Spring In The Garden

Spring in the garden time is officially upon us.  On that note, happy first day of spring!

spring-in-the-garden-vegetables

Warmer and longer days set the tone for getting outdoors, back to nature, and into the green of things.

garden-design-ideas

House & Home – Photography by Janis Nicolay

“Springtime is the land awakening.
The March winds are the morning yawn.”

—Lewis Grizzard

flowers-mix-garden

spring-garden-lilies

Spring gardening tips prove once again it’s time to ready, plan, and plant spring flower, vegetable, and herb gardens.

spring-tomatoes

Three-Piece Live Mini Tomato Heirloom Set

Tomatoes rate high as a spring into summer delicacy at Places In The Home.

homegrown-tomatoes

pickled-tomatoes (1)

Give your tomato plants a good grow by feeding the soil with a small amount of fertilizer and compost at planting time.

Tomato tips:

Tomatoes at room temperature release more flavor compounds when cut up compared to the taste of tomatoes that have been refrigerated.

That deliciously explains why garden ripe tomatoes from the vine gathered, washed, cut up or sliced, and served bypassing the fridge altogether tastes so good.

garden-grown-carrots

Consulting those sources in the gardening know for the answers to the gardening what,when,where, and how questions gardeners have gets it growing.

Maule Seed Book 1908 seeds cover print

The Maule Seed Book 1908 Giclee Matte Print

Gardening Apps:

GardenTags

Gardenize

From Seed to Spoon

Garden Journal from the Old Farmer’s Almanac

ground soil

All gardens grow in soil, but not all gardens grow in the ground.

Wood Raised Garden Bed with Lockable Wheels, Liner

Wood Raised Garden Bed with Lockable Wheels, Liner

Designed for a four-foot-square raised bed, here is a simple spring vegetable garden plan ready to advise and download from Better Homes and Gardens.

Simple Spring Vegetable Garden

spring-vegetable-garden-plan

Costway Wooden Vegetable Raised Garden Bed Backyard Patio Grow Flowers Planter

Costway Wooden Vegetable Raised Garden Bed Backyard Patio Planter

fresh-garden-green-beans

Burpee Early Italian Bush Bean Seeds

Supplying oodles of summer and spring garden goals plans is the
8 Vegetable Garden Layout Plans to Boost Your Homegrown Harvests.

spring-summer-vegetable-garden-plans

Better Homes & Gardens also offers plans for creating the perfect cottage garden suited to your taste, zone, and design vision.

Garden Plans for Cottage Style

Garden Plans for Cottage Styles

Knowing what and when to plant according to your planting zone gets gardening off to a growing start.

Here’s the link to the USDA Planting Zone Map for U.S. Growing Zones.

planting-flowers-in-soil

Gardening is good clean happy fun.

Planting and potting in the soil gets your hands dirty which is believed to increase serotonin levels.  Research shows when our hands have contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, the release of serotonin in the brain is triggered.

Serotonin is not only a natural antidepressant but it strengthens the immune system.

“In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

—Margaret Atwood

terrace-garden

House & Garden – Photography by Sarah Cuttle

Gardening nurtures mind, body and soul providing a relaxing, healthy, delicious and visually gratifying result.

I call it green therapy.

boxwood-garden

Southern Living – Photography by Lisa Romerein

Vegetable and flower gardens grow well together, companion gardening if you will.

Flowers growing in a vegetable bed will attract bees and beneficial insects. Lending their natural way spreads pollen around encouraging vegetable plants to thrive in growth and the production of food.

person-watering-garden

Markus Spiske

Composite shaped flowers such as sunflowers, cosmos, daisies, and zinnias attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

This helpful Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists from The Xerces Society takes the guesswork out of what plants best in your region.

different-kinds-of-fresh-herbs

Herbs add the scent of spring into summer freshness and provide visual interest to the garden mix and the mingle.

cottage-garden-fence-yard

Rabbits do what rabbits do as in look so darn cute and nibble on garden growth goodies.

rabbit-eating-leaves

Chicken wire cloches look as good as they cover and protect.

Chicken Wire Cloche with Extension

Chicken Wire Cloche with Extension garden

Chicken Wire Cloche with Extension

Deterring rabbits from feasting upon the harvest hints from The Old Farmer’s Almanac include the following:

Rabbits do not like the pungent smell of onions therefore these may serve as a the scent of discouragement.

