First, I want to say thank you to everyone who replied to my email last week with ideas and suggestions. I read every single one and was so grateful for the thought and care behind them. I’m sorry I couldn’t respond to everyone, but please know how much I appreciated you taking the time to write. I’m starting to feel little sparks of clarity and inspiration about what moving forward might look like. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I can feel things beginning to take shape.

I’m easing back into the rhythm of blogging this week. My mom is coming to visit next week, so I’m currently brainstorming a few recipes and ideas we can work on together. In a funny way, that little deadline is helping me find my footing again. I’m hoping that sense of momentum carries me forward, especially knowing spring will be here before we know it. For now, I’m trying to make the most of these colder weeks by organizing, resetting, and getting the house back in order.

I’m also finding my way back to painting, which I haven’t done much of yet this year. I’ve returned to my local urban sketchers group for our weekly indoor meetups, and the plein air group I started last year is bravely continuing to meet outdoors every Saturday. I’ll be honest, painting outside in the cold and gray is not my favorite. But the joy of creating alongside others far outweighs my dislike of painting in the winter weather.

I also felt the urge to paint some hearts. I painted some of these last year and they brought me so much joy, so I decided to revisit them. They’re mixed media pieces with acrylics, collage, and just a touch of glitter. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. I painted them mostly for myself, as a way to add a little love and light to my surroundings, but I decided to share them in my shop as well for anyone who might be interested. There are six in the collection .I had a small batch last year and they went quickly. These will be available in the shop on Thursday, January 22 at 12 noon EST.

And that’s about all I know for now. New content will be coming to the blog soon, and in the meantime I’ve linked a few longtime favorites below. Wishing you a really lovely week ahead.

Things I’m Loving Lately

I’ve been on a bit of a tea kick lately. Yorkshire Tea has always been a favorite, but I recently switched to the decaf version to keep an eye on my caffeine intake, and I’m really enjoying it.

Most of us have probably packed away our Christmas decorations by now. I have too. But I wanted to share the ornament storage boxes I use and love. I actually had to order another one this year. They’re especially great for vintage and more fragile ornaments. (I purchase the one for 72 3-inch ornaments.)

I think I mentioned before that Sister Boniface has become one of my favorite comfort shows. I finally watched the new season over Christmas break, and now I’ve moved on to Father Brown. It’s another cozy mystery series. Not quite as colorful as Sister Boniface, but still very enjoyable and comforting.

I’ve also been spending some time setting up my Remarkable 2 with a new planner, journal, and fresh to-do lists. I bought it a few years ago and still love it so much. It’s essentially replaced a whole stack of notebooks, and as far as planners go, I’ve used this more consistently than any paper planner I’ve ever used.

On the Blog

​Easy Apple Spoon Cake​

Indulge in the timeless combination of apples and cinnamon with this Apple Spoon Cake. With a delicious blend of sweet apples and cinnamon, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a comforting and delicious dessert. It’s ideal for when you crave a homemade treat without the hassle.

​Abstract Art DIY Valentine​

Let’s turn abstract art into adorable Valentine’s Day cards. This Abstract Art DIY Valentine is fun, easy to make, and the perfect way to spread a little love this February 14th!

​Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps​

If you love Caesar salad, these Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps are a must-try. They take everything you love including savory chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy Parmesan and wrap it up in a soft tortilla for a convenient and satisfying meal. Ideal for quick lunches, summer gatherings, or even meal prep, these wraps are simple to make and packed with flavor.