Once the holidays are behind me, I always sigh with relief - and a bit of sadness. I love not having any festivities to plan, but it also means that months of winter are stretched out ahead of me... and that never fails to bum me out. Living in California (versus NYC) has helped, but I've still learned that in order to avoid the blues, I need visual reminders of spring. Grey skies never last forever, but it's easier to remember that fact when I'm surrounded by signs of bright, colorful life!

Speaking of which, nothing lifts grey clouds like a bundle of brilliant fresh blooms. I'm a sucker for great floral arrangements, and I'm particularly in love with these Pagoda Boxes for that reason. They turned inexpensive flowers (and lemons and tomatoes - I love to mix fruits and veggies in with simple blooms) into a spring sculpture! I had some girlfriends over for an afternoon of wine and cheese, and this centerpiece made us all smile... how can you be bummed about winter in the face of such cheeriness?! These boxes would make a brilliant presentation of all kinds of goodies - chocolates, mini-cupcakes, etc. Plus, the simple, sculptural shape looks fabulous even unadorned. I could see it looking great on an entry table, a mantle or even a dresser top (jewelry would fit perfectly inside the boxes.) And though they come in white, I'm thinking I might treat mine to a coat of glossy paint - I'm feeling turquoise...

Another thing that helps me keep spring in my sites is gardening. Well... "gardening" might be stretching it (I'm no green thumb,) but I do love small container gardens. And I used to water with whatever was handy (usually a drinking glass,) so this little Water Logged Watering Can has really elevated my game. It's so cute! (Plus, I'm a total sucker for functional faux bois - can you blame me?) Another great benefit to this little can is that thanks to it's petite size, it fits my four year old nephew's hands perfectly. He thinks that watering plants is the most thrilling, exciting and satisfying task on the planet - and the whimsical personality of this can drew him in instantly. (Note to self: disguise the vacuum as a log... perhaps it will draw in my hubby.)

I love staging little vignettes and collections around the house (I inherited this hobby from my Mom,) and this Flower Sphere Sculpture is a sweet, simple addition to a table top of vintage finds. I love it's energy - it's like spring is busting out! I know that we still have a few months to go before the weather really turns, but that's okay. Every time I look at this little burst of blooms, I know it won't be long... and I can live with that!

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