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…
Every year I find myself complaining about the dreary weather here between January and March.
But with the atmospheric rivers and tornados occurring in other parts of the country, I find myself extremely grateful that we are only dealing with gloom and some rain.
My heart goes out to all those who have lost so much from the unusual weather events that have been happening.
We’ve been hovering just over the freezing mark the past couple of evenings. The forecast is all over the board for the next couple of weeks, but we may see a few days in the high 50s next week. Fingers crossed.
I took these pictures of the spectacular view one evening while we sat on the deck and watched the gorgeous sunset.
These pictures have not been edited, and there are no filters. Pretty impressive, right?
Knee Update
It’s been a little over six weeks since I had my knee replacement, and this week has been so different from the others.
I feel a little more like myself, and the brain fog has lifted.
My hubby, Jax, Ollie, and I have started taking walks in the mornings. I can’t go far, but at least I’m getting out and going a little further every day.
The boys have been stuck in the house with me, so they are just as excited to be in the fresh air and smell all the smells along their morning walk.
Here was another view along the way. I thought this was so cute.
I can now go up and down the stairs. Down looks a little clumsy, but I can do it, so it’s in the win column.
I’m FINALLY at 0° when straightening my knee. That’s been a real challenge, so I was so happy to see that number. I haven’t made any new progress in bending.
I am getting stronger and using weights while doing my PT. And I can even use a stationary bike now. It hurts for about a minute or two, and then I feel fine.
Palm Springs Trip
I don’t know if you remember the girl’s weekend in Palm Springs that I went on last year. Well, I’m going again. We leave on Thursday and will be there for a few days.
This is the picture of the pool from last year. The weather was in the 80s, and it was so amazing! This year looks like it will be quite a bit cooler but still warmer than home, so I’ll take it.
I’ve ordered a wheelchair for the airport just in case I don’t have the stamina to walk to the gate, but I can get myself on the plane just fine. I’m just playing it safe because I don’t know what to expect.
No hot tubbing for me this year, and the knee will not be getting a suntan. But I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my friends for a few days.
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Around the Garden and Greenhouse
Aren’t these pink camellias gorgeous?
The daffodils just started to bloom, and they are just the pop of color we needed in our spring garden.
Hellebores, hyacinths, crocuses, and a few azaleas are also blooming right now.
The tulip foliage is growing quickly, and I’m trying to keep the deer away by using a deer and rabbit repellant, Liquid Fence, every couple of weeks when it’s not raining. So far, so good.
I’ll share what’s going on in the greenhouse next week. A lot is happening in there, and it’s just about at total capacity!
Around Our Cottage
I ordered the prettiest rug for my spring home tour, but it didn’t ship in time, so I’ll share it next week with you.
No projects are happening at the moment in the house due to my knee, but when I do start to get stronger, I’ll most likely be spending my time in the garden anyway.
My Favorite Finds and Deals This Week
Antique Candle Co.
Antique Candle Co. is hunting for the PERFECT spring floral candle. When you purchase Spring Candle Testers, YOU get to vote on their next candle.
The 4 Fragrances
- Jasmine Peony
- Sandalwood Rose
- White Jasmine
- Wildflower Vanilla
Ultimate Spring Candle Testers $110 – this box has a total value of $147 and includes:
- Four 160 oz. candles ($120 value)
- a floral matchbox with approximately 60, 4″ long safety matches ($ 10 value)
- Wick Dipper ($12 value)
- Candle Gift Bag to keep accessories together ($5 value)
- Candle Tester Insert with all the details for Testing 101. including a link to access the survey and cast your vote.
- A 40% off coupon exclusively for Ultimate Tester after voting for your favorite candle.
- Free Shipping!
VIP Spring Candle Testers $78 – this box has a total value of $98 and includes:
- Four 8 oz. candles ($88 value)
- a floral matchbox with approximately 60, 4″ long safety matches ($ 10 value)
- Candle Tester Insert with all the details for Testing 101. including a link to access the survey and cast your vote.
- A 30% off coupon code exclusively for VIP Testers after voting for your favorite candle.
- Free Shipping!
