Tomorrow, Ian and I will head to Ireland for 10 days! This trip has been a dream of ours for the past 6 years (honestly, it’s been a dream of mine since I first watched “P.S. I Love You!”)—and it’s finally here! I hope you will follow our adventures. We plan to post as much as we can. Thanks for following!
-The “O’Mangiones” 😉
Happy snow day, all! If you’re anywhere in New England (and beyond at this point) you are currently snowed in!
I love snow days— you get to stay in your pajamas all day! Not only that, but you have the opportunity to have some “me time” whether it is checking off items on your to-do list or indulging in some well-deserved self-care.
Sometimes, however, the opportunity of a snow day can be overwhelming. You may find yourself asking: “What should I do?” Self-doubt about how to best take advantage of a snow day is tough, but just remember that if what you are doing brings you joy, it is worth it! I know that I struggle with this, so I decided to come up with a list of 10 fun (or productive!) things you can do while you’re snowed in:
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t suggest to snuggle up with a good book! During a busy day, do you ever stop and wish that you had time to sit down and read that book or magazine you’ve been dying to open? Now is the time to unwind, relax, and add some books to your Goodreads list! Reading is a great way to keep your brain stimulated and even reduces stress!
Have you been eyeing a closet or drawer in your home that needs organizing lately? Take some time and declutter, clean out, and organize your home! Taking time to clean up will not only get you off the couch but will also put your mind at ease and make your home seem more open and inviting.
Whenever it snows, I always have the biggest urge to sit on the couch and binge-watch some my favorite movies—particularly the “Lord of the Rings” or “Hobbit” series! So, grab some blankets, some snacks, and watch something you love!
There’s nothing better than some comfort food on a cold, snowy day. I love to bake muffins, cookies, or a yummy bread when it snows. What’s on the menu today? Apple cinnamon muffins! Yum!
Sitting for a while can make my body super stiff and sore, so I try to add some exercise during my snow day! Even if it is some yoga, stretching, or a soft workout, your body, and mind will thank you!
Life can be so hectic between jobs, school, kids, and other obligations. Take some time today for yourself and indulge in some self-care! This can mean taking a nap, sitting in a warm bath with candles, writing, playing video games or a board game—the list goes on and on! Make some time for yourself; you deserve it.
Have you downloaded an album or two and struggled to find the time to listen to it? What a great opportunity to take some time and discover your new favorite jam! You can listen to music while cleaning, relaxing in a warm bubble bath, or cuddled up on the couch.
After being stuck inside all day, visiting a local coffee shop and taking in the scenery is a great way to reconnect with the outside world. If it is safe for you to travel, find a local coffee shop and take in its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Order your favorite beverage and bring a book, journal, or project you are working on and enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights.
When the weather calms down, bundle up and go for a walk around your neighborhood and take in the beauty of fresh-fallen snow. I know that one of my favorite things to do during a snowfall is to go outside, close my eyes, and listen to the silent peace that snow brings!
Take advantage of the free time and start a lifelong goal you may have. Do you want to learn a new language or start playing an instrument? Do you want to learn how to code or discover a new place in the world? Get cracking and see what you can accomplish!
What do you like to do on a snow day? Share your feedback in the comments!
I discovered the magic of “hygge” a year ago when I stumbled across the book, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking. I remembered reading how the Dutch are the happiest people in the world, and I always wondered how. The answer: “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah), a Danish word acknowledging a feeling or moment that gives you complete happiness. One can experience hygge alone or with friends; the only condition to experiencing hygge is that you are able to enjoy and recognize living in the present.
Some buzzwords that surround hygge are “cozy,” “comfort,” and “charm.” These are three elements that I take pride in when choosing my hygge. Wiking writes: “Hygge is the sensation you get when you’re cuddled up on a sofa, in cozy socks under a soft throw, during a storm. It’s that feeling when you’re sharing comfort food and easy conversation with loved ones at a candlelit table. It is the warmth of morning light shining just right on a crisp blue-sky day.” To “do” hygge is to you create simple rituals without much effort; you make your personal life an art form.
Fall has arrived—the perfect season to try out some hygge practices. Hygge is not just restricted to the colder months, but for someone like me who loves bundling up in blankets with a cup of hot chocolate, this is when I experience the most hygge. Here are some fall activities for you to try to bring some hygge into your life:
Light some fall-scented candles
Candles are already so calming and peaceful, so why not light a Pumpkin Spiced Chai Latte candle and get the full fall effect?
