Ah, the carefree days of summer. As a child I could barely wait for school to let out so my days would belong entirely to me. I loved to spend the mornings watching favorite television shows. Later, I might play “pioneers” with my brothers and cousins. There were the countless hours spent at my grandparents’ house next door playing, sharing “sweet tea and saltines”.  And of course, lots of time to read.

Those summer days of childhood may be gone but with some planning it’s still possible to have an enjoyable season. It’s all too easy to let the days slip by and suddenly realize in September that we didn’t make the most of summertime.

I suggest creating a summer bucket list to make sure that doesn’t happen.

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. READ MORE HERE.

Create a Summer Bucket List

1. Go swimming

If you have your own pool, lucky you! If not, there are still options. A nearby lake, community pool, YMCA/YWCA, a generous friend with a pool…

Or you can do what I’m planning to do this year. I’m setting up a large, inflatable pool in my backyard for the summer. It’s not nearly big enough to swim in but I can kick back in it and at least enjoy the water. I plan to play island music, sip piña coladas and pretend I’m at the beach.

2. Host a barbecue 

Invite some friends over, throw some burgers or steaks on the grill, and enjoy the pleasure of dining alfresco.

3. Make homemade ice cream 

We live near the peach capitol of Oklahoma and there is nothing to compare with the taste of homemade peach ice cream. I can’t wait!

4. Read your favorite children’s book

Remember what it felt like to spend an entire afternoon stretched out across your bed, totally engrossed in a book? Pull out that tattered copy of The Secret Garden, your favorite Nancy Drew mystery or, if you’re a lot younger than I am, Harry Potter. Clear your schedule and read for several hours, guilt-free.

5. Watch one of your favorite old television series from start to finish

Choose a series you own on DVD or have access to via Netflix, Hulu, etc. Start with the very first episode and watch all the way through. If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for that!” consider substituting it for other mindless “entertainment” such as scrolling Facebook or Instagram. Or watch while on the treadmill.

I’m planning to watch Sex and the City this summer. I’ve only watched episodes here and there because we didn’t have HBO back in the days it was on television.

6. Take a road trip

It doesn’t have to be a two-week trek across the country (although it could be). A weekend trip can be fun, too. Or, if you really don’t have the time or money for a trip, just go for a long drive. Roll down the windows, blast some tunes and enjoy seeing something new.

7. Tackle a small organizing task

This may not seem like a fun thing to put on your bucket list but hear me out. There is something deeply satisfying about completing an organizing task you’ve been putting off. I’m not talking about decluttering and organizing your whole house, or even a whole room. I’m talking about something like a jewelry box, the household junk drawer, spices, or your DVD collection. Choose something that you can complete in less than an hour, turn on some music or listen to an audio book while you work.

8. Learn something new

Have you always wanted to learn how to can fresh produce? Summer is the perfect time. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making homemade tortillas or fresh pasta. Or maybe take a dance class and learn the salsa.

9. Take a “Staycation”

Even if you’re planning a real vacation, consider a staycation, as well. As Jane Austen said, “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” Whether for a week or just a weekend, vacationing in your own home can be the ultimate in true comfort and relaxation. Here are some great staycation ideas:

How to Kick Back, Relax, and Vacation at Home

10. Go to the movies

Is there anything better than sitting in a cool, dark theater munching on buttery popcorn on a hot, summer day? You don’t even have to get someone to go with you. If there is something you want to see and no one else in your family is interested or available, go by yourself.

I Went to a Movie Alone ~ and Why You Should Too

Have you ever created a Summer Bucket List? If so, I’d love to hear what’s on yours. Leave me a comment and I just might add your suggestion to my own list.

