Sand Between Shifts

Tag: nature

  • Making a House a Home

    This past weekend wasn’t glamorous or grand, but it was the kind that lingers. The kind that quietly reminds you how lucky you are to live in your own little corner of the world.

    Our home isn’t “new” in the modern, pristine sense. Built in the ’60s, it carries the kind of character that only time can give; good bones, warm energy, and the subtle charm of history lived in. But like any meaningful relationship, a house becomes a home when you tend to it, love on it, and make it a reflection of your spirit.

    That’s precisely what I set out to do this weekend.

    Saturday began with a trip to one of my favorite places, Historic Smithville Village. If you’ve ever wandered its walkways, you know there’s a certain kind of magic in the air there. Amid the small shops and smiling faces, I found a beautiful birdhouse that felt like it belonged in our yard. I also couldn’t resist picking up another garden gnome (yes, I’m aware this might be turning into a mild obsession, but what can I say? They make me smile!).

    After that, I popped into Dollar General for a quick browse and left genuinely impressed. Their outdoor decor section was surprisingly lovely, budget-friendly, and full of charm. I found a sweet little birdfeeder and, of course, added a few more gnomes to the collection. At this point, the gnome community in our yard is beginning to rival our local HOA.

    Sunday was spent with soil on my hands and sun on my shoulders. Some of our plants were ready for roomier homes, so I repotted them and gave them a bit more breathing space. To fill the now-empty smaller pots, I headed to Bob’s Garden Center, which always has just what I didn’t know I needed. Among the new additions was a plant I can’t name (my apologies to my fellow plant lovers), but it reminds me of a miniature fairy tree; whimsical, delicate, and quietly magical. It’s already my favorite.

    As the day came to a close, I took a step back and looked around:

    The new birdhouse now hangs near the tree line.

    Birdfeeders are gently swaying in the breeze.

    New flowers are settling into their pots, while older ones are beginning to bloom with confidence.

    And on our front porch, tucked into one of the hanging baskets, a bird nest has come to life. The eggs have hatched, and the tiniest, fuzziest little chicks now call it home.

    It was one of those full-circle moments. As I stood in the yard, watering plants and brushing dirt off my knees, I felt it: the house had deepened its sense of home. Not because of new things, but because of intention, care, and love.

    I’m grateful for these peaceful, grounding moments in between shifts and schedules. Grateful for the birds that visit, the plants that grow, the little gnomes that stand guard. And most of all, thankful for this beautiful life, rooted in a home that’s becoming more us with each passing weekend.

  • Memorial Day Weekend Reflections: Gratitude, Garden Statues, and Boardwalk Bliss

    This past Memorial Day Weekend was one for the books. The Jersey Shore weather was a little breezy, but the skies stayed bright, and we made the absolute most of it. The kind of weekend that makes you pause and truly soak in how good life can be.

    Saturday kicked off with a solo trip to the Somers Point farmer’s market. There’s something deeply comforting about wandering through rows of fresh produce, handmade goods, and vibrant blooms. I picked up a bouquet that instantly breathed new life into our home—just one of those small joys that quietly transforms your whole day.

    After that, I headed about thirty minutes inland to Gene’s Farm and Garden Center. I’ve had my eye on a classic concrete birdbath for a while, and I knew they’d have a great selection. Sure enough, Gene’s didn’t disappoint. They have what they call “the concrete garden,” an open expanse of land covered with every kind of garden statue, birdbath, and concrete décor imaginable. It was whimsical, peaceful, and exactly the kind of quirky, hidden gem I love stumbling upon.

    Later that day, we had our first overnight guests at our new home, my boyfriend’s sister and her husband made the trip down from Pennsylvania. Hosting them felt like a little milestone for us, and it was so special to share our space with family. We went out to Josie Kelly’s for dinner—there was live music, great food, and even a few familiar faces from high school floating around. For a holiday weekend, I was pleasantly surprised that we didn’t run into any chaos trying to find parking or grab a table. It felt like the town saved a spot just for us.

    Sunday morning was slow and sweet. We took a walk to a nearby park, showing off a bit of our neighborhood charm to our guests. Then we headed to the Ocean City boardwalk, a place so full of nostalgia it almost hums. We hit all the classics: the arcade, Manco’s Pizza, and Johnson’s Popcorn. You know the drill. Even with the crowds, it still feels like a rite of passage to walk that boardwalk when the season begins.

    After saying goodbye to our guests later that day, we met up with my best friend to check out one of the newer bars in Margate called Sunrise. It was Knicks vs. Pacers on the screens, and though I’m a 76ers fan (and yes, I know they didn’t make the playoffs—pain), I’m still happy to be along for the postseason ride. The bar was lively, and we lucked out with a couple of seats just as the game heated up. It felt good to be out, surrounded by energy and friends, wrapped in that feeling of summer starting to unfold.

    Monday morning was all sunshine. I took a walk to a local market, where I grabbed a coffee and stumbled upon what I’m now officially declaring the best crumb cake I’ve ever had in my life (see below). No exaggeration—it was buttery, crisp, perfectly spiced, and gone too fast.

    We spent the rest of the day on the beach—just the two of us, music playing, homemade cocktails in hand, and a few rounds of our favorite beach game, Tidal Ball. Later, we capped off the day with seafood at a nearby bar before heading home, sun-kissed and content.

    I walked away from the weekend feeling incredibly grounded. Sometimes, in the whirlwind of work and responsibility, it’s easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for. But weekends like this remind me just how much my job has given me. It’s allowed me to build the kind of life I once only dreamed about, filled with meaningful connections, moments of joy, and a place that feels like home.

    Of course, not every day is easy. But the hard days make weekends like this even sweeter. They give the joy more weight. More texture. More meaning.

    Here’s to slowing down, soaking it all in, and finding the sand between our shifts.