Gray, Dark Days…

Even though it happens every single year, the end of Daylight Savings always astonishes us. Why is it dark at 4:30!? Why does night take all day!? How do we cope!? Don’t let the winter blues (and grays and blacks) get you down this Fall and Winter. Treat yourself to a few handy tools and find yourself thriving all throughout the bleak mid-winter and beyond.

Small Adjustments for Cheer

Upgrade Your Mornings
Rethink your morning routine and start beautiful new habits this season. Upgrading your coffee or tea station will give your morning a boost. Try a pretty new mug, a frother, or this gorgeous tea box to enhance your first sips. A pair of cozy new house slippers with good treads will keep your feet dry if you wander out onto a patio or porch and I especially love this daily task manager to keep your day scheduled in the most aesthetically pleasing way.  

Tackle Seasonal Projects
It’s finally “cooled off”! Tackle those projects you were keeping for milder months. This is the perfect time to clean out the attic or paint a room. Make a plan to be a weekend warrior before Christmas!

Let the Sun In
Open curtains, shutters, and blinds. Hang a small prism in a window that gets plenty of sun and let yourself be enchanted by the rainbows that appear each morning. Any stray sunlight these days will not only help your mood but boost your immune system and while the weather is mild, you can enjoy the extra light without too much cold seeping in just yet. 

Get That Warm Glow
Keep lamplights on and burn candles when you’re gathered in the kitchen or living room for any length of time. I love flameless votives for small candle holders this time of year…they keep the glow without the constant candle replacement or the danger of forgetting about them altogether. During the morning and afternoon hours, consider diffusing a germ-fighting essential oil. They’re typically blended with cloves and other flavorful spices and they’ll help keep your spaces a little more pure. 

Create Comfort
Treat yourself with a furry blanket or heated throw this season and keep it draped across your couch. Instant cozy is important when the weather is gloomy. Keep a pair of fuzzy house socks by your front door to slip into as soon as you get home.

Bring Summer Inside
If you’re a summer lover, set a collection of sea glass or unique shells on your coffee table to remind you of warm seasons ahead. Now’s the time to remember the seasons do change.

Battle the Weather in Style
Treat yourself to a bright new umbrella! There’s nothing like battling the elements with color and style. 

Upgrade Your Evenings
Signal your wind-down time with luxurious touches like a new satin sleep mask or a brand new book to usher you into long, relaxed evenings. Remember…even during the long nights…limit time on your phone or other device a full hour before bed to give yourself the sleep you need. Mental and physical health is more important than ever to maintain in the Fall and Winter months.

Take it slow this Fall and early Winter. Let your home and your routines reflect the changing season as you find beautiful ways to celebrate the every day.