You may also enjoy these posts:

Summer Television

Sweet Tea and Saltines

Pioneer Play and Little House on the Prairie

Favorite  Children’s Books

I Went to the Movies Alone…and Why You Should Too

Summer Fun ~ 10 Things on My Fun List

Too often we equate luxury with such things as designer handbags and Italian sports cars. But the truth is we can fill our daily lives with luxury for pennies a day…or sometimes nothing more than a few moments of our time. Here are 14 affordable luxuries you can add to YOUR beautiful life.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

1. Ironed Pillow Cases

Let’s start with something I’ve talked about before and which costs nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Ironed pillow cases. Every Monday I wash my sheets and remake my bed. I then take a few minutes to iron my pillow cases. There is nothing quite like slipping between the covers of a freshly made bed and lying your head on a smooth, crisp pillow case. I don’t see it as a chore but as a little gift I give myself.

2. Fresh Flowers

This may sound expensive and it certainly can be if you buy big bouquets from a florist. However there are inexpensive sources for fresh flowers, too. Least expensive (unless you consider your time) are flowers you grow yourself. My dream is to have a rose garden plus a small garden of flowers specifically for cutting.

I do have various bulbs which bloom every year with little care from me. Daffodils, irises and day lilies were planted on our property before we bought it and I bless the previous owners each time I cut a few for my vases.

You can also find inexpensive bouquets of flowers at the grocery store. Trader Joe’s is my favorite source and I always indulge in some when my daughter and I shop there on one of our monthly grocery hauls. Our local Aldi’s nearly always has some decent looking flowers for as little as $3.99 a bunch.

And don’t totally discount your local florist. Develop a relationship with one of the floral designers and they can often steer you towards something inexpensive. I love to pick up a couple of stems of Star Gazer Lilies for my entry table because they smell fantastic. I’m friends with several people at one of our local florists and they will help me pick out a stem or two with the most buds. I then add some very inexpensive filler and have them just wrap these up for me so I can arrange them at home.

It pays to learn some basic floral design tips so you can create a pretty bouquet with whatever flowers you are able to get. If this is something you’re interested in learning, let me know. I’ve been thinking about doing a blog post on the topic if there is enough interest.

3. A Beautiful Journal

I’m a sucker for journals and notebooks. Fortunately these don’t have to be very expensive. Keep an eye out when vacationing, at museum gift shops, stationery stores, and gift shops.

Use these for gratitude journals, reading lists, diaries, ongoing to do lists, travel journals, etc.

4. A Special Pen

You’ll need a special pen to go with that pretty journal, right? There are very expensive pens available but you can also find something pretty for just a few dollars. Take a look at these beauties, for instance. For less than $10 you get three pens. These are currently in my Amazon cart.

5. A Good Pair of Scissors

You may not have thought of this as a luxury but a good, sharp pair of scissors is a true pleasure. Especially if they are attractive like these AND if you can always find them. I recently received a pair of these pretty, rose gold scissors in one of the subscription boxes I receive from Nikki of At Home With Nikki. I love them! I keep them in my office and they are off limits to anyone but myself. Buy a couple of pairs of cheap scissors for the kitchen and hide some nice ones for yourself.

6. Lavender Linen Spray

Many, many years ago I splurged on a fairly expensive bottle of lavender linen spray from France. It was in a pretty glass spray bottle and I loved spraying it on my pillow cases at night or while ironing. Soon enough, it was gone. That’s when I started making my own. It’s easy and inexpensive. Here’s how to make it:

7. Cloth Napkins

Don’t you just love opening up a starched linen napkin in a fancy restaurant and spreading it across your lap before picking up your fork? It elevates the experience from merely eating to dining. And you know what? You can have that same experience at home. They may not be huge, white, heavily starched linen napkins (although they could be). But any type of cloth napkin makes a meal feel a bit more special. Try setting the table with “real dishes” instead of paper plates and add cloth napkins for a little touch of luxury in your everyday life.

8. A New Set of Dish Towels

Go open the drawer where you keep your dish towels. What do you see? Unless you’ve just set up housekeeping it’s quite likely that the drawer is full of mismatched dish towels and dish cloths, many of which have seen better days. They may be perfectly serviceable but are they attractive?

I hereby give you permission to relegate everything in that drawer to the rag bag and purchase all new, matching towels and dish cloths. Really. Buy something pretty, give them a wash, fold neatly (you might even iron them if they are the type that can benefit by it) and put them in the drawer. Every time you open the drawer to get out a fresh towel I promise you will thank me.

