We celebrated the holiday a little differently this year. Over the Easter weekend I worked like a maniac in the camp kitchen—planning menus, doing grocery inventories, meeting with sales reps, and thinking about the busy months ahead even in my sleep. It was satisfying work, but by the end I needed a break.
So now I’m finally resting.
My husband is away for the day attending a seminar with friends, and I’m relaxing in a beautiful White Rock, BC home. Tomorrow we’ll head south for a few days of R&R in Washington state. Even though a long list of camp tasks still waits for me, I’m making a conscious effort to set those worries aside and soak up this time to refresh.
One of the first things that comes to mind when heading away is the little ritual my mom taught me: clean the house before you leave. “It’s always nice to come home to a clean house,” she used to say. I’ve come to appreciate that wisdom. After planning menus until my head spun, I decided to turn my attention to the house and give it a bit of care. It’s been neglected for a while, and it felt important to restore some order so we can truly enjoy our time away and return to a tidy, welcoming space.
We’ve made good progress on the bathroom, and for the first time in months the dining room was finally freed from paint cans, drop cloths, and a miscellaneous assortment of tools and supplies. Removing that clutter felt like a small renovation in itself. Once the work materials were gone, I could finally dust the furniture properly and see the room breathe again.
With the basics tidied, I couldn’t resist swapping out the heavier winter decorations for a few spring touches. I brought in fresh accents and some seasonal greenery from the yard—small changes that make the whole house feel lighter. The little white blooms I cut for the table are so cheerful; I think they might be from a bridal veil shrub, though I’d welcome correction if anyone recognizes them differently.
In the living room, a serious layer of dust provided motivation. Once I wiped it away, I added a few sunny yellow accents and some summer-inspired beach decor to lift the mood. Bringing in bright colors and seasonal details is one of my favorite, low-effort ways to refresh a home for spring; it instantly makes the rooms feel more inviting and vibrant.
I also pulled a few pictures that had been part of the entryway gallery wall and repositioned them to complement the living area. Small adjustments like repositioning art and arranging a bookcase can have a big visual impact and help a room feel finished without a major overhaul.
The sense of order returning to the house feels good. It’s one thing to imagine a clean, peaceful space and another to actually create it. Clearing away the remnants of renovation and daily life lets the home’s character shine again.
Our bathroom is almost ready too. It’s not staged for its final “beauty shots” yet, but the finishing touches are coming together and the space is nearly complete. I’m looking forward to sharing more about that renovation when everything is finished and photographed properly—there’s a satisfying mix of relief and excitement in seeing a project come to completion.
For now, I’m enjoying the pause: a cleaned and refreshed home, a nearly finished bathroom renovation, and a few days of rest on the horizon. Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning, a small renovation, or just taking a moment to breathe, a bit of thoughtful care can make your space feel renewed and welcoming.