Grab a cozy cup and enjoy A Morning Cup of Joe, your go-to roundup of charming DIYs, decor ideas, crafts, and inspiration!
Hi there my friends… I hope you have your favorite cup of coffee, tea or something cozy nearby because it is time once again for A Morning Cup of Joe.
This week we are adding a fresh little subtitle… Fresh Finds, Cozy Ideas and Creative Inspiration for the Week… because that is exactly what this sweet gathering is all about.
You will find a little bit of everything to enjoy, save and come back to. Pretty DIY ideas, cozy home decor inspiration, easy recipes, craft projects, seasonal finds and all kinds of creative goodness from around the web.
I always love how A Morning Cup of Joe feels like a cozy pause in the week. Just a few minutes to sip, browse, dream, plan and maybe find your next recipe, project or decorating idea.
So settle in for a little while… and enjoy all the fresh finds waiting for you today.
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Joe, Peter, Little Angel Alie, Gorgeous Georgia and myself would like to wish you a wonderful day and weekend. I know updates are short coming but things have been going on and I just need a little more time for a real update for you! We thank you for your love, thoughts and prayers! Please know that you are all appreciated and loved!!!
Fresh Finds This Week
A Morning Cup of Joe
7 Layer Greek Dip
This gorgeous dip brings so many fresh Mediterranean flavors together in one colorful bowl! Layers of creamy hummus, tzatziki, feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and artichokes make it a delicious choice for summer gatherings, game nights or any time you want to serve something a little extra special. Just add plenty of pita chips and watch it disappear!
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Fresh, colorful and filled with simple summer goodness… this beautiful salad combines crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado with a light citrus and honey vinaigrette. It is an easy side dish that would brighten up just about any meal, and it looks every bit as delicious as it tastes!
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Blueberry Crisp
Is there anything more comforting than warm blueberry crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top? This easy dessert features a juicy blueberry filling beneath a sweet, buttery and wonderfully crunchy topping… and you can use either fresh or frozen berries!
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The Best Buckeye Recipe
Chocolate and peanut butter lovers are going to want to save this one! These decadent little peanut butter balls are dipped in dark chocolate, require no candy thermometer or special equipment and would make a wonderful homemade treat for holidays, parties or gifting.
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Just Say YES to Popcorn
Sometimes the simplest snacks really are the best… especially when they are warm, crunchy and freshly made! This wholesome air popped popcorn is lightly spritzed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt for an easy snack that satisfies without feeling heavy.
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Italian Lemon Cream Cake
This beautiful cake looks like something you would serve at a lovely garden luncheon or very special family celebration! Moist lemon cake, creamy ricotta and mascarpone layers and a gorgeous topping of glazed mixed berries come together to create a dessert that is elegant, refreshing and completely irresistible.
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The Simpsons Glazed Strawberry Jelly Giant Donut
How much fun would this giant pink donut cake be for a birthday or themed party! Inspired by the famous donut from The Simpsons, this homemade cake has a dense cake donut texture, strawberry jelly filling, colorful glaze and plenty of cheerful sprinkles.
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Italian Tomato Basil Sauce
Fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, basil and oregano are slowly cooked into a rich garden to table sauce that captures the very best flavors of summer. The recipe makes enough to enjoy with your favorite pasta now and freeze some for a future dinner… what a wonderful gift to give your future self!
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Peach Galette
Fresh summer peaches are tucked inside a beautifully golden, free form crust and gently sweetened with cinnamon and allspice to create this wonderfully simple dessert… all of Miz Helen’s creations are Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream while it is still a little warm… and you have a taste of summer that everyone will love!
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Graduation Summer Cocktails
This heartfelt celebration of graduation, family memories and new beginnings is accompanied by a wonderful collection of refreshing summer cocktails. From a tart Summer Vodka Fizz and bubbly Basil Chambord Spritz to fruity peach, pineapple and watermelon creations… there are so many delicious ways to raise a glass to summer!