9. Luxury Scented Soap

We generally use an all-natural goats milk soap with patchouli essential oil but I also have this lilac-scented soap from Caswell-Massey tucked away for leisurely baths. Indulge in something that smells fabulous and then set aside time at least once a week for some pampering. You deserve it! 

10. Expensive Perfume

Yes, you read that correctly. How does expensive perfume fit in a list of inexpensive luxuries, you may ask? Cost per use, my friend. I have worn Shalimar since high school and not a day goes by that I don’t use it at least once, usually twice. The initial purchase price isn’t cheap but if you break it down to the cost per day it’s reasonable. Many people think nothing of buying a soft drink or coffee every day. I’d rather smell fabulous.

11. Drink From a Pretty Glass

We are constantly reminded how important it is to drink plenty of water. Lots of us carry around water bottles, either disposable (terrible for the environment) or reusable. Water bottles are very handy while exercising or in the car but at home or at your desk consider using a pretty glass. Did you receive some gorgeous glassware as a wedding gift but rarely use it? Here’s your opportunity. You may not want to take part of a matching set to work but you can easily pick up something pretty at an antique shop, thrift store or gift shop. You might want to avoid lead crystal for your daily drinking glass but there are any number of other choices. How about this carafe set? (It’s lead-free.)

12. Luxury Tea or Coffee

If you drink tea or coffee and have been settling for a cheap store brand, consider treating yourself to a more expensive brand now and then. I’ve been enjoying Plum Deluxe teas recently. You can even sign up for their Organic Tea of the Month club.

If you are more of a coffee drinker you might look for something locally roasted or a private reserve blend. We normally drink Community Coffee whole bean Breakfast Blend which is around $6.50 for a 12 oz. bag. I order directly from the company and receive their emails about special offers. On our last order I tried their Louisiana Blend Private Reserve and am loving it! It’s about $3 a bag more but I will definitely be splurging on it once in awhile.

13. China Cup and Saucer

No matter what brand of tea or coffee you are drinking, I think it tastes better in a proper cup and saucer. You can pick up beautiful china cups and saucers at any antique store for very little. Or pull out a couple from your wedding china. That’s what I have done. Yes, I did break one but I found that replacement pieces of my discontinued Noritake Westport china are available through Replacements. I was able to get another cup and saucer for around $10. For me, it is worth the risk of occasional breakage in order to enjoy my pretty china every day.

14. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Fresh squeezed orange juice is a delicious treat that you can have every morning if you choose. It takes less than a minute to squeeze an orange or two and the taste is worth the effort.

I encourage you to choose one or more of these little luxuries and indulge this coming week. Or use this list as inspiration to come up with your OWN affordable luxuries. I’d love to hear your ideas.

There’s something almost romantic about sitting down at a desk with a lovely sheet or two of stationary and writing to someone. For me it brings up the image of a genteel young lady of the Regency period seated at a writing desk in the corner of a parlor, pen and ink at hand. Yes, I’m a Jane Austen fan.

Early in my marriage I wrote letters often. Both of David’s grandmothers lived in California while we were in Oklahoma. I wrote to them every month or two and they both told me how much they loved my letters. It wasn’t so much that my letters were anything special but that I was virtually the only person who wrote them.

At one point my grandfather in California started a correspondence with me in which we each wrote a few lines of poetry. Sadly, he died before we got very far with this but I treasure the few letters we did share.

When our first child was born I began writing monthly letters to David’s mom keeping her updated on Chris and his latest developments, along with a few snapshots. This all sounds so quaint in our current era of text messages and digital photos shared on Facebook and Instagram.

