Sky Lark House: Monthly Unboxing 725

The purpose of the “Sky Lark House: Monthly Unboxing” post is to highlight some of the more popular posts shared during the previous month. We are unboxing all the DIYs, vintage items, antiques, furniture makeovers and crafts shared during the previous month. Basically, I am “unpacking” information shared within the last 30 or so days.

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I will also be sharing some posts, information and events from around the web that you may be interested in.

So, let’s get started!

Sky Lark House Monthly Unboxing

The Upstate Update

For awhile now, I have been wanting to give our laundry room a makeover. Nothing fancy. New paint, wallpaper and some organization. My goal is to make it a room I actually WANT to enter. Do you remember “back in the day” when HGTV had those one room makeover shows? These makeover projects didn’t require ten of thousands of dollars. Most makeovers relied on existing furnishings and maybe $500 in purchases. There was a “shop the house” mentality. I miss those shows. Now, all makeovers requires tens of thousands of dollars or more . . .

Anyway, I am giving our laundry room an update and it’s not costing a lot of money. Check back here in the coming month, I plan to share some before and after photos. Of course, I will link the products and supplies, if I can find them online.

Now, here is a summary of what we have been up to during the last month.

Swedish Inspired Furniture Makeover

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The Handcrafted Society gals got together and shared projects that incorporated geometric patterns. I decided to adorn two small pieces of furniture with diamonds, inspired by Swedish design. You can read the post here and also see projects created by the other ladies in the HCS.

Terra Cotta Clay Pots Wreath

Every season, I like to have a handmade wreath on the door. It’s a cheerful reminder of the current season and a nice way to welcome guests. This terra cotta clay pot wreath was easy to make and it cost all of $7. (I already had an old grapevine wreath in my stash). You can get the full tutorial here.

Coastal Inspired Christmas in July

This summer, I have been inspired by the coast and beaches. There is something so relaxing and soulful about spending time near the ocean. So, when King of Christmas asked if I would collaborate with them for a Christmas in July post, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. We used KOC’s Yorkshire fir collection to create an affordable yet beautiful coastal cottage theme.

Summer Favorites- Beach Living Finds

During the 7 years I was in Maine, I LIVED for the summers. After the long winters, the warm weather was heavenly. Any chance I had, I went to the beach. Popham beach was my favorite. I kept a beach “go kit” in the trunk of my car along with a chair so that I could literally go to the beach in a moments notice. In the post Beach Living, I am sharing some of my favorite beach living finds.

In related news

Here are some links and information I found for you from around the web.

• Here is great advice for hanging stacked pictures on the wall.
• This DIY Toleware is gorgeous!
• I love this post offering encouragement and wisdom
• Ann always stumbles upon the best finds. You can see her vintage finds for her coastal guest room makeover.
• I recently came across this site and OHMYGOODNESS it has so much interior inspiration.
• This Australian Beach House is stunning.
• Here are 21 No Bake desserts – perfect for summer. Bonus, they are gluten free.
• I can’t wait to try this Strawberry Basil simmer pot.
• This video of a beautiful small bathroom makeover is inspiring.

Shopping with Friends

As usual, I got together with some of my blogging friends and we are sharing some of our favorite online finds.

Anna from Sky Lark House

This summer I have been inspired by the beach and coastal living. So when I saw TJ Maxx had some great items along that theme, I knew I wanted to share them with you. Buying from TJ Maxx online is great because you can get free shipping when you spend more than $89 – use code SHIP89.

• First up are these coffee table books.
  • This one captures scenes of living along the coast in Australia.
  • Bunny Williams is one of my favorite gardeners and her book House by the Sea doesn’t disappoint.
  • Recently, I have been bitten by the British decor bug. This book Perfect English Small and Beautiful is mighty appealing.
• Mr. SLH and I need to replace our living room rug. We need approximately an 8×10 size which can get expensive. This rug is so pretty and it’s less than $150.
• I love the scale and texture of this large shell bowl. It would look pretty with a plant nestled inside and it’s less than $30.
• A grouping of large pots filled with flowers on a patio or in a garden is beautiful. These outdoor urns are beautiful and affordable. The set is less than $100.

Cindy from Reinvented Delaware

Cindy has a fabulous blog where she shows you how to refurbish furniture, repurpose thrifted items and gives you ideas for your home decor. Cindy will rejoin us soon, she is taking a well deserved break.

Lora from Lora Bloomquist

If you love vintage and antique items, Lora Bloomquist has some inspiration for you. Her blog is full of ideas for repurposing and reusing these items. Here are Lora’s favorite finds.

• I hate to sound like a broken record, but I love switching up my pillow covers for the season. It’s such an inexpensive and easy way to give your rooms a seasonal touch. And they don’t take up much space to store when not using. THIS adorable ruffled gingham cover is so fresh in our coastal living room. And THIS textured daisy cover is perfect to layer with it.
• The long weekend means our family will be enjoying the current favorite game (find it HERE). If your family has enjoyed any of the Catan games in the past, this expansion set takes it to a new level.
• Vintage picnic baskets are a summer staple decor item in my house. I’ve got many different kinds in various textures. The woven ones look great with coastal decor and the patterned vintage metal ones add a pop of fun anywhere. Definitely add vintage picnic baskets to your summertime decor. Find a great selection HERE.
• The daisies are blooming, and I’m obsessed with all things daisies. They speak happy summertime days. Find fun daisy-themed things on my LTK shop HERE. (and follow me there for seasonal recommendations:)

Lynn from Living Large in a Small House

On her blog, Lynn shares all the things that make a house a home. She has DIYs, recipes, home decor ideas, gardening suggestions and more. Here are Lynn’s favorite finds.

South House Designs

Diane from South House Designs has a wide array of DIYs and project for your home. She also shares information about entertaining, recipes, and outdoor living. She is known for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Here are Diane’s favorite finds.

Okay the 4th is past, but in my world this is just the beginning of loads of summer fun. So let’s keep the fun going but add a bit of relief from the intense heat and intense flying pests.

• Have you tried misting in the extreme heat? This really easy kit converts almost any fan into a misting fan for outdoor comfort. Or if your activities include fishing, camping, boating, etc, where you need battery fan and mist, this is the one for you: oscillating, tilting fan with or with/out mist and all on a rechargeable battery. And to keep a crowd comfortable this misting system is so reasonable, easy to install and use. Plus it come is white or black and many lengths to choose from.
• Cooling towels are a decidedly low tech, inexpensive way to cool down quickly. If you’ve never used them, prepare to be amazed!!! These cooling towels are the best price available.
• ICE, chewable ice! Is it possible to have too much ice during hot summer days? NOT possible! Think about adding a counter ice maker — such a treat! BONUS: I bet you and the kids will eat less ice cream! For a very affordable option, this is the one I suggest with an external water tank and 2 sizes of ice available. There is also a less expensive option that just holds less ice and less water, but requires less room. If your budget allows, I’d definitely go with the GE Profile ice maker in Moonstone Blue of course (although there are two other options).
• It’s hard to enjoy the great outdoors when the flying pests are swarming and moving in for a feast — on you, or the kids, or grandpa, or anyone! If you are like me and think you have tried everything with mixed results, you must try these – Ben’s tick and insect repellant. Friends put us on to these after their travels in Costa Rica. And they work!!! I love the convenience of the wipe, and have found that one is enough for two adults.

In Closing . . .

With July upon us, I’m wishing you a season of joy, inspiration, and perhaps a few exciting new projects of your own. Take time to enjoy these longer days and make some wonderful memories. Wishing you a happy July and a truly enjoyable summer!

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