Spending the day at the beach isn’t always possible.
So when you find yourself dreaming of splashing waves and sand between your toes….
Put together a beach vignette.
Don’t roll your eyes….it really is a sweet band-aid solution. And it’s super easy to do.
Have you ever noticed play sand for sale at the garden center?
When you do…be sure to buy a bag. Yes…it may be more than you need, but I’m pretty certain that once you have your bag of sand, you’ll be glad you bought it (and it certainly won’t break the bank). Plus, you’ll find lots of ways to use that sand. In fact, I could write a whole post on that….maybe later. [wink]
One of my favorite ivory Longaberger rectangle trays was commissioned to hold my “beach.”
I added a raised dot bowl that reminds me of water and a few shells to the tray. That’s it!
You can’t beat the simplicity!
Whenever I look at it…I am immediately be transported to my favorite beach. Ahhhhh…. [sigh]
A day at the beach….
A tray with an aqua bowl, sand, and shells….the next best thing to being there.
And if you don’t have those items in your stash….I’m pretty sure that if you do a little garage “sailing” you should be able to find a tray, some shells, and a pretty aqua bowl or object.
When was the last time you were at the beach?
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Catch up on all that’s Extraordinary…
this week at An Extraordinary Day:
Here’s a rundown of this week’s posts…
- Nature is my medicine ~ Quote :: The Week at a Glance 9/14
- Unfailing Love :: Joy Day!
- Coastal Decor Tutorial :: Create a Life Ring Wreath
- Casual Coastal Tablescape
- Coastal Embellished Frame & Seashell Art DIY
It was another Extraordinary Week on the blog!
I enjoyed showing you a photo of a recent nature walk as we wrapped up last week. On Joy Day! I shared a story of how God demonstrated his care for me and we counted blessings as well. And then….I went coastal! 🙂 Even though it’s September, some of the best beach time comes in those final days before fall. Since, I’m behind because of my move, I decided to go along with my schedule…just a little bit later. That being said….we “played” in the waves so to speak with the table, some vintage insulators, and even embellished a Dollar Tree frame, yes, coastal style. And I finally gave you the tutorial for making your own Life Ring Wreath. A fun week, I think. [wink]
On a Personal Note
We’re still looking and praying for that very elusive position for my husband. I’ve been able to catch up with a few dear friends for lunch. And I’m enjoying cooking and doing life with the sweetest of all ladies you’ll ever meet. The kitties are recovering from their travel ordeal and my energy is beginning to return.
This week has gone from the 90’s to the low 60’s. The clouds are telling that fall has arrived. And all of that happened in about 6 hours. That’s what I love about Michigan.
So tell me…are you ready for cooler temps, frost, socks, sweaters and jackets?
Wishing you an Extraordinary weekend!
Diane
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Good Morning Diane! actually we’re at the beach right this very minute!!! Lovely weather {at the moment} Posting some pictures next week of our trip. Your vignette is pretty 😉
That is fantastic JoAnn! Hope your had a truly Extraordinary time!! 🙂
Thanks for your sweet words!
[hugs]
~Diane
I didn’t make it to the beach this year–at any point. Ah, but I have a bit of the beach to play in every day with a beach bowl (bit like yours actually–so I think it’s a wonderful idea you had!!) and jars filled with treasures sprinkled throughout the house. Anything that I can touch/smell heightens the memories. And I do have some wonderful beach/sea memories to draw from.
I adored the centerpiece for the table and I loved the frame (and I loved that if some twine was good MORE was better……LOL). I kept eyeballing the mason jars your hubby diligently tied for you–I’m thinkin’ I’ll gonna ask himself to have a go at it. *laughing* I think the odds are greater for him to be successful in hand/eye coordinated projects at the moment–I’m not telling how many times I’ve had to backspace and correct my typing so far. (this too shall pass!) We do have insulators on display–and I’m going to upsidedown a couple of those things and put a candle inside just cuz it’s a cute idea that’s ‘steal worthy’.
Mostly I adore the perseverance in getting all things done that were required to be done. I don’t know how you managed, but I figured it has to do with G-d’s grace and working hand in hand with a hubby that’s just as determined. I’m hugely grateful you’re both in a place where you’re supported and cared about. And that the kitty’s on the mend.
And I’m welcoming fall actually–like your sudden turn of events, last week it was 107……and this morning it was 47 degrees. Gotta love the midwest where the seasons are defined and there’s no mistaking when they arrive, eh?
