Flowers to Brighten Your Day

“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.” Name that movie! It’s one of my favorites and perfect if you’re looking to watch something lighthearted right now. 🙂

Over the last few years I’ve found flowers to be a tremendous source of light and joy in my life – especially during hard seasons. Our house is often filled with freshly cut blooms like limelight hydrangeas, colorful zinnias, potted orchids, whimsical ranunculus or fluffy peonies, thanks to Trader Joe’s and the little backyard cut garden I started a few years ago.

Now that spring is officially here, I’ve found myself gravitating toward the beauty of blooms even more. From floral dresses to desserts, here are a bunch of flowery things I’m loving right now…

A few weeks ago I ordered this dress from Shop Lilyanne – a beautifully curated online boutique with some of the best brands, including one of my favorites, Gal Meets Glam. I immediately fell in love with the whimsical floral detailing and sweet silhouette that’s as flattering as it is comfortable (love that it has pockets too!). GMG also just released their new Mommy and Me pieces and although I have a serious love for lemons, the Rosie style is my favorite. I know we’re all staying in our homes right now and wearing pretty spring dresses might seem far off, but Gal Meets Glam dresses are so classic they transcends fads and seasons. You could wear them 10 years from now and they’d still be right! Another floral fashion fave are these pearl and peach blossom earrings from Vivian Drew I got earlier this year. They’re the perfect compliment to any spring dress.

Did you catch these Vanilla Rose Shortbread Cookies I shared yesterday? I’ve been infusing rosewater into baked goods and smoothies lately and have been surprised by how much I love the delicate flavor. It’s also inspired me to try more floral foods this spring like Lilac Iced Tea, a Flower Power Salad with Rose Vinaigrette, Paleo Lemon Lavender Scones and Honey Chamomile Popsicles.

Of course the arrival of spring also means it’s time to get back to cultivating our gardens. This is the book that first inspired me to plant mine and I’m looking forward to reading their new book soon. I’m planting a few of my old favorites from seed – zinnias, cosmos and sunflowers – and also trying some new flowers this year, including Sarah Bernhardt peonies, Cafe au Lait Dinner Plate Dahlias, and two varieties of roses, Francis Meilland & Princess Charlene de Monaco, that I ordered from Menagerie, a flower farm in California. Felicia, owner of Menagerie, has been so wonderful to work with. From helping me select the right variety for my zone to sharing her tending tips, she has graciously answered the many questions I’ve had to make sure I’m doing it right #enneagram1. Definitely check her out if you’re looking to add some roses to your garden!

Another floral infused item I’m loving right now is this non-toxic, vegan soap by RB Soap Co. I purchased “pink petals” from Rhiannon’s first launch and absolutely love the way it makes my hands smell and feel. Not only is the soap itself lovely, but the packaging on the soap is actually seed paper that can be planted and will sprout into different floral and herb varieties. How cool is that?! She is releasing her new spring line on April 6 and I have my calendar set hoping to grab “Bloom, Jasmine and Grove” for me and a few of her new Mother’s Day bundles to give as gifts to my mom and MIL.

When our garden isn’t blooming, I love turning to my friend, South of Stem, for all things flowers. Melissa creates the dreamiest arrangements for weddings and events and even offers a weekly subscription service. She is a wealth of knowledge and passionate about using the freshest, seasonal flowers in her arrangements that she sources most of them locally through flower farms like KB Farms Cut Flowers (soon to offer U-pick which I am so excited about!). I’m planning a “farm fresh” themed baby shower for my cousin later this spring and Melissa is going to create some arrangements with fresh kale, soft toned hues of cream, dusty rose and pale blue in little berry baskets, similar to what you’d find at the farmer’s market. I’m so excited and will definitely share details and inspiration if you’re also looking to plan a get-to-together once we’re through social distancing. 🙂

More Floral Pieces I’m Loving: