Saltwater Sounds: Big Blooms and Coastal Cottage Vibes

Welcome to this week’s edition of Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.

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This and That

We’re officially heading into a hot stretch of summer here in the Pacific Northwest, with temps in the high 80s and even a few 90-degree days on the horizon. These are the days I find myself dreaming about air conditioning!

A Look Inside Our Beach Cottage

Inside, I’ve been keeping things cool and coastal with a little summer refresh in the living room.

Seashells, wicker baskets, and some fresh-cut hydrangeas (those deep purples and pinks are stealing the show!) bring in all the cottage charm.

I do have plenty of photos to share! So grab a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy a peek around the living room, all dressed up for summer.

Christmas in July is Coming

I know… you’re probably not thinking about twinkle lights and Christmas cookies right now, especially with summer in full swing. Between backyard BBQs, sunny beach days, garden chores, and soaking up every minute of that warm sunshine, the holiday season feels very far away.

But I’ve got something fun planned!

I’m teaming up with some blogging friends the week of July 21st for a special Christmas in July event. We’ll be bringing you a full week of early holiday inspiration—from decorating ideas and DIYs to gift guides and festive recipes—to help you get ahead and actually enjoy the season when it arrives.

Because let’s be honest… a little planning now means less stress later (and more time for hot cocoa and Hallmark movies when December rolls around).

A Walk in the Garden

The garden is looking pretty good considering how dry it’s been, but it’s definitely keeping me busy as I get ready for a local garden tour happening in a couple of weeks.

I took a few photos just as the sun was going down, and I think the garden looked its best. Ollie and Jax wandered around checking out the blooms like they were giving their own little inspection tour.

In the cottage garden, the daisies and calendula are absolutely thriving right now—bright, cheerful, and full of summer energy.

The cottage garden stone pathway is looking especially dreamy right now, thanks to the gorgeous purple and fuchsia hydrangeas in full bloom.

I also have some bright fuchsia phlox that are popping like crazy—such a beautiful contrast against the greenery. This little stretch of the garden really shines in mid-July and always stops me in my tracks.

The cheerful daisies are stealing the show right now, and that backdrop of lush hydrangeas makes the whole scene feel like a cottage garden dream.

The Chantilly mix snapdragons have been going strong for a while, and I love how elegant they look in the garden and in bouquets around the house.

The zinnias are finally starting to bloom, though they’re almost a month behind last year.

I sowed seeds from several different brands and even planted them in various parts of the garden, but it was still a late start. That said, they’re making up for lost time.

The Ballerina zinnias are a softer pastel mix and look dreamy nestled between the white cosmos, apricot cosmos, and Queen Anne’s lace.

The cosmos add a soft, whimsical feel to the garden. I’m especially loving the mix of white and apricot blooms. I even spotted a few bees sleeping inside the cosmos blooms last night when I was walking through the garden.

Gardening Question of the Week

Q: How Do I Keep Pests Away from My Vegetables Naturally?

Here are some natural ways to keep pests away from a vegetable garden without resorting to chemical pesticides:

For a more specific and complete guide to natural pest control, visit my blog post, Natural and Organic Methods for Pest Control in the Garden.

“A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year”. – William F. Longgood

On the Blog

Kadey Krogen Whaleback Interior Boat Tour: Discover the Hidden Charms

Ready for an inside look at our boat, Wildflower? She’s a 48-foot Kadey Krogen Whaleback trawler—and more than just a boat, she’s our second home. I’m taking you on a full interior tour today, complete with before-and-after peeks and the story of how we brought her back to life…CONTINUE READING.

Outdoor Table Decor Ideas for a Simply Stunning Summer Tablescape

Looking for simple but stunning outdoor table decor ideas for summer? You’re in the right place. Step out onto the deck, where the garden view is in full bloom, the water shimmers in the background, and the soft glow of candlelight sets the tone for a laid-back summer gathering…CONTINUE READING.

Making Our 100-Year-Old Cabinet Into the Perfect Bedroom Built-in

Have you ever found a vintage or antique piece of furniture that just speaks to you? That’s exactly what this 100-year-old cabinet did to me, and the best part was that it was already waiting for me the day we moved in. See how we made it into the perfect built-in...CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

How yummy does this 3 cheese prosciutto peach pizza look?

This Greenwich waterfront home is gorgeous!

Enjoy fresh flavor all year round with these simple steps to drying sage.

Here are 36 amazing ideas for growing a vegetable garden in your backyard.

Easy backyard picnic ideas for a cozy, budget-friendly date.

Check out these fast-growing herbs to use through summer and fall.

And while we’re on the subject of herbs, here are 10+ uses besides cooking.

Fall in love with this Cotswold cottage.

Here are 5 healthy and tasty summer salads to beat the heat.

This is the cutest summer tablescape!

This Nantucket cottage is the sweetest.

You’ll love these 22 summer color pops for your neutral rooms.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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