Beach Weekends and Sunday Morning Coffee

Today I am sharing some of my favorite things: time with friends, exciting creative possibilities, and magical beach weekends.

In this week’s Sunday Morning Coffee, I’m sharing highlights from our recent beach weekends in Ventura, including a memorable girls’ getaway and a wonderful visit with friends from Northern California. I’m also giving you a small glimpse into a potential new embroidery adventure that has me counting the days until I can share more. And if you missed my Magical Vintage Lampshade Flower Crown event, I’m talking about why it may be the most enchanting gathering I’ve ever created in our backyard and why I think it’s an idea worth saving for your next special celebration.

Five women in casual clothes and caps stand together on a sunny outdoor patio with beach houses and the ocean in the background.

Season 6 Volume 22

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A collage with a house exterior, a kitchen, a door with a wreath, text "Sunday Morning Coffee," and a Christmas ornament labeled "The Santa Family.

About Me

One of the things Dave and I love most about our beach house is sharing it with friends, and this summer is shaping up to be one of our busiest yet. We have six weekends on the calendar dedicated to hosting friends, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.

Two women stand barefoot in front of a large window in a bright, modern living room with neutral decor and a view of the outdoors. — My girlfriend Heidi and I are celebrating a fun weekend at the beach with our husbands.

This weekend, our friends from Northern California are here, and we’re once again filling the house with good conversations, great meals, and plenty of time by the water.

We have traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Palm Springs, and more, so we decided it was time for a fun beach weekend. I loved that we surprised them on Saturday night with some friends from the boys’ days at the UCLA business school. I can’t wait for them to come back!

Two men walk barefoot on a sandy beach near the ocean, both wearing sunglasses and hats. One holds a drink can; the other carries sandals. The sky is overcast.

Last weekend, my closest girlfriends joined me for a long weekend at the beach. We kicked things off with a casual barbecue dinner and then headed up the coast for a little adventure.

The deck on our third floor with Arhaus furniture, a fire pit, and dinner decor items.

Just twenty minutes away is the charming town of Summerland, and I have to say, it might be one of my new favorite places for a morning shopping excursion. The open-air shops are absolutely delightful, and we all fell in love with Field and Fort. I was so inspired by everything in the store that I came home wanting to redecorate every room in our house!

A white, two-story building with a porch and trees in front, features a sign reading "FIELD + FORT" and is bordered by a white fence and greenery.

The rest of the weekend was exactly what I needed. We played games, spent hours sitting on the deck and watching the ocean, relaxed on the beach, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Model Citizen in Ventura. We even managed some time on the bikes and found some oyster shells! It was the perfect combination of laughter, friendship, and a slower pace.

A retail store interior with wooden shelves, books, home decor items, and a person browsing in the background under ceiling track lighting.

These weekends remind me how important it is to make time for the people we love. The beach house has given us so many wonderful memories over the years, and I have a feeling this summer will create even more.

My Latest Project

A woman in a pink sweater stands behind a table with several colorful tote bags in a well-organized fabric and craft room.

My Latest Project

I have a project in the works that I am incredibly excited about, although I can’t quite share all of the details just yet. Let’s just say there is a potential partnership on the horizon that could dramatically expand my embroidery capabilities, and I am having a hard time being patient while everything comes together!

If it happens, I would love to take all of you along on the journey. One of the topics I hear about over and over again is machine embroidery. It seems like everywhere I look, embroidery is more popular than ever. From personalized sweatshirts and baby gifts to monogrammed linens, hats, and custom accessories, the possibilities are endless.

Pink baby dress with "Olive" embroidered on the chest and strawberry print, next to a pink jacket with a large floral "O" embroidered on the back.

What excites me most is the opportunity to explore what it really takes to build a home-based embroidery business. I know many of you are looking for creative ways to earn extra income, start a side business, or turn a hobby into something more. An embroidery business can be as small or as large as you want, which makes it an appealing option.

And I would love to help you decide if this is a path for you!

AG1 promotional booth featuring green shirts, hats, and white bandanas on display, with a person seated behind a sewing machine in the background.

One area that fascinates me is on-site embroidery. Have you seen the live embroidery events? Imagine bringing an embroidery machine to an event and personalizing hats, tote bags, jackets, or towels right in front of guests. The embroidery machine becomes part of the entertainment, and guests leave with a custom item made just for them. It is such a fun and interactive experience, and I love the idea of combining creativity with entrepreneurship.

If this partnership comes together, I plan to share everything. The successes, the challenges, the learning curve, the mistakes, and hopefully some inspiring stories along the way. Would any of you be interested in learning more about machine embroidery or even starting a small embroidery business of your own? I have a feeling this could be a very exciting adventure for all of us!

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A set of 14 tote bags in various pastel colors, each with colored handles and trim, arranged in rows on a white background for a vibrant view from above.

Pastel Canvas Tote Bag

Three rectangular embroidery hoops with clear plastic grids, each featuring red alignment lines and adjustment knobs, are displayed on a white background.

MagnaHoop Magnetic Hoop Set for Brother

A computerized Brother embroidery machine with an attached embroidery hoop, accessories, software, instruction guides, and sewing tools arranged around it.

Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine, 6″ x 10″

Brother SE2000 embroidery and sewing machine with digital screen, displaying a teapot design being embroidered on white fabric in the machine's hoop.

Brother SE2000 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

A pink knitted sweater with a round neckline, long sleeves, and ribbed cuffs and hem.

Girl Knit Sweater

A computerized Brother embroidery machine with an LCD screen, stitching a multi-colored design on white fabric held in an embroidery hoop.

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

What Worked This Week

A handmade flower crown made from a vintage lampshade, oasis, and fresh flowers hanging on top of a magical table set for 40 guests.

If you happened to see my Instagram post about the Magical Vintage Lampshade Flower Crown, then you know why I am still smiling about it. Without question, it is one of the most magical events I have ever created in our backyard.

A Magical Backyard Event

What I love most about this idea is that while it looks absolutely spectacular, it is surprisingly easy to recreate. The combination of vintage lampshades, flowers, candlelight, and an outdoor setting creates an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. Every detail felt special, yet none of it was overly complicated.

I shared it because I hope you’ll tuck the idea away for a future celebration. Can you imagine a rehearsal dinner under a canopy of floral lampshades? Or an intimate wedding reception in a garden setting? It would be breathtaking. The concept would also work beautifully for a bridal shower, birthday dinner, anniversary celebration, or even a summer garden party.

Sometimes, the most memorable entertaining ideas aren’t the most expensive or elaborate. They are the ones that create a feeling. This one felt magical from the moment the lights came on, and I know it is an idea I’ll revisit again and again.

If you missed it, be sure to take a look. I have a feeling this one may inspire some of your future celebrations, too.

Lampshade Frame

9.2FT 14 Piece Floral Wet Foam Garland

Faux Gerbera Daisies

Finish all of my blog posts for the next two weeks by Wednesday. Yikes!
Finalize plans for our two Backroad bike trips this summer. France and Cape Cod, here we come!

A lemon pie topped with whipped cream, lemon slices, and mint leaves, on a blue wooden table next to a plate with forks and two glasses of lemon water.

BH&G shared their Most-Loved Pie Recipes ever!

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with rows of houses, tree-lined streets, and greenery during sunset.

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A floral arrangement featuring pink roses, white hydrangea, green leaves, cabbage, and assorted greenery.

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Two cardboard boxes sit on grass; one contains assorted clothing and a white knit hat, with "FREE" handwritten on the front.

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Open paint cans in various shades of orange surrounded by bright orange flowers, paint swatches, and pastel sticks arranged on an orange background.

Tart Orange Is the Summer Shade That Works Surprisingly Well in Any Space

Jadeite 6″ Glass Cake Stand

Marble Charcuterie Board

Pyrex Easy Grab 9.5″ Glass Pie Plate (Pack of 3)

And what a week it was!

Beach Weekends and Sunday Morning Coffee
Today I am sharing some of my favorite things: time with friends, exciting creative possibilities, and magical beach weekends. In this week’s Sunday Morning Coffee, I’m sharing highlights from our recent beach weekends in Ventura, including a memorable girls’ getaway and…
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Bormioli Rocco Water Glass Green, Set of 4

Ceramic Berry Basket

A shallow, off-white ceramic bowl with a small handle and wide base, featuring a slightly rustic, handmade appearance—perfect for adding subtle lemon decor vibes to your kitchen or dining space.

Creative Co-Op Stoneware Bowl w Reactive Glaze

A person wearing a light blue long-sleeve sweatshirt and blue jeans, with one hand in a pocket and the other near their face, looks inspired—perhaps dreaming up new summer crafting projects.

Sky Blue Dokotoo Women’s Casual Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Box of DRAOFUL dual tip acrylic paint markers with six white markers arranged beside the packaging, which features an illustration of an eagle—perfect for creating stunning window art.

Droaful White Acrylic Paint Pens Markers

A set of white ceramic dinnerware featuring scalloped edges and raised beaded detailing, including plates and bowls—perfect for creating a stylish pool party tablescape—stacked on a white background.

Perlette Off-White Beaded 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set

A blue plate with a salad of lettuce leaves, shrimp, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeño slices, and a creamy dressing on a peach-colored surface.

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