The Best Summer and Sunday Morning Coffee

We are halfway through August, which means summer is winding down. Looking back on these past few months, I realize it has been the best summer ever.

We decided to spend as much time as possible in Ventura and never looked back. I cannot believe summer is almost over, and now that I see some of you have kids back in school already, I know fall is here. Also, thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A smiling woman in a blue patterned dress holds a toddler who is holding a colorful toy against a brick fireplace with a wooden mantle.

Season 4 Volume 32

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About Me

A woman wearing a pink sweater is sitting on a sofa, holding a smiling baby dressed in a red and white striped shirt and beige shorts. There's a window with blinds in the background.

We are traveling again this summer and are in Northern California and are excited to be with family.

Two women standing indoors, smiling. The woman on the left wears a white dress, and the woman on the right wears a pink floral dress. They are in a room with large windows showing a garden outside. — The bride is to be Ellie and my daughter-in-law Charlotte

We came to celebrate a bridal shower for Ellie (my soon-to-be daughter-in-law) and to see our grandson and kids. We even enjoyed the first family dinner hosted at Michael and Ellie’s new home!

Two women hold two toddlers outdoors in a garden with greenery in the background. One woman wears a red top and skirt, the other a blue and white dress. The toddlers wear summer clothes. — My sister Susie is with her granddaughter Quinn, me, and my grandson Graham.

Three men standing on a deck with trees in the background. The central man is wearing a blue vest and red shirt, flanked by two men in gray tops, one holding a glass of wine and a grilling tool.

We head home for a few weeks tomorrow and then are off to New York to visit Matt and Bordeaux on a bike trip!

My Latest Project

Cookies shaped like dresses hang on mini wooden hangers, displayed on a stand next to a vase of blue hydrangeas on a wooden table.

When my sister Susie said she wanted to host a bridal shower for Ellie, I wanted to help however I could.

Of course, I offered to make my bridal gown dress holder! You might remember I made this for a bridal shower earlier this year, and I loved them so much that I wanted to do it again.

You can find all the necessary details and supplies in this blog post.

I have already ordered more dress holders to make ugly Christmas sweaters for our holiday party this year. How fun is that?

A smiling man and woman pose on a patio next to a "Bridal Shower" balloon arrangement, under large patio umbrellas. The man is seated while the woman stands, resting her hand on his shoulder. — Michael and Ellie

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Wedding Dress/Ball Gown Cookie Cutter

4PCS Wedding Cookie Cutters

11 Pcs Doll Garment Rack with Wooden Dolls Clothes Hanger

Wedding Dress Cookie Cutter – Stainless Steel

Morepack Self Sealing Cellophane Bags

Edible Pearl Sugar Sprinkles White Candy

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A bright, airy living room with white furniture, a wall-mounted TV showing abstract art, a large window revealing an ocean view, and minimalist decor.

You likely already know my biggest challenge is letting go of this summer!

Our summer started late this year, as the weather in Ventura was quite cool and foggy until mid-July!

I have always said September and October are the best months for the beach, and I am not kidding.

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

We might have made another goal to spend as much time as possible at the beach house this fall!

Rattan Round Serving Tray, Set of 2

Colored Wine Glasses Set of 6

Solar String Lights

Finalize travel plans to France.
Decorate the house for fall.

Have you ever tasted a Mudslide? You need to try this!

My friends at Lolly Jane shared a College Student Care Package, and it’s adorable.

I love this Fall Refresh in a Small Entry shared by The Inspired Room.

The Finding Nemo Cross Stitch is not only clever but huge!

Have you ever tried Gel Wax Candle Making?

Sweet Water Decor Cozy Season Soy Candle

Set of 6 Goblets – Glass Crystal

Autumn Rattan Woven Vase

And what a week it was!

My Favorite Lemon Vodka Drinks
I love everything about lemons and have put together some of my favorite lemon vodka drinks. These are popular in our home all year long. I made lemon vodka and three cocktails: a lemon drop martini, a lemon-lime slush, and a…
Decorative Floral Pots – A Handmade Spring
There is something magical about preserving spring flowers forever. These decorative floral pots are the perfect spring project. This is the twelfth and final project in my A Handmade Spring series, and I truly could not imagine a better way to…
The Best Mother’s Day Gifts
It’s less than a month until Mother’s Day, and I thought I would share some fun Amazon-style Mother’s Day gifts. I have gathered a list of our favorite gifts for Mom. I know how different moms are, so we have categorized…
Summer DIY Lumbar Pillows
Summer will soon be here, so I am sharing a cute summer DIY with lumbar pillows. This pillow was inspired by the decor style of our beach house, modern coastal vintage. It’s time to give your home a refreshing update that reflects…
Why I Love Our Outdoor Cooking Station
With the warmer spring weather, now is the perfect time to get everything ready outside for our outdoor cooking station and entertaining. Most of you know how much I love to cook. (Although I should admit that I enjoy entertaining more…
Why You Should Pick a Name for Your Home and Fun Ideas You’ll Love
Have you ever thought about giving your home a name? Picking a name for your home gives it personality, a sense of history, and a little magic. You can name your home, whether it is a cozy beach cottage, a sprawling…

8.5oz Swing Top Glass Bottles, Set of 6

65” Samsung TV with Pale Gold Bezel Frame
Deco Frame

Silicone Ice Pop/Popsicle Molds 6 Pieces

White Table Runner with Ruffle 108″

ARTEZA Acrylic Paint

Milk White 6″ Mosser Glass Cake Stand

Martha shared a great post about Chaos Gardening. It’s my favorite!

My blog next week is about everything fall. I have my favorite copper pumpkin DIY, some gorgeous fall cookies, and a newly decorated fall kitchen. Plus, I am sharing a fall table, a fall party outside and tips for planning a trip this fall to Round Top.