The fall and winter get very busy thanks to the holidays. Small tasks like dusting tend to fall to the wayside, especially after the Holiday season when people are expecting less company.
Look around and find any cluttered surfaces in your home and make sure to wipe down the surface and the objects. Also pay attention to your ceiling fan blades, the tops of your cabinets and backs of electronics.
When dusting try to use a damp towel or microfiber towel so that you’re actually picking the dust up and not just moving it around! This is a very easy place to start your spring cleaning, but it will brighten everything up and make the space and air feel fresher.
Deep, rich colors are going to continue to be on trend through the rest of 2022 and emerald green is going to be one of the most popular. Adding this moody color to any room will give it immediate depth and visual interest.
Adding gold detailing can make it feel very warm and adding silver can cool the room down. It is a bold color that has an incredible amount of flexibility. If you don’t have built-ins in your home, consider adding an emerald green bar cart or book shelf. You could even paint an accent wall or small arch on a wall that feels a little bare.
We all have that one piece of furniture that we’ve had for way too long. It is probably scuffed up and it doesn’t match your style anymore, but it’s still functional. Instead of feeling guilty for throwing it away, get crafty!
Go online and find inspiration for colors and style then do your best to recreate your dream piece. This is a great way to get outside and learn some new skills. The best part of this hack is you can make it as easy or complicated as you want. Changing the hardware can make just as big a difference as sanding and re-staining a piece.
If you need to change up your home fast, get some new throw pillows! This super low effort change can really make your living room feel new. Now that we’re going into spring, you might want to buy (or make) new throw pillows that are lighter colors with animal and flower prints.
This is also a great way to update your overall style. Adding a geometric printed pillow or blanket to more natural prints creates a very interesting visual flow. Seasonal throw pillows are easy to store and can even be matched to different couch covers and throws. The opportunities to make your couch more stylish and comfortable are really endless.
Most homes have that one intimidating wall that we just don’t know what to do with. Gallery walls have become hugely popular over the years. They can seem like a huge project, but they are actually very simple to create!
The biggest thing to remember is that you don’t have to use up the whole space. You can create a very small gallery with 4x6 photos or you can use huge art gallery style prints.
Find some art or pictures that you want to hang together and trace them onto paper. Cut them out and use painters tape to put them on the wall. You can move the templates around until you find something you like. This process can really streamline gallery wall creation and help you avoid frustration.
Accent walls continue to be hot and you can easily capture this trend with peel-and-stick wallpaper murals. Just think how fabulous you'll look posing in front of an exquisite mural design for the 'Gram! The best part is, since they're peel-and-stick, you can change up the design whenever the mood strikes!
Walk around your home and find any rooms or spaces that aren’t being used. A garage or even a small corner can be turned into a place where you will want to hang out. Spare rooms can be easily turned into a binge watching oasis with the help of a projector and mini fridge.
Adding oversized pillows, soft blankets and a small table can turn an empty corner into the perfect place to read a book or play video games. This project can be done in a day on the cheap or it can turn into a total room transformation. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll fall in love with your new space!
Now that we’ve put Fall and Winter behind us, it’s time to trade out the pine and pie smells for something a little more floral and earthy. Changing up your candles, air fresheners and cleaners is the perfect way to welcome spring into your home. It can really brighten up the feeling of your house, especially paired with open windows and fresh air!
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Let’s address the elephant in the room. Can at-home workouts be as effective as working out at the gym? Most health and nutrition experts agree that at-home workouts are a perfectly acceptable way to get your exercise in!
Everyone's exercise regime looks a little different so a gym might be better for some people who need specialized equipment, but at-home workouts are just as good for most people. Having a work out space at home can certainly help maintain consistency when it comes to working out. People are far more likely to keep up their exercise routine if they don’t have to go to another location to do it.
At-home work out spaces also afford us privacy that we don’t have at gyms. We can design spaces in our own homes that make us feel secure and comfortable while also giving us exactly what we need. Exercising at-home can be more effective because there is less stress and you are more likely to actually work out!
Space can be a concern for many people, but at-home workout spaces can exist in very small areas of your home or they can be portable.The size of your space doesn’t really matter as long as it's functional for you.
If you don’t have a spare room in your home, think outside the box. In good weather, backyards and porches can be a great place to workout! One of the best things you can do for yourself, however, is to make sure that the space you use is usually clear. Having to move furniture and put it back and become a barrier for people who find it difficult to work out.
Bad weather happens no matter where you live so make sure you have an indoor space as well. Garages and screened in patios are great options. If you live in an apartment, take a look around and look for empty areas.
Is there a breakfast nook you don’t use? Great! Gather all of your workout equipment and keep it in a small duffel bag in that area. Anywhere in your home is a potential at-home workout space. These spaces are just as unique as the people utilizing them. The thing that matters most is that it works for you.
No matter what space you’ve created for yourself, equipment is a must. When designing an at-home workout space, it’s important to step back and consider what your goals are. After all, you may be working with a pretty small space.
Start off with what you have and then add a few more small, portable items that can help you achieve the kind of work out you’re looking for. If you’re working with a bigger space, getting larger pieces that have multiple functions is a much better idea, although that option will be more expensive.
For space saving options this portable core and strength system is perfect. You can set it up in any room of your home or on the go! If you’re looking to work on your cardio this easily stored stationary pedal set is perfect.
Even being on a budget doesn’t have to stop you from creating the workout space of your dreams. Bodyweight workouts are incredibly popular and you can do them anywhere you have access to a screen (yes, even your phone). There is no piece of equipment everyone should have. This is an incredibly personal process and your setup should reflect you and your goals.
Getting a good workout might be the reason to create an at-home gym, but it's important to make sure it is also a place where you can cool down. Exercise can be a great outlet for stress, but that should continue even after you’re done working out. Think about what helps you relax.
Do you like a certain smell? Blanket? Magazine? Whatever things calm your mind, have them ready for when you’re done with your work out. Having a place to stretch and relax can help you achieve a better work out and make your routine more fulfilling.
Adding a small drink fridge to your area and filling it with veggies, water and protein bars can encourage you to stay hydrated and make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need after a workout.
A back massager can also be a great way to relax from a long day and a hard workout. Don't forget some comfy absorbent towels and a luxurious robe to look forward to when you get out of your workout spandex. The ways that people relax are just as unique as the ways we exercise. Just make sure the space works for you and provides you the comfort and cool down you need.
]]>Having the right furniture setup can completely change your home office. Most of us don’t like sitting still in one place for eight hours, especially in an uncomfortable chair or at a desk that’s the wrong height.
Consider upgrading your workspace to a standing desk, which will give you options to sit or stand at different times in the day. For a break from the standard office chair, consider a balance ball stool-- it will allow you to sit comfortably, but also makes you engage your core muscles, so you can work out while you’re on the clock! If your office needs a touch of glam, this luxurious velvet office chair comes in a wide array of patterns that will match your decor!
Just looking at green plants can relieve stress. So if any room in the house could use the power of plants, it’s probably the home office. Not only do plants help with stress relief but they can also act as mini air purifiers, helping you stay fresh and alert with cleaner air all around.
Houseplants can be found to suit a variety of lighting situations, but even if your office lacks good light sources, there is still hope. Compact LED houseplant grow lights are available in sleek inconspicuous designs which don’t won’t take up a large footprint of your desk. Now, you’ll have a built-in WFH buddy who won’t mind listening to your work rants and rambles. A priceless investment.
Color psychology is the study of how color affects our moods and biological functions throughout the day. Color psychologist Angela Wright says that the colors that affect us most are red, blue, yellow, and green.
Not only does the color itself matter, but so does the intensity of it! With all that said, the most productivity-inspiring color is dark blue. Commonly used in study spaces, blue helps people focus, especially on repetitive tasks like data entry. Blue is also calming on the body, lowering heart rates and slowing breathing.
Consider a navy blue accent wall behind your computer screen, with lighter shades on the other walls to keep it from feeling dark. If you don't feel like painting, that's an easy problem to solve. Add a touch of visual interest with our Artemis peel-and-stick wallpaper, in an array of colors and patterns.
Any room that you’re going to spend eight (or more!) hours per day in should feel like a reflection of who you are. Accessorizing your space will make it more comfortable, and it’ll feel like less of a chore to be there.
Love beauty? Consider a wireless face humidifier for a little pick-me-up when you have some down time. Adding a cute ergonomic footrest will not only add a little color to your office, it will help relieve back pain from sitting in one place all day. An adorable retro desk fridge can hold some snacks when you need an energy boost, or keep your face masks chilled for immediate application.
