October has arrived and suddenly I feel the need to go full-on, east coast, New England, countryside, autumn at it’s best! I’m fortunate to live in an area where farm stands and all their goodness are like a quick trip to the grocery store, and I so love supporting our farmers who work the land tirelessly to produce this and so much more than the mainstream ever see. So here’s a glimpse into October and all that it will bring. The weather will slowly decline, the temperatures will threaten frost and the leaves will tumble to the ground with a stiff breeze. October has come knocking, it’s time to welcome it in.
I’m finding it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that August has arrived. I’ll admit, I’ve never been a big fan of this month for various reasons, the most primary one being that it feels as though people tend to dismiss this last lovely month of summer to go headlong rushing into that other ‘F’ word. You know the one…Fall. The second reason is the almost constant barage through media and advertising announcing and shouting “back to school!” Once again, confirming that dreaded feeling of the beginning of the end! Not to worry here my friends. I’m firmly keeping my feet planted in Summer. Typically this can be our hottest month, plus I still had snow in April! So I’m going to enjoy every last bit. This is our month for serious harvest here in the Northeast. My kitchen potager is producing tomatoes faster than we can consume them – again – not complaining! I’ve been busy harvesting and drying herbs (read about that in my Garden section), making my seasoned vinegars and oils and clipping gorgeous flowers for arrangements all over the house. Whereas I used to dread August, I’m having one of my bests ones ever, only because I’m not succombing to the hype of moving along to the next season and living in the present. Fall and all it’s glory will get it’s time to shine, but for now it’s summer and I’m loving it and I hope you are too.
July is here and summer is in full swing. Time to savor all the goodness this season has to offer. My gardens are growing and the changes are daily. The potager is coming along and hopefully I will be harvesting tomatoes soon, along with all the flowers that have been gracing my kitchen counter in beautiful arrangements. And what is more enjoyable than summer foods? I’ve been making fresh salads almost every night. My favorite recipes are all listed here on the blog. Be sure to check them out if you need inspiration. I’ve also been collecting grape leaves for my favorite dolmas! An special treat for sure. Check out The Hive Shop, for new items added for your summer decor and lifestyle. Whatever defines summer for you, may you enjoy it all fully. Happy July!!
Of all the summer months, I love June the most. The gardens are at their full glory and the trees and grasses are lush and green. The freshness of a new season and the excitement of all that is to come. Summer is here and it’s time to fill the long days with al fresco meals, grilled foods, refreshing iced teas, lazy days on the hammock with a good book or simply sitting on the porch taking it all in. There is so much that fills this fabulous season and it’s different for us all. Whatever your fun may be, I hope you enjoy it fully. Be sure to check for some of my favorite summer salad recipes and many more. Happy June!
Beef short ribs aren’t just for the slow cooker anymore! These grilled ribs are done in less than a half hour and are amazingly tender. A great new recipe for your summer grilling.
The calendar may say that it’s May, but here in the Northeast spring has been slow to emerge from the cold grips of winter. Despite all that, the weather will certainly warm up and the beautiful blooms we wait all year for, will fill our gardens with abundant color! Personally, I can’t wait to get planting in both the kitchen potager and in the flower beds. And of course, who can resist some pretty flowers for Mother’s Day. My arrangement above is my Mother’s Day gift to you. I hope you have the most lovely day and of course, the most lovely month of May!
Happy April Everyone! I do believe spring has sprung. Our snow is gone, but that doesn’t mean we could still get the odd snowfall, regardless it couldn’t last long anyway. I’m feeling ready to turn over the gardens in the potager and cleaning off the veranda for outdoor living! This has been a long winter and especially cold February and I’m so ready to embrace all things warm weather. My flowers above were gifted to me from @Samisachaflowers. They are grown and harvested in Equador. I’ve had them for over two weeks already and they are still going strong! As much as I love fresh flowers in the house, I can’t wait to pick my own. I hope you have a lovely April my friends. Be sure to check out my The Hive Shop for new items being added in the Spring/Summer category. Just hit the link on this page.
Hello, my name is Bernadette. I believe in living each day fully and enjoying what each season has to offer to all facets of life. I am a wife and mother to four beautiful children. I’d like to share with you my ideas and tips for creating your best life, for you and those you love. Welcome.
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