Try dusting around the garden and targeted plants with powdered red pepper.

Forsythia, zinnias, daffodils, lavender, and snapdragons seem to work as rabbits do not find these flowers appetizing. Planting these flowers strictly to deter is not a guaranteed solution to a bunny issue, but it is a colorful suggestion.

rabbit-squirrel-green-wallpaper

York Fable Wallcovering

Ever the decorista, garden trends grow gorgeous for spring 2023.

spring-in-the-garden-accents

Rabbit Cast Iron Door Knocker
Spring Aluminum Bee Wall Hook – Silver
Butterfly Door Knocker

spring-garden-inspired-area-rugs

SAFAVIEH Handmade Chelsea Kimber Trellis French Country Wool Rug
SAFAVIEH Handmade Chelsea Rubi French Country Floral Wool Rug

Bunny-Williams-canfieold-edging (1)Bunny Williams Canfield Edging Set/12

Antique French Garden Pot

Antique French Garden Pot

On trend for garden gorgeous this 2023 spring season, antique containers make a striking choice of planter complementing the beauty of spring flowers.

Estate and garage sales are garden supplies treasure troves for finding pots, planters, tools, and decorative garden statues in good and stylish curb appeal condition.

Vintage recipe boxes come in handy as a storage organizer for seed packets.

flowers-antique-urn

Garden Answer is one of my most favorite Facebook pages to follow. Here Laura plants a stunning container display pairing yellow ranunculus with yellow violas, and voilà- it’s spring.

Counter Art Glass Cutting Board Our Farm

Counter Art Glass Cutting Board / Counter Saver 12″x15″, Our Farm

One of the best parts of the vegetable and flower garden process is the garden to table recipes and dishes reaped from the harvest.

garden-salad-spring-fork

white-bean-pea-dip

Spring Crudités Board with White Bean-and-Pea Dip

garden-inspired-dessert-appetizer-plates

Faye Dessert/Appetizer Plates

Welcome spring into summer blooms to grace garden, basket, jar, vase and ultimately tabletop.

stay-wild-door-mat

Pretty is as pretty plants.

fresh-spring-flowers-in-hand

Strawflower, Tom Thumb Mixed Colors

Garden friends and finds~

Moon gazing hare statue

Moon Gazing Hare Statue

Decorative Resin Rabbit Bird Bath, Green Patina Finish

Decorative Resin Rabbit Bird Bath, Green Patina Finish

Sunflower Birdbath with Bunnies & Flowers

Spring Standing Sunflower Birdbath with Bunnies & Flowers

Resin Bird Bath with Frogs, Verdigris Finish

Resin Bird Bath with Frogs, Verdigris Finish

spring-butterfly-on-orange-flower

Decorative Butterfly Stepping Stone Bronze Cast Iron Paver 17" Long

Decorative Butterfly Stepping Stone Bronze Cast Iron Paver 17″ Long

Turtle Stepping Stone

Turtle Stepping Stone

Spring Garden Tool Basket Birdhouse

Spring Garden Tool Basket Birdhouse

Spring Resin Bird Nest Birdbath - Gray

Spring Resin Bird Nest Birdbath – Gray

inspired-by-nature-t-shirt

Inspired by Nature T-shirt

garden-clogs

Easy Spirit Travelclog Women’s Clogs

fresh mint-1

spring-garden-herb-picks

Spring Garden Picks

garden-gate-arch

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Mark Lohman

friends-flowers-in-your-garden

Take a seat for in full bloom gardening and decorating inspiration.

Pavia-Armchair-with-Turned-Legs

Acoetes Black Armchair with Turned Legs

Little Books of Tips: The Little Book of Gardening Tips

Little Books of Tips: The Little Book of Gardening Tips

Readers-Digest-gardening-secrets

deco-moss-garden-grapevine-watering-can (1)

The Pioneer Woman Mazie Embossed Patina Hose Pot

The Pioneer Woman Mazie Embossed Patina Hose Pot

We’ve now come to the how to build a wooden obelisk DIY project portion of this spring in the garden post. Find the tutorial here.

wooden-garden-obelisk

spring-in-the-garden

Tools

Heavy Duty Steel Folding Shovel
3-Piece Set Black Iron Gardening Tools
Adjustable Impact Tripod Sprinkler
Expert Gardener Indoor Garden Tool Set with Carrying Case
Steel Bypass Lopper