And if you’re serious about your coffee, treat yourself to an Ember mug to make sure your drinks are always at the right temperature! Don't forget to soothe your soul with a candle designed to uplift your energy while making your office smell amazing. That's way better than any cubicle could offer!
Konmari is a method of organization that forces you to really step back and decide if you like certain items in your home. Essentially, you pick a room in your home and empty out all drawers, boxes or closets and hold every item to see if it brings you joy. Marie Kondo wrote about this unique cleaning method in her bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”.
This particular method is perfect for a home office because it brings more mindfulness to the space. A home office is a place that can be left on the back burner when it comes to organization because we are usually only in that space when we work.
Taking time to go through all the paperwork and clutter that might be crowding your space can make you more productive, happier and organized! After you’ve gone through everything, take time to reorganize your stuff in a way that makes sense for how you currently work. Cable ties and mounted message boards are the perfect, functional addition to any home office.
Lighting plays a huge factor in our enjoyment of whatever space we’re in. Changing the lighting source or the kind of lighting your office gets can be a simple way to make a big change. Swap out your current light bulbs for ones that can help reduce eye strain.
If you’re looking for a little more of a wild upgrade, consider color changing LED lights. These lights mount right to the ceiling or wall and even come with a remote! It isn’t always about function, however. Sometimes you just want something cool. This floating light bulb with a wood base is fun, quirky and a great way to add a little whimsy to your office.
During the work day we all need time to step away, take a break and breathe. Making a space in your office for this sole purpose can make your space feel more welcoming. Find a chair in your house that you rarely use and put a soft blanket and some pillows in it.
You could also purchase this large bean bag chair to cozy up in. Adding a favorite snack and headphones will really elevate your office and give you a place to recharge through the day.
]]>There are so many options for sharing your love story! Spotify song photos have been all the rage this year! Pick your favorite picture and a song that reminds you of each other and send it to Giftaly on Etsy so that they can turn it into a beautiful, interactive piece of art!
If you’re more interested in telling your story together, guided journals are the perfect gift! You can tell your story in a very tangible way that can be revisited as time passes. Some journals are meant to be filled out slowly and record how your relationship grows and develops and some are meant to tell the story of how you fell in love. Pick the one that fits you and your partner the best and start telling your story!
A fancy dessert is always a delight! Surprising your sweetheart with a box of sweet treats has been a tradition for ages, but it’s time to go a step past the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates. Consider something like these Bougie Box luxury trifles - dainty combinations of cake, buttercream, and scrumptious ingredients like vanilla bourbon, pecan pie and berries, it make a perfect after-dinner sweet, and the small portions mean that you can indulge in each flavor, even after a romantic meal together!
A romantic night-in can be far more romantic than braving the restaurant crowds. Games for couples have been trending lately, which means there are lots of options to consider. This Truth or Dare game for couples includes fifty questions and challenges that may unveil some secret fantasies. Use Your Mouth is another conversation-starter game, designed by sexologist Shamyra Howard, with many open-ended questions that will spark intimate conversations. Or try out a mystery-in-a-box or choose your own adventure game to have fun bonding over an interactive experience together.
Exploring a new activity together is a great way to bond with your partner. Websites like SkillShare, Atlas Obscura, and MasterClass are among the hundreds of options for online learning. For a unique flavor experience, this Atlas Obscura course on honey will introduce you and your partner to different kinds of honey and what makes them unique. SkillShare has lots of classes for drawing and painting, like a watercolor course. If you or your partner are foodies, try a cooking class with Gordon Ramsey on MasterClass! You and your partner will have fun and learn a new activity to do together in the future.
Everyone loves getting gifts, obviously, and what’s more fun than knowing you’ll get a present every month? Valentine’s Day is a great time to get your sweetie a subscription box, and there are thousands to choose from. CrateJoy is a great place to look through different categories to find something your partner will love. Look for a fun, flirty lingerie box, like this one from Purpleve, or sign up for a monthly wine delivery from He Wines, She Dines that you can share on a romantic night in.
A trail of rose petals leading to a bath or bedroom is a classic Valentine’s trick. However, roses are expensive, and it takes a lot of them to make a lush pathway. Fortunately, there are many different versions available now! Silk rose petals are an option that can be used more than once, as they won’t degrade quickly. If your partner loves taking baths, these soap petals make a beautiful additive to the tub, and will leave their skin soft and scented.
Fondue is definitely a romantic dinner! Going to a restaurant is often an hours-long, multi-course experience, but a similar experience can be achieved at home, too! A fondue set can be procured easily, and a quick trip to the grocery will provide the rest. A simple cheese fondue can be made with gruyere, fontina, and gouda, with a few extras for taste, and chocolate fondue is just as simple to make. Remember to stock up on bread and veggies for the cheese, and lots of sweets to pair with chocolate-- strawberries are always a winner!
Taking turns giving one another massages is a great romantic activity. Who doesn’t want a chance to touch the person they love? A basket of fragranced massage oils makes a fantastic Valentine’s present. Massage Bars by Lush start as a solid, but melt into liquid at body temperature, and have the added bonus of being eco-friendly and vegan. A massage candle is a great idea to set a romantic mood, and melts into a warm oil that can be applied to the skin immediately after extinguishing the candle.
We’ve all gotten used to staying home lately, which has made it easier to have a romantic date night in the comfort of your own home! Date Night Kits have become a popular item, so you’ll be sure to find one that matches what you and your partner like. The Adventure Box comes with a collection of scratch-off cards, each one with an activity for you and your partner to do together (and space for a photo and journaling about the activity!) Date Night In A Box offers a subscription service, as well as a shop of single boxes. Each box is themed and comes with activities and a suggested menu (the Roaring 20s themed box looks amazing!) If you want something more low-key, this box of matches might be the ticket-- each matchstick has a conversation topic or date idea to spark romance with your sweetie! Use them to burn a romance-inspiring candle, like Artemis' own Moroccan Romance Candle filled with rich floral tones. Add in luxurious robes and you won't want this romantic mini staycation to end.
It’s no secret that there are many foods with aphrodisiac properties. If you love to cook, surprise your partner with a candlelit dinner of foods that will put them in the mood! Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a common one, along with oysters and asparagus. Spicy chili peppers are another one, as the capsaicin in peppers can increase sensitivity; fruits like cherries and pomegranates are believed to increase blood flow, which can also help. Planning a romantic menu for your partner will be an appreciated gift, and could definitely lead to a passionate night!
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Take advantage of the days you have at home to start going through any of the nooks and crannies where you tend to hide stuff you don’t want people to see. Using the Marie Kondo method to declutter these spaces can help bring perspective to the items that are important to you. When you begin, make three piles. One pile is to keep, another is to donate and the last is for anything that needs to be thrown away. Hold each item, decide if you love it and if you don’t, say thank you and send it on it’s way. Showing gratitude to items that have served their purpose can really help with the guilt of giving them up. This is a great activity to do as a family and it can be a wonderful way to teach your children to be charitable.
Hygge is a Scandinavian decorating style that focuses on making homes cozy, warm and comfortable. For a lot of people, the cold season is just starting when holiday decorations come down. This can leave a home feeling a little lonely and baren. Shifting from holiday decorations to more cozy, wintery elements can help with that holiday hangover! Adding extra blankets to a couch or creating a hot cocoa/tea station in your kitchen is a fantastic way of embracing the Hygge aesthetic. Macrame planters, fairy lights and candles are also a wonderful addition. Basically, if it makes you warm and fuzzy, it makes for a great Hygge element! To learn more about this unique style check out Meik Wiking’s bestseller The Little Book of Hygge.
The winter months can be dreary and boring. You’re stuck inside, staring out of a window, wishing for spring. Take your mind off the cold weather by going around your house and finding pieces of furniture that are still perfectly good but don’t match your style. Instead of throwing them away, just upcycle them into something you love! If being handy isn’t your forte, there's no need to panic! There are hundreds of YouTube videos that can teach you everything from painting a piece of furniture to reupholstering. Upcycling furniture is a great way to refresh your style without spending an exorbitant amount of money that provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment. And you just might learn some new skills too!
Many people like the idea of a clear and clutter-free home, but intentional clutter is not always a bad thing! Take a step back and look at the places in your home that look empty. Book cases, mantles and side tables are great places for this kind of accessorizing. Collect items that are usually stored away and group them together by theme, color or any other way you like. Creating these little scenes, also known as vignettes, can bring a lot of life into your home and it can also make your home more personal and comforting.
