Hi there!

I hope you had a great week!

(Posts on stacyling.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.)

Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

Family Life

We had a blast celebrating Mackenzie’s graduation last weekend. Her college friends stayed the weekend and we had a great time.

Not gonna lie, I was total toast by Sunday, so we spent a lazy day by the pool to catch our breaths after a big week.

Shana headed back to Ohio State this weekend with Chris. She is moving into a new place, so he drove out with her to help move her in.

To celebrate her last night here, we enjoyed an AMAZING dinner at Ristorante MV. If you are local and haven’t been, it’s a must-try! But get your reservation early.

home and garden blogger stacy ling and her family

In the Garden

It’s been so hot and dry here for several weeks now. We’ve had minimal rain and my container gardens are showing it.

I’ve been keeping them watered but they are not loving this heat and are really suffering.

In fact, I’m suffering trying to keep them going so I’ve decided to sort of pull back on the watering chores because it’s become too much at this point. So I’m going to let the chips fall where they may.

We really need a good day of soaking rain. A spritz here and there is not helping.

If you know a good rain dance, please do one so New Jersey and other states having the same problem get some much needed rain.

sunset in the small cottage garden with sedum autumn joy in New Jersey zone 6a

Next Project!

So I’m ready to start diving into some smaller projects and decided to get started on that mantel I bought at the thrift store a few months ago.

Do you remember that one?

Well I stripped the finish off it and am refinishing it today. This is one of those projects that I’m not totally sure what I want to do, but I’m going to start working on it and see where it goes?

I want to try a new-to-me technique for aging it so if it doesn’t turn out I may change course. LOL. Stay tuned!

mother's day brunch table for afternoon tea party

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

Earlier in the week, I shared the best mixed drink with rum cocktail that was pretty popular during Mackenzie’s graduation party.

It’s the perfect summer drink on a hot summer day!

Wait until you try this one!

I know you’ll love it just as much as we do because it is light, refreshing, and super easy to make!

Best mixed drink recipe with rum - the Malibu sunset cocktail
Best mixed drink with rum recipe – the Malibu sunset cocktail

As we move through August, I’m starting to think about fall and all the fun decorating that comes along with it!

My best blogging friends and I pooled together some budget-friendly and sustainable fall DIY decor ideas that are easy to make.

fall diy projects

Since fall is on the horizon, I shared 17 simple fall home and gardenideas that provides lots of home decor, centerpiece, and table setting ideas together with lots of fall gardening posts.

I also shared how to freeze fresh tomatoes so you can enjoy them all year long (this one is super easy to do).

We also chatted about the best fall garden flowers to plant in autumn as well as why it is WAY TOO EARLY to buy and plant garden mums.

It’s been so hot here this summer, I am ready for some cooler temps.

How’s it been where you live?

koi pond bridge and garden in August at sunset

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.

My good friend Rachel from the Ponds Farmhouse made these totally cool napkin rings!

I love them and want them for my fall table decor.

diy napkin rings from the ponds farmhouse

My good friend Jennifer from Cottage on Bunker Hill made these beautiful autumn leaf clay trinket dishes from using real leaves as the mold.

Isn’t it so pretty and festive for fall?

3 leaf plates/bowls

My good friend Jen from Midwest Life and Style shared 5 fun ways to celebrate back to school for the new year.

This is my last year with my youngest in high school, so it is a bittersweet time and I’m loving this post!

dining room decorated with back-to-school banner

And here is some more inspiration you’ve got to see!

These tips to shop your home to make your fall tablescape.

This blackberry recipe that bursts with flavor.

This kitchen pantry organization.

This Serena Lily vase dupe is incredible!

These Christmas storage essentials are in my cart now!

And this Greek pasta salad recipe is divine!

pink hardy hibiscus in the front yard garden
Home and Garden Blogger Stacy Ling cutting zinnia flowers in her cottage garden with wood picket fence in front of garden shed

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

stacy ling logo
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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 Comments

  1. I hope you get your much-needed rain soon Stacy. It’s so hard to make your garden flowers happy when it’s so hot. I can’t wait to see what you do with your mantel. Thanks so much for featuring my fall ideas post. You are the best. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead my friend.

  2. Thank you so much for sharing my vase dupe, Stacy. I always find so much inspiration here on your blog. Learning more on what to put in my flower garden!

  3. It had been SO hot here too. There’s nothing left of my poor garden or flowers.

    And thank you for sharing my BTS post. My girls go back tomorrow and while I’m ready for every routine I’m not ready to have a highschooler. I know the time is going to flyby! I hope your daughter has a great year!❤️

    1. But volleyball season will be so fun! Did I tell you my oldest played in HS too? Such a fun time – enjoy it!!! Best wishes for a fun year!