Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 242

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I hope you had an amazing week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

In the Garden

It was a HOT week here in NJ so I did very little in the gardens this week aside from deadheading spent blooms and cutting bouquets.

We moved a few large hydrangea shrubs in the pool garden because we are having the lighting installed sometime this week and I wanted to set them a bit further back in beds.

A yellow two-story house with white trim sits behind a lush garden. Vibrant green lawn and colorful flowers fill the foreground, with shrubs and trees surrounding the house under a clear blue sky.

The Pool Incident

So with it being super hot out, I spent quite a bit of time by the pool and OMG do I have a story for you!

Last Sunday, the fam and I were eating poolside around 6PM at the dining table when a bat started flying around taking dips in the pool to grab a drink. It was still quite light out so kind of surprising to see it flying around this early in the evening. But it must be so thirsty given how hot and dry it has been, and the pool is an open body of water.

Anyway, the next day, I decided to hang by the pool and about 5 minutes after I sat down, would you believe that bat started flying around and came a little too close to me than I preferred! So of course, I shrieked and Chris ran out of his office to see what happend. The bat was still flying around but like…what can you do! Eventually he flew of and did not return while I was outdoors.

The next day, Tori was spending time by the pool with the dogs as our puppy has discovered a new love for divebombing the pool and retrieving a toy. While she was playing with him, she noticed what looked like a leaf in the pool and he started heading over to retrieve when she realized what it was…THE BAT! It was swimming in my pool!!!

She quickly grabbed the skimmer and covered it away from dog and got him out of the pool before he really saw it or got near it. Tori quickly brought the dogs in the house and I ran to tell Chris.

Bats are good to have around to eat bugs at night but I def don’t want him hanging around during the day! Chris saved him with the skimmer and relocated him out of the pool. As he was trying to place him outside the fence in a garden area we don’t tend too, the bat was trying to hang off the skimmer. Crazy story, right?

A backyard pool surrounded by brick and concrete decking, lounge chairs, and lush green trees. There are potted plants, a white umbrella, and pool floats by the water, creating a relaxing outdoor space.

Everyone Under One Roof

For one night only, I had the fam under one roof as Shana came home for a night to enjoy some good food, pool, and downtime. It was fun!

First Pizzas and Family Meals on the Blackstone!

The blackstone pizza oven and griddle are getting ALOT of use! These were by far the best purchases for me this year and if you were ever on the fence with either of them…DO IT! We are still learning how to use everything but really love it so far.

Chris cooked the most amazing brunch last Sunday – best bacon I’ve ever had! It was crunchy all the way through and the eggs were totally unbelievable. We’ve also whipped up some taco fixings with chicken, onions, peppers, and OMG so yum!

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a striped shirt and red shorts, stands beside a pool holding a tray with a homemade pizza topped with pepperoni and basil. Outdoor greenery and patio furniture are visible in the background.

A freshly baked pizza topped with cheese and herbs sits on a plate on an outdoor glass table, with another pizza and a pizza cutter in the background by a green fence and garden.

A man wearing a hat and shorts grills food on a large outdoor griddle while a woman in a tie-dye shirt and shorts stands nearby; they are outside on a sunny day near a house and greenery.

New Pool Patio Lounger

And my last purchase for the pool patio is this round lounger. I have always wanted one and decided to put it at the other end of the pool. It was suppose to arrive yesterday but got pushed off until Monday. I’ll show you more of this space soon. I didn’t forget – it is coming!

Plants of the Week!

I’m highlighting some favorite garden blooms from the week so you can see the plants and varieties I’m growing. Here are a few that I’m loving this week!

