Inspiration for Easing in To the New Year
New Routines You’ll Actually Want to Embrace, ‘Outfit’ Ideas for Updating Your Bedroom, And The Non-Alcoholic Drink I’m Obsessed With
The Christmas decorations have been put away (hopefully), now what? January can feel like one big letdown after all the festivities and holiday vacation. There’s also the pressure to jump back in and hit the ground running in the new year. And on top of it, the days are unrelentingly gray and short.
Rather than fighting the transition, this month’s newsletter suggests ways to help you ease into the new year as smoothly as possible. An irresistible granola and afternoon tea as positive routines to embrace, the three accents to refresh a bedroom without a major update, and setting intentions for the home to guide purchase decisions and ultimately manifest the updates you truly want. That’s to say, starting the new year off with a dose of self-care and mindfulness.
Water Glasses That Make Water More Appealing
Tumblers by Xaquixe will incentivize you to get your daily recommended intake of water. This blue & yellow multi color way is so unique and special, but these glasses also come in a rainbow of other colors.
To Hang or To Serve
Cabana's Horezu Plate is too pretty to keep in the cabinet. I have one just like it on my kitchen wall, and it brings me so much joy. And best of all, I can take it down anytime and still use it as a plate.
With Valentine's Day In Mind
Us Candle by Hannah Candle would make a sweet Valentine's day gift. The handmade candle is a work of art that can add a decorative touch to a shelf. (Psst enjoy 10% off with code SENSEOFSPENCER at check out.)
Same You, New Routines
To counter the comedown from the holidays and underlying funk caused by SAD (seasonal affective disorder), I've been trying to implement new routines to gently take care of myself. It’s ‘self care’ (one of the most overused phrases if you ask me!), but perhaps not in the most obvious ways — consider them little habits you can implement at home to give yourself a hug. At the start of the week, I make a batch of granola that’s delicious as it is easy to make – this way I have no excuse not to eat a healthy breakfast. I find it’s a little more enjoyable in a fun speckled bowl. As lovely as morning coffee is, have you ever tried afternoon tea? You’re more likely to take that afternoon break if you have the tea ritual to look forward to. I'm excited to try these reusable tea bags with loose leaf tea. I suggest serving the tea in a beautiful mug, like this delicate white ceramic mug or this beautiful porcelain floral mug. Finally, a bath is unbeatable for relaxation, but it feels so much more special with these bath salts with rose petals and a lit candle of course — I’m loving this candle for classic floral notes and this one for notes of wood and incense.
Home Accent Combos to Refresh Your Bedroom
Our bedrooms take on even more importance in the colder months as a place to hibernate and rest. With so much time in the lead up to the holidays spent decorating the outer rooms where we dine and entertain, our bedrooms are often neglected. I firmly believe you can make the space more cozy and inviting with little decorative enhancements that don't require any work or DIY (and therefore cost less). The three accents that can have the biggest impact are: a throw pillow (or two) placed in front of sleeping pillows and shams, a throw blanket at the foot of the bed or bedspread, and an area rug where your feet hit the floor getting out of bed.
Here are different groupings of accents that work together. Consider these outfits for the room that can be swapped out when you need a change. Check out the fullbedroom decor guidefor more ideas including bedding, bedside table accents, and art for the bedroom.
2023 Interior Intentions
Do people still make New Year’s resolutions? Well, it’s a little late for that, and they always seem to be broken after a few days. Instead I suggest setting intentions for how you want to live and what you want to bring into your home in the coming year. This can really focus your energy to create the space and the life you want, and not get derailed by trends or sales. A friend of mine who’s a big proponent of conscious dressing (check her out) offers this advice when purchasing clothing, but it adapts quite nicely to the home.
Make a mental list of accents and objects that would make your space more complete. Think about what you already own – what’s missing or what do you dream of having?
“Test” the functionality of that item. Does it mix well with what you have? Is there a place for it?
When you’re shopping, it’s less tempting to buy aimlessly because you have a goal in mind. You end up prioritizing what you really want (versus what you’re being influenced to buy)
The ultimate benefits are more original style, getting more joy from what you own, and cutting down on overconsumption and waste. For inspiration while making your mental list, read about this year’s Non-Trendy Home Design Trends.
To Listen
If you’d like some company on a walk or while doing chores around the house, listen to the Sentimental Garbage podcast which delves into pop culture and makes no apologies for it. It’s like listening to a conversation with your clever, funny friends. Scroll back to their 2021 episodes dissecting Sex & The City for a major dose of nostalgia.
To Drink
Most non-alcoholic spirits taste pretty bad, but I swear Sanbitter tastes just like Campari. I enjoy it with a big ice cube in a proper old fashioned glass, like I’m having a real cocktail. It’s imported from Italy, but thankfully it’s available on Amazon. Bonus: save the bottles and use as vases.
To Wear
I got some Levi’s before the holidays, and I’ve lived in them ever since. I wanted real jeans — no stretch, good fit, and most importantly, not an arm and a leg (any time I have spent a lot on jeans I came to hate them a few months later). They’re a classic for a reason. I recommend Wedgie Straight (pictured) and Ribcage Straight Ankle. But find what works best for you!
To Watch
Watch this show (HBO Max) if you want to laugh! As the title suggests, this comedy revolves around the lives of four college girls. It's so hard to find funny, lighthearted shows these days. The second season just came out so there's lots to binge.