Saltwater Sounds: On a Boat Out at Sea

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.

This and That

Our Summer Puget Sound Boat Trip

We have officially started our boat trip around Puget Sound. We spent our first evening anchored in the bay at Port Madison and are hanging out until Monday morning when we go through the Ballard Locks to get fuel and then onto La Conner.

We have some fun plans this week: a trip to Sidney, B.C. Canada, and The Butchart Gardens!

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We’re looking forward to kayaking with the boys and exploring new places in Canada, like Desolation Sound, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver.

And no boat trip would be complete without spending time in the San Juan Islands.

We’re also hoping planning to do some crabbing.

“A garden is a friend you can visit any time.” – Unknown

Farm-to-Table Dinner Party

I went to a friend’s farm-to-table dinner party last weekend, which was amazing.

The food was delicious.

The flowers were freshly cut from my garden that day.

Look at all the lavender that’s been harvested from the garden.

From the Blog

Kadey Krogen Whaleback Interior Boat Tour

Are you ready for an interior boat tour? Today, I’m sharing our beautiful 48-foot Kadey Krogen Whaleback trawler, which is more like a second home for us. You’ll see some transformations from when we first bought her to the charming and cozy haven it is now… CONTINUE READING.

Outdoor Table Decor Ideas for a Simply Stunning Summer Tablescape

Are you looking for simple yet stunning summer outdoor table decor ideas? Imagine stepping into a tranquil outdoor space, where the soft glow of candles flickers against a backdrop of vibrant dahlias, and the timeless charm of blue and white tableware sets the stage for an amazing summer gathering… CONTINUE READING.

13 Simple Decor Ideas for Creating a Cozy Fall Kitchen

Looking for some tips and inspiration for fall? I’m sharing 13 simple ideas for transforming your kitchen into a warm and cozy haven of fall-inspired decor, perfect for embracing the spirit of the season… CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week: Coneflowers

One of my favorite summer blooms growing in the garden are coneflowers or echinacea. Here are a few reasons why I love them and why you will too!

Attract Pollinators

Coneflowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. This not only helps your garden thrive but also supports local ecosystems.

Drought Tolerant

Once established, Coneflowers are highly drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for gardens in hot, dry summers. They require minimal watering and can thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Long Blooming Season

These perennials bloom from early summer through fall, providing continuous color and interest in your garden over several months.

Low Maintenance

Coneflowers are hardy and low-maintenance plants. They don’t require much care beyond basic watering and are also resistant to most pests and diseases.

Versatility in Design

These perennials come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, white, yellow, and orange, making them versatile for different garden designs. They pair well with other perennials, adding height and texture to flower beds.

Wildlife-Friendly

Besides attracting pollinators, coneflowers provide food for birds in the fall and winter. The seed heads are particularly popular with finches.

Medicinal Properties

Some coneflowers, like Echinacea, have been used for their medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system.

Gardening Question of the Week

What are the Best Plants for Attracting Pollinators?

For more tips on attracting pollinators to your garden, visit my blog post,

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

I’ve made this Greek chicken orzo salad recipe many times this summer!

Check out this Lakeshore Drive beach house.

Read all about the Dahlia Whisperer.

This is the ultimate flower-arranging guide.

You will love this road trip, full of antiques and Maine coastal towns.

Here are tips on treating powdery mildew on zinnias.

You’ll love this historic hotel my friend visited.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to visit Midcoast Maine!

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 a wonderful week ahead,

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