Saltwater Sounds: From Calm Waters to Blooming Borders

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.

This and That

This weekend brings us Father’s Day and a gentle nudge into the second half of June.

Summer is slowly settling in, and the garden, the water, and life in general all seem to be blooming in their own ways. Whether you’re celebrating this weekend or just taking it slow, I hope it brings some moments of joy.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there. I hope you’re celebrating someone special today, or remembering someone who made a lasting impact.

I also know this day can be tender for many. If you’ve lost your dad or someone important, my heart is with you.

I lost my dad 12 years ago, and I know how heavy this day can feel. I hope you’re able to find a moment to reflect, smile at a memory, or simply feel whatever you need to feel today. You’re not alone.

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A Few More Scenes from Our Trip

We wrapped up the rest of our boat trip this past week, and I wanted to share a few highlights that made it especially memorable.

Let’s start with the Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market, which takes place on Thursday afternoons. The view from the market overlooks the public dock, and if you look closely, you can even spot our Wildflower on the dock.

There were plenty of flower bouquets and lavender for sale.

We especially enjoyed visiting the booth run by the Peninsula Female Farmer Network. It was so inspiring to learn more about the local women growing fresh food and flowers for the community.

One of the farms represented was Kaukiki Farm, which happens to be out near where we live. I toured their property a few years ago during the October Farm Tours, so reconnecting was a treat.

We also caught part of the Maritime Parade on Saturday morning and squeezed in a little shopping downtown.

One of my favorite stops is Harbornest, a charming shop that carries women’s clothing and home decor. I always seem to find something new there!

After a fun few days in Gig Harbor, we made our way back and spent the last couple of nights on our buoy across from the beach house—a first for us.

It turned out to be such a peaceful place to anchor.

We even kayaked back to the cottage to snap some photos of Wildflower floating in the bay.

Seeing our little home from the water gave me a whole new perspective—and plenty of photos I’ll treasure.

With the warm June weather (we hit the mid to high 80s!), we couldn’t resist pulling out the kayaks and spending as much time on the water as we could before heading back to shore.

Ollie preferred staying inside with the air conditioning on.

A Walk Around the Garden

Coming home after nine days away, I was amazed at how much the garden had changed. The peonies had just finished blooming, and in their place, the next wave of summer color was already getting started.

The hydrangeas are beginning to open, and the roses and sweet peas are thriving—so full and fragrant. The garden feels fuller every day, and I love how the textures and colors shift with each week.

The bellflower (campanula) has the prettiest shade of purple, a fun contrast to everything else that’s blooming right now.

And the first snapdragons have arrived in the cut flower garden!

The cosmos were actually the first cut flowers to bloom this year. They even beat out the usual first bloomers, the zinnias, which surprised me.

The nasturtiums have been blooming for a while now, and I’d forgotten just how big and wild they can get. I haven’t grown them since my first garden years ago, and they’re definitely making their presence known!

The marigolds are looking gorgeous this year.

I finally have some statice in bloom. And oh—the sweet peas are at their peak right now. They’re not only beautiful, but the scent is pure magic. I can’t wait to bring a few bunches inside this week.

Summer is Officially Here Next Week!

And there’s still more to come. The Shasta daisies, sunflowers, strawflowers, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all just about to bloom. It’s like the garden is holding its breath, ready to burst into the next act of the summer show.

“The garden teaches us that things come and go—but beauty always returns.” – Unknown

22 Beginner Flower Gardening Mistakes to Avoid: What to Do Instead

Starting a flower garden is such a rewarding experience, but if you’re new to it, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. From planting flowers in the wrong spot to forgetting to harvest your blooms, even small mistakes can keep your garden from reaching its full potential…CONTINUE READING.

Simple Summer Beach Cottage Home Tour and Decorating Ideas (Part 1)

Looking for some simple ways to bring those summer vibes to your home? Today I’ll take you on a tour of my 1920 beach cottage and share some summer decorating ideas that will not only brighten up your home quickly but are easy to add to your existing decor mix...CONTINUE READING.

Patriotic Outdoor Decorating Ideas for the 4th of July

The 4th of July will be here before you know it! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a neighborhood block party, or just looking to add festive flair to your front porch, I’ve got you covered with patriotic outdoor decorating ideas for your 4th of July holiday…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Personalize your table with these DIY block print napkins.

I’ve fallen in love with this cozy eco beachfront cottage in Australia!

I want to try making DIY pressed flower wall art this year.

Here’s how to achieve a Nancy Meyers-inspired interior in your home decor.

Visit this Virginia farm, a place of hope and healing.

All you need for summer entertaining with backyard cookout ideas & recipes.

This BLT pasta salad recipe.

My Favorite 4th of July Inspiration

Looking Ahead

This coming week, I’ll be keeping an eye on those almost-blooming flowers and getting a few more summer projects underway.

And can you believe summer officially begins next week? It always feels like we’re squeezing so many wonderful plans into just a few short months.

In all the excitement, I’m reminding myself not to wish time away. The garden is about to burst into full summer color, and I want to be present for all of it.

My goal is to soak in each day, enjoy the moments—big and small—and savor this beautiful season while it’s here. How about you?

Thanks so much for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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