How is it July already? I hope you’ve had a great summer so far, I’ve been taking way too many breaks but I’m back on it. Now it’s time to catch up on all that has been going on behind the scenes at Saved From Salvage.
I’m sharing what I’ve been up to, what I’m working on, what I’m loving and what’s inspiring me, come see! It’s the first Saturday so that means it time for Handpicked 4 You, where Cindy, Lora and Anna and I share what we are loving.
I’m Regina and this is Saved From Salvage. I love to share DIYs, Upcycling, Event Inspo and Recipes. Thanks for stopping by.
Table of Contents
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO
I finally shared the details on the vintage headboard bench I painted and added roses and rice paper to. You can see that here.
Carmine and I had the most fabulous trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas. We stayed at Kamalamae Bay on a private island off of Andros. 3 planes and a boat and we landed in paradise.
Upon arriving, we learned that golf carts were the only mode of transportation.
We had a one room cottage fifteen steps from the beach with an amazing view.
No internet made for an even more relaxing time than planned.
We were both ready with books and magazines and the lack of people made it idyllic.
Breakfast was delivered to our step in the morning and fresh baked cookies arrived every afternoon. Lunches consisted of conch salads, mahi mahi and dinners were lobster and shrimp.
Here are a few pictures, let me know if you’d like more details.
It was definitely beautiful, a place where hummingbirds were as plentiful as sparrows at home and huge conch shells just begged to be packed in my suitcase.
I finally made it to the Anthem in DC for a Darius Rucker concert – I think it’s my 4th time seeing him and I so enjoyed it.
The Wharf in DC is a far cry from what I remember in high school. Loaded with restaurants and eateries and shops, this is a must see if you are sightseeing in DC this summer.
We had to say goodbye to our little Allie cat last week and I find myself still looking for her.
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
I taught a class at work and we all made fun new door mats for summer and I made the cutest DIY wreath for the 4th. I’m putting up my flag bunting this weekend and I’ll be all set for the holiday.
I’m finishing up our Handcrafted Society post on shells and cant’ wait to share what I’m making.
I am in a constant battle with bugs and deer in my yard. The deterrent was working for a bit and so was my spray for bugs. Ugh so frustrating. How is your gardening going this year? My dalia tubers are finally growing but someone loves to nibble on them too. Sad face.
I say hello everyday to my resident garter snake that lives in my garden out back, you know the one that won’t get weeded the rest of the summer? Ha Ha.
I leave next week for a soccer tournament in Greensboro, NC, yes I’m playing. There will be 13 way over 60 players sharing a house, so if nothing else we will be making memories.
WHAT I’M LOVING
- WATERPROOF PEN THERMOMETER – We grill all year round and this takes the guess work out of cooking. Never wonder if the meat is done with this waterproof thermometer. I guess because I’m Serve Safe certified, I like to make sure no one gets sick.
- PENETREX – Get a little creaky after bending over to paint or do gardening? I’ve got just the solution. This non greasy, non staining cream is full of all the good stuff and is now part of my routine.
- MICROFIBER CLOTHS – This is back on the hit parade because if you didn’t grab them last month, then it’s time. Not only am I saving on window cleaner, I have zero streaks. Who’s joining?
- ECOS – Plastic Free Laundry Sheets – Anyone else just cringe at all the plastic? Even though we buy our laundry pods in a large bag instead of a plastic jug, I still don’t love it. I just got these and I just feel better using them. Oh and they smell so good!
- FLY FANS – Ok another game changer here. I love to eat outside and do most evenings. No longer do I have to bring a huge fan out and tilt it towards the table. These are quiet, and can be placed anywhere. I have two on my table during meals. I usually put one on the side table when I’m working outside. Even when I’m not eating, just to keep bugs at bay.
SKYLARK HOUSE
These finds are items that I have ordered, currently use and enjoy. I am linking the actual product I purchased, not a similar item.
- Last year, I had to purchase a new Apple lap top, which was a significant investment. For over a year, I put off buying a protective case for my laptop until I came across this feminine Mac Book Pro Shell Case. At $15, you can’t go wrong.
- These dripless taper candle sticks are such a beautiful color and they are also a great price at about $11 for a box of ten.
- I use this Maldon salt for my every day cooking. The soft, crunchy salt flakes are milder than traditional table salt. The $7 box will last for many months.
