from my inglenook ♥ october's ponderings

Happy Thursday, friends! Today I'm sharing my October installment in my usual "From My Inglenook" monthly series. Usually, I only like to include a few photos, but since this is part of my October series, I thought I'd show you a few extra photos of my room and how I've made it into a cozy haven for myself...not only during autumn, but all year round. I hope you enjoy!

In the first photo above, you will see the left side of my room. That is sort of my creative space...my writing desk is there along with my comfy chair with my laptop where I do my blogging and writing. My tea cupboard is also in this space and if you're interested in seeing a tour of my teacup collection, I shared a video of that in the summer. You can check it out here. 

 

And in the photo directly above, you will see one of my bookshelves...I admit that my room is full of bookshelves that were built into the wall before we moved in. There is an extra white bookcase from IKEA that is in the other photo. I'm going to share a tour of these shelves sometime...do let me know if you prefer a video tour or just photos in a blog post. I'd love your thoughts!

Here is my other bookshelf...this is where my cookbooks and baking books live, along with my collections of various magazines that I enjoy. Last month, I made a paper bunting for my shelves with an autumnal theme. I was very pleased with how it turned out and am in love with the colors of the papers I was able to find at the craft shop. I simply used my cookie cutters in the shapes of an acorn, leaf and pumpkin to make the designs and then cut out a bunch of them, attached them to some twine and hung them up. Simple but so cute, in my opinion. {{smiles}}

Here's a peek at my writing desk...I tend to keep most of my supplies in the drawers as well in the cupboard next to the desk. But, of course, some lovely decorations and knick-knacks, and a couple mugs make any space all the more cozy and fun. I love changing the mugs on the hooks out each season...simple white and mustard or green floral designs for autumn, Christmas mugs for December, wintry scenes for January until March and pastel florals for spring and summer. This makes me so happy to look at!

One thing I've really enjoyed over the last couple of years is slowly building an art print collection. These are three of the four that I have so far...the other one is awaiting a frame still. It's so much fun discovering artists that just have that beautiful, cozy style that I love and having their art on my walls feels so special.

Twinkly fairy lights on my window just directly over my bed makes my room feel so cozy...I love it.

This shelf is directly next to my long bookshelf and is just a collection of some things I've collected over the years. The fabric bunting is from probably six years ago...one of my first bunting crafts, and I still love hanging it every year. I made a larger one for our mantle downstairs, too.

More paper bunting for autumn...

One of my most favorite places in the house...perfect for writing, reading, crafting, journaling, all the things.

And finally, one of the beds I have in my room for our kitties...cats just seem to know cozy the instant they see it and they absolutely love spending time here. How cute is their ducky, too?!?!

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 outside my window

Golden hues are sprinkled about the tree just outside my bedroom window. And our grass is almost completely covered with a carpet of leaves...mostly brown, which have fallen from the many trees that surround our home. We have been so enjoying some delightful autumn temperatures this week, with a few rainy days here and there. It's hard to believe that November is next week...that's when it truly feels like autumn is here where I live. October is sort of a mish-mash of summer and autumn, both fighting the other to see who wins out each day, really each hour.

musical treasures

My mom's birthday was on the first of October and for one of her gifts, we got her a collection of the Carpenter's music on CD. She loved listening to them when she was younger, and so I copied the music onto my computer and have been loving the songs as well. There are some fun melodies that make me dance and just feel happy. 

bookish ramblings

I haven't gotten to read as much as I hoped this month, but I did complete the first in the Fairacre Novels by Miss Read entitled Village School. I had read some of her Christmas stories before, but this was my first full-length novel of hers to read. I felt certain I would love it and like it would be my cup of tea, but I didn't know just how much I would love it. It was the sweetest story that took place in the most charming village in England. I fell in love with the array of characters and especially with Miss Read herself as she is the schoolteacher in the village. It was just my sort of story! Charming, gentle, quiet, heartwarming and plenty of moments where I literally laughed out loud. I highly recommend this novel! ♥

in the world of TV and movies

Seeing as how Halloween is on Sunday, my mom, sister and I have been watching Harry Potter off and on, going through the movie series, over the past couple of weeks. We still have several movies left, but they are perfect for this entire season and into Christmastime, too. Then, before bed, we've been watching all of the Halloween episodes of The Middle. There is one per season so it makes for a lovely evening ritual leading up to Halloween night. And on Friday nights, we always, always watch the latest episode of Blue Bloods, which is a real favorite in our home.

a grateful heart

I am grateful for finally getting some cooler weather and being able to turn the A/C off in the house. I'm grateful for cozy slippers, new tea flavors to enjoy, a delightful novel and revisiting an older favorite, baking bread with my mom and sister, and for fun plans for Halloween.

