Is it the cold weather, holiday rush, short days and sunlight deprivation that do me in every December? With more than two weeks to go, my dry skin has already proclaimed: baby, it is OFFICIALLY WINTER! Trees grow bare, snow threatens, and my plans shift to LOUNGE, CHILD, AMAP (as much as possible). Time to cozy up, slow down, and prioritize gentle self-compassion. Comfier clothing, s’il vous plait. Warm nightly bubble baths for escape. Luxurious skincare rituals. Simple yoga poses. Calmer mornings. Poetry before bed. Is a sunnier inner-glow possible? A mix of ideas and even the unexpected aim to find out.
A Sunnier Inner Glow in Winter
Clean Beauty Glow in the Snow
While lounging as much as possible might signal a no-makeup day…
my daily makeup is healthy for the skin so wearing it gives both spirit and skin a glow.
I don’t want to look made up…just more naturally vibrant with hydrated skin. Let’s face it. Some of us living with chronic illness may appear unhealthier than we actually are!
I’m too sassy to fake too much, but I am happy to fake glowing skin. Hahahahaha.
It provides a boost of confidence to face a cold-ish world. Here’s what my mama introduced me to when she visited:
Do you know Rose-Marie?
Dying to try Crystal Slipper and all of those beautiful options!
Daydreaming of Beachy Days to Come
Feels like it has been ages since I have been to a shore. Can we create a bit of beachy goodness at home?
I used to spray tan back in the day to feel beachy, but orange-prone glow has lost its appeal. If there’s a chance of emerging oompa loompa and staining white linen furniture, I’m out.
And you? Have a self-tanner or healthy tan method?
Yummy Treats for the Skin
My skin is rosacea-prone and extra dry. Probably borderline eczema or related to autoimmune. Who knows? Still so much mystery even though I see a dermatologist regularly! When my sister asked what my favorite moisturizer is, I told her ALL of them. I need several on hand depending on the daily needs of my skin. They must be all be gentle since I’m sensitive. This is still always within hands reach:
I have been re-ordering it because of its soothing properties. Not sure there is anything to all the hype about bee pollen, but I know my skin does love it some honey. And since there are only a few natural ingredients in Boomsilk, my skin doesn’t freak out.
If your skin is sensitive like mine, consider Monika Blunder’s Blunder Cover. These luxe glass jars of yum stretch forever, and I love how I can use it where I need it, mix a little with oil for a moisturizing foundation all over, or just apply as a concealer. Monika just launched eyeliner, and I need to get my paws on it. I have yet to find one I’m not fighting with. You?
Winter weather can be brutal to mature skin. The hydration from a nifty portable humidifier is hard to beat!
Cozy Von Cozy
Since I have been cozying on down (in between crossing projects off the list), I have been lighting candles more often. If you’re looking for something just right for a cozy bedroom, maybe these ingredients will inspire:
I think the appeal of all things Amber Lewis is strongly linked to CF (cozy factor). People crave warmth, comfort from natural materials, and quiet luxury. She creates spaces many of us can imagine feeling at home in.
Lounge for the Win
Have you discovered Cozy Earth?
Whimsy & 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 years ago when the sight of sleeping elephants in a tea garden turned my day around. How I adore 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! More than 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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