Creating a Beautiful Life Archives

Autumn Turns My Heart Toward Home

October 20, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

I’m a summer girl through and through. However, as much as I love the warmer months, I must admit that fall and winter bring out the homemaker in me and that is who I truly am. My home takes center stage in Autumn.

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

When the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, my nesting instincts bubble up to the surface. Furniture shines and smells of lavender beeswax. Hearty soups and stews bubble on the stove. Rooms take on a cozy glow with lit lamps, candles and twinkle lights. Housekeeping tasks ignored during busy summer months begin to take priority on my daily to-do lists.

One of my favorite things to do when it begins getting dark early is to make sure the house is softly lit and welcoming when David returns from work. I make sure the porch light is on and turn on the little lamp on our entry table. I go through the house turning on lamps and plugging in twinkle lights. I light candles and turn on a diffuser or two. I may choose a CD to play on the stereo (yes, we are old school and still play CDs). If I know he is on his way I’ll make us both cups of tea to sip as we catch up with one another. You can read more about my “Welcome Home Ritual” here.

I’ve made myself a list of cozy, home-y, autumn/winter things I want to do and thought I’d share my list with you.

10 Cozy Home Activities for Fall and Winter

1. Bake homemade bread. I used to bake bread regularly. I have a wheat grinder, plenty of wheat, and a really nice Bosch mixer which allows me to mix several loaves worth of dough at once. This is a habit I want to re-establish. Because honestly? Nothing makes a house smell better than bread baking in the oven.

2. Unless it’s chocolate chip cookies. My recipe is so good I could literally eat a dozen in one sitting. I don’t. But I could. One thing that helps me with that control thing is to freeze the dough and just bake a few at a time. If that’s not enough incentive to finally clean out my freezer to make room, I don’t know what is.

3. Which leads me to the next thing on my list – clean out and defrost my freezer. I saw a great idea on YouTube for organizing a chest freezer. You separate items into stacking recycling bins with handles. I bought a set months ago so the only excuse I have not to do it is poor time management. But I really need the extra space for those extra loaves of homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies!

4. Continue my ongoing decluttering and household organization project. I did a 30 Bags in 30 Days decluttering project back in July and got rid of a LOT of stuff. I’m ready to do this again soon. In fact, if you’d like to me to do this as a blog challenge let me know.

5. Get out a puzzle to start working on. My family thinks it’s a bit silly but I refer to autumn as “puzzle weather”.

6. Set up a hot cocoa station in the kitchen. We have a dedicated area for coffee and hot tea year round. It’s time to get out the hot cocoa supplies!

7. Get ready for crackling fires in the fireplace. I’ll remind David to order some firewood and get it stacked on the back patio. Last year I bought a very large metal basket for firewood to keep on the hearth but so far all it’s held is a collection of magazines and our Cards Against Humanity game. David coughed all last winter following a very bad chest cold so we didn’t light even one fire. If I can avoid my usual winter asthma attacks and he can stay well, we’ll have fires this winter!

8. Finally learn to crochet! This has been on my to-learn list for several years now. I have all the supplies. I just need to do it.

9. Paint. Not walls or woodwork, although some areas of the house could use it. No, I mean actually use that easel and oil painting supplies I asked for and received for Christmas last year. I got so far as prepping a canvas and that’s it. I did some painting many years ago and really want to get back to it.

10. Create a new daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule. And actually use it. It will include some FlyLady elements but be tailored to our lifestyle and my preferences. Let me know if you’d like to see it when I’m done.

I’m sure I’ll think of more but that’s a good start for now. What about you? Does a change of seasons bring out your inner homemaker?

Curating a Beautiful Life

October 12, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

You’ve probably noticed that this blog’s tagline is “creating a beautiful life”. I love the idea of intentionally creating the sort of life I desire. But just exactly how do we do that? Let’s consider what a museum curator does and how that might apply to our own lives.

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

I went to the dictionary for the definition of “curate” when used as a verb. According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

*to be in charge of selecting and caring for objects to be shown in a museum or to form part of a collection of art, an exhibition, etc.:

She curated a recent exhibition of Indian artwork.