Adding small vintage trays to table tops and shelves can bring out the coziness of your home as well. Focus on using things you already have laying around the house, or make it a family activity and create crafts and art that you want to put on display. This is a nice place to spotlight souvenirs, gifts and other meaningful decorations. The more sentimental meaning the better. Just make sure you love all of the pieces you include and don’t overstuff a space. Let your pieces breathe and give them the attention they deserve. Spotlights and special containers are great options for giving items the importance they deserve.
When you’re snowed in it’s easy to feel unproductive, especially if you love updating your home and doing DIY projects. While you might be limited in the winter months, there are still things you can do to update your home and save some money while you do it. Many electric and water companies offer subsidies to help make your home more eco-friendly. This might mean installing solar panels or smart thermostats. These small changes can also decrease the amount of money you spend on your monthly energy bills. If this is something you’re interested in, the new year is a great time to do it since many of these companies offer specials on installation during the new year.
You can also just look around your home and find ways to be more environmentally friendly. Consider a countertop compost bin or discussing ways to reduce food waste with your family. No matter what the decision you make is, having a positive impact on the environment will leave you feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
Do you ever sit in a room and stare at a wall and think that it could be so much better? Maybe you can’t find the perfect paint color or might not have the time to give to painting. Luckily, you have plenty of options!
Explore the array of design possibilities in peel and stick wallpaper. With it you can create a range of motifs and colors. Peel and stick wallpaper is largely renter-friendly and is a great way to elevate a room in your home without a ton of mess and work. Cost-effective and user-friendly, you can complete a room in a day or two. Think of the ways you can elevate your home in the new year, with a striking mural, a fully wallpapered bathroom or adding a splash of color to your living room. Wallpaper is HOT right now and is having a major design moment.
With Artemis peel and stick wallpaper, you can change designs whenever the mood strikes. Change-up your wallpaper with the seasons or as your style evolves. Why not? Perfect for the moments when you're not ready to commit long-term to a trend but what that room remix right now.
]]>A surprising thing that came from this, however, is a resurgence in the popularity of dry January. This is where you just don’t drink alcohol for a month. Some people use this as a way to kick what they see as a bad habit and others simply use it as a time for clarity and an opportunity to assess their relationship with alcohol. There are many reasons people take part in dry January so it’s always a good idea to have some good alcohol-free cocktail recipes in your back pocket!
There is little evidence that suggests abstaining from alcohol for one month will have long-term, positive effects on your health, but many people do report benefits. Some people may see improvements in their skin, gut health and overall mood. People also report fewer headaches and feeling more energized. And to complement the popular traditional New Year’s resolution to “lose weight,” skipping the boozy evenings can be a great way to kick start a diet or weight-loss strategy.
With a growing list of long-term health benefits to forgoing alcohol, these virgin cocktails will give everyone a delicious way to ring in the new year!
This complicated tasting drink is perfect for the winter months. It’s made with an interesting combination of Coke, Coffee and Cinnamon. A little bit of sweetened condensed milk gives the drink a creamy taste. While this might sound like a strange combination it has become increasingly popular over the years because it’s so surprising. This is something a little different that your adventurous friends will appreciate.
This drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s great all year and can be paired with almost any food. It’s light, fizzy and tangy with just a little bit of bubble. All you need is cranberry juice and club soda or sparkling water! It is also a drink that is easy to mix other things into. You can add a little more warmth with cinnamon or you could transition it into spring and summer by adding more citrus undertones. If you’re looking for a cheap drink everyone will love, this is it!
This warm, autumnal drink is great even in the dead of winter. It has a little bit of bite to it, though it is mostly very sweet. The peach flavor comes through strong in this drink. It’s easy to make and can even be served as a punch. This is a great option for anyone who likes strong fruit flavors! The best part of this drink is that it pairs well with most foods and can be personalized with different garnishes and syrups. It’s versatile, easy to make and delicious. What more could you want?
If you aren’t much of a bartender and you would just prefer to buy something for a more casual get together, Surely Non-Alcoholic Rose is a great idea. It’s widely available, delicious and feels like a real grown-up drink without the alcohol. This drink is a great idea for a party where alcohol will be served. It can be thrown in the fridge and kept cold or thrown in a cooler without standing out too much. It is discreet, crisp and delicious! It has the light, bubbly and fruity taste that won’t make you miss the champagne!
This classic drink can be served with or without alcohol. It is a drink that is easy to adjust based on someone's alcohol preference and the heat from the Tabasco sauce makes it ideal for the cold winter months. This drink is familiar to most people so it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. You can also add different ingredients to amp up the spice or the tanginess from the tomato juice. All the ingredients for this drink are easy to get a hold of and it doesn’t take a professional bartender to whip it up.
This Spanish inspired drink gets its heat from finely chopped jalapeno and turmeric. This citrus infused drink is the perfect combination of brightness and warmth for a winter party. It is mostly made with oranges and lime but ginger adds just the right amount of earthiness to it. It can be garnished with mint, chili oil (if you want some extra spice) or orange peel! This drink may not be for everyone, but people who enjoy trying new and interesting flavor combinations will love it!
As you can guess, this particular drink is garnished with Thyme! It is a drink with a lot of depth and body. The strong grapefruit flavors add a lot of tartness to the drink while agave nectar smooths it out. It can be served mulled or chilled and is relatively simple. All of the ingredients can be purchased at most local grocery stores and it’s great to serve in large batches.
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With so many of us spending the year at home, we’ve had time to work on creative hobbies. Whether it’s drawing, woodworking, sewing or any other activity, a pretty book that can expand on someone’s hobby will be a well-loved gift! For aspiring artists in your life or your favorite cottagecore enthusiast, we love this cozy woodland-themed watercolor book. For a loved one interested in sewing, this book of mending techniques is a great introduction to hand stitching that will keep your clothes wearable for longer. If you have a scrapbooker in your circle, think about a unique sticker book full of historical-inspired embellishments for their paper projects! You can also have fun gifting them an online class or sign them up for a local workshop you know they'll love. 2022 looks to be jammed packed with in-person learning opportunities again and can be the perfect way to get someone mixing and mingling once again.
More people have been devoting time to their kitchens this year, learning new cooking techniques and recipes. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, by Samin Nosrat, teaches cooking through the mastery of four key elements-- salt, fat, acid, and heat and has become a kitchen essential through the pandemic. Pair this with some cozy food-themed pajamas or socks. Add in a chef's inspired apron (we offer a full spectrum of colors too!) and some adorable tea towels and you've got the perfect gift ensemble for the cook in your life.
Speaking of PJs, cozy loungewear always makes a popular gift. With more people being conscious of their impact on the environment, look for companies that use sustainable methods and fair wages to make robes, sweatpants, and comfy tops. KOTN works with small farms in Egypt to grow organic cotton, and a large amount of their profits go into a fund to build schools in the same communities that produce their products. People Tree is another company that believes in fair wages and sustainable farming and production practices, including artisan techniques such as hand weaving, embroidery, and block printing.
Pajamas aren’t the only gift that can help! Jewelry can be just as beneficial to a cause, and will give a little sparkle to someone you love. Look for a jewelry company that supports a cause your favorite person is passionate about. Project Honey Bees partners with UC Davis to help bee keepers and raise awareness on bee conservation. Starfish Project is a company that works to rescue women and girls from human trafficking, then trains and employs them so that they have a career and can improve their lives. Giving a piece of beautiful jewelry that supports a good cause is something everyone can feel good about!
Your extra bougie friend is going to need something to relax with after they take off all the lovely jewelry you give them! To relax after a long day there's nothing better than a little exfoliation! Eco Roots has a wonderful Cactus Flower Exfoliant that is made with an all vegan recipe! It’s perfect for anyone who is trying to be environmentally conscious and it smells amazing! They have many other products, but this exfoliant’s fruity smell and luxurious texture makes it a great idea for anyone who needs a little more self care in their life. Pair this with one of our gorgeous Turkish cotton robes and you've got a spa present that will let them feel like they've been whisked off to a retreat any day of the week.
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten the dog lovers on this list! Rescue Chocolate is an amazing company who donates 100% of it’s net profits to animal rescues all over the USA! It’s delicious fair trade, organic chocolate comes in flavors that anyone can enjoy! Chocolate lovers and dog lovers will agree on the Peanut Butter Pitbull and Forever Mocha. They use real art of rescue dogs on their products and even offer paleo and vegan friendly options!