Large pink hibiscus flowers with deep red centers bloom among lush green leaves in a garden setting, with some flower buds and greenery in the background. — Summerific Hibiscus Lilac Crush

Two vibrant dahlia flowers with pink and yellow petals bloom among lush green leaves, with buds and blurred greenery in the background. — Dahlia ‘Kogane Fubuki’

A hand gently holds a large, white double begonia flower with green leaves and buds around it, set against the backdrop of a house and garden. — Begonia Upright Double Odorata White

A vibrant garden bed filled with blooming pink and purple petunias, surrounded by green foliage and bordered by small rocks. — Tiara Pink Supertunia

A vibrant cluster of purple petunias with white centers and green foliage, blooming closely together in a garden. — Tiara Blue Supertunia

A pale yellow and white dahlia flower in full bloom, surrounded by green leaves and a green fence in the background, with a closed flower bud nearby. — Dahlia ‘Breakout’

What I’m Shopping For This Week

In an effort to regain my fitness and lose the meno belly, I started walking 4 miles every day and needed to replace my sneakers. Years ago, I used to run long distance but had to stop due to lack of energy from anemia, then had a hysterectomy blah blah blah. Anyway, time has gotten away from me and I am on a mission to shake the last 10 pounds I gained through diet and excercise alone. Anyway, my sneakers needed to be replaced so this is the brand I always wear and use for walking and running. I loyally buy every 300-500 miles covered in them (this helps prevent injury) and these are my go-to.
I also discovered a new-to-me clothing retailer that I started buying from to check out the gear and it is THE BEST. You’ve seen me wear a few pieces in my content over the last few months but I have gone all in on shorts, tanks, dresses, jumpers, etc. The clothes I bought are really lightweight and perfect for summer, especially walking and gardening in the summer heat. I’m linking items I bought here so you can check them out yourself.
Also in my effort to shed some weight, I decided to quit my weekend glasses of wine and instead bought these non-alcoholic beverages that taste unbelievably good! They are really low calorie and have adaptogens, magnesium and some other macronutrients that has helped me 1) not want the glass of wine on the weekends and 2) kick the excess calories so I can really drop the meno belly. This one is my favorite flavor but I’m slowly trying them all!

These are the most popular products on my blog this week!

A vibrant garden with clusters of bright pink, pale purple, and deep pink flowers, surrounded by green foliage and stems, creating a colorful and lively outdoor scene.

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

9 Sneaky Ways to Make Faux Flowers Look Real

Elevate your home décor with these foolproof tips to make your faux flowers look real like they were plucked straight from the garden.

A cozy family room scene with a dark sofa adorned with white and mustard-colored pillows and a chunky knit throw, perfect for early fall decor ideas. A carved wooden coffee table holds a vase with flowers, a gourd, a book, and decorative items. Large green plants are in the background.

How to Grow Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Add year-round color to your garden with easy-care heuchera plant! Learn simple tips for growing these perennial plants with stunning foliage.

Close-up image of a growing heuchera plant's leaves covered in water droplets. The leaves exhibit various shades of reddish-brown with intricate veining, giving them a textured appearance. Peachberry Ice Coral Bells from Proven Winners — Heuchera ‘Peachberry Ice” by Proven Winners and Walter’s Gardens

Steal the Pottery Barn Look: Fall Decor Dupes You’ll Love

Get the cozy Pottery Barn fall look without breaking the bank! Discover stunning fall home decor dupes in this inspiring guide. And the savings are unbelievable!

A collage of four home interior images from Pottery Barn: a beige armchair with a gray throw blanket, a dining area with a light wood table and chairs, another dining area with a round table and wheat centerpieces, and a cozy bedroom with a wooden bed and beige bedding.

Dreamy Fall Garden Design: Your Guide to Color and Texture

Level up your fall garden design with expert tips on using color and texture to create a breathtaking autumnal masterpiece.

A garden path surrounded by vibrant autumn flowers, including yellow daisies and pink blooms. A single pumpkin rests on the ground, adding to the seasonal atmosphere. Trees with changing leaves stand in the background under a blue sky.

Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

This easy bruschetta recipe with tomatoes and basil is bursting with flavor and comes together in minutes. Perfect appetizer for any occasion!

A hand holds up a piece of bruschetta, topped with chopped tomatoes and herbs—a delightful sample from an easy bruschetta recipe. In the background, a white plate displays several more pieces, all arranged neatly on a speckled countertop. — Best Recipe for Bruschetta Tomatoes

The Unkillable Houseplant: Your Guide to Snake Plant Care

Sansevieria care made easy! Learn the ultimate guide to snake plant care with expert tips on watering, light, soil, and propagation to keep your plant healthy.