from my kitchen

Earlier this week, I tried a new-to-us recipe and it was absolutely scrumptious! It was a mushroom stew over mashed potatoes...a vegetarian meal that really went over well! There were mushrooms, carrots, green beans, peas and onions in a tasty gravy/sauce and you served it over mashed potatoes. Not only did it taste delicious but it made our entire house smell so amazing whilst it simmered on the stove. And it was the perfect meal for a cozy autumn evening...definitely one that I'm going to make again!

fashionable fun

I'm celebrating because I am finally able to wear autumn clothing...today it is black leggings and a striped tunic with teal, chocolatey brown, pumpkin orange, scarlet and grey for the stripes. I'm also wearing a new pair of brown ankle boots for the first time and it feels a bit like an autumnal party. {{smiles}} Oh, and I've got a gorgeous Flexi-clip holding my hair up in a bun sort of style. After I chopped my waist-length hair off up to right above my shoulders in August, my hair is finally long enough to put up all the way again. 

home and hearth

Our home is all decorated for autumn...some Halloween decorations, some for Thanksgiving and others that are "just" autumn. We've been giving our furniture a deep clean by washing all the covers and pillows and such, as well as just doing some other autumn cleaning. 

these are a few of my favorite things

♥ my new Katie Daisy planner and calendar for 2022...how it is possible that the new year is so close?

♥ new Christmas novels arriving in the post...I shall try not to read them before Thanksgiving week!

♥ still loving the recipe for Japanese Milk Bread that I found in the spring...this is our regular sandwich bread. I shared about it here.

♥ and I'm also loving a wonderful and oh-so-easy recipe for whole-grain bread. First time making it and it was a success...it took me so long to find a good sandwich bread recipe so I was glad it didn't take so long to find a good whole-grain bread recipe.

for the love of words

"Let's be cheerful! We have no more right to steal the brightness of the day for our own family than we have to steal the purse of a stranger. Let us be as careful that our homes are furnished with pleasant and happy thoughts as we are that the rugs are the right color and texture and the furniture comfortable and beautiful." (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

crafting and creating

The most recent crafting project I worked on was this embroidery hoop leaf project, which I shared about here...do check it out. I'm hoping to set to work on my winter version soon!

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Do share about your October days, dear friends! I'd love to hear from you, as always ♥

the bits & bobs of a book girl's life...

Hello, fellow book lovers! 

I am back yet again with another bookish post...these are seriously the most fun to write and I love getting to share about one of my most favorite things in the world. Since this is the last week of October and therefore, the final week of this October series, I am going to post on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, that way I can end on Halloween. I invite you to pour a cup of something warm and comforting and get comfy as we chat about some more bookish things...

Are you ready?

What books do you remember reading that kick-started your bookworm habit?

The very first books I remember reading myself are the Junie B. Jones and Amelia Bedelia books. I read these when I was six years old and I just devoured them. We still have these series in our collection and it's fun to look back on the first books that introduced me to the reading life.

What genre, or genres, do you normally choose?

My go-to genres are contemporary (clean) romance, magical realism, and village/small town series...I'm not sure what the exact "genre" would be called. I've only read fiction for a few years now after a decade of heavy nonfiction reads, so I still feel like I'm discovering what books I like. I do know that I would like to explore some older books next year, possibly a classic or two, and also some historical fiction. I do also love a cozy mystery...nothing that's going to scare me so bad I can't sleep. Hee!

Do you eat while you read, and if so, what exactly?

Absolutely not. I don't know why, but eating and reading just don't seem like they go together for me. A cup of tea or hot chocolate...or just a mason jar of water...that's more my thing when reading.

Were there any least favorite reads?

In the world of fiction, I would say the worst book I read was an Aurora Teagarden mystery called A Fool and His Honey which I read over the summer. It was dreadful and not well written in the least. In the world of nonfiction...well, how long do you have? My tastes in nonfiction have changed dramatically over the last few years...see this post for my favorites.

As you're a bookworm, what are you currently reading? How's it getting on for you?

The book I've got going at the moment is Sarah Addison Allen's First Frost. I read it last year and absolutely fell in love with it. It takes place during the last week of October, so this is literally the perfect time to be reading it! And I'm getting to love it all over again!

Do you have a liking to indie or traditional books?

Honestly, I don't mind either. I have noticed that many of my favorite authors have switched over to independent publishing over the last few years, so that does tend to be what I buy if it's a new book.

 Do you have a large bookshelf, or do you plan to?

I admit that my bedroom here at Shady Cottage has huge bookshelf space...and I am very thankful for that. In our old house, I had a couple shelves in my room which is where I kept my absolute favorites. All my other books were kept in my closet, under my bed, or in our attic in boxes. 

I've been pondering the idea of sharing a bookshelf tour and wonder if you all would like that? If so, would you prefer a blog post with photos or a video tour? I'd appreciate your thoughts here!

What is your favorite book series?

I'm loving Miss Read's Fairacre Novels series which I just began recently. Considering I haven't read many series in their entirety yet, I've just tiptoed into several of them, I don't have a huge list to go from. But Miss Read's series is becoming a favorite very quickly.