Everyone is trying to work towards being more eco conscious but it can be a difficult journey! If you have someone in your life who wants to be more eco-friendly but is having a hard time getting started, reusable glass food containers from Nummyware is a great place to start. With bamboo tops and glass bottoms, they're trendy and cute and a great start in helping the environment. Helping friends and family replace their single use care items can also be incredibly useful and impactful. Last object is a sustainable company that has everything from reusable beauty kits to reusable self care items. Combining self-care with making a positive impact on the world, now that's a sweet gift.
The holidays are the most cozy time of the year, but no one wants to feel bad about feeling cozy! The Bearby weighted blanket is one of the most sustainable weighted blankets on the market. It’s soft, hand knitted and made from sustainable, ethically sourced cotton. You can feel good giving this gift knowing that weighted blankets have been scientifically proven to provide better sleep. Weighted blankets help with getting better deep sleep, producing more serotonin and reducing anxiety. Pair it with one of Artemis's soul-supporting Aura candle collection. Each candle such as the Positive Vibes Smoky Quartz come with a personal affirmation and real crystals for enhancing energy. What better way to show someone you care than by helping their mindset stay strong and positive?
If you’re looking for something a little quirky to give as a gift, this Oyster Mushroom grow kit is perfect. Mushrooms are extremely popular right now and they are practical! These mushrooms are edible and will fit into anyone's trendy, cottagecore home! This gift is great for anyone who is a little crunchy or is looking to really up their granny kitchen game!
Finding the perfect sheet set or pillow case can be a hassle. Gifting the perfect bedding is easy, however. Bamboo bedding has been a popular trend for years now. This is because it’s eco-friendly, comfortable and comes in a variety of styles. Simply Organic Bamboo sells a wide variety of bamboo bedding that is perfect for anyone. This is an easy gift that anyone will enjoy, even if they haven’t hopped on the eco conscious train yet. Bamboo bedding is affordable, soft and breathable.
Another simple gift that anyone will love is the Happy Light! This little device essentially provides the benefits of sunlight without the sun! This light can help immensely with feelings of depression or anxiety that may come with the darker months. It’s portable, sleek and the reviews rave about how much it’s changed their lives. If you know someone who lives with Seasonal Affective Disorder, this could be the perfect gift for them.
Giving a trendy gift that fits someone perfectly doesn’t have to be hard. The best thing you can do is keep your gifts personal. Here's hoping this guide inspired you to think outside the gift box this holiday season and surprise your loved ones with some of the coolest gifts of the year.
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Decorating your home for the holidays isn’t about making big extravagant changes. Some of the best holiday décor examples come from people who simply elevate the beautiful places in their home that already exist. Walk into any room in your house and think about where your eye goes. Is there a stunning fireplace and mantle in your living room? Great! Put some garland on it. Are there beautiful bookshelves or built-ins? Display some of your favorite ornaments in the nooks and crannies.
No matter how large or how small your home is, you probably already have some lovely pieces that just need a little holiday flair. Focusing on this and adding to what is already there is a quick, designer looking hack that can make holiday decorating simple. This is especially helpful for people who don’t like to decorate a lot or for people still building their decoration collection!
A lot of people decorate with vignettes but have no idea that what they are doing has a name! Vignettes and small collections of decoration items in one spot that create an interesting visual appeal. Many people use small trays, bookshelves and tables to make vignettes. This décor style is incredibly trendy and easy to put together! The important thing to remember when creating a vignette is that there has to be a theme. Make sure your colors and items work well together, otherwise it might just look like clutter. An easy way to tie the color scheme together is to use a glass vase with vase filler! Add flowers or small decorations for some extra flair.
Vignettes look best if there are two to three of them in each room that you’re decorating. The best way to start is to lay out all of your decorations that don’t have a home yet and start organizing them into piles. This will help keep the theme together and help you keep track of how many vignettes you have. Once you’ve put them out, don’t be afraid to play with them and move things around. Vignettes are constantly changing and that’s half the fun!
If you decorate a tree for the holidays, consider changing it up a little this year. Changing lights, tinsels or tree toppers is an easy way to refresh your holiday style. If you're looking for something a little different, designers recommend using a small upside down tree to create the illusion of a chandelier. This is the perfect idea for someone who has too many ornaments for one tree but wants to display them all. It adds a bit of whimsy without over cluttering the space.
If you’re keeping with a more traditional tree this year, consider adding a high end tree skirt. This is an easy way to add a pop of visual interest while also creating a cozy atmosphere. Bonus points if you find one that’s handmade!
Non-traditional trees are also incredibly trendy. Some people are opting for smaller trees to save space and some people are even creating trees on their walls with Christmas lights, pallets and a myriad of other materials.
No matter the size of your dining room, it’s important to dress it up for the holidays since it will be a place where people gather. A trending holiday theme is winterberry! Cover your dining room in red, ‘snow’ covered berries and branches. This can match almost any theme and it brings a cozy, rustic vibe to any room. You can easily extend this décor to other rooms or keep it central to the dining room.
Scandinavian décor has been incredibly trendy this year. Carrying this theme into holiday decorating is simple and also the perfect idea for someone who enjoys understated décor. Mostly white décor with some simple nude or cream accents makes this an elegant way to decorate. Small, traditional decorations like stockings and bottle brush trees can be added as well. Just remember that Scandinavian décor is simple and uncluttered.
Living rooms are central to holiday celebrations. After all, where do you open your Christmas presents? Having a festive living room can bring so much joy to the holidays and it’s a great chance for families to get together and do something fun! When the weather starts getting cold, consider putting out ‘winter’ decorations. Snowmen, snowflakes and winter animals are a great base to add onto as the season progresses. When Christmas rolls around, add in more Santas and gingerbread men to make it more festive! This gives your living room decorations some staying power and can keep decorating simple and stress free.
If you’re starting to get bored of traditional holiday schemes, add pops of bright primary or neon colors. Shifting away from greens and reds can be a great way to refresh your décor. Many people have taken to painting over their more traditional decorations to make them a little more funky! It’s unexpected and it feels very whimsical.
Your front door is your home’s first impression to the world, so don’t forget to decorate it! Take a step back, examine your space and pick a theme. If you want to make a big statement without a lot of work, having multiple wreaths is the perfect idea. You can decorate the wreaths with silk flowers, decorations or even bows. If you aren’t a fan of wreaths, floral garlands are a great way to create a dramatic entrance.
Don’t feel limited to using evergreens either! Wreaths made out of branches, wood slices and even ornaments are becoming increasingly popular. You can even DIY most of these!
The biggest thing to remember when decorating for the holidays is that it needs to bring you and your family joy. No matter what the decorations look like or how many you have, it’s the memories you make together that will bring the most happiness.
]]>With sleep being one of our bodies’ most important functions, finding a new way to make sure you get better rest is key. Nobody enjoys waking up to a jarring alarm clock or the bright screen of their phones. Why not look into a gentler way to wake up? By mimicking the sun rising, light therapy clocks help you wake up in a more natural way, which has been shown in studies to improve your mood, reduce grogginess, and enhance the quality of your sleep. Even better, waking up with a light clock can help reset your sleep cycle, which will improve your health overall. This popular model from Hatch functions primarily as a sunrise alarm, but also includes a soft reading lamp function, as well as including a bedtime function that helps you wind down at the end of the day. This Dekala smart-clock changes colors to fit your mood, as well as being an alarm clock. It also turns on a soothing red light at bedtime, which helps promote healthy sleep and relaxes our brains. A more cost-effective model from hOmeLabs includes a built-in selection of nature sounds to soothe your mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
Sleeping in a well-hydrated room can encourage healthier skin and help fight allergy symptoms. Additionally, many humidifiers can now act as an essential oil diffuser, scenting your space with your favorite aroma. This top-rated Canopy humidifier features a really cool anti-mold technology, with sensors that keep it operating until there is no water left inside the reservoir, as well as a spot for adding your favorite essential oils (lavender is always recommended for relaxation and sleep!) If humidity isn’t what you need, and you just want to enjoy the fragrances, this Grove Co. aromatherapy diffuser can run for up to five hours, spreading your favorite essential oil blend and glowing in a soothing color of your choice. Lastly, for helping rid your home of allergens (especially useful if you have pets and are expecting houseguests,) this adorable Bissell purifier is quiet, easy to clean, and best of all, sits on a table or shelf-- no need to have a huge machine taking up floor space!