Spring Candle Testers $28 – this box has a total value of $32 and includes:
- Four 2 oz. candles
- Candle Tester Insert with all the details for Testing 101. including a link to access the survey and cast your vote.
- A 30% off coupon code exclusively for Testers after voting for your favorite candle.
- Free Shipping!
From the Blog
Spring Cottage Home Tour and Simple Decorating Ideas
Are you looking for spring home decor ideas now that spring is officially here? In this post, I’ll take you on a spring home tour of my cottage living room and bedroom while sharing some simple spring decor ideas to make your home look and feel its best this season.
14 Thrift Store Finds for Your Spring Home Décor
Are you looking for ideas to give your home a pretty spring refresh without breaking the bank? I’m highlighting 14 of my favorite thrift store finds to help you spruce up your spring home décor in no time!
When to Cut Back Spring Bulb Flowers and Their Foliage
Do you get frustrated by all the dead leaves your spring-flowering bulbs leave behind in your garden beds? I’ll give you tips on the best time to cut back your spring bulb flowers and foliage and why timing is so important for next year’s blooms.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
Courtney at French Country Cottage shares her Topiary Love and how to care for them. You’ll want her tips for keeping them in that lovely topiary form.
This chili crisp chicken taco with spicy mango salsa recipe.
Coco at The Crowned Goat shares her cottage-inspired spring home tour and the simple techniques that have kept her grounded while building a life filled with simple pleasures.
Easter Home Decor on a budget.
Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms has 10-minute quick Spring table decor ideas for you.
How to make A DIY custom tablecloth & napkins.
Michelle at Thistle Key Lane will show you how to make the sweetest wooden keepsake Easter eggs. The best part? There are no special painting skills required!
How to make flower arrangements on a budget.
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 week full of joy, kindness, and peace.
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I can’t get over all the improvements you’ve made in 6 weeks, Kim, that is awesome! I know it’s a lot of hard work to put in and probably a lot of stops and starts too but I’m proud of you for gently pushing yourself to keep healing well. I’ve never been to Palm Springs but it’s on my bucket list. It always looks so pretty so take lots of pictures if you can. I love seeing all the beautiful things growing around your property and I’ll pass the Liquid Fence along to my parents. They built a huge flower bed complete with bistro table and chairs at their primary home and there is not a single bloom left my Mom said. She is totally bummed! On a happy note, thanks so much for sharing my spring home tour. I really appreciate it! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
Your messages are always so sweet, CoCo. Thank you. As long as they spray the Liquid Fence every couple of weeks and are consistent they shouldn’t have any problems. Have them plant marigolds and herbs in with the other flowers.
Your daffodils look amazing. I just planted my bulbs yesterday and hoping that they come up when ready. The bulbs I planted last year were never to be seen again. I’m so pleased that your knee is doing better.
I’m so sorry to hear that your bulbs didn’t come up from last year, Carol. Hopefully, it was just a fluke, and it won’t happen again.
Kim
I’m so glad you are improving and wow that trip sounds amazing. I know you’ll have a great time.
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Thanks for sharing my tablecloth and napkins.
Thank you, Rachel.
The views at your home Kim are stunning!!! I hope you have the best girls trip, enjoy! Thank you for sharing my Easter decor on a budget blog post. Happy Sunday!
Have fun on your trip, sounds wonderful! So glad you’re making improvements in your knee!
Thank you so much, Debra. I hope you’re feeling well.
Kim, Happy Sunday. So glad to hear about the positive progress with your knee! How fun to be returning to Palm Springs…the friendship and sunshine will do wonders. Safe travels and love seeing all the pictures of your beautiful garden.
Thank you, Mary. It was more fun visiting you last year first. I can’t wait to visit again.
I’m so glad your knee is doing better! It’s such a big surgery to tackle. The view from your home are always spectacular! Happy Sunday, Kim!
Thank you, Kim! I didn’t expect the knee surgery to be this tough. But it is getting better and better. And then I get the other one done next year.
so pretty! I love the daffodils in the boat! How fun for your garden. Thank you for sharing my tablescape!
I thought that was cute too Stacy. What a great idea for someone living across the bay.