Category Archives: Welcoming Haven

🎉 Happy New Year from Around Dusty Roads!

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Stepping Into 2026 With a Fresh Start

Happy New Year! January 1st is basically the world’s biggest “Let’s try that again,” and honestly, I love that energy. A brand‑new year feels like stepping onto a blank page—full of possibility, potential, and maybe even a few delightful surprises waiting in the margins. I hope everyone is kicking off 2026 with big dreams, bold ideas, and a little spark of excitement for what’s ahead.

A New Creative Chapter Begins

If you read my New Year’s Eve post, you might remember I hinted that something new was brewing behind the scenes. Well, today is the big reveal! Don’t worry—Welcoming Haven is still going strong. But over the past year, I’ve realized something important: I get so much more joy from writing blog posts, creating recipes, and sharing cozy content than I do from checking inventory every morning.

So instead of expanding Welcoming Haven in the traditional way, I decided to follow the path that felt more creative, more fun, and honestly, more me.

Introducing… Printable by Deborah!

Originally, I planned to create a Welcoming Haven spin‑off, but every name I loved was already taken. After a few rounds of brainstorming (and maybe a few eye rolls at the universe), I decided this new project deserved its own identity while still staying connected to Welcoming Haven.

And so, Printable by Deborah was born—a brand‑new Etsy shop filled with cozy, helpful, beautifully designed printables. You’ll still find it linked on my Welcoming Haven site, but it now has its own cheerful little home on Etsy:

👉 printablebydeborah.etsy.com

Meet the Mascot (Banner Steps Into the Spotlight)

Every creative shop needs a mascot, right? Since this project leans heavily into color and design, I chose Banner to represent the brand. Balboa will absolutely get his moment another day—this was purely a color‑palette decision, not favoritism. (He has been assured.) Check  out my Etsy Shop logo with Banner’s paw print of approval.

We’re Open for Business!

I’m thrilled to share that the shop is officially live! A handful of printables are already uploaded, and more are on the way. It feels like the perfect way to start the year—fresh, fun, and full of creative possibility.

Here’s to new beginnings, blank pages, and a wonderfully cozy 2026. Let the adventure begin!

Lemon Chicken & Rice

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🍋 When Life Gives You Shriveling Lemons…

Last grocery trip, I grabbed a bag of lemons for haddock night. It was cheaper by the bag than buying just one or two. Fast forward a few days, and those leftover lemons were looking a little sad—shriveling skin, tough rind, not exactly zest-worthy. But waste not, want not!

No fresh fish in the house, but I did have chicken breasts in the freezer. And so, lemon chicken and rice was born.

🥣 Setting Up the Breading Station

I’ll admit it—I hate the mess of breading stations. But sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Here’s how I set mine up:

  • Bowl 1: Flour for the base
  • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs for the glue
  • Bowl 3: Bread crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan for the crust

🔪 Prepping the Chicken

Out came my trusty fillet knife. I sliced the chicken breasts into cutlets, then pounded them to about Âź-inch thickness (great stress relief, by the way).

 

🍳 Into the Skillet

I heated 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Each cutlet went through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb routine before hitting the pan.

Cook until golden and crisp, turning once—about 6–8 minutes total. For safety, check with an instant-read thermometer: you’re looking for 165°F.

🧈 The Butter-Lemon Sauce

This is the magic that ties it all together.

  1. Wipe the skillet clean.
  2. Melt butter, stirring constantly.
  3. Add garlic and onion powder, cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Reduce heat to low, then slowly add lemon juice and chicken broth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

🍽️ Plating Perfection

On a bed of rice, I arranged lemon slices around the edges, topped with the cutlets, and drizzled that luscious butter-lemon sauce over everything.

Result? Pure comfort food. And honestly, the leftovers taste even better the next day.

👩‍🍳 Final Notes

The full recipe will be posted in Mom’s Recipe Corner at Welcoming Haven once I nail down the exact measurements (I eyeballed everything this time). And seriously—does anyone know how much a “pinch” really is?

Full recipe here

❄️ Wrapped in Winter Warmth ❄️

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When the New England nights settle in and the frost paints the windows, there’s nothing better than curling up under a blanket that feels like a hug. That’s why we’re swooning over the faux fur throws and blankets from Welcoming Haven—soft, stylish, and perfect for those long winter evenings.

 

✨ Why we love them:

• Luxuriously plush texture that makes every couch session feel indulgent
• Generously sized for solo snuggles or sharing with your favorite person (or pup!)

Whether you’re sipping cocoa, reading by the fire, or binge-watching your latest series, these throws transform ordinary nights into cozy rituals.

