Saltwater Sounds: Thanksgiving Prep and Gratitude

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

Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a great week. The Pacific Northwest was windy and very soggy, with back-to-back atmospheric rivers. Most of the autumn leaves have fallen, and the garden beds are tucked in for the winter with a layer of leaf mulch protecting them from the harsh weather.

Spring Bulbs

A Home Depot visit on the way to physical therapy turned out to be much more productive than I thought it would be. Spring bulbs were 50% off. I think I paid around $4.00 per package.

Now, if you asked anyone who knows me if I needed more bulbs to plant this fall, the answer would have been an overwhelming “no”! But who can resist half-off alliums? Not me.

We have planted all the spring bulbs in the raised beds in the cutting garden. We’re trying to get the rest of the tulips, daffodils, and alliums in the ground along the new fence and in pots and containers around the garden.

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Knee Replacement Update

It’s been four weeks. Can you believe it? I can now walk without any assistance from a crutch or a cane. AND I have officially been cleared to drive. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be able to drive myself to PT now.

For those of you who have had a knee replacement, you know it’s the little things. And there were several little things that I’m excited about. My range of motion continues to improve. Bending is much easier for me than straightening.

I can go up the stairs (normally) and ride my exercise bike daily. I’m hoping to start swimming again in December. These are all good things, and I’m feeling really good about getting in the greenhouse in January to sow some seeds!

“The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” – Norman Vincent Peale

The Gift of Gratitude

My heart is full. When you have friends like mine, it’s easy to be grateful.

Since my second knee replacement, I’ve been feeling a bit vulnerable. Usually, if I want something done, I make it happen. But with the physical limitations after the surgery, it’s been hard to accept that I’ve needed a little help from my friends.

Thank you, Lori, Lori, Kelly, and Lisa, for all of your help, love, humor, and support, especially during the last few weeks. I’m so grateful for the dinners you made, the rides to PT, the oranges you brought me for drying, and the board games you played. You ladies are the best.

I also had the best visit from my friend Kelly, her daughter Morgan, and her amazing and precious baby granddaughter. I can’t remember the last time I snuggled with a baby. It’s the best feeling in the world, and I am so lucky to have them in my life.

Decorating for Christmas

I’m about halfway done decorating for Christmas. I do have a tree decorated that I can share with you.

This year, I went with a blue, green, and copper color palette for the Christmas tree closest to the kitchen. And because I loved my hydrangea tree from last year, I mixed in some smaller dried hydrangea bloom heads for added interest and to cover big holes that looked awkward.

I’ll be sharing my 2024 Christmas Home Tour blog post on Wednesday!

My Holiday Decor Favorites This Week

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From the Blog

Christmas Decorating Ideas for a Small Front Porch

Do you struggle with decorating your small porch during the winter holidays? I’ll share my favorite decorating ideas to spruce up your small porch for the fabulously festive Christmas season… CONTINUE READING.

Charming Christmas Vintage Decorations for a Classic Holiday

Do you have a love for classic Christmas decorations? The Christmas season is filled with holiday traditions and nostalgia. One of the best ways to capture that classic charm is by decorating your home with cherished vintage decor… 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

I was shocked that Cottages and Bungalows Magazine featured our beach cottage on their blog this week. This was originally a feature in their magazine 5 years ago. I think you’ll agree that there have been a lot of changes to our home since then. I love seeing little Lucy in the pictures here. I miss that sweet girl!

You’ll love The Sycamore Project by House Seven Design.

Make this Thanksgiving cranberry cobbler punch for a festive touch.

See how to make a DIY cornucopia with rope for Thanksgiving.

Here are some ideas for vintage-inspired Thanksgiving decorations.

Check out these 40 best Thanksgiving traditions to try this Turkey Day.

You won’t want to miss these 12 simple Christmas decorating ideas under $10.

Here’s an easy (and yummy) treat for a busy holiday season.

Looking for a fun and festive craft project? How about this DIY pinecone tree?

Here’s how to make vintage-inspired DIY Christmas bells with old book pages.

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a 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,

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