30 Chic Days at Home - Day 2 - Create a Cozy Nook

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.

Yes, I definitely spent an evening with the English Sky news playing live on YouTube and while it was quite fascinating to watch, it didn't feel good afterwards.  I'm watching the news more because it's an unprecedented time we are in and we have to keep informed, but I'm also going to focus on the lovely.

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?

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