Well you guys I hope you utilised your time in lockdown effectively to make your surroundings more beautiful and streamlining your routines. It is so important to envelop yourself with a gorgeous environment and lovely rituals. Making every day as beautiful and pleasurable as possible is a way to live a happier life. A word about rituals , they are established patterns that make our every day existence and the journey of life, our real life, more enjoyable.
Let me share some of my own ideas with you:
BATHING
Use a beautiful bath oil or foam. Its no secret that mine is L’Occitane Lemon Verbena Foam Bath. Allow yourself time to soak. Have a glass of wine/champagne or freshly squeezed juice topped with spring water. Soft classical music. Neom candles. DOOR SHUT. Big warm fluffy terry towels and robe. Your whole evening has a fresh new beginning.
STATIONERY
I love to write notes in beautiful Smythson notebooks with brightly coloured inks. I have a beautiful set of Kate Spade cream and gold cards for thank you notes that actually make you want to write notes. Everyone should have at least one beautifully expensive fountain pen for ritual note writng i.e gratitude notes in the morning, To Do lists in the evening.
AT HOME MEAL TIMES
Always lay the table with the best tablemats, best china, fabulous cutlery and a charming set of colourful napkins. My mantra is save nothing for ‘best’ use them now, daily. Meal times should absolutely be a ritual to get into the habit with your family or loved ones or just make it special for one.
BEDLINEN
We spend a large amount of our time in bed. Keep your bed linen fresh, egyption cotton . Lots of comfy huge pillows on the bed and i beautiful cashmere throw . Stunning pile of books on the bedside table. Your bed is not just for sleeping but can be a sanctuary for rituals like a Sunday afternoon nap . Curling up under the throw with a good book early evening. Watching movies on a cold winters day. Saturday morning breakfast in bed on a tray.
EMRACE THE SEASONS
Mark new seasons with childhood reminiscences: In Spring fly a kite. In Summer, make a sand castle. In fall go for a brisk walk crunching in the leaves. In Winter build a snowman. Take time to look at the changing landscape as nature runs its course. Listen to the changing sounds too the different bird chatter from each season, the sound of lawns being mowed, the new buds on the trees.
BAKING WITH A FRIEND
Book a regular baking day with a friend in your kitchen. Then gift the goodies to elderly people in the area or friends that need cheering. This is a rewarding ritual both for your friendship and the recipients. If baking is not your thing then choose photography, pottery or Art classes with a friend, equally bonding while you learn a new skill.
ORGANISE A GIFT WRAP STATION
In my office i have on cupboard constantly stocked with beautiful gift wrap, ribbon, bows, labels and scotch tape. a beautifully wrapped present is a gift in itself. When someone spends time elegantly wrapping a gift for me it is immensely touching that they went to such effort. Make gift wrapping an enjoyable experience and never a chore with a hurriedly wrapped present. Get creative.
DINE OUT WITH ELEGANCE
A weekly ritual of dining out at a special restaurant. Im not talking pub grub here or Nandos but an elegant, renowned restaurant in your area. The food and wine become the pleasure. Really admire the presentation, taste , smell and textures of the food and the wonderful service you receive. Choose your Company wisely an exceptional meal can be ruined by obnoxious company. Try to experience Michelin star restaurants whenever possible this is a real treat for the senses.
So there were some of my rituals to be enjoyed together or simply alone. but rituals are regular and require effort but they soon become encompassed within your regular life. But they all make life feel a little more special. Why wouldnt you build one or two or several into YOUR life.
SHOP BELOW TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE BEAUTIFUL TODAY. If you received this by e mail then click on the URL at the base of the mail.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: WE ALL CHOOSE HOW WE LIVE . LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE NEED NOT BE EXPENSIVE BUT JUST REQUIRES A LITTLE EFFORT WITH GREAT REWARDS. CHOOSE SOME THAT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO YOU WITHIN YOUR PRICE RANGE.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX