Summer at the Beach and Sunday Morning Coffee

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We are ready to start a week of summer at the beach with our family. I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

The kids will arrive at the beach house throughout the week, and many things are planned. Andrew, Charlotte, and Graham are already there. They arrived yesterday while we were in Northern California at a wedding with Michael and Ellie. All of this family time is making my heart so happy! Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee today.

A bouquet of pink hydrangeas and cream roses next to seven round, fluted-edge ceramic plates on a light wooden surface.
Season 5 Volume 26
Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

About Me

View through a window of a beachside scene with red umbrellas, a rainbow flag, lounge chairs, and calm ocean waves under a clear sky. Indoor furniture is visible in the foreground.

Dave and I spent five nights at the beach last week, preparing our family to join us at the beach house for a week and the 4th of July.

It was time well spent as I went through every bedroom, emptied closets, and added updated phone chargers next to every bed.

A bedroom with a patterned bedspread, bunk beds built into the wall, a bedside table with a lamp, and an open door leading to a bathroom.

We also did some child-proofing throughout the house, adding gates at the stairs and plugs in the outlets. I also set up a room for Graham with the pack-and-play, changing table, beach toys, and more!

Toy dump truck filled with sand surrounded by colorful sand toys, including shovels, molds, a sand mill, and a mesh storage bag—perfect for summer at the beach adventures.
Beach Toys – Beach Dump Truck
A toddler sleeps on a bed with a white mesh safety rail labeled "UPGOGO"; an inset shows a close-up of the folded bed rail on the floor.

Baby Bed Rail Guard

A beige portable playpen with mesh sides, a soft white padded top edge, and foldable legs—perfect for summer travel adventures.

Pack and Play

OXO Tot Perfect Pull Wipes Dispenser

A baby sits on the floor reaching up in front of a black safety gate installed between walls at the bottom of a staircase, dreaming of summer at the beach.
Baby Gate for Stairs
A tall, mint green and white diaper pail with a domed lid and a foot pedal at the base, perfect for keeping nurseries fresh during summer travel.

Tall Diaper Pail

I also did a bit of summer decorating, but not much, I promise.

A modern living room with a white sofa, a fireplace with art above it, a large window showing an ocean view, and neutral-toned decor.
A bright, modern living room with white furniture, a rug, and a large window overlooking a balcony, spiral staircase, and ocean view.

We are so excited for the week. I can hardly stand it!

A white cabinet with drawers holds a potted orchid, a glass vase of shells, and a shallow bowl; a large mirror and wall art hang above, reflecting a staircase.

Round Rattan Mirror, 28″

Seagrass Baskets with Lids

A remodeled square wall clock with gold trim, black numbers, and the words "Grand Hotel 1879" on its face shows the time as 10:10.

Non-Ticking Mantel Clock

A shallow, round, light beige stone bowl with a smooth matte finish, reminiscent of summer at the beach, photographed against a white background.
Creative Co-Op Matte Marbled Resin Serving Bowl
A woven natural fiber rug on a light wood floor beside a wooden chair with a starfish pillow and a unique side table made of stacked wooden pieces—perfect home inspiration for Mother’s Day Gifts Amazon ideas. Light curtains and wall panels complete the look.

SAFAVIEH Cape Cod Collection Area Rug

A woven laundry basket with handles sits next to a beige sofa, adding a touch of vintage decor. A piece of light-colored fabric drapes gracefully over the basket's edge, contrasting with the light blue wall behind.

Tall Woven Basket

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

Six white ceramic plates with ruffled edges are arranged on a light wooden table near a woven basket with pink and white flowers.

Last week, I mentioned I had over 20 items in the kilns at the pottery studio, and it was so much fun to see the glazed items. I am obsessed with these ruffled plates and surprised the ruffles survived the kiln firings. (The ruffles are a bit thin, but my instructor assured me they would be ok. He was right!)

I cannot wait to use these plates at the beach house this week.

Four square ceramic plates with an embossed swirl pattern are arranged on a light wooden surface next to a bouquet of pink and cream flowers with green leaves.

I also made these square salad/dessert plates. Love them!

A rectangular, light gray ceramic tray with ornate embossed floral patterns, placed on a light wooden surface.
An oval-shaped ceramic platter with a scalloped edge and raised floral pattern, glazed in a light yellow color, placed on a light wood surface.

A few of my trays are finished, and I love how they came out. The green color was a bit surprising. I was expecting more of a sage green, and this one is bright. But I like it.

Four decorative, round ceramic coasters with embossed patterns and ruffled edges arranged on a light wooden surface next to a bouquet of flowers.
Five ceramic plates with wavy edges, four cream-colored with embossed swirls, and one solid pink, arranged on a light wooden surface.

I also had many of my projects in the bisque kiln. These plates are adorable. I tested a salmon-colored glaze, and I love how it came out. Should I glaze these small textured/ruffled plates this color?

I can’t wait to share more of my projects. I am hosting a baby shower in August and want to make clay pottery favors for everyone. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any ideas about what I should make. Thank you!

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via 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 clay sculpting tools including wooden and metal shaping tools, a round yellow sponge, and a wire clay cutter arranged on a white background.

8 Pieces Wooden Pottery Sculpting Clay

A block of off-white modeling clay with a slightly uneven surface and rough edges.

Deouss Mid High Fire White Stoneware Clay

Seven sets of unfinished wooden shapes—hexagons, circles, triangles, rectangles, ovals, and squares—are displayed upright on white cylindrical stands against a plain background.

Ceramics Plate Forming Molds

A hand holding a rectangular brown clipboard or board with a handle cutout near the top center.

Clay Wedging Board, 12 x 18″ Portable Clay Board

Four round yellow cleaning sponges, two placed separately at the top and two stacked at the bottom, on a white background.

4 Pcs Round Painting Sponge 2.96inch Yellow Craft Sponges 

Person holding a large rectangular brown board by a handle, with only their lower body and hand visible.

Clay Wedging Board with Built in Handle Portable Wooden Mat Clay Board

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A cardboard box with a band reading "4 days of great deals" is in front of text that says "July 8-11" and "prime day" on a blue background.

Did you know Amazon Prime Day is in two weeks? It’s July 8 – 11, which is a week earlier than it usually is, just after the 4th of July holiday and our family vacation. Aargh.

If you weren’t aware, Prime Day is a big deal around here because I love finding all of the great deals and sharing them with you.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Am I the only one who noticed that it is four days long this year? You would think that now that Amazon Prime Day is four days long, they would change it to Amazon Prime DayS. But nope. It’s still four days in a row of Amazon Prime Day.

Get ready because we have already started finding deals, and they are amazing. We also found some great Early Prime Day Deals.

Amazon Early Prime Day Deals

Click here for my curated entire list of Early Prime Day deal favorites!

White bed skirt with scalloped beige trim, neatly placed on a bed corner over light-colored hardwood flooring, evokes the relaxed elegance of summer at the beach.
Lush Decor Coastal Chic Scallop Edge
Arched wall mirror with a light-colored, textured wooden frame that evokes the tranquil vibes of summer at the beach, shown against a plain white background.
Kate and Laurel Rahfy Boho Arch Rattan Mirror
Three gold picture frames, each displaying the same photo of a black and white French Bulldog standing between two people during a summer at the beach.
Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set
A modern bedroom with a white upholstered storage bed frame. The mattress is lifted to reveal space for storing summer at the beach essentials. The room features a green armchair, rug, and large window with curtains.
King Size Lift Up Storage Bed
A wooden console table with dried flowers, candles, a lamp, and decorative items sits against a wall beneath a round mirror, evoking summer at the beach, with baskets on the lower shelf.
Console Table for Entyrway
White curtains hang on a black rod over a window, with one panel pulled aside as if inviting in the light of summer at the beach. A potted plant, a wooden cabinet, and a lamp are beside the window.
Joydeco 84 Inch Blackout Curtains
A cordless stick vacuum cleaner with a transparent dust bin, shown upright next to three detachable cleaning attachments—perfect for tackling sandy messes after summer at the beach.
Bissell PowerClean FurGuard 280W Self-Standing Cordless Vacuum
A light blue and cream floral area rug evokes the feeling of summer at the beach in a living room with a white sofa, gray armchair, woven basket, and a window overlooking a grassy field.
SAFAVIEH Micro-Loop Collection Area Rug
A stainless steel BBQ grill tool set displayed in an open carrying case, with utensils neatly organized and a black apron shown in the background—perfect for summer at the beach cookouts.
Kaluns Grilling Accessories
Shark Beauty hair styling tool with five interchangeable attachments—including a concentrator, curlers, and two round brush heads—perfect for creating effortless summer at the beach looks, displayed on a white background.
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying
A cordless stick vacuum cleaner with three detachable cleaning attachments—perfect for cleaning up after summer at the beach: a motorized brush head, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush.
Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Silver/Nickel
Perfect for summer at the beach, this set includes three white USB-C to Lightning 10FT charging cables and three USB-C wall adapters, all arranged on a plain background.
i Phone Charger Fast Charging
A white ice cream scoop with a metal head is shown next to three scoops of ice cream topped with syrup, berries, and strawberries—perfect for enjoying during summer at the beach.
Heated Ice Cream Scoop
Brass floor lamp with a white drum shade and floral accents brings summer at the beach vibes next to a wooden side table with books, a decorative horse, and a vase of flowers.
Safavieh Lighting Collection Landen Leaf 63.5″
A round wooden table with a geometric base evokes the feeling of summer at the beach, topped with a small vase of flowers, a book, and an apple.
LITTLE TREE Round Dining Table 
This week's to do list.
  • Enjoy our beach vacation.
  • Bike at least three days while in Ventura.
  • Finalize summer travel plans and airline flights.
Three abstract watercolor paintings with pastel colors are stacked on a yellow surface. The designs feature geometric shapes, floral patterns, and swirling white lines.

