A few things I’m doing this winter to bring joy inside

waiting for spring

Valentine’s Day always reminds me that spring is around the corner. Inside the shop, we’re surrounded by the colors and scents of spring blooms, designing arrangements for the special day. However, stepping outside right now here in New England proves that winter is far from over!

winter at home

Winter is always a good time for me to work on my never-ending “to do” list. Longer stretches of free time on the weekends afford me the chance to do things that I normally wouldn’t have time for, like playing with flowers and rearranging items around the house. Anyone else do that...or just me? 

When I can’t be outside enjoying my garden, I look for things inside to bring me comfort. Since we’re all spending more time at home these days, I thought it would be nice to share a few things that bring a smile to my heart. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do....

indoor plants

We’ve gotten a lot of “cool” new indoor plants at the shop this winter. So, I did some exploring around the store and picked out a few for my home. I’m really missing my garden, so bringing home a few plants has been a game changer for my mental health. Also, it’s said that many indoor houseplants might fight off household toxins in the air, including varieties of ivy, palm, ferns and succulents.

On a side note, if you already have an empty container at home please feel free to bring it in and we’d be happy to help you choose the perfect plant.

Stop by to see the new collection of plants we have... you won’t be disappointed.

For a few tips on planting indoor pots, take a look at my Tutorial Series video, Planting 101

books

I will own it - I’m a complete book nerd! I always have a stack of books to read by my bedside. Here are a few favorites that I’m currently reading…

Make Life Beautiful by Shea and Syd McGee

Patina Style by Brooke & Steve Giannetti

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

My French Country Home Magazine by Sharon Santoni

This beautiful magazine is by my friend Sharon Santoni, and we’re proud to partner with MFCH to carry it at the shop. You’ll want to keep every issue of this French visual treat to savor like your favorite coffee table book. On a snowy day, I love to read it by the fire with a cup of tea!

candles

Every morning I have a little ritual - I light a candle. I love when the coffee is brewing and the candle aroma fills my kitchen. Here are a few that I adore...

Hobnail candle

I’ve been burning the nutmeg scent, but now have switched to the cashmere! It’s just devine and what a treat to use as a beautiful vessel after your candle has expired. Rinse out, add a few pens and pencils to make a nice addition to your desk area or use as a vase to hold your favorite blooms.

Maison de Verbena

Maison de Verbena is a new brand of candles we came across which has a French influence, but hand-made here in the U.S. Their rose pepper scent is my current favorite.

home cooking

I always love to cook. Now that winter is here, I’m preparing more soups and stews. Sunday is a big day in our home to prepare our favorites. I’m loving my French Le Creuset Dutch oven, where my husband prefers his pressure cooker. Each week we have a cookoff to see which recipe is a winner.

On a cold, breezy winter day, my go-to soup recipe is Ina Garten’s French Lentil Soup. This recipe calls for the smaller French green lentils - there is no substitute! Add a salad and crusty bread and you have a great meal to enjoy.

stay in touch

We always love hearing from you. Is there a particular item you’d like us to carry at the shop or new video you’d like to see? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

If you’d like to make requests, or share what items you enjoy at home during the winter months, feel free to post your thoughts in the comments below.

xoxo,
Sandra