Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large
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Iron your sheets
I'll be honest, I do not buy clothes that require ironing. I never got the handle of maneuvering a hot iron without adding more creases, but whenever I want to feel like I'm spending the night in a fancy hotel, I whip out the contraption and set it to my bedsheets, Martha Stewart style. The best part is, it will make even the cheapest, most threadbare sheets feel like a crisp hotel set.
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Fill your bed with pillows
Go around your home and gather all your pillows onto your bed. Sink into them and take a few deep breaths. Scatter them all around you to use as props for your arms and legs, or to create a cocoon for yourself. Bring a book to bed and finally create the perfect angle for reading. Prop your legs on 2 or 3 pillows after a long day. No extra pillows? You can use an extra cover or blanket instead. My mother-in-law rolls up old covers and turns them into body pillows. Smart lady, that one.
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Anoint your body in warm oil
This, this, this is the ultimate luxury. And it's actually an ancient practice that is said to heal your body. After your shower, lay a towel on the bed and massage the warmed oil into your limbs. If you don't have any sesame or coconut oil, you can substitute with your favourite cream - you know, the one that came with your perfume in that box set that you've been saving for a special occasion? This is it. Lay back and relax while your body absorbs the oil or cream. My music recommendation: Ludovico Einaudi's "In a Time Lapse" or for something upbeat, 'Roundtable Revival' by Lindsey Sterling (the music video is pretty stellar too).
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Wake up without an alarm clock
This one may take some practice and training before you can achieve it. Mornings start on a gentler, more positive note when you don't have 3 alarms going off in quick succession, or an annoying pop song come on that you won't be able to get out of your head the entire day. I haven't used an alarm to get up on time for almost a year, and it has profoundly changed the mood and energy of mornings. It also gives the impression that you chose to wake up at that time, and that is a powerful, luxurious feeling in itself.
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Go to bed early
What's more luxurious than making the decision to turn everything off and turn in for the night? Anyone with children and/or who work long, tiresome jobs will tell you that sleep is such a luxury - Arianna Huffington wrote an entire book about it! Getting to bed earlier will also help you wake up without an alarm clock.
I know it's not easy, and I'll admit that this little luxury still eludes me most nights as I stay awake to finish one more chapter, watch one more episode, or to finish up one last project. But from time to time, when I get to bed early and actually get in more than 5 hours of sleep, I feel refreshed and ready to take on anything when I wake up. |
Amazon link
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Diffuse your favourite relaxing oils
You've probably heard of the benefits of essential oils, and there are many popular brands out on the market. I use local organic oils along with an oil diffuser (called an ultrasonic nebulizer), and I refer to the recipes of the wise Valerie Ann Worwood for specific blends. The added benefit of a diffuser is that it sprays a fine mist that also adds some moisture and oil into the air that is said to purify the air, according to the experts.
If you don't have any of these on hand, you can dab some lavender oil on your temples and wrists. Simple, effective and relaxing. |
Amazon links
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Snuggle with your favourite companion
Whether it's your significant other, your kids, or a pet, taking time to be present and focus on quality time with those you love adds so much positivity to your day. Sure you may have to change the sheets or make the bed (again) or share the pillow fort, but the warm fuzzies, the boost of endorphins, and the smiles (or tail wags) you'll get are all worth it.
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Do you have any little luxuries or routines that make mornings and evenings in the bedroom feel more luxurious?
Wishing you mornings and evenings enveloped in luxury,
Katherine
Wishing you mornings and evenings enveloped in luxury,
Katherine
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How to cultivate a seasonal approach to life, with fun, creative activities for winter
"Live in each season as it passes; breathe air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each. Let them be your only diet and drink and botanical medicines."
- Henry Davide Thoreau
Here in my little slice of the Northern Hemisphere, we experience all four seasons. Or, if you choose to believe a local artist, 'My country is not a country, it's winter" (history+video) You see, winter comes early here, and stays late (later the further North you get), gracing us with snowstorms well into the spring. With the unusual amount of snow and cold that has swept many countries all across the globe, it is no surprise that the Danish 'Hygge' phenomenon has taken the world by storm. And so, armed with books, magazines, and articles on living it up and cozying down in the wintertime, I've been inspired to create a list of Winter-themed Seasonal Adventures (i.e. my fancy winter fun list) of some seasonal favourites, as well as a few new things to try.