- Speaking of cooking, this glass bottle olive oil decanter has been a favorite of mine for years. It stays on the counter, within easy reach, next to the stove. For less than $20, it makes cooking with olive oil a pleasure. No more digging around in the cupboard to find a large heavy bottle of olive oil.
LORABLOOMQUIST.COM
- All of my happy-colored summer vintage quilts are all over the house. Luckily they help me disguise the fact that my upholstered furniture needs cleaning-very badly. Instead of having a professional come out, I’m thinking I’d like to tackle the job myself. I’ve heard good things about THIS machine. It would be so much less embarrassing to have clean furniture. Anyone else clean your own furniture?
- We just can’t get enough outdoor solar lights; they’re the greatest invention. You can tuck them into a container pot, put up lights on trees and stick them all over your garden. They’re easy and give your yard such aesthetic appeal. I especially love the faceted versions because they throw cool shadows everywhere. THESE are similar to ours, but you can find all different kinds HERE.
- I’m decorating my summer kitchen with a vintage fruit theme; I’m so excited! I’m pulling out all the fruit accessories from all over the house in bright, happy summer colors. If you love old things with a fruit theme, check out my Etsy Favorites board of vintage fruit finds HERE. You may be inspired to decorate with a fruit theme, too!
- Vintage soda pop bottles in all their varieties are so fun to decorate with for summer. For an easy centerpiece you can stand a few in an old tool caddy, stick in a few flags or flowers and sprinkle beach glass around the bottom; instant cuteness! I love seeing all the old graphics and remembering when we all drank high fructose corn syrup in ignorant bliss;) I just picked up these 2 aqua Canada Dry bottles to coordinate with my others. Find old soda pop bottles HERE.
- I know I’m only supposed to have 4 favorites, but I just had to mention that now would be a great time to sign up for an Amazon Prime account. Prime Days are coming up July 11, 12 and they’ve got great discounts on membership right now. I will be making lists for my followers of items I think they’d like. You can sign up for Prime HERE and FOLLOW ME HERE. It’s like Christmas in July;)
REINVENTED DELAWARE
- I’m loving these Bermuda shorts from Walmart’s Time and Tru collection this summer. I have the tan pair as well as the black and white checked pair. They are perfect when I am out thrifting or running errands. I have several of the v-neck tees to coordinate with them too.
- Speaking of summer – it’s cold brew season! Coffee that is! My gallon size-mason-jar-looking dispenser has a stainless steele spigot that won’t break after a few uses. My cold brew coffee sock makes just enough for the whole week! BTW, this gallon beverage dispenser could be used for other drinks like iced tea or flavored waters!
- In the workshop this week, I’ve been using transfers on several projects. They come in all sorts of designs and the ideas are endless! I’ve put them on furniture, thrifted cutting boards and even a fabric tote bag! I’ll be sharing that tutorial soon!
- And of course, I had to share my favorite tool in the workshop. It’s a quick flip drive attachment for the end of my power drill. It makes predrilling holes before adding the screw so easy! Just snap the brass fitting and the drill bit and screw bit can interchange in a second!
WHAT’S INSPIRING ME
This is always such a hard part of my posts. There are so many projects and things I see that I want you to see too. Narrowing it down is tough but here goes for this week.
Kari Anne from Thistlewood Farms has made the cutest Obelisk. See how here.
Lora from LoraBloomquist.com has created the cutest wreath (sort of) for a lake house. You will love it, see it here.
Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shared some sweet no sew (my fave) patriotic pillows for the fourth. See how here.
For something genuine and different, check out Kim from Cottage in the Mitten and her post on finding joy. You can read it here.
Thanks so much for stopping by the lake, have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday. Ready for a super fun coastal tablescape idea? Click here to see.
XO, Regina
Hey Regina! I bet that little garter snake is keeping all the snails and slugs in check! Thanks for sharing all about your recent trip to DC and the Darius Ruckus concert. You always seem to be doing something FUN!! Can’t wait to see the future projects you share with us. Have a fabulous 4th.
Happy 4th of July weekend Regina!
It sounds like you have been busy. I would love to hear more about your trip, the shells, food, and how you found it.
Have a safe and wonderful soccer tournament!
I too am having problems with the deer! They are eating everything this summer. My wildflower meadow is doing well but every few days they come and eat the buds.
Take care and happy weekend.