This Easy Watercolor Resist Art summer craft is perfect for adults and kids!

A blackberry scone with lemon glaze sits on a cooling rack, surrounded by fresh blackberries, a halved lemon, and a bowl of glaze with a spoon.

These Blackberry Buttermilk Scones with Lemon Glaze look amazing!

A modern kitchen and dining area features a long wooden table with black chairs, a hanging light fixture, and a concrete pillar against a white wall.

Everyone should read this: 20 Proven Methods to Remove Stains from Wood.

Plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with grated cheese, lemon zest, fresh basil leaves, and a lemon wedge, surrounded by small bowls of ingredients.

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is my new favorite!

Five glass jars filled with different varieties of overnight oats topped with fruits and nuts, arranged on a white surface with a gold spoon nearby.

For the best on-the-go healthy breakfast, these Easy Overnight Oats are the best.

A set of beige ceramic dinnerware including plates and ribbed bowls, arranged in stacks on a white background.

Stone Lain Haven Stoneware 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Watercolor Paint Brush Set

Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons

And what a week it was!

  • A woman wearing a light green apron stands in a kitchen with bags of bread rolls on the counter; a window with a holiday wreath is in the background.
    Last Minute Shopping and Sunday Morning Coffee
    Here we are, December 14th, the day after our party, and the moment every year when I suddenly realize Christmas is really around the corner. It’s time for last-minute shopping. I may not be quite as prepared as I hoped. Even…
  • A living room decorated in neutral colors of tan, white, silver, and light green with silver frosted trees, white poinsettias and more holiday decor.
    ‘Tis the Season of Giving Christmas Gifts Under $25
    The holidays are the season of giving. With so many amazing gifts under $25, you might find something for everyone on your list! The good news is the season of giving does not have to break the bank. There are so…
  • A large, detailed gingerbread house with white icing decorations sits on a wooden table, surrounded by small, silver holiday trees.
    How to Make a Cardboard Gingerbread House of Your Home – A Handmade Christmas
    It’s week fifteen of my A Handmade Christmas series, and I decided to take on a project I’ve dreamed about for ages: replicating our actual house in a cardboard gingerbread house. Every year, I try to create at least one handmade Christmas project…
  • Two wrapped gifts with red and gold paper, decorated with large bows and handmade gift tags featuring wax seals and handwritten names from Mom to Matt and Andrew.
    Handmade Christmas Gift Tags – A Thoughtful Touch for the Holidays
    Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself returning to one of my favorite creative traditions: making handmade Christmas gift tags. There’s something so special about those final details … the thoughtful touches that make a wrapped gift feel personal…
  • A dining room with a wooden table set for a meal, decorated chairs, a frosted Christmas tree with ornaments, and a wreath on the window in the background.
    Christmas Decor in the Dining Room
    There is always that funny in-between moment in early December when the house is decorated with Christmas decor, yet one room is still clinging to fall. This year, that room was the dining room. I decorated the rest of our home…
  • Handmade clay ornaments featuring pink floral and swirling patterns are scattered on a light wooden surface.
    Christmas Clay Ornaments DIY
    The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace creativity and make something special for your home or loved ones. I made Christmas clay ornaments with napkins and resin. I crafted Christmas clay ornaments using napkin transfers, a fun and simple…
A set of three cream-colored travel bags, including a hard-shell suitcase with wheels, a large duffel bag, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring brown handles and accents.

