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The winter winds may be blowing outside, but there's a breath of spring inside at Heart N Home. The store is filled with new ideas for spring, according to owner Diane Orton.

"Without spending much money, you can give a fresh spring look to your home. Keep a neutral background and add touches of color. Aqua blues and spring greens are very popular," she said. "Lighten things up, change your linens, add dome greenery or florals."

Orton said her shop has a lot of new grasses and foliage.

"A few pieces of greenery is all we need to remind us that spring is just around the corner," she said.

The store has expanded its jewelry selection. Orton offers a unique variety of necklace and earring sets, one-of-a-kind bracelets, watches and rings. To go along with the jewelry, Orton said she has added a selection of vests, blouses and neck scarves. Some of the jackets are reversible, and according to Orton are lightweight enough to layer with T-shirts and turtlenecks underneath.

Heart N Home also offers a bridal registry. Orton said brides who register at the store will receive a free gift. The best time for brides to register is about two to three weeks before their first bridal shower, according to Orton.

"Being registered locally makes it very convenient for their guests and the couple gets to pick out the exact accessories they wish to use in decorating their new home," she said.

Orton said the store also has a gift registry for anyone who has a birthday, anniversary or any occasion.

"Customers can stop in and write down a few gift items on a postcard that we provide, and then they can give to whomever they wish, or we can keep record of it here at the store," she said. The postcard offers a 15 percent discount on the entire purchase.

"That's a great way to get that perfect gift for someone and save a little money, too," she said.

For last minute Valentine's Day shoppers, Orton suggested a gift certificate for the recipient.

"Women like to get gift certificates so they can pick out something they like for themselves or their home," she said.

Orton said lots of new merchandise is coming in, including new wall prints, clocks and sconces. To personalize exterior spaces, Heart N Home has new garden decor, including real flame fireplaces: personal tabletop models and larger ones for the deck.

"These fireplaces are perfect for entertaining indoors and out without any smell or smoke," she said.

Heart N Home also carries Guy Wolff pottery in several finishes and designs. The pottery looks good inside, as well, as a decorative piece.

A new look for home decorating comes in the form of vinyl word art. Orton said the vinyl pieces include popular sayings and words that can be applied to a wall or as part of a wall grouping. The phrases are easy to apply and easy to remove.

"Other phrases and even family names can be special ordered to customize a look for the home," she said.

The store also carries antiques, something not readily available in the area, she said.

Heart N Home also offers a variety of gourmet foods, including Wind and Willow soups, dips and cheeseball mixes. A fun new line of drink mixes is also available. Packaged in colorful bags, the flavored drink mixes come ready to add to a favorite wine, vodka or other liquor. The mixes come in many flavors, such as chocolate, berry, grape and others. The mix creates a slush when frozen, she said.

Bargain hunters will enjoy browsing through Heart N Home's new 50 percent off selection. New items are added each week, Orton said.

Orton has operated the store for nearly 19 years and has four part-time employees. She started out in a smaller shop on Superior Street, and about two years ago, moved to her new location at 1423 Superior St. The new store offers multiple levels for displays, with many interesting nooks to show off merchandise.

"We like to have an area give the atmosphere of a home, so the customer can get ideas for their own home. They don't have to wonder then how to put the look together," she said.

"I would like to invite customers in to relax for a few minutes and see what we have to offer," Orton said. "If people need help putting together a wall or area, we would love to offer our help. We enjoy helping our customers with any questions they might have."

Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net or call 832-4350.