Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly 207

Hi there!

I hope you had an amazing week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

Our Vegas Trip

Last Sunday, Chris and I traveled to Las Vegas for a conference he was attending. We stayed at the Cosmopolitan and had THE BEST TIME!

From the most amazing tasting experiences at the some incredible restaurants to some much needed rest and relaxation for me, it was a great trip.

When we arrived we dined with some friends at the LPM restaurant. We enjoyed a tasting brunch menu that had probably the best avocado toast recipe I’ve ever had in my life. It was served on crostini and tasted so fresh with lots of flavor.

I spent some time at the Sahra Spa for some much needed down time after a long year of go go go. Originally, I booked some time for a massage and facial, but wound up going back the next day for pedicure and manicure, which I never really do. So this was a real treat for me!

We also saw the show, Absinthe, which was really amazing! The acrobatic talent was incredible and we both enjoyed the show! I was very impressed with it and highly recommend if you are not easily offended by content.

Like our last visit, we met up with Chris’ friend who organized a memorable evening that included a tasting experience at STK, the Chandelier bar, and a stop at a speakeasy called the Barbershop. They had live music playing 90s grunge tunes. What a great time!

We endured a bit of a long trip home as the northeast was experiencing some high winds and rain. So our red-eye flight was delayed even longer than scheduled. But we are home now and I have to say…I needed a vacation from my vacation!

Garden Planning

While I should be working on Christmas, I’ve been feverishly planning out my 2025 garden, shopping for seeds, plants, and thinking through how I want my planters to look.

I’m definitely leaning into more pinks and purples this year. Last year, I went in on more peachy neutral hues, but this year, I want to see more range in pinks and purples. So, you’ll see a lot more of that moving into the next growing season.

The Drones

I’m sure you’ve heard about the drones hanging around New Jersey as well as other states now too. First, let me say…yes they are drones. They have been flying over our home for weeks now. We live in a flight path and this is not normal flight activity. I have seen these actual drones with my own eyes. They are not planes and there are many of them.

I don’t like to get political or discuss any of this stuff ever but this is not OK, something is seriously wrong, and it needs to be addressed. I’d rather hear the words – we know what it is and have it under control vs you aren’t seeing what you think you are seeing. This is not normal and incredibly concerning. Have you seen them?

Buy a Book, Get a Bar of Handsoap for FREE Sale Ends Today! Plus New Items Added!

Every weekend this month, my online store will be offering deals on the merch for the holiday season. This weekend, when you buy a book, you get a free bar of the scented handsoap that everyone seems to really love! I just restocked so grab them while they are still in the shop! It’s the perfect time to stock up on gardening supplies, pre-wrapped holiday gifts, and more. Use code FLOWER at checkout. The sale ends tonight!

Preorder My Second Book Here!

My next book will publish with Harvest House Publishers on March 11, 2025! Did you preorder yet? The Bricks ‘n Blooms Beautiful and Easy Flower Garden Planner is available now for preorder and is a great accompaniment to my first book.

Preordering is a huge deal for authors because it helps get the book out into the algorithm at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

In this planner, you’ll find cheat sheets, mood board ideas, garden designs, and so much more. This planner will help you in six key areas that include:

• Understanding your garden
• Designing and planning
• Planting and growing
• Tracking seasonal gardening tasks   
• Creating a gardening calendar
• Reviewing flower and plant performance

What I’m Shopping For This Week

It’s been a random week of stuff! I’m starting to look at Christmas decor for my home and of course, needed a few odds and ends for the garden. Here’s what I’m shopping for this week!

• I bought more of this wilt spray to keep my beautiful fresh evergreen decor looking amazing. If you are using live greenery inside or out, you need this.
• This cleaning spray for my crystal chandelier. We’ve lived here for three years now and they chandelier needs a good cleaning! Have not done it yet! You simply spray this on and let it drip off. No wiping necessary.
• While I was at the spa in Vegas, there was a eucalyptus steam room. To try to replicate that experience, I bought these shower steamers. Have you tried them before? What a great stocking stuffer idea!
• I broke down and finally bought myself a decent hairdryer. And it’s not just decent. It works incredibly well! I usually get a keratin treatment but want to stop getting them and am looking for ways to style my hair with less damage.

Top Trending Products This Week

These are the most popular products on my blog this week!

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

How to Make Paper Bag Snowflakes Without Making the Same Mistakes I Did

Perfect paper bag snowflakes? Yes, it’s possible! Discover the surprising trick I learned (the hard way) for flawless results every time.

Winter Sowing for Beginners: A Foolproof Guide to Starting Seeds Outdoors

Jumpstart your garden with winter sowing! Easy outdoor seed starting for early blooms and big harvests, even for beginners.

Stress-Free Gift Wrapping: Easy Ideas for a Joyful Holiday

Christmas gift wrapping made easy! Creative, stress-free ideas for busy people.

Growing Paperwhites Indoors: Planting and Styling Ideas

Get stunning paperwhite blooms in weeks! This simple tutorial shows you how to force bulbs indoors and style them in your space, even with no gardening experience. Learn how to grow paperwhites indoors with these simple tips.

Build the Perfect Grazing Table for the Holiday Season

Host a feast for the eyes and palate. Build the perfect grazing table! Step-by-step guide with tips for beginners. Cheese, charcuterie, styling & more.

Festive and Chic: Rustic Elegant Christmas Tablescape Ideas

Get easy Christmas tablescape ideas with green & gold decor. Festive & chic tips for a stunning holiday table.

Amazing Inspiration from Around the Web

I love finding cool inspiration from around the web and wanted to share some of what I’m loving right now.

• These 10 5-minutes or less Christmas decorating ideas.
• Wait until you try this mint chocolate bark recipe!
• These 10 handmade gifts for a family gift exchange.
• This simple snack board sounds so good!
• These Christmas kitchen decor ideas.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo