I've been scribbling notes for this post for ages but kept dismissing them as silly. Before bed I've been reading Joyful and there are so many similarities between what scientifically brings us joy and how I make my everyday beautiful that I've realised they're not silly and having moments or spaces of beauty around the house are so important for well being. With the nights drawing in - it's even more import to create an environment that delights. Here are some of the ways I make my everyday beautiful.
Fresh Flowers - As much as I like a house plant, it's an ever changing of freshly picked flowers from my garden that makes me so happy. I love to notice the subtle changes in colour as the months pass and what's in season. Having a vase of bountiful blooms on the shelf beside my bed puts me in a good mood when I wake up and sends me off to sleep dreaming of roses. I save my favourite vase from Kt Robbins Ceramics for my special shelf (DIY salvaged wood shelf) and keep it topped up with flowers all year round.
Declutter - Since getting new wardrobes in the spring and Milly starting preschool I've been nudged into using my 'free time' to sort out the hidden corners of the house. For the last six months I've gone through every room, sorting cupboards, recycling, donating the unused and unloved. It's been a subtle improvement, as we're too messy by nature to ever keep things pristine, but it's made my head and the flow of the house so much calmer. You can read about how I declutter here.
Smell sweet - The first thing I notice when I walk into a space is how it smells (this can be shop/room/etc). Being greeted by the smell of bins when I get through the front door, never fails to put me in a bad mood. As a simple step, I open as many doors and windows as I can to let fresh air in (even in winter). When the skies turn grey, there is nothing better than lighting a few candles I normally get mine at the supermarket. However, I'm feeling that these might not been the best and am starting to look for healthier alternatives. As a quick fix to my natural fragrance conundrum I'm been using eucalyptus in dried flower wreaths and little bunches around the house, giving each room a sweet scent.
Make space for beautiful things - Children come with a lot of stuff, first it's the endless stream of nappies and bottles and as they get older it's the unstoppable spread of tiny toys. I've found it invaluable for my peace of mind to have toy free area's where I can keep my treasures uninterrupted from children. As each room is usually a scene of destruction, having a tiny unspoilt oasis of prettiness is key! My turquoise dining room cabinet is a favourite spot as is the fireplace in the living room.
Daily moments - I listened to a podcast recently that made me question my ritual of always using the same mug in the morning. However I'm all for making special moments throughout day no matter how ordinary it is. Tea in a proper pot with a cup and saucer, do it! A sandwich on your best vintage plate, why not?! A bath before breakfast, go on! You get the idea, it doesn't have to be big to make an impact, anything that lifts your spirits is good by me.
Most importantly learning to make each day beautiful is about slowing down and enjoying what already have. The world we live in drives us to want and be more - knowing that you have and are enough is the most important element for a beautiful life.
Smell sweet - The first thing I notice when I walk into a space is how it smells (this can be shop/room/etc). Being greeted by the smell of bins when I get through the front door, never fails to put me in a bad mood. As a simple step, I open as many doors and windows as I can to let fresh air in (even in winter). When the skies turn grey, there is nothing better than lighting a few candles I normally get mine at the supermarket. However, I'm feeling that these might not been the best and am starting to look for healthier alternatives. As a quick fix to my natural fragrance conundrum I'm been using eucalyptus in dried flower wreaths and little bunches around the house, giving each room a sweet scent.
Make space for beautiful things - Children come with a lot of stuff, first it's the endless stream of nappies and bottles and as they get older it's the unstoppable spread of tiny toys. I've found it invaluable for my peace of mind to have toy free area's where I can keep my treasures uninterrupted from children. As each room is usually a scene of destruction, having a tiny unspoilt oasis of prettiness is key! My turquoise dining room cabinet is a favourite spot as is the fireplace in the living room.
Daily moments - I listened to a podcast recently that made me question my ritual of always using the same mug in the morning. However I'm all for making special moments throughout day no matter how ordinary it is. Tea in a proper pot with a cup and saucer, do it! A sandwich on your best vintage plate, why not?! A bath before breakfast, go on! You get the idea, it doesn't have to be big to make an impact, anything that lifts your spirits is good by me.
Most importantly learning to make each day beautiful is about slowing down and enjoying what already have. The world we live in drives us to want and be more - knowing that you have and are enough is the most important element for a beautiful life.
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