Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Torn Between Two Seasons

Welcome to Saltwater Soundsa 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…

Are you are hearing the big debate over summer vs. fall in August these days like I am?

It seems that you’re either Team Summer or Team Fall… but can’t we be somewhere in the middle? Can’t we all be happy?

It happens every year. And as a blogger, this time of year can be very confusing and even frustrating.

My job is to make you happy when you come to my blog. I want you to love the content I provide. Have I told you that I am a HUGE “people pleaser” (I’m working on that in therapy)?


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So it’s now time for me to reveal which team I’m on. I’m on BOTH!

Let me explain.

Team Summer

How many of you are like me and once fall is here you’re counting down the days until summer is here again? I do.

I LOVE SUMMER FLOWERS and all that comes with the beautiful cut flower garden and pollinators flying around.

  • The birds are chirping,
  • Bright sunshine
  • I don’t have to wear a sweater anymore.
  • The dogs and I can play in the water and go kayaking.
  • I’m getting much-needed vitamin D.
  • Garden therapy
  • Summer flowers
  • Dining alfresco

You know I could go on and on, but you get the picture. We don’t have the extreme heat every summer day like most of the country so it just makes sense to keep summer going as long as we’re able to.

Team Fall

Now, I’m not quite as on board here as others seem to be. But I am finding the need to start thinking about how I’ll decorate for fall.

I’m browsing through Pinterest, Instagram, and other blogs to get some inspired ideas.

I just got my fall candles and am excited to burn them and smell pumpkin and apple cider.

My Solution

You’re still going to see the summer garden here on the blog and with the boat coming back soon I’ll be sharing her with you as well.

But I will also be sharing fall inspiration here as well to get you thinking about decor ideas and about how to transition your garden from summer to fall.

This doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my favorite season ever, summer. It just means that I will have the right content for everyone here at Shiplap and Shells.


Sharing My Vintage Finds

Remember my fun shopping spree last weekend?

Here are some of the things I brought home with me. I can’t wait to find homes for them all.

I really tried to share more with you today but you know how life is. I always have the best of intentions. BUT…I’ll be sharing more on my Tuesday’s vintage blog post I always do every month with my blogging buddies Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms and Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill.


Our Boat is Coming Home

Here’s some fun news! We are driving our boat from the boatyard where it’s been since February to our marina next Friday.

I can’t tell you how excited we are to finally get her back where she belongs. I can’t wait to show her to you soon.

As you can see from the picture above, “Wildflower” has been getting a lot of work done to her.


The Grace-Filled Homestead

There is a new book that my friend Lana at Lana Stenner has written that I hope you go and check out.

Lana’s book launches Oct. 4th and is already on presale. The Grace-Filled Homestead is filled with fun goat and farm photos, heartwarming stories, recipes homestead DIYs, faith, and family encouragement.

Here is the link to preorder her book. There are 2 preorder bonuses if you order on or before Oct. 3rd.


Fall Candles are Here

Antique Candle Co. has its fall candle collection available online.

Here are the fall candles available…

  • Cozy Cabin – the newest fall candle: A soothing scent of fresh mountain air, intertwined with woodsy autumn notes of fir, sandalwood, amber, and lush cedar
  • Fall Harvest – A sweet and cozy autumn blend with fresh apple and orange peel, highlighted with warm notes of spicy cinnamon, clove, and vanilla
  • Pumpkin Spice – A warm fall classic of cinnamon, allspice, clove, and pumpkin, highlighted with cozy notes of vanilla bean and sugar
  • Apple Cider – A cozy blend of sweet Honeycrisp apples highlighted with warm, spiced notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg
  • Autumn Woods – A deep, woodsy musk blended with fresh balsam notes and sweet autumn apples, intertwined with hints of earthy fig and eucalyptus leaf
  • Pecan Pie – A delicious, baked blend of nutty pecans and cinnamon, highlighted with warm notes of nutmeg, sweet vanilla, and a buttery brown sugar crust
  • Autumn Butter – A delightful aroma of freshly baked apples blended with sugar, cinnamon, and clove, highlighted by fall pumpkin and sweet vanilla

Shop Candles HERE!


What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…

A Walk in the Garden

I’m skipping right over the walk in the garden today because I have something even better for you!

A Seasonal Summer PNW Cottage and Cut Flower Garden Tour

I am sharing my Summer Garden Tour with instead! Get your favorite drink and sit back for this one because it’s a long post with LOTS and LOTS of pics from both the cottage and cut flower garden this summer.


