January 2022

2 years ago General

Well we finally made it! Another year over, another just begun. I’ve put all the Christmas decor away to shine in another season. As I packed away the garlands and ornaments, I reflected on all the memories made this year as well as past Christmases. Each item has a memory, my first Christmas married, a gift from a dear friend, something made by my children. It all gets wrapped carefully and tucked away. Once the bins are put away, there’s that familiar feeling of melancholy. The holiday season is so poignant. A yearly marker for us all. This year was so different for so many, but the solace of winter gives us a chance to be still, take stock of our lives and goals. Perhaps even a time to be a tad selfish and retreat inwards and take care of ourselves. Winter can be long if you are just yearning for spring. I say, this is a gift. Winter is the only time of year when the world slows down. Nature is quiet and no impending large holidays. It’s a time for you and you only. Grasp onto this opportunity and savor the bleak midwinter!

December 2021

2 years ago General

Happy December and welcome to the sparkly and glorious holiday season. This last month of the year always comes loaded with so much nostalgia and promise. As we haul out our decorations, we reminisce about Christmases past and make plans for changing things up a bit as well.  For me, I decided to go a bit simpler and use fresh greens where I never had before.  I am always worried that they won’t last very long, but with a daily misting, so far I’m loving my simpler aesthetic. Now, it is time for me to turn to my holiday baking. I’m going to be making my little gingerbread mug huggers and of course my tried and true Biscotti and Cranberry Shortbread. All recipes are here on the blog.  My Christmas wish for you is a home full of happy faces, love and mostly peace as we savor this most wonderful time of the year.

November 2021

2 years ago General

What’s not to love about November? The month that slowly slips us into the holiday season and of course, my favorite, Thanksgiving. The weather seems to abruptly change, coincidence? I’m not sure but last year we had significant snow on the third and this year, the same thing is in the forecast! Not to worry, by this time the gardens and outdoor spaces have been cleaned up and put to bed, so I can start to focus on cozying up the indoors and wrap my thoughts around upcoming holidays. I’m one that does most all of my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving and this year is no different. I do this primarily to enjoy the season without the commercial pressures that seem to come at us from every angle. I like to savor all the moments in this beautiful time of year. Holidays should not be stressful, they should be filled with the love of family, preparations, and living fully in the moment. I have suggestions on how to make your Thanksgiving stress free under my “Entertaining” section. The key is preparedness. I wish you all a most beautiful November.

October 2021

2 years ago General

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.

August 2021

2 years ago General

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 2020

2 years ago General
My 4th of July Tablescape

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!!

June 2021

2 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!

May 2021

2 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!

April 2021

2 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.