✨ Faux Fur Throw Blanket for Couch

The ultimate everyday snuggle essential. Plush softness transforms your couch into a haven.  Perfect for curling up with a book or sharing cocoa with friends. Find it Here

🐆 Luxury Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw

For those who love a touch of bold style, this throw brings wild elegance to your living space. It’s as chic as it is cozy—statement décor that doubles as your warmest winter companion. Available here

🐇 Ultra Soft Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket

Velvety smooth and irresistibly soft, this blanket feels like pure luxury. Ideal for layering on your bed or wrapping yourself in comfort after a long day. Available Here

👉 Explore these cozy treasures at Welcoming Haven and make your winter nights unforgettable.

The 4 P’s of Cold Weather

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❄️The 4 P’s of Cold Weather

Snow is piling up across Massachusetts, the winds are howling, and winter has officially settled in. Here on Around Dusty Roads, we know that surviving the season isn’t just about braving the cold—it’s about finding comfort, warmth, and maybe even a little humor along the way.

That’s why we’re sharing the tried-and-true 4 P’s of Cold Weather: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

👨‍👩‍👧 People

  • Dress in layers: Think of it as building your own personal insulation system.
  • Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly—sometimes a knock on the door means more than just a wellness check; it’s a chance to share a smile.
  • Prepare for outages: Stock up on blankets, flashlights, and snacks. (Yes, marshmallows count.)

🐾 Pets

  • Bring them inside: If you wouldn’t sleep outside in a snowbank, neither should your dog.
  • Keep water fresh: Frozen bowls are no fun for thirsty pets.
  • Create cozy corners: Heated beds or a pile of blankets make winter feel less like survival and more like luxury.

 

 

🚰 Pipes

  • Insulate exposed pipes: Foam covers are basically puffy jackets for your plumbing.
  • Let faucets drip: Keeps water moving and pressure down. Bonus: dripping faucets double as cat entertainment—your feline friends will think you installed a new toy just for them.
  • Disconnect hoses: Outdoor hoses don’t enjoy becoming popsicles.

🌱 Plants

  • Cover delicate greenery: Burlap, blankets, or tarps—plants love a good winter fashion statement.
  • Bring potted plants inside: Herbs and houseplants thrive when they’re not auditioning for Frozen.
  • Think ahead: Protecting plants now means fewer tears when spring finally arrives.

🛋️ Featured Cozy Essential: Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw

When the winds whip and the snow piles high, nothing says “winter survival” quite like a blanket that’s equal parts warmth and style. Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw is the ultimate winter companion:

  • Luxuriously soft: Perfect for curling up with a book or binge-watching your favorite series.
  • Wildly stylish: Adds a pop of personality to your living room or bedroom dĂŠcor.
  • Practical warmth: Because sometimes the best way to fight the cold is to embrace cozy.

👉 Ready to make winter chic and cozy? Shop the Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw at Welcoming Haven today!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Winter in New England is a test of preparation, patience, and humor. By remembering the **4 P’s—People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants—you’ll keep your home safe, your loved ones cozy, and maybe even your cats entertained. And when it’s time to settle in after a long day of shoveling, let Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw be your stylish shield against the cold.

 

 

❄️ Cozy Winter Décor Tips: Love Where You Live

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Good morning, Dear Readers,

At Welcoming Haven, we are more than a HomeGoods store. We’re here to help you create spaces that feel like home — places where your personality shines and comfort surrounds you. Winter is the season of warmth, gathering, and little indulgences, and we believe your décor should reflect that spirit.

✨ 1. Light the Way with Warm Glow

Nothing says cozy like soft lighting. Layer candles, lanterns, and string lights to create a gentle ambiance. Choose scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or peppermint to add a sensory touch that makes evenings feel magical.

🪵 2. Textures that Hug You Back

Winter dĂŠcor is all about touch. Think chunky knit throws, faux fur pillows, and woven baskets. These textures invite you to curl up and stay awhile, turning any corner into a snug retreat.

🌲 3. Nature-Inspired Accents

Bring the outdoors in with pinecones, evergreen sprigs, or rustic wood pieces. These natural elements add charm and remind us of the beauty of winter landscapes — without the chill.

 

🍫 4. Sweet Seasonal Indulgences

Décor isn’t just visual; it’s experiential. Imagine sipping rich hot cocoa while savoring peppermint bark by the fire. To make your haven complete, we’re offering a Cozy Winter Bundle featuring both treats — the perfect companions for your seasonal décor.

“Shop our Cozy Winter Bundle today and bring the season’s magic home!

 

💖 Love Where You Live

At Welcoming Haven, our motto is more than words. It’s an invitation to create spaces that bring joy, comfort, and connection. This winter, let your home be a haven where warmth and delight meet.