Saltwater Sounds: Happiness is a Small House with a Big Welcome
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.
Can you believe this is the final weekend of May?
Memorial Day weekend is here, and it really feels like the start of summer. We’ve had the best weather this week, lots of sunshine and blue skies, and the garden is putting on such a beautiful show.
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Memorial Day Reflections
Happy Memorial Day to all my friends in the United States. I hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and finding time to relax, recharge, and be with the people you love.
More importantly, I hope you’ll join me in taking a quiet moment to reflect and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
This weekend is a time to remember, to feel grateful, and to embrace the new beginnings this season brings.
Garden Views and Deck Days
The garden has been absolutely beautiful this week. It’s one of those stretches of time when everything feels like it’s falling into place.
I’ve been soaking it all in from the deck, where the view of the water and the blooms has been too pretty to leave. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend time this time of year, just sitting, sipping something cold, and letting the garden work its magic.
I was pulling the outdoor pillows out of the garage and tossing them onto the sofa, but Jax clearly thought I was setting up the perfect cozy bed just for him.
This rhododendron in front of our kitchen window is stunning!
The herbs have been growing so quickly, and the chives have the most beautiful blooms right now.
I wish these gorgeous lupines were from my garden, but they’re not. We saw them on our walk, and I just had to share them with you!
“Happiness is a small house with a big welcome.” – Unknown
A Special Celebration
This week, we also hosted a graduation party for my nephew, and it was such a heartfelt celebration.
As you can see, our new and improved island was perfect for holding all the food! I was too nervous to scratch the new butcher block, so I covered the top with a tablecloth.
The weather was perfect, and it felt so good to welcome friends into our little coastal space.
Something about celebrating milestones outdoors, surrounded by flowers and a bit of sea breeze, makes it even more special.
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On the Blog
What’s Blooming in My Late-Spring Country Cottage Flower Garden
Do you ever walk through your garden and feel like things have changed overnight? That’s exactly how my late spring flower garden feels right now, full of color, texture, and those sweet signs that summer is just around the corner…CONTINUE READING.
Why We Fell in Love With Our 100-Year-Old Beach House
There’s nothing better than falling in love with an old home. Maybe it’s the charm, the quirks, or the history that seems to whisper from every corner. It was all of that for us, and even a little more…CONTINUE READING.
13 Tips to Extend the Vase Life of Your Cut Flowers
Do you struggle to keep your flowers alive for more than a couple of days? Today I’m sharing 13 tips and tricks to help extend the vase life of your cut flowers… CONTINUE READING.
Garden Supplies and Tools
Check out my favorite garden supplies and tools for the growing season. Whether you’re looking for potting soil or deer repellent, you’ll find what I use in my own garden.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
I can’t wait to make these DIY copper plant markers.
This is such a beautiful home!
These pull-apart jalapeño pepper jack cheeseburger sliders are so fun!
A complete guide to collecting vintage ironstone.
How to make vintage-inspired DIY American flag wall art.
Check out this gorgeous home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How to create botanical artwork with supplies on hand.
How to enjoy A cozy breakfast picnic in your backyard.
Thanks, as always, for following along and being part of this journey with me.
Until next time,
Wishing a wonderful week ahead,
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hi Kim, please do a blog on hanging lights in the garden. I would have to use solar. How to determine size bulb to buy How are the flags hanging on your string/wire? Need details, we have no experience. Please help. I enjoy every post you write. Thanks for making life fuller.
Hi Nan,
I will add a lighting blog post to my list. There are so many great solar options these days. We actually added an end cap to our fence posts which are solar. They work great in the summer but they are very limited in the winter due to lack of sunlight.
We used zip ties to hang our flags on the light cords.
Thank you for the kind words my friend, and for all your support.
If you have specific questions I can answer before I write a post, please email me at kim@shiplapandshells.com . I’d love to help!
Hugs,
Kim
Kim, I love seeing little sneak peeks into your home. The new island is gorgeous and it looks like it worked perfectly for the grad party.
Thank you so much for sharing my backyard breakfast picnic. I appreciate it!
I hope you are enjoying your long memorial day weekend.
Thanks Jen!
I can’t tell you how nice it was for me to have all the food on the island and still have room left over during my party. I absolutely LOVE this thing! Hugs!