There is something about the arrival of fall that makes me want to slow down and savor life a little more than usual. I want to embrace long nights and quiet days, but with how busy life can get, it sometimes feels impossible. When I feel that way, I find it helpful to turn to this list of prompts to help get into a slower mindset.

1. Think of a sound that instantly makes you pause (wind through leaves, the kettle’s whistle, your dog’s sigh). How can you invite that sound into your day more often?

2. Write about a time you were so absorbed in something gentle — folding laundry, stirring a pot, watching the sky — that you forgot the clock entirely.

3. What is one change you could make to your daily routine to make life feel calmer?

4. If you could press “pause” on one tiny moment today — a sip of tea, sunlight on the wall, the hush before sleep — which would you choose?

5. What is something you love to do by hand rather than getting help from technology or an appliance?

6. What is a smell that never fails to make you close your eyes and inhale deeply? How can you add more of this to your home?

7. Go on a long walk, and rather than listen to music or an audiobook, let your mind wander. Where does it land?

8. What is a task you tend to rush through that you could take more time and do it intentionally?

9.How would you most like to spend a day with no obligations and the only goal being to slow time down as much as possible?

10. How has embracing a slower pace changed your life for the better?

Find more soul-stirring prompts in Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 16.

The post 10 Prompts to Help You Embrace a Slower Life first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

For many years, I hated spending time alone. Whether I was cozied up for a night at home or out for a meal, I felt the need to have a companion by my side. If my husband had to go out of town for work, I’d pack my schedule with dates with friends, not wanting to be in an empty house. But somewhere along the way, that all began to change.

As life got busier and I found myself spending more and more time with others, my introverted self began to feel drained. I craved a break from the constant hum of conversation and activity. Around the same time, my husband started a restaurant, which meant he was working every day and I was often left with long stretches of time on my own. At first, the quiet felt unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. But slowly, I began to lean into it, and to my surprise, I found I liked it. Being a creature of habit, I developed little rituals and routines with myself, and found myself looking forward to them.

My Favorite Things to Do Alone

• Grocery shopping every Sunday morning. I can listen to a podcast or audiobook as I shop the aisles, smiling at the employees I see every week.
• Walking around our quaint downtown plaza. I don’t have to keep a conversation going and can instead walk at my own pace, fully attuned to what’s going on around me.
• Watch TV. There’s no one around to roll their eyes when I turn on “Gilmore Girls” for the thousandth time to find comfort in familiar storylines.
• As a reward for getting my shopping done, I will often walk to our local craft brewery to slowly sip on a drink with nothing but my book to keep me company.
• Nothing at all. When I’m alone, I don’t feel the pressure to do something. Instead, I can just relax and do nothing.

Now, I treasure my alone time, and though I’m happy to have my husband around more now that he’s settled into his role as a restaurateur, I’m quick to seek it out when I can. What once felt like an empty space now feels like a gift: a chance to move at my own pace, to listen to my own thoughts, and to discover little rituals that bring me joy. I’ve come to realize that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. It can simply be a chance to embrace the joy of your own company.  I hope that those who have also feared being alone will give themselves permission to lean into it the way I did and find that some of the sweetest moments are the ones you share with yourself.

Embrace time to yourself with our newly released Bella Grace Issue 45.

The post Learning to Love Being Alone first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

I’ll be honest with you: Although I love living in Southern California, a place with more sunny days than not, I’m not a fan of the heat. While most of my days here are marked by perfectly pleasant weather, the summer months can feel oppressive, with temperatures often rising to triple digits and staying that way from sunup to sundown. We don’t have a pool to dip in for relief, nor does our 100-year-old home have air conditioning, so it’s safe to say that summer is not my favorite time of year.

Still in my never-ending journey to live more in the moment, I’m looking for ways to enjoy this summer season while it’s here, and perhaps even learn to love it a little. To do this, I’m thinking back to my childhood when summer was my favorite season, not because of the break from school (I actually loved school and often cried on the last day each year), but because of the feeling of freedom and lightness I felt back then. This summer, I’m trying to re-create that feeling a few different ways:

1. Making Fewer Plans

Part of the joy of summertime as a kid was long days with no plans other than to have as much fun as possible. As a chronic overscheduler, this year I’m leaving my weekends open so I can say yes to spontaneous lunch dates with friends on patios, nights spent chatting under the stars, or even staying at home and doing whatever I please.

2. Saying “Yes” to Pool Time With Friends

For years, I cringed at the thought of pulling on a bathing suit, but I’ve reached the age where I just don’t care anymore. Now, I have a bag packed with my suit, a towel, and sunscreen, so I’m ready to go whenever one of my friends sends a “Pool?” text on an especially hot day. You’re never too old to do underwater handstands and float alongside your besties while catching up on each other’s lives.

3. Eating Kid Lunch

During the summer, we try to keep our meals light and do most of our cooking outside on the grill so we don’t warm up the house too much. Still, some days call for “kid lunch.” This might look different for everyone depending on what you grew up eating, but for me, it’s a ham and cheese sandwich, Doritos, and a handful of grapes. Add in some sun- brewed tea, and I’m as happy as can be.

4. Creating a Summer Reading List

I always looked forward to the weekly trips to the library to fill up my tote bag with as many books as I could fit in there, and it’s no different as an adult. Though I don’t always go weekly, I still take regular trips to the library to fill up my tote with summer romances and popcorn thrillers to devour.

