Saltwater Sounds: Getting Warm and Cozy

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

Crisp air, cozy vibes, and pumpkins everywhere—fall is in full swing!

I’ve spent the week focusing on past projects that needed to be completed inside and out. It’s amazing how much you can get done when you’re focused.

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My Ofice Refresh

One of the biggest things I accomplished was painting, cleaning, and organizing my office, which took three full days. This really needed to be done.

When I’m organized and have a cozy space to work in, I am so much more productive. And HAPPY!

My office is larger than the rest of the rooms in our beach cottage. However, due to the lack of wall space and low ceilings, it’s also a bit funky and broken up.

One-half is where my desk, supply cabinets, and anything else I need for the Shiplap and Shells business are. This area was not part of the original home built in 1920; it was added sometime in the 1980s.

I wish I had taken a better picture, but above, you can see sliding doors on the left-hand side where all my seasonal home decor is stored.

The other half of my office is a seating area where we occasionally watch TV and cuddle with the boys. They look pretty comfy, don’t they?

Personal Update: Knee Replacement Recovery

What is the reason for this sudden burst of “getting things done” energy? Well, friends, I’m officially out of commission for a while! I just had knee replacement surgery on Friday, and while I won’t be moving around much, I’m determined to continue working on my blog and next year’s garden plan.

It’s a strange feeling to be done with the garden and decorating for the season, but I know this downtime will give me some great ideas for next year. This time will also force me to do some self-care.

I need some ideas for TV shows and movies during my downtime. What should I binge-watch?

Even though I’m slowing down, I’m excited to keep sharing my garden inspiration, cozy home decor tips, and Pacific Northwest charm with all of you.

What I’m Doing With the Fallen Leaves

My beautiful cut flower garden is starting to look a little tired as we approach late October. The blooms that once burst with color are now fading, and it’s time to show them some love by mulching those falling leaves.

Here’s a tip: instead of bagging up all those fallen leaves, why not mulch them and add them to your garden beds? It’s a great way to protect your soil through the winter months and adds an organic layer of insulation. Your spring plants will thank you!

I love using my leaf mulch to nourish my flower beds. It’s like tucking them in for a long winter nap, and it’s free!

Seattle’s Weather Shift: Cooler Temps and Shorter Days

We’ve definitely felt the change in the air here in the Seattle area! Temperatures have dipped from the cozy 60s to the cooler 50s, and I’m finding it hard to adjust to these shorter days. It feels like just yesterday we were soaking up the sun until 9 pm!

If you’re like me, the dark mornings and early evenings can be tough. But this is also a great time to slow down, enjoy the crisp air, and start thinking about cozy indoor activities.

I’m looking forward to cuddling up with the boys (Jax and Ollie) with a warm blanket, a yummy-smelling candle, and a good book.

For those of you who, like me, are used to spending so much time outdoors, transitioning inside can be hard. I used to mourn the time I spent in the garden, but over the last couple of years, I’ve come to think of this time as an opportunity to embrace the comforts of home and dream up garden plans for next year.

Clean and Store Garden Tools

It’s that time of year when seed trays, plastic markers, tomato cages, and gardening tools should be sterilized by soaking them in a water-bleach solution.

Sterilizing your garden tools and equipment will help reduce mineral build-up. It will also help prevent the spread of fungus and bacteria to your new plants when you reuse the tools and pots.

Store Items from the Garden

Here’s a reminder to bring garden furniture, accessories, fragile containers, and equipment indoors before the freezing temperatures.

Ceramic and clay pots and containers, especially those containing potting soil, can crack when the temperatures are cold enough to freeze.

Statues and other breakable yard art are also vulnerable during winter and should be removed from the garden until temperatures warm up.

Clean, cover, and store pillows, cushions, and outdoor furniture in a dry and protected area.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

In My Cart: My Favorites This Week

Did you know that whenever you click on a shoppable link in my posts and make a purchase, I earn a small commission, even if it’s not the specific item I’ve linked?

Your support means the world to me, and I’m so thankful you support me by shopping through my links. It allows me to keep sharing free content with all of you here on the blog.

• Are you looking for holiday garlands, wreaths, and greenery? Today is the last day for AFloral’s sale! Use code WINTER25 for 25% off all holiday orders of $100 or more.
• I just bought these cotton Italian plaid throws from Quince, which I can use for both fall and holidays. I bought the blue and green combo and love them!
• Anthropologie has clothing on sale for 30% off. It says “limited time” so if for some reason the sale ended when this publishes, I appologize.
• This stoneware tureen would be perfect on your Thanksgiving table.
• Speaking of Thanksgiving, Etsy has brown and white vintage transferware for sale.
• Get ready for cookie baking season with this Williams Sonoma snowflake cookie cutter set.
• I bought the book “Feels Like Home: Transforming Your Space from Uninspiring to Uniquely Yours” to help me recover my knee.
• It’s fall, and what better time to enjoy some hot chocolate? This Swiss Miss hot cocoa 4 variety pack includes my favorites, Salty Caramel and Pumpkin Spice.

It’s Candle Season

Fall Candles are on sale!

Antique Candle Co. is celebrating five years of “Tree Farm” by offering 30% off of the entire collection, including bundles.

FREE shipping and a FREE Spice Cake 16 oz candle on orders $75+

From the Blog

28 Fall Gardening Tasks to Prepare a Flower Garden for Winter

Now that the leaves are falling from the trees and the flowers are fading away, what’s next for the garden? Here’s a fall task list to help you prepare your garden for the winter season… CONTINUE READING.

How to Make a DIY Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreath

This easy-to-make DIY fresh magnolia leaf wreath is perfect for fall and holidays. I’ll show you how I incorporated magnolia leaves from the tree in our yard, branches of all kinds, and dried oranges. A step-by-step tutorial is below…CONTINUE READING.

How to Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter

Are you thinking about overwintering your dahlia tubers during the cold winter season? I’ll share some different methods and simple tips on safely digging up and storing your dahlia tubers over the winter…CONTINUE READING.

21 Quick and Simple Cottage Christmas Decor Ideas to Try

Do you get overwhelmed when you start thinking about winter decor ideas? I’ll show you 21 quick and simple cottage Christmas decor ideas to help put you in the holiday spirit and get you started on decorating for the winter holidays… CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

The best garlic bread recipe that’s actually different from the rest.

You’ll love this home from Micah and Co‘s portfolio.

This faux corn husk wreath DIY is perfect for fall.

Check out this delicious homemade peach pie recipe.

French bistro-inspired kitchen of a baker’s dreams.

Here’s how to make a mini jute broom for spooky season.

I love soup season, and this crockpot chicken enchilada soup is just what I’ve been looking for.

I must be really, really hungry because I’m sharing another fall recipe, pumpkin pasta alla vodka.

I’d love to hear from you! Please 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,

Follow Me for More Inspiration

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