Summer Isn't Over Yet and Sunday Morning Coffee

Summer has a way of slipping by far too quickly, and right now I am wishing I could slow it down just a little.

In this week’s Sunday Morning Coffee, I’m sharing why I’m savoring every last beach weekend, dinner on the patio, and simple summer moment before we welcome a brand-new season.

Season 6 Volume 29

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

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.

Does anyone else feel like August is arriving in the blink of an eye? Every year I promise myself I’m going to slow down and savor every moment of summer, and somehow I find myself wondering where the last few months went.

As much as I love fall, this last week of July feels a little bittersweet because I know these long, carefree summer days won’t last forever.

This has been such a wonderful summer for us. We’ve spent almost every weekend at our beach house, and it’s exactly why we bought and remodeled it a few years ago.

There’s nothing I love more than filling the house with family and friends, opening all the doors, hearing the ocean in the background, and watching everyone settle into vacation mode. Some weekends have been busy, others have been wonderfully quiet, but every one of them has reminded me how important it is to make time for the people you love.

Five women stand and smile on a rooftop patio overlooking the ocean, wearing pastel sweatshirts and hats. Outdoor furniture and snacks are visible in the foreground.

One of my favorite parts of summer is how the days seem to stretch on forever.

Dinner outside somehow tastes better, conversations linger a little longer, and no one seems to mind that the dishes can wait until later.

Whether we’re grilling on the patio, watching the sunset with a glass of wine, or simply sitting outside after dinner, those extra hours of daylight always feel like a gift.

Of course, behind the scenes I’m already planning fall projects because that’s part of my job.

But for now, I’m choosing to stay firmly planted in summer. There are still beach weekends ahead, more evenings on the patio, fresh peaches to enjoy, flowers to arrange, and memories waiting to be made. Fall will be here soon enough.

Until then, I’m determined to soak up every last bit of this beautiful season.

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

A woman wearing a loose-fitting light purple sweatshirt and blue jeans, with one hand in her pocket and the other touching her face, takes a break from summer crafting.

Purple Women’s Casual Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Woman wearing a light peach long-sleeve sweatshirt and blue jeans, with her hand near her face and nails painted white—perfect for a relaxed day of summer crafting.

Apricot Women’s Casual Crew Neck Sweatshirt

My Latest Project

As I wrapped up the final project in A Handmade Summer, I found myself looking back at all of the wonderful things we created together over the past few months.

Every seasonal series becomes a little scrapbook of where my creativity has taken me, and this one may have been my favorite yet. It was filled with color, texture, embroidery, clay, quilting, and so many projects that made me excited to head to my craft room each morning.

A purple and white bandana-patterned tote bag with the name "ELLE" on the front sits on a white kitchen counter in a bright, modern kitchen.

A few projects definitely surprised me. My Handmade Bandana Tote Bag quickly became one of my favorites. I loved designing it, quilting all of the pieces, and watching it come together into a bag that looks like something you’d find in a high-end boutique. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it quite so much, and now I’m already thinking about making more in different colors and personalized versions.

Three beaded fish-shaped ornaments in pink and orange tones are displayed on a white surface, with a box of matching sequins and beads in the background.

Another surprise was how much fun I had creating the Beaded Bag Charms. Those little fish were such a departure from my usual projects, but they reminded me that trying something new is often the best way to spark creativity. They were relaxing to make, completely customizable, and the perfect finishing touch for a tote, beach bag, or backpack.

Two clear glasses and two white coasters with embroidered golf-themed designs are on a light wood table next to a bunch of pink artificial flowers.

Of course, embroidery continued to be a big part of my summer. From DIY Embroidered Cocktail Napkins to personalized projects and pillows (such as my A Citrus Pillow), I spent countless happy hours learning and discovering everything it can do. I have a feeling embroidery is going to play an even bigger role in my future seasonal series because the possibilities seem endless.

One thing that always amazes me is seeing which projects resonate most with all of you. Judging from your comments, emails, and photos, so many of you jumped right in and started creating. I love seeing your versions of my projects because each one takes on a personality of its own. It reminds me that crafting isn’t about making something exactly like mine. It’s about making it your own.

White linen napkin with an embroidered letter "S" inside an oval with a bow, neatly folded in a white box.

As I begin planning A Handmade Fall, I already know a few of these projects will stick around. I’ll definitely be making more quilted bags, experimenting with embroidery, and finding new ways to incorporate clay into future crafts. That’s one of the best parts of creating a seasonal series. Each project teaches me something new, and those lessons always inspire the next season of creativity.

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 white, folded embroidered cocktail napkins with a simple square hemstitch border design, fanned out in a semi-circle.

White Hemstitch 6″ Cocktail Napkins

Package of Sulky Stick 'n Stitch embroidery stabilizer showing instructions and a floral embroidery design on fabric, with product features and usage details displayed.

Stick N Stitch Self Adhesive Wash Away Stabilizer Twelve Sheets

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

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 row of twelve neatly folded, light pink bandanas with a white and black paisley pattern.

Rose Soft Thin Handfeel Cotton Bandanna

What Worked This Week

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make a week feel special. This week reminded me that summer doesn’t have to be filled with big vacations or elaborate plans to be memorable. In fact, some of my favorite moments happened right at home, or at the beach, doing the little things that make this season so wonderful.

I’ve been starting as many mornings as I can with a cup of coffee outside. There’s something about sitting in the fresh morning air before the day gets busy that helps me slow down and appreciate the quiet. Whether I’m in Pasadena or at the beach house, those few peaceful minutes have become one of my favorite summer rituals.

A clear glass vase holds pink peonies with green stems on a wooden table. Sunlight filters through a window in the background.

Fresh flowers have also been brightening every corner of our home. I never seem to tire of bringing home bouquets from the farmers market or grocery store and arranging them in simple glass vases. They instantly make a room feel happier, and I love that they remind me to enjoy what’s blooming right now instead of wishing for the next season.

Speaking of farmers markets, this is truly their time to shine. I can’t resist baskets of sweet peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh herbs, and colorful flowers. There’s something so satisfying about planning meals around whatever looks freshest that morning, and it always inspires me to spend a little more time in the kitchen.

Of course, summer also means grilling season. We’ve been eating outside whenever we can, and I honestly think everything tastes better on the patio. Add a simple salad, fresh fruit, and good company, and that’s about as perfect a summer evening as I can imagine.

And then there are the beach walks. Whether it’s a long stroll along the shoreline or just a few quiet minutes watching the waves before dinner, the ocean has a way of making everything feel a little calmer. It’s the perfect reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate where you are.

An adult bends down to help a small child standing at the edge of the ocean on a sandy beach, their reflections visible in the wet sand.

Most of all, what worked this week was opening our home to friends and family. Some of my happiest memories are made around a table filled with good food, laughter, and conversations that last long after the sun goes down. We have another week planned at the beach in a few days with our kids and grandkids!

Those are the moments I’ll remember long after summer is over, and they remind me why I love this season so much.

A round ceramic vase with a wide mouth, decorated with blue floral patterns and distressed, worn areas—perfect for displaying the best faux flowers in your home.

7in. Tuscan Ceramic Blue Scroll Urn Vase

6 Pcs Artificial Calliopsis Flowers

White Stoneware Textured Vases, Set of 3 Sizes

Finish getting ready for Christmas in July next week! It’s a tradition that I am excited to continue.
Complete the training on my new machine. I cannot wait to share.

A salad with soft-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, sugar snap peas, salmon pieces, and greens in a large bowl on a wooden table.

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Blue and white china dishes and pitchers are arranged on wooden shelves, with green apples and an orange placed among the dishes.

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Four slices of rustic brown bread are arranged on a linen surface next to an unsliced portion of the loaf.

Is Sourdough or Whole Wheat Bread Better for Your Gut?

A white bowl filled with seasoned edamame beans topped with sesame seeds and spices, placed on a white surface.

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Minimalist bedroom with a wooden nightstand, alarm clock, and neatly made bed; potted plants on metal and wooden stands next to a white wall.

10 Things You Can Organize in 10 Minutes to Instantly Make Your Home Feel Calmer

Four ceramic plates with blue rims featuring stylized illustrations: red flowers in a brown vase, yellow pears in a blue bowl, brown pears in a patterned bowl, and red flowers in a blue vase.

Creative Co-Op 12-Piece Stoneware Plate with Fruit/Flower Image

Two resealable bags of Equip Prime Protein powder, one vanilla flavor and one chocolate flavor, labeled as grass-fed beef isolate powder and marked free from gluten, dairy, and soy.

Equip Foods Chocolate Prime Protein Powder – Vanilla & Chocolate

A round serving board with a white marble surface and a small diagonal section of light brown wood—perfect for presenting appetizers alongside your favorite Summer Chicken Recipes.

KC KULLICRAFT White Marble Board

And what a week it was!

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Beige cylindrical cup crafted from paper clay, featuring a marble-like texture and small pits on its surface.

7 Inch Natural Travertine Textures Plant Pot

Ninja ice cream maker with a digital control panel, transparent mixing container, and rotating lid, shown on a white background.

Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker,

A stack of four round ceramic plates in neutral tones—beige, gray, and light brown—perfect for serving your favorite Fall Pasta Recipes, shown on a white background.

Mora Ceramic Flat Pasta Bowl Set

A grid of fruit-themed patterns: lemons on yellow, oranges on white, cherries on pink, and strawberries on red backgrounds, arranged in horizontal rows.

Floral Napkins for Craft 20Pcs Assorted

Sideboard with Handmade Natural Rattan

Three-piece cream-colored luggage set includes a hard-shell rolling suitcase, a weekender bag with handles, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring tan accents and trim.

Coolife 3 piece luggage Carry On Hardside Set

Two plates of vegetable noodles with tomato sauce, veggie meatballs, and grated cheese, accompanied by two glasses of beverage and a bowl of red pepper flakes on a marble surface.

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