Suitcase Set 3 Piece

Star Shaped Cookie Cutter

A white octagonal plate displays twelve assorted edible flower petals in yellow, purple, white, and orange, arranged in three rows to evoke the vibrant look of a berry wreath.

Uzunohana Dried Edible Flowers Viola Mix (50 Petals)

Edible Glue

Three empty clear glass apothecary jars with lids, each of a different shape and height, are displayed side by side on a white background.

Apothecary Jars with Lids Set of 3

Navy Cotton Napkins with Stars

Wicker patio furniture with beige cushions and potted plants arranged on a patterned rug, set against a white exterior wall with a window and wooden door.

Martha shared 9 Home Projects That Will Trend This Summer.

Next week, I have lots of fun summer ideas to share!

  • Sugar Glass Easy Angel Food Cake Recipe
  • Sixteen Creative Crafts You Can Make for Summer
  • Simple Things You Can Do to Your Bedroom for Better Summer Sleep
  • Our Backyard Putting Green
  • DIY Pressed Flowers
  • Protein Ice Cream for the Ninja Creami

You Might Also Need…

A rectangular wooden and glass display box with a hinged lid and a small round brass knob at the front.

Mango Wood & Glass Display Box with Lid

A bronze metal and glass lantern with a lit pillar candle inside and a handle on top.

13.8 inches Metal Lantern

Three cream-colored ceramic vases of varying sizes with dotted vertical and horizontal line patterns are displayed against a white background.

Creative Co-Op White Stoneware Vases with Textured Black Polka Dots (Set of 3 Sizes)

S & L Homes Wool Cotton Hand Woven Chunky Knit Rug

A modern brass wall-mounted picture light with a rectangular backplate and an adjustable horizontal LED bar.

Situ Lighting Rechargeable Picture Light

Close-up of a metallic curtain rod with a brushed brass finish against a white background.

Ivilon Drapery Window Curtain Rod

Five gold-colored utensils are arranged in a row: a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon, all with a matte finish and modern design.

Stainless Steel Gold Flatware Set

A white, fluted paper coffee filter viewed from an angle, showing its circular, wavy-edged shape.

10 Strawberry Street Whittier 7.75″/8 Oz Ruffle Round Bowl,

A modern, sunlit dining nook with two wooden chairs, a small table, plants, and large black-framed windows; "Live Beautiful" by Athena Calderone is displayed at the bottom.

“Live Beautiful” by Athena Calderone

Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers

This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!

Set of 2 Striped Pillow Covers with Fringe

S & L Homes Wool Cotton Hand Woven Chunky Knit Rug

Comfy Upholstered Lounge Chair

Cordless Table Lamp with Dimmer

Stack of colorful, fabric-covered cushions labeled "CUSTOM" and "MADE IN US," perfect for your next pool party, with a swatch panel displaying various vibrant fabric color options on the left.

Royal Shade Custom Size Bench Cushion, 3 inches

A gallery wall displays nine framed artworks, including landscapes, a floral painting, sketches of trees, a portrait drawing, and waterfront scenes arranged on a white background for a cozy, Nancy Meyers-inspired touch.

Vintage French Art Prints

Beige tote bag with two handles, perforated holes on the body, and “Simple Modern” embossed on the front—perfect for carrying your essentials during summer at the beach.
Simple Modern Extra-Large Beach Bag
A sage green Stanley insulated tumbler with a handle, clear lid, and white straw—perfect for staying refreshed during summer at the beach—shown against a white background.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Straw
A green and white floral-patterned tablecloth on a table, with matching folded napkins beside it—perfect for adding charm to any dinner party.

Agate Green Block Printed Cotton 60×90 Inch Tablecloth with 6 Matching Napkins

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A basket of pink and cream flowers sits next to six white ceramic plates on a light surface, with the text "Summer at the Beach and Sunday Morning Coffee" below.

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3 Comments

  2. I love your pottery plates and I do like the rosy pink color for the plates! Also, my daughter is going to be 42 on July 12 and I was just thinking of how I sat on the pump house and watched fireworks with my parents and late husband while I was very pregnant in 1983, end of Weymouth Lane. Have fun at the beach!!

    Reply

  3. I love your blog because you are sooooo inspiring. I go here when I host a family party, for recipies, for crafty ideas and now for the pottery. I L-O-V-E the scalloped plates that you made. I would like more information if you are willing to share. There are pottery classes near to where I live and I have never tried it before. Do you need alot of experience to make something like the plates?
    Please advise. Thank you sooo much.
    Deb

    Reply

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