*to be in charge of selecting films, performers, events, etc. to be included in a festival:

a Messiaen festival curated by pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard

*to select things such as documents, music, products, or internet content to be included as part of a list or collection, or on a website:

a curated library of short movies available online

Curators have traditionally been those who work in museums but the definition has broadened. I like to think of us all as curators of our own lives. We consciously select the various elements that create the sort of life we want to live. At least, that’s what we should do.

Our lives consist of many facets, all of which we make choices about.

Yes, I want to include that.

No, that doesn’t fit my lifestyle.

Here are some life categories and how we might curate what they include.

Home

Decluttering is a hugely popular topic these days. Whether you follow the rather extreme Kon Marie method or something less structured, I think we’d all agree that eliminating excess and unwanted items from our homes makes for a more pleasant home life. However, it’s all too easy to get caught up in what we should eliminate rather than what to include.

When you consider your living space, think about the items that contribute to the way you want to live in your home. Do you like to read? Then you’ll want a comfortable chair with good lighting. Do you have hobbies you enjoy? Then you’ll need space for those, including storage. A tea aficionado like myself? A good tea kettle, mugs or cups and saucers, and a selection of teas should have dedicated space in your kitchen.

I like to start with what I want in my home and then begin eliminating the things that don’t fit – either the space or the vision.

Wardrobe

Is your closet full yet you have trouble finding something to wear much of the time? Then it’s time to rethink your clothing. Ideally, everything in your closet and dresser drawers should fit, be in good condition and make you feel good about yourself when you wear it.

Many people are dramatically scaling back on the number of items of clothing they own. There are a number of resources on the “capsule wardrobe”:

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe: How to Reduce Your Closet to 37 Pieces

How to start a capsule wardrobe: a guide for beginners

Relationships

This is admittedly a tough one. We all have “difficult” people in our lives. Sometimes we can (and should) completely remove those people from our lives. Truly toxic people, especially those who are abusive, don’t deserve a place in a carefully curated life.

But what about those who are often negative, make us feel inadequate or always have drama following on their heels like a parade? If they are casual acquaintances, you may be able to avoid them but if they are family? Much harder! Only you can decide where to draw the line for your own well-being.

How to Deal with Difficult Family Members

I’d also encourage you to actively seek out relationships which enrich your life. If you have enough loving and affirming relationships, those few irritating people in your life won’t matter as much.

Social Media

This is a hot topic. Everywhere I turn, I encounter another article or podcast about digital detoxes. I personally know a number of people who have deleted their social media accounts entirely and are happier for it. It’s certainly worth considering if social media is making you miserable. On the other hand, social media can promote positive connections with others. Like anything else, it’s largely a matter of choices and balance.

A limited social media detox is a good idea for many of us. For the past few years I’ve given up my personal Facebook profile for Lent. I administer several pages and groups so I can’t leave Facebook entirely but for those several weeks of Lent each year, I don’t read anything on the newsfeed and don’t post on my page. I also try to do shorter periods of social media detox once in awhile.

One thing I’ve also been doing recently is evaluating who I follow and what I consume online. I’ve unfollowed a lot of Facebook pages and Instagram accounts. I’ve deleted many blogs and news sources from my Feedly account. I don’t spend as much time on Twitter but I plan to begin going through the people I follow there, too.

After you’ve eliminated what no longer serves you, consider searching out some positive people or pages to follow. Curation isn’t just elimination; it’s adding what feeds your soul.

Experiences

Think about the experiences which have enriched your life. Not just the big things but those small moments, too.

I love to play the piano, have afternoon tea, listen to vinyl records on our stereo, go to the movies, curl up with a good book, and stargaze in our backyard. These are all small pleasures that require little more than time and planning.

Consider the things that bring you pleasure and intentionally make time for them.

We are responsible for the life we live. We can thoughtlessly trudge through each day or we can live intentionally. I suggest the latter.

Five Things We Can Learn From the Amish

September 14, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 6 Comments

For a number of years, my daughter Lisa and I have attended the annual auction and sale held by a nearby Amish community. We have both long been fascinated by the Amish and love the opportunity to see their handiwork up close, as well as purchase a few items. It’s held in September every year and the proceeds go to fund their school. We went recently and it made me think of things we can learn from the Amish way of life.

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

1. Home Cooking Tastes Best

One of the things Lisa and I look forward to at the Amish auction are the homemade cinnamon rolls. They are SO good! And so are the pies, bread, rolls, noodles, jams and jellies, and all the other tasty homemade treats. I cook most things from scratch but have gotten out of the habit of baking homemade bread and making my own yogurt. If life slows down a bit as summer draws to a close, I intend to get back to doing both of these things.

2. Simplicity

You may recall that the word I chose for my 2018 focus was “simplicity”. I can’t honestly say I’ve implemented as much simplicity in my life as I had hoped but it remains an important goal for me. The ways of the Amish may not be easy, but in many ways they exude simplicity. Everything from the clothes they wear to the way they decorate their homes demonstrates this quality. While my grandmother was not Amish, she did live her life in a very simple way and there is much about this which appeals to me.

3. Fashion Freedom

No one would call the Amish stylish but I suspect there’s a great deal of freedom associated with the way they dress. Imagine how easy it would be to get dressed each morning if your wardrobe only consisted of four dresses: one for wash, one for wear, one for dress, and one for spare. I have no plans to limit my wardrobe to four dresses but many are embracing the concept of a capsule wardrobe and that seems doable to me.

4. Working With One’s Hands is Satisfying

My favorite part of the Amish auction is admiring the gorgeous handmade quilts. They sell for around $1000 each so all I do is look. Each tiny stitch is nearly perfect and the patterns are truly works of art. Likewise, the handmade furniture is beautiful in its simple perfection. It’s certainly easier to buy bed coverings and home furnishings but that will never replace the satisfaction of a home filled with items made by one’s own hands. I’m not taking up quilt-making anytime soon and furniture building isn’t in my future at all. However, I’d love to learn how to crochet and perhaps embroider such things as tea towels and pillow cases.

5. Social Media and the Internet are Distractions

When we look at those gorgeous quilts and huge quantities of homemade goods for sale each year, Lisa and I always joke about how much more we might accomplish if we didn’t have computers or social media. Obviously, without access to a computer I wouldn’t be writing this blog. And social media is a great way to connect with friends, family and blog readers. But they can also be huge time wasters if we aren’t careful. I am experimenting with ways to cut down on the time I spend online in order to free up time for other pursuits. Expect a blog post on this topic sometime in the near future.

If you share my interest in the Amish and their way of life, here are some resources you might be interested in:

Oklahoma Amish

The Amish Way of Life and Culture – Everything you Wanted to Know!

75 Best Amish Recipes

Ocean yearnings…

July 13, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

It has hit me again. That deep longing for the sea. Do you know what I mean? For you it might be the mountains or a bustling city. It doesn’t matter where it is…just that place that is calling to your soul.

Sea Fever

by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the
lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer
her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and
the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey
dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call
of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be
denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white
clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and
the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the
vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where
the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing
fellow-rover,
And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the
long trick’s over.

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

My grandfather was quite fond of this poem which makes sense since he lived much of his life on the beaches of Southern California. He was amongst the first amateur scuba divers and most weekends were spent practicing this sport and catching various forms of sea life which he then prepared for his family. My mom recalls actually complaining about having to eat lobster “agaaainnn!”.

I, on the other hand, grew up in the high desert of California and while our family did go to the ocean occasionally, I was never one to enjoy baking on a hot beach with huge crowds of people. So perhaps it will seem odd that this has been one of my favorite poems ever since I first read it in junior high. Most people, when they think of Southern California beaches, envision bright sunshine, beach towels, suntan lotion and children squealing and jumping the waves at the water’s edge. While I admit that picture has a certain charm (assuming you have a little melanin in your skin and don’t look like a boiled lobster after the first 15 minutes in bright sunshine), my perfect vision of the beach is a little different.

