Introducing the Shell Cove Beach Bed & Bath Collection! Soft neutral hues of taupe, tan and ivory make up this new sea shell and starfish inspired bed and bath collection. We love how the varied soft stripes mix so beautifully with the sea shell patterns. Endless possibilities for mixing and matching!
Perfect for mixing and matching with solid colors, coordinating tan and ivory stripes, plus natural woven textures in lighting and rugs to update up your beach style bedroom.
The collection has so many options for creating your own look including pretty ruffled bed skirts, Euro shams and wonderful flanged shams with shell and starfish designs.
Make sure to see all of the coordinating bath accessories too!
Explore our latest coastal collection in inviting sea shell and starfish patterns and then mix in natural jute and rattan to make your retreat a calm and soothing escape.
Enjoy!
]]>The Annabelle Collection showcases natural woven water hyacinth lamp and pendant pieces, with the gorgeous scalloping details that Suzanne Duin and her lighting designs are noted for. The lamp and pendant shades are made of natural, strong and flexible water hyacinth fibers which brings a gorgeous textural artistry to the lighting.
We are seeing Scallop shapes every where this year in home decor design! Our new Annabelle collection embodies this fresh, yet classic look with the woven natural water hyacinth fibers contrasted with mole' black iron details.
Check out this list of 7 lesser-known fish that are all sustainably harvested to add to your dinner table this spring. It's the perfect time to put your creative gourmet skills to use!
Sustainable Fish List compiled by NOAA Fisheries - make sure to visit the NOAA website for more info and recipes too. (pictures grabbed from the NOAA site)
1. Arcadian Rockfish: Similar to haddock, this fish that is also known as Ocean Perch has a delicious, mild flavor and flaky texture. It’s a fantastic source of protein and a heart-healthy option. Such a pretty color - try it the next time you make fish tacos. (my husband's go-to whenever they are on the menu!)
2. Atlantic Pollock: Found in the New England/Mid-Atlantic Regions, Atlantic pollock has a strong flavor and a firm texture. It also is an excellent source of B12 vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium. Try wrapping it in parchment with other vegetables and popping it in the oven to make an easy weeknight meal.
3. Dover Sole: This flat fish comes from Pacific waters and is an excellent source of calcium. (who knew??) It can be prepared in a number of ways but tastes especially delicious when baked with vegetables, fresh herbs and lemon.
4. Mackerel: This fish has a lovely, rich flavor and is often served as a special on sushi menus. You can prepare this versatile fish in a number of ways, but it tastes especially great pan-roasted with potatoes and a creamy sauce.
5. Opah: This tasty fish is caught off the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands and California. One of our favorites! Also known as Moonfish, it has seven different cuts and can be prepared in various ways. Try swapping in Opah in your favorite tuna or swordfish recipes. We promise you will love it!
6. Scup: Also known as Porgy, these fish can be found from Maine to the Southeast Coast. A lean fish with a nice flavor and an excellent protein source, scup is usually cooked whole since its small bones make it hard to fillet. Try popping it on a pan or in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.
7. Shortspine Thornyhead: This red colored fish is also known as Pacific rockfish. Although it's not that attractive, this fish tastes super yum with a sweeter flavor. This fish is high in selenium, an essential nutrient that aids thyroid function. Its coarse texture makes it easy to grill, saute, bake, or even deep fry. Like fish tacos? This is the perfect fish for making them!
Thanks to NOAA and Fed by Blue for these great ideas and for featuring our cool Nacar Dori Platter in their Instagram Post!
Need a fun platter for serving up your fabulous fish creations? Try one of these!
Featured: Sardinia White Rattan Wrapped Mirror and Oceana Frosted Glass Lamp with Teak Wood Glass Topped Table.
1. Weathered Frames:
Choose mirrors with frames that have a weathered, distressed, or reclaimed wood finish. This will add a rustic and subtle beachside feel to your decor. To us this means bringing home memories of days spent by the sea having fun with friends and family.
2. Natural Rattan or Seagrass Frames:
A quintessential ingredient for casual, but chic coastal home living can be easily accomplished by adding all natural elements like wrapped rattan, braided seagrass or wicker. Cannot go wrong with this timeless style!
