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.

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!

January 2021

4 years ago General
The gardens in the winter stillness

To say that we are all ready to put 2020 behind us and move into the promise of a new year may be the first understatement of 2021! January is come and the hubbub of the holiday season is behind. Always bittersweet. This past 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 yeanring for spring. I say, this is your gift, It’s 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 the opportunity and savor the bleak midwinter. 

December 2020

4 years ago General

Well we’ve made it to December, and I think we are all more than ready for some much needed Holiday cheer. Despite all the challenges we’ve faced, I feel like people are truly embracing this season. We all need a little happiness and joy in our lives and nothing makes us more grateful for having those we love close, whether physically or in our hearts. My message is simple this year. I wish you all the joy this season brings to you and your families and may you find peace and comfort surrounded by those you love. 

November 2020

4 years ago General
Find these beautiful plates linked here, https://www.liketoknow.it/bhomewithbernadette

Yes, it’s true November is here! I think it’s no surprise that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. What could be better than a day dedicated to friends, family, food, reflection on our blessings and nowhere to go!! Be sure to check out the Entertain section for my tips for stress free entertaining. Also look for some of my favorite recipes if you are the one hosting the big day. I’ve been requested to put together a menu which I’ll be posting sometime soon. This is a great month to start turning our thoughts to long cozy winter days and dare I say, start dreaming of the holiday season ahead. In my book, it’s never too early to start planning.  My MO has always been, get as much done early – shopping, Christmas cards, etc. The early bird gets to relax by the fire when the bustle begins!  Be sure to check out The Hive Shop (on the left) for items I’m adding everyday, plus it’s a one click link to the Amazon site for all your shopping needs! Have a most beautiful November and Thanksgiving my friends.

October 2020

4 years ago General

I’m finding it hard to believe that I’m posting October already! September flew by quicker than the leaves dropping from trees. Regardless, October has arrived and with it much cooler temperatures. It’s time to cozy up inside and embrace all that is Autumn. Here in the northeast this change of the season is the most striking of all. The vibrant colors, overflowing pumpkin patches, dried corn stalks and farmers stands brimming with winter squashes of every variety. I know I’m ready to turn the oven on and start cooking long braised comfort food and baking apple treats! Look for plenty of my favorite recipes in the “From the Kitchen” category.  Be sure to check out my store The Hive Shop for new items added in the Fall Category. In the meantime, get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of this fleeting season. Follow me on Instagram for a daily dose of inspiration! Wishing you all a glorious October!

September 2020

4 years ago General

Shortened days and cooler nights have come sneaking in and once again September is upon us. I’ve said often enough that September always seems to be more like New Years for me. This is the season of such visible change, in nature around us and in our lives as well. Children off to school, starting a new grade and new adventures. It is true this season will be different for us all, but it is also an opportunity to embrace that which seems foreign and take on the challenge. Home has become so much more now and in this season of slowly moving indoors, its nice to truly make that our comfort zone. Light the candles and pull out the cozy blankets. Trade out the decor for warmer colors and layer on the throw pillows. Remember to check my Hive Shop for lots of Autumn accessories and for those days when we want lucsious smells wafting through the house, check all my recipes for baking (it is apple season after all!) and slow cooked meals. A happy September to you all my friends.  Welcome to Autumn.

August 2020

4 years ago General

Whenever I sit down to post my monthly intros, I try to find an image that captures the mood for that month. This month, a view from my cutting garden felt like the right choice. The gardens are flourishing in the abundant sunshine we’ve been having and summer is in full throttle. The season has felt quite a bit longer than in previous years, but that is most likely due to all my children being home much earlier, and I am grateful for that. Summer is typically so fleeting, but I feel like we are squeezing it for all it is. This month look for my fresh salad recipes and inspiration for fresh meals to prepare with all the abundant produce available at roadside stands. I’ve also added many new items to The Hive Shop, so breeze on over and take a look. I’m excited to be trying a new skin care line from an exclusive spa and I will be posting and giving my feed back on that in a few weeks.  Be sure to check back often for updates and as always follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration.  August is here my friends, lets get out and savor every minute!

July 2020

4 years ago General
Love this idea of carving a hole in a watermelon, inserting a vase and creating a fun centerpiece!

Happy July everyone! Time for all things summer and I couldn’t be happier. While typical summer activities such as summer camps, vacations and travel may still be different this year, I think it is also opening windows on how to be more creative in enjoying our own kind of summer fun. The resurgence of drive-in movie theaters for example is proof that people are embracing what used to seem old-fashioned and seeing it in a new light.  An adirondack chair by the water, a hammock in the woods, a canoe out on a quiet lake, a rainstorm viewed from a covered porch, capturing lightning bugs in a jar. Aren’t these just some of the things that define summer? The simple things have always been the best things anyway. Lets remember to just slow down and savor all the moments. Here’s to having a terrific month. Welcome July!

June 2020

4 years ago General

As I write this I find myself asking is it really June already? I have a love/hate relationship with this month, love because it’s really here, the promise of so many special days ahead, warm weather, summertime. Hate, because for whatever reason as soon as June hits, time seems to go into overdrive just as I want it to slow down so I can savor every moment from sunrise to sunset. There is amazing change that takes place in the gardens on a daily basis and I find myself lingering to admire it all as I stroll the grounds. Then, for weekend warriors as we are, we live those days filled with activities on the water, cookouts with friends and s’mores around the campfire until exhausted, we collapse, slightly sun burnt, into bed, happy and ready to do it all over again. There is a happy delirium in this season. That child like abandon of living for the moment and the pure joy of chasing fireflies. As we enter June, my wish for you all is to look through the eyes of a child, soak it all in and enjoy. Summer is here, we all deserve this rewarding season. Go out and make your memories! Happy June everyone.