What is your favorite book of all time?

I couldn't pick just one? Really, tell me any bibliophile who could?!?! If you want to see some of my favorites, I keep an updated list here.

How do you choose your next read?

I am sort of in-between just winging it and going with my mood and then making a plan. I do select a few books that I wish to read at the beginning of each season and month, and then I also leave room for on-the-whim choices that look good at the moment.

How do you decide your book ratings?

This is how I rate books...and the meaning behind each raring...

***** If I give a book 5 stars, for me that means that I really loved it and would most definitely read it again. A real all-time favorite.

**** Four stars mean that I liked it a lot and will read it again. Close to favorite, but not quite.

*** Three stars mean that it was just okay but I probably won't read it again. It stays on my shelf, though.

** Two stars mean that it was pretty close to awful, but not quite. Definitely not a reread and probably getting donated.

* One star means that it was horrible and one of the worst books ever. For me, this means that more than likely it went into the garbage- not even worth passing onto Goodwill for someone else to read.

Do you DNF or finish all the way?

I have no shame in admitting that if I do not like a book, I will not finish it. I spent too many years reading books that I didn't really enjoy and there are too many books that appeal to me to read anything that I don't love. This is the reason why most of my books get a four or five-star rating...I really don't read anything where I would need to give a lesser rating.

 Would you rather be a librarian or a bookseller?

Honestly, either one sounds like oodles of fun. But only in a small town or village setting...and it would have to be an independently-owned and run bookshop if I was going to work in one. I have no interest in working in a large chain corporation. But with those conditions, I would say either one and most happily, too.

What are some of your favorite book covers?

The photo above shows some covers that I think are the most beautiful. I prefer book covers with color and an artsy design as opposed to a cover with real humans on them. Those are never my favorite. The ones above are all different in style and design, but they all have my favorite things...color!, art and not photography and they all look incredibly pretty.

What are your favorite book settings?

I realized recently that all my favorite books take place in small towns or villages or in places that I'd love to visit or could see myself living. Quaint and charming and a bit quirky.

Do you reread books?

Absolutely. Yes. If you love a book, why only read it once?!?!

What book do you wish had a sequel?

I really wished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society had a sequel; this book really stood out to me and I wanted it to go on and on.

Do you read seasonally?

Yes, oh yes. I select a few seasonal reads for each month, holiday, etc. And that is seriously one of the most fun things about reading.

Do you have a special reading place?

Reading must take place in a cozy place, in my humble opinion. For me, that is either my bed with fluffy pillows and a warm comforter or in my comfy chair with feet either propped up on the ottoman or tucked beside me. I prefer softer lighting and not such bright white light...usually a few lamps and fairy lights, too, of course.

How do you mark your pages?

While I will be the first to admit that I sometimes fold down the top corner of my pages or stick a Kleenex or piece of scrap paper to mark my pages, most of the time I use a bookmark. And, yes, I do collect them. Some are ones that I have made, which reminds me that I want to make some new ones soon, and others are from shops, travels, gifts, etc. I do love a pretty bookmark. {{smiles}} I keep them in a tea tin on my bookshelf.

Do you write in books?

Sometimes, yes. If I see a quote or excerpt that I really love, I will underline in my books. Usually with pencil nowadays and very lightly.

How long does it take you to read a book?

It really depends...on my mood and mindset, how long the book is, how much time I spend reading each day and what else I'm spending my time on. Typically, an average length book takes me about a week, give or take a day or two.

Do you read newspapers?

No, sadly newspapers aren't really common around where I live, and the ones that are available are just full of news which I try to avoid.

Do you read magazines?

Indeed, I do. The four I always subscribe to and read (with much delight) are Bella Grace, Willow and Sage, Victoria and Tea Time. These all bring me such happiness and I love it when a new issue comes out!

Do you read in bed?

Oh, yes. The above photo shows my book basket which I shared about in this post. I keep the books that I hope to read during the month in here as well as a few extra bookmarks...I love having these things all in one place and on my bedside table. Easy to get to and also seeing them makes me want to read more!

Do you read in the car?

I absolutely cannot read in a moving car, or boat, or plane, or train. I tend to be very motion sick if I read while moving. I even have to be careful not to read too many billboards or street signs and can't look at my phone too much either. This was especially bad when I was younger, but I don't take any chances now either. I'd rather listen to music, have a conversation, or just admire the scenery when in a car.

Are you a fast or slow reader?

This depends on the book. It can depend on if I'm really into a story or if the story is written in a slower way. I can speed through some books and others take longer.

Reading outside or inside?

Mostly indoors, simply because when I'm outside I'm either doing something or sitting under the trees having a chat with my mom and sister.

Series or standalone?

I love series more probably. Though some of my favorite books are standalone...but I do so dearly wish they were made into a series.

What are your top five books this year?

In no particular order, from 2021, so far, here are my top five favorites...

~ The Tale of Hill Top Farm 

~ Pilgrim's Inn

~ Village School

~ A Bear Called Paddington

~ Brambly Hedge stories

What is your favorite book to movie adaption?

I adore The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. While I love other literary movies I haven't read the books yet, but this one I loved both the book and movie.

How do you arrange your bookshelves?

My bookshelves are arranged by author then series. I have a special shelf for mystery books and another one for children's literature as well as a shelf for Amish fiction...complete with two dolls from Lancaster County. My cookbooks live on a bookshelf all their own, and my nonfiction is also in a separate section.

Do you prefer heavier or lighter topics?

Light topics, hands down. I do not like reading heavy books. For me, that takes away the pleasure of reading and makes it a burden and that's not why I read. I don't mind if a book has something heavy in it as a sub-topic, but I won't read it if that's the main topic.

Who are your favorite authors?

I love books by Jan Karon, Miss Read, Katherine Reay, Sarah Addison Allen, Susan Wittig Albert, Liz Johnson, Kara Isaac, and Courtney Walsh.

Do you prefer pre-owned or new books?

I love both! They both have their charm and excitement. New books are exciting because they are usually just-released titles, and pre-pwned books already come with a history and I love how they already feel worn and loved and comfortable.

Hardcover or paperback?

In general, I prefer paperback, though some memoirs or nonfiction are lovely in hardcover. For fiction reading, though, I prefer the lightness of a paperback. It's easier to hold in bed, easier to carry around and you can fit more in your shelf, too. {{winks}} Oh, and cookbooks are so much better in hardcover!

Reading in summer or winter?

Either. I love reading all times of year.

E-book, print edition, or audiobook?

Only printed books for me. I have some quite perhaps controversial or slightly offensive opinions on e-books and audiobooks which I shall keep to myself. Hee! Printed books feel so good in my hands and have a comforting scent within their pages and they look gorgeous on shelves, tables, in baskets, wherever!

Collecting or clearing out?

Considering that I am in no way a minimalist and despise that trend, I am all for collecting books...and other things, too. One can never have too many books, that's something I firmly believe. 

Internet or bookshop?

Because we have no other bookshops near us besides Barnes and Noble, which is just okay, I'd say the internet. I do love the library used book shop in our town, though. But most of our books are bought online from secondhand shops.

Backlist or new publications?

Most of the books I read are older; very few are new publications. So mostly backlist titles...I pretty much only read new publications from authors I already know I love.

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I invite you to share your answers to these questions, too! Share in the comments below or on your own blog! Be sure to let me know if you make your own blog post...

May your Tuesday be a beauty!

♥

a little bit of wordy goodness for your weekend ♥

Some wordy goodness full of light and inspiration for your weekend, dear friends...

Fall in love with the process of becoming who you dream of, 

of creating the life you dream of, and the results will come.

(from a video I watched last spring)

I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing,

especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.

~ Mary Oliver ~

You know what the issue is with this world?

Everyone wants a magical solution to their problem,

and everyone refuses to believe in magic.

~ Alice in Wonderland ~

What if I accept that all I really want is a small, slow, simple life.

A beautiful, quiet, gentle life. I think it is enough.

(these words really resonated with me ♥)

Intuition is your soul whispering the truth to your heart

and hoping that you hear.

~ Kate Spencer ~

The day I decided that my life was magical, 

there was suddenly magic all around me.

~ Marabeth Quin ~

Let us read, let us dance; 

these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.

~ Voltaire ~

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What are some lovely words of light you've come across recently? Do share below...

May your weekend be a beauty, my reader friends!

♥ ♥ ♥

experiencing autumn's fullness

I notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.

~ Friedrich Nietzsche ~

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Have you ever pondered just how amazing our five senses are? The ability to experience something through taste, sight, touch, sound, and scent. The ability to experience something fully. To experience something's fullness. This is a completely awesome gift that we have everyday and we don't even realize it most of the time.

Autumn is a season filled with so much to experience. And our senses allow us to experience this glorious season in all its beautiful fullness.  

Autumn's Tastes

Autumnal tastes are warming and comforting, to put it in the simplest words. Soups and stews simmering all day long filled with fresh veggies and seasonings that bring a delicious flavor. Pot pies and breads of all sorts...sweet and savoury, family favorite recipes that we only make when the weather turns cold. All of these are part of experiencing autumn through taste. Seasonal spices make desserts and treats and breads stand out as extra special and extraordinary. Pumpkin pie, or apple pie, is often a featured dessert in the center of tables this time of year, especially with Thanksgiving celebrations. Hot drinks, at least for me, are most enjoyed when the temperatures drop. Herbal teas with fruity or spicy flavors, hot chocolate made with vanilla almond milk, vanilla lattes or spiced cider. These all just speak autumn to me. Their taste is distinctly autumnal to me, and even when I do have a mug of something warm in July, I am transported to an October or November eve for those moments whilst I grasp that warm mug in my hands and sip the comforting liquid that it holds. 

