June 2021

3 years ago General
My bearded irises in full bloom.

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!

Grilled Short Ribs recipe added!

3 years ago General
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.

May 2021

3 years ago General

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!

New Recipe Added

3 years ago General
Just added this recipe for Crispy Buffalo Style Cauliflower Bites. Look for it under Vegetables and Sides in the From the Kitchen category.

April 2021

3 years ago General
My gorgeous flowers from @Samisachaflowers

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. 

March 2021

3 years ago General

After a particularly brutal February, weather-wise, March has finally made it’s welcome appearance.  March feels like turning a corner. It may not be spring-like for several week here in the northeast, but at least we can start the countdown! I experimented with forcing crocus bulbs (you may have seen this in a prior post), and could not be more pleased with the results. You can see above, they are a happy little sight in my kitchen window and paired along with other growing bulbs, such as my ranuculus and some fresh potted herbs, it creates a little spring vignette that lifts my spirits every day! I’ve still been busy organizing spaces inside my house and preparing for the outdoor season ahead. Since I know once that comes, indoors will take the back seat. Be sure to look for my hands-down favorite Irish Soda Bread recipe to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and also check back to The Hive Shop. I’ve been adding lots of fun and new items.  March is here, lets start to celebrate all things spring, even if it is still indoors.

Order at the Kitchen Sink

3 years ago General

I just freshened up my counters for spring and added this enamel ware tiered stand to hold all the necessities near the kitchen sink.  I think it makes an attractive display. I found the stand at HomeGoods. 

Spring bulbs

3 years ago General
These are my little crocus pots when I planted them in the late fall. See the February intro pic to see how they are growing now!

February 2021

3 years ago General

I think it’s unanimous to say that January flew by. And here we are into the second month of the year. I know many are wishing for spring, but were I live that is still several months away. At this point in the season, though, I love to bring color back into the house and fortunately that can be done with fresh flowers. This year I’m trying my hand at forcing bulbs, something I’ve never done before. We shall see how they turn out, but for now, it’s just satisfying to see something grow. What’s in store for this month? For me, more organizing and taking stock of what is important in my life. On my Instagram account, I’ve started weekly series that I call #selfcaresunday, where I’ll share all things that I regard as self care. All too often I think we forget to put ourselves first.  It’s so important to be mentally and physically rested before we can take care of others in our lives.  Let this month be a month for rest and selfcare. Winter may be here for awhile in the northeast, but before you know it, our thoughts will be turning in earnest to spring. Happy February friends!