Read a book
As an avid reader, sitting in my comfy chair with a steaming mug of tea or coffee and a great book is ultimate hygge. Since it’s Halloween season, try picking up a horror/spooky book to get you into the Halloween spirit!
Layer up!
Three of the best things about fall: sweaters, scarves, and boots. I love bundling up with scarves and jackets and dressing for the cool weather. Did I mention flannels?!
Buy some fall decorations—or make your own!
When the first leaf hits the ground in September, I make a mad dash to the nearest craft store and load up on fall decor. I love crafting; it’s such a fun way to unwind, relax, and spark some creativity! Here’s an example of one of my fall decor pieces this year. I went to my local craft store and bought these pumpkins and leaves, and created my own chalkboard sign:
Road Trip!
Get in your car with a friend or two and take a drive to a cool town or place and explore. Go to a trendy coffee shop or a museum; or go to a park and take in the views! Everything is beautiful this time of year—get out there and enjoy it!
Have a movie night
Invite a friend over and have a movie night or watch a movie on your own. This time of year, I love to sit on my couch after a long day with a warm blanket and watch Halloween movies—especially classics like “Halloweentown” and “Hocus Pocus!”
Go on a walk/hike through the autumn leaves
Head outside and enjoy the sweet, crisp autumn air. Going for walks gives me the chance to slow down and enjoy the beautiful foliage—and I love hearing the *crunch* of fallen leaves under my feet!
Pick your own apples/pumpkins—and get to baking!
Make your way to a local pick-your-own farm and grab a hot apple cider, some warm fritters, and pick your own pumpkins or apples. Then…make a dessert when you get home! A fall dessert favorite in our home is warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream on top. Yum!
What do you like to do in the fall? How do you “hygge?”
If you know me even just a little (like following me on social media) you know that autumn is my favorite season. The foliage, warm sweaters, fuzzy blankets, hot chocolate, Halloween, my birthday, Thanksgiving, cooler weather —the list goes on and on! Fall is also the time last year where I really started to focus on gratitude, like how to cultivate it and how to share it with others.
When I was going through treatment, my therapist suggested that every night, instead of going to bed with negative, looming thoughts, I counteract them with positive ones. It was interesting to hear him suggest that, for I was simultaneously reading The Happiness Project and Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin and Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was also reading a number of blogs and articles on effective ways to boost my happiness and how to foster a sense of gratitude. After my session, I started a gratitude journal that I write in almost daily and track what makes me happy or what I am grateful for. The entries range from a full account of spending a Sunday afternoon with my family to bulleted lists. Whatever brings me joy, I write it down.
With the holiday season fast approaching, I decided that November would be my month of “Thankful-LIST” (a play on words of “thankfulness). Yesterday, (November 1), I started generating a list of things I am thankful for and plan on continuing the list every day until November 30. This is going to be fun! It’s the perfect time to reflect on all of the positive, happy things going on in your life!
Since starting my gratitude journal last year, I have discovered that keeping and cultivating gratitude is essential to my happiness. Being grateful helps block out the ugly, negative thoughts that may be clouding my vision including envy, resentment, and regret. Studies show that people who are grateful are more optimistic, connected to other people, and have stronger bonds with their friends, family, and loved ones.
The word “gratitude” comes from the Latin term, “gratia,” which also means grace, graciousness, and gratefulness. According to multiple studies, having gratitude promotes better sleep, increases energy, reduces troublesome thoughts, increases generosity and compassion, and reduces those feelings of loneliness and isolation. Studies also find that people who express gratitude regularly have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and are more forgiving and outgoing individuals.
It truly has worked. I find that when I counteract a few dark thoughts with positive ones, I become happier. With a little perspective, I am able to boost my mood and help boost the moods of others, too. Last December, I listed some ways to help cultivate gratitude, like writing thank you notes, mentally counting your blessings, and one that I found recently, is complimenting others. All of these steps truly help you cultivate gratitude and become a happier person.
So, try it out! You will be surprised with the results.
What’s on my Thankful-LIST so far?
How do you cultivate gratitude? Share in the comments below!
