There is so much beauty in this world and yet that can be easy to forget sometimes. The news, social media, comments (never read the comments!) and encounters with unhappy people can sometimes overwhelm us with doom and gloom. We can’t escape all of that unless we move to an island with no internet connection. And don’t think I haven’t daydreamed about that very thing! However, on a more practical level, I believe we can create a beautiful life in spite of what is going on in the world. Let’s start with 10 ways to add a little beauty to your everyday life.
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10 Ways to Add Beauty to Your Life
1. Use a pretty laundry basket. Laundry is something we have to deal with on a regular basis so why not make it a little prettier? Instead of ugly plastic, consider upgrading with charming wicker laundry basket. I have had an inexpensive one for decades but this is the one I’m currently pining for:
2. Use a pretty drinking glass. We all know we should be drinking more water. If you routinely get your eight glasses a day, congratulations! I’m working on it. Too bad coffee and tea don’t count. 😉 Elevate this daily routine by sipping water from a pretty glass. Take out one of those elegant goblets you received as a wedding gift but never use. Or splurge on some new ones. They don’t have to be very expensive to look lovely.
3. Use a cup and saucer. I may have to work at drinking enough water but when it comes to tea, I’m a real champ. Years ago I decided to always drink hot tea from a china cup and saucer. I started out with my wedding china and have added several others over the years. There is something so very special about sipping tea from a beautiful china cup instead of an ordinary mug. If you don’t have any china you can find singles in antique stores that are usually reasonably priced. They also make great gifts. My husband has bought some for me over the years.
4. Set a pretty table with real dishes and cloth napkins. If you’ve been in the habit of eating in front of the T.V. on paper plates, consider elevating mealtimes by eating at the table. Instead of television, try some music instead. Light some candles, too!
5. Consider the soundtrack of your home. Is the television on all the time? Wouldn’t it be lovelier to have music playing instead? Several years ago David and I bought a stereo system as our Christmas gift to one another. It was one of the best things we’ve ever bought. If you don’t have a stereo, you can buy an inexpensive bluetooth speaker and play music from your phone. Music is so accessible these days so take advantage of that and fill your home with glorious music.
6. Tidy up. That’s right. If you desire to be surrounded by beauty then start by cleaning your house. This alone will make a huge difference and won’t cost a thing. An unmade bed, unwashed dishes, piles of dirty laundry and cluttered surfaces won’t help one bit in our efforts to create beauty. If you struggle in this area there are many resources available, including a number of posts on this site. Check out my FlyLady posts, for instance.
7. Wear a dress. Have you allowed your personal appearance to slip a bit this past year or so? That seems to be pretty common and understandable. But it’s hard to create a truly beautiful life if you grimace every time you catch site of yourself in the mirror. If you are at home all day you don’t need to wear something fancy (although you could if you want to). I started wearing maxi dresses almost exclusively a few years ago and as I read about the resurgence of the housedress, I feel like a trendsetter. Truly, my dresses are as comfortable as a nightgown. With my hair tied back in a silk scarf, some cute jewelry and a little makeup I feel good about my appearance even when I’m not going to see anyone but my family. I think David appreciates it, too. If you truly aren’t a dress-wearer, work out your own version of attractive, at-home wear.
8. Wear perfume every day. Okay, I know some people are sensitive to scents so if that’s you, just skip this one. But if you have a nice bottle of perfume that you’ve been saving for special occasions, remind yourself that TODAY is a special occasion. I wear my beloved Shalimar (or occasionally, L’Heure Bleu) every single day. Scented lotion is another option.
9. Indulge in fresh flowers. I can get 6 roses from Aldi for $5. They aren’t anything like as nice as a $50 bouquet from the florist but in between those special occasions, they’ll do just fine. Trim off any leaves that look rumpled, cut the stems and arrange in a pretty vase. Another thing I like to do when they are in season is to buy a couple of stems of Stargazer lilies from the florist. If you just buy the flowers rather than an arrangement they are pretty reasonable. Ask for some filler, too. Then arrange them yourself at home. These smell divine so I like to put them on the entry table. What a pleasure to be greeted with that lovely fragrance!
10. Seek beauty in nature. Take a drive. Enjoy a local park. Get off the main highways and cruise the backroads. Many of us have had to cancel vacations but maybe we can at least take a drive somewhere. It will soon be fall for those of us in the Northern hemisphere. If you live someplace with pretty autumn foliage, consider planning a drive when the leaves are at their peak color. That’s something we are planning. We aren’t far from the Talimena National Scenic Byway and I’ve been wanting to see it in the fall for ages. This is going to be our year. No matter where you live, there is sure to be something beautiful to see nearby.
There are surely many more ways to add beauty to your everyday life and I would love to hear your ideas. I believe that if we make beauty a priority we can create lives that provide a welcome sense of comfort and respite from a world which can seem harsh at times.
You may also enjoy…
Create a Beautiful Life: Cloth Napkins and Real Dishes
How Much is Enough? ~ Contentment in a World of Excess
These are great ideas. We switched out the TV for music a little over a year ago (and had only been going with TV as background noise before that because the degus would have temper tantrums without it) and I invested in Amazon music so I could have full freedom to pick what I’m in the mood to listen to via my Alexa device.
I’m participating in a challenge called “Small Things September” (or “September Small Things” – I’ve seen it written both ways, so am using both hashtags on Twitter) where you have to pick one small/simple thing each day that brought you pleasure. It’s sort of like a gratitude challenge, but focussed on seeing the beauty in the small things, and embracing those hygge moments. I’ve been posting my small thing each day on both Twitter and Facebook, and will share a full list on my blog at the start of October.
Oh, I love the idea of “Small Things September”! I will check it out. Thanks!