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🌷 Intro: Cozy Spring Refresh
Hello, dear friends,
Spring is finally here! Even though I am an autumn person, I do love spring. There’s something magical about it—the longer days, the soft light, the flowers, and the fresh energy it brings. To celebrate, I gave my space a little spring makeover, baked some carrot cake muffins, and gathered a list of books perfect for the season.
This season is about renewal, fresh beginnings, and simple pleasures. Whether it's rearranging your space, baking something warm and fragrant, or getting lost in a book, I hope you find ways to embrace the magic of spring.
🌼 New Products in my Shop
I've launched new seasonal products in my Etsy shop to celebrate the arrival of spring!
🧺 A Studio Ghibli-Inspired Room Refresh
One of my favourite ways to welcome a new season is by rearranging and decorating my space. I live in a 34-square-metre flat (approximately 365 square feet), which has only one room (plus the little corridor kitchen between the room and the front door). So it is quite easy to move things around.
Inspired by Studio Ghibli’s cozy movies and my Pinterest feed, I refreshed my desk, dining area, and bed using second-hand finds, cute fabrics, and simple DIY touches. Moving furniture even slightly can make a space feel completely new!
If you're looking for inspiration, try:
• Soft, warm lighting (fairy lights, candles)
• Vintage or second-hand decor
• Fresh flowers & greenery (fresh or dried!)
• Light, airy fabrics (pastel tones, floral patterns, gingham)
• Wicker baskets
• Botanical prints
• Little colourful trinkets
🥕 Baking Carrot-Cake Muffins
I wanted to make something cozy yet simple, and these carrot cake muffins were a perfect choice!
I didn't want to use sugar, so instead of the typical cup of sugar, I used a teaspoon of agave syrup. They turned out quite moistured and delicious.
RECIPE
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp agave syrup
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup plant-based milk (I used vanilla-flavored)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 cups finely grated carrots• 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, and wet in another.
Combine both, then fold in carrots and walnuts.
Divide into muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes.
Since they’re not overly sweet, I love slicing them in half and adding chocolate nougat cream & a strawberry slice—a little indulgence!
I also decorated them with a touch of peanut butter and edible flowers for a spring-like finish.
If you prefer a sweeter version, feel free to adjust or find another recipe that suits your taste!
📙 Books with Spring Vibes
I’ve gathered a seasonal reading list—a mix of gentle, enchanting, and beautifully illustrated books. Whether you're looking for comforting classics, nature-inspired reads, or whimsical stories, there’s something for everyone.
🌷By Ash, Oak and Thorn: https://amzn.to/3FN7ns1
🌷Flowerheart: https://amzn.to/4hBcGbC
🌷How to Be a Wildflower: https://amzn.to/4iKR2Cx
🌷Anne of Green Gables: https://amzn.to/4hJSnc5
🌷The Cottagecore Baking Book: https://amzn.to/4hBd0Hm
🌷Slow Living: https://amzn.to/4ilvhJN
🌷The Love Language of Flowers: https://amzn.to/4iokui3
🌷Floriography: https://amzn.to/425zbzJ
🌷Emily of New Moon: https://a.co/d/iR7aR2Y
🌷Brambly Hedge: https://amzn.to/41J3yLZ
🌷A Natural History of Fairies: https://amzn.to/4hocFHT
🌷Other books: https://amzn.to/4iN5SbP
Don't forget to explore my Etsy shop for the new seasonal products I've launched recently.
Wishing you all a wonderful day.
With love,
Indoora
Oh how lovely. The photography alone is so stunning and very Ghibli feeling. I have read all the books (except the Language of Flowers) you have listed and love them! You have good taste. The Slow Living book I read in August! I love that you put pansies on the muffins. Delicious looking.