We had fog all week. Without the sun, I brightened my days with some patriotic decor, a visit with friends, and some fun items for the home!

Fog

We have had fog here all week.

Not one little peep of sunshine.

My beloved view has been shrouded by a curtain of white.

Maine is known for its fog, but even this has been excessive…

I did a little reading about fog, and it turns out the Maine coast is one of three fog “hot spots” in the U.S. — the other two being the Pacific Northwest and the Southern Appalachians. Hello friends in the PNW and Appalachia! Do you feel my pain?!

And even within Maine, the Midcoast (where we live) and Downeast areas experience the most fog. It all has to do with a mix of ocean temperatures, currents, tides, and elevations along the coastline.

This week that all seems to have combined to create the dreariest weather I can remember here.

The saturated air has dampened not just everything outside, but also my spirits.

So I cheered myself with some patriotic additions to the house, a foggy lobster roll outing with friends, and a few fun items for the home.

Won’t you join me?!

And please bring some sunshine!

Brightening the House

Dining area mantel

Do you remember when I shared this nautical flag I got at an antiques show in the winter?

I originally thought maybe I would hang it on the slanted ceiling in the Captain’s bedroom. That was proving a little tricky to execute, though, so I set the flag aside.

This week when I was adding some patriotic decor to the house, I thought I’d try it on the dining area mantel.

And I have to say I am loving the casual summer look!

It also serves as a nice cover for the unused fireplace this time of year.

And no, this is not the Danish flag! The centered cross symbol represents the letter X in nautical flag code.

So XX to all of you!

Hutch decor

I didn’t make any major changes to my two hutch displays, but I did add a few touches of red for the upcoming July 4th holiday.

Red starfish on the large hutch which holds the Cornishware.

And a few red, white, and blue nautical flags added to the jumble of things on the top of the corner hutch where I have my spongeware collection.

One of the things I love about blue is how it transitions seamlessly through all the seasons and holidays!

I purchased the red starfish at a local store, but they would be easy to make yourself with some spray paint!

Bunting

I was a little late this year, but I finally got the large bunting up on the house.

I will leave it up through 9/11.

My yard is a mess (the weather…), but I will definitely share some additional photos once the weather improves and I get the gardens under control.

(Yes, bloggers are just like you — everything isn’t always picture perfect here!)

Front Hall Sideboard

The simple addition of two vintage flags and a few starfish are all the patriotic touches needed here.

Living Room Mantel

July means a new display on the living room mantel!

I made this nautical flag barn quilt from a kit a few summers ago. It spells ANCHOR. I love how both sides of the stone fireplace are now graced by nautical flags!

Keeping it simple, I propped a few old sailboats on the mantel and called it done!

A Visit With Friends

The brightest spot of my week, was definitely a get together with two friends. We went to college together, worked for the same government agency, and now they have a home here in Maine, closer to Portland.

They came up for the day and we went for a foggy lunch at our local lobster shack.

You can read all about this gem in my blog post The Best Little Lobster Shack in Maine.

After lunch we came back to the house, sat on the deck in the fog, and my friend worked on weaving a pot holder. Do you remember these from the “olden days”?! I spent one summer when I was young making these every day at camp! The looms and loops are still made by the same company in New Hampshire. I am linking just below, in case you want to relive your childhood or take up a new hobby! It would be a great rainy (or foggy) day activity for kids or grandkids too!

Some Fun Items to Share With You

If these potholders aren’t enough for you, I have some other fun things to share, which will surely brighten your days –whether they are foggy or not!

Foggy Dog

Speaking of fog, I received these fun bandanas for Maddie and Cisco from my friends at The Foggy Dog.

I shared this San Francisco small business in my post Living Your Best (And Most Beautiful) Life With Dogs.

I love M&C’s new red, white and blue designs for July 4th and beyond!

Cisco is looking dapper in his lobster print, and Maddie is the perfect lady in her floral!

There are many other great prints to choose from too!

Rifle Paper Co

I have loved Rifle Paper Co for many years. Their cheery florals brighten everything from paper goods to fabrics, rugs, pillows, and other home accessories. I even have a fun pair of Rifle Paper Co sneakers!

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when they sent me a box of goodies in their classic hydrangea pattern!

And this holiday weekend through July 5th, they are offering an extra 30% off all sale items! I just looked at their site, and there are so many good deals to be had! In fact, I think I found a gift for my daughter’s birthday. Shhh! Don’t tell!

Shop their sale here!

Finding Silver Pennies

My friend Danielle at Finding Silver Pennies and I have so much in common! We both live in New England.on the coast (She’s in Massachusetts). We share a love for coastal decor and Cornishware.

And yesterday we both went out for lobster rolls and took a photo of a seagull. How crazy is that?!

One thing we don’t share, sadly for me, is artistic talent.

Danielle creates beautiful watercolor paintings which she has printed on notepads, cards, and stickers and sells these in her own online store. Earlier this week she launched her summer collection, and I couldn’t resist ordering a few things!

Please go check out Danielle’s blog and shop her store here!

You can also shop her designs on fabrics, wallpaper, and home decor in her Spoonflower shop!

Danielle is as sweet as she is talented! Be sure to tell her I say “hi”!

This Week Into Next

I have already whined shared enough about my past week, so let’s look toward the next!

I have friends coming on Monday for the July 4th holiday, so I will be busy this weekend getting ready for their visit.

While the weather forecast is not great, I know we will still have fun. Last year we had sunshine and warm temps and went to the local beach. We will just have to enjoy more time inside this year.

But the highlight of the week will certainly be the firework display set off from a lobster boat in the harbor of our little fishing village. It is pure Americana at its very best!

Wishing all of you celebrating, the very best July 4th!

And to our neighbors, happy Canada Day!

Be well, friends!

Molly

Highlighting coastal decor and lifestyle, Maddie and Cisco, and the way life should be...

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