5. Digging Out My Old Popsicle Molds

When I was little, our freezer was never without a set of homemade popsicles — usually poured from Kool-Aid. I had a favorite mold shaped like a rocket ship, and I’d eat the tip off first, then nibble my way down the sides, sticky fingers and all. This summer, I managed to find similar molds and filled them with freshly squeezed lemonade. The joyful anticipation I felt as I waited for them to freeze transported me right back to being 8 years old and enjoying my frozen concoction barefoot in the kitchen.

Discover more ways to turn summer into a season you adore in Bella Grace Issue 44.

The post A Grown-Up Guide to a Kid-Sized Summer first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Most mornings begin the same way, and I find comfort in that. Whether I’m in the office that day or working from home, it always starts by brewing a pot of coffee. While it starts to percolate, I step outside for a few minutes to feel the sun on my face while our dog, Marjie, runs around in the grass. I try to take my time and not rush through my morning routine and do my best to savor it before the busyness of the day sets in.

Romanticizing My Workdays

On the days a week that I work from home, I change into something comfortable, and turn an ambiance room on my TV. I settle down at my desk, which is really just a drop-leaf table that doubles as our dining table and sits in front of a large picture window. I work in the light that streams through the curtains. When it’s time to take a lunch break, I put my laptop away and set the table for my meal. I take the time to enjoy my meal and the brief respite from a busy day, and sometimes watch a few minutes of a favorite comfort TV show before bringing my computer back out. Just before the workday ends, I jot down the next day’s to-do list in my carefully chosen notebook before packing everything away in my work tote — an oversized tote bag with a cheerful pattern that always makes me smile — to prepare for being in the office the next day.

When I’m in the office, I try my best to create the same sense of comfort and coziness I feel when I work from home. My daily commute is not one I particularly enjoy, so I treat myself to a podcast or audiobook I only allow myself to listen to on my way to and from the office. Instead of the throw blanket I keep near my “desk” at home, I hang a super soft, worn-in cardigan draped along the back of my chair, ready go grab when the air conditioning begins to feel frigid. Much like at home, my office desk is next to a window, though it offers little sunlight to work from. Two table lamps fill the small space with a warm glow and provide me with plenty of light. Gentle instrumental music plays on my computer’s speakers all day long. A candle warmer helps fill the room with a soft scent. When the weather permits, I take my lunch to the park that’s just a short walk away and read while I enjoy being out in the sun. On my desk sits a luxurious hand lotion that a dear friend brought back with her from a trip to Australia, and I delight in breathing it in whenever I apply it.

No matter where I’m working, I’ve learned that the difference between just getting through the day and truly experiencing it often lies in the smallest details — the softness of a sweater, the ritual of lighting a lamp, the comfort of familiar music playing quietly in the background. These things don’t change the tasks at hand, but they do change the way I meet them.

Romanticizing my workdays isn’t about pretending they’re always peaceful or perfect. It’s about choosing to notice the beauty tucked inside the ordinary. A cup of coffee savored instead of gulped. A well-loved tote bag that feels like a companion. A few quiet minutes in the sun, alone but not lonely.

These are the choices that remind me that even on the busiest days, I’m allowed to feel cozy, cared for, and connected—to my work, my space, and myself.

Discover ways to romanticize your life with our special edition, A Romanticized Life Issue 1, available July 1st!

The post Small Rituals, Big Comforts first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

It felt as though it called out to me, begging me to take it home with me. A book I had never heard of before stood out among its neighbors on the shelf. I ran my fingers along the gold lettering on the spine, and without hesitation, placed it in my shopping basket, and paid the kind woman working the cash register. When I arrived home, I placed it on one of the ever-growing piles of books that sit on the floor in front of my overflowing bookcase, where I knew it would likely sit untouched for a long time, much like the others beneath it.

I collect books like some people collect baseball cards.

As an avid reader, I know I won’t get to them all right away — but that’s never the point. I don’t read only to finish. I read to feel. To escape, to remember, to imagine, to understand. And even when I’m not reading, the books still speak to me. Their presence alone shifts the room’s energy. They make my space feel fuller, wiser, more alive.

Each one is chosen with quiet care. Not for display, but for the way they make me feel in the moment I find them — hopeful, nostalgic, curious, seen. A stack of unread stories doesn’t whisper guilt to me. It hums with comfort. Each book is a promise I’ve made to myself that someday, I’ll take the time.

Some afternoons, I pull my reading chair next to the stacks and simply sort through the books. Sometimes I choose one to leaf through, only to place it gently back in its place without reading a word. Just knowing they’re there is enough.

These books, with their uncreased spines and untouched pages, are not forgotten. They are resting. Waiting. Like letters from a future self.

And so the stack grows — not out of neglect, but from reverence. Not because I must read every one, but because collecting them brings me joy. A joy rooted in the delicious anticipation of stories not yet known, words not yet read, feelings not yet stirred.

This is not clutter. It is a constellation of paper and ink, of hope and possibility.

Cultivate your joy of reading with our newly released Bella Grace Issue 44.

The post Stacks of Promises first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Who doesn’t find themselves with a case of the Sunday Scaries every now and then? Though Sundays are often known as a day to rest, I can find it hard to relax as the weekend winds down and my mind starts to shift to all that awaits me Monday morning. I think of all I could be doing to get ahead and somehow find myself already feeling behind. In an effort to calm the feelings of unease that begin to creep up, I’ve started to romanticize my Sundays, filling the day with tasks that will help me feel prepared to