Wow! Can you believe it’s the last week of March already? And being Monday, that means it’s time for another Why Don’t You.
Inspired by one of my favorite blogs Brocante Home (who was in turn inspired by a feature in Harper’s Bazaar written by Diana Vreeland), Why Don’t You is a week’s worth of ideas for adding a little something special to your life. Simple ideas for lovely days!
Pick and choose what sparks your interest and fits into your schedule. Or use these simple ideas for special days as inspiration for coming up with your own ideas.
WHY DON’T YOU? – Simple Ideas for Lovely Days
Add a little white, cream, or yellow to each room.
It’s the perfect way to inject a little spring into your home. I’m not suggesting you completely redo your entire home decor. But just a few small light-colored items scattered around your house can really freshen things up.
Try decorative cushions, throws, vases, plants, flowers, wreaths, or small knickknacks. It’s amazing how much of a difference a white vase filled with yellow flowers can make!
Rearrange your bookcases.
Too overwhelming? Then just tackle one. Remove some of the books and replace them with more decorative accessories. Arrange your books by color for a more interesting display. Place some books on end and others in stacks. Little changes can do a lot to brighten up your view!
While you’re at it, you might want to cull some books from your collection. Think about passing them along to a hospital or nursing home or take them to a secondhand bookstore and make a little extra cash. If you need some ideas, this article will help you figure out how to make your bookcases look picture perfect.
Go to your local farmers’ market.
We have a few of them here in London and I love to visit them for fresh local meats and produce. Ours even have some items by local artisans too. Not only do I find higher quality products there, but striking up a conversation with the local farmers has been invaluable. They have given me tips on proper preparation and storage of the items, insider information on when certain products will be available, and more.
Even beyond that, there’s just something so charming about shopping at a farmers’ market. I don’t rush through it. Instead, I take my time, browsing through the selections, taking in the sights and aromas. It’s not just shopping – it becomes a lovely afternoon out.
Put together a spring reading list.
I’m still working on mine but in the meantime, I do love to read The Secret Garden each spring. For the kids, try Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.
While I love to spend winter cuddled up under a blanket by the fireplace reading, springtime is perfect for sitting on the back patio, sipping a lemonade, and reading while enjoying the fresh spring air and sunshine. What are you reading right now?
Welcome the birds back to your backyard.
The birds have started showing up in my yard, ,how about yours?
I want to make them a home where they feel really welcome. So, I add a water feature, add birdhouses and feeders, and some nesting materials. You can even get the kids involved in making some stuff for the birds like this Washi tape bird feeder made from a milk carton or this hand-painted bird feeder made from a cereal box!
Refresh your skin.
A facial steaming is a great way to refresh your skin after the ravages of winter. When I was a kid, my mom actually had a special machine for steaming her skin but you don’t need anything fancy. I just fill the sink or a bowl with hot water (hot, not boiling).
Before steaming, make sure to clean your face, but don’t apply any products. Lean over the bowl – make sure not to get too close! You to feel the steam without burning yourself. Place a towel over your head to help keep the steam concentrated around your face.
Steam for about 10 minutes. Getting too close to the heat or steaming for any longer than that can cause inflammation so be sure to use caution. The steam can open up your pores and make your skin feel fresh and dewy. I don’t know if it really helps improve your skin, but I find it relaxing and it always makes mine feel better.
Create a playlist for unpleasant chores or errands.
I’m not really a fan of multi-tasking most of the time. I find that it can backfire and actually makes me less productive. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with putting together a playlist of music to help motivate you through your vacuuming or shopping. Instead of music, you might prefer to listen to books on a service like Audible.
Here’s another approach to tackling those unpleasant tasks. Instead of trying to distract yourself from them, you could embrace some mindfulness. Try to really embrace the moment. Take your time and let yourself observe all the details of what is happening. Use your senses and take in all the small details. It can turn drudgery into a meditative experience.
Make a list of warm weather tasks.
I’ve posted a list of chores I want to get done whenever there’s one of those random nice weather days in early spring. I keep thinking of things like washing out the trash cans, throwing a coat of spray paint on a few items that look a little worse for wear after winter, and digging out the gardens. I want to be ready to jump on the next nice day and start tackling those To Do’s!
What will you do this week to make your days lovely? Find more Why Don’t You? posts here.
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