Friday, February 26, 2016

The Home Spa 2

Photo: The Paper Doll Post

My good friend Julie recently launched her blog, The Paper Doll Post, and I am loving it! She describes her blog like this: "This blog is for every woman looking for ways to keep her life fresh, productive and exciting. Let’s face it, day-to-day life is just that and you might be surprised how “trying on” a new habit, idea, quote or product can give you a little boost."

I especially loved her post today, The Home Spa. After I read it I made a pitcher of cucumber water (so easy!) and found a "Spa" station on Pandora - two of her great ideas. I'm going to get some eucalyptus oil so I can make the chilled eucalyptus towels she describes in her post. Can't wait!

I also thought of a few other easy ways to create a spa at home that I wanted to share.

1. Aveda tea
Everything from Aveda makes me feel relaxed, but their Comfort tea is an absolute fav. My favorite spa in Seattle, Habitude, serves Aveda tea and it's just, well, comforting.

2. Spa robe
Every time I put on this fabulous robe I'm instantly transported to a spa or hotel. I love it! And it's so feminine and pretty in pink.

3. Spa sandals
Get yourself a pair of these spa sandals!

4. Nuts and cranberries
Make yourself a little bowl of raw almonds and walnuts and cranberries for a healthy spa treat.

5. Sauna
Finally, this is a biggie! But it's amazing. We recently built a real Finnish sauna in our basement and it has changed my life! The heat, the sweat, the no-electronics zone. It's so nourishing and good for my body and soul.

How do you "spa" at home?

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Spring is in the Air


Spring - my favorite season - is in the air! The daffodils are blooming. The fragrance of daphne is intoxicating. The cherry blossoms are starting to sprout. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. The days are getting longer. This makes me happy!

But we are still in that funny in-between time. I had to chuckle at the juxtaposition of my gloves with the flowers in the photos above and below  Yes, the mornings and evenings are still cold. But the flowers are getting the sun they need to show their colors!



This morning on our walk to school, we picked up a tiny cherry blossom branch that had fallen on the ground. I gave it to Sofia for her desk. There were three blooms on it. She said she would keep one for herself and give one to a friend. Before she ran into her classroom, she turned around and gave me the tiny one above, which I carried with me on my walk.

 
These cheery primroses greet me when I come and go from our house and they make me smile every time. And I still have the heart wreath on our front door!


A friend of mine shared this in an email this week, which pretty much sums up spring for me.

"Spring is in my heart. New life is popping up everywhere ... I don't need to wait for a date on the calendar to tell me it's spring. I feel it and I am excited."

I'm excited too. Are you?

xoxo,

Amy 

Friday, February 12, 2016

I Heart Coloring with Friends!


In my last post, I wrote about how happy and relaxed I feel when I color. I've been wanting to throw a coloring party (for adults) since I saw this story last year.

Today I hosted a Valentine's coloring party and it was SO MUCH FUN!


I invited several neighborhood friends (all moms at our school) and we colored for two hours! We also chatted, ate chocolate (hello homemade Oreos!) and drank bubbly. It was the perfect Friday afternoon before a long weekend and I can't wait to do it again!


I love throwing parties - and this one was so fun and easy. One of my favorite things about hosting parties is all of the details and decor....




I asked each guest to bring some chocolate to share. 


Everyone left with their own colorful "masterpiece" and a big smile on their face - which to me is the best part!

What's better than girlfriends, great conversation, coloring, chocolate and bubbly?!

Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day friends!

xoxo,

Amy