Friday Blooms – Small joys and aesthetic moments to start the weekend

Our new weekly feature

Hello Bloomers!

Welcome to Friday Blooms, a new weekly series on my blog designed to inspire small yet meaningful rituals that cultivate joy, mindfulness, and appreciation.

As an empty nester and new Nana, I’ve entered a new chapter in my life — one where I now have the time to focus on my joys, passions, and the little things that make my beautiful life more beautiful. I'm focused on making this season of life about intentionality, mindfulness, and creating a space that reflects who I am now.

Setting aside time for gratitude each day brings me joy - it’s a way to bloom into the best version of myself. And what better day to begin our Friday Blooms journey together than today, Valentine's Day, a day that reminds us to celebrate love, kindness, and the little moments that make life special?

Here are a few simple ways to welcome the weekend with intention. These small practices can help us design a life in bloom:

1. Reflect with Gratitude

Take a moment to jot down three things that brought you joy this week. It could be as simple as a heartfelt conversation, a delicious homemade meal, a moment with a loved one, or the beauty in the morning sunrise.

Full disclosure, I don't often see the sunrise, I'm not really an morning person (hehe). But finding gratitude in each day has become something I regularly practice and I do find it brings a sense of peace to my days.

2. Curate Your Weekend Intentions

What do you want this weekend to feel like? Cozy and restful? Creative and inspiring? Set a small intention—whether it’s taking a mindful walk, working on a craft project, or carving out time for a slow morning with coffee and a book.

One personal benefit I've found from this is I'm less hard on myself if I decide I just want to allocate a day to do nothing! Being intentional with my time ensures a balance between creativity, connection, and rest, which we ALL need.

3. Indulge in a special Friday Self-Care Ritual

Run a warm bath with essential oils, get your toenails done, or curl up with a book. Fridays are for unwinding and setting the stage for a restful weekend.

I'm a sucker for a romance novel. And there is nothing more relaxing to me than cuddling up with a book (not on my laptop, not on my cellphone, but an actual book I can hold and turn the pages). My current favorite read? The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand.

4. Plan a Thoughtful Gesture

Send a sweet message to a friend, write a handwritten note, or surprise someone with a small act of kindness. Thoughtful moments create ripples of joy, both for you and those around you.

Today being Valentine's Day is the perfect time to do something special for family and friends to show appreciate and kindness. I made these Valentine gifts filled with homemade white chocolate bark - simple and guaranteed to put a smile on someone's face.

5. Bring the Outdoors In

There is something to be said about fresh flowers. Beyond their beauty and scent, they just bring a sense of relaxation and always boost my mood. I love to have them as a centerpiece for all to see. If you don’t have fresh flowers, take a quick walk and gather a few beautiful leaves, branches, or blooms. A simple nature-inspired touch adds beauty to your home and reminds you to slow down and appreciate the season.

For me, life moves fast. Friday evenings are an invitation to slow down and remind yourself that you are in a beautiful season of life — one that is meant to be bloomed into, one small moment at a time.

I hope these small Friday blooms help you enter the weekend with intention and joy. What’s one thing you’ll do today to make your weekend feel more special? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making life bloom!