Fall
It's fall! Or at least, it's close enough to count...My favorite time of year. Fall makes my heart happy. Fall makes me want to go shopping for boots, long skirts, and sweaters. Fall inspires my desire to cook, and calls me to come outdoors. Golden sunlight through brilliantly colored leaves uplifts my spirit. Apples, caramel, wood smoke, pumpkins, corn mazes...love, love, love!Settling into Myself
Women are constantly being urged to reinvent themselves. Advertising constantly tells us how to make ourselves look younger, dress better, change ourselves. I'm as susceptible as the next girl, especially when it comes to makeup! Despite this, at least once a year I find myself circling back to the same thought - that I am an individual, and as people go, I'm not that bad. I feel almost as if I am settling more firmly into my own skin. Sure there are things I would like to change - everyone has those things - but overall, there are more things to love than I usually give myself credit for. I think everyone could benefit from giving themselves a loving talk. So, I'm going to be brave and try it. I am making the effort to tell myself something good every day. I hope you will do the same for yourself - list, out loud, those things you love about yourself, those things that make you who you are. Praise yourself, love yourself for who you are and what you prize. It can make a difference in how you view yourself, and that will change how you view the world.
I like that I am a bookworm. I like that I enjoy crossword puzzles. I like that I like both tea and coffee. I like that I have such a broad taste in music. I like that I never outgrew Disney movies, musicals, and cartoons. I like that I am a sucker for babies. I like that I love rain. I like that I have a wicked sense of humor. I like that I enjoy cooking, and having a clean kitchen (note that I didn't say I like cleaning it though! =)) I like that I love my friends. I like: warm, yummy, spiced food type smells, things that make me laugh, heartwarming stories, Victorian, Regency, and 40s-50s styles, manners, loyalty, hot chocolate with marshmallows, comfort food, ruffles, sweaters, a pen that writes smoothly, candles, and so many other things that all wrap up into me. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that there are as many, if not more, good things about me than things I need to change.
Decorating and Personal Style
As I've pointed out in previous blogs, I am a decorating fiend. What I haven't mentioned, at least not that I can recall, is that I don't really have a style. My taste is very eclectic, and has changed a lot over the years. The one constant theme seems to be comfort. In my home, I want things that invite you to relax, be comfortable and cheerful. I collect scented candles, throw blankets, and pillows. I have books in every room. I like to add touches reflecting the holidays or seasons.
In my wardrobe, I want things that are comfortable and fun to wear. It's fun to branch out though, and I've decided recently that I don't need a theme, or a style. I just need things that make me happy to wear them, or happy to use them. I have everything from jeans and sneakers to poet shirts and funky jewelry. I want to add more though - more chunky necklaces and bracelets, fun hats, prints I wouldn't normally wear. Things that add even more fun - and why not? Who says you have to stick to one genre? Just like in my library, I want variety. Recommendations are always welcome, so if there's something you love, in the home or on your body, share it with me! I am looking forward to experimenting.