Experience autumn's tastes...

Compile a recipe notebook of seasonal recipes that speak autumn to you. Collect family favorites and new recipes to try this season. Make seasonal desserts or treats to enjoy randomly through the autumn months featuring spices or other ingredients that are full of fall flavor. Keep ingredients on hand for soups that you love and perhaps start a weekly tradition of homemade soup and bread...we love our Sunday tradition. Create a cozy drink corner filled with pretty mugs and seasonal drinks to enjoy in the mornings or evenings...or anytime, really. Hot chocolate mixes, spiced cider, things to prepare your favorite cup of coffee and a variety of teas are what you'll find in our drink corner.

Autumn's Scents

This time of year is bursting with all sorts of happy smells. In our house, the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, ginger and allspice are often wafting in the air as seasonal breads are baking and coming out of the oven. The scent of soups or stews simmering on the stove and the scent of freshly baked bread fill the air on Sunday evenings around here. And sometimes it's the spicy scent of chili. And that's just the food part of autumn.

The air smells distinctly different this time of year than at any other. Summer's air has a scent that is filled with humidity and a sort of stink from the heat, if I'm honest. But autumn's air smells fresh and clean and new again. It is literally a breath of fresh air when you step outside. Oftentimes, the scent of firewood fills the air, especially as the nights get colder. And the way the earth smells after an autumn rainfall is blissful.

Candles and essential oils also fill the air with autumnal scents. We love using warm, spicy scents in our diffuser as well as with the candles we light this time of year. My mom often has a stovetop potpourri simmering all day long when the weather turns cool. Cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, orange slices and water make for a magical potion of coziness and warmth on a cold autumn day and night. Our house smells delightful all season long with these various scents...whether from baking, cooking, candles, oils diffusing...or even when we step outside and enjoy a campfire or simply breathe in the scents of the earth in all her autumn glory.

Experience autumn's scents...

Gather essential oils and/or candles that have autumnal scents and make it a point to diffuse or light them each evening whilst you are settling in...and during dinnertime. Walk outside and breath in and notice the scents of autumn. Pay attention to the air at different times of day, it smells different in the early part of the day compared to nighttime after dark. Notice how the scent of the air changes as it gets colder. Fill your kitchen with cozy scents with the foods you prepare. And maybe pop a pan on the stove filled with a few simple ingredients to make a stovetop potpourri to enjoy all day long.

Autumn's Touch

When I think of touch in relation to autumn, I think of all kinds of cozy textures. The warmth of a comforter after crawling in bed at night. The softness of a sweatshirt on my skin on a cold day. The way a handknit scarf feels on my neck. The thickness of socks on my feet as I slip on my boots. The way flannel sheets feel so warm on chilly nights and worn pajamas feel so familiar and comforting. In my opinion, autumn should feel comforting and cozy and warm and homey...and as much like a hug as possible. Those are the words I would use to describe autumn's touch. 

Nature has its own touch in autumn. Pumpkins are smooth to the touch and gourds are bumpy. Leaves crinkle like confetti when you touch them and the ground is crunchy under my feet. Autumn in nature also means piling in firewood to the campfire in the evenings and feeling the texture of the dry wood in my hands. And sometimes, it's the way the earth feels soggy and soaked with autumn rains and leaves clumped together as if they are all one.

Experience autumn's touch...

Slow down and notice how autumn makes you feel when you touch it...in the clothing you wear, in nature, and pay attention to the textures around you. Make sure your are surrounded with soft, warm, cozy, comforting textures, and savour the way they wrap you up like a hug.

Autumn's Sights

In autumn, there are colors bursting forth on trees all around...if you're in a part of the world where you are able to enjoy seasonal changes in their proper fullness. In my corner of the world, we get to see a bit of color here and there,  but mostly the leaves just turn brown and that's about it. But we do get to enjoy a host of color with pumpkins of various shapes, sizes and even colors on porches all over town. Pots of mums grace many front door steps too, and they are some of my favorite. Squirrels are running around through the trees and acorns are literally everywhere. Not to mention the leaves...hundreds of thousands of them it seems. Autumn's golden light streaming in through the windows and then as night falls, soft lamplight filling the room. Twinkly fairy lights gracing bookshelves and windows and fabric bunting on the mantle.

 Seasonal decorations are in homes and gardens galore and it makes for the most wonderful sights...both when you're in your own home or driving through town. The flannel sheets and blankets and cozy clothing and seasonal mugs and dishes also make their yearly return. And every year, we add a few new decorations, usually a few bought at the shops and a few handmade. Really everywhere you look, there isn't a doubt in your mind that it is, indeed, autumn.

Experience autumn's sights...

Go outside and LOOK. Really see what's around you and savour the sights of autumn in nature. Come inside and add autumn to your home...in the comforts of home and the decorations you add for beauty and fun. Then, perhaps, make a few new decorations to add some autumnal vibes to your home. Use softer light for a gentle atmosphere in the evenings as the nightfall comes earlier.

