When Life Gives You Lemons… You Make Lemonade
(And Maybe a Coloring Sheet, a Pair of Earrings, and a Whole Lemon Table Setting)
Lemons have taken over my life—and I’m not even a little mad about it.
They’ve popped up in my product line, my daughter’s wardrobe, our family’s grocery trips, and even in the form of coloring pages and print-on-demand drinking glasses. But this whole lemon thing didn’t start because it was trendy. It started because it felt familiar.
🍋 It All Started at Dollar Tree
A few weeks ago, my husband and I ran into Dollar Tree for a quick Easter basket filler trip. We had a mission, and my husband was determined to keep me focused on it. But the moment we walked in, I saw them—lemon-printed kitchen wares. Something on the shelf caught my eye, and my husband already knew I had a new focus.
There on the shelf were glasses covered in bright yellow lemons and delicate white blossoms. I gasped—loudly—and ran toward them like I’d found buried treasure. I'm pretty sure my husband rolled his eyes, gently reminding me we were there for basket stuffers. But I couldn’t help it. These glasses looked exactly like the ones we had in my kitchen growing up.
The ones from childhood were hand-me-downs from relatives, part of that old tradition of fruit-themed everything in 80s–90s kitchens. And here they were again—nearly identical—waiting for me at the Dollar Tree. They reminded me of the scent of lemon Pledge, the feel of cool tile under bare feet, and the kind of comfort that only a grandmother’s kitchen can give. I grabbed one. Then two. And just like that… life gave me lemons.
🍋 From Nostalgia to Lemonade
Not long after that, my daughter and I made fresh-squeezed lemonade—no special tools, just our hands and a simple recipe. What better moment to use my new glasses? The more I stared at those happy little lemons, the more the love grew.
I designed a cheerful lemon-themed coloring page. I created a new earring design using beautiful lemon-colored Czech glass beads. I even made a print-on-demand glass that says:
“When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade stand.”
And then my husband and daughter came home from the grocery store one day with lemon-printed plates, napkins, and even a lemon dress for our girl. It felt like lemons were just… showing up everywhere.
Instead of brushing it off as a passing phase, I leaned in. I’m even working on more lemon-themed products—because the truth is, it doesn’t feel like a detour from my brand. The nostalgic charm of lemons fits right in.
🍋 Why Lemons? What’s the Big Deal?
Okay—but seriously, why lemons? Why are they everywhere right now? What is it about this fruit we used to only associate with pies and dish towels?
Here’s what I think:
Lemons are joyful. Their bright yellow color feels like sunshine. You can’t help but smile at a happy lemon print.
They’re rooted in tradition. Lemons were everywhere in 80s and 90s kitchens—on potholders, dishes, wallpaper, and cleaning bottles. They remind us of a time when home felt slower, more intentional, and less distracted. In short—they remind us of home.
They’re vintage, but fresh. Lemons feel retro without being outdated. Whether your kitchen is farmhouse, cottage, or mid-century, lemons still work.
They symbolize homemaking. Lemons were practical, pretty, clean, and welcoming—just like the women whose kitchens they graced.
So while the lemon trend might look like a seasonal style choice, I think it’s deeper than that. It’s comfort, memory, cheerfulness—and a reminder of the beauty in everyday home life—all wrapped up in one bright yellow package.
🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons… Man, These Are a Lot of Lemons
Let’s be real: this isn’t just a splash of lemon—it’s a full-on fruit takeover.
Between the glassware, the jewelry, the coloring pages, and the lemon-print everything in my kitchen… it’s safe to say I’m all in.
And I’m okay with that.
Because when something brings back good memories—when it makes your home feel brighter and your heart a little warmer—it’s worth holding onto. Or, in my case, collecting in comical quantities.
“When life gives you lemons… man, these are a lot of lemons.”
(Cue image of a 1950s housewife trying to carry a mountain of lemon-printed everything. Yes—I had that made too.)
🍋 A Lemon-Scented Brand Moment
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about embracing what makes us feel rooted, warm, and inspired.
Lemons may not have been part of my original product plan, but they belong here now—just like they belonged in the old lady kitchens I loved as a child.
And if I’m going to lean into a trend, let it be one that smells like citrus, sparkles with sunshine, and reminds me of home.
Want to Bring Some Lemon Joy Into Your Life?
✍️ Tell me—do lemons remind you of anything from your childhood? Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @eidelsideas—especially if you’re also happily drowning in lemon merch right now.
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