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I hope you had a great week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

Can you believe we are heading into the home stretch of August already? Where did the summer go?

After a great weekend at the beach, we got back to the grind here and my kids are heading back to school.

Shana left on Thursday to head back to Ohio State to begin her senior year. My oldest daughter Mackenzie drove back with her, will spend a few days, and is coming back early this week.

Shana had a great summer home as she interned with Insomnia Cookies in Philadelphia. She majors in food science so she worked with them on a few yummy projects.

Mackenzie is on a break for a few weeks from her graduate studies at Rutgers. She’s getting her masters in social work.

And Tori is leaving NEXT WEEKEND for her first year at Ramapo College. I can’t believe she’s heading off to college soon. So Chris and I are almost empty nesters! My how the time flies.

farmhouse at sunset in summer with cottage garden by the front porch

Chris and I spent the weekend in Vermont. The weather wasn’t super amazing but it was great to get away, do some thrifting, hiking, and dropping by our favorite restaurants while there.

I also took a little break from working in the gardens this week. I’m still watering and cutting flowers, but I wanted a breather from weeding.

While I still walk around with my cup of coffee every morning and pull things here and there, I’m not going all in on a morning in the garden. I might regret that later but hopefully not!

Lately, I’ve been getting on a consistent exercise schedule where I’m trying to walk or run 3-4 miles at least 5 days a week. It’s still a little hot out but it’s tolerable so I head over to the county park for a scenic excursion.

close up of ligularia with gomphrena in the front porch garden
Ligularia

I’ve also noticed some weight creeping up on me so I’ve decided to start Noom. (This is not sponsored at all – just decided to try it!). So far, I really like the program. It has an app and guide for more mindful eating (which has been a problem for me) so I really like the approach.

For me, sometimes I need a different perspective to take control of what I’m eating and how I’m eating it. This program gives me that shift, so I’m loving it so far.

Have you ever done it before? If so, I’d love to hear your experience with it in the comments below!

front porch in summer with flowering annuals, sedum autumn joy and white rocking chairs

What I’m Shopping For This Week

I did some shopping in the garden this week, but didn’t get too much. Here’s what I bought!

limelight hydrangeas

I did a little fall shopping for myself because we should do that every now and again, am I right?

This is what I shopped for this week. And I’m loving the looks!

front porch rockers in summer with zinnias and baptisia foliage

For my home, I am shopping around for some pretty fall decor. Here are some great items I found while shopping around.

front porch swing in summer with houseplants, cozy pillows and flowers

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun but busy week on the blog!

We kicked off the week chatting about milk glass. Do you have any in your home?

If you are new to collecting milk glass or want to know what to look for when you are thrifting around, I shared all about it and how to spot valuable pieces.

Learn how to collect milk glass and spot the good stuff with these simple tips.

milk glass vase in zen garden by pond with fresh cut zinnias

Looking for ways to add curb appeal to your home this autumn?

While summer might be winding down, your garden doesn’t have to follow suit. With the right plant choices, you can keep those vibrant colors popping through autumn as the foliage changes.

Learn what to plant this fall for the prettiest landscape on the block!

cottage garden sunset in fall with rudbeckia, pumpkin, sedum autumm joy, celosia, and snapdragons

Want to make a crazy good summer delight that takes minutes to make and incorporates fresh flavors of the season?

While you can make this recipe a few different ways, I prefer it on an open-faced sandwich. Which means, this recipe makes a great lunch or an easy dinner.

It’s important to use fresh ingredients for this one though. So it’s the perfect dish to make while the ingredients are in season.

Wait until you try this easy summer sandwich recipe!

recipe for peach burrata sandwich on white platter with peaches and arugula

Want to grow a gorgeous garden this autumn?

With the right planning and techniques, we can ensure a bountiful and beautiful garden that will flourish well into the autumn months.

Here are some essential garden design tips to help you get started.

And finally, we chatted all about one of my favorite easy-care perennials that is a true workhorse in the garden.

Are you growing sedum autumn joy in your garden yet? If not you should plant it this fall. Learn how to grow it with these simple tips.

sedum autumn joy, coreopsis hardy hibiscus and butterfly bush

Amazing Inspiration from Around the Web

I love finding cool inspiration from around the web and wanted to share some of what I’m loving right now.

This authentic southern grits recipe.

These tips for fall decorating on a budget are spot on.

These fresh seasonal meal ideas sound delish!

These easy and affordable centerpieces for fall that you can make yourself!

This layered angel cake looks divine!

These tips for hanging things in dorm rooms. Even if it’s cinder block walls.

butterfly on gomphrena in zone 6a new jersey garden

If you enjoy these posts, you can find past Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly posts here.

And… If you’re catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign-up to get my newest posts via email to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on the blog and more.

A lush flower garden layout with vibrant green foliage features tall sunflowers, white hydrangeas, and pink flowers in bloom. The background is filled with dense, green trees, creating a serene and colorful outdoor setting.

The Essential Flower Garden Planner: Track, Learn, and Grow Your Best Garden Yet

Plan your dream garden! This essential flower garden planner and journal helps you track, learn, and grow your best blooms yet. The thrill of spring planting, the vibrant colors of summer blooms, the satisfying harvest of fall – gardening is a journey of joy, learning, and connection with nature. But amidst the excitement, it’s easy…
Read More The Essential Flower Garden Planner: Track, Learn, and Grow Your Best Garden Yet

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

stacy ling logo
Home and Garden Blogger Stacy Ling cutting zinnia flowers in her cottage garden with wood picket fence in front of garden shed
The bricks \'n Blooms guide to a beautiful and easy-care flower garden book by stacy ling
The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden
  • Have you never met a plant you couldn’t kill?
  • Have you dug around in the dirt with nothing to show for it except a sunburn and a sore back?
  • Do you currently enjoy growing flowers, but are looking for more tips and ideas to level up your gardening game?

Then the Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide is for YOU

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11 Comments

  1. Stacy,
    Wow I can’t believe your girls are all in college. So many great posts this week. Thanks for sharing my recipe. Have the best week.

    1. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Noom. I have been thinking about signing up myself. I am disabled due to several back issues so exercising is not easy for me. I’ve been told to swim but it’s not that easy since I don’t have a pool and the thought of driving across town especially in winter is a big deterrent (I’m also naturally lazy!). I have done Weight Watchers in the past and it was very successful but now that I am on disability it is out of my budget. I also like the idea of using psychology to help with the weight loss. Maybe they help fix the part of me that hates to exercise! Lol!
      P.S. my daughter has been in university for four years and has another two to go so I get the empty nest feelings. I’ve adjusted now but I miss her terribly (she’s over 8 hours away)

  2. Your Burrata peach sandwich sounds wonderful! I think that’s what I’m going to make for breakfast this morning. Yum. Hugs to you

  3. Stacy, I cannot believe your girls are all off to college! I recall that being an exciting, yet sad time. Good for you on your exercise program. I am trying to work out Monday – Friday with the weekends being less strenuous with walks and biking. When you are younger you don’t realize how exercise really pays off when you age. Love all your Sunday suggestions! Have a wonderful week.

  4. Your posts are amazing Stacy, I always seem to get lost down the rabbit hole when reading them. Thank you for sharing my layered cake today. Very sweet of you.

  5. I am still finding it hard to believe that your girls are all in college now. Thanks so much for sharing my vintage trip, my friend.