~ Comfort and Joy ~
We need and crave comfort in these troubled times...
Joy may seem impossible.
Despair might creep in if we give it a wide berth.
I'm not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand...
just seek a balance.
~ It is not selfish to practise self care ~
Creating and embracing JOY in our daily round is important for our well being.
Soothing slow and mindful habits can and need to be cultivated.
With that in mind I am
starting off the New Year with some comforting rituals...
little things that make a difference in my days.
lighting candles
taking tea
reading inspirational books
wearing soft fabrics that feel like a warm hug
trying out a new shade of lipstick
browsing in a used bookshop
exploring the neighbourhood ~ slowly walking around
discovering a different park or new garden
visiting an art gallery
shopping for groceries in a different store
tidying up a messy cupboard or drawer
making a new recipe
baking some yummy cookies
(the opportunities are vast!)
I created a cozy corner in my "hobby" room.
Re-reading Simple Abundance and Romancing The Ordinary
by
Sarah Ban Breathnach
Mornings are started with a few pages of each of these lovely books...
they definitely help set a thoughtful and positive tone to my day.
There have been some "new" things too...
besides purging stuff and donating to the charity shops I've browsed a few...
I discovered these Geoc leather boots at a local WIN thrift shop...
What a great pair of boots!
Happy to have found them as they were on my list for at least 2 years.
New palette of matte powder eye shadows...
Marcelle, a Canadian company, make some lovely products.
My former Marcelle palette was a mess...
several of the powders had been all used up
so there was not much point trying to eke out any product.
It was time to buy a replacement :-))
KUR nail veil...
Using these nail enhancers for over 2 years have improved my nails.
My cuticles are in much better shape and my nails are much stronger.
Have you tried the KUR line of nail illuminators?
It's raining cats and dogs here this morning...
will be a day to be indoors
perfect for making a big batch of soup or baking something yummy.
Carbs call to me on these rainy days...
I've been very good at avoiding them as they tend to be my dieting downfall.
The scale is hovering in and around the 15 pounds lost mark...
I'll need to up my activity level or lower my intake.
Slow progress, but it's reduced my hip pain substantially, so I feel very grateful.
How are you starting 2026?
Making any resolutions?
Travel Plans?
Hope you are feeling ready to embrace positive change.
Perhaps making self care one of your comforting rituals.
~ Take Care ~
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