Spring in the Garden

Expert Gardener Indoor and Outdoor Potting Soil Mix, 8 qt. Bag
Preen Garden Weed Preventer
Large Capacity Black Growing Bag Raised Garden Flower Planter
30 Packs Assorted Heirloom Vegetable Seeds 30+ Varieties

Supplies

Pink Garden Tote Storage Bag with 8 Pockets
The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral Goatskin Leather Gloves
ECO Rubber 5/8 in. x 50 ft. Garden Hose
Evergreen Metal Watering Can with Brushed Artisan Finish

Goodies

12″ Gray Willow Basket by Ashland®
Decorative Butterfly Stepping Stone Bronze Cast Iron Paver
Cool Summer Floppy Wide Brim Straw Hat with Ribbon
Cotton Linen Pinafore Square Cross Apron
Home Decor Resin Rabbit Outdoor Statue

Happy gardening!

spring signature

Show & Tell

St. Patrick’s Day Green Fetching Friday

Green is the color of the day on this St. Patrick’s Day Fetching Friday.

Irish-Girl-Picture-GraphicsFairy

The Graphics Fairy

green-is-the-color-paints

Interiors and exteriors bedecked in St. Patrick’s Day green color splendor bloom to life.

green-landscape-wallpaper

House & Garden – Photography by Michael Sinclair

Often described as the color of renewal, the color green evokes a sense of peaceful  tranquility.

Sarah-cuttle-irish-garden-torc

House & Garden – Photography by Sarah Cuttle

Irish-Blessing-Printable

An Extraordinary Day

green-gold-chairs

Kilkenny Castle, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland

shades-of-green

Bright green represents rebirth, renewal, and spring.

Olive green stands for tranquility, earthiness and elegance.

Dark green is associated to fertility, greed, money and drive.

Yellowish green denotes illness and envy.

Aqua typifies freshness and water.

Pale green exemplifies peace.

emerald-green cloth walls

Architectural Digest – Photography by Oberto Gili

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

Natalie Parham

Emerald green dates back in popularity to the mid-1800s.

emerald-green-gem

Inexpensive to manufacture and therefore cheap to purchase, emerald green was a popular choice of household paint, and was widely used for patterned wallpaper.

traditional-wallpaper-fabric-green

Later is was discovered one of the main components of the paint was arsenic, a chemical element when in an inorganic state proves severe.

Damp spaces promoted the mold living in the wallpaper paste together with the arsenic to turn into a gas, creating a toxic environment.

Some believed Napoleon’s death in exile on St. Helena possibly could have been accelerated by his exposure to the emerald green wallpaper decorating his favorite room.

verdigris

House Beautiful

Copper was used by Ancient Romans in their quest to create green pigment.

Verdigris (green of Greece) was born out of soaking copper plates in wine where oxidation occurred forming a pigment of the beautiful blue-green  patina of weathered metal.

friary at Cashel

Verdigris was used in many different forms of art including painting and mosaics.

Dublin-Ireland-garden

Green is the color closely associated with abundant life as it lends a sense of peace to its surroundings.

glossy-emerald-green-kitchen-pantry-cabinets (1)

 Creative Tonic

G Forever Green (Hardcover)

G: Forever Green – Carlos Mota

St. Patrick’s Day green vibrantly sets the table.

bordallo-pinheiro-cabbage-dinner-plates-set-of-4 (1)

Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plates

Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage dinner plates and framed Honest Carrot print appear in a nod to vegetables grown in gardens of Ireland and whimsical kitchen accents and accessories.

Honest Carrot framed kitchen art print

Honest Carrot

“Green is the prime color of the world,
and that from which its loveliness arises.”

— Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Darleen-signature-love

Show & Tell

The Beauty of Home

Over the last few months life sure has thrown an over abundance of curveballs my way, the saving grace of which is the beauty of home.

white-magnolia-guest-cottage

White Magnolia Guest Cottage

Picking up the pieces after an end-of-life event has sadly come to its devastating conclusion is where I find myself of late.

a-beautiful-life-begins-at-home

Pinterest

In all the madness and sadness I’ve become reacquainted with the beauty of home and its unique way of providing comfort, solace and shelter in the storm.

the beauty of home

House-Shaped Storage Box
Welcome Home Round Coir Doormat Natural

Regardless of the shape or size, a beautiful life begins at home.

song-for-a-little-house

One of Dave the Builder’s favorite songs was “Little Houses” written by Skip Ewing and Mickey Cates and recorded by Doug Stone.

“But you know, love grows best in little houses
With fewer walls to separate
Where you eat and sleep so close together
You can’t help but communicate
Oh, and if we had more room between us, think of all we’d miss
Love grows best, in houses just like this”

Lyrics touch the heart when truth is at the core of the verse.

Edith-Wharton-home

Sweet Sequels

Wisdom visits the one trying to master the art of being fulfilled in a room full of people or perfectly content in a space perfected for a party of one.

at-the-cottage-doorAt the Cottage Door

Nature’s renewal from the dark of winter to the warm and bright color palette of spring reveals the necessary presence of faith over fear found through serenity.

everybody-needs-beauty

Pinterest

Change in seasons, station and situations is an ever constant.

Finding joy in the familiar and comforting beauty of home leads the journey, and memories stand as an old acquaintance on a mission to befriend a broken heart.

spring bucket list

It’s A Charming Life

Lovely is the concept of and suggestions from this spring bucket list.

Hope springs eternal.

Darleen-signature-love

 

Show & Tell

Blog Content Inspiration

Stuck somewhere between blog post subject difficulty and the is it winter or is it spring seesaw, I began to grow bored until the content of one email and the lyrics to a classic Beatles song get the wheels of blog content inspiration turning once again.

blog content inspiration

Photo by Brian Tromp on Unsplash

Regardless of how many times I listen to a song, the ability to take away something new and fresh confirms why music is such a mainstay in my day to day.

Listening once again to “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles brought about a renewed sense of appreciation for the beauty found in the following lyric:

The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I’ve seen that road before
It always leads me here

honeycomb-bee-door-knocker

Honeycomb Bee Door Knocker

Lyrical interpretation is left to the heart and ear of each individual listener.

What I hear is a testament to the joy known in the comfort of where, what and who one finds love, and the door that opens up to it.

Finding a fitting door knocker and spring wreath for the door that welcomes spring style, family and friends home is on the way.

Bloom Room Spring 24in Amaranthus Wreath - Purple, Pink & Green

Bloom Room Spring 24in Amaranthus Wreath – Purple, Pink & Green

If one could amass frequent flyer miles for every Etsy and eBay visit I’ve clocked over the last few weeks, Paris would be on the summer travel itinerary.

When I get a certain something on my gotta have it radar the treasure hunt is on.

bronze-ballerina-statue

Sourcing and searching lead me to several “I didn’t know I needed that, but for the look and the price I’ll take it” pieces so success is on the table and the wall.

new-pediment-wall-art-roses-in-vase

Antique Floral Framed Canvas Board Olive Green – Threshold™

Inspiration is everywhere.

art-placement-gallery-wall

Popping out to the garage to take inventory of the big green grass cutting machine otherwise known as the riding lawn mower gifts me with two unwanted intrusions into an otherwise lovely day.

Seems a new lawn mower battery purchase is in my future, and there’s a pressing need to call the plumber.

plumbing-leak

Cast your eyes on this late winter meets an early Louisiana spring photo showing the newly discovered water leak from the below freezing temps of last week.

Such issues serve as the catalyst to the oh, the joy of home repair headache suddenly developed.

when-life-gives-you-lemons-wall-plaque

It’s a sign this recipe for Lemon Shortbread Cookies from Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts is designed blog content inspiration.

Click here for recipe.

Shortbread-Lemon-Cookies

Just about the time it seems the river of ideas has run dry blog content inspiration appears and joy is found yet again.

find-joy

Have a lovely day, dear friends.

Darleen-signature-love

 

Show & Tell

Mardi Gras Scenes from Home

Mardi Gras scenes from home capture the purple, gold and green goodness of this mid-winter fête Louisiana turns out for in grand laissez bon temps rouler fashion.

Mardi-Gras-decor-Louisiana

Celebratory jollification comes to call and we answer “throw me something, mister” with the accent mark placed over family and furry friends small town revelry to match our larger counterparts.

Mardi Gras Mambo - An Original Silkscreen by George Rodrigue

Mardi Gras Mambo – An Original Silkscreen by George Rodrigue

Parades O’plenty line streets and sidewalks, balls and beads fascinate and decorate, a neighborhood block party fais do-do invites new traditional to the party, and coiffed and costumed furry friends proudly parade in mutt strut second line regality.

Happy-Mardi-Gras-masked-dog

Homes adorned in colors of Carnival greet and treat revelers to a krewe of house floats exhibit.

