Our homes are our sanctuaries, our get-away-from-it-all spots, and our quiet refuge. At least, that is something we aspire to, isn’t it?

After my dad died, I started unpacking. Metaphorically and physically. You see, we were still living in boxes, waiting for that “one day” when work would slow down, when everything was decorated, remodeled, or just whatever. My home was minimal in décor and the kitchen was all but devoid of any personality.

Slowly, personal items made their way to countertops, on the bookshelf, and on the walls. And I decided that I would start buying flowers.

At first I placed flowers in the master bathroom. Then, slowly they made their way to the guest bathroom and the kitchen. I figured out which flowers lasted the longest in order to get the most bang (and buck) until one day I realized that the small investment in our home was well worth it. Flowers uplifted the mood of our home.

As the years have passed, fresh flowers grace my guest bath and dining room every day and it makes us happy and I think it makes visitors happy too. I still reach for the ones that last the longest but every once in a while something will catch my eye.

Isn’t this tulip gorgeous?

It’s called a “Queensland” tulip and it arrived from my friends at Stargazer Barn, an online flower farm whose mission is to inspire pleasure in everyday life. Tulips and peonies will always be my forever-favorite flowers and when this one arrived with its fringed pale edges, I was spellbound. They quickly became the centerpiece in the dining room.

I am so glad that we started the tradition of keeping fresh flowers in our dining room.

What traditions are you incorporating in your homes, your kitchens, your dining and living areas that make it feel more homey and inviting?

Tell, tell.

Happy mood lifting.

Eat well, my friend. Eat well.

Lyndi
In case you wondered, I received the Queensland tulips from Stargazer Barn as a part of a free six-month subscription service. I am having fun seeing what new flowers and goodies will arrive each month!