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| Image: Ella Jardim, Unsplash |
Hello chic friends!
Over the past few days I've been thinking of doing a '30 Chic Days at Home' series, since that where most of us will be for the forseeable future. And we're the lucky ones! I know there are many who have to go to work, and I agree, it's scary times.
I don't want to give in to the fear though, and for that reason I have decided to focus on the positive things, being lighthearted, doing things around the house that I've not gotten around to and generally making this a time of productivity and forward movement as much as possible.
I've decided to use pretty images from Unsplash, because I'm better with words than I am with photos. Often finding a picture to use is my biggest barrier to publishing a blog post! I'm taking the pressure off and have saved a ton of inspiring photos from Unsplash to use throughout this series.
Starting from today, I will be posting for thirty days. My plan is to have short daily posts - little bursts of inspiration and happiness to make the most of our confinement and take our mind off things. It's all too easy to invite anxiety in the door when I think too much about the possibilities; I know that from personal experience and you may do too.
I thought my previous post could be day one, because taking the time to tidy up loose ends and bothersome things is an excellent focus which will make you feel a bit better about things. The more we are in control of things, the stronger we feel. There is so much outside of our control right now, but if we can keep order and a feeling of wellbeing near us, that's got to help.
I hope you enjoy my posts, and if you have a suggestion for one, please let me know. Also, if you have a series on your blog - maybe a lockdown diary or you simply want to elevate the mood like I do, please feel free to share your link in the comments. We're all in this together.
Let's go!
Day 2: Creating a Cozy Nook
I'm often inspired by decor images where a corner has been repurposed from an empty space into a lovely little sitting area with one or two chairs and a tiny table. Add a few flowers in a small vase, a cup of tea and a glossy picture book. I have just such a nook in my living area and it's so nice to sit there, even by myself, with a hot drink.
Another nook idea I love is wrapping up in bed (a mental nook rather than a physical one, perhaps). Each morning I have a big cup of tea delivered to me - I know, so lucky, but I'd happily get it myself if I had to :) - and I take this time to read something inspiring before I have my shower. I would get up earlier just to fit this time into my day if necessary.
Another part of my cozy nook idea is reading the books you already have, making the most of them. With libraries being closed around the place, it's a nice opportunity to browse your own bookshelves. I have a small number of big glossy picture books I've bought or been gifted over the years, and it's not often that I take them down and read them. If not now, then when?
This morning, I inspired myself with my beloved copy of Vicki Archer's 'My French Life'. I read the chapter on French women and how they approach beauty and style ('Le Femmes', starting on page 61) and it was a beautiful way to start my day.
Please share what book you might browse for a small pocket of beauty in these troubled times.
And I'll see you tomorrow!
xx Fiona
The cover of Vicki's book. Isn't it gorgeous?
Fionna, I have missed your posts and look forward to a new 30 days series...they are my absolute favorites! God bless!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Fiona! I'm so happy. I've missed you and have often re-read some of your previous 30 days series. May you stay well and healthy. xo karen
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I'll be looking forward to your new 30 days series.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the lovely reminders. I try to make my bedside a pretty space. I have a bookshelf there and rearranged it for hours til it was just right! I reread Jane Austen novels, but own Emma and never finished it so that's first!
ReplyDeleteHi, Fiona! Thanks so much for this series. It's so helpful to read about the experiences of others across the globe as we face this challenge together. From the US, I wrote a post about what's on my "to-do" list this spring. https://www.beesandbubbles.com/home/spring-to-do-list
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you are doing this for 30 days!! I have a chair next to my bed that is my nook during the day and my before bed routine the nook moves to my bed. It's the coziest area of my home and I love it.
ReplyDeleteBravo! Thank you for your commitment to reaching out to all of us during these uncertain times!
ReplyDeleteI managed to raid the library before it was closed and my children and I checked out over 100 books! I checked out several new cookbooks to try some new cuisines while we're at home. Plus they have beautiful pictures. I'm also reading some lighter romances.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona! Looking forward to your daily posts, your positive outlook is always inspirational.
ReplyDeleteTake care Rita
Gift of a Letter, by Alexandra Stoddard i love this book and i really do feel i have received a gift when i receive one.
ReplyDelete"In today's lightning-paced, nuclear-obsessed society, we are virtually starved for the individual stamp of a personally handwritten letter. We live longer than ever before. So what is our maddening rush? What makes us "too busy" to send the gift of a letter to someone we care about?" So true.
God bless you, Melanie
I have always loved cozy nooks! Since we are in a temporary rental, I hadn't even thought about one - until now. Thank you so much for a wonderful reminder. I'm going to figure one out. They are so worth it.
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