Brightening the Indoor Landscape

 

 In January I like to find little ways to bring life and color to my surroundings.

As we all know the landscape can be a bit gray and bleak at this time of year.

I find sometimes a few small changes are just the ticket to brightening the indoor landscape.  Take, for instance, this fern sitting next to my bathtub.  For months there had been a nearly dead Peace Lily in it's place.  It seems that through the busy Christmas season I barely noticed how sad and neglected (not to mention dusty) it had become.  While perusing the houseplant department of Lowe's yesterday I decided a replacement was in order.  I must admit that this fern looked so much nicer that it inspired me to give the bathtub and surrounding area a good cleaning. 

 

 

The slower pace of January has found me spending more time in the kitchen.  All of those recipes that I tend to clip are being sorted through and many are even being tried out.  Bravo :D.

 

 Hubby and I went grocery shopping together yesterday.

While he slipped away to look for something in the hardware area, I slipped a bouquet of fresh flowers into the cart.   I figure if I'm going to be spending so much time in the kitchen, it should be bright and cheery too.

 

 Now, lest you think it's all work around here,

I've also been gathering inspiration for the upcoming gardening season.

 

 I would love to be seated at this gorgeous table right about now, wouldn't you?

Instead I am content to sit in front of the fire and enjoy this breathtakingly beautiful book. 

A special Christmas gift given to me by someone very special to me, my dear sister.  

For most of us it's too early for outdoor gardening, but it's never too early to plan and dream and even bring a touch of the garden into the house.