I most enjoy the ocean as the sun is setting or perhaps on a slightly cool and cloudy day. I don’t mind sharing the beach with a few others. But just a few. I like to walk along the water’s edge barefooted, zigzagging back and forth as the waves roll in. I like to stand with my toes dug into the wet sand and gaze out across the ocean as the sun sets. I like to sit on a beach towel a little way from the water and run my fingers through the cooling sand in silent meditation. I love the damp air, the sound of the crashing waves and most of all, the salty fragrance of the sea air. If only someone could bottle that smell.

It’s been quite awhile since I spent much time at the beach. I’m not entirely sure why I’ve been feeling this longing for the sea lately. Perhaps it’s because it’s been so hot here in Oklahoma and cool ocean breezes sound appealing. I think it’s more than that, though. I haven’t figured it all out yet but I think it has something to do with a deep craving for quiet and peace. Our lives have been rather hectic lately and while we are having a lot of fun times with friends, I think my deepest being is in need of mental, physical and emotional rest.

I don’t foresee a trip to the ocean anytime soon but I’m brainstorming ideas to bring a little of the sea to my daily life. Our family room is decorated in a nautical theme, although I currently have some of the decorative items stowed away. Maybe it’s time to pull out the seashells and the jar of sand I collected on one of our trips to Dana Point several years ago. And I’m thinking about getting one of those white noise machines that sounds like the ocean. But more importantly, I think I need to set aside some time each day to simply be quiet and meditate.

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.

The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.”

~Kate Chopin~

White Noise Machine

Create a Summer Bucket List

May 30, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 5 Comments

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

6 Books That Help Me Create a Beautiful Life, Plus 3 On My To Read List

May 16, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

For a number of years I’ve been on a mission to intentionally create a beautiful life. It’s not always easy but I do believe we each have the power within us to mold and shape a life that brings us joy. I draw inspiration from a number of sources but as a lifetime book lover, it’s no surprise that I often turn to the printed word to help me create the beautiful life I seek.

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

6 Books That Help Me Create a Beautiful Life

1. Living a Beautiful Life

I bought a copy of this book back in the early 90s and became an Alexandra Stoddard fan immediately. I was totally enchanted by the lifestyle portrayed and have since read almost everything she’s written. Living a Beautiful Life is chock full of delightful ideas for adding beauty to our homes and our daily lives. I re-read portions of this book fairly often.

2. Chic & Slim

I “met” Anne Barone, the author of the Chic & Slim books (there are several) in a Yahoo Group many years ago. She was one of the first to try to explain just what it is about French women’s lifestyle that keeps them slim. Far more than a diet book, Chic & Slim explores the culture and daily lifestyle of the French. There is much to emulate here.

3. Lessons From Madame Chic

This beautifully-written book by Jennifer L. Scott reveals many secrets of the French “je ne sais quoi” that many of us find so alluring. Ms. Scott has published two additional books and is working on another. I will be reading them all!

I wrote a 4-part review of this book which you can read here.

4. The Cozy Life

While I admittedly draw much of my inspiration from the French, I have also been smitten by the Danish concept of “hygge”. I’ve written a couple of posts on the subject:

How to Create Your Own Cozy Hygge Corner

Hygge in the Springtime

5. Lagom (Not too little, not too much)

While “hygge” has become extremely popular in the past couple of years, the Swedish “lagom” is just starting to enjoy widespread popularity. I’m reminded of the childhood story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in which Goldilocks discovers that which is “just right”.

American culture is often a study in extremes. Hoarding or minimalism. Obesity or eating disorders. Overwork or excessive idleness. Lagom is all about moderation and balance – something I believe to be a worthy goal.

6. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

This last book may seem an odd choice but hear me out. If you aren’t familiar with the concept of “death cleaning”, here is what the author has to say about it:

“Death cleaning is not about dusting or mopping up; it is about a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly,” she explains. And you may even find the process itself enjoyable, she adds. “It is a delight to go through things and remember their worth.”

The idea is to avoid leaving a gigantic task to your loved ones when you die. The author suggests this should be undertaken somewhere around one’s sixth decade but it can certainly be done earlier. In fact, I would argue that it’s not a bad idea to have this concept in the back of one’s mind even if you’re only 30 years old. Many of us accumulate way more than we actually need or enjoy and that excess complicates our lives.

Life With Dee‘s tagline is “create a beautiful life” so it should come as no surprise that I am constantly on the lookout for resources to help me do just that. If you have any suggestions I’d love to hear about them!

Three More On My To-Read List:

You may also enjoy these posts:

Aging Gracefully ~ How the French Woman Does It

LWD’s Favorite Francophile Books

Create a Beautiful Life ~ Afternoon Tea Ritual

14 Affordable Luxuries For Your Beautiful Life

March 24, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

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.

Create a Welcome Home Evening Ritual

March 9, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

Over a decade ago I wrote a little something about my take on The Good Wife’s Guide, a how-to guide for wives supposedly from a 1950s-era home economics textbook. Whether this exact piece ever actually appeared in a textbook is questionable. But did women really do such things at one time? Maybe. Some of it. Sometimes.

More to the point, does anyone follow those 10 tips for being a “good wife” today? Should we?

I’ll leave that up to you.

While you aren’t going to find me tying a ribbon in my hair or removing my husband’s shoes when he comes home, I do think there is something to be said for creating a pleasant atmosphere in the home to greet any family member who has been away during the day. Whether a spouse returning from work or children after a day at school, home should be a place of warm welcome. Creating and implementing a “Welcome Home” evening ritual only takes a few minutes and is worth the effort.

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

5 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Evening Ritual

1. Lighting

You know the Motel 6 slogan – “We’ll leave the light on”? There truly is something welcoming about leaving a light on. Especially during the short days of winter having the porch light on provides that first little glimpse of home. I have a thing about lamps and twinkle lights. As daylight fades I like to go around the house turning on lamps and plugging in twinkle lights. This provides a cozy glow without the harshness of overhead lighting.

2. Scent

The second step in my “welcome home” ritual is to consider appealing to the sense of smell. You have a few options here. If it’s nearing dinnertime there’s nothing that says “home” more than the smell of something delicious cooking. My favorite food smell is that of homemade bread just out of the oven. Or chocolate chip cookies! Even if you haven’t decided what to make for dinner you could always just start cooking some chopped onions. It smells like dinner will be happening soon and you can nearly always add onions to whatever you decide to make.

If it’s too early to start dinner then light a scented candle or diffuse some essential oils. Of course it goes without saying that you’ll have made sure the litter box and garbage can have been tended to.

3. Sound

Why not create a special “Welcome Home” playlist? Decide on the mood you want to create and select appropriate music. Or you might simply want to provide quiet for someone who spends their work day in a noisy environment. At the very least, turn off the television.

4. Relax

I enjoy a late afternoon teatime and if David is coming home well before dinnertime I’ll fix him a cup, too. During hot weather I may pour tall glasses of iced tea for us to sip on the front porch when he gets home. And if I happen to know in advance that he’s had an especially difficult day I’ve been known to greet him at the door with a gin and tonic. It doesn’t matter what’s in the cup or glass; just taking a few minutes to relax together is what matters.

5. Share

And that brings us to the most important part of a welcome home ritual. Whether it’s a significant other or children returning home, taking a little time to reconnect and talk about the day helps set the tone for the rest of the evening. Try to save unpleasant conversations for later if possible.

And that’s it. It only takes a few minutes to create a warm and happy welcome.

But what if you live alone or work outside the home? With a little forethought, you can create a nice sense of welcome for yourself.

1. Put lights on timers. Our porch lights are light sensitive and go on automatically at dusk.

2. Have a diffuser or scented candle ready to turn on or light as soon as you walk in the door.

3. Put dinner in a slow cooker before you go to work in the morning.

4. Turn on some music.

5. Have everything set up in advance so you can quickly and easily make yourself a cup of tea.

Because here’s what I believe. Everyone deserves that “ahhh…” feeling of arriving home after a long day. I’m happy to create that for my husband and you know what? I get to enjoy it myself, as well. It’s all part of intentionally creating a beautiful life.

