Welcome back to my second ever “Weekend Reflections” where I share what happened since we last chatted, some amazing accounts I found and some fabulous blog topics that I think you are going to love.
So what’s been going on at Sweet Valley Acres?
So first up, before last weekend was over we had a terrifying scare here at Sweet Valley Acres. Just after lunch on Sunday, we heard the sound of planes coming very close to our home. Some of you may not know but we are located in Kelowna, BC Canada. We are prone to wildfires due to the hot dry weather we get. Anyhow, the planes had been scooping the water out of the lake to fight a nearby forest fire and they were traveling back to fuel up when they passed our neighbourhood and saw smoke. Rather than wait to see exactly what it was they began dousing it. The wind was strong and it was blowing right at our home. Watch the video below to see just how close the plane came to our house.
To say that we were fortunate and blessed to have those fast acting pilots take matters into their own hands is an understatement. I am so grateful for all first responders who risk their lives to make sure we are safe and they don’t get near the gratitude and love from the public that they deserve.
The only upside to the windy weather was that it blew away all the smoke and I got the most lovely photos of our garden that is growing like crazy and also got the chance for some outdoor dining which I decorated in a sunflower and lemon theme. With the good weather I also seized the moment to take some photos of my favourite summer garden decor which I shared on my Tuesday blog. If you haven’t already, click this link and you will not be disappointed because they are all so pretty.

On to the funnier side of life. I was quickly trying to order a few fall decor items and I needed some pillow covers. I thought I picked some great ones but when they arrived I had to laugh. The first two were very suiting to Sweet Valley Acres – “Bee Kind” and “Farmers Market”.

The next two made me go back and check my order as there was a character on the pillow cover that I had missed…a gnome!!! While I think gnomes are cute, I don’t decorate with them much. I was positive they were trees when I ordered them! Isn’t that the funniest thing? In my defence the picture was very small and I ordered late at night…time to get my eyesight checked again lol.

Progress is being made around the pool. Bentley is bringing loads of soil in and I am raking it even. Next will come irrigation and then sod. Also the tile finally made its way all the way from China to us. That took almost three months! Bentley and Noah are driving back with it from Vancouver as I write this blog. Needless to say I am getting so much joy out of it and lots of exercise too.

This week in my spare moments of time, I found…
Ok so enough about Sweet Valley Acres and on to my favourite part…sharing other bloggers.
The first one up is my dear friend, Marieza. You may know her from “Home with Marieza”. Now this girl is talented. Her designs are gorgeous, she works with power tools, she can shovel up all the grass in a backyard without assistance and she is funny as all get out. When it comes to her blog I really had a hard time picking just one because they are all so good but one that is very near and dear to my heart is her “DIY Artist’s Desk“ that she made.
The next amazing blogger is Juliet from “Make Mine a Sprizter”. On her blog, Juliet shares the renovation, design and decoration of her gorgeous home named “Snowberry”, the most extraordinary social events that she hosts and of course recipes for food and cocktails. If you ever have a chance, you have to watch Juliet when she mixes a cocktail on her Fridays stories on Instagram. I love it. The drinks she makes seem absolutely delicious and I just love her personality and style. I always find myself smiling. Below is a picture of the final styling of Juliet’s family room at Snowberry.
Next one up is beautiful Wendy from WM Design House! Wait till you see her stunning blog – visually it is an absolute delight. She cooks, she does DIY projects, she gives travel advice and she even offers workshops!!! Come to think of it, I don’t think there is anything she doesn’t do. Once again it was hard to choose but this amazing DIY topiary whispered my name and said “pick me”! And I did!
Next up is Kim from Cottage in the Mitten. Kim is the sweetest, kindest woman who loves a great DIY, all things pretty, community with others, and sewing. One thing that really stands out to me about Kim is that she makes blankets for a cause, hoping to help find a cure for brain tumors. Now Kim had a brilliant idea. She wanted a she shed but that was not an option outside so she made her very own She Shed in a spare bedroom. Why have I not thought of that before? Look how beautiful she styled it! I love this space.
Honestly, every week I see so many interesting things. Here are a few more and I am just giving hints because I want you to click and head over and check these fabulous women out!
What is antique white ironstone? I now know and it is on my wish list…
This most delicious and pretty patriotic pie!!!
To all you mom’s or grandmothers wait till you see these cute little baby bibs…
And how about this cute idea for garden art…
How about a grandma sharing her precious week with her grandchildren and all they did…
Until next week, here are a few sunset views from Sweet Valley Acres.
Wishing you a most beautiful weekend as always, where you get a chance to bask in the golden hour.

Kim Waldorf
August 21, 2021Crystal, your sunflower and lemon dining table is absolutely beautiful, as are your home and gardens! I am so happy the fire and smoke have left you. There are so many pretty accounts in your post. I am honored that you shared my she room. Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your beautiful blog.
Crystal
August 21, 2021Thank you so much Kim! You have really inspired me to clean up my office (which is my she room) and make it pretty again! Thanks again for allowing me to share your beautiful makeover!
Marieza
August 21, 2021Great roundup, Crystal! Thank you so much for the feature! I had a good laugh at your gnomes!
Crystal
August 21, 2021Thanks so much Marieza! And thank you for allowing me to feature you!!! Re: Gnomes…what is wrong with me that I thought they were trees? I look at them and think “you must have been having a stressful day” ahahahahahaha!
Wendy
August 21, 2021What a beautiful round up my friend.
Looks like you had a good week and I am glad the smoke is moving on.
I will enjoy checking out your other blogger friends.
Thank you for sharing me.
Crystal
August 21, 2021Thanks so much Wendy for your kind words! Glad you are enjoying the other bloggers – so much talent!
Linda
August 22, 2021Oh my goodness! That tablescape is beautiful and the view out the window is just stunning! I would just be mesmerized if I was there!
Thanks so much for sharing my guest room essentials list. You are the sweetest!
Crystal
August 26, 2021Thanks so much Linda! My pleasure in sharing your guest room essentials! Thanks for allowing me to!
Cindy
August 22, 2021That airplane story would have scared me speechless! So glad you are all ok and the ones on the airplane too! Thanks for sharing our upholstered footstool tutorial! I hope your readers enjoy it! Happy Weekend to you!
Crystal
August 26, 2021Hi Cindy – no problem and thank you so very much for allowing me to share it! It is fantastic!!!
Juliet
August 25, 2021Crystal, I must be loosing my mind … I thought I already commented as I read and enjoyed all your links over the weekend. Thanks for including my blog … and your very kind words. xo
Crystal
August 26, 2021No problem at all Juliet! I have been having a month like that, ie where I think I have done things and when I check they aren’t there. From the looks of all you have going on and what I have going on, we are just plain busy!!!