Happy almost-Easter, First name / dear friend!

 

A few weeks ago, I spent a sweet morning celebrating our daughter, Betsy’s birthday with a spa day at a local hotel. Afterward, we sat by the pool for lunch—and I surprised her by bringing along her baby book. We laughed and reminisced as I read aloud stories from her childhood. It was such a special morning together.

 

It reminded me just how meaningful it is to write things down—those little memories and milestones that might seem ordinary at the time, but become treasures later on. You never know when you’ll get the chance to share them again, even years later.

 

When our kids were growing up, one of our favorite Mother’s Day traditions included going to church, then heading for a special lunch at the beautiful Grand Floridian Hotel at Disney. Now that they’re grown, our celebrations look a little different, but one moment that always stayed with me was during the church service—couples would be invited to stand and receive prayer if they were hoping to have children. It was such a powerful, emotional reminder of how deeply we all long to love and be loved through family.

 

In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing some thoughts on motherhood and kindness, a favorite lemon angel food cake recipe just in time for Easter, and spotlighting a charming tea room and shop called Lavender ’n Lace in Lake Alfred, Florida—where my book Simple Hospitality is carried!

 

Grab a cup of tea and settle in…

 

As we look ahead to Mother’s Day next month, I wanted to share a short excerpt from the very first chapter of the book—a reminder that hospitality begins not with perfection, but with intention.

 

“Your table is an outward display of an inward heart of hospitality… 

They will remember how it felt to be there and how nice it was to be invited.”

 

Sometimes, the most powerful way we show love is by simply being ready—with a place to sit, a moment to connect, or a warm welcome that says, “You matter.” 

And that’s something so many mothers model so beautifully.

 

This spring, let’s keep our hearts (and tables!) open to the ones we love. 💛

You can click here to read the full chapter on my website.

 

In other book news (in case you missed it in my last newsletter), I am so honored that I was one of 40+ authors accepted for a Book Fair at Oxford Exchange in Tampa, one of my very favorite shops!

 

If you're local, I would absolutely LOVE to have you attend and be part of this special event with me. Mark your calendars for the 11th Annual Oxford Exchange Book Fair on May 1st from 6-9pm. You have to reserve a ticket here, but the event is free to attend!!

 

Our daughter, Anna was recently flying home from the Bahamas after a special girls’ trip celebrating her sister, Betsy’s birthday. As she settled in for the flight, something unexpected made her smile—and later, she texted me because she knew I’d love it, too.

 

As the flight attendant wrapped up her announcements, she added this cheerful reminder: “Remember to throw kindness around like confetti. You never know who will need it around you!” Isn’t that beautiful?  

 

It was such a sweet and unexpected moment—one that stayed with Anna, and now with me, too. A simple line, offered with warmth, and suddenly you’re reminded just how powerful small words can be.

 

Kindness doesn’t need to be grand or formal. Sometimes it shows up in the skies. Sometimes in the grocery line. Sometimes in a text from someone you love.

 

Wherever we are, we can sprinkle kindness like confetti. 🎉

We never know who around us might need it!

This Mother's Day, I’d love to encourage a simple way to sprinkle a little kindness and connection into the season. Whether it’s hosting a casual brunch, writing a heartfelt note to a mother figure in your life, or offering a small act of hospitality to someone who needs encouragement—these little gestures go a long way in showing love.

 

Have you ever heard of the tradition, May Basket Day on May 1st? Growing up in Minnesota, we would craft pretty little baskets filled with flowers or treats, hang them on someone’s doorknob, ring the doorbell—and RUN! Such fun for me as a little girl! I’ll never forget the joy of leaving one on our neighbor, Mrs. Maybeth’s door each year. She was like a second mom to me, and it was such a sweet way to show her how much she meant to us. 🌸🧺 

 

Whether you bring back a tradition like May Baskets or create your own, let it be simple, thoughtful, and filled with love—the kind of hospitality that lingers long after the moment has passed.

Exciting news! Lavender 'n Lace, the delightful tea room that carries Simple Hospitality, just placed another order for more copies!

 

If you haven’t been before, Lavender 'n Lace is truly a gem. I love how the decor changes with the seasons—it’s always warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. Their menu is just as special: each dish is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks. My personal favorite is the crunchy chicken casserole, which comes with a veggie salad and a slice of watermelon. The chicken salad and fruit plate is another delicious choice!

 

This cozy tea room and its adjoining gift shop embody the heart of hospitality. Whether you're local or just passing through, I encourage you to stop by this unique tea shop where you can slow down, connect, and savor the beauty of a simple moment.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for catching up with me!!

P.S. Did you know? All proceeds from Simple Hospitality go directly to support the new Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion—a place of hope, healing, and care for families in our community. Thank you for helping make a difference with every book you gift and share.

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Forward it to a friend—it would mean so much to me! 💌

 

If someone forwarded it to you—welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Jennifer Boyd, and I recently published Simple Hospitality: An Invitation to Add Kindness to Your Everyday Life, a dream 25 years in the making. In both my book and newsletter, I share the heart behind hospitality—simple ways to bring kindness and connection into everyday life.

 

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