May 2020

4 years ago General
I found these beautiful Ranunculus flowers at the local grocery!

Well we’ve made it through probably one of the most unusual April’s any of us have ever known. Corona virus has changed all of our lives in one way or another, some perhaps permanently and hopefully, most of it, temporarily. Through it all, however, I’ve tried to stay positive and look at the upside of the situation. Staying home has never been a problem for me, hence the birth of this blog. I see this time as the ultimate gift with my young adult children who are all home at a time when they would not be, and even more special is how happy my youngest one is (still in 7th grade and was so missing her college-aged siblings). Just a few months ago, after I tucked her in, I remembered thinking of how quiet my house was. I remind myself that I may never have this much time again with everyone together, under the same roof. What I have missed is being able to just venture out casually, to see friends, entertain, shop, etc. As we enter May, my hope is that some sort of normalcy returns for all of us. It is a changed world for certain, but at least we can get outside and start to enjoy the warmer days ahead. Happy May my friends.

April 2020

4 years ago General

Sitting down to write my monthly intro, I am a little uncertain of where to start.  March began innocently enough, but within weeks were all in a ‘new normal’ so foreign to us, it took us by surprise and shock.  Shock that something like a pandemic would, could, ever actually happen in today’s modern world. So here we welcome April and the uncertainty continues to loom as we are all sequestered in our homes whiling away the days in ways we are not accustomed to. So friends, I offer you this. My blog originated because of my strong convictions about the importance of home life. Finding the joy in the everyday. Things that seem mundane are all the wonderful things that create that special place we call home.  I think, if there is a silver lining to this crisis, it is the fact that people are rediscovering these simple things and actually embracing them and finding fulfillment. I am certain that as soon as the green light flashes the all clear, we will go back to our busy lives, but there will be that weird wistful feeling of gratitude for this time we were given to be close with the ones we love and see our homes through new eyes. I think we will have a new appreciation for enjoying the simple things and accepting some forced down-time. Hang in there, take a deep breath of that wonderful spring air, exhale. We will get through this better and stronger.   

March 2020

4 years ago General

March may be coming in like a lion here in the northeast, but thoughts are turning to springtime here in blogger land.  I think everyone is starting to feel the need for warmer temperatures and longer days. I’m finishing off my indoor house projects and organizing my list for work that needs to be done outdoors, as soon as the weather allows. Check out some fun spring decorating ideas in the Decor section.  I’ve added a few new recipes as well and of course my Irish Soda Bread will keep you making more!! The Hive Shop has been updated and offers some beautiful products for your home.  In the meantime, don’t be discouraged if the weather turns unfavorably, March means the countdown is officially on!

February 2020

4 years ago General

February has crept in so quickly, it’s hard to believe we are already a month into the new year! I hope everyone has done their closet and household clean-outs and ready to start fresh. This month I typically start thinking about any projects I’d like to have done by spring, or line up work to start as soon as the ground thaws! I’m thinking of some new window treatments in my hallway – we shall see. I’ve curated some cute items on The Hive Shop for your Valentines decor or gifting, be sure to check them out. As we enter into February try to get outside and enjoy the snowy outdoors, for like it or not, this too will soon be a distant memory! Happy February dear readers!

January 2020

5 years ago General
My top Instagram posts for 2019

Friends, as we turn our backs on 2019, close out a decade and enter into a new one, what are your thoughts, musings? I think of how 10 years ago my oldest was just 12 years old, the exact age my youngest is now. At once I have a 22 year old young adult as well as a physical reminder of the child she once was. I am astonished at how much my life has changed in 10 very short years. I went from a family of 4 young children, to 3 off to college and a 7th grader, thankfully, still at home. Life certainly does go fast, and yes, it absolutely picks up speed as children get older. I’ve become more reflective the older I get. In those early ‘hungry years’ when life was full of promise, everyday seemed an eternity. Each day an adventure, a new experience to be had. And now here I am asking myself, “how did it slip by so quickly?”. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have regrets, rather the opposite. I am grateful that I filled our days, events, holidays, fully. We’ve lived all our experiences to the max and I’ve let my family know they are loved and each one unique with what they add to our unit. And so it is with a bittersweet longing to relive the past 10 years that I look forward to the next 10 to come. I will remind myself that right now is the best time ever and to savor all the little moments as well as the milestones. Friends, whatever your aspirations may be for the next decade, live them with conviction and know that whatever path you are on, is unique to you and your purpose.

I am so grateful for all of you and all that you have helped me to achieve. My very best wishes to you all for a very Happy New Year! May all your wishes and goals be achieved!!