A massage is one of the fastest ways to reduce stress. As much as we would all love to have the time and money for a weekly massage at a spa, that’s not always doable. However, getting a personal massager to have at home is a great way to pamper yourself and make sure you feel your best! For a smaller option that will focus on one area at a time, this shiatsu massager is a great option. It has a heat function, which gently warms the area it’s massaging, but includes a built-in overheat protection ability to make sure you don’t get burned. Its small size makes it perfect for working your neck, lower back, or calves. For an even more concentrated massage, this massage gun is a great choice. It’s quiet and powerful, with a four-hour battery life and four different heads to suit your needs. If you want a more all-over experience, look into a massage mat, which can be placed on your couch, bed, or favorite chair. This vibration massager also heats up, helping to relieve even more stress and discomfort.
LED therapy is a new skincare treatment that uses different light frequencies to fight common skincare concerns-- red for anti-aging, blue for acne. This UV-free treatment does not cause burns, nor does it use harsh chemicals, making it safer than some other treatments. It can be done through an aesthetician, but many aestheticians recommend a minimum of ten treatments for best results. That cost can add up to even more than the price of your own home-use LED mask! This top-of-the-line option by Dr. Dennis Gross is said to be one of the best masks on the market, and allows you to switch between red light, blue light, or a combination of the two. It only takes three minutes to use and is wireless, so you don’t have to sit in one place! This Hime Sama mask includes an attachment that treats your neck, as well as including several other colors of light that offer different benefits, but requires a little more time to get the full effects. If these are a little steep, less costly versions are available; this wireless mask from Lux Skin has three different light settings and is also wireless.
Everyone wants to sleep better, and now is a great time to work on your sleep schedule. New technology to aid sleep comes out all the time, and now is no different. Having the perfect temperature while you sleep can make every night more restful, and the BedJet system gives you complete control over your climate. If the BedJet is a little much, the Embr Wave 2 sleep bracelet is a more compact temperature-control device, which provides heating or cooling sensations based on your sleep needs. If light is a bigger problem than temperature, treat yourself to a high-quality sleep mask! This one provides total darkness without pressing on your eyes, and comes in a variety of cute patterns!
It doesn't take jetting off to the Four Seasons Hotel spa to enjoy a little pampering. Actually, you can set yourself up to have a spa day any day with a few easy additions to your home.
1. Set the mood for relaxation. Do you have a spare bedroom or bathroom that can become your tranquility space? Even your main bathroom can serve the same purpose. First, declutter the space. Put loose bottles and jars in baskets or store them in closets. Next, add Artemis removeable wallpaper. It's super easy and quick to place on any wall and comes in many relaxation-inspiring prints like this Hawaii-inspired collection.
2. The right robe is an at-home spa essential. When you put on a luxurious spa robe, your brain subconsciously understands it's time to unwind. Recreate the cozy feel of the best spas in the world with our Turkish cotton robes. They come in a variety of colors so you can choose your favorite vibe.
3. Candle light is always right. Isn't there just something about the warm, flickering glow of candles that makes your muscles relax and the tension begin to melt away? Our Aura Collection of candles not only enhances the mood of your room with gorgeous fragrances hand-selected for their mindset support, but each also includes a personal affirmation and a collection of crystals to give your soul equal pampering.
Whatever you decide to spoil yourself with, you deserve it! Taking time for yourself and making sure than your own cup is full is the best thing you can do for the people around you. These gifts will make sure that you are refreshed and ready for whatever the world throws at you.
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The lack of sunlight in winter can make people feel tired, sad, and listless. This is because of the decrease in natural vitamin D from the sun. In order to beat these winter blues, think about how you can incorporate light therapy into your space. Look for lights that block 100% of UV rays, which can damage your skin, and lights that project light downward. This model from Carex is a popular one, but you can also replace the bulb in a regular light with a therapy bulb for the same results! Whatever lamp or bulb you choose, make the most of it by spending 20-30 minutes per day sitting under your lamp. If you’d like, you can monitor your moods in a journal as you start using the lamp and have a record of your progress!
Dark colors in your space can make it feel smaller, and in the winter, that can lead to a little bit of cabin fever. Take the time to maximize the amount of light you’ll invite into your home during the winter months. Sheer curtains will let in the maximum amount of sun during the day, and you can easily brighten up a room with some simple accessories, like light-colored blankets or throw pillows.
Have dark colored walls that you don't feel like spending days to paint? No worries! There's a much easier way to quickly brighten up your space. Artemis wallpaper is peel-and-stick, removeable and easily repositionable. That means in an afternoon, you can completely transform a room in a bright and beautiful new space. How's that for a mood booster!?
Decorative mirrors on the walls can reflect light, which will make the entire room feel brighter and warmer. Add some candles on a mirrored tray if you really want to add brightness!
This is a great time of year to get some household projects done, and who doesn’t love refreshing their spaces? Fresh paint is the fastest way to give a room a makeover, and with a little help from color theory, you can make sure that the new color of your room will help brighten your mood. Green (which was voted one of the most popular wall colors of 2021) is a great choice, as are light shades of grey, blue, or pink. Whatever color makes you happiest is the right answer!
Hygge is a Danish concept that equates comfort with happiness. Candlelit rooms, cozy blankets, hot tea and quiet conversation all contribute to a feeling of hygge, but more than that, hygge is about appreciating the little moments in life that bring you happiness. Plan an evening focused on hygge with your favorite people-- leave phones in a basket by the door, make a spread of comfort food and hot drinks, and spend a night laughing, talking, and enjoying board games with the people who make you happiest. For a more solitary approach, put your phone on silent, turn off the TV, and settle in with some soft music, a good book, and your favorite cozy blanket. Make sure you light some candles, rather than using harsh overhead lighting!
A well-organized and tidy home can increase happiness and help reduce stress. As many of us will be receiving gifts for the holidays soon, it’s a great time to get your space under control and organized. Find some bins or baskets you like to contain extra blankets and pillows, magazines, crafting supplies, or to give your closet a little more space. Sort through your holiday decorations as you pull them out; if you aren’t enjoying something anymore, set it aside to donate, gift to someone who might like it, or throw it out.
We all miss spending time outside when winter comes, but bringing a little bit of greenery indoors is a great way to brighten up your space. Evergreens are a popular decoration for winter; if you have pine or fir trees in your yard, collect a few branches and hang them over a doorway for a boost of green. Now is also a great time to learn how to cultivate succulents-- for a little monthly joy, check out this subscription box that delivers as many as four succulents a month, along with all of the instructions for their care. If succulents aren’t your thing, look into hardy houseplants that are great for winter. Look for cute planters (especially handmade ones!) that make you smile to amplify the happiness!
These are just a few ways you can help keep the winter blues from bringing you down. We hope that your winter is full of warmth and happiness, and that these tips help make the season bright! What are some of your favorite ways to keep your spirits high during winter?
]]>Scent is the sense most strongly tied to memory. A home full of sweet, seasonal fragrances can help guests feel right at home, even if they’re far from where they live.
A simmer pot is a great way to spread natural fragrance through your whole home. A simmer pot can be as easy as setting up a crock pot in an out-of-the-way spot, filling it with water, orange and apple slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves. This can also be done in a pot on the stove-- bring the ingredients to a boil for a few minutes, then turn the heat down to low and let it go all day long. Make sure to check on the pot and add more water if it starts to get low!
Candles are another great way to make your house welcoming. They pack a punch of fragrance, and the soft light can make a family dinner or party with friends feel more intimate. Seasonal favorites like cranberry, apples and cinnamon, and pine can enhance the holiday mood and bring the outdoors inside. Scents like Artemis’ own Evening in Paris or Santorini Sunset offer rich, warm scents that are perfect for setting a festive vibe.
Don’t forget about the bathroom. It’s a great place to add a candle like the New Moon Recharge Crystal Candle with refreshing notes of lemon, peach, musk and leather.
Visually, a well-lit space is inviting, but lighting that’s too strong can overpower and sometimes lead to headaches. One of the tenets of hygge, the Swedish philosophy of comfort and happiness, is suitable lighting. Candlelight is the most popular option, but too many scented candles run the risk of clashing; try supplementing your favorite fragranced candles with LED candles, which will give the same comforting light without adding extra scent (or upping the risk of a fire!)
If you have a large space, or are running low on surfaces to pack with LED candles, another popular option is curtain lighting. These come in a variety of colors, but warm white will make your home feel cozy. Look for curtain lights with different settings-- we love a twinkle pattern that mimics candlelight!
Any party will have a lull in conversation, usually when the meal is first served. Having some background music to fill the silence as everyone digs in will certainly be a welcomed touch. Seasonal ambience is always a great place to start. Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter in general, there are countless YouTube videos to put on as peaceful background music during a meal.