Autumn's Sounds

The sounds of autumn...the whistle of a kettle, the bubbling of simmering soup, the instrumental music that fills the air as I work and play, leaves crunching underfoot, the whirling wind outside, rain tapping against the window at night, the gentle whir of the diffuser as it puts forth spicy scents into the air. Squirrels chasing one another on the roof and hearing the pitter-patter of their feet from indoors, the sound of pages turning in beloved novels, scissors cutting as crafts are being created, birds singing their morning chorus. All of these are just the start of the sounds of autumn in my home. 

Experience autumn's sounds...

Once again, go outside and LISTEN. Pay attention to the ground you walk on and how it sounds as you move. Notice the squirrels and birds and other critters. In your home, make an autumn playlist or have music that is extra cozy and delightful to listen to as you go about your daily activities.

As I mentioned above, in our home, we love adding new decorations for every season and we love making some of these ourselves. A few years ago, a favorite blogger of mine shared the cutest autumn craft and I marked it as something that I wanted to make sometime. Well, that "sometime" came last month. It was an easy project and was the perfect thing to work on whilst I watched Gilmore Girls one night (the perfect cozy show!). I chose wooden buttons and a variety of red buttons as my "leaves" for the tree and added a few tiny beads here and there as well. I am so pleased with how it turned out and am thinking I want to make a tree for each season with leaves in colors to match that time of year. A rainbow of pastel colors for springtime, green for summer with a few bursts of color here and there and for winter, I'm thinking purple and blue to sort of resemble an icy look. I love having this cute decoration hanging in my room...and another one in our family room...and I love it even more because it was a fun project that I got to enjoy one evening.

Why not choose your own project to work on and add a little autumn to your home?

What are your favorite ways to experience autumn's fullness with all your senses? Share below! 

loving yourself through daily rituals

Another new week is beginning, friends. And, yes, I realize that I didn't post on Friday. On Thursday evening, when I would typically be writing Friday's post, I got caught up in a delightful novel I am reading, as well as watching an episode of Road to Avonlea, so I simply didn't get a post written. Instead, I gave in to a bit of time to love myself with gentleness and delight and I must say it was ever so lifegiving.

Today's post is about just that...how I spent Thursday evening is just one of the ways that I love myself...and today I hope to inspire you to show a little love to yourself. Shall we begin?!?!

  

Everyone deserves to show themselves love and daily rituals are one of the most practical and best ways to do so. While some may think of a day at the spa getting a massage or their nails done as "loving themselves", that sounds like hell to me, so I go about loving myself a bit differently. Of course, this is as unique as everyone of us, so my ideas are things that I enjoy, but I do hope that my ideas get your own wheels turning as you perhaps compile a list of things that you can implement into your daily life to love yourself a little bit more. (If you journal, this would make for a fun journaling afternoon!)

1. a calming morning rhythm

All of my life, in our home, we've made it a MUST that our mornings are slow and calm and easy. We avoid schedules and time frames as much as we can, only engaging in such things when we simply cannot avoid them. Our mornings and start of the day are slow and gentle. We do not rush to begin our day, nor do we get dressed as soon as our feet hit the floor. In our home, we cannot get going full speed ahead as soon as our eyes open. I think it's important, even if you do have to be on a more scheduled routine, to make your mornings and start of the day as calm and gentle as possible. Wake up earlier if you need to so you can slowly wake up in bed for ten minutes or so before getting ready for the day. Whatever it means for you, I think gentle mornings really set the tone for the entire day ahead.

Also another huge thing for me is making sure that the alarm I wake up to isn't going to jolt me awake. I can't stand the blare and siren-like sound of a normal alarm, so I use a soothing instrumental piece and it wakes me up in a calm manner. Those blaring noises make me wake up on the wrong side of the bed and set me in the wrong mood for the whole day and really make me feel anxious and uptight, but a soothing piece of music is quite a lovely way to wake up.

2. a peaceful bedtime rhythm

Sleep has been something I've struggled with since I was very young. I don't have a magic potion for making one sleep like a baby...I'm quite jealous of folks who can do such a thing. And most nights, sleep is something my body struggles with, but I do have a few things that help me. Every night, I spend some time before bed doing something calming, whether it be reading a novel or a calming magazine, watching an episode of a show I love, or even sometimes writing in my journals, I make sure that I end my day with something light, pleasant and gentle (the most important word, perhaps, when it comes to loving yourself). I go through phases of having a cup of tea before bed, too, which is really something I should get better at. Keeping lights low and using low wattage bulbs makes for an atmosphere that invites sleepiness to take over. I always make sure to have a nighttime or calming essential oil blend going in my diffuser and keep my salt lamp on because I do like a tad bit of light n the dark. Then, I avoid my phone because it really wakes me up. I don't have anything that works for me 100%, but these things do make a difference. (I also use my oils every night, but more on that below.)

3. slow showers or baths

I mentioned in a post once before that if there was a way to get clean without having to take a shower, I'd be totally down for it. I hate water and getting wet. It's just terrible. Ha! But I like being clean and so showers are a must. And so I figure I might as well make it a pleasant experience. Baths do not sound at all appealing to me, quite the opposite, actually, so showers it is. I make it a point not to rush when I am in the shower or once I get out either. I take my time and breathe deeply. I use soaps and such that are healthy for my skin and enjoy their lovely scent. And I do love a hot, steamy shower...no cold water for this gal. When I am getting dressed, I will often use a wonderful product called "goop" by a company called "All Good" and give my feet a massage...this stuff works wonders on dry skin in the colder weather, and on sunburn, too. I apply essential oils and braid my hair for bed. (I do love nighttime showers right before bed; I can never understand the enjoyment of a morning shower.) And I make sure to put on comfy pajamas that feel good on my skin. So even though showers are not my most favorite thing on the planet, it becomes a pleasant experience and I am loving myself through the process, too. 

4. essential oil rituals

Essential oils have been part of my life for several years now, but it's only been in the last few months that I've finally found the oils that work for me. I have a few roller bottles that I have made and I use them for different purposes on various parts of my body. I have a calming blend that I made myself with geranium, lavender and rosemary oils that I apply to my forearm and wrist area as well as over my heart. I also use a calming blend that I apply to my neck. I made a wellness roller blend that I apply to my lower back and it is good especially this time of year. I apply these to my body twice a day, rarely skipping a day. And they are magic!

5. fresh air

One of the ways that I am focusing on loving myself right now is by adding daily time in nature to my daily rhythms. I used to be so good about this, but over the last few years, I've really gotten out of this rhythm. At least 20-30 minutes a day, outside, breathing in the fresh air. Doesn't matter if it's day or night, if the sun accompanies me or the moon and stars. I just need to breathe in fresh air. Nature is the ultimate healer and our souls are filled everytime we step outside to join the earth in her bountiful beauty. Not to mention the world of good it does our minds. So fresh air it is!

6. rest and relaxation

It is vital that we have times of rest and relaxation. Even if it's just for 30 minutes, our bodies, minds and souls crave this. These moments are not a waste of time, nor are they to be neglected. Many of the ideas here could very well fit under this category of "rest and relaxation"...

7. positive circles

This one is a bit controversial, but one that I feel to be most important. And I speak from personal experience.

Sometimes the circles and communities and groups that are labelled as "right" or "good" are anything but. I'm talking specifically about Christian circles here, to be quite blunt. And I know all too well just how toxic and dangerous these groups can be. There is a lot of fear and guilt and burden in these circles and they make people feel horrible about themselves. They cause destruction to minds, hardness to hearts and a crushing to souls. The damage they do takes years, if not a lifetime, to overcome and work through. Healing lasts forever and it certainly isn't easy. 

This is something I have experienced firsthand and know all too well what this damage to the mind, heart and soul looks and feels like. With that said, it is so important that we have positive circles around us. People and ideals that are filled with light and beauty and goodness. Beliefs that don't cause us to have to spend years recovering from them. Sometimes you have to step away from that which may be labelled "right" or "good" in order to find what is actually right and good...so that you can find the beautiful.

Sometimes the very way you can love yourself is to step away from these people and circles.

8. healthy eating

Eating home-cooked healthy meals is about as good as it gets. Especially when you prepare the meal with those you love most. Of course, having treats here and there is fine, too...and even those can be healthy. Making sure to use the best ingredients possible and making mealtime a magical experience with candles, loved ones, conversation, and laughter is important, too.

9. slow days

Having slow days is good for the soul. There are many ideas for this, but one of my personal favorites is my family's soup and bread Sundays. Every Sunday, we have some sort of homemade soup (or stew or chili, etc.) simmering on the stove all evening long...and some sort of homemade bread baking in the oven. Then, after darkness falls outside, we sit down, and feast. It is a wonderfully slow and gentle Sunday and honestly couldn't be more perfect. And oh so fun!

10. unplug 

I cannot tell you the goodness I have found since I unplugged from social media over the early summer. I knew it would be good for me and have positive benefits but I didn't have any idea just HOW good it would be and how MANY positive benefits I would discover. Honestly, I cannot think of any good thing that comes from social media and would strongly encourage anyone to just delete their accounts and move on. You will find LIFE again and so much goodness. This is by far one of the best ways you can love yourself...you won't miss it, trust me!

Also, you don't need your phone attached to you every minute of the day. Honestly, it is quite ridiculous how much some people use their phones. I think they are really only necessary if you are making or taking a phone call or text. If you are using it for some other reason, ask yourself if it is really necessary or a good use of your time. Is it causing you stress or making you ignore those around you? There are times when using your phone to look something up is beneficial and good, but most of people's time spent on their phone is quite absurd if you ask me. 

