Saltwater Sounds Weekly: A New Year of Possibilities

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where 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 New Year and warmest wishes for a fabulous 2024!

How has your first week of January been? From the conversations I’ve had this past week, I’ve noticed that most people are embracing the new year at their own pace. I absolutely love that!

Some are still enjoying their Christmas decorations, while others are diving into organizing and looking forward to a fresh start in their homes.

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Starting the Year on Our Boat, Wildflower

Then there’s us. We tried something a little different this year.

We left our marina on New Year’s Eve for a winter boat trip. It was supposed to be for two weeks, but now that the forecast shows snow and temps in the twenties, we’ve decided to come home earlier.

Heart was playing on New Year’s Eve and since we were in Seattle that night, we thought it would be fun to go. The concert started late so unfortunately we didn’t get outside until the fireworks were just ending.

But I heard that it was hard to see them because of the fog. All in all, it was a great night. But we were way too tired to do this again.

I always love the view of the Seattle skyline as we’re boating by.

Let’s Be Kind to Ourselves

January is a month filled with limitless possibilities.

It’s a time for reflection, relaxation, and setting fresh and exciting goals. It can also be about taking life ‘one day at a time’ and savoring each moment along the way.

Let’s make a heartfelt pact this year…let’s be exceptionally kind to ourselves. There’s no need to feel pressured to follow the crowd or conform to what everyone else is doing.

I’ve decided that 2024 is the year for me to create my own rules and I’ll be adjusting them as I go. I love the possibilities of what could happen if I simply get out of my own way and stop comparing myself to those around me.

Remember, this year is yours to shape and define. Embrace the journey, set your own pace, and savor every moment.

I’m so happy you’re here with me while I continue to share inspiration and ideas for your home and garden. I never thought I would be blogging and that I would actually have subscribers that followed along every week.

This has been a dream come true and I appreciate you showing up each week.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The Plan for This Month

First of all, I’ve started this section as “the plan” which means that not all plans and timelines work out. We’ll see.

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

Did you hear that Floret Flowers will now be focusing on their special new range of cut flower varieties which will be released on February 6th?

I’ve already taken a peek around Erin’s site and found a few seeds I want to try, including the Zinnia Alpenglow and Precious Metals varieties.

On January 2nd of each year, I start getting excited about gardening again. It’s a new year, a new garden, a fresh start.

I will be looking at whatever didn’t work last year as a new challenge and a chance to try again (unless it’s not worth trying again).

I hope to finish planning my 2024 garden layout and goals by the end of this month. At least the first phase of a plan.

What about you? Are you trying new plants to grow this year? Is there anything you want to add to your garden space?

We created a stone patio in front of the greenhouse last fall and I’m excited to add more container gardening to my list this year.

I’m also hoping to add more evergreen shrubs to my cottage garden this year for more year-round interest and as a low-maintenance option.

As a flower gardener, I will try anything with enthusiasm. But I still feel intimidated by growing veggies in the garden. I’m going to face my fears this year and add even more vegetables to my cut-flower garden.

I already grow tomatoes, beans, zucchini, potatoes, onions, and snap peas but want to take on more. Get ready to follow along as I navigate my way through.

What’s your favorite veggie to grow in the garden?

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

Warm Winter Home Décor Ideas With a Touch of Coastal Styling

Looking for creative ideas on how to decorate your home during the winter months? I’ll show you some simple ideas for adding a coastal look to your seasonal decor while keeping the cozy warmth of a traditional winter space… CONTINUE READING.

How to Plan a Stunning Cut Flower Garden Layout

Are you thinking about growing a stunning cut flower garden but have no idea where to start? I’ll take you through the process of planning a cut flower garden layout that is not only beautiful but productive throughout the growing season…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Bring warmth and coziness to your home with this winter simmer pot recipe.

I’m loving this coastal cottage kitchen reveal.

Here are some easy ideas for non-Christmas winter decorating.

The perfect winter soup to warm up with.

Here’s how you can create a cottage stone walkway.

These foolproof tricks will help you master winter plant care.

If you love tater tots and need a good breakfast idea, try this one.

I’d love to hear from you! 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 year ahead,

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