Mardi-Gras-house-float-table-decoration

Crawfish boils give plenty of reasoning and seasoning for passing a good time.

decorative-crawfish-platter

crawfish boil supplies

boiled-Louisiana-crawfish

Mudbug in Blue by Dave the Builder garners Mardi Gras scenes from home attention.

crawfish on canvas print

the-tastes

Our version of a King Cake party looks something like a late afternoon tea party but with Community Coffee dark roast served black and strong.

King-Cake-2022 (1)

Considering how much we do love our King Cakes, I thought a spin on a classic a delicious deviation.

purple-green-gold-topped-fluff-pie

Fluff pies whip up super easy and delicious.

white-chocolate-Mardi- Gras-fluff-pie

Purple, gold and green sparkling sugars and a plastic King Cake plastic baby completes the decoration portion of this Mardi Gras dessert creation.

gold-purple-sugar

Giving thought to fluff flavor, the hands down choice was as obvious as the powdered sugar on your beignet.

whipped-topping-white-chocolate-instant-pudding

White chocolate it is!

mardi-gras-white-chocolate-fluff-pie

Mardi Gras White Chocolate Fluff Pie

Ingredients

1  9″ graham cracker crust

1  8 oz container whipped topping

1  3.5 oz box white chocolate instant pudding & pie filling

1-1½  cup cold milk

sparkling sugars in purple, gold and green

plastic King Cake baby

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add white chocolate pudding mix and milk.  Whisk until pudding reaches thick consistency.  Gently fold in the whipped topping to incorporate.

Spread fluff mixture into the graham cracker crust; cover with plastic wrap.

Chill covered pie for at least 4 hours to set.

Before serving, decorate by dusting top of pie with purple, gold and green sparkling sugars.  Garnish with a plastic King Cake baby and enjoy!

king-cake-baby-plastic

cest-si-bon

 

Show & Tell

Decorating with Black and Yellow

Decorating with black and yellow inspiration is courtesy of the lone bee buzzing around outside the window in front of my desk. February in Louisiana is known for its temperature swings and early spring previews.

bee-in-flight

Interior designers, decoristas, bloggers, photographers and fashion mavens glean some of their best ideas by taking a page from the book of natural beauty.

yellow and black flowers in a row

Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash

Inspiration is everywhere and nature proves a powerful muse.

yellow-brick-cottage (1)

Several weekend getaways ago Dave the Builder and I treated ourselves to a leisurely afternoon drive through the garden district of a particular North Louisiana town complete with curb appeal ideas in mind and camera in hand.

Yellow and Black "Stay Awhile" Rectangular Door Mat

Yellow and Black “Stay Awhile” Rectangular Door Mat

Color combination perfection caught my eye enticing me to stay awhile and take in the curb and charm appeal.

black-and-white-bench

 Courtney Hill Interiors

Appealing to whimsy yet classically sophisticated, decorating with the color combination black and yellow leans into warmth, depth, and dimension.

yellow-black-place-setting

Southern Living – Photography by Laurey W. Glenn 

Decorating with Black and Yellow

Subtle.

Vivid.

Deep.

Delicate.

Radiant.

DecoratingImpressive comes to mind when black meets any shade of yellow.

glossy-black-kitchen-cabinets-with-butcher-block-countertops

 Crystal Blackshaw

Back to the workings of how colors come together in both expected and unexpected harmony-

yellow-black-modern-kitchen-cabinets

Architectural Digest – Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson

Black is a color so beautifully secure in its position on the color wheel making it a design and decorating essential.

brass-rams-head-coffee-table

  Rue Magazine

In other words, the color black will never fade or falter.

Yellow-and-Black-wallpaper

Occasionally what we imagine in our decorating mind’s eye as a set the bar color combination falls short on the other side of fruition.

Yellow-and-Black-wallpaper-foyer-chest

Mistakes and missteps happen and simply become part of the trial and error process.

Yellow-Calla-Lilies-in-black-vase

Aim for a coordinated contrast when pairing colors, and never shy from experimenting with color combinations.

Mustard Black  Oriental Area Rug

Mustard/Black  Oriental Area Rug

Classic through time and trend, the color black is one of the premier foundation and/or accent colors in interior decorating.

black-awning-yellow-accents-patio

 Tracy Hardenburg Designs

Drama in decorating is more about the visual impact it adds to the quality of the space and less about the style.

Villeroy-Boch-Audun

Villeroy & Boch Audun Dinnerware

Chosen decor styles can be every bit the grande dame of decorating drama thanks to well paired and well executed color combinations.

blue-kitchen-island-with-black-countertop

 Lauren Haskett Fine Design

Realizing a total color combination immersion does not always provide the best palette complement to the whole, consider introducing color combination styling through accents and accessories.

black-white-floors-yellow-drape-doorway

Don’t you hate when you decide upon the color combination to suit space and style and the striking decor pieces perfect in the scheme of things can’t be found?

black-upholstered-dining-chair-yellow-throw-pillows

Plush Velvet Deco Cranes Pillow Cover

Purchase items in one of the combo colors, and other pieces in the other.

Marry pieces together in order accomplish the desired look.

French-Country-Style-Fabric-Leather-Upholstered-Kitchen-Wooden-Dining-Chair

Mieres French Country Style Fabric/Leather Upholstered Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Options are a decorista’s best friend.

Yellow-and-Black-decorative-throw-pillows

Medallion Zebra Scalamandr Left Facing Single Bench, YellowBlack

Medallion Zebra Scalamandré Left Facing Single Bench, Yellow/Black

black-yellow-citrine-walls-living-room

Veranda – Photography by Thomas Loof

black-yellow-fabric

Predominant color combinations from timeless to new traditional guide the eye on a journey of decorative intrigue.

Darleen-signature-love

Show & Tell

Valentine’s Day Sweets for the Sweet

February is fast approaching, and with that comes ideas for whipping up Valentine’s Day Sweets for the sweet.

vintage-baker-boy (1)

The Graphics Fairy

Of course each is dished and served with loe.

Watercolor Heart Shaped Stoneware Plate

Watercolor Heart Shaped Stoneware Plate

Focused on sweets for the sweet, this Valentine’s Day Sweets show and tell features recipes synonymous with delectable, delicious and delightful.

Click on the link below each image for the recipe.

Mini Valentine’s Day Cakes

Mini Valentine’s Day Cakes

lemon-date-bars

Lemon-Date Bars – Photography by Anna Williams

Have you ever wondered how the symbol/letter  X came to stand for Kiss?

Traced back to the Middle Ages, X was used to sign off on documents followed by the writer often kissing the mark signifying their oath. The gesture flourished as the common sign used to certify records, books, letters and paperwork.

X-kiss-mark

X stood for Kiss, and the gesture gave life to the term “sealed with a kiss.”

chocolate-marshmallow-sandwich-cookiesChocolate Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies – Photography by Mike Garten

ripe-for-picking-no-bake-cheesecake

No Bake Cheesecake with Berry Toppings – Photography by Brian Woodcock

Antique Rose Handpainted Serving Plate - Germany

Antique Rose Hand Painted Serving Plate – Germany

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream

Treat roses keep fresh when stored in an airtight container with a sealed lid, and fresh cut roses keep best when following these suggestions:

roses-Kroger

If a packet of flower food is included with your rose bouquet you will want to use it. Dissolve the food in a couple of tablespoons of warm water, stirring to completely dissolve.

Take roses out of wrap and remove leaves that will be below your desired water line. Cut each stem at an angle which allows optimal water intake. add it to the water to promote the buds opening and to slow any bacterial growth.

Place the roses in your container of choice and arrange to your liking. Placing the arrangement in a cool area away from heat vents and out of direct sunlight prolongs the life of the roses.

When the bloom and the beauty is off the rose(s), drying the roses to keep for sentimental reasons is an easy project.

Gather the amount of rose stems you want to dry, remove all the leaves from each stem, and bind stems together with a rubber band.  Hang upside down for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool, dark place free of humidity.

Valentine's Day Macarons

Valentine’s Day French Macarons

As you begin the beguine.

What’s a beguine, you may wonder?

beguine
(/bəˈgēn/ bə-GHEEN)

a dance and music form, similar to a slow rhumba

Lemon-Elderflower Waffles

Lemon-Elderflower Waffles

Begin the Valentine beguine dance of delicious delight with a breakfast or brunch built for two starring this recipe for Lemon-Elderflower Waffles.

Dress waffles with a delightful dusting of powdered sugar, stemmed strawberries split in half, and edible flowers.

Stone Lain Brighton Round Body Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set

Stone Lain Brighton Round Body Marble Porcelain Dinnerware Set

brownie-hearts-recipe

Brownie Hearts

Heart Appetizer Plates

Heart Appetizer Plates

Valentine’s Day sweets for the sweet favorites include this perfect for the occasion mixtape cookies recipe from Constellation Inspiration.

Valentine’s Mixtape Cookies

Valentine’s Day Mixtape Cookies

Music fuels the power of love – a sweet symphony to serve the senses.

cupcake-toppers

Mini Red Velvet Cakes

Mini Red Velvet Cakes

confections-frosting-sugars

Martha Stewart 11″ Heart Shaped Stoneware Cake Pan

Wilton Red Heart-Shaped Non-Stick Fluted Tube Pan, 8-Inch

Way To Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2pk Lip and Ruffle Heart Cookie Cutter Set

Nordic Ware Rosebud Cake Pan

Breakable Chocolate Heart

Breakable Chocolate Heart

Cupid delivers dessert inspiration for whipping up Valentine’s Day sweets for the sweet dedicated to the one you love.

with-love(1)

 

Show & Tell

Valentine’s Day Gift Giving Ideas

Valentine’s Day gift giving ideas is soon to be on the minds and conversation hearts of those ready to gift with love in mind.

vintage-style-be-my-valentine-table-decoration

Knowing the likes and loves of your recipient(s) is a huge plus to scoring big points in the Valentine’s Day gift giving ideas game.

Antique porcelain footed round vase artist signed Limoges France (1)

Antique Hand Painted Footed Vase Bowl Artist Signed Limoges, France

Roses of red trend toward traditional floral choice of Valentine’s Day, however, non-traditional bouquets strike cupid’s fancy as well.

lily-roses-Valentine's-Day-bouquet

Dublin Biscuit Box

Dublin Biscuit Box

LOVE-welcome-mat

♥ Flocked ‘Love’ Coir Doormat Natural  

Valentine’s Day gifts have long captured the hearts of both the giver and the recipient alike.

Colonial Candle Love Scented Jar Candle, Valentine's Day Collection, 3 Wick

Colonial Candle Love Scented Jar Candle, Valentine’s Day Collection, 3 Wick

Heart Aflame Decorative Matches

Heart Aflame Decorative Matches

Traditional colors of red and pink prove chosen winners.

fine-to-faux-red

From fine to faux and every price point in between, jewelry rates a great choice.

Custom Engraved Coordinate Necklace

Custom Engraved Coordinate Necklace Monogram & Name Necklaces

men-womens-Bulova-watches

Bulova Men’s Latin Grammy® Modern Special Edition Watch
Bulova Women’s Sutton Diamond Two Tone Stainless Steel Watch


Bijoux Bar Heart Drop Earrings

Bijoux Bar Heart Drop Earrings

Orchid Flower Personalized Necklace

Orchid Flower Personalized Necklace

Gold Tone Triple Heart Drop Earrings

Gold Tone Triple Heart Drop Earrings

Valentines-Day-jewelry

Custom Engraved Coordinate Necklace

Lab Created White Sapphire Heart Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver

White Sapphire 14K Gold Over Silver Sterling Silver Round Pendant Necklace

Lab Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver 2 Pair Earring Set

1/10 CT. T.W. Genuine White Diamond Sterling Silver Bolo Bracelet

Interlocking Circles White Sapphire Sterling Silver Circle Pendant Necklace

1/2 CT. T.W. Genuine White Diamond Sterling Silver 5.5mm Stud Earrings

Lab Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver 9mm Stud Earrings

Lab Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver 9mm Stud Earrings

White Sapphire Sterling Silver 9mm Stud Earrings

Ordered the lab created white Sapphire sterling silver 9mm stud earrings to see if the size and the look make for a fabulous faux pair of travel earrings, and I could not be more pleased with the decision.

Heart-Shaped Red Rose Jewelry Gift Box Case for Ring Earring

Heart-Shaped Red Rose Jewelry Gift Box Case for Ring/Earrings

All wrapped up in a red heart shaped box – it!

gray earring organizer box

Earring Organizer Box

Once received jewelry pieces can be beautifully organized in this soft gray organizer box perfect for rings, pendants, and chains.

hearts-roses

Resin-Bunny-Heart-Couple

Bunny Heart Couple

Everybunny loves somebunny sometime.

