Savoring simple daily pleasures
I thought a little list of elegant, luxurious and charming items would be a fun way to wrap up this wet and rainy Friday. Keeping us present and grateful for the little things, and caring and appreciative of our home and surroundings.
I've listed below a few objects or products you might enjoy incorporating in to your everydays to add a little whimsy, joy and sparkle.
1. An elegant, beautifully designed candle lighter. I didn't know I needed one of these until a dear friend gifted me one for a birthday. So much more attractive than a box of matches or a clunky plastic lighter. I have tried antique match strikers but I think the way matches are produced here inhibits them from being able to ignite against traditional match strikers. This one is slim and elegant and even chargeable with a USB.
2. If we have a beautiful way of lighting it then we need an equally beautiful candle to be lit! I am a candle fiend, and very sensitive to scents, enjoying all sorts depending on the season or even the time of day. My husband lovingly refers to me burning money when I purchase candles- especially the more extravagant ones, but I do believe you get what you pay for and a beautiful scent can elevate your mood, and set the tone and atmosphere of the home, in addition to creating a warm flickering glow.
If Frangrance isn't your thing, beeswax or simple long white table candles can still create a very calming, and chic ambience. I love Carrier Freres for a touch of French elegance, Cote Noire for their beautiful receptacles, and glasshouse as go to's around my home- with scents such as Taaha (Warm vanilla caramel) Kyoto (Neroli, jasmine and pink pepper) Carrier Freres Orange blossom, Yuzu, pine and cedar or lemon verbena. I am working up to the king of candles- Trudon. I'll keep my eye out for sales and specials as they are quite an investment.
3. Sheepskin. Even in summer I love to step out of bed onto my plump and thick sheepskin rug - a pair either side of our bed. In winter you will rarely find me padding around the house without my sheepskin moccasins or scuffs on. (one pair for day, one pair for pre morning shower or post evening bath.... of course ;-) )
4. Soap. I love a good cake of soap, and soap can be so luxurious. Unwrapping a new cake, inhaling its clean scent, and placing it in the shower or by your bath tub is a little pleasure I look forward to when the last bar is down to a sliver. I am an advocate for Savon De Marseille - their iconic olive green cubes, but I also love a locally made one i may pick up at a farmers market, or every year or 6 months I treat myself to an order form Bend Soap in Oregon who do the most incredible milk bath using goat milk and natural oils and scents.
5. Linen sheets. I was ALWAYS a pure Egyptian cotton girl but have recently made the transition ( and investment) in to Belgian linen. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, all natural, and proven to aid with a better more restful sleep, keeping the body temperature stable and allowing air to circulate. Climbing into fresh, line dried linen is next level luxury. I picked my initial set up at a huge discount so keep an eye out and build your collection slowly. They'll last if cared for properly and are well and truly worth the investment.
6. Fresh flowers are a weakness of mine- even on a walk I struggle not to stop, take in the scent, maybe snap a photo. You don't have to buy a bouquet from the florist every week- as lovely and luxurious as that may be, but supermarket flowers arranged thoughtfully, a bunch form a farmers market, or a single perfect stem of something pretty in a bud vase. I currently have an array of exquisite roses in various colors and varietals around the house and a very delicate mauve one by my bed, the last thing I see at night and the first thing to greet me in the mornings.
7. A quality, well made sharp kitchen knife. Look for a good weight, comfortable in the hand, from a reputable brand OR a artisan or craftsman. Cared for properly, and with due respect, it will last a lifetime and be an invaluable tool in your kitchen. I have a set of global knives which have been slicing, dicing, chopping and working hard for me for well over a decade already.
8. Table napkins. Unless you are eating something extraordinarily messy, greasy or stain worthy, why not invest in a few sets of table napkins to enjoy with every meal? I have many (Too many according to my minimalist husband) some summery, some with fall vibes, Christmassy designs, pure line, even Spode ones to match my heirloom Spode Blue Italian. We have a fresh set at each place setting which I change our almost daily depending on usage, and then I toss them in the wash I used to iron them all, but for everyday I find if I fold them well that's adequate for a week night hasty family meal, and I keep the starched, more special ones for weekends, guest or special occasions and celebrations.
9. A teacup/ coffee cup and saucer. I promise- these are not old fashioned or just for your grandmother. You will notice and appreciate the difference. It will encourage you to savor each sip and pause- not slurp from a bug whilst dashing around the kitchen. I change my preferred morning coffee and afternoon tea cup and saucers with the season, my mood, and the contents. Sometimes delicate fine china is called for, sometimes a Christmas tree or easter bunny, sometime a large boat or a cup and saucer is all that will do! My grandfather took his morning tea every day in the biggest tea cups I have every seen- while always preparing one for my grandmother - Spode naturally, cup and saucer and a rich tea biscuit on the side.
I hope you've enjoyed this little list of luxurious yet attainable and useable items and ideas and you may find a new joy or love for one or two of them in the future.
Have a Beautifull weekend
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