FEBRUARY FARMHOUSE FUN
I’m so in the mood for love this February! And not just romantic love, (hubby and I have been married for 33 years!!!) I mean all kinds of love. I “love” celebrating love of my family, friends, and especially our son who was born on Valentine’s Day. Even thinking of love of the change of seasons is fun to do because I feel like February gives us a glimpse of spring to come and gets me all excited for it.
Here on the farm in California unless you’re in the mountains, which we’re not, we don’t get snow so while this is our rainy time of year and it can get cold in the mornings, the sun starts showing it’s face in the afternoon and the flowers are starting to bloom again. Right now we have late winter arrivals like beautiful Camellias that come in pretty shades of pink.
And the primroses, oh they are such a delight to me with their faded lovely shades here or the bright vivid pops of color there. I like to bring some of the blooms inside to brighten things up and start switching out the colors of yellow that I had highlighted in January.
With it’s citrus brightness that reminded me of all things shiny and luminating to get us through the darkest days of winter to softer shades of pink is a lovely change. Playing with patterns of checks and plaids with whites and reds that honor the patron saint of the month and all things love is so very festive to me too.
CORINTHIANS 13:4-7
When we said our vows some 33 years ago I remember one of my favorite scriptures in Corinthians was read as it is at many weddings but I love to reflect upon it during this month of celebrating love. It’s funny how when you come up with things you think it’s all your own idea, then in church the other day, all the readings were about love and this verse was read, and I was like, ok, hey maybe I’m supposed to really get this.
And what a great reminder to focus on not just this month but all of the time. I like how it’s prominent when you walk into our home here really setting the stage for the theme of what we’re reflecting on.
Then I continued more fresh flowers and plants with little vignettes of them tucked in wherever I could find more places to stash them. Oh and one of my favorite things that happens out in nature this month is the blossoms start to bloom on the almond trees in the orchard and boy oh boy is it a sight to see! But until then I just snip off a branch and bring it inside to force the blooms to start a little early by just putting it in a vase of water. Then with the warmth of our home, this thing should be in full bloom in no time.
And the fragrance, oh goodness, it’s so beautiful to smell as you walk in the house. No candles or wax melts are necessary to give this place all the springy feels when you’ve got the real thing right here.
The pinks and rosy colors are echoed here again in these sweet little tea cups I found while out antiquing. I just melted the end of these old candlesticks and set them in the middle here and voila, they were secured. Next I added some pretty decorative moss to give it a little springy fluff and set them atop our mantle for another “February Fun” look to go along with my theme.
These little flower cups remind me of my grandma’s tea cup collection that she had of all kinds of different and unique floral scenes. She would tell me where each one came from and who gave them to her. I loved to hear her tell me her stories of long ago times from her childhood as we would sit and drink tea together. I’m so glad I have such precious memories like this.
Just about every month I host at least one nice family dinner that is kind of theme related to the month we’re in or the holiday that falls in that month and this month it will be our son’s birthday.
When I was pregnant with him and my doctor announced his due date, I was shocked and so excited, what were the chances that our oldest son was born on Halloween and now our youngest would be born on Valentine’s Day! Neither were planned this way, it just happened and sure enough, he arrived just like the doctor said and we couldn’t be happier. What a blessing!
While I’m so in the mood for love and celebrating this month I also turn my taste buds towards the flavor of the month and that is all things chocolate!
I mean come on hearts, candy, chocolate, oh my! I say yes to it all and so does my family! I really do like to explore new and some old favorite dishes that have the delicious taste of chocolate in it.
With the hope of Spring coming around the corner (and hopefully here by the times these bulbs bloom), the focus on love of all of our family and friends, and setting my taste buds for things sweet and chocolaty, I’m ready to enjoy this February month to the fullest and I hope you do too!
XO Jerri