And I do so adore fall….. While I’m limited in how much I can get out into it–I’m fairly convinced it’ll find me and arrangements will be made. The pumpkins are turning….and the leaves are starting to join them. 🙂
I said a prayer for you Mel. I used to live in the Midwest as a child. But as a kid we just enjoy the moments!! And didn’t pay much to the passing of seasons. They just happened! It’s still hot but evenings cool down so yes, fall is coming everywhere. I pray you’ll have some extra hands help you to do a few fall decorating. I can relate to a degree. God is good to give us pretty fall leaves. Pumpkins and gourds. Squashes. All a feast for the eye and some to eat too. May your day be blessed.
Thank you for offering up a prayer for our friend and words of encouragement, Gwen. 🙂
I love that you have a ‘beach bowl’ like mine Mel!! Yay!!! It’s amazing what it does for the spirit. 🙂
Haha! Well…with all my faculties in tact I still would have struggled tying knots. The very reason I enlisted assistance. 🙂 Hope we can call him…he-who-is-willing. 😉 Who knew “upside-downing” the insulators could be so fun? I know you’ll have fun with them too!
You are so right….it’s God’s grace. Period. 🙂
I have no doubt that arrangements will be made for you to be immersed in fall. No doubt!!
Thanks for taking the time to tap in your thoughts today. You made my day!!
[hugs]
~Diane
Diane, At differing seasons we’ve lived in drivable distance from a beach but no longer. When in Chile, So America we had a neighbor whose English was greatly influenced by the Englishmen who had come yrs before to help build the railways. He referred to the beach always as “the shore” ie–“We’re going to the shore!”
I kind of like that term now as we do get to go to the lake fairly often, tho’ at our li’l place it’s very narrow & looks more like a river, being an arm of said lake.
I do like all things nautical & beachy so your posts this week are inspiring me to get my craft on!~ Thank you!
Best of Blessings!
I do like that term “the shore” too! I was blessed to grow up on Lake Michigan where the beaches are amazing, and people who have never seen the big lake think it’s really an ocean. We refer to that big body of water as ‘the lake’ – but that really doesn’t do it justice.
It’s so special that you have your li’l place on the water. What a wonderful blessing.
And I’m so happy that you found a bit of inspiration here this week, Carolyn.
Thanks for taking the time to leave your always thoughtful remarks!
[hugs]
~Diane
I took my beach displays all down today but my hubby was working so my tote of fall things had to stay put. Even so, I had a few plates and things stashed and fancy acorns. It looks like fall despite my lack of my regular fall things. Even so by the time Curt was home my brain was overworked and tears flowed. It never fails! The year went so fast. I had doctors up at Stanford and we’d occasionally stop at Monterey. The California Sea Lions relax there plus sea otters so its easy to see ocean wildlife! But the last time there is a small docking station and I was so totally amazed. There were thousands upon thousands of jelly fish. Oh this area is about big enough to park a car and a guy is jumping into a very small boat, feet close to that water and I cringed!! I asked my husband, who’s been stung many times as a child in Ensenada, Mexico if this was a lot of jelly fish to his experienced eye. He said yes!! Their opaque white bodies move up and down like the calliope but I soon felt a bit spooked!!
This summer was such a strange summer that I just live on memories. It’s about two hours to get to many different beaches so I suppose I’ve taken it for granted for I’ve been so many many times in my life. Oh! My friend from the East Coast calls it “going to the shore” too! But it is silly I think summer beach stuff out, fall put it away when we go to the beach year round!!!
What a sight it must I don’t know that it’s silly to put be to see the Sea Lions. They are such characters! 🙂
I don’t think it’s silly to put away the bits of summer beach. When we enjoy the seasons, especially when we’re from the Midwest, we tend to decorate for the seasons, no matter what. 🙂
How fun that you were able to do a little nesting for the season. I’m so sorry that it was too much. I continue to pray for you almost daily, Gwen. Trusting God to work his healing in you in a remarkable way.
We were actually blessed to spend 3 nights at a beautiful hotel in San Diego, CA (our first vacation in years). We could enter out a gate and voila! beach. We could see the waves from our balcony and hear the ocean as we slept. The view from the balcony has kept me peaceful close to two weeks back home. I love your idea of bringing the beach home with colors, sand and a few shells.
Oh my goodness, Debbie! That sounds like an amazing vacation. 🙂 So glad that you are still enjoying peace, too. That’s a successful vacation. 🙂