3. Nautical Elements:
Look for mirrors with nautical elements in their design, such as rope or rope designs. These classic details can enhance the coastal theme and create a connection to the sea. Just make sure to not go "overboard"! (seriously)
4. Real Shell Accents:
Choose mirrors that incorporate polished mother of pearl shells, oyster shells or other real shells into their design. This adds an elegant natural hint of the beach to your decor, making it feel more connected to a coastal theme. Real shells also guarantee a one-of-a-kind look as no two framed mirrors will be exactly alike!
5. Light and Bright:
Opt for mirrors that have a light and bright frame or finish. White or light-colored frames will evoke a sense of freshness and breeziness reminiscent of the light hues found in coastal interiors.
White sand.. bleached shells.. crashing waves
6. Driftwood Mirrors:
Mirrors framed with layered pieces of driftwood can add a natural, organic element to your coastal decor. The irregular shapes and textures of driftwood enhance your beach-inspired aesthetic.
Feel free to be creative and make a bold design statement at your home with an unique mirror that will showoff your coastal style!
]]>1. Stay Active During Daylight: Exposure to natural light during the day can regulate your circadian rhythm. Make an effort to get outside, even if only for a short walk around your neighborhood or to the beach! So important to soak up some daylight, even if it's cold, cloudy or rainy - grab your jacket and your favorite knit hat.
Just stretching your legs and breathing in fresh air can enhance your alertness during the day and improve your sleep quality at night. Not to mention improving your mood anytime!
For those of us in the Northern Climes, this tip is absolutely essential to soaking up some Vitamin D and instantly improving your mood.
2. Create a Cozy Sleep Sanctuary: Transform your bedroom into a haven of warmth and comfort. Pile on soft and pretty textured bedding pillows and Euro sized pillows in shams. Invest in a cozy, quality duvet or comforter that will wrap you in warmth. Then add extra blankets and throws in soft thick quilting or even lush velvet fabrics to make your bedroom feel even more luxurious.
P.S. Don't skimp on your sheets! Maybe consider adding pretty flannel options if your coastal climate calls for chilly weather in winter.
3. Embrace the Darkness: The longer nights of winter provide an excellent opportunity to create a sleep-conducive environment. Cozy lighting can do wonders for creating the right feel in your bedroom or living room!
Our best tip? Minimize the use of electronic devices (put your phone and electronic tablet away!) before bedtime to allow your body to naturally wind down.
4. Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule: While winter may tempt you to sleep in on weekends, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your body's internal clock. Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on weekends, to enhance the quality of your sleep.
5. Harness the Power of Warmth: Take advantage of the cold weather by enjoying a warm beverage before bedtime. Opt for a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea or a soothing mug of hot chocolate (my go to!) to help your body relax and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
6. Mindful Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your evening routine. Whether it's deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching, these activities can help calm your mind and signal to your body that it's time to unwind. It's the perfect time of year to grab that novel you've been meaning to finish and turn off Netflix for a bit!
If you are lucky enough to have a water view don't forget to simply turn your chairs to enjoy your spectacular scenery just out of your window! Tom and I are make a point of sitting in our bedroom swivel chairs every night before bedtime to simply admire the city lights of Seattle twinkling across the bay. Instantly makes the daily toil of work stress make sense and brings an instant calm. A great reminder that this is why we live by the sea!
Don't forget to upgrade your lamp lighting to incorporate the perfect warm glow...
7. Prioritize Self-Care: Winter often brings a slower pace, providing an excellent opportunity to focus on self-care. Whether it's a warm bath with candles, diving into a good book, or enjoying your favorite music, incorporating calming activities into your evening routine can positively impact your sleep.
Remember, adequate sleep is crucial for overall well-being, at all time of the year, but the crazy holiday season is even more important. These winter-specific tips can help you make the most of the season while ensuring you get the rest you deserve.
Wishing you cozy nights and rejuvenating sleep by the sea to survive a crazy holiday season!
]]>Caron’s Version – This recipe is super forgiving. Clams are essential, but can mix up the recipe with different kinds of seafood - what ever you have handy!
