Saltwater Sounds: Starting February on a Sunny Note

Welcome To This Week’s 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.

Hello from Phoenix!

February is officially here, and I’m kicking it off somewhere warm, which feels like a real treat after the cold temperatures back home. A little sunshine goes a long way this time of year, doesn’t it?

fuchsia hollyhock
Hollyhocks growing in Phoenix
bloggers spending the weekend together

This weekend has been all about spending time with blogging friends, soaking up the warm weather, and mixing in plenty of creative work.

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Mary at the Life at Bella Terra having a latte as we blog

A huge thank you to my friend and gracious host for the weekend, Mary from Life at Bella Terra. Her home is absolutely incredible, from the citrus trees and veggie garden to the chickens laying fresh eggs and the most amazing home-cooked meals. Be sure to visit her blog and take a peek at her beautiful world.

sourdough loaf ready to go in the oven

One of the highlights was learning how to make sourdough bread.

a loaf of homemade sour dough  out of the oven

This loaf, filled with cheese, garlic, and rosemary, came out absolutely delicious and made the house smell incredible.

homemade granola

Mary’s granola was just as amazing, and she generously shared her recipe for you to try at home.

citrus trees in the backyard

A morning walk around the backyard feels like a little adventure. There are grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, lime, orange, and kumquat trees. along with plum, apricot, and peach trees.

vintage monkey bars in backyard

Scattered among it all is vintage playground equipment left behind from when the house was once used as a school.

vintage see saw in the backyard

What a sweet reminder of the history of this place.

taking time for tea sign with roses on the wall

We’ve shared some truly fabulous meals, fit in a little shopping (okay…enough shopping that I had to borrow another suitcase to get everything home), and talked about all things blogging, planning, and inspiration.

English tea restaurant
English Rose Tea Room
posing with the plants at the garden store

I absolutely loved this shop!

Le Potager gardening store

I may have found a few too many things to bring home, so here’s hoping everything arrives in one piece.

Valentine's Day gift baskets

I thought these Valentine’s baskets were so cute and such a sweet gift for that special someone.

Charmaine J. forde

Back home, the garden is still in its quiet season, but I can already feel the shift. I’ve already started sowing seeds in the greenhouse, and I can’t wait to share the seedlings next week.

treat yo self seed bundle

Check out this Treat Yo Self Seed Bundle I just got from Botanical Interests.

This bundle is all about slowing down, breathing deep, and growing plants that feel just as good as they look. You’ll be thinking all about herbal teas, calming blooms, and spa-day garden vibes right outside your door.

This bundle is filled with soothing, aromatic favorites that are perfect for teas, homemade skincare, and just enjoying a more mindful garden moment.

What’s included in the bundle:

  • Baby Blue Eucalyptus
  • Broadleaf Sage (organic)
  • Common Mint
  • German Chamomile (organic)
  • Lemon Balm (organic)
  • Luffa Gourd
  • Munstead Lavender (organic)
  • Pacific Beauty Blend Calendula
  • Purple Coneflower Echinacea (organic)

I love the idea of a garden that feels like a retreat, and this bundle absolutely delivers that energy. Cozy, calming, and just a little indulgent, exactly how gardening should feel.

cut flower garden in the summer with yarrow and zinnias

Creating a Cut Flower Garden: Summer Seed Collection

I’ve officially finished selecting my 2026 summer cut flower seed collection, and I couldn’t be more excited to share what I’ll be growing in the garden this season.
cut flower garden evening summer view overlooking the bay

17 Easy Flowers to Grow from Seed Indoors

If you’re looking for easy flowers to grow from seed indoors, this list is a great place to start, especially if you want beautiful blooms without feeling overwhelmed.
Valentine's Day tablescape with roses and red and white decor

How to Create a Garden-Inspired Valentine’s Day Tablescape

Are you looking for fresh ideas to make Valentine’s Day special this year? Let me show you how I created a garden-inspired Valentine’s Day tablescape with gorgeous fresh-cut blooms.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These soft peanut butter Valentine’s Day cookies look amazing.

Are you looking for Valentine’s Day DIYs? Check out this one, and this post with several DIY ideas.

This simple crockpot buffalo chicken chili is perfect for game day, family dinners, and all the nights in between.

This is such a beautiful house.

Learn how to install under-cabinet lighting like a pro.

You can make these 12 creative DIY Valentine’s gifts for under $5.

This Ashland Avenue home is gorgeous.

This is the most beautiful paper wreath DIY, blending paper roses and anemone tissue paper flowers.

Until next time,

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