I couldn’t believe it when I went to check out how many years ago I did my September Small Things on the blog. I thought it was like 3 or 4 years ago. It was last year. Last year I had a whole month of recording the #smallthings of September life. I wrote how Life is made up of the Small Things, and posted as … Continue reading September Small Things: Part 2
Hyge is a pretty frugal way of life anyway… any philosophy that places maximum emphasis on cosy, home-based, home-made and small group entertainment is not going to be one that costs masses. No expensive meals out in fancy restaurants, no need to spend on imported hothouse flowers, no big and cavernous houses. Hygge is all about the small, the intimate, the personal. In a world … Continue reading Frugge? Frygge? Frugal Hygge for the summer.
December’s posts this year all share the theme of Mindful Christmas. There’ll be short posts each day encouraging us to pause and look at our celebrations in a more measured, mindful way. Every day has a concept heavily tied in to Christmas, and the plan is to look at them individually, examine what role they play in our own Christmas and, if we decide we … Continue reading Minimalism and Simplicity: Mindful Christmas Day 11
I settled down today at the office on the hottest day we’ve had for a while. Not a day sensibly for lighting a candle, and yet I did. I like having a candle in the office, especially on dark and dreek days. It adds a touch of cosiness, of warmth and homeliness. More often than not it’s a scented candle. This summer was a St … Continue reading When Everyday Smells Like Your Cosiest Coffee Shop: September Small Things Day 7
You know I’m a happy person, right? A good, kind, generally smooth natured and positive person? It’s bizarre. I am a natural optimist, born optimistic and lived optimistic (until about 5 years ago, when I started seeing optimism as the super power of the youthful). I wonder if losing one’s optimism goes with the menopause? Does losing the faintest hope of ever having another baby … Continue reading Life is a Rollercoaster and I am not Fully Enjoying the Ride.
I know hygge has no rules… because it’s a very personal thing and what makes me feel hyggely may well be what makes you feel antipathy… but there are certain things that act as guidelines. Not fixed, immovable rules, but ideas that can help, especially if at a certain point in your life you’ve just hit a brick wall of chaos or doubt that has … Continue reading Hygge Guidance for a Good Life.
I’ve been enjoying myself this week reading up on ancient philosophies, specifically the Stoics. I know. Don’t ask. Philosophy (root words: philo meaning love and sophia meaning wisdom) is described by Wikipedia as the “study of general and fundamental questions, such as those about reason, existence, knowledge, values, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved.” Or, as … Continue reading Lessons from the Porches of Antiquity
Simply Living Well has the subtitle A Guide to Creating a Natural, Low-waste Home. Living well, living simply are cornerstones of my life, and I am always keen to read up on how other people live and see how environmental principles can be embedded in daily living for everyone. Julia Watkins is the creative force behind @simply.living.well on Instagram. It’s a beautiful feed, classy, elegant, … Continue reading Book Friday: Simply Living Well by Julia Watkins.
How to Hygge the British Way 