Goodbye June Hello July (Decorating Ideas and More!)

Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight where I share weekly inspiration!  Wow, June really flew by, didn’t it?  Between proms, graduations, Father’s Day and the beginning of summer, most of us have been pretty busy!  So today, I’ll look back on the month of June and look forward to July with some decorating ideas and more.  Yes, it’s time to say Goodbye June – Hello July!

*For your convenience, please note that this post may contain affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Summer Home Ideas on the Blog:

In June, I shared some simple summer decorating ideas…

On my recent Summer Home Tour, I included some photos of my summer living room but here are a few more angles of the room…

As you can see, my living room gets flooded with late afternoon sunshine this time of year.  On cooler days in June, we were able to open the windows for some lovely summer breezes.

Normally, I keep decorating books stacked on my coffee table.  Then I update the accessories to reflect each season.  With cane and rattan pieces and a few coastal items, my coffee table is ready for summer.  This year, I purchased the woven scalloped bowl which makes the perfect summer centerpiece!

You might have noticed, I’m a huge fan of British Colonial style.  Basically, I try to make my home feel like a vacation everyday!  One year, I decorated a summer bar cart in this room for an extra vacation-y vibe!

This year, I kept my accessories simple for the summer season.  Like I said, to see more of my summer ideas for June and July, read – Summer Home Tour (Easy Breezy Decorating Ideas).

Summer is Hydrangea Season:

Since the middle of June, my hydrangeas have been blooming…

Even though I have a black thumb, my pink hydrangeas are suddenly bursting with blooms!  I’m guessing all the rain we’ve had recently has helped!  This week, I think I’ll cut a few to enjoy inside my home.  For more hydrangea ideas, read – 7 Easy Ways to Decorate with Hydrangeas.

Say Hello to July with Some Beach Reads:

If you’re heading to the beach or pool this summer, here are two books I just read on vacation…

When looking for a summer beach book, you can’t go wrong with Elin Hilderbrand.  For a fun (yet somewhat predictable) novel with Parent Trap vibes, The Identicals is good choice.  Over the years, I’ve read a few of her novels and I’ve always enjoyed the Nantucket settings and lighthearted storylines.  

If you just watched the Brat Pack movie, Brats on Hulu, then you might be craving more stories from the co-stars.  (Though I have yet to watch it, I did read Andrew McCarthy’s book last year.)  While on vacation, I discovered Inside Out: A Memoir by Demi Moore in the bookshelf of our rental condo.  I always love a good celebrity autobiography…and I read it in two days.  Wow, I didn’t realize what an unstable and tumultuous upbringing she had.  Definitely, read this when you get a chance!

Simple Summer Recipes for June and July:

For a super easy appetizer, Caprese salads are perfect for summer entertaining.  To make this even easier, I usually buy pre-sliced mozzarella.  Then I add jarred roasted peppers, basil leaves, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil  If you like balsamic vinegar, you can add that as well.  As we approach tomato season, I will swap out the roasted pepper for fresh sliced tomatoes.  Though I may be biased, I think there are no better tomatoes than Jersey tomatoes!

June Happenings:

An outdoor concert is a great way to kick-off the summer…

If you’re a fan of beachy country music, I highly recommend the Kenny Chesney/Zac Brown tour!  Earlier in June, we headed to Philadelphia for a day of summer music.  Not only were the bands amazing but we had the most perfect weather.  With all the crazy hot temperatures we’ve had over the past month, we really lucked out that day!

June is Peak Fawn Season in New Jersey…

As I’ve mentioned before, we live in the New Jersey countryside.  From April through June is fawn season when baby deer are typically born.  Usually, the mother deer will leave a fawn for many hours while she goes searching for food.  During that time, we’re on the lookout for them in our yard and are careful not to scare them away. Apparently, the fawn doesn’t give off a scent so it’s safe from predators.  If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me share stories about the fawns.  This June, we actually had one on our front porch for a day!  Have you ever seen anything so precious?!!

Goodbye June, Hello Hurricane Season in the Caribbean…

Yes, we just returned from a week long trip to Grand Cayman…Normally, when we vacation in the Caribbean, we visit during the spring months.  This year, we took a chance traveling there in the beginning of hurricane season.  Luckily during our week, we only had one rainy day and the rest of the days we had lunchtime showers.  Of course, if you watch the news, you’ve seen Hurricane Beryl barreling through the Caribbean at the moment.  Hopefully, the beautiful Caribbean islands won’t get too much damage!

Since we always rent a condo in Grand Cayman, I was thrilled to see ours was recently remodeled.  Seriously, how nice is this kitchen?… Yes, inspiration is everywhere!

Once I go through all my photos from the trip, I’ll share some Grand Cayman tips including my list of restaurant recommendations.  

End of June / Early July Shopping:

Here are some random summer finds that caught my eye this week…

To freshen up your bedroom for the summer season, add this gorgeous comforter to your list!

 

If you’re like me and don’t have a green thumb, this faux orchid is a great find at a great price!

 

With cane accessories being so popular, you can’t go wrong with this pretty bracelet!

 

Or instead of wearing cane, sleep in it with these gorgeous sheets!

Now that summer is in full swing, here are some more finds to help you say goodbye June, hello July!

• To set your table for the 4th of July, copy some of these beautiful patriotic ideas!
• If you love vintage style, here is pretty patriotic porch with tons of ideas! 
• For a fun and festive patriotic craft, try making a DIY American flag banner!
• Welcome the new month with some hello July quotes from this list!
• For a festive red and blue cocktail, this blueberry lemon drop martini looks delish!  Cheers to July!

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to decorate and celebrate the new month.  Here are a few more June and July ideas…

• In case you missed my recent summer ideas, read – Kick Off the Summer!
• For more June decorating ideas, read – Welcome June!
• If you’re planning a picnic this July, read – Backyard Picnic Ideas!
• To think and feel cooler this summer – Decorate with White!

How are you saying goodbye June, hello July?

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