Saltwater Sounds: Welcoming October with Cozy Fall Vibes

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

October’s warm welcome has set the tone for the fall season here in the Pacific Northwest. Last week was terrific gardening weather with plenty of sunshine except for a rainy Friday. I’m so grateful for such an amazing start to the month.

Being home after traveling so much the last two months is so nice. I’m ready for some heavy-duty nesting for the next two weeks before my knee replacement surgery.

I’ve spent some much-needed time in the garden this past week and have some pictures to share. This is the first year I haven’t spent any money on pumpkins or corn husks because of my garden and a friend who grew a huge pumpkin patch this year.

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My Blogging Retreat Last Weekend

I’m not sure if you noticed that I sent out last week’s email a couple of hours late. But I had a really good reason. I was in Minnesota for a SHIFT retreat hosted by Bree Pair, the owner of Thrive.

Bree has been my business coach for quite a while. This is my third year in this coaching program. I see these ladies a few times a month on Zoom, so it was so much fun to meet them all in person finally.

Bree set us up for success! Complete with comfy slippers, goodie bags, snacks and drinks, lunch, and a lot of amazing information.

On my trip to the Midwest, I expected orange autumn leaves and sweater weather, but I was wrong. The temperatures were in the high 80s, but we still had an opportunity to dine outdoors in the beautiful sunshine.

The good news is that the evenings cooled down enough for us to enjoy making s’mores by the fire. It was the best long weekend with a group of very smart women who were also a lot of fun!

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L. M. Montgomery

Our October Garden

I spent this past week planting my fall flowers in planters and containers. This year’s home-grown pumpkins are displayed around the greenhouse pathway and patio.

In the past, I’ve always decorated for fall with scarecrows, vintage wheelbarrows, and wagons. But I kept it simple this year, knowing that I have another knee surgery in a couple of weeks and I won’t be able to do as much when it comes to transitioning from fall to winter.

Sprucing up my vintage bike basket with violas, ivy, and pumpkins is simple yet makes a statement.

Beautiful fall perennials with deep hues fill the garden.

The purple asters are the brightest perennials in the garden this season.

What I love about asters is that they can be divided after blooming. When we put in the patio last year, we split our three plants. Each mother plant was divided into four individual ones, growing larger this year than I had expected.

I’ll be dividing them again this year.

Other gorgeous fall plants growing in the garden are sedum autumn joy and euphoria, complementing the asters beautifully.

October Gardening Tasks

There’s plenty to do in the garden this month. Here’s my list of things I still need to do.

Here are a few pictures of how I mixed fall annuals, pumpkins, and gourds in planters and containers around the garden.

This was the first year I grew jack-be-little pumpkins. Aren’t they adorable?

Nesting in My Fall Home

The throws are draped over chairs, and vintage copper accessories have replaced glass vases and seashells.

The only thing that has remained the same since transitioning from summer to autumn is the presence of flowers and greenery.

We spend so much time in this space in our kitchen. What better way to make it feel cozy than seasonal textures and colors?

Faux fruits and vegetables are excellent fall decor items. These artichokes work well with the dried hydrangeas I harvested from the garden.

What I’m Loving This Week

It’s Candle Season

Each week, I pick a favorite fragrance or bundle for candle season.

Fall & Christmas Bundle of Eight: Enjoy eight cozy 16 oz candles in our Fall & Christmas Bundle of Eight. These fragrances each feature a unique blend of cozy, warm, and homey notes that are perfect for the holiday season.

Get each candle for only $27.50 each when you purchase a bundle of eight! (Save $84!)

Apple Butter: baked apple + spice (moderate strength)
Fall Harvest: apple, orange, + cinnamon (moderate strength)
Cozy Cabin: mountain air, fir, + cedar (subtle strength)
Spiced Cranberry: cranberry, clove, + cinnamon (moderate strength)
Pumpkin Spice: pumpkin, spice, + vanilla (moderate strength)
Tree Farm: Fraser fir + cedarwood (strong strength)
Christmas Day: balsam, pine, + cinnamon (moderate strength)
Good Tidings: berry, clove, + pine (moderate strength)

I like getting bundles and splitting them up to give individual holiday gifts. It saves me a lot of money!

Use code KIM20 for 20% off of your candle purchase.

From the Blog

Fall Fresh Seasonal Home Tour with Cozy Cottage Style Touches

Are you looking for some simple ideas for decorating 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… CONTINUE READING.

4 Easy Options for Overwintering Your Geraniums

What if I told you that your annual geraniums could live through the winter and be back in your garden in time for summer? In this post, I’ll help you do just that by sharing four easy options for overwintering your geraniums… CONTINUE READING.

20 Ideas and Inspiration for Christmas Decor Themes

Looking for fresh inspiration for your Christmas decor themes? From classic elegance to cottage charm, you’ll discover ideas to transform your home into something magical this holiday season…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This instant pot chicken pot pie casserole looks fall fabulous!

Step inside this modern arch-filled La Jolla sanctuary.

This brown and white transferware pumpkin fall craft is the cutest idea!

Need drink ideas for Thanksgiving? Here are 24 options.

This Urban Grace home project will inspire you.

Here’s a guide for cutting and arranging chrysanthemums that you’ll want to see.

I’m loving this DIY black and white swag crafted for Halloween.

I’d love to hear from you! Please comment below 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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