Happy Tuesday, friends!
Today I am sharing Part Three of the May Cozy Life Photo Club that I am hosting. These photos and words are from my Instagram page, so that's why they read more like captions and not a usual blog post. I hope you enjoy this fun little challenge!
May your week be an absolute delight! See you next week for the final post in this series, Part Four!
♥
Day 18...Morning Light
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So I’m not a morning person nor am I an early bird. I am a night owl, through and through...and have been my entire life. I prefer the quiet gentleness and lack of pressure that comes at night. It feels as though I have the world to myself and am able to go about my tasks at my own pace. I get chores done then as well as my creative projects, and just enjoy the time hanging out late at night, too. I know this won’t last forever...one day, I will have a home of my own and littles waking me up at the crack of dawn. And I’ll be glad and thankful for that, but that’s not my season right now. So I shall live in the moment and be grateful for where I am whilst my story is being written and I watch the details unfold.
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With that said, the morning light does look incredibly enticing as it streams in my window each day. Of course, you can’t hear the glorious soundtrack of the mornings through a picture. But let me assure you, it is music, and a masterpiece at that! The birdsong early in the morning is peaceful and enthralling and cheerful. It is a lovely way to begin the day...with a song and nature. And the light seems to say “good morning” in its own way. It’s been cloudy and grey and drizzly here the past few days, but honestly, I love that kind of weather. So no complaints from me.
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Are you a morning person or do you prefer the nights?
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So I’m not a morning person nor am I an early bird. I am a night owl, through and through...and have been my entire life. I prefer the quiet gentleness and lack of pressure that comes at night. It feels as though I have the world to myself and am able to go about my tasks at my own pace. I get chores done then as well as my creative projects, and just enjoy the time hanging out late at night, too. I know this won’t last forever...one day, I will have a home of my own and littles waking me up at the crack of dawn. And I’ll be glad and thankful for that, but that’s not my season right now. So I shall live in the moment and be grateful for where I am whilst my story is being written and I watch the details unfold.
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With that said, the morning light does look incredibly enticing as it streams in my window each day. Of course, you can’t hear the glorious soundtrack of the mornings through a picture. But let me assure you, it is music, and a masterpiece at that! The birdsong early in the morning is peaceful and enthralling and cheerful. It is a lovely way to begin the day...with a song and nature. And the light seems to say “good morning” in its own way. It’s been cloudy and grey and drizzly here the past few days, but honestly, I love that kind of weather. So no complaints from me.
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Are you a morning person or do you prefer the nights?
Day 19…What Says Coziness to Me
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These are some of the things that say coziness to me…and how we bring COZY to our home.
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· change out your lamp lights from white to amber, and use a lower wattage as well · invest in an oil diffuser and always have some blend diffusing · make a seasonally-scented room spray · make dinner time special by lighting candles and dimming the lights, linger long at the table and hang out · keep calming music playing in the background...for us, this doesn't always mean soft, slow music, but rather, uplifting Irish trad & Celtic tunes · make comfort food often (it doesn't have to be unhealthy!)...pot pies, homemade bread, etc. · drink lots of hot tea and cider and cocoa and coffee...have fun making different homemade recipes similar to the ones you find in coffee shops · games nights, movie nights, marathon nights of your favorite TV shows · have plenty of blankets and quilts handy and easy to grab · go out in nature, sit on your porch or in the garden, take in the earth’s beauty · have lots of chats with your dearest ones · purpose to enjoy nights of crafting...whether it be painting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, paper crafting, scrapbooking, journaling, etc. · or enjoy family game nights and try learning new games as well as playing old favorites · purpose to broaden your horizons when it comes to cooking and baking from scratch · read, read, read...curl up with a good book and be transported to another place...and learn something new, too · set up a drink corner in your kitchen with an electric kettle, mugs, sugar, and a variety of teas, hot chocolate, coffee, ciders, etc. · decorate for the each season and holiday...decorations are not clutter ·hang twinkly fairy lights and bring a bit of whimsy and magic to a room · have a seasonal tea party · display collections, photographs, knick-knacks, etc. · strive to make your home a collection of things you love · bring COLOR into your wardrobe, décor, walls, etc.· wear fluffy socks and comfy clothing · make your bed feel like a cloud · fill your rooms…emptiness equals coldness · and more!
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These are some of the things that say coziness to me…and how we bring COZY to our home.
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· change out your lamp lights from white to amber, and use a lower wattage as well · invest in an oil diffuser and always have some blend diffusing · make a seasonally-scented room spray · make dinner time special by lighting candles and dimming the lights, linger long at the table and hang out · keep calming music playing in the background...for us, this doesn't always mean soft, slow music, but rather, uplifting Irish trad & Celtic tunes · make comfort food often (it doesn't have to be unhealthy!)...pot pies, homemade bread, etc. · drink lots of hot tea and cider and cocoa and coffee...have fun making different homemade recipes similar to the ones you find in coffee shops · games nights, movie nights, marathon nights of your favorite TV shows · have plenty of blankets and quilts handy and easy to grab · go out in nature, sit on your porch or in the garden, take in the earth’s beauty · have lots of chats with your dearest ones · purpose to enjoy nights of crafting...whether it be painting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, paper crafting, scrapbooking, journaling, etc. · or enjoy family game nights and try learning new games as well as playing old favorites · purpose to broaden your horizons when it comes to cooking and baking from scratch · read, read, read...curl up with a good book and be transported to another place...and learn something new, too · set up a drink corner in your kitchen with an electric kettle, mugs, sugar, and a variety of teas, hot chocolate, coffee, ciders, etc. · decorate for the each season and holiday...decorations are not clutter ·hang twinkly fairy lights and bring a bit of whimsy and magic to a room · have a seasonal tea party · display collections, photographs, knick-knacks, etc. · strive to make your home a collection of things you love · bring COLOR into your wardrobe, décor, walls, etc.· wear fluffy socks and comfy clothing · make your bed feel like a cloud · fill your rooms…emptiness equals coldness · and more!
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Over the last ten years or so, I’ve taken a great interest in natural living. I’ve learned a good bit from books, blogs and watching videos. And I’ve delved into a few projects here and there. As we’ve needed something, I’ve tried making a natural homemade substitute. And as a result, we use nearly only all natural cleaners in our home. Our body and beauty products are either store bought organic or natural, or homemade. And it just keeps going...always learning, always growing, always trying something new.
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And over the last six weeks, I’ve had a jar of oil infusing with calendula flowers in the cupboard. It’s finally ready, so this weekend I’ll be making my first ever salve...homemade, from scratch. I know not everyone would get excited about that, but I am literally beside myself! Having a natural home and making things from scratch is one of my many dreams. One that I am forever chasing and pursuing...and one that truly never ends.
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I’d love to hear what sorts of natural things you make at home in order to have a healthy, natural home.
And over the last six weeks, I’ve had a jar of oil infusing with calendula flowers in the cupboard. It’s finally ready, so this weekend I’ll be making my first ever salve...homemade, from scratch. I know not everyone would get excited about that, but I am literally beside myself! Having a natural home and making things from scratch is one of my many dreams. One that I am forever chasing and pursuing...and one that truly never ends.
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I’d love to hear what sorts of natural things you make at home in order to have a healthy, natural home.
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Some random facts about me for a fun Friday introduction...
♥ I absolutely do not like eating inside restaurants. It all seems weird to me- eating around strangers and people being able to hear your personal conversations. Not my cup of tea.
♥ I’m an extreme introvert, except when I’m around my people. Other than that, most of the time, I honestly prefer animals and nature instead of people.
♥ My shoe size is in the double digits. I have my maternal grandmother and paternal great-grandmother to thank for their larger feet.
♥ I once tried to cut my own hair after watching a YouTube video. It didn’t end up so well. I also always used to cut my own bangs every summer for some reason but have since learned bangs aren’t for me.
♥ I would rather watch the same shows or movies over and over again and know I love them than watch something new that just isn’t that great. This could potentially annoy some.
♥ I hate being in water, and if there was another way to get clean without having to take a shower, I’d totally be down for it. I love lakes, rivers, the sea, etc. just don’t make me get in.
♥ Monday’s are my favorite day of the week.
♥ Growing up, my sister and I had pet gerbils, turtles and rabbits (which we found out we are allergic to), along with a dog.
♥ I love to travel and see new places and visit old favorites. But I’m also a homebody who loves everything about being at home. It all depends on my mood.
♥ Most of the time if everyone says they love something, I don’t. This has been true about countless movies, books, music, even travel destinations.
♥ I cannot wear heels. Way too clumsy. I’m not sad about this, though, because I really don’t like them.
♥ I am the least athletic person you could ever meet. I only succeeded in kicking the ball in a kickball game once. That was only after I was ticked off because the teacher and students were laughing at me. I sent that ball to the other side of the gym and they were shocked. (Truth be told, so was I!) But I showed them, and it shut them up.
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What about you?
Day 22...Garden
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Summer is just around the corner, and our roses are in full bloom. When we moved to Shady Cottage almost three years ago, there was one rose bush by the picket fence. The following spring, we added another. And it boasts the most gorgeous roses...just look at this beauty. They are so huge it’s ridiculous! I’ve never seen roses this big! And how perfect is it’s form, too?!?
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While my mom, sister and I dream of having a large food, herb and flower garden one day, this is not the place for it. The soil in our area is almost total crap. Ha! It’s literally like clay and even our friends, who are seriously good gardeners, have a hard time with it. Things just don’t like to grow in this clay-like soil. On top of that, our home isn’t named Shady Cottage for nothing. The trees are a must with all the heat we get down here...extreme heat and intense sun that we aren’t the biggest fans of. And these old trees help keep our house cooler immensely...and we are thankful to them for that. My mom has one tomato plant in a large pot to see how it does with the amount of sun, but other than that, our garden consists of bushes and flowering plants and really old, tall trees. And for now, we’re okay with that.
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But someday I do want a big, fruitful, wild garden where I can go out my back door and pick veggies for dinner, herbs for my cooking, and countless bouquets of flowers. Right now, it’s just a dream. But one day...it shall be a reality.
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Summer is just around the corner, and our roses are in full bloom. When we moved to Shady Cottage almost three years ago, there was one rose bush by the picket fence. The following spring, we added another. And it boasts the most gorgeous roses...just look at this beauty. They are so huge it’s ridiculous! I’ve never seen roses this big! And how perfect is it’s form, too?!?
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While my mom, sister and I dream of having a large food, herb and flower garden one day, this is not the place for it. The soil in our area is almost total crap. Ha! It’s literally like clay and even our friends, who are seriously good gardeners, have a hard time with it. Things just don’t like to grow in this clay-like soil. On top of that, our home isn’t named Shady Cottage for nothing. The trees are a must with all the heat we get down here...extreme heat and intense sun that we aren’t the biggest fans of. And these old trees help keep our house cooler immensely...and we are thankful to them for that. My mom has one tomato plant in a large pot to see how it does with the amount of sun, but other than that, our garden consists of bushes and flowering plants and really old, tall trees. And for now, we’re okay with that.
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But someday I do want a big, fruitful, wild garden where I can go out my back door and pick veggies for dinner, herbs for my cooking, and countless bouquets of flowers. Right now, it’s just a dream. But one day...it shall be a reality.
Day 23...Family Table
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This is our family table. It’s where we eat meals, prepare food, play games, chat and laugh for hours. It’s the place where we unload groceries and decorate Christmas cookies and birthday cakes. It’s where we have tea parties and pizza nights and light candles. It’s where we spend a whole lot of our time.
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I’m a big time believer in gathering around a family table for meals. But also for much more than just that. Feasting is only a small part of what happens around a family table...it’s just the beginning.
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Eating together as a family is so important, no matter how old you get. My mom, sister and I always eat dinner together. To be very honest, it’s sometimes at the table and other times curled up on the couch, watching a movie or just chatting while we eat. My dad has always preferred doing his own thing and eats on his own; he doesn’t like home cooking and pretty much just watches tv anytime he’s not at work. But us three girls are all about having dinner together. And for us, it’s fun and enjoyable.
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I’ve included some photos of our cozy dinners-most of which are from autumns or winters. We love soup and bread nights when it’s cold outside. The pizza night in the photo is from a fun little celebration we had to mark the new season of Blue Bloods starting...complete with hot chocolate tiramisu. Then, there’s several tea party photos, because that’s just something we love to do. Whether it’s just the three of us or if our friends come over, too.
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The picture of the dining area of our kitchen is a few years old and it looks basically the same now. My mom did bring her antique tea cart in for the record player to sit on. And the final picture is a view looking into our kitchen from outside on an autumn night a few years back. I always think views like that are so cozy.
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What are your favorite things about gathering around your family table?
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This is our family table. It’s where we eat meals, prepare food, play games, chat and laugh for hours. It’s the place where we unload groceries and decorate Christmas cookies and birthday cakes. It’s where we have tea parties and pizza nights and light candles. It’s where we spend a whole lot of our time.
.
I’m a big time believer in gathering around a family table for meals. But also for much more than just that. Feasting is only a small part of what happens around a family table...it’s just the beginning.
.
Eating together as a family is so important, no matter how old you get. My mom, sister and I always eat dinner together. To be very honest, it’s sometimes at the table and other times curled up on the couch, watching a movie or just chatting while we eat. My dad has always preferred doing his own thing and eats on his own; he doesn’t like home cooking and pretty much just watches tv anytime he’s not at work. But us three girls are all about having dinner together. And for us, it’s fun and enjoyable.
.
I’ve included some photos of our cozy dinners-most of which are from autumns or winters. We love soup and bread nights when it’s cold outside. The pizza night in the photo is from a fun little celebration we had to mark the new season of Blue Bloods starting...complete with hot chocolate tiramisu. Then, there’s several tea party photos, because that’s just something we love to do. Whether it’s just the three of us or if our friends come over, too.
.
The picture of the dining area of our kitchen is a few years old and it looks basically the same now. My mom did bring her antique tea cart in for the record player to sit on. And the final picture is a view looking into our kitchen from outside on an autumn night a few years back. I always think views like that are so cozy.
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What are your favorite things about gathering around your family table?
Day 24...Old-fashioned Joys
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I am unashamedly a lover of nearly everything old-fashioned. I love watching Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, Little House on the Prairie, Downton Abbey and so on. The beauty of those days can seem lost in our modern, fast-paced, highly technological and electronic world. But I’m convinced that just because the world is moving in a certain direction doesn’t mean we have to.
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Some of the old-fashioned joys that I incorporate into my everyday life are...going at a slower pace and not being in a rush, taking the time to notice what’s in front of me and appreciate its beauty, cooking meals from scratch at home...doing all the chopping, preparing, cooking and serving. Going for a drive through the countryside with no set destination, just for fun and enjoying conversation in the car the entire time. Sitting outside or rambling around our garden...shooting the breeze, as my grandpa would say. Reading a real, physical book...one you actually turn the pages in, that you can touch and smell. (Yes, I’m weird. I love the scent of book pages.) Mending clothes, knitting winter accessories and making homemade crafts to decorate our home for the seasons and holidays.
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There are others, but these are the ones I could think of off the top of my head. Slower, softer, gentler living. Real, close knit relationships and face to face conversation. Home cooked meals eaten together. Families, including adult children, who actually love spending time together. Families that actually live in their homes and love the life they built there. Old-fashioned in the 21st century? Maybe. A beautiful, good, blessed thing? Absolutely, without a doubt, for sure and for certain.
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What are some of the old-fashioned joys you incorporate into your everyday life?
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I am unashamedly a lover of nearly everything old-fashioned. I love watching Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, Little House on the Prairie, Downton Abbey and so on. The beauty of those days can seem lost in our modern, fast-paced, highly technological and electronic world. But I’m convinced that just because the world is moving in a certain direction doesn’t mean we have to.
.
Some of the old-fashioned joys that I incorporate into my everyday life are...going at a slower pace and not being in a rush, taking the time to notice what’s in front of me and appreciate its beauty, cooking meals from scratch at home...doing all the chopping, preparing, cooking and serving. Going for a drive through the countryside with no set destination, just for fun and enjoying conversation in the car the entire time. Sitting outside or rambling around our garden...shooting the breeze, as my grandpa would say. Reading a real, physical book...one you actually turn the pages in, that you can touch and smell. (Yes, I’m weird. I love the scent of book pages.) Mending clothes, knitting winter accessories and making homemade crafts to decorate our home for the seasons and holidays.
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There are others, but these are the ones I could think of off the top of my head. Slower, softer, gentler living. Real, close knit relationships and face to face conversation. Home cooked meals eaten together. Families, including adult children, who actually love spending time together. Families that actually live in their homes and love the life they built there. Old-fashioned in the 21st century? Maybe. A beautiful, good, blessed thing? Absolutely, without a doubt, for sure and for certain.
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What are some of the old-fashioned joys you incorporate into your everyday life?
♥ ♥ ♥
See you back here next week for the last post of this photo challenge!
Until then, have a marvellous week!
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A quick note:
Blogger is making some changes over the summer. The email subscription service, FeedBurner, will no longer be available for use. So, if you would like to receive new blog posts in your email inbox, I have added a new subscription form to the sidebar. It's called BlogLovin', which you may have heard of. If you simply submit your email into the form, whenever I share a new post, it will be sent directly to your email inbox.
If you would like to follow via Blogger, you can simply "follow" under the "Kindred Spirits" title on the sidebar. All new posts will be on your Blogger feed and it's a really nice and easy way to keep up with your favorite blogs.
I'm really disappointed that FeedBurner is no longer going to be available for use because it's what I always use to follow my favorite blogs. But these two ways are easy as well and super simple to navigate and use. If you do have any questions, though, let me know and I'll help as best I can!