It’s been quite a long time since I’ve done a monthly reflections and inspired by post. This year I’m challenging myself to really stick to sharing my monthly reflections and the things that have inspired me, anything that left a mark on me and that I think you might enjoy or find some use in too.
January started slow, a good kind of slow, and then it quickly became heavy. I know we’re all going through it, personally I am too, with several loved ones going through some hardships, the constant pressure of what’s next in a business while simply trying to make it through winter and these crazy days. I don’t want to add to that for you, so I want to bring a bit of inspiration to your day,
If there’s one thing I took away from this month is to show myself grace, especially when I’m feeling low or too tired to stay motivated, or the world gets to me. Don’t forget to show yourself kindness too. If you took it easy and slow, only checked off a few to do’s or projects; that’s ok, we don’t need to do it all, and in one day. I don’t care if I’ve been moving and thinking slower, what matters is that I am making progress, working and growing, but it’s just a bit calmer. Giving you a big hug as a new month unfolds…
When the high noon sun reflecting off your neighbor’s roof is so bright, you just have to stop and soak it all in.
A vision board with new images, but goals, dreams and intentions that have always lived in my soul. Manifesting all these things and more that feel like living intentionally.
A new DIY Calendar. I took an extra large frame I had, and created the calendar grid block on the back using a black chalkboard marker. In the front, I use a white chalk marker to customize the month, dates and to dos. Not only is the more affordable then buying a new calendar everywhere, it also creates less waste but I find it looks so much cleaner and clutter-free. Much needed in an office.
My little guy Marley is a much better bedding model than I. I gifted myself Parachute’s Linen sheets, and it has been the best investment I’ve made. Linen is my favorite, and since I’m an extremely hot sleeper, these have been a game changer. I still have some nights I wake up in a sweat, but thankfully it’s no longer a regular occurrence. I fully understand these are not cheap, even for me, I cut back buying things over the years, so this was both something I saved for and treated myself.
Oven dried citrus is such a lovely winter activity. Sharing a DIY this week that is both a relaxing activity and makes great gifts!
Inspired By…
All the beautiful and inspiring Instagram posts from this month….encouraging words that reminded me to give myself grace and stillness when January became too heavy, one of kind bridal, fashion and wabi sabi interiors and a show stopping larger than life daisy ceremony display!! These are my top 5…
This beautiful quote. via Emily Jeffords
Athena has been a big source of inspiration over the years. If there was a image that encapsulates all I love about interiors. via Eye Swoon
It’s all about the colors!! And yes I love a beautiful matching skirt set. via Blair Eadie
There are NO words. No words. Okay maybe how utterly dreamy is this wedding!! via 100 Layer Cake
Because you know you’ve wondered how to sustainably dispose of our intimates. via Green Matters
Creative Pleasures
Image via My Scandinavian Home … Photography Byron Beach Abodes
In case you need me… I’ve mentally escaped to Le Viti Barn. I’ve been a longtime follower of My Scandinavian Home, she always excites and inspires me! … My Scandinavian Home
This Vintage Cigar Cabinet…turned into the perfect home storage, and now I can’t stop envisioning a beautiful grand display with antiques and treasures… My Scandinavian Home
For the love of Brown…yes, maybe I’m a little weird but I’ve always loved the color brown. Much of my wardrobe are brown and green hues. Brown can be a beautiful statement and compliments just about every color …sfgirlbybay
I’ve been working on something for close to a year, slowly but surely, and I can’t wait to share with you all. This is a little insight on what it is 😉
My Favorite Entertainment
Of course I’m starting off with Emily in Paris! what can I say I’ve been a fan since they first announced this show was in the works, I watched Season 2 right after Christmas and it was the perfect thing to bring me joy. I then rewatched season 1 then 2 again, like a weirdo. I couldn’t help myself, is it groundbreaking not really, but I’ve always been a Francophile, so I’m living vicariously through this show. But it’s really all the details coming together from the music which is parfait and very much an important character in the show, to connecting with each character on a personal level, yes even Luc. No need to mention the fashion or my massive crush on the fiercely chic Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu.
Speaking of all things French, some of my favorite Netflix French series {is series singular and plural? } ended within these last months {I miss Call My Agent! and Family Bussiness😭}. The latest was the Hook Up Plan. What starts as a quirky plan to hook their best friend up with a paid male escort, turns into a funny and sweet story of friends evolving and growing. Ps. Great music too👌🏼
I’m kicking myself I only watched Sex Education now, but I’m so glad I did. It’s the perfect mix of funny, quirky but also heartwarming and a sincere modern coming of age story. Exactly what I needed right now. It’s ranking up there with my favorites shows, and can’t wait for season 4 {rumored to be the last😕}. Also, not sure it was possible but this show has made me love Gillian Anderson even more {she’s the reason I was into X-files}. Also how do I get her wardrobe??
The series finale of After Life shook me. It may be because many themes felt a bit too real for me, but the music the composition, it’s one of those scenes that will stay with me.
My favorite unique watch, was the limited series from Spain, The Time It Takes, created by the beautiful Nadia de Santiago. It’s unique in the way this romantic breakup story sets up each episode being 11 minutes, with each spending time in the past and the rest in the present. One minute longer in the present, one moment closer to closure…until the end?? If you’re into great international acting, it’s a raw and real, but quick watch.
Listening to
My “Live.Viver.Vivre” Playlist. I’m not sure how to describe it yet, it will be an ever-evolving selection of music as the months roll on. Right now, I’d say it’s fun, upbeat, very French and is a mini escape.
Songs that really got me…”So Lo Que Soy” by Monogem, “Magnetic Woman” by Eerie Wands, “Mon Soleil” by Ashley Park, “Surefire” by Wilderado, “nuit d’été” by Oscar Anton + Clementine.
“BIG SHOT” by The Lumineers constantly plays in my mind. In fact their newest album “BRIGHTSIDE” is one of the most fragile of theirs.
Wake Up/Wind Down Podcast is the only podcast I listen to, hate to admit it, I just find it hard to connect to them. But Niall’s are short, attainable moments, his words and messages hitting right when you need it most. He incorporates music and simple actions anyone can do. It’s my mindful moment each morning, and always notice a difference when I don’t listen.
Favorite Reads
This year, let’s prioritize what matters most…I don’t set new year’s resolution, I set intentions. This article fell right in line with what I hope for 2022, to simply live! Live fully and intentional… Wit & Delight
These vintage travel photos…they bring me so much Joy! … National Geographic
Globally, we are too tired for everything…Regardless of gender, it seems everyone I’ve talked with has shared the same sentiments of this article, we’re too tired after these two plus years, what are still going through, and too exhausted to do things and think about the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve felt it too, my although my hope has dimmed it’s still there, but how do we “collectively heal our national exhaustion” when there is so little hope and empathy? … Vox
10 Creative Ways I Save Time Every Day…because I think we’re always looking for easy and lasting ways to save and have more time every day. You know because we’re all just too tired {see above article}. These are also some great tips to help us organize how we email once and for all! … Camille Styles
The Secret to Happiness — Collective Trust…I think many of us struggle with trust issues. I think it’s certainly societal, and I being an only child, have always struggled with allowing others into my circle of trust. And sadly, I hate to admit but after Covid, this pandemic and so much political turmoil, I’m struggling more with it. Well it’s interesting how Denmark, one of the happiest countries in the world, relies on trust to fuel their collective happiness. … Well + Good
I hope the first month of the year treat well, and if didn’t I hope this next one is better. Have a great week!
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