6 Home Décor and DIY Project Ideas to Get You Ready for Fall

Are you looking for some autumn inspiration? To get you ready for fall, I’ll show you 6 home decor and DIY project ideas that are sure to bring on those warm and cozy vibes for the coming season.



Coming Up…

  • Vintage Shopping Trip
  • Our Trip to Venice, Italy

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…

My friend Wendy at WM Design House shares how you can create an arrangement that will look stunning on any table in your home by using the right flowers and knowing the basics of flower arranging.


Are you feeling the need to organize your kitchen pantry? My friend Mary from Life at Bella Terra shares a story of before and after and how she uses her small space so efficiently.


Are you ready for some self-care? My sweet friend CoCo at The Crowned Goat is sharing a simple melatonin and lavender bath soak that you won’t want to miss!


More Inspiration

This incredible farmhouse restoration.

These Pottery Barn-inspired fall napkin rings.

This yummy chicken and polenta dish.

This inspired kitchen makeover.

This inspirational home.

This lemon asparagus pasta recipe.

A fall hydrangea garland for you to make.


An Oldie But a Goodie

Exploring the Puget Sound by Boat

This is a blog post from two summers ago when we had our old boat. The boat in the picture here is not ours though.


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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16 Comments

  1. Love seeing your beautiful photos! My take on the situation is that just because bloggers are sharing fall inspiration in August, it doesn’t mean anyone has to start decorating for fall, it’s just for inspiration. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. We should all just be kind and do what we enjoy and works best for our home, family, climate, personality, etc. No need for anyone to get on their high horse and strongly debate about what’s right or wrong in this situation because there isn’t a right or wrong. Stores bring out seasonal merchandise early because there are people who like to plan ahead, as well as for those who do craft projects for fall shows and need supplies. I don’t blame you at all for hanging onto summer as long as you can in Washington, it’s so beautiful!

    1. I couldn’t agree with you more Vicki! Many times when I’m sharing fall ideas and pictures it’s from the year before. See…you get it! Hope you’re enjoying summer and I thank you for being here on the blog. Have a wonderful week ahead.

  2. Beautiful! I just ordered Lana’s book. I always dreamed of a farm with goats and chickens and …. But life took me a different direction and at 67I know I won’t get one but I did get 6 chickens who make me smile every day! So I will look at her farm pictures and smile…Peace.

    1. Oh Cindi, I’m so glad you ordered Lana’s book. It makes me so happy when I’m reading it. I always wanted a big family living on a farm but my life also took a different direction. I bet you’re having fun with your 6 chickens though. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for being here.

  3. Kim I can’t wait to see more of the boat and thrifting with you on Tuesday with Jennifer!!! Thanks for sharing my Fall diy decor post this week. Heading over to the garden tour now!

    1. I’m going through all my thrifting pics today and can’t believe how much fun I’ve had lately. Hopefully, I can start thrifting on the boat trips again very soon.

  4. Thank you, a lovely post. I will be going back and looking again. I too live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We waited patiently for summer to arrive and I’m not quite ready for fall, maybe mid September! My dahlias just started blooming and I am getting second rose bloom. Still have lots to enjoy.
    Thank you for all your inspiration!

    1. I agree Lorrie. We have so much more to enjoy. We really got a late start this year, didn’t we? I think that’s why many of us in the PNW are feeling like we need to hold on. It was a very unique summer for sure.

  5. Beautiful as always…If I lived where you do I would want summer to linger too! Especially living at your mini-butchart gardens there. Here at altitude in Boulder the sun and heat are intense and I do not feel as well, so am the opposite and count the days until fall. It is beautiful though and every day I try to appreciate all of the trees, flowers and mountain views we are so fortunate to have. I know that bloggers are looking for content, but I wish there would be less’ jumping on the next bandwagon’ and more luxuriating in the end of season bounty and beauty we have now. Looking forward to seeing your boat all done, you must have missed it in the nice weather.

    1. Thank you for your message, Jillian. I do agree that our climates have a lot to do with where we are in the season mentally. If I had 100 ° weather consistently I think it would be ready to move on to fall. I hope you get some relief from the heat soon. I can’t wait to show you the boat next week. I have only been on it a few times since we bought it so it will feel so good to go pick it up next Friday. Fingers crossed that the timeline stays firm. Thanks for being here and for reaching out.

    1. What a sweet thing to say, Mary. I can’t wait to show you the boat! And to start decorating it. Hugs. Enjoy Chicago and your son.

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