This is enough for a big pot to serve 10-12+ people
Mix it Up
1.Open and drain the canned clams reserving the clams for later and the juice separately.
2. Saute the onion, fennel, celery and carrots in the butter over medium heat until soft. About 5-7 minutes. Add garlic to sautéed vegetables when they are almost done so that you don’t burn the garlic and just get the great flavor.
3. Add the reserved clam juice, chicken stock and stir all together. Add a little water if it seems too thick
4. Add the Old Bay Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning
5. Add the chopped red potatoes and stir all together. Cover and cook on medium for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the canned clams and what ever other seafood that you like; prawns, salmon, smoked salmon, mussels, etc. We used prawns and local smoked salmon, but feel free to add what ever else you like.
7. Now add the milk and creamed corn then cook for another 15 minutes.
8. Last step is to add the Laphroaig and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Perfect with crusty bread or home made bread sticks (on a future blog post!)
We served this at a dinner party this fall and it was a huge success! So much so that no one took any pictures...
Adapted from The Coastal Forager's Cookbook by Robin Cort - Highly recommend for great stories and some travel advice as well as interesting and delicious Pacific Northwest recipes.
Take a look at it on my Lemolo Books Recommended Page on Bookshop.org - on sale right now too!
P.S. We loved this book so much - more NW foraged recipes coming soon. I promise that we won't eat everything before we get the pictures taken. lol
]]>1. Comfy Cozy Bedding with a Coastal Bedroom Style
Instantly says "Welcome to the Beach"! Consider a new fresh look, complete with decorative pillows to make your room inviting and cozy. (NEW - Kiawah Bedding Featured)
Or one of our favorite ideas is to use a duvet set instead of a heavier comforter. Super versatile for all seasons! Add fluffy warm down inserts for fall, and then lighten up for spring and summer by removing the insert layer.
Here's one of new duvet bedding options that just arrived in time for the holidays - The Pawley's Isle Paradise Luxury 3-Piece Queen Size Duvet Set created with super breathable and soft Lyocell fabrics and printed with artisan tropical beach images. So pretty and so comfy.
The Martinique Woven Natural Rattan Lamp
3. A throw blanket is a MUST. Perfect for an extra layer on the guest bed, or just to wrap up in while enjoying time in your home. Knit throws are always a favorite go-to choice of ours!
4. Add an accent chair! Your guests will appreciate the extra spot to sit, plus they will have a spot to take their shoes off and relax. Pull something from another room - or could even be an extra chair from your dining room. We love bed benches too!
6. Try a Decorative Tray on the bed or on the dresser. A functional tray is a great way to keep small things gathered together for your guests: t.v. remote, magazines, books, etc. Could use as a bed tray, nightstand accessory or any other creative uses. So welcoming with special items for your guests; a local newspaper, special soaps - maybe a candy cane or two..
7. Stack of books. Or magazines from your local area - will be fun when you venture out to explore!
8. Power Strip or for Electronics - a definite MUST
10. Relaxing Wall Art for sweet dreams.....
When it comes to decorating your living room, one of the most important elements to consider is a beautiful rug to anchor your space. A well-chosen rug can tie the room together by adding warmth and texture that creates a cozy ambiance. However, finding the right rug size for your living room can sometimes be a bit of a challenge!
To ensure you make the right choice, it's crucial to measure your space accurately and understand how the rug's size and placement can affect the overall look and feel of the room. In this Indoor Rugs 101 blog post, we'll guide you through the process of measuring for the ideal rug in your living room.
So easy!
Step 1: Determine the Rug's Purpose
Before you start measuring, it's essential to define the purpose of the rug in your living room. Are you looking for a rug to define a specific area, add a pop of color, or create a cozy sitting area? The rug's function will influence the size and shape you should choose.
Step 2: Measure the Room
To start, measure the dimensions of your living room space. Use a tape measure or a long piece of string and a ruler to get accurate measurements. Note the length and width of the room in feet. Keep in mind that these measurements will help you determine the range of rug sizes that will fit comfortably within the space. Typical rug sizes: 5' x 8', 8' x 10' or 9' x 12 - but there is just about every other size in between too!