I’ve written here before about thank you notes and the fact I still believe in sending handwritten expressions of gratitude. And I’m certainly not the only one who still does that. But far fewer write actual letters these days. When was the last time you received an honest-to-goodness letter from a friend? I remember distinctly because it’s such a rare thing these days. But does it have to be that way? A handwritten letter amidst all the usual bills and junk mail feels like a true gift, hence the title of this blog post – “The Gift of a Letter”. I took the title from Alexandra Stoddard’s book by the same name.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

The other day I read about something called InCoWriMo:

InCoWriMo is the short name for International Correspondence Writing Month, otherwise known as February.

With an obvious nod to NaNoWriMo for the inspiration, InCoWriMo challenges you to hand-write and mail/deliver one letter, card, note or postcard every day during the month of February.

I was immediately taken with the idea and decided to participate. I could just write to friends and family and I may do some of that, too. But I thought it would be fun to write to YOU, my readers.

So here’s how this works. If you would like to receive a handwritten letter from me, send me an email at deepiercy@gmail.com. Put “InCoWriMo” in the subject line so your email doesn’t get swallowed up in the great abyss which is the current state of my inbox. In the email include your full name, mailing address and a few things about yourself. If you are one of the first 28 to respond to this, you will receive a letter. A couple of you might even receive a small package. This is open to my international readers, too.

And that’s it. If you’d like to send me a letter in return I would LOVE that but it’s not required. This is my gift to you.

For more information about letter writing, check out these resources I found for you…

Resources:

How to Write a Letter

“While email and texts have become the standard form of written communication in today’s fast-paced, digital world, there’s still a place for old-fashioned, snail mail letters.”

 

From me, with love: the lost art of letter writing

Three years ago, novelist Jon McGregor invited strangers to send him a letter in the post. Scribbled notes and love letters are still landing on the doormat…

 

Letter Writing in America

“The fact that letters and letter writing have played an enormous role in American history is entirely unsurprising. America is a country of immigrants, leaving loved ones behind in the search for a better life, a country of pioneers, setting out for open land despite the appeal of home and familiarity, a vast country, stretching nearly 3,000 miles from coast to coast. Communication across the distance that separates friends and families has always been a necessary part of life in America, and despite modern developments in technology, letter writing has continued to occupy a large part of that communication.”

 

How the Civil War Taught Americans the Art of Letter Writing

“At the outbreak of the Civil War, the U.S. Post Office Department had been delivering about five letters per capita annually. During the war, the average soldier sent more than five times that many. People who felt little capable of long, expressive narratives about their mental and physical well-being proved all the more resourceful in approximating bodily presence. For Americans during the Civil War, embracing loved ones on paper was a hardship they could only with difficulty overcome. Most of them, no doubt, would have rather not had to resort to it. For us, their efforts created a record of something we rarely get to see: glimmers of the emotional lives of ordinary people long gone.”

 

Write-On Campaign

“Write_On is a mission driven campaign to promote joy, creativity, expression, and connection through hand-written correspondence. Inspired by Egg Press founder Tess Darrow, the Write_On Challenge launched in 2014 with the entire staff of Egg Press and Hello!Lucky, our friends, our families, and our fans writing 30 letters in 30 days during April, National Letterwriting Month.” 

 

A Month of Letters Challenge

1. In the month of February, mail at least one item through the post every day it runs. Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture, or a cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch.
2. Write back to everyone who writes to you. This can count as one of your mailed items.

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month so if you’d like to do something like this but need more time to prepare, you’ve got another chance.

The lost art of letter-writing:

Books about letter writing:

You may also enjoy this post:

Since “The Cozy Life” was published in 2016, the Danish concept of hygge has become quite a phenomenon. It seems everyone is talking about it. And why not? Hygge is like being given official permission to light a bunch of candles, curl up with a fuzzy blanket and drink yummy hot beverages. What’s not to love?

I’ve been practicing hygge my whole life although I didn’t know it had a name. Curling up in a cozy corner with a hot cup of tea has been a favorite pursuit since I was a toddler drinking hot tea with lots of milk and sugar at my grandparents’ house next door. My cousin and I each claimed a corner of Grandma’s den where we played house by the hour. We made these corners as cozy as we could with whatever we dragged in each day, usually loaded up in our doll strollers.