A tongue-in-cheek look at how to be a “Good Wife”:

An updated view of “The Good Wife”:

The Good Wife’s Guide Modernized

Bringing Back the House Dress ~ Winter Version

February 23, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 10 Comments

I’ve written previously about my campaign to “Bring Back the House Dress” and it struck a chord with many of you. Apparently I’m not the only one who has become disenchanted with sloppy at-home wear and is trying to up my game a bit. If you haven’t read my post about it, you should do so before reading the rest of this one. I’ll wait…

Bringing Back the House Dress

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

What did you think? Is the idea of a house dress appealing to you or do you think I’m a little nuts? Either answer is okay. In fact, you might agree with both.

Even those who liked my house dress plan have wondered how to make it work during cold weather. Obviously this dress isn’t going to work when it’s a rainy 39 degrees as it is here right now.

So let’s take a look at a more weather-appropriate option.

Check out this skirt. It’s soft, comfortable, machine-washable, AND it has pockets! I own several in various colors and have just added this lovely teal to my Amazon cart.

They are lightweight enough to wear in the summer with sandals but work well in the winter, too. In the summer I pair them with a tank top but in the winter I choose a long-sleeved tee, something like this:

If you’re cold natured you can wear a pair of tights underneath:

and maybe even add a long, half slip.

I generally just opt for a pair of socks:

What about footwear? Honestly, I either wear my fur-lined moccasin slippers:

Or my beloved Birkenstock sandals:

I have a pair of Hunter boots which I keep by the door to slip into when walking Shiloh. And a cute pair of Clark boots to wear when I leave the house.

But these are on my wishlist for at-home wear:

The comfort of Birkenstock with more coverage than sandals. Perfect.

The final piece to my winter at-home “uniform” is a lightweight sweater or cardigan. I keep one on the back of my desk chair in my office and one or two hanging on the coatrack in our entry hall. Most of the time a long-sleeve tee is adequate indoors but on especially chilly days another layer might be called for.

Any sweater will do but it’s nice to choose something with a bit of style. I like this one:

I have something similar and have worn it for years. It also looks cute with a pair of jeans and boots.

This has been my go-to at home wear for winter and by adding boots and a cute scarf this also serves as my usual look when I leave the house. It’s comfortable and it’s easy to dress it up a bit with nicer jewelry.

However, I’ve been wanting to expand my winter wardrobe a little. I love sleeveless maxi dresses in the summer so it only makes sense to consider a long-sleeved version for winter. Something like this perhaps?

I’m still researching options for winter at-home wear and will add to this post as I find good options. And if you have any suggestions please leave me a comment.

The Gift of a Letter

January 31, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 3 Comments

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

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.

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:

10 Cozy Home Activities for Fall and Winter

More LWD posts you might enjoy:

Home

Wardrobe

Menu

Relationships

Social Media

Experiences

1. Home Cooking Tastes Best

2. Simplicity

3. Fashion Freedom

4. Working With One’s Hands is Satisfying

5. Social Media and the Internet are Distractions

Sea Fever

Create a Summer Bucket List

6 Books That Help Me Create a Beautiful Life

1. Living a Beautiful Life

4. The Cozy Life

5. Lagom (Not too little, not too much)

6. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

Three More On My To-Read List:

1. Ironed Pillow Cases

2. Fresh Flowers

3. A Beautiful Journal

4. A Special Pen

5. A Good Pair of Scissors

6. Lavender Linen Spray

7. Cloth Napkins

8. A New Set of Dish Towels

9. Luxury Scented Soap

10. Expensive Perfume

11. Drink From a Pretty Glass

12. Luxury Tea or Coffee

13. China Cup and Saucer

14. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

5 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Evening Ritual

1. Lighting

2. Scent

3. Sound

4. Relax

5. Share

Resources:

Books about letter writing: