February 25, 2025

Spring into shopping

I don’t care what the groundhog in Punxsutawney said. I don’t care what my calendar says. It’s spring. Yesterday I saw the sun and it was above 50, so in my mind, winter is over.

In light of the new season, I looked for the best spring finds in Mt. Lebanon. Here are a few of my favorites from local shops.

Rollier’s

600 Washington Road

No matter what time of year it is, I can count on Rollier’s for seasonal decor. I really like these matching mug and plate sets, but the star of the show is the bunny in a boa.

tea sets in pastel colors with a ceramic bunny — Nothing screams spring quite like pastels and bunnies in boas. Photo: Rachel Windsor

The backyard of my apartment faces a small wooded area — meaning lots of squirrels. For months I’ve been wanting to put up either a box for them to sleep in or a feeder for treats. So naturally, I was very excited to find a mini Adirondack chair designed for squirrels.

mini red chair on a tablecloth — Squirrels need a place to rest, too. Photo: Rachel Windsor

And since I’m on the subject, I’d like to take a minute to appreciate the squirrel that routinely sun bathes on a broken tree limb in my backyard.

two images of a squirrel laying on a broken tree branch — Obsessed with him. I aspire to be this comfortable. Photo: Rachel Windsor

Back to shopping. While you’re thinking about outdoor decoration, don’t forget that Rollier’s has seeds, seeds and more seeds. The large selection includes flowers and organic vegetables.

racks of garden seeds in a store — Need seeds? Don’t look any further. Photo: Rachel Windsor

The Blooming Dahlia

308 Beverly Road

What better place to go spring shopping than a flower shop? The Blooming Dahlia’s new location on Beverly Road offers custom flower arrangements, potted plants, candles, cleaning products and more.

Locally made Penn Chemists candles, small friendship plants and orchids are available at the front of the store.

Small, low-maintenance plants are very trendy right now. Just check out PlantTok (plants on TikTok). Photo: Rachel Windsor

For those of us getting ready for spring cleaning, Blooming Dahlia offers a line of natural cleaning products, infused with essential oils.

Another interesting find is the Odds & Ends bag of soap. It’s made from leftover scraps of soap, repurposed into a new bar. Photo: Rachel Windsor

Mediterra Cafe

292 Beverly Road

Anyone that knows me is aware that I drink coffee all day long. So when 2 p.m. hit and I needed a caffeine boost, I stopped at Mediterra. While waiting for my iced latte, I browsed their small store for springy finds. Honeycombs, fruit spreads and fresh flowers definitely fit the bill.

honey comb and honey, tulips, and jars of jam — Lots of fruity and floral options at Mediterra. Photo: Rachel Windsor

Inner Light

295 Beverly Road

Inner Light is having a sale on winter clothing right now to make way for spring apparel. These baseball caps will come in handy as you spend more time outdoors, re-upping your low Vitamin D levels.

Cute baseball caps for sunny weather. Photo: Rachel Windsor

These hanging gem and metal designs are a simple, fun way to brighten your space.

I’d love to hang these by my windows, if I didn’t have cats that would immediately tear them down. Photo: Rachel Windsor

The Learning Express

1500 Washington Road

Squishmallow and Jellycat. These stuffed animals are all the rage right now, so if you’re looking for a new gift for your kids, this is the place to go.

squishmallow stuffed animals and other childrens toys in a store — Spring Squishes! Photo: Rachel Windsor

Even if you’re not a kid, they’re adorable. What’s not to like about a floppy-ear bunny that sort of resembles a rat?

The Learning Express has rows and rows of Jellycat. Photo: Rachel Windsor

I’m looking forward to more warm weather trips to our business districts, where I can walk from store to store, coffee in hand, browsing specially selected items.