This morning I woke to birds singing and the peaceful sound of rain against my window pane. If I allow myself to daydream I can feel spring trying to ease her way back to the frosty Netherlands that Columbia County has turned into. I am pretty sure that we have had a winter more bitter cold than Alaska this year! I miss taking winter walks, snow-tubing or enjoying the outdoors, period. But with temperatures in the teens if not less, it makes for a long winter indoors and the perfect equation for cabin fever.
Trying to remain sane and positive, this time of year is perfect for focusing on our home and ourselves. I enjoy creating a home that feels like comfort. A sanctuary that speaks to my eclectic soul with bohemian and earthy touches. This past year I accumulated so much hodgepodge and items I thought I needed. I started to feel a bit claustrophobic so I started to purge, which I mentioned in my last article. It is so therapeutic to let go of what no longer serves purpose. If you feel like items are not adding beauty to your home or they are bringing your energy down, its time to donate them. Or toss them. After my great purge, I can truly say that my senses can relax a bit more. My home still showcases all that I love, just with much less clutter and clean open space. I did add some nice touches to my home that bring warmth and comfort. I like to think outside of the box when it comes to decor. Getting creative is perfect for days that we are stuck inside and we have a little more time on our hands. And it is the simple things that, when work out perfectly, bring me the greatest joy! Like my new hanging star lantern lamp that adds enough light so that my son can see while playing with his toys in the living-room and I can enjoy the exotic beauty it brings to my favorite corner of my home.
It is so beautiful and a great find. Handcrafted in India, super easy to put together and at $10.95 (plus the cord and bulb which was an additional $13.20), it was a must have!
Doing little things like this bring me such joy. I also treat myself to coffee made in my stove top peculator, writing in my journal, painting with my son, dancing to our favorite tunes. Along the lines of treating myself, lets get into focusing on our skin. These harsh winter days have been brutal on the skin. So while I am stuck indoors, why not have a home spa day. You do not need to break the bank on expensive skin care products. A simple face mask from the drugstore will do or you can create your own by combining 3 Tbsp rolled oats (ground into flour) + 1 Tbsp honey + 1/2 Tsp turmeric + some fresh lemon juice. Mix them together and leave on your face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. This mask will chase away the winter blues and bring out your inner glow! Just be sure to stick to the turmeric measurements. I added more and had to scrub my face which had an orange glow to it for days! It wasn't the glow I was going for! And since I am a sucker for anything lavender or herb related, I couldn't help "splurging" on this new find I came across as I was grocery shopping. Aside from the fact that it smells heavenly, the name is my vibe and the design is a bonus too: Love Beauty and Planet - Argan Oil & Lavender. At $6.99 a piece it might be a little pricey but well worth it!
And this my friends is my advice for getting through these next few months! Have faith, spring is near. Get your craft on or do whatever it is that will nurture your restless soul. Relax and take pleasure in these lazy winter months. Allow your body to go with the flow. Before you know it our schedules will be filled with spring and summer activities.
xo
Carla