Those days are long past but I still love having my own spot to sit and read and drink tea.

Here’s how you can create your very own cozy Hygge Corner.

1. Choose your location: Ideally, this will be your very own comfy chair in an out-of-the-way spot in your house. A place where you can go to read, think, daydream, nap and of course, drink delicious hot beverages. But even if you don’t have your own chair, you can claim a corner of the sofa and make the area around it a comfortable and cozy place.

2. Side table: Have someplace to set a cup within easy reach.

3. Lighting: Overhead lighting can be harsh. If possible, there should be a lamp in your Hygge Corner.

4. Fluffy blanket or throw: My mom has given us some very soft blankets the past two Christmases so we now have four. I have one on the ottoman in my corner, David has one on his chair in our library, and we have two more in the family room. No matter where we settle for the evening, we have one of these lightweight but warm (and SOFT!) blankets handy.

5. Candles: You can’t really experience hygge without candles, right? I think it’s a law or something. Be sure you have matches or a lighter nearby, as well.

6. A coaster for your drink: A steaming hot cup of tea or coffee can ruin the finish on many types of side tables so be sure to keep a cute coaster handy.

7. Books and magazines: One of my favorite activities to pursue in my Hygge Corner is reading. I keep a basket on one side of my chair for books and a cute magazine holder on the other side for current magazines.

8. Twinkle lights: Perhaps not essential but such a nice touch. My corner is near the bookcase in our library and I have a string of lights draped around it. I put them up one Christmas several years ago and liked them so much I left them.

9. Box of tissues.

10. Reading glasses if you use them. And extra lighting if necessary.

11. Manicure supplies: I keep a small manicure set in a zippered case in the basket with my books. Sometimes you just need to file your nails and it’s handy to have at least an emory board nearby.

12. Hand cream: I don’t know about you but my hands get really dry in the winter.

13. Phone charger: Have one that is designated just for your Hygge Corner and threaten anyone who dares “borrow” it.

14. Flowers or a plant are a nice addition.

15. Candy dish with chocolates. I would love to do this but our dog, Shiloh, got ahold of some fancy chocolates two Christmases ago and we had to make him “dispose” of them out in the front yard. On a freezing night. Including several wrappers. We have to keep chocolates in a closed cupboard but if you don’t have a chocoholic dog (or toddler) it would be lovely to have a few delicious chocolates in a precious little candy dish.

16. A Hobby: A deck of cards, puzzle book, adult coloring book or something similar.

17. Handwork: If you knit or crochet, a pretty basket with your latest project would be a great addition to your Hygge Corner.

18. Music: This could just be your phone but an old fashioned radio or a turntable with vinyl records seems more hyggelig to me. My corner happens to be right by our stereo system.

19. Himalayan salt lamp: I don’t have one yet but it’s on my list!

20. Diffuser: I like to address all the senses in creating my space and it’s nice to be able to diffuse essential oils near my Hygge Corner.

21. Light therapy lamp: If the dark days of winter have a tendency to get you down, a light therapy lamp can be really helpful. By exposing yourself to wide-spectrum light mimicking sunlight, you may find improved energy levels and sleep patterns. If this is something that you need, putting it in your Hygge Corner just makes sense.