It’s also time for holiday music! Artists are starting to put out their holiday albums, and it’s a great time to find a new favorite. Jazz-pop darling Norah Jones’ album I Dream of Christmas promises to hold some new classics. Grammy-winning group Pentatonix are back with Evergreen, their fifth Christmas album. For a country spin on the holidays, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood both have new holiday albums out this year-- When Christmas Comes Around and My Gift (Deluxe Edition), respectively. Whatever your taste in music, look for new albums coming out soon-- these are only a few of the releases to keep an eye out for!
What would the holidays be without good food? Making your guests feel welcome might mean a home-cooked dinner, a potluck with a wide variety of favorites, or a cookie decorating party with lots of hot drinks to enjoy.
Before anyone even arrives for a get-together, make sure you check in with guests about dietary restrictions. With a wide variety of allergies and diet plans out there today, making sure that everyone has something to eat is vital this holiday season. Look into vegan spins on holiday classics, and try this gluten- and dairy-free stuffing for guests with allergies.
When guests start arriving, they want to be welcomed with style! A crock pot full of hot chocolate or mulled cider will help guests warm up after coming in from the cold. Plates of appetizers are great for starting the festivities while the main course cooks, but many of us are being conscious of the current health situation; serving up appetizers that can be picked up individually might make guests feel a little safer.
Nobody likes to see a party grind to a halt. To keep your guests entertained (and from spending all evening on their phones) have a few ideas on hand to keep the conversation rolling! Conversation starters are a great way to keep people talking, and having a party game on hand can pick the mood up if it starts to drop. We’re a big fan of Mixtape, which presents entertaining scenarios that you and your guests get to create a soundtrack to! Look for games that focus more on conversation than competition, and don’t worry if the game stops when people naturally begin to converse-- that just means your guests are getting along great!
Creating a cozy atmosphere that welcomes everyone into your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure to address all the senses and before you know it you can turn your home into a warm, inviting wonderland!
As cozy as home made goods can be, they can also be quite the challenge without the right equipment. If you’re on your own personal baking journey or you’re shopping for someone who loves to create in the kitchen, here are a few trending baking items that are sure to make the process so much more enjoyable.
If you are a baker, a rotating cake stand is a must. It takes decorating cakes to the next level and allows you to make store quality cakes at home. You can get them in many styles and at lots of price points. There are even collapsible ones that can be easily stored.
Measuring baking ingredients accurately with a kitchen scale can be a game changer in the kitchen. Baking might as well be a science and a couple grams of sugar can make a huge difference. In order to keep your food consistent, most professional bakers recommend using a digital scale. You can also purchase analog scales if you’re on a budget, but they aren’t as easy to use or accurate.
Baking can get really sticky (literally and figuratively)! One of the worst things in baking is realizing your deliciously beautiful creation is permanently stuck to the pan. After doing this one too many times you’ll never want to bake without a silicone mat. Not only are they amazing for baking, but they are also useful for just heating up frozen food like French fries and mozzarella sticks. They are worth their weight in gold for clean-up time you’ll save and keep your cookware looking new.
Have you ever had cookies that came out perfect...except for the burnt bottom? This problem can be solved with a cooling rack. Cookies are a little finicky. Leaving them on a hot cookie sheet can cause them to over cook. This can happen with many baked treats. Cooling racks allow the food to cool quicker, ensuring the food doesn’t burn. Don’t forget to stock up before the holiday cookie season. If you’re constantly running out of counter space while cooling cookies, stackable cooling racks make baking mass quantities so much easier.
Working a pastry mix by hand can be exhausting. Many cooks dread making pie dough from scratch because of the heavy arm workout. A pastry blender will make it so much easier. It’s essentially curved blades that help mix softened butter and dry ingredients. They're inexpensive (less than $20!) and will cut your prep time in half.
All bakers should have a comfortable, reliable rolling pin. French rolling pins are tapered at each end and this allows you to use more of the rolling pin since it’s longer and it doesn’t have handles. They also tend to be smaller in diameter and lighter. French rolling pins are light, easier to use, easier to store and overall, more useful.
Always having fresh herbs to cook with can really elevate your baking, but who has the time to take care of a small garden? These small, self-sustaining gardens require very little attention. They are great for growing herbs right in your kitchen since they can be very small and incredibly affordable. Think of the possibilities of adding fresh lavender to sugar cookies and fresh mint to a lemon butter cake.
When the holidays come around it’s cookie baking season. Cookie scoops will absolutely change your holiday baking game. They are small ice cream scoops that spoon out the perfect amount of dough every time. It’s a great way to keep your hands clean and your cookies looking consistent -- since we all want them picture perfect for the ‘Gram.
Offset spatulas are long, thin spatulas that are great for icing as well as getting baked goods off of cookie sheets. The flat, flexible design makes it a great multi-use tool in the kitchen. Using an offset spatula to ice the sides and tops of your cakes will give you a professional, clean finish without a lot of extra work. It also works great for loosening stubborn cakes from pans without ruining them.
The worst part of baking is trying to scrub all of that sticky dough out of the bowls when you’re done. So much dough gets wasted. Once you get one you’ll have no idea how you lived without it. It’s a flat edged piece of silicone with a grip and you use it to scrape down the sides of your bowls or even your cutting board. They’re budget-friendly, easy to use and they help avoid a lot of waste and mess.
There's something about a tea towel that just fancies up a kitchen space. If you're stumped on what to get that hard-to-shop for person on your holiday shopping list, tea towels are always appreciated. That's because they are both functional and fanciful. Look for elegant patterns that will bring visual interest to the monochromatic tones of most kitchens.
Pie dough can be incredibly finicky and keeping the butter in the crust cold through the whole process can be difficult. Marble pastry boards can help with this. These boards retain heat and cold really well and can be stored in the freezer the night before baking. This ensures that your puff pastry, filo pastry and pie dough stay at the right temperature through the whole process. We promise you’ll feel like you work in a French patisserie mixing dough on this elegant board.
Shaping a pie crust can be difficult for a beginner or intermediate baker. It requires a lot of patience and practice to do it by hand. Using a pie crust mold can help you get an impressive pie crust without all the hassle. Most pie crust molds are silicone and come with three to four patterns. They can be as simple as a traditional braided crust or as intricate as leaves and pumpkins. Check craft stores during different holidays to see what you can find!
Cookie stamps are detailed pieces of metal or plastic that usually have a handle. They cut the cookie out, but they also leave a little stamped design in the cookie. These were very popular in Europe for a long time and have slowly made their way to the US. You can buy them online, in craft stores or you can find them second hand!
Baking fans are wild about King Arthur. Not if you’re a baker, the brand makes a high quality product and their book is no different. It has everything from basic bread recipes to gingerbread recipes. It breaks down the science of baking in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. Instead of calling your grandma to ask what a leavener is, you can just reach for your baker’s companion!
Many of us absolutely fell in love with Nadiya during her season of The Great British Bake Off and now there’s excitement for her new book. The recipes in it are classic and challenging. She offers twists on old favorites like pumpkin pie but also includes quite a few new and exciting bakes like Rhubarb and custard butter kisses.
If you’re a baker looking to up your game, don’t feel the need to outfit your kitchen with everything on this list. You can take your time to collect them. Each will make a huge difference in your baking. They will certainly make baking easier, but the thing that matters most is that you are pouring your love into whatever you bake and enjoying the creative outlet that comes from spending time in the kitchen. Happy baking!
]]>Soup has been considered a comfort food for ages, with variations found in almost every culture around the world. As one of the most basic forms of cooking, there is a recipe out there for every taste and dietary need. On top of that, soup is easy to make in large batches and save for later! Try a twist on a beloved classic, like this creamy chicken noodle soup, or something seasonal like this autumn wild rice soup. If you’d really like to branch out and experiment with autumn flavors, this spiced pumpkin soup should fit the bill (and as a dinner party idea, it would look gorgeous served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin topped with some cheese crisps and cracked pepper).
Originating from a Japanese psychological exercise in the 1980s, forest bathing is a mindfulness practice that helps us take a break from technology and connect with nature. Time spent in nature has been proven to be good for everyone, and getting into the habit now can definitely improve your mood. Forest bathing is incredibly simple-- all you need to do is find a natural space near you and spend time there! Take a look for parks in your area, find a campground that’s open through autumn, or simply take a walk in your own back yard for some peace and quiet.
Make sure you prepare appropriately, especially if you plan to be out in the woods for a while-- bring water and a snack, wear comfortable shoes, and even though the point is to detox from technology, make sure you have a way to contact someone if you need help.
