Woo hoo! I have a new lease on life! After months holed up in my basement test kitchen, I have finished my book and returned to the world of windows, light, and fresh air (my upstairs).

Though let me tell you, reentry was in no way a seamless transition. I had a larger than usual amount of spring cleaning to do before I could feel at home in my own living space. True story: During the fall and winter, I had stockpiled decorated cookies the way a squirrel hoards its acorns, packing them into every nook and cranny of the house out of fear that I might drop a box or the icing might bleed, thus causing a costly re-shoot. By the time my book project wrapped, I couldn't walk through the upstairs -- or open the front door for that matter -- without moving a cookie box or tripping over several first. Pictured below is a small fraction of the cookies purged in recent weeks. (Yikes!)

Sure, it was difficult to see hours of work meet its fate in the garbage can. But with each thud of cookie against galvanized metal, I got closer to a free and clear mind.

Yes, there's no denying that stopping to smell the roses is a very good thing. That said, I've pulled together this garden themed newsletter to make sure you do the same! It's got everything from planning tips for a Mother's Day garden party to floral cookie designs to help you celebrate spring.