Saltwater Sounds Wrap-Up

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share all that’s been going on 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…

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I’m finding it so hard to believe that we are heading into our Thanksgiving week already in the US.

Time is going by so quickly this year.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? My husband and I are “Friendsgiving” it over at a good friend’s home just down the street. I’m making a bourbon pumpkin pie from a Crate & Barrel recipe, a pea and shrimp salad, and pomegranate martinis.

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A Visit to Hood River

Since my last Saltwater Sound wrap-up post, my husband, and pups Lucy, Jax, and Ollie agreed to take a road trip with me to Hood River, OR. It was an almost 4-hour car ride with so many beautiful views to see along the way.

We’re used to the 3 dogs on the boat, but this was the first time we had ever taken a trip in the car with them all.

And now I know it was also the last.

Poor Jax suffers from anxiety. And the car was not his favorite place to be. He was panting the entire time and threw up all over the back seat.

It was not his finest moment.

But we made it to our destination, The Columbia Cliffside Villas, and had a great time. We visited a couple of wineries, Stave & Stone Wine Estates, and Marchesi Vineyards. Then we had lunch at 3 Rivers Grill.

We were in Hood River on a Sunday and Monday so many places were not open because of staffing issues. But we got one great day of sunshine and enjoyed the gorgeous views of the leaves changing colors and the many amazing waterfalls.

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A Kind Gesture

I found a tabletop for my living room to use as a coffee table.

And the most amazing part is that someone reached out to me after I had mentioned needing a coffee table now that I have a new couch.

A neighbor in the community gifted me this tabletop which we attached to the iron legs of the original glass table we took from the deck. We’re not sure what kind of base we want but for now, we’re so happy to have this.

Thank you, Stephanie!

And for those of you that have asked if I’m selling the turquoise door top coffee table that has been in our living room for years, we have actually relocated it to my new studio. Pictures of the space will be shared this month in another post.

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Getting Inspiration with Some Christmas Shopping

I did some holiday shopping in Poulsbo, WA. a couple of weeks ago. And let me tell you…it was a blast!

Here’s a sneak peek of what I saw in Details Home and Garden and Saltwater Antiques. I’ll share more next week, including what I found and brought home.

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What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…

You can find 11 simple Christmas decorating ideas and inspiration for the holiday season HERE.

This holiday post includes some of the favorites from last year including…

• A cottage and twinkle light tour
• Ideas to start decorating for Christmas
• Christmas tree ideas for small spaces
• How to create a vignette in 5 minutes for Christmas
• Kitchen decor ideas for the holidays
• How to decorate your bedroom on a budget
• How to make a magnolia wreath and dried oranges
• Creating a Christmas tablescape
• Decorating the outdoors for the holidays

I’m in the process of discovering new holiday traditions through loss and self-reflection.

I literally lost the true meaning of Christmas and the joy of living and enjoying life to the fullest due to loss in my life. But through some serious self-reflection, I’m looking forward to spending more time living the holidays and truly remembering the reason for the season.

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Holiday Gift Guides & Home Decor Ideas

I’ll be sharing more gift and home decor ideas throughout the next few weeks. You can visit the blog and see any updates under the SHOP tag in my categories.

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Antique Candle Co. has the perfect hosting gift, stocking stuffer, or just about any holiday gift idea you can think of.

• 1 – Bundle of Four $97.00 Save $15 when you purchase a bundle of four 16 oz. candles.
• 2 – Candle Care Gift Set $62.00 Set includes a 16 oz. Mason Jar candle (YOU pick the fragrance), branded wick trimmer and Safety Match Bottle.
• 3 – Bundle of Two $51.00 Save $5 when you purchase a bundle of two 16 oz. candles.
• 4 – Sample Pack $26.00 Combines four 2 oz. candles.
• 5 – Gift Card $10.00
• 6 – Bundle of Eight $159.00 Save $65 when you purchase a bundle of eight.
• 7 – Sample Pack Candle Care Gift Set $60.00 Set includes a Candle Sample Pack of four 2 oz. candles (YOU pick the Sample Pack), branded Wick Trimmer and Safety Match Bottle.

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In Case You Missed It…

A FALL SEASON TOUR OF OUR PACIFIC NORTHWEST COTTAGE STYLE GARDEN

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Coming Up on the Blog:

14 ways to use vintage finds for Christmas decor 

Simple and inexpensive Christmas decor ideas

More holiday gift guides

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…

Do you need a Christmas dessert idea? If so, you definitely will want to try the most delicious and easy cranberry orange cake shared by my friend Michele at Vintage Home Designs.

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Here’s a fun and easy DIY Christmas ornament project from my friend Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse.

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Ann at Dabbling and Decorating always creates the prettiest tables. Visit her winter table with vintage blue bottles and some backyard fresh-cut greenery!

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My friend KariAnne at Thistlewood Farms has 7 Christmas Eve traditions to start this year.

You’ve probably already decided on your Thanksgiving menu if you’re hosting this year. But I had to share my friend Mary at Life at Bella Terra’s incredible Thanksgiving menu and recipes.

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I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here. It means the world.

Until next time,

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