Winter Wonderland Seasonal Adventures
Here are some more ideas you can try:
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Would you like to embark on your own seasonal adventure this winter season?
Download this handy checklist and try something new or relive one of your childhood experiences.
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What are some of the things you like to do in the winter? What would like to try this season?
Wishing you a merry wintertime,
Katherine
Wishing you a merry wintertime,
Katherine
Well folks, it's been a little over a week since we rung in the new year. By this point, lots of people I've talked to I already feel like they are behind on their lofty resolution goals. How about you?
One of my super stealthy action plans for the last few years has been to start working on my resolutions mid-month. So far, I feel like I am pretty much on the money. You see, I've been hitting a 50/50 on the success scale this week and it turns out, I'm ok with that. Part of forming new habits is to ease into them. And like millions (billions?) of other people, I want this to be the year I get fit. So yeah, I've ordered takeout a few times, but I've also had some delicious and healthy home-cooked meals too. I have not donated any money to the gym (yet) but I have made it a point to do some squats while I watch cheesy romantic comedies. I'll chalk that up as a win!
For my mid-month debut, I've prepped 3 days' worth of healthy vegetarian meals and my medicine balls are packed into my work bag (does lugging them around count as exercise?) along with plenty of water and vegan snacks. Although getting fit is a noble goal, my true aim is to create more sustainable energy for my body throughout the day. This year I hope to accomplish much, and the only way I can do that is to take care of my body, inside and out. As I set forth into this mid-month power-up, I'll be keeping these tips in mind.
Here are my 3 tips to conquer the resolutions hangover:
Here's to mid-month starts and realistic expectations.
Cheers!
Katherine
One of my super stealthy action plans for the last few years has been to start working on my resolutions mid-month. So far, I feel like I am pretty much on the money. You see, I've been hitting a 50/50 on the success scale this week and it turns out, I'm ok with that. Part of forming new habits is to ease into them. And like millions (billions?) of other people, I want this to be the year I get fit. So yeah, I've ordered takeout a few times, but I've also had some delicious and healthy home-cooked meals too. I have not donated any money to the gym (yet) but I have made it a point to do some squats while I watch cheesy romantic comedies. I'll chalk that up as a win!
For my mid-month debut, I've prepped 3 days' worth of healthy vegetarian meals and my medicine balls are packed into my work bag (does lugging them around count as exercise?) along with plenty of water and vegan snacks. Although getting fit is a noble goal, my true aim is to create more sustainable energy for my body throughout the day. This year I hope to accomplish much, and the only way I can do that is to take care of my body, inside and out. As I set forth into this mid-month power-up, I'll be keeping these tips in mind.
Here are my 3 tips to conquer the resolutions hangover:
- Give yourself a buffer. YOU decide when you want to start. Ease into your new habits by aiming for 50% during your buffer period.
- Re-assess your goals after this buffer period. We can often get caught up in the holiday/new year hoopla and set goals that are not realistic (or frankly, just not that interesting) to keep up with the Joneses. Your goals are your own, and should reflect your reality.
- Think about how you want to FEEL. Danielle Laporte preaches this method as an alternative to traditional resolution checklists. It gives you the freedom to create that feeling however you interpret it on any given day. Take it out for a test drive, and see how you like it.
- Bonus tip - Take a moment right now to cross of anything from your resolutions (and To-Do List) that doesn't spark any excitement. Arianna Huffington said that deciding NOT to do something is just as good as completing it (this applies to almost everything, with the obvious exception of health and hygiene and any other necessities to live). She crossed off learning a new language. I'm crossing off re-painting the hallway. See? I already feel more accomplished! Now you try it!
Here's to mid-month starts and realistic expectations.
Cheers!
Katherine
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