Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Celebrating Fathers, Grads, and the Joys of Summer

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

It’s a busy time, isn’t it?

Happy Father’s Day to all the fabulous dads out there. Congratulations to everyone celebrating their loved one’s graduation this month.

Summer is Officially Here Next Thursday!

Doesn’t it feel like we have all these wonderful summer plans squeezed into just a few short months? How do we get it all done?

I’ve been waiting and waiting for the summer garden to bloom, and in my excitement, I’ve found myself wishing for time to move ahead too quickly. But now, with the 4th of July almost here, it’s a reminder that before we know it, August will have us thinking about back-to-school and fall.

Summer goes by so quickly. My goal is to try to be intentional and to truly experience all it has to offer this year and savor every moment. How about you?

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A Daytrip to Alderbrook Resort and Spa

Question for you locals reading this…have you ever been to Alderbrook Resort?

I think I went with my parents by boat when I was a crabby teenager who didn’t want to do anything with them, so it’s safe to say that no one around me had a very good time.

But as an adult, I fell in love on a day trip for lunch with a friend last week.

The lobby is pictured above. They even had a person holding the door for us as we arrived. That’s hard to find these days.

The restaurant is beautiful, with a water view, and the food and service exceeded my expectations. I’ll have to take my hubby here soon.

It’s about 45 minutes from our house and worth the drive. It was a great meal.

I got so much inspiration from these gallery walls. I really want to do this on a smaller scale in our house. I’d love to use some pictures of our boat trip experiences, mostly in black and white.

Guest Room Painting Project

I made a mistake.

A couple of years ago (maybe it was a year, but it feels like more), I thought it would be a great idea to paint the trim in the guest room a dark gray. Sadly, it looked more black and was too dark for the room.

I’m painting it a greige color, and it’s starting to look more like a beach cottage again.

I’ll share the updates next week.

“There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.” – Janet Kilburn Phillips

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

The hydrangeas are starting to bloom. Yay!

White petunias and marigolds are planted with potatoes, which you can see coming up in the back.

I plant snap peas every year for Jax and Ollie. They love waiting for a pea treat while I’m working in the garden.

The only flowers blooming right now are zinnias. Above are Persian carpet zinnias between zucchini and strawflowers.

The Persian Carpet varieties are shorter than the taller varieties I’m growing this year, but I love how they look with the vegetables I’m growing.

I’ve got brighter zinnias.

And some on the pastel side.

I know I said that zinnias were the only blooms I saw in the cut flower garden, but there is a lone pink Cosmo flower I have to share.

Chocolate Lace Flower Dara is a burgundy and chocolate-colored Queen Anne’s lace that will show its color soon.

I’m growing apricot and pomegranate strawflowers this year, and they are also getting ready to bloom.

My flower containers are starting to fill out. I depend on these annual flowers every May and June to add a pop of color to the garden, while the summer perennials are mostly green with a few colorful blooms.

The petunias, verbena, and sweet alyssum look gorgeous in the patio containers in front of the greenhouse.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

Patriotic Outdoor Decorating Ideas for the 4th of July

The 4th of July will be here before you know it! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a neighborhood block party, or just looking to add festive flair to your front porch, I’ve got you covered with patriotic outdoor decorating ideas for your 4th of July holiday… CONTINUE READING.

Show Off Your Garden Flowers Using Vintage Thrift Store Finds

Are you looking for fun yard art and creative outdoor container ideas for your beautiful blooms? I’ll share how to show off your flowers using vintage thrift store finds as containers and fun props in the garden… CONTINUE READING.

ON SALE: My 35-page Ultimate Garden Planner is on sale now for $4.99. Click the button below to learn more about what is included in this planner. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Personalize your table with these DIY block print napkins.

I’ve fallen in love with this cozy eco beachfront cottage in Australia!

I want to try making DIY pressed flower wall art this year.

Here are 20+ simple summer salad recipes for your BBQ.

Here’s how to achieve a Nancy Meyers-inspired interior in your home decor.

Visit this Virginia farm, a place of hope and healing.

All you need for summer entertaining with backyard cookout ideas & recipes.

My favorite 4th of July inspiration

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 week ahead,

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