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Cultivate a Luxe Life {Bedroom Edition}

1/28/2017

Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large
on a small budget.

OK let's be frank here for a second: spa days and dinners out are amazing. But when you're on a budget and you want to feel like a million bucks (without spending a fortune), you have to get a little more creative. Over time and many discussions with family and friends, I've noticed that certain free (or relatively inexpensive) treats can make your day - or your night - feel like you're living a life in the lap of luxury. Because our days begin and end in the bedroom, I've dedicated this first edition to the boudoir.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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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

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.

@plancultivatecreate

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

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Seasonal Adventures: Winter Wonderland

1/16/2017

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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

Go sledding/tobogganing
This is a time-honoured tradition in these parts. We've traveled down hills and mountains on wooden toboggans, plastic sleds, inflatable tubes and rafts, and even on top of others (you know, when you inevitably tumble off your sled mid way and land on top of your partner the rest of the way down...) Every park with a hill has potential, and if you can't find one, you can make your own - like that time all the cousins worked together to move all the snow into one large mountain and proceeded to make the craziest slide, with bumps and turns and a wall to crash into. I recommend a round saucer-style sled for maximum speed and height (because at some point, you will be airborne).
Make mulled wine or hot cocoa
I first learned about mulled wine when I went to a local outdoor event several years ago and my friend introduced me to it. I have to admit I am not a big fan of red wine, but this concoction was the perfect mix of tangy, sweet and spicy flavours. I tried recreating it at home and over the years I get inspired to try some different ingredients. You start with some red wine, add a shot of liquor (brandy or dark rum), something to sweeten it (brown sugar or my personal favourite, real Canadian maple syrup), and whatever spices you have in the pantry (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, cardamom). If you would like an actual recipe, I recently tried this one from Jamie Oliver. It features Crème de Cassis (Blackcurrant liqueur), a special treat I found from this local producer at an artisan fair this summer.
I've made a pot of mulled wine every year since first trying it. One year, I put it in a thermos and went to the Old Port to ring in the New Year watching the fireworks in below freezing weather.
Bonus tips:
- You can place all the ingredients in a pot and set it to simmer on top of a wood-burning stove. The aroma will fill your house with seasonal charm.
- You can also set it in a crockpot (simmer on HI then switch to Keep Warm setting) and serve it as a drink station at a party.
Host an outdoor party, complete with an Ice Bar
This idea came to me one balmy winter day after a huge snowstorm. It was Saturday morning, and the whole family was assigned a section to clear of snow. I was assigned a helper, my then 10 year old brother, who was more hinderance than help after the first 5 minutes. He wanted to build a fort with all the extra snow, so I dutifully shovelled all the excess his way. Halfway through clearing a path, I looked over and noticed that his fort looked more like a midcentury basement bar counter. And so, the ice bar seed was planted, and we both abandoned ship and started working on refining our, ah, sculpture to reflect our new vision. As I poured water over the finished structure to cement (freeze) it in place, he carved out benches and seats into the surrounding snow banks. We found juice boxes (for the kids) and sodas and other beverages (for the adults) and invited everyone out for a drink at the Ice Bar. After taking a break to warm up and have a late lunch, we couldn't wait to head back outside. It was getting dark, so we found a small barrel and lit a little fire, placed the grill from the toaster oven atop it, and called everyone we knew to come see it and roast some marshmallows..
Bonus tip: If you have an outdoor plug, set the slow-cooker mulled wine outside and to keep warm (caution: please beware of the false heat effect of alcohol and watch out for signs of Hypothermia. Drink responsibly, or substitute the alcohol for some non-alcoholic cider or apple juice).
Line a snow-covered path with tea lights - try it when you are expecting visitors, or to welcome your family home during the longest nights of the year
Make seasonal crafts from real branches and pinecones
You can pick up fallen branches on your hike or a walk in the park. A glue gun and some twine are all you need to bring your creations to life!
Attend a winter festival
As a kid I got to visit the Winter Carnival in Quebec city, back in the days where you could pack a bunch of people into one car and head out on a road trip with the entire extended family (13 people in a Suburban!). As an adult, I returned to La Belle Province to see the fabulous Ice Hotel. It's always fascinating to see how people make the most of the cold, the snow, and ice!
Go to a Sauna
Hats off to the Scandinavians, who know how to warm up when the weather chills us to the bone! If you get the chance, go to a spa in the winter, it's a magical experience. Or, if you're on a tight budget you can find your nearest community center, indoor pool, or gym (call ahead to inquire about the amenities) and use their facilities. I discovered that the community center near my parents' house has a dry sauna in the women's changing room. It costs $3 to use the indoor pool - which we forgo for the pure, inexpensive pleasure of 3 rounds of sauna at $1 each.

Here are some more ideas you can try:

Light an outdoor fire and cook over embers - popcorn in the fireplace, sausages (we do vegan), or chestnuts
Embrace the hygge lifestyle and host a gathering by candlelight
Make a snowman, snowwoman, snowdog - get creative!
Try some snow-art - Gather some empty squeeze-bottles and fill them with water and food dye and use the snow as your canvas
Create a winter treasure hunt - Bring out those beach toys, they make excellent digging tools.
People-watch from the comfort of a large coffee shop window with your favourite fancy beverage, and a good friend (or book)
Go on a hike with snow shoes
Make a marshmallow snowman for your hot cocoa
Try a new recipe with seasonal ingredients
Try a new winter sport activity
Re-read a favourite childhood book

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

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How to Conquer the Resolutions Hangover in 3 Easy Steps

1/9/2017

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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:

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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the PCC blog

Cultivate a Luxe Life {Bedroom Edition}

Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large
on a small budget.

Iron your sheets

Fill your bed with pillows

Anoint your body in warm oil

Wake up without an alarm clock

Go to bed early

Diffuse your favourite relaxing oils

Snuggle with your favourite companion

Seasonal Adventures: Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland Seasonal Adventures

Would you like to embark on your own seasonal adventure this winter season?

How to Conquer the Resolutions Hangover in 3 Easy Steps

You're invited

Archives

Categories

the PCC blog

Cultivate a Luxe Life {Bedroom Edition}

Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large ​on a small budget.

Iron your sheets

Fill your bed with pillows

Anoint your body in warm oil

Wake up without an alarm clock

Go to bed early

Diffuse your favourite relaxing oils

Snuggle with your favourite companion

Seasonal Adventures: Winter Wonderland

​Winter Wonderland Seasonal Adventures

Would you like to embark on your own seasonal adventure ​this winter season?

How to Conquer the Resolutions Hangover in 3 Easy Steps

You're invited

Archives

Categories

Little luxuries that make you feel like you're living large
on a small budget.

Winter Wonderland Seasonal Adventures

Would you like to embark on your own seasonal adventure this winter season?