Happy New Year!

I hope your holiday season was filled with warmth and coziness, memory-making moments with loved ones, and a little rest mixed in.

If I think back to this time last year, everything felt quieter as we eased into January.

Our Christmas decor had already been packed away, the cottage was settling into its winter look, and my thoughts were drifting toward greenhouse planning and garden dreaming for the year ahead. January always felt like a reset button.

This year looks a little different. I really leaned into taking the last couple of weeks off, and I definitely needed it.

Between catching all the “crud” going around, being sick with a cold for nearly two weeks, finally feeling better enough to enjoy some festive moments, and then getting knocked down again with the flu right after Christmas, recovery has been slow. It seems like everyone I know has been dealing with some sort of illness this season.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. My blog also contains other affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

So instead of rushing into the new year, I’m easing in gently. The Christmas decor is still up a bit longer this year for a special project happening next week – one I can’t share just yet, but I promise it will be worth the wait.

And while the twinkle lights are still glowing, my mind is quietly shifting toward what this year should feel like: slower mornings, thoughtful planning, prepping seed trays that will slowly fill the greenhouse, and creating space for both rest and creativity.

January doesn’t have to be loud or rushed. This year, I’m letting it be soft.

This Week at a Glance

In the Garden and Greenhouse

The seed-starting season is officially on the horizon! Sweet peas and snapdragons will be sown in the greenhouse toward the end of the month, and I’m finalizing my cut flower garden plan for this year.

This is the part I love the most – dreaming, sketching, and making all the “this year will be different” notes.

Seed Sowing Starts Soon

Seed sowing begins at the end of the month, and I’ll be sharing the process with you step by step, from supplies to timing to what I’m growing this year.

If you’re planning to start seeds this season, these posts may be helpful:

Garden Planning for the Year Ahead

I’ll be wrapping up my plan in the next couple of weeks (I’m about a week behind where I’d like to be, but I’ll still be fine). Some of the planning includes deciding what varieties I want to grow, where they’ll go, and which flowers earned a spot again this year.

Having a planner or journal makes such a difference during this stage. Being able to look back on what worked (and what didn’t) helps shape a better garden every season.

Around the Cottage

I’ll admit, winter is the hardest season for me to decorate.

Without the sparkle of Christmas, everything can feel a little bare. A few cozy accessories, fresh eucalyptus, and some simple winter textures are helping soften the shift.

Welcoming Winter Indoors

Winter decorating is usually very simple around here – a few forced forsythia branches, dried flowers, cozy textures, and pieces that feel calm and collected. I’ll be busy taking down all the glitter and twinkle next weekend and moving towards this slower pace of decorating.

Honestly, I can’t wait!

On the Blog This Week

This week’s posts are all about planning, organizing, and easing back into routines – both in the garden and at home.

January Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest

Your Pacific Northwest garden might look a bit dreary right now, but a surprising amount of gardening to-dos need to be done in January! The constant drizzle and chilly temps might not exactly scream “garden time,” but this is the perfect time to start planning and preparing for the upcoming growing season…CONTINUE READING.

9 Ways to Prepare in Advance For the Christmas Season

Want to be ahead of the game for next Christmas? In this blog post, I’ll share nine practical ways to guide you in preparing in advance for the upcoming Christmas season…CONTINUE READING.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing:

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Here’s a beautiful mountain home from the portfolio of Ashley Montgomery Design.

If you’re looking for a yummy soup recipe, this salsa verde tortilla soup is a winner!

‘Lincoln Avenue House‘ offers the perfect home inspiration.

This English muffin bread looks delicious!

Here are 10 things interior designers notice that you probably don’t.

Be creative by decorating with vintage doors and windows.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for being here and starting another year with me. I’m looking forward to sharing this season of planning, growing, and cozy winter living together.

Here’s to a fresh start and all the beauty still to come.

Until next time,