How to Care for Fresh Hydrangeas


If there is one thing that makes me especially excited about spring and summer, it's fresh flowers!  There is just something that makes me so happy to see them around my home.  Although I know that they can be a little bit frustrating to deal with and there is nothing worse than bringing home a beautiful bunch only to have them die the next day.  I wanted to share a few tricks and tips that I have used over the years that have helped me get maximum time out of my fresh flowers.  Today we are talking all about Hydrangeas, since they are my favorite flower, I thought it would be a good place to start. 


This first thing that I always do before I pick up hydrangeas is very gently feel their petals.  You want to make sure that the majority of the petals are nice and firm.  If they feel soft and lack luster then you are starting off by buying a bunch that is already on the down slope of going bad.  You don't have to be super aggressive about feeling them, just a quick touch will tell you whether or not you should buy them.  You also want to look at the edges of the flowers, if the majority of them are brewing, you won't want to pick those up either.  A few are ok here and there but just make sure they aren't taking over the entire bunch. 


The next step is all in the stems.  Hydrangea stems tend to be filled with a lot of sap that can block water.  In order to loosen up the sap, stick the stems into some boiling water for about a minute or two before you arrange them.  It is really important to keep your flowers in the cellophane wrap while you do this, to block the rising steam.  Otherwise the steam will cause your flowers to wilt.  Next you will want to remove any leaves that may sit below the water line.  The leaves tend to soak up a lot water.  More water will reach the petals by removing the majority of the leaves.  


Once you have cut your stems to size you will want to vitally cut up the center of each stem a few inches.  This is a great way for your flowers to get maximum water intake.  After that you are ready to put them in a vase that is heavily watered and place them somewhere near natural light. 

Now that they are set and looking pretty you will want to keep an eye on them.  Once a day lightly mist the petals with a spray bottle to ensure they are getting even more water.  Another tip is to cut the stems a few inches every other day or so to ensure the ends of the stems stay fresh.  

I hope that this post was helpful to you in some way and I wish you very happy and healthy fresh blooms.  Peony season is just around the corner so I will be back with more very tips soon! 

SaveSave

My Reading Picks for Spring!

Hello everyone, welcome back to yet another bookish discussion!  Since we are in the thick of Spring I thought it would be the perfect time to share with you some of my favorite books that are perfect for this time of year.  Of course, you don't have to read these books during the spring but there is something about each of these books that makes me giddy about curling up on a raining spring day and getting lost for awhile. 

1. Anne of Green Gables 

Hands down, my number one pick goes to Anne of Greene Gables.  Anne of Greene Gables is set in a fictional town called Avonlea located on Prince Edward Island, Canada and follows 11 year old Anne as she navigates life.  This book takes you through all four seasons but there is just something so magical about experiencing Avonlea as winter melts into spring and summer.  Anne's care free spirit paired with her imagination is so infectious and is so perfect for those rainy days when you're stuck inside craving sunshine.  This is just one of my favorite books of all time and I promise, you will not be disappointed with your stay in Avonlea! 

"I had made up my mind that if you didn't come for me to-night I'd go down the track to that big wild cherry-tree at the bend, and climb up into it to stay all night. I wouldn't be a bit afraid, and it would be lovely to sleep in a wild cherry-tree all white with bloom in the moonshine, don't you think?"

2. Peter Pan
  
When I think of the perfect spring read I think of something that is going to take me on adventure to another world.  I know most of us have probably seen and loved the Disney adaptation of Peter Pan, and mostly likely countless others but I highly recommend reading the book too.  Words can be so beautiful and this book is filled with beautiful words formed into captivating whimsy.  It will challenge your imagination and inner child.  What sounds more dreamy than Neverland, a place found only through pixie dust and a map of the stars? 

“You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.” 

3. Pride and Prejudice 

I feel like I am being obviously cliché here but when I think of spring I think of Jane Austen. I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice.  It's lighthearted yet dramatic with just the right amount of wit.  I just think spring is the perfect time to escape to the English countryside to experience budding romances.  It's been five or so years since I read it but I fully intend to reread it very, very soon! 

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” 


4. Mr. Darcy's Daughters



Speaking of Jane Austen, I had to include this little gem of fan fiction.  I will admit that I am still in the middle of this book but I am enjoying it so much!  As the title implies, it follows Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's five daughters, who for a few months, leave Pemberley for London while their parents fulfill diplomatic duties in Constantinople.  This is one of those books where not much really goes on.  Its more like you get to be a fly on the wall in the drawing room and experience 19th century London society, which I find to be fascinating in its own right.

“Sense is apt to fly out of the window when a girl falls in love.” 


5. Far from the Madding Crowd 


If you feel like you are in need of a good dose of drama than I would definitely suggest Far from the Madding Crowd!  This novel is set on a farm in Wessex, which a semi-fictional region located in the South of England.  This region was the setting for many of the author's, Thomas Hardy's major novels.  This story follows a young woman, Bathsheba Everdene as she takes head of a farm that she had inherited.  She is approached by three different courters and in which case, things get complicated.  I loved experiencing rural England of the 19th century, a little bit of a contrast to that of Jane Austen's novels.  I also loved reading about a woman running a farm, which, during her time would have been virtually unheard of.  Oh gosh, it's just so good! 


“She was of the stuff of which great men's mothers are made. She was indispensable to high generation, feared at tea-parties, hated in shops, and loved at crises.” 



Alright you guys, I hope this list was helpful for some of you who can't decide on their next book!  Let me know if you have read any of these, I would love to hear your thoughts! 



read, get lost, and grow. 

Inspired Fridays

Yay! It's Friday so that means its time for me to share all the things that have inspired me throughout my week!  Enjoy! 

//Trend//


Right now I am so obsessed with loafers and I am trying to find the perfect pair.  I am so in love with these Meela Loafers from Steve Madden, especially the blush ones, which would be perfect for Spring and Summer. I am so heartbroken that these are no longer available online but I will be continuing to scour the Internet to see if I can find them.  Wish me luck! 

//Books//

 



For the past while I have been on the hunt for a new Bible and was just struggling to find the right one.  But you guys, I am SO PUMPED about this new Bible that is being released from She Reads Truth, which if you don't know is a woman's devotional site.  I highly recommend this community as it is filled with encouragement and support when it comes to reading God's word.  The Bible is the most important group of words formed into a book on the planet.  It is powerful but it is under read and is quite often horribly interpreted.  I say this with much personal conviction as I am often afraid of this text.  Afraid of the sheer volume of it as well as the not having the ability to comprehend it because I know that I have misunderstood the messages within it time and time again.  We must always remember read in partnership with the Holy Spirit, who grants us wisdom.  But in addition to that the Lord has ordained very special individuals who have deeply studied this text and who have been called to share their findings to help the rest of us better navigate this beautiful yet intimidating text.  This is one of the reasons I am so excited about this Bible.  It is filled with maps, tables, timelines, and introductions to help you better understand the ancient world in which this book was written.  I am perhaps most excited about the introductions.  Each book of the Bible has a written introduction explaining things like who wrote the book, why was it written, and what the message of the book is.  Having a comprehensive outline of what your about to read can really help you grasp what is being said and ultimately bring you to a proper place of interpretation.  Ok, now for the obvious, this Bible is just plain gorgeous.  It's filled with color, illustrations, and beautiful fonts.  It is so girly its not even funny.  I love how we can worship God through creativity and this is no exception.  I can't wait to get my hands on one of these Bibles, just as soon as I decide which cover I want ;)

If you are interested in pre-ordering this book I will leave a link the to the site, which also better describes all of its features.  


shereadstruthbible.com


Another resource that has been invaluable in my life is Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin.  In this book Jen talks us women through the importance of studying God's word with both our hearts and our minds.  This book, as well as some of her actual bible studies have opened my mind up to seeing the Bible in a whole new light and I have been extremely blessed because of it.  This book is so good that I would even recommend it for men despite its title!  

These are such great resources but I also want to encourage you to, know matter where you are in your walk or what Bible you own to open it up and read it.  It is life giving text and the most important thing to do is approach it through prayer.  Stay prayerful and diligent through your reading and God will reveal Himself to you!  

Happy reading!

//Easter Craft//



I always find the idea of Easter egg dying a little bit daunting.  There's just a lot of steps involved and I know personally, that I would never be able to keep an eye on all of the dye and my daughter at the same time and it would more than likely end up spilled on things where you most definitely don't want spills!  I love the simplicity of these eggs, and I think my daughter will have just as much fun with them!  All you need is, of course, some eggs and a paint pen.  I love the white on the brown eggs but I think metallic paint pens would be really pretty as well!

//DIY//


My husband and I just got a new TV stand that came with some pretty boring knobs, all I did was change them out and now it looks a little bit more expensive then what we paid for it.  So if you have an old (or new) dresser or cabinet that needs some updating just change the knobs and it will look entirely new, you don't even have to add paint.  It's also a great way to really show off your personality.  I am loving these vintage inspired knobs from Anthopologie, they would add the perfect amount of glamour to anything!  Another great place to look for knobs, which are usually on sale, is Hobby Lobby!

I hope this post inspired you in some way as it did me.  I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!  See you back soon! 

SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave