July – the quintessential essence of summer. The days are long and warm, the gardens are growing voraciously and vacation days are officially well underway. What is there to say about July that doesn’t evoke even the slightest of summer nostalgia. Catching fireflies, swinging hammocks, al fresco meals and just soaking up being outdoors more than any other time of year. July is that month we like to hold onto for as long as we can to savor all the goodness this time of year has to offer. We just recently finished jarring strawberries for the sweet memories they will bring during the bleak winter months. We had our annual Fourth of July BBQ featuring all the tried and true American classics – all recipes on the blog of course and are anticipating harvesting the first of our tomato crop. On another note, I have decided to make a minor change to the blog. I am no longer going to do monthly intro’s. As much as I love posting about the beauty each month brings into our lives, I have decided to simplify my life a bit as well and therefore going forward, I am going to post an intro for each season. And of course, there is always much to say about each one, especially when they are all so distinct here in the Northeast. As usual, check out my Amazon shop The Hive Shop, for products curated by myself and often have in my own home. See the link in the side bar. Have a fabulous July and summer, get out there and soak in the joy! Happy summer my friends.
June. The month of graduations, weddings, and other milestone marking festivities. Here in the northeast, the gardens are planted and new hopes along with them for a bountiful crop. Summer is officially underway and we are all eager to enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. Personally, my favorite is al fresco dining. What else can beat eating outside while a soft breeze wafts through the surrounding flowers, soft flickering candles and that lazy, maybe I’ll have another glass of rose’ feeling? Others enjoy gathering around the firepit while the last vestiges of the day disappear into a lovely sunset and the fireflies flit about. June is definately magical and I’m ready for it. Welcome June and welcome summer!
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. I’m hoping that this will be the case for us here in the Northeast. April weather can be fickle and an occasional snowstorm is far from unusual. Despite that, there is no denying the longer sunlight as each day brings us closer to warmer days and budding flowers. The earth is once again waking up and filling our world with color, and birdsong is starting to become a louder chorus as more and more migratory birds return to stake their claim to the best nesting site! This month I will add a few new recipes that I’ve tried and loved. I’ve been experimenting with Sourdough Starter as well. I’m still in the process, so we will see how it turns out. Hopefully, soon I can get into the kitchen potager to turn the soil and prepare the beds for May planting – fingers crossed! There’s plenty to do on the household projects list, so I’d better get busy. Have a most beautiful month and enjoy the re-birth!
It seems as if I just posted my February intro and here we are welcoming March already! As much as many are a little winter weary and ready for spring, I stick true to my mantra, that all seasons are wonderful and rushing through one to get to the other only hastens our moments, our days and our lives. It’s true we have had a very cold winter so far, and for us in the Northeast, there’s still a bit to go, however it’s the subtle changes in nature that bring me joy. The days are lengthening, mornings are brighter and I’ve seen and heard more song birds. This subtle change is remarkable to witness. Just the way, once again, the sun as it changes it’s position in the sky, fills my kitchen with it’s bright afternoon light. I am feeling the need for growing things so I’ve been bringing some potted flowers such as hellobores and cyclamen into the house. I’ve also been starting to think of some new spring fashion. All little steps towards what will be inevitable. But for now, I’m just going to savor the still quiet winter, because what also comes with Spring is my to-do list with all the projects and such that will need attention and truthfully, I’m not ready to get that busy quite yet. Happy March my friends!
February, a month of flowers, hearts and loads of pink – at least in my world! February is such a transition month. Winter still has it’s ice grips on us and will through the end of March for certain, but somehow come the end of February, we start to feel that next season slipping into the nearer future. The days are markedly longer and the sun feels so much stronger and warmer. As for the color pink, it just brings such happiness, especially pink flowers. I’ve purchased a few pink cyclamens with their sweet heart-shaped leaves and happy color, they bring a breath of freshness into my home. Much needed to combat the sea of white just outside my windows. Have a most wonderful month!