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Easy Homemade No Bake Dog Treat Recipe
Our precious furry family members deserve a cool summer treat too! Made with plain Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter and optional blueberries, these adorable frozen treats require no baking and only three simple ingredients… Georgia would definitely approve!
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Vegan Soda Bread
Warm homemade bread can be on the table in under an hour with this wonderfully simple vegan soda bread recipe. There is no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise and no complicated equipment… just an easy round loaf with a soft center and beautifully crisp crust.
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Things To Do In August
The final weeks of summer do not have to involve expensive outings or elaborate plans to feel special. This thoughtful collection shares 30 free ideas, including backyard movie nights and sunset walks, that will help families slow down, have fun and create meaningful memories before school begins again.
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Butterfly Moth Caterpillar Illustrations
These beautiful illustrations tell the complete story of butterflies and moths by including the colorful adults, caterpillars, chrysalises and even some of the plants they feed upon. The public domain collection can be downloaded for free and used in journals, crafts or home decor… just imagine the lovely projects you could create!
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Frida Kahlo Crafts
Color, flowers, creativity and personality fill this fabulous collection of Frida Kahlo inspired crafts! With everything from painted pots and floral headbands to dolls, embroidery, paper crafts and clever upcycled creations, there is an inspiring project here for just about every kind of maker.
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Getting Through The Day
We all have those simple people, pets and everyday items that quietly help us get through our days… and this warm, personal post celebrates them beautifully. It is such a fun and comforting peek at the author’s daily MVPs, from her beloved husband and all the rabbits in the world to practical comforts that make everyday life a little easier.
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Creating Coastal Chicken Fall Breakfast
Who says chickens, coastal colors, starfish and an early little pumpkin cannot all happily share the same breakfast room? This wonderfully imaginative space combines cottage coastal style with cheerful rooster decor and a touch of approaching fall… proving once again that decorating rules are made to be played with!
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Family Celebration
This heartfelt family celebration is filled with patriotic table decor, adorable twin granddaughters that are so adorable, beloved pups, laughter and so many meaningful memories. The glowing candle for Joe and the new refrigerator gallery of family photographs add such tender touches… reminding us that love keeps every precious member of the family close.
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Under Construction This Week’s Summer Spotlight
Little builders and curious young engineers are going to have so much fun with this creative summer theme! The collection is packed with hands on construction activities that encourage children to imagine, design, stack, build, test and rebuild while enjoying special time with their grandparents and families.
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DIY Metal Tea Container Redsign
Do not throw away that empty tea tin… give it a beautiful new life instead! With a little paint, decorative floral paper, Mod Podge and a few sweet embellishments, an ordinary metal container becomes a pretty and practical place to store tea bags or other small treasures.
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How to Use Shower Curtain for a Door Window Treatment
Here is such a clever and budget friendly way to soften harsh sunlight and add privacy to a glass door or window. A pretty fabric shower curtain, tension rod and inexpensive clip rings are all you need to create an instant window treatment… no sewing or complicated installation required!
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Burp Cloths
These handmade baby burp cloths are adorable, useful and filled with so much love. Created as a thoughtful gift for a kind veterinarian expecting a baby boy, they use sweet flannel fabrics and a free beginner friendly sewing pattern that comes together quickly.
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Functional Countertop Storage: A Thrifting Guide
Practical kitchen storage can also be beautiful enough to become part of your decor… especially when you discover it while thrifting! This inspiring guide shares how sparkling crystal biscuit jars and sleek stainless steel canisters keep everyday ingredients organized while adding personality, history and charm to the countertop.
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Summer Self Care
Summer can become so busy that we forget to leave a little room for ourselves. These gentle and practical self care ideas encourage us to nourish our bodies, protect our time, create healthy boundaries and enjoy the season without becoming completely exhausted… something many of us truly need to hear!
