Is it painfully obvious that I’m in summer mode and the blog is the first casualty of my days in the sun? Ahh… well, I know you understand. I did find the time to swap out my colorful spring mantel decor for something more natural and beachy.

Originally I had set a $20 budget for each mantel change, but I had purchased this lovely ensemble prior to that. However, much of this was pre-owned and re-purposed. I especially like these hollow candlesticks that can be filled with anything small.

All the other goodies were purchased at Home Goods / TJ Maxx. Am I the only one who finds it nearly impossible to reign it in there?!

Do you remember making book covers for all your textbooks in high school? I always made mine out of brown paper bags so that I could doodle on them. Well, dust off those teenager skillz because covering a stack of books in cute gift wrap is a great way to coordinate them to your color scheme!

I haven’t given myself over fully to a beach style, but I do love tucking small sea treasures into my summertime home.