Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Hello October

Welcome to Saltwater Soundsa collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share all that’s been happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come and the inspiration I have found from other bloggers around the web.

cut hydrangeas for drying

This and That…

Every month seems to be getting shorter and shorter. And here we are…already into October.

September turned out to be a pretty incredible month with warm and sunny days. I like to think that we Seattleites were being paid back for the really, really crumby weather we had all spring and the first part of summer.

On this first weekend of October, the weather has not let us down with mid-seventies temperatures. However, it turns quite cold in the evenings and I’m trying to decide if it’s time to turn the heat on yet. I don’t want to give in too soon!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have suffered from the devastating storms in Florida and elsewhere. I can’t even begin to imagine what it has been like for everyone having to live through such a tragedy.


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I took a trip to Target the other day to see if there was anything I wanted to pick up for fall.

It’s always fun to shop Magnolia’s Hearth & Hand.

There wasn’t much Threshold by Studio McGee on the shelves but there’s plenty online.


greenhouse view with the sunrising

A Walk Through the Garden

These next few weeks are going to be so busy in the garden and I’m hoping to get a lot done before the rain comes back into our lives.

fall plants int he back of the car

I went to the nursery and bought some fall annuals.

fall perennials
fall annuals and perennials and pumkins

We also picked up some pumpkins. I love the green and white ones the best. We did a lot of shopping the day we went on errands so we didn’t have room for cornstalks but I’ll go back next week to get some for my greenhouse.

I continue to cut down the spent summer flowers. I’ll be planting spring-blooming bulbs next week. I’m going to fill the raised beds with tulips again.

garden pathway

Do you remember when we had to dig to get to the septic tanks about a month ago? I had basically forgotten where the tanks were (or that there were any) and grew plants on top of them.

garden pathway

So we had to redesign this garden area and put stepping stones on the areas we would later need to get to. We repositioned the vintage bike to another area in the garden and made walking paths while taking out quite a few flowers.

I’ll be adding some evergreen shrubs in the bare spots and planting a few more things here and there and before you know it, you won’t even remember the mess this had become while searching for the tanks.

cut hydrangeas for drying

I cut most of the remaining hydrangea blooms from its bush and took them in to dry for the season.

fall hydrangeas ready to dry indoors

Can you even believe the brilliant colors?


The Newest Antique Candlesfor Fall

Antique Candle Co.has 2 new fall fragrances. Have you tried them yet?

  • Salted Caramel: a cozy scent of homemade caramel candies with a sweet and creamy blend of sugar, butter, and vanilla, topped with fresh sea salt.
  • Vanilla Chai: A warm aroma of steeped tea with cozy blends of cardamom, clove, and nutmeg, mixed with sweet notes of vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon.

Plus: you can get a FREE apple butter 8 oz. candle on orders of $130+

Another Plus: Free shipping on all contiguous US orders over $65.

Shop All Candles HERE!


What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…

fall decor in living room

Fall Fresh Seasonal Home Tour with Cozy Cottage Style Touches

Looking for some simple ideas to decorate your home this autumn? Today I’m taking you on my fall fresh seasonal home tour to show you how I’ve decorated with cozy cottage-style touches.


October gardening tips and to dos

October Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest Region

Fall is finally here and there is so much to do in the garden now that the summer flowers are fading away. Here are some October gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden during this busy time of transition.


My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…

pumpkin spice latte

Are you always in search of new seasonal recipes? Leslie at My 100-Year-Old Home is sharing her 15 best fall recipes. You are NOT going to want to miss this.


fall country French porch

Looking for some different ways to decorate your porch for autumn? My friend CoCo at The Crowned Goat has styled her country French fall porch so beautifully. I love the soft pinks and browns so much.


fagioli soup

Who is ready for some soup now that it’s fall? My friend Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms shares this hearty, delicious recipe for pasta fagioli soup that you’ll love.


DIY corn husk pumpkin

Now it’s time for a fall DIY. Wait until you see how Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse adds corn husk to a dollar tree pumpkin. I love this project!


More Inspiration

In this incredible portfolio.

This charming coastal bathroom.

Baked apple cider donuts.

Sherwin Williams color of the year for 2023.

This Sussex farmhouse filled with flea market finds.

Fall gardening tips for the Southwest region.

This Baked pumpkin brie recipe.

This fabulous fall home tour.


An Oldie But a Goodie

herb and hydrangea tablescape

Creating a Fall Tablescape with Herbs and Hydrangeas


pumpkin and fall plants

9 Fall Plants That Are Perfect For Container Gardens


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 you a wonderful week ahead,


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12 Comments

  1. Nothing makes me happier than a car full of pumpkins and plants. The weather at the base of Mt Hood has been glorious. I’m enjoying every minute of it. Hugs and blessings to you.

    1. I hear you about the plants and pumpkins Renae. So much so that I’ve done that shopping trip 3 times this season. I have a sickness. The weather has been truly amazing.

  2. Such a beautiful post Kim, I love all of the choices you made for the garden, and the pumpkins looks fabulous.
    Thanks for sharing Stacy’s soup, I missed that one and it sounds so good.
    Happy October.

    1. Thank you for the lovely compliment, Wendy. Stacy always seems to make the best soups. I’m glad you found it.

  3. Even the way you arrange and pick the flowers in your car looks amazing, Kim! I can’t wait to see how you put it all together. I know it’s going to be so pretty. I can’t get over the hydrangeas. Those pink tips are gorgeous and I love the way they swirl with the white too. You know I’m a huge fan of the color of the year. There are so many beautiful shades of pink that can be used as a neutral now. Thanks so much for thinking and praying for Florida. We cannot believe the amount of damage this one storm has caused. Keep lifting us up, it’s definitely helping, and thank you for sharing my porch tour. The minute we finish cleaning up I’m going to head out there with a big mug of coffee. Big hugs, CoCo

    1. You are too sweet CoCo. I hope your family members are hanging in there and getting some help and relief. I can’t imagine what you all went through with this terrible storm. Sending love and hugs sweet friend.

  4. Tre gardens still look amazing! I wish I had hydrangeas this year but the summer weather really did a number on the flowers. Target has the best stuff! Thanks for sharing my pasta fagioli it’s a yummy one! ❤️❤️

    1. Oh, I can just imagine what the heat and hot sun did to your poor little hydrangeas this summer Stacy. You guys really got it this year.

    1. I really have been amazed by all your great corn husk projects this fall Rachel. You’ve given me so much inspiration.

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