SourceMore From The Cottage Market
6 Cozy Posts to Visit Next
Here are a few Cottage Market favorites to keep the inspiration going with helpful home ideas, pretty printables and sweet seasonal creativity.
Keep the Inspiration Going
Explore More Crafts, Cozy Roundups and Creative Ideas
There is always something new to discover here at The Cottage Market! Browse easy crafts, clever DIY projects, inspiring makeovers, cozy decorating ideas, helpful tips, delicious vegetarian recipes and all of our newest weekly roundups.
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New crafts, roundups, makeovers, recipes, helpful ideas and free printables are added every week… so be sure to come back and visit again soon!
Come say hello and follow along for more cozy inspiration, creative crafts, free printables, thrift store treasures, easy recipes and a little everyday cottage charm…
Sending you lots of love and the biggest (((HUGS)))
Andrea,
Thanks so much for the feature!! I will be giving you a Shout out again on my FB page and in tomorrow’s post…I do not see the link up though to today’s party…Maybe I am just missing it??
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Hi Debbie. First… thank you for telling us about the missing party! As you know in your own world how crazy life can be sometimes. Aso thank you for your continued support! You are so kind! Sending hugs and hugs to the Heavens!
Hi Andrea,
Many Many thanks for the awesome features from my blog, I appreciate it so very much! I sure hop that you all are having cooler temperatures there than we are here. It is way to hot here right. I just love your new format for the party, good job!! I know how hard you all must be working to keep up with it all and it looks great! Thanks so much!!
Miz Helen
Hello Miss Hellen it is always so nice to see you here. Out temps have been high but now as bad as there were two weeks ago… more is coming I am sure So sorry that you are stuck in the heart day in and out! Thank God for AC!!! Life has been more than trying here so I apologize for not responding each time! So happy you are enjoying the new format! Tryig to do the best we can with what we have you know! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Sending tons of Hugs and save a piece of the Peach Galette for e lo!!! HUGS!
Happy Friday, Andrea! Thanks so much for featuring our “Under Construction” post this week. We are always grateful for your support for us but also for this community week in and week out. It was fun to explore some of your other links and all the info you share. I especially liked the “Aldi Finds” post! Have a great weekend!
Hu there my friend! How are you Lauren! How is everyone? Thank you for all the ind words about the blog! We are trying to hang in there and it is ot easy lol! I am so. happy to hear that you like the Aldi Posts… if you could share with me whatelse you would like to see and a great find you have found or a fun find… anything… would love to hear! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Sending tons of HUGS!
Andrea, thank you kindly for the feature of my Popcorn post! I wanted to repeat how much I love the new format for your blog, it is quite lovely and works so well! Have a great week ahead.
Hi there Melynda! I am so happy you are enjoying the new format! Thank you for the kind words! Thank you for always sharing your yummihess! Please take care and have a wonderful weekend! Hugs!
Thank you for featuring my Giant Pink Jelly Donut (ala Simpsons) Cake! So much fun to make giant donut cakes with that Wilton donut cake pans set (and only about $10 new for the set on eBay). Hope you’re all doing much better as the Summer goes on ~ and that your weather stays out of the crazy range that is happening all over the country! (Not often that North Texas seems to have the best weather in mid-July! But we just had a few triple digit days and it’s mostly in the 90s with a breeze, so we’ll take it!) Catch y’all again next week!
Thank you so much for featuring my summer self care post xx
Hi Andrea, hope you and your family are doing well, Thanks so much for hosting each week. I really appreciate the feature for the countertop storage blog. Beautiful storage keeps everything tidy and looking good. Have a wonderful week.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Andrea,
Stupid me!! After mentioning the link up was not up last week, I forgot to come back and link up which I just did as I saw the party link up was still open!! I just linked up my posts from last week which are # 40, 41 and 42!! Thanks so much for hosting with everything your family is going through…Sending continued prayers and hugs to you all!!
Hugs.,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog