This Week at a Glance

Some weeks ease you gently into the new year… and then there are weeks like this one. 

Christmas is still twinkling around our little beach cottage, and this week wrapped up a 3-day photo shoot for Country Home Magazine’s 2026 winter issue, and I still can’t quite believe it happened. 

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Our cottage and garden have been featured in magazines before, but this was the first time I’ve ever had a professional stylist in her home, and it was honestly one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.

Janna, our stylist, brought in fresh eyes and ideas that I would never have thought of on my own. Watching her style the Christmas decor inside the cottage and out in the garden was like seeing my home through an entirely new lens. 

By the end of the shoot, I won’t sugarcoat it…the house was a complete wreck. Decorations had been moved, layered, restyled, and reimagined in every room. But it was so worth it, and I learned so much in the process. 

I can’t wait for you to see the issue later this year. 

Around the Cottage

I’m ready for a fresh start!

Now that the cameras are gone, I’m more than ready to roll up my sleeves. This coming week will finally be all about taking down Christmas, cleaning, and resetting the cottage. 

And just in time –  January 14th is National Organize Your Home Day, which feels like perfect timing. I’m dreaming of purged closets, tidy up drawers, and cupboards that actually make sense again. There’s something so refreshing about starting the year with a clean, clear space, especially knowing that the gardening season is just around the corner. 

It might be a late start this year, but honestly, it was worth every extra twinkle light. 

Yes… We Started Another Project

Because apparently we can’t just sit still, we also decided to tackle another renovation the day after the photo shoot ended. (I’m laughing, but only slightly.) 

A few years ago, we removed one of the walk-in closets in our primary bedroom to make room for a bathtub in the bathroom. I was really excited about having a tub, especially with my arthritis, but in reality, we struggled with hot water issues, and we missed the storage space far more than we ever used the tub. 

So… out it comes. 

We’re building the walk-in closet back, and today is already day two of the project. Most of the changes we’ve made to this 1920 house have been wins, but this one? Definitely a lesson learned. I’ll keep you posted as it comes together. 

In the Garden

Somewhere between the photo shoot, the closet construction dust, and the Christmas boxes, I’m starting to feel that familiar garden itch. 

I’m hoping to finish my seed ordering this week, and next Sunday I’ll share what I’m planning to grow in the cut flower garden this year.

I’ll be sowing sweet pea and snapdragon seeds in the greenhouse by the end of the month, and suddenly all the winter organizing will turn into seed trays and greenhouse days. 

And honestly? I can’t wait

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This is such a charming countryside villa in Sweden.

Don’t miss out on these January self-care ideas to beat the winter blues.

Here are easy ideas for hosting a book club brunch.

I will be making this vegetable noodle soup throughout the winter.

This Marble Falls Home from designer Marie Flanagan is gorgeous.

I can’t wait to try this perfect winter dinner before the end of the month. It’s quick, easy, and looks delicious!

Learn how to grow paperwhites indoors and use them in your winter decor.

This Jenny Martin Design project is gorgeous.

Check out these 5 easy Valentine wreaths with DIY paper roses & Dollar Tree frames.

Learn how to age and style terra cotta pots.

Until next time,