This and That

Happy Sunday, friends!

Anyone else trying to adjust to the fact that it’s almost dark by dinnertime again? 

I swear it feels like just last week when I was watering the garden at 9 p.m. in daylight. Now I’m lighting candles and hunting for my slippers before 7.

I am starting to embrace this slower season. The garden is winding down, and I’m finally finding time to catch my breath — and maybe even enjoy a little cozy nesting inside.

And nesting is just what I have been doing this weekend as the weather has turned from sunny to downpours and wind. Yes, it’s officially sweater weather here!

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I stopped by our local nursery this week to find some small evergreen shrubs for some of my garden containers, so it doesn’t look so bare once the flowers all die off.

I know I’ve said this before, but I absolutely love the fall flower colors.

A Farm Stand Worth Visiting

I visited the new-to-me Artondale Farm this week!

If you’ve lived in Gig Harbor for a while, you’ll remember the old Grange building, which this family bought.

Well, it was transformed into the most colorful and charming little spot a few years ago, filled with fresh vegetables, pumpkins, and cornstalks.

They operate a seasonal farm store inside the building from the beginning of April through Christmas Eve, where they sell seasonal vegetables and culinary herb starts, fresh produce grown on the farm, and a wide variety of handmade arts and crafts.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you why supporting small, local farms feels so good. I can’t wait to go back for homemade Christmas gifts in a few weeks.

Vintage-Inspired Find for the Week

Home Goods has Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments that look exactly like the vintage ones I already have for the tree.

Needless to say, I bought a few boxes!

Speaking of vintage-inspired finds, I’m loving my brown-and-white floral pattern dish set for fall.

Revival Rugs Sale — Still Going Strong!

If you’ve had your eye on one of Revival’s gorgeous vintage or washable rugs, now’s the time! Their Shop More, Save More Sale is still happening — and the savings are incredible.

I’ve shared before how much I love my Revival rugs — they come folded right in a box (so easy to unpack and store!) and instantly cozy up any space.

Tap here to shop through my affiliate link — it doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support my blog and all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Shiplap and Shells running. Thank you so much for your support!

A Night of Giving Back

Last weekend’s community charity auction was such a success! The venue looked beautiful, the desserts were absolutely stunning, and best of all, the fundraising goal was exceeded.

It’s always such a special feeling to see a community come together for a cause, and this one was no exception.

The Lonely Hearts Club Band played Beatles music at the auction.

Here are some of the flowers I cut from the garden.

Those gorgeous desserts were almost too pretty to eat!

A Peek Inside Wildflower

As promised, this week I’m sharing photos of Wildflower, our trawler-turned-second-home. After 60 days living aboard this summer, she truly feels like part of the family.

From the primary stateroom to the galley and salon, and even the outdoor cockpit, every corner feels like home — just with better views. I can’t wait for you to see the details that make this space so special to us.

And of course, Jax and Ollie have fully claimed their favorite spots on board. You’ll spot them lounging in several of the photos below — clearly living their best boat life.

What I’m Doing With the Fallen Leaves

Here’s a quick fall garden tip: instead of raking and bagging all those leaves, try mulching them and spreading them over your garden beds.

They’ll act as a natural blanket for your soil through the winter and break down into rich organic matter. Your spring garden will be happier for it!

Clean and Store Garden Tools

It’s that time of year again to give your garden gear a good cleaning! Seed trays, plant markers, tomato cages, and tools can all be sterilized by soaking them in a mild bleach-and-water solution.

This simple step helps prevent mineral buildup and keeps fungus and bacteria from hitching a ride onto next season’s plants. A little time spent now will make a big difference when spring rolls around!

Store Items from the Garden

Here’s your friendly reminder to bring in any garden furniture, accessories, and fragile containers before those freezing temperatures set in.

Ceramic and clay pots—especially ones still filled with soil—can easily crack once the temperatures drop. The same goes for statues, fountains, and other delicate yard art.

Don’t forget to clean, cover, and store your pillows, cushions, and outdoor furniture in a dry, protected spot so they’ll be ready to go again next spring. A little prep now saves a lot of heartbreak (and replacements) later!

“Halloween is right around the corner. You can tell because all the stores are decked out for Christmas.” – Stephen Colbert

On the Blog

22 Charming Christmas Vintage Decorations for a Classic Holiday

Do you have a thing for vintage Christmas decorations? Because I can’t seem to resist them. Give me a slightly chipped Santa mug or a Shiny-Brite ornament with a little fading, and I’m instantly transported to Christmases from years past—complete with Bing Crosby on the record player and the smell of sugar cookies in the oven…CONTINUE READING.

Quick and Easy Cozy Christmas Cottage Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking about decorating your kitchen for the holiday season? Take a tour of my decorated kitchen as I share some quick and easy Christmas decor ideas to make your kitchen feel merry, bright, and effortlessly inviting this holiday season…CONTINUE READING.

32 Christmas Decor Ideas for Bringing Comfort and Joy Home

Feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday decorating tips out there? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a curated collection of 32 Christmas decor ideas for your home, all in one place and for every style…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Looking Ahead

Next week, I’ll be back with some timely October gardening tips for the Pacific Northwest, plus some outdoor Halloween ideas.

Until then, I hope you’re finding a little comfort in the cozy side of fall — warm drinks, soft sweaters, and maybe a pumpkin (or two) by the door.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,