License to LOUNGE: Winter Edition

I suppose it’s a combination of the extreme temperatures, post-holiday fatigue, and sunlight deprivation that does it each January. In any case, the season is upon us on planet Michele where the mood turns to LOUNGE. Nesting at my cozy home on the prairie. Slowing the pace. Gentleness with self. Only the comfiest clothing. Warm baths. Luxurious skincare rituals. Simple yoga poses. Calm mornings. Reading in bed. Writing poetry. Winters here can be harsh so it’s only natural that longing grows: for warmth, for a sunnier glow. Here’s what’s on the radar.

License to Lounge in Winter

Clean Beauty Boosts

Lounging to you might signal a no-makeup day, but since the makeup I use is good for the skin, I find it gives my spirit and skin a boost. Let’s face it. Some of us get pale and can look unhealthier than we are. (And gurrrrl, I am often unhealthy so that’s saying a lot.)

I won’t fake much in this life, but I am happy to fake a glow. Hahahahaha. It helps me feel a bit more confident facing the world. Here’s what my mom introduced me to when she visited in autumn:

Do you know Rose-Marie?

Daydreams of Beachy Days to Come

Feels like it has been ages since I have been on a shore. Can we create a bit of beachy goodness at home?

I used to spray tan to feel beachy, but that sort of tan has largely lost its appeal for me. If there’s any chance of emerging oompa loompa, I want to avoid it.

How about you? Do you have a self-tanner or healthy tan method? Is there such a thing as a healthy tan method…hahahaha.

Yummy Treats for the Skin

I have extra dry skin and am beginning to think it could be eczema as much as rosacea. Who knows, and I see a dermatologist regularly! My sister asked the other day what my current favorite moisturizer is, and I told her LOTS OF THEM. That’s because I need to have several on hand depending on the needs of my skin on any given day. Everything I use has to be gentle since I’m sensitive. This is still always within hands reach:

I have been re-ordering it because it is so soothing for face and body. I’m not sure if there is anything to the hype about bee pollen for skin, but I know my skin loves honey. And since there are only a few natural ingredients in Boomsilk, my sensitive skin loves it and doesn’t freak out.

The spray from Iris & Romeo is so convenient…if you’re the type who wants to just spray and go, this might be the ticket. My skin responds favorably to Monika Blunder’s blunder cover, and these little jars will last forever. You can use it where you need it, mix a little with oil for a moisturizing foundation all over, or just apply it as a concealer.

Winter weather can be so drying and hard on skin. The hydration from this sweet little humidifier is hard to beat.

Cozy Von Cozy

Since I have been cozying on down more than energetically crossing projects off the list, I still don’t have photos of our bedroom which needs to be painted and decorated a bit before I can style it for public consumption. If you’re just turning your attention to a cozy bedroom, maybe these ingredients will inspire:

I think the appeal of all things Amber Lewis is strongly linked to cozy factor. People crave warmth, comfort from natural materials, and quiet luxury. She creates these interiors many of us can imagine feeling at home in.

Lounge for the Win

Have you discovered Cozy Earth?

I have collected a few items for home (can’t live without their high quality bath linens) and want to try some of their loungewear.

Smiles, Giggles & Encouragement for Wintering Souls

Polar Bear Love

Watching this family in their natural habitat is a reminder of the beauty in the natural world and why it is so worth protecting:

Cat With Disability is Devoted to Foster Kittens

Elvis is the black cat below with wobbly cat syndrome which affects motor skills and makes walking and even going potty immensely difficult. Yet he is devoted to the kittens brought to this shelter in Kentucky, and has lovingly groomed and snuggled more than a hundred foster kittens. What a good good boy and reminder we can have purpose and dignity even when we’re a wobbly spectacle.

Canada Goose Frozen to Beach is Free

This poor goose froze on the wet sand of the beach (edge of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park), and several Good Samaritans tried unsuccessfully to free it. Thankfully, volunteer firefighters were contacted and showed up to rescue the sweet bird in time.

What a Tea Party!

I shared this a couple of years ago when the sight of these sleeping elephants in a tea garden brightened my day. I just love these magnificent creatures.

Aren’t they adorable?

Winter School

Need an idea for staying busy this winter? Love learning and growing? Me too! Did you know there are 850 Ivy League courses you can take for free?

We Can Learn to Re-Label Our Emotions for Better Coping

I thought this was an interesting concept suggested by Brene Brown. We can be so quick to label anxiety. What if we call it something else?

Let These Sea Otters Bring Calm

Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., you can tune into a sea otter web cam and watch them live at the Monterey Bay Aquarium HERE.

Good News for New York Harbour

In a sea of sorrowful news, our behaviors can turn that sea around! 50 years ago, The Clean Water Act was passed by Congress and because of it, this harbour transformed from an open sewer into a functional ecosystem. Look at this whale surfacing!

What other sewage can transform into something so lovely?

A Taste of Slow Living in Finland

Sometimes seeing slow living put into practice can be a powerful motivator to slow down. Join this content creator in Finland, and experience a little of the calm as she goes about her day…

Spring Decor Inspiration

If you’re dreaming and scheming as you look ahead to Spring, maybe search my archives and pin fresh and uplifting design inspiration.

Explore Past Issues of Milieu & Veranda

I love saving all of my issues of MILIEU and VERANDA, do you? Maybe you’ll find a pocket of time to curl up with a magazine and a mug of something delicious.

Psst…sometimes I snag old issues HERE.

Tour the Loveliest Tiny Home!!!

It’s a fantasy of a perfect cabin in the woods and only 450 square feet!

I do have my doubts about all of those windows though…ya know? Not sure I would stay warm enough inside!

Ideas for Cozying Your Bedroom

I share so many mood boards in a year, and this was one of my favs:

We’re Good Inside

If you are not familiar with Dr. Becky, her philosophy, and her work with families, you may want to peek at this interview below. Even if you aren’t parenting children at home, there’s something fascinating about how she demystifies invisible dynamics at work and provides ideas to strengthen compassion and resilience. Her book is GOOD INSIDE, and it’s such a helpful tool for parents struggling with overwhelm!

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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