Goodbye July Hello August (Decorating Ideas & More!)
Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight where I share weekly inspiration! Seriously, how is this summer flying by so fast?!! Today, we’ll take a look back on the month of July and look ahead to August with some decorating ideas and more. Yes, it’s time to say Goodbye July…Hello August!
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Goodbye July Hello August – Summer Flowers:
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular summer flowers…
If you live in the northeast, you’ve probably seen hydrangeas everywhere lately. In July, my hydrangea bushes started exploding with blooms. Just like in previous years, I’ve started cutting some stems so I can enjoy them inside. To see how I decorated with them in my kitchen one year, read – Early Fall Decor Ideas for the Kitchen.
Lately, I’ve also started seeing sunflowers everywhere…
Well, I guess it makes sense since August 3rd is National Sunflower Day! Last year, I shared a bunch of photos from an August visit to a sunflower trail! Not only did we take some gorgeous pictures that day, but we learned some fun sunflower facts!
August is Good Month to Visit a Farmers Market:
Since the first week of August is National Farmers Market Week, it’s the ideal time to go!
Here in New Jersey, we’re known for our amazing corn and Jersey tomatoes. Lately, I’ve probably been to the farm stands more than the regular grocery store! Plus, with all the recalls I’ve been seeing on store bought produce, I think I’ll be visiting farmers markets even more!
While you’re at the farmers market, remember to pick up a watermelon…
In case you didn’t know, the months of July and August are peak watermelon season…and August 3rd is National Watermelon Day! The next time you cut up a watermelon, add some pieces to a simple summer salad.
To make this favorite summer salad, blend together these ingredients:
- Arugula
- Watermelon chunks
- Cucumber slices
- Feta Cheese
- Grilled chicken
- Olive oil (and Balsamic vinegar if you like)
- Salt and pepper
Every time we grill chicken, I always save extra pieces to make this salad for lunch the next day. Between the peppery taste of the arugula, the sweetness of the watermelon and the crunch of the cucumbers, this summer salad is perfection. Plus, it’s SO easy!
Say Hello to August with Some Beach Reads:
If you’re heading to the beach or pool during the month of August, here are two books I read in July…and highly recommend!
Over the years, I think I’ve read every one of Susan Meissner’s books. In my opinion, she is the queen of historical fiction! Once again, she blew me away with The Last Year of the War. It’s a powerful story about a young girl, Elise and her family who were sent to an internment camp in Texas after the German born father was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. While living in the camp, Elise made a lasting friendship with a Japanese-American teen. After Elise and her family were sent to Germany in an exchange deal, she continued to correspond to her friend and planned to meet up with her after the war was over. Unfortunately, circumstances changed their future plans. Such a thought provoking and heart breaking story…yet also so inspiring!
For some reason, I must be in a World War II phase. In July, I also read The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. If you loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, I think you’ll love this book too! The story flips back and forth from the present to Nazi-occupied Poland weaving together two women’s lives. While painting such a vivid picture of life during war, the author does such an amazing job of creating unforgettable characters who portray the best and worst of humanity. Truly a heartbreaking story that keeps you engaged to the very end. Seriously, I could not put it down!
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either of these amazing books! By the way, August 9th happens to be National Book Lovers Day. What books are you loving this summer?
And in case you missed it…
In July, I attended a Kristy Woodson Harvey book event! In that blog post, you’ll see photos from the New Jersey stop on her book tour along with my review of A Happier Life! Of all the books I’ve read recently, this one is probably the best relaxing “beach book”!
End of July / Early August Shopping:
Recently, these random summer finds caught my eye…
If you’re looking for a new rug to freshen up your space, this beautiful rug could work with so many styles! Plus, on that website, you can use their feature to see the rug in your room!
Can you believe this adorable woven bag is a lunchbox?!!
For some breakfast variety, I’ve been thinking of getting a Nutribullet for morning smoothies!
Whether you’re styling a late summer or fall table, this gorgeous table runner could work for both seasons!
If you’re starting to shop for fall decor, take a peek at some of the newest Target merchandise from the Hearth and Hand with Magnolia line…
As we enjoy the last full month of summer, here are some more finds to help you say goodbye July, hello August!
- To learn how to pick and cut the best watermelon, read this helpful watermelon guide!
- Welcome the new month with some hello August quotes from this great list!
- For a fresh and summery tablescape idea, decorate with lemons and blue dishes!
- To repurpose the shells you find on the beach this summer, make DIY seashell candles!
- If meal planning is one of your new goals for the school year, here’s a great list for a full year!
Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to decorate and celebrate the new month. Here are a few more July and August ideas…
- To make your home look cooler this summer – Decorate with White!
- For some summer home project motivation, read – Summer Home Improvement Ideas.
- Last week, I shared End of July Ideas!
- If you’re ready to switch your decor from summer to fall, read – How to Transition Your Decor from Summer to Fall.
- And for more end of summer ideas, read – Holding on to Summer!
How do you plan to welcome August?
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I LOVED The Things We Cannot Say! I’m currently reading Just for the Summer and even though it’s a decent sized book I’ve read nearly the whole thing in just a day or 2.
Wasn’t it amazing? I’m still thinking about it…one of those “book hangover” type of books, right? I’ll look into “Just for the Summer”! Thanks for the recommendation!