Who doesn’t love relaxing with a glass of wine? While most people associate autumn and winter with full-bodied reds, there are plenty of other wines to enjoy that will make you feel that autumn coziness. Barbera is a wine from northern Italy that falls in between the richness of a red and lightness of a white, with berry and vanilla notes that are positively delicious. Carignan is a red that’s gaining popularity, with a complex flavor that contains elements of baking spices and cured meat (it sounds strange, but trust us, it’s delicious!) For something a little different, try opening a bottle of autumn-flavored mead, a honey wine made with cinnamon, clove, and apples!
Despite the name, clean sleeping doesn’t exactly mean putting fresh linens on your bed (although that certainly helps!) Clean sleeping is a relatively new concept that, like clean eating, ties the quality of your sleep to your overall health and wellness. Clean sleeping starts with ensuring you give yourself a full eight hours a night.
Additionally, experts recommend cutting out caffeine after noon, creating some bedtime rituals to help your mind prepare for sleeping, and turning off your WiFi and putting your phone in airplane mode. Giving up on scrolling through Instagram before bed might sound difficult, but even half an hour of digital detox before trying to sleep can help you get better rest! Building a clean sleeping routine now will make it easier to stay on track during the busiest parts of the holiday season, so you can always feel your best!
Winter tends to wreak havoc on everyone’s skin, leaving most of us with dry patches from cold air and wind. Starting to prepare your skin for winter is vital, and making some skincare products at home can be fun and relaxing! Check out your kitchen for seasonal ingredients that benefit your skin: apples are rich in vitamins B and C, honey is an excellent moisture and detoxifier, and pumpkin contains vitamins A, C, and E, which help your skin fight wrinkles. Just be mindful of the recipes-- adding too much cinnamon can lead to skin irritation, even if it smells wonderful!
Snuggling up in warm pajamas can make any night feel cozy. Autumn is a great time for reading and self-reflection, so why not do it in style? Flannel pajamas are a well-loved classic, while satin adds a touch of luxe. If you’re in the mood for a little self-reflection, take a look at some autumn journaling prompts, or a guided journal-- we love this one, which has lots of autumn-themed prompts and a pretty book to write in!
Now is a great time to start working on handmade holiday gifts-- which also means it’s a great time to learn a new craft! Rug-making has had an explosion in popularity, with TikToks tagged ‘rugmaking’ getting upwards of a hundred thousand views. Check out punch needle kits for something small-scale, or jump right into tufting with a machine if you’re feeling bold! Embroidery is another craft that makes for great gifts, like these adorable handmade ornaments. If you’re looking to add a little oomph to your wardrobe for winter, check out some upcycling tutorials for giving new life to thrifted treasures!
These are just a few ways to spoil yourself a little through the autumn months. What are some of your favorite ideas for a little fall self-care?
]]>Searching for the perfect vintage piece to add to your wardrobe is a great way to get into the fall spirit. Thanks to online vintage marketplaces, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Curl up with a hot coffee or tea, soft socks and visit some of the best vintage collections. Search terms like “cable knit” and “Flannel” for optimal coziness!
https://www.thrifted.com/
https://modcloth.com/
https://shopthrilling.com/
https://www.beyondretro.com/
Handmade gifts are always the best presents and chilly fall mornings can be very inspiring. Sitting down and writing a letter to a family member you haven’t talked to in a while is a great way to catch them up on your life. You can even buy cute paper to make a handmade card. Regardless of what handwritten craft you send out, the receiver will be overjoyed!
Fall days have the best window weather, so why not cozy up by a large window and broaden your horizons? There are many resources that can help you learn a new skill and maybe even start a new career. You could learn to build websites for free at Code Academy with their beginner courses. You could also head over to Skill Share and learn everything from sewing to starting your own business. If you’re more academically minded, consider taking a college course at Coursera. They offer college level courses from people who are experts in their fields.
The pandemic ruined a lot of people’s vacation plans, but you can still enjoy different cultures thanks to international entertainment. Korean media has exploded in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. Check out some popular Korean dramas like HomeTown Cha Cha for a good laugh. If you’re wanting something a little spooky for the Halloween season, consider watching Squid Game or Stranger.
Mulled wine is a popular beverage that dates all the way back to ancient Rome. Commonly served at Christmas markets in Europe, this fragrant drink smells like the holidays and is perfect for warming up on chilly autumn nights. Add honey, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and orange slices to red wine for a dinner party with friends, or substitute red wine with apple cider for a more kid-friendly option!
Winter is on its way, so it’s important to soak up the last of the autumn sun before the cold sets in! Sunlight is a great natural mood-booster, giving us vitamin D to boost our immune systems. Make the most of a warm autumn day by finding a sunny spot to enjoy a good book! We suggest Lisa Jewell’s The Night She Disappeared if you’re looking for a thrilling read, or a classic Halloween story like Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury for a spookier tale.
As the nights get colder and we spend more time indoors, playing games with friends and family becomes a great way to pass time! There are thousands of board games to choose from, from escape room games like the Exit series to laugh-out-loud party games like Quelf. One of our favorites is the indie card game The Tea Dragon Society; if you really want to enhance the autumn mood, look for the new Autumn Harvest expansion!
Who doesn’t love a slice of homemade pie? Instead of waiting to fill up on pie at Thanksgiving, organize a pie potluck with friends! Make sure there are a few savory options, like this yummy short rib pot pie, and lots of choices for dessert-- we’re loving this caramel-pecan cheesecake pie! Make a few batches of homemade whipped cream to top your pies, too-- we recommend adding a little cinnamon to one!
There’s only one food that says ‘fall’ more than pie, and that’s soup! A warm bowl of soup is comforting, and can easily feed a large number of people. Classic recipes like chicken noodle and potato leek soup are always a hit. For an autumnal twist on a beloved favorite, try this pumpkin chili recipe!
Now is the time to really embrace the Halloween spirit! If settling in for a creepy, cozy evening sounds like your cup of tea, think about turning off bright lights and lighting some candles instead. With scents like Fall Festival or Vanilla Pumpkin in the air, curl up with some ghost stories! Classics like The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe or Charles Dickens’ The Signalman will put you in the Halloween mood. For something different, look into an eerie podcast like The Magnus Archives or The Black Tapes Podcast.
As the cold weather sets in, it can be almost impossible to avoid cuddling up with your loved ones. It’s a great time to get to know those around you even better with fun games that help start unique (and often hilarious!) conversations. The game So…Takes away the stress of small talk. It asks questions that can help you understand the people around you on a deeper level. If you’re looking for something more romantic, check out Love Lingual.
With 2021 rapidly coming to a close, now is the time to look back on the best memories of the year. Before the rush of the holidays takes up most of your time, pick a night to settle in with your loved ones and reminisce. Now is a great time to print out your favorite photos from the past year, snuggle up under some cozy blankets, and put together a scrapbook to share with your friends and family. With some pretty paper for a background, work together to place your photos, write a little about your favorite memories, and decorate the pages. The scrapbook will be a great way to look back on the highlights of the year, and makes a great tradition to bring into the next!
With winter approaching, we’ll all be spending more time indoors-- but that doesn’t mean we have to spend less time away from nature! Autumn is a great time to add some greenery to your indoor spaces. Houseplants in earthy-looking pots make a great home decor piece, and house plants may help reduce stress and anxiety. Take advantage of garden centers closing for the season to stock up on plants. Look for plants that grow well in low light, such as pothos, philodendron, and the eye-catching cast iron plant. Look for a variety of sizes, too; crowding some different plants together on a tabletop and having a larger one in a pot on the floor will make your space look summery all year round!
Flowers instantly add a welcoming touch to any space, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. The only downside to fresh flowers is how quickly they die, even with the best of care. However, there’s a very easy way to preserve the beauty of fresh-cut flowers: dry them! Drying plants is very easy, and can be done in your own home-- simply hang your chosen flowers upside-down in a warm place for a few weeks. Keep them out of direct sunlight as they dry to prevent the colors from fading. Trim any leaves you don’t want on the stem before hanging.
Once stems are fully dried out, arrange them in your favorite bowl, vase, or basket to brighten up your home. To maximize the autumn vibe, look for flowers in orange, gold, or red tones-- sunflowers are a favorite, alongside chrysanthemums, dahlias, and goldenrod. For a fun fall date, look for a sunflower farm where you can pick your own flowers (a lot of these double as pumpkin patches, and who doesn’t love to fill their home with pumpkins this time of year?)
