Saltwater Sounds Weekly: A Heartfelt Thank You

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…

A Heartfelt Thank You

I wanted to start out this week by thanking each and every one of you who follows my blog. The fact that you open up the emails I send you each Sunday and actually click on the links is amazing and wonderful to me.

I’ve received so many kind comments lately and I am beyond grateful (it was nice to meet you at Sunnycrest Nursery the other day Gail).

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How this Journey Started

I started this blogging journey in the winter of 2019 while recuperating from two separate foot surgeries, one on each foot.

I already had an Instagram account for two years but wanted something more…the chance to tell a story with beautiful pictures and to share them in my own way. Unfortunately, it’s hard to do that on many social media platforms these days.

I had many doubts about starting a blog. I had no idea what I was doing or where to start.

But almost 3 years later, I have people like you that are following along and for that, I am beyond thankful.

Although I’m still learning new things every single day and continuing to find a balance in all aspects of my life, I’m having so much fun sharing my adventures. Whether I’m sharing my home, the garden, our boat, or the incredible Pacific Northwest lifestyle, I’m honored to share it all with you.

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A Walk in the Garden

Walking through the garden every morning is the best way to start the day!

I was really worried about a month ago when I didn’t see many bees buzzing around the flowers but happily, the garden is full of these pollinators again and I’m relieved.

They are loving the blazing star and coneflowers pictured above.

Take a good look at the daisies and black-eyed Susans together in my greenhouse garden because chances are you may not see this again. They have never grown at the same time like this…until this year.

I know you’ve heard me say this already this summer but the daisies were a month late in blooming.

So as frustrating as it was to have so many flowers taking their sweet time because of the colder than normal temperatures this spring and summer, I saw things that were completely new like a dogwood tree and a dahlia blooming at the same time.

Here are a few pretty flowers…

• “Happy Single Flame” Dahlia
• “David” Phlox
• “Summer Berries” Yarrow

Isn’t this the most beautiful lily? This Hemerocallis Rebloomer Ageless Beauty daylily is stunning and my favorite variety. The Lily Oriental Corvara is in the back.

I know deer are cute but gardeners don’t always feel that they are, especially when they’re eating flowers in the garden.

The good news is that this sweet and loveable deer here is cleaning up all the fallen apples off the ground. So she really did do me a favor. For once.

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Out and About Enjoying the Summer Days

KEY PENINSULA ART WALK

Last Wednesday was the annual Key Peninsula Art Walk. I wish I would have taken more pictures of the booths but I was just having too much fun.

You can see one of the jewelry booths above.

Not only do the local talented artists share their beautiful work, but it’s a great social event. There are many friends that gather for this event and it’s always a treat to attend.

Sunnycrest Nursery was basically where I spent most of the evening. This is where there was a singer, a wine bar, and lots and lots of flowers and plants.

I did buy a few several perennials that were 40% off that evening.

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GIG HARBOR WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET

We checked out the Farmers Market on Thursday. What a great venue, don’t you think?

There was a musician.

And beautiful bundles of flowers.

They were pretty to look at but I didn’t buy any because I have plenty to pick from at home.

They had a Master Gardener on site to answer any gardening questions you may have.

And plenty of fruits and vegetables for sale.

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Shopping for Vintage in Bremerton and Port Orchard

I went with a friend to the Bremerton Vintage Flea Market and some shops in Port Orchard yesterday. I didn’t have much time to add pics this week but I’ll show you what I found next week!

I haven’t been here for quite a while and I didn’t realize how much I missed this place. We found some great deals and the vendors here are the best!

Look at this amazing collection of Pyrex.

The next stop was Revival PNW in Port Orchard. I found a couple of things for my fall wardrobe.

Last but definitely not least was a trip to Josephine’s. I LOVE this place! Can’t wait to show you all my new finds next time.

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What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…

8 Ways to Prepare Your Summer Garden for the Fall Season Transition

Have you started thinking about what needs to be done in the garden as we get closer to fall, and before the first frost of the season? Here are 8 ways you can start preparing the summer garden to transition to fall.

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August Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest Region

Are you wondering about how to keep your summer garden productive and healthy while preparing for the fall season? Here are some August gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden.

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Coming Up…

• End of July Garden Tour
• Vintage Shopping Trip
• 6 home decor and DIY project ideas to get you ready for Autumn
• Our Trip to Venice, Italy

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…

Are you wild about blueberries? If you answered yes, then I have a treat for you! One of my favorite friends, Molly at Molly in Maine, shares all things blueberry, and I don’t mean just ordinary berries. These are special MAINE blueberries. And don’t miss her blueberry cobbler recipe at the end of her post.

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Do you ever serve shrimp or other cold seafood at a summer party and worry about it staying cool? My creative friend Chloe at Celebrate and Decorate shares a clever way to keep your seafood cold during any party with an ice bowl.

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If you’re looking for some outdoor summer patio inspiration, I’ve got some for you. My friend Juliet at Make Mine a Spritzer shares her tips and solutions for outdoor living challenges that you won’t want to miss.

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More Inspiration

This beyond stunning “Moonlight Cottage”.

This easy red wine sangria.

DIY herb garden markers and plant stakes.

Tips for choosing a ripe melon.

This gorgeous New York home.

This fabulous farmhouse.

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An Oldie But a Goodie

 How My Pacific Northwest Cottage Garden Grew Through the Summer Season

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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.

Until next time,

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

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Let’s Connect on Social Media

• Follow me @shiplapandshells on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook
• Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks Group!