Step 3: Create Visual Balance
Rug placement can influence the perception of the room's size and shape. For example, in smaller living rooms, placing the rug partially under the furniture can create an illusion of spaciousness In larger rooms, an area rug placed entirely under the furniture can define a cozy conversation area within the vast space.
The next step is to decide on the positioning of the rug within your living room. To create a visually balanced look, consider these three common placement options:
1. Front Legs Only: For a more contemporary and open feel, you can place the front legs of your furniture on the rug while the back legs remain off. This works well for smaller rugs or smaller spaces
2. All Legs On: A more traditional approach is to have all the legs of your seating and coffee table positioned on the rug. This makes the room feel cohesive and inviting. For a larger room, you can position the rug in the center with some space between the rug's edges and the furniture. This creates an open, inviting look while still defining your seating area. The key to styling your seating area on top of a large rug is to ensure that the rug extends at least six inches past each piece of furniture. We recommend a rug that is 9' x 12' or larger, leaving an equal 12" to 18" of exposed floor on all sides to create a border around the rug. This is a nice option for larger, open concept rooms. It allows the furniture to "float" in the center, helping to accentuate the seating area and create distinction in the room.
3. All Legs Off The Rug
If you're working with a smaller room (or smaller budget!), consider an area rug that floats in the center of your seating arrangement. A rug that is at least 5' x 8' works best in a room that is 10' x 12' or smaller. This would leave about 2 feet of flooring bordering the rug on each side. For the best proportion, the rug should be a bit longer than your sofa. Place the rug a few inches in front of the sofa or centered with alternative seating on the perimeter. If the rug is under a coffee table, make sure the rug is large enough to rest under all four legs of the table.
Step 4: Choose the Right Rug Size
Now that you have your room measurements and placement preferences, it's time to choose the right rug size. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
Step 5: Visualize and Enjoy!
Measuring an area rug for your living room is an art that, when mastered, can transform your coastal living space into a harmonious sanctuary. By understanding the importance of accurate measurements, defining your seating area, and considering your room's dimensions, you can confidently choose the ideal rug that not only fits your space but also elevates your home decor to new heights.
So, measure wisely, visualize thoughtfully, and let your living room reflect your unique coastal style and personality.
P.S. These same rules apply to creating your ideal outdoor living room too!
Happy decorating!
Add silver and blue ornaments, white sea shells and natural beach elements from your stretch of the coast to dress up your table for the holidays with am elegant beach home style.
Icy Pine Glassware - ONLY available during the Holidays!
So easy to design a welcoming season table that reflects your love of the shore; blue and white dinnerware, etched sea motif wine glasses, blue serving pieces combined with pretty holiday table linens.
It's the perfect time to get out your pretty sea shell and starfish napkin rings! Why not? Napkin rings always make your dinner party just a little "fancier"
On newsstands now - look for us in the Holiday Issue of Cottages & Bungalows
]]>This coastal outdoor living collection features pillows, rugs and more curated by our crew at Caron's Beach House and our friend Kim of Shiplap and Shells with her love of vintage decor mixed with her gardening by the sea style. All created for fun in the sun, durable outdoor living! (PS these can all be used inside too!)
We love how she's combined everything to create an inviting space on her deck for friends to gather and enjoy her view!
A little bit more about Kim and her family's lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest with a peek into her cottage styled home and garden spaces.
"We live in a quaint 1920 beach cottage on Puget Sound where we’ve spent the last 10 years renovating, improving, and adding character & charm to our "forever" home in the Pacific Northwest.
My true love for gardening and growing a cut flower garden inspires my audience, especially when they find out that I'm a hobby gardener who learned everything on my own from trial and error. Every year I start my flowers for the cutting garden from seed in my greenhouse.
When I'm not at home or in my garden, you'll probably find me with my husband and 2 pups, Jax and Ollie, exploring the Puget Sound on our boat, Wildflower. We love shopping for vintage finds at the many ports we travel to and sharing the amazing views that the Pacific Northwest has to offer."
Kim does a fabulous job with her Shiplap and Shells Blog and we highly recommend following her on Instagram too!
Take another look at our collab at Kim's house!
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