December 2019

5 years ago General

This truly is an amazingly beautiful and special season.  Gatherings, great food, baking, fashion and family time. Something for everyone. I like to stick to my motto of getting everything done early, by that I mean I’ll be working like a fool the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Then when it’s all up and done, I sit back and marvel, once again, at the loveliness of it all!  That’s when my plans for entertaining kick in.  Sharing the joy is what it’s all about for me.  I’ll be posting some more decorating ideas as well as some more table setting ideas. I’ve already posted some cute free Christmas printables and some ways to use them. I will do my best to offer gift ideas, of course, my candles make super lovely gifts and come wrapped and ready! As always look for my tips for easy and stress-less entertaining.  Also look for recipe updates, I recently posted a Roast Duck recipe that is delectable! 

The Hive Shop has a new category, Christmas!  I’ve curated lots of entertaining essentials plus so much more! Check it out.

So enter into this fabulous Holiday Season with joy in your heart. 

My best wishes for a joyous season to you all!  

November 2019

5 years ago General

“Well the frost is on the pumpkin and the hay is in the barn….”, I just love those lyrics from James Taylor’s “Walking Man”.  They just seem to sum up this time of year.  That yearly clean up and prep for the cold wintry weather ahead, kicked off with a bountiful harvest feast better known as Thanksgiving.  I’ve probably mentioned more than once that this is my favorite holiday. No gifts, no pressure, just a wonderful long day filled with good company, great food and that cozy indoor ‘cooked all day’ feeling.  I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving since my first year of marriage, so I’ve become a pro at working out the details and making it truly stress-free.  If you are the host this year and you need a little help look for these posts under Entertain – 

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Make Thanksgiving Stress Free

Traditional Thanksgiving Menu

I give all my tips to keep you organized and look like a ‘cool as a cucumber’ hostess! 

If you need help with roasting your turkey look for my post Cooking the Perfect Turkey in the From the Kitchen category. Also this month, I am going to be offering some place card printables so keep an eye out for that and if you love my turkeys in the picture above, I’ve picked out some equally beautiful turkeys and pheasants on The Hive Shop to add to your Thanksgiving tablescape. Just click on the link to the right.  As always, any questions, need help, etc., feel free to contact me anytime!  Have a glorious November friends.

October 2019

5 years ago General

I think many of us can relate to that statement.  October truly is the epitome of autumn and the fall colors here in the northeast come to their full fruition.  Then comes that inevitable day or weekend, and it really happens that quickly, when the leaves go past peak and down they all come.  October is such a fun month to enjoy all the fall activities, visiting pumpkin patches, apple orchards, leaf peeping and just strolls out in the country.  Then we send the month out with the grand finale of Halloween!  Every child (and some adults) favorite.  Welcome October and welcome to perhaps the most colorful season!  

September 2019

5 years ago General

Hello everyone and welcome to September! Ready or not, it’s here. I’ve said so often that September always feels like the beginning of the year. It’s the time for fresh starts, new schools, new experiences for many and a time to get back to a more scheduled life. Personally, I’ve been busy working on making my blog more user-friendly, easier shopping links and keeping you filled in on my latest projects, recipes and trends. I’ve already mentioned that I’ve become a part of the LiketoKnow.it family. What does this mean? I can provide direct links within my posting content for you to explore and shop. Also, all ads on my site, are placed there by me. These are companies I believe in and have partnered with. Just one click brings you directly to their site for easy browsing as well. As always, please subscribe. I am still creating an email list to send updates, offers, promotions from time to time. I promise not to inundate your inbox!! I personally can’t deal with that, so why would I do it to others?! I hope you are as excited as I am with the blog news. As always feel free to contact me! I love hearing from my readers. Now go outside and enjoy the beauty of September!!

August 2019

5 years ago General
This beautiful picture was taken by my friend Karen Kalwara

Wow, August already!  I hate to admit it, but I’m never a big fan of August. Too many signals make it feel like the beginning to the end, and the ever dreaded words, “back to school”!!  So here I’m pledging that I’m going to ignore it and enjoy every last bit of summer. I started a challenge to try to take more time to myself.  I’m a do-er and always feel the need to be busy.  I’m learning to let go of that mentality.  Every day should afford time to relax, enjoy some quiet or whatever it is that makes you happy.  

In other blog news updates, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now an affiliate with RewardStyle, also known as LiketoKnow.it another top notch shopping site for all things fashion and home. I have some homework to do to get it up and running. Stay tuned! In the meantime if you don’t have the app, download it now to see what they’re all about.  Enjoy August my friends!