11. avoid the news

I am really trying to get better about this one, because my anxious mind sometimes must know everything that's going on in the world. But it's never good for me. The news is a certain trigger for stress and no one needs to be engaged all the time. You don't need to know everything that's going on in the world at every minute of the day. If there is something going on in the world that you need to know about, you will. Just avoid the news as much as possible; your mind will thank you.

12. meditate and affirmations

These are both somewhat new to me, but I think they are excellent things to implement into your daily rituals. Meditating can be as simple as taking a walk outside in the garden and appreciating the earth and her wisdom and beauty. Or it could also be quietly listening to soothing music whilst washing the dishes or folding laundry. It can be pausing for five minutes to breathe deeply and clear your mind of intrusive thoughts. Repeating affirmations to yourself can be comforting, encouraging and also, well, affirming. 

13. trust your intuition

In many circles, we are taught not to trust ourselves and that our hearts will lead us in bad ways. And that, my friend, is simply a lie. A downright, and dangerous, lie. Trusting your intuition and following your heart's leading is so important. Your intuition is a gift you have; trust it, use it, be grateful for it. And your heart is leading you to your destiny. Allow it to guide you along life's journey and be open to its gentle leading. It can take time when you've been told for so long that these things are wrong or bad, but little by little, step by step, you will begin to trust yourself again...like you did when you were a little girl. And bit by bit, your heart will heal from all the lies you've been fed and your heart will begin to feel better. You'll trust it and you'll follow its leading. You will stop doubting yourself and as you are gentle with yourself, that trust will return.

14. take yourself and life less seriously...laugh

Seriously. Laugh at yourself sometimes. Not sometimes, most of the time. If you make a mistake or are clumsy, just laugh it off. I am quite clumsy and have to laugh at myself often. I am also a total dork so life gives me the opportunity to take myself less seriously often. Laugh as much as possible. And surround yourself with people who love to laugh their butts off...they make life a whole lot more fun and interesting. I think we would all be happier if we just started taking ourselves and life less seriously.

15. delighting in art

Art in any shape or form is perfect for showing yourself some love. Delighting in a good book or listening to some fun music and dancing, even if you're terrible at it. Watching a favorite movie or show, adding beautiful art pieces to your walls, or whatever it is that you love...fill your life with art. Attend plays and musicals and concerts that inspire and fill you up to overflowing. They literally can't be beaten! Peruse bookshops and art displays. Ask others with similar tastes what they love and get ideas from them. Art is lifegiving and soul-filling and that's what loving yourself is all about.

16. hobbies

Taking the time to invest and enjoy hobbies is also lifegiving and soul-filling. When we take the time to paint, sew, knit or crochet, cook or bake, garden, read, journal, embroider, play music, write, do puzzles, play card or board games, or whatever else it may be, we are investing in something we love. These hobbies are so much more than simply ways we spend time; they are what make us who we are. 

17. comfy clothing

One of the ways I love myself is by wearing clothing that I feel comfortable in. I do not spend time worrying about trends or what others are wearing. I wear what I like and what feels good to me. My style is my style and I don't care what others think. I think it's important to wear clothing that you feel good in and that makes you comfortable. Other clothing can make you feel insecure and bad about your body and that's not loving yourself.

18. making a lovely space

In order to thrive and be peaceful, we must be in a space that we find lovely and where we want to be. Making a haven out of your space is crucial. Making it "you" and filling it with things that you cherish or enjoy or simply love because they are beautiful are not only fun, but can also become a hobby, too. Your space, no matter how big or small, should be cozy and warm and comfortable. It should be as homey as can be...you should love being there and when you're not there, you should miss it terribly. This space should be a comfort to your soul.

19. avoiding stress

I think it is wise to avoid stress whenever possible. Guard your life and who you allow in, guard your home and who you allow in, guard your mind and who you allow to influence you. Don't be afraid to say NO. You don't owe anyone an explanation for how you live your life. Stop trying to explain yourself to idiots and just walk on. Stress shouldn't be something we seek out and yet too often, by our choices and decisions, it's almost as if we are chasing it down.

20. you are enough, you are perfect, you are beautiful

Remind yourself often that you are enough, you are perfect, and you are beautiful. Just the way you are. No matter what number you see on the scale or the number inside your jeans. No matter your personality or quirks or sensitivities. No matter if you are quiet or outgoing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you and you don't need to constantly work on yourself. You are enough just as you are...stop trying to tell yourself otherwise. You aren't too much or too little; you are just right exactly as you are. You are perfect right now, right here in this moment. Tell yourself these things regularly and allow your mind, heart and soul to actually believe it. Stop criticizing yourself...whether it be about your personality, your body or whatever. Start talking kindly to and about yourself...no more negative talk. Start loving yourself today, right now, as you are. Because you, my friend, are enough, you are perfect and you are beautiful. Yes, YOU! 

What are some of the daily rituals you enjoy? How do you love yourself? Do share below!

 May your week be blissful, dear reader friends!

♥