Hygge Corner Resources

~~~~~

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

The book that began it all:

Twinkle lights

Turntable

Light therapy lamp

Coasters

Throw blanket

Hand Cream

Magazine Holder

Soy Candle – Lavender

Salt Lamp

Diffuser

And finally, what is a Hygge Corner without a delicious, steaming hot cup of tea? I recommend:

Reading Nook Blend by Plum Deluxe

If you know me even a little bit, you’ll know that I do not like winter. I am a summer girl. Spring and fall are fine, too. But winter? No thank you. I don’t like to be cold yet I also don’t like to wear a lot of clothing. And I definitely don’t like to wear socks and shoes. Birkenstocks all the way! Or barefoot. I also need light and humidity. In fact, if you look up the proper conditions for orchids you’ll see that we are kindred spirits.

So what’s a summer girl/orchid to do when winter rolls around each year? Complaining doesn’t help. I’ve tried. A few years ago I decided that unless and until I move somewhere without winter I needed a better plan than whining three or four months out of every year.

Since today is the first day of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere I decided this would be a good time to share my winter survival plan. If you are one of those curious creatures who actually likes winter you can skip this one. Although if you live with a winter-hater you might discover a few ways to help your companion survive winter which would be a really nice thing to do. Besides, you will also benefit by having a more cheerful atmosphere in your home.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

Dee’s Winter Prep and Survival Guide

Outdoors 

An introverted winter-hater has a tendency to hibernate indoors for the season. If their responsibilities don’t require leaving the house, they may not. This is me. I don’t work outside the home and while we do have a fair number of evening activities to attend, for the most part I can get away with not leaving the house during a day far more than is healthy. Fortunately I do have a dog who needs to be walked so that helps me get outdoors a bit.

I have found that I am much more likely to go outside for some fresh air and at least a bit of what counts for sunshine in the winter if I’m warm and dry. Good boots, warm gloves, a snuggly scarf and a large, sturdy umbrella are essential for me. We live on 40 mostly wooded acres so I can take walks without leaving our property. I try to pretend I’m a character in an old British novel. They were forever rambling about, taking their daily “constitutional”.

Taking a Constitutional Walk

The Top 10 Walks in Books

Top of my list for comfortable winter walking is a good pair of boots. I have a pair of Hunter boots which I bought a few years ago when we hosted our annual Happyland Music Fest in truly dreadful conditions. Think: Woodstock. It rained almost continuously all three days and our property was basically a swamp. Those boots were my salvation. They have a permanent home by our front door where I can easily slip them on to take Shiloh on his walks. I purposely bought them a size too large to accommodate thick socks if necessary but also so I can just step into them without having to sit and pull them on. I’ve had other rain boots in the past but they end up cracking within a year or so. I highly recommend Hunter boots if you want something that will last. Besides, they work with my British walking fantasies. Mine are black but I’m really tempted to splurge on a second pair in red. Aren’t these cheery?

Next on my list is an umbrella. And not one of those flimsy, collapsible types. No, I’m talking about a large, sturdy, wood handled umbrella. I bought one a couple of months ago and love it. It’s large and opens easily. It’s handy to have one of those small, cheap umbrellas in the car but for a proper walk in the rain, a good umbrella makes all the difference.

Warm hands are a must for me. I try to keep several pairs of inexpensive, one-size-fits-all, knit gloves on hand but a nice pair of lined leather gloves is a real treat.

An oversize, warm scarf is essential for me when it’s cold and windy. I have asthma and breathing cold air can bring on an attack. But with a scarf around my neck I can pull up a section over my mouth and nose, allowing me to breath warmer air. If it’s really cold I will also pull part of it over my head in lieu of a hat. I like winter hats about as much as I like wearing socks and shoes (not at all).

Indoors

Now that we’ve got the outdoors taken care of, let’s focus on the indoors. Because let’s face it, that’s where I’m going to be most of the time when it’s cold outside.

As I’ve said, I’m no fan of having to wear socks and shoes but I also don’t like cold feet. If I have to wear socks, pretty pink angora would make it a bit more tolerable. My preferred indoor winter footwear, though, are lined Minnetonka slippers. They keep my feet warm indoors without having to wear socks. These have a thin rubber sole so I can even step out onto the front porch or patio in them. I’ve just about worn mine out and will be replacing them soon.

No matter where you sit in my house, there is a quilt, afghan or throw blanket within reach. I’d much rather have a blanket over my feet than socks. I know I keep mentioning my dislike of socks but I just like my feet to be free. But warm. I have all sorts of blankets and throws but I really like these Berkshire blankets. My mom gave us a couple of light green ones last year and then recently gave me a pale pink one. They are SO soft! They are warm but lightweight. And isn’t this snowflake print cute?

Keep an eye out for Part 2 where we’ll talk about lighting, indoor games and activities, the concept of hygge and more!