Heart Wood Sculpture Wall Sign

Willstar Handshake Heart Wood Sculpture Wall Sign

gold-rhinestone-heart-wall-hanging

Gold Heart Wall Hanging

Valentines-Day-gift-wrapping-embellishments

Vintage Floral Wall Cubby by Ashland®

Vintage Floral Wall Cubby by Ashland®

Circle of Roses Frameless Tempered Glass Panel Graphic Fantasy Wall Art 

“Circle of Roses” Frameless Tempered Glass Panel Graphic Fantasy Wall Art 

for-him-red

I-pick-you-gold-guitar-pick

I Pick You Guitar Pick

Bronze Swinging Golfer

Bronze Swinging Golfer

golf-lover-gift-setPersonalized Golf Ball Gift Set

Personalized Leather Bracelet For Men

Personalized Leather Bracelet For Men

duck-trinket-tray

Duck Polished Brass Trinket Tray

Set your Valentine’s Day and night to music.

Crosley Tribute AM FM Bluetooth Radio

Crosley Tribute AM FM Bluetooth Radio

Conversation piece personified, spin your Valentine’s Day or evening with this unique Hi-Fi cutting board- reproduction of a classic LP with completely customizable center label. 

personalized-record-LP-cutting-board Personalized Record Cutting Board

 

Men's Faux Shearling Lined Leather Slides

Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Faux Shearling Lined Leather Slides

Vonmay-Men's-Slippers-Slip-On-Indoor-Outdoor

Vonmay Men’s Slip On Indoor/Outdoor Slippers

Men's Popping Into Say Hi Popcorn Pattern Crew Novelty Sock

Men’s Popping Into Say Hi Popcorn Pattern Crew Novelty Sock

valentines-day-food-ideas-popcorn

‘Tis the season for hot and spicy.

popcorn-seasonings

for-her-red

Women-s-Sleepwear-Satin-Robe

Joyspun Women’s Sleepwear Satin Robe

Lveberw Lounge Set

Lveberw Lounge Set

Skechers Cali Pop Ups Slide By Slide Sandal

womens-long-sleeve-hearts-sweater-black-leopard

Women’s Long Sleeve Hearts Sweater

Fine-knit Cardigan pink

Fine-knit Cardigan

Fine-knit Cardigan

womens-white-t-shirt-smile

Smile Cotton Jersey T-shirt

Fun is just a fact of fashion, and this metallic heart novelty bag with rhinestone handle is a fun and festive accessory perfect for a white t-shirt and a pink cardigan.

Metallic Heart Novelty Bag With Rhinestone Handle

Metallic Heart Novelty Bag With Rhinestone Handle

Summer will be here before you know it, and this most chic pink and green palm print weekender will be a fabulous fit for the season.

Sophia Joy 2-Piece Zip & Carry Weekender in Pink and Green Whimsy Palm Fashion

Sophia Joy 2-Piece Zip Weekender in Pink and Green Whimsy Palm Fashion

rose-scented-beauty-products

Everything’s coming up roses in my rose scented beauty products garden.

Made In Italy Leather Geometric Bucket Bag

Made In Italy Leather Geometric Bucket Bag

Mollie Bucket Bag 22 In Signature Canvas

Mollie Bucket Bag 22 In Signature Canvas

home-is-where-the-heart-is

i love us throw pillow

I Love Us Throw Pillow

Betsey Johnson Silky Microfiber Printed Sheet Set

Betsey Johnson Silky Microfiber Printed Sheet Set

Hot times of the weather kind will be here soon naturally sparking ideas of outdoor activities such as dining al fresco.

Milan Red White 8 ft. x 10 ft. Modern Plastic Indoor Outdoor Area Rug

Milan Red White Modern Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

Red and white and chic all over.

Red and White Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Red and White Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Pioneer Woman Amelia 15.22-Ounce Rose Glass Tumblers, Set of 4

The Pioneer Woman Amelia 15.22-Ounce Rose Glass Tumblers, Set of 4

Joyjolt Gatsby Art Deco Whiskey Glasses Double Old Fashioned

Art Deco Whiskey Glasses – 10 Oz – Set Of 6 Double Old Fashioned

Sappho Bust Lamp

Sappho Bust Lamp

Reese Brass Heart Wall Frame

Reese Brass Heart Wall Frame

Hand casting kit

Hand Casting Kit by Craft It Up! 

For him, for her, for home- these Valentine’s Day gift giving ideas are suggested with love in mind.

Love your style!

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

 

 

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