you some quick and easy Christmas decor ideas for your kitchen spaces.
The Most Wonderful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas and Inspiration for the Holidays
When it comes to holiday decorating, you can never get too much inspiration, am I right? That’s exactly what you’ll get today with 9 bloggers sharing their most inspired Christmas tree decor ideas all in one place.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…
If you’re looking for a creative hostess gift idea that doesn’t break the bank, Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill has got you covered with this kitchen herb garden planter that can be made in just a few minutes. And if you’re feeling even more ambitious, try making some fo the plant markers she created.
My friend Jen at Tatertots and Jello has the brightest and most creative style and for that, I’m a HUGE fan. Check out her fabulously festive Christmas tree and mantel for the holidays.
My favorite cook and baker, Tieghan at Half-Baked Harvest has done it again with the most delicious chewy frosted cinnamon swirl snickerdoodles. These yummy treats have pockets of cinnamon swirl and sweet cream cheese icing.
More Inspiration
This sweet and easy marshmallow bar.
How to make homemade granola.
Planting paperwhites in a DIY aged pot.
This flocked Christmas tree.
Holiday inspiration: A black Christmas.
Ways to deal with grief this holiday season.
DIY white Christmas tree with feathers.
19 best ideas for homemade Christmas gifts.
How to make textured Christmas ornaments high-end dupes.
How to incorporate Christmas red when you really don’t love it.
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here.
Until next time,
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Happy Holidays!
PIN AND SAVE ON PINTEREST
If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share this on Pinterest.
Follow Me On All My Platforms
Be sure to follow me @shiplapandshells on the following…
Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | LTK | Amazon Storefront
Kim, thanks so much for sharing your sweet words of encouragement and hope during a season that’s hard for so many. I also thank you for sharing my post! You’re so very sweet!
Just when I began to feel sorry for myself. My husband has late stage dementia and I am his full time caregiver. If you can learn to find joy at Christmas than I can too. Blessings on you and thank you for all you do for everyone out here. It becomes something so much more than decor and gardening. Merry Christmas.
Kim I know the holidays can be so difficult for so many. A boat trip sounds amazing though , I’d love to join you😂❤️🫶🏻
I love the quote about Jolly being a state of mind to carry with you all year long. Not sure I always achieve it, but it’s a great goal… and it made me smile.
Kim
I’m so sorry for your losses. The holidays really bring home how much changes when are family members are gone. I loved your quote and I’m so glad you are finding joy in this season. I bet you boat trip will be amazing. Enjoy.
You are so adorable in your flannel Lanz pajamas! I had many different nightgowns and pj’s made by Lanz over the years and they always made me feel “Christmasy”. Your sweet dog looks like it was a big, goofy love – the best!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I lost my son Joey in January 2021 and i lost my Joy for Christmas.
I just can’t with the cookies…they look so yummy!! She has been my go-to lately for new recipes & I’m obsessed with her food photography!!
All of Jen’s pictures make me happy…she has such a bright and pretty aesthetic.
Thanks for sharing my herb planter. Looking forward to seeing some pictures from your boat trip.