The colors of the Haitian Tree Snail shell are incredible: stripes of lemon, orange, pink and that amazing grey-lavender. Here are a few summer essentials that use these shades beautifully. What colors are you loving for summer?
Sea bags® for J.Crew medium tote | J.Crew
Seaspray Stripes Scarf | Madewell
Almagest Floppy Hat | Anthropologie
It’s getting warm this week in Southern California and I’ve definitely got summer on my mind. Here’s a list of things I’m looking forward to in the next few months, plus some great books to inspire. Let the countdown begin!
- Eating more fresh fish
- Planning the ultimate road trip
- Making homemade ice cream
- Taking better phone photos
- Exploring new beaches
- Dusting off my mountain bike
- Cooking light and simple dinners
- Adding more coastal decor to my home
- Trying a new craft
- Camping in California
- Finishing a great book under my umbrella on the beach
- Collecting some vintage surf photos
- Making things with shells
- Taking a second sailing lesson
- Finding more ways to eat tasty summer fruit
- Hiking early in the morning before it gets too hot
- Finding a new use for my old books
- Taking a moment to relax everyday
- Planning an impromptu staycation
- Compiling my summer photos to make my own coffee table book
From DIY garlands to margarita-flavored ice cream sandwiches, there certainly wasn’t a shortage of Cinco de Mayo-inspired crafts and recipes online this week. I loved seeing them all, not to mention finding a guacamole recipe that I can handle (I know…I’m more of a baker!). Looking forward to celebrating tomorrow, maybe at Olamendi’s in Dana Point. The color and character of this restaurant is so fun and eclectic, plus it’s right across the street from Capistrano Beach- perfect for a post-meal walk.
Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant
The Bowers Museum is having a Latin American Family Festival on Sunday, celebrating with traditional food, dancing and culture. This might be my favorite museum in Orange County, especially the exhibits that focus on Native American art, early CA history and art of the South Pacific. Entrance is free the first Sunday of every month.
You also might want to stop by the OC Great Park Farmers Market on Sunday. It’s easy to get to from the 405 or 5 and is a great place to buy local produce, breads, plants and antiques. Just look for that giant orange balloon! -Jessica
Spring seems to be flying by and Mother’s Day is just 2 short weeks away. If you’re looking for a nautical card for mom, you can download and print one as a PDF below.
Free Download Mom Card_Shimmer Kai
And there is still plenty of time to make a Mother’s Day gift! Here are a few lovely projects ideas:
- Embellish a box or journal with floral fabric cutouts
- Create a set of lovely printed napkins
- Dip-dye some baskets
- Update Mom’s space with a pretty marble lamp
- Bottle up some homemade body scrub
- Assemble a gorgeous succulent terrarium
- Wrap your gift in a wallpaper gift bag
I found this stone on the beach in Del Mar and loved it because it was super smooth and had an almost translucent appearance. I painted a simple design on it with craft paint and put it on my desk. A few weeks later, I’m surprised by how often I look at it! No matter how many paper stacks and unfinished projects I have on my desk, my eyes always seem to wander to this stone. I’m thinking it’s the visual equivalent of a stress ball?
Such a relaxing and simple craft to do. Use it as a paperweight, put it in a potted plant or in the garden…wherever you need a little zen. Here’s to a great week ahead! -Jessica
Here are some colorful teal cards you might enjoy. I celebrated the end of tax season and used them to label all of my folders- hooray! Or you could print them on cardstock and use them as place cards or gift tags. Download a set of 6 as a PDF below.
Free Printable Teal Cards_Shimmer Kai