Adding more color to your home is a great way to beat the winter blues. Autumn is all about warm, cozy tones that bring light and life into a space. Whether you’re looking for some new home decor accents, a fresh coat of paint, or making some autumn-themed artwork to display, look at the colors of the season.
The colors of autumn leaves are a great place to start, with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, but green and brown also have a place in an autumn-themed color palette. This year, fashion is also adding an unexpected, but beautiful, color to the mix-- bright pink! Seen on runaways from top designers like Versace, Gucci, and Prada, hot pink adds a fun pop to the more muted earth-tones of fall. Try nestling some pink throw pillows among more traditional fall colors, or paint an accent wall to add some personality to your favorite room!
Also consider bringing in elements from outside into your home. Going to an orchard and picking fresh apples to display in a bowl on the counter can bring the perfect pop of color to your home. Dried flowers and other plants can also often be procured from your own backyard!
Who doesn’t love the thought of spending lazy days and cold nights in a cozy bed? Stacks of soft pillows and different blankets will automatically make a bed look more inviting. Creating visual interest in your bedroom can be as easy as freshening up your bedding. Flannel sheets are always a good start, especially in cozy fall colors or a seasonal pattern like plaid or falling leaves.
A cute duvet cover in a neutral tone makes a great base for the fun part-- stacking throw pillows and blankets to create the cozy bed of your dreams! Cable-knit blankets add a handmade touch, and a luxurious velvet throw in an autumn color can make any space feel a little more glamorous. To maximize that fall feeling, look into shaped throw pillows that look like pumpkins, ghosts, or spiders! Bringing a little hint of Halloween to your room can make it feel extra cozy and extra-fun at the same time.
Since most of us spend a lot of time indoors in the winter, creating warm, comfy spaces to spend our time is an autumnal must. Whether you’re looking for a place to read, craft, or just binge-watch the newest show on Netflix, now is a good time to make a nesting space to pass the coldest months of the year. If you feel like your furniture is in need of some updating, check out local thrift stores; a cozy armchair with a matching footrest or a chaise lounge make a perfect place to stretch out with a cup of coffee. Add some cozy blankets, a pillow to snuggle up with, and some curtain lights to make a magical, comfortable space that can easily transition from autumn to winter.
]]>There is nothing better than waking up to your house smelling like the essence of fall. Adding a few of these essential scents to your everyday tasks can bring the fall ambiance into your home. Whenever you have guests over, putting on a simmer pot can be the perfect touch to a chilly fall day. Gather apples, cinnamon, cloves and orange peels and a deep pot. Fill the pot with water and add the chopped up apple and other ingredients to the water. Bring it to a boil for about five minutes and then put it on low for as long as you want! Simmer pots are an easy, natural way to fill your home with the scents of fall.
Using these scents in your home can also be incredibly therapeutic. Cinnamon and cinnamon bark essential oils strengthen your immune system and can help keep those nasty autumn colds at bay. Musky smells like cashmere instantly bring down stress levels and bring a sense of calm to the home. Citrus smells are more associated with summer time, but adding a little bit of an orange smell to ‘spicy’ smells like clove and cinnamon can really make them stand out!
ColorsFall is a great time to add natural colors to your home before the festive colors of the winter holidays take over. Switching out bright spring and summer decor for more neutral, earth tones is the perfect way to welcome autumn into your home. Dark green blankets and earth toned throw pillows will make any sitting area feel instantly cozy and fall ready.
Fall is also a great time to let your inner artist shine. Creating embroidery, painting or wreaths using a fall color palate can be cheap, easy and an amazing outlet for creative energy. Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person or an artist, having handmade items brightens up a space and makes it feel more like home.
Maple is one of the most universally loved flavors, especially in the fall but we tend to only use it in sweet foods. Fall is a great time to expand your palette and adding maple flavoring to savory foods is a great place to start. This Maple Sausage Skillet was a HUGE hit in my house. Maple goes great with most meats, especially if they are smoked. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way when it comes to maple flavors!
Allspice is another popular fall flavor. It’s made from berries that come from a Myrtle tree. It has a sweet flavor like other fall spices and is a great addition to anything you would put cinnamon or nutmeg in. Allspice can be purchased ground or in whole, just like pepper. Whole Allspice is great for stocks or simmer pots. Make sure to strain them out of anything you intend to eat since the little kernels are quite hard! Ground allspice is great for cooking and hot drinks!
Another personal favorite fall flavor of mine is cinnamon toast crunch! I love the cereal like everyone else, but I also love to incorporate this sweet treat in other ways. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies make a great addition to any bake sale and are almost guaranteed to be a hit. Stay warm with hot chocolate that tastes like this nostalgic treat or get a little adventurous and try a Cinnamon Toast Crunch breakfast casserole.
As cooler weather rolls in, throw blankets become an essential home decor item. They are beautiful, functional and make your house seem more inviting instantly. This year, deep, earth toned knits are on trend. People are also loving anything with fringe or tassels. These small details add a visual interest that is very stylish right now.
Fall is all about bringing warmth to your home and there's no warmer place than a steaming bath! Bath bombs are a great way to add a touch of luxuriousness to your routine. Using the flavors and scents in this article can help you get a perfect autumnal bath experience! Maple bath bombs are very popular as well as anything pumpkin or apple cider. If you’re looking for something a little more whimsical, look for a bath bomb with glitter.
After you and your house smell like fall, consider adding a seasonal tapestry. Tapestries have become increasingly popular this year and it's a quick way to make your home feel like a fall wonderland. Tapestries with leaves, pumpkins and animals add the perfect touch. If you’re willing to put in more work, peel and stick wallpaper can be an easy way to upgrade any room in your home. Peel and stick wallpaper is also removable and can be changed with the seasons and holidays!
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Stephanie Beatriz and Brad Hoss used our retro tropical wallpaper to wrap the bistro tables at their Brooklyn Nine Nine Star wedding. The L.A-themed event was a hit last summer.
@thesouthernpeony really created a gorgeous bedroom design for her daughter with our Dawn wallpaper.
For those who need an easy way to customize their décor without committing to something a bit more permanent, peel and stick wallpaper takes the lead in terms of benefits.
Below we’ve outlined some of the top advantages of peel and stick papers and compared them to traditional wallpaper to give you an idea of differences.
Source: @Katiebethlamb
Today’s peel and stick wallpapers offer a plethora of possibilities for decorating a rented space or home you own. This easily manipulated material is made of vinyl with an adhesive backing. It can be applied to many wall surfaces and won’t cause damage upon removal.
Unlike traditional pre-pasted papers that you must wet the pasted backing to apply and can’t remove without messy stripping, peel and stick wallpapers are just as their moniker reflects. You peel the backing then stick them to the wall. No water, no messy paste, and when you’re ready to remove, simply pull each strip away from the wall leaving the wall’s surface intact. Traditional wallpaper adheres tightly to the wall, so removing it requires a timely process of applying remover solution or scoring the paper and soaking it with soapy water. It is messy and time-consuming.
Think of peel and stick as dating with no commitment, and traditional wallpaper as marriage. If you love to change up your décor, you’ll love the way you can use a peel and stick wallpaper to change up a whole room or an accent wall seasonally or to suit your whims. They’re ideal for staging homes when a temporary look is desired until the house is sold. Or to frequently freshen up home builder’s model homes or apartment models.
Source: @kourtmarie_photography
For those who lease or rent an apartment, house, or office, peel and stick wallpaper offers endless possibilities for personalizing and customizing a room or an entire interior—all without the fear of being responsible for damages or permanent changes when you move out.
Peel and stick wallpapers are often more cost-effective than pre-pasted varieties in the long run. This is due to the fact peel and stick wallpaper doesn’t require spending money on hiring an installer and for someone to remove it when the time comes. Peel and stick wallpapers vary significantly in price point due to process, finish, colors, and intricacy of the paper’s design.
With practically endless choices in style, texture, pattern, colors, and finish, you’re sure to find more than just a few peel and stick wallpapers that speak to your soul and your purpose.
For example, finishes include smooth matte, textured canvas like that of an artist’s painting, linen fabric texture, and more. Styles span the spectrum from mid-century modern to transitional to rustic and all those in between.
Source: @house_of_unicorns
You’ll find peel and stick wallpaper, such as those offered by Artemis Walls, bridges the gap between fine art and the practicalities of vinyl. Check out our collections of peel and stick papers to start customizing your interior spaces to suit your style and decorative spirit. Go to our home page and click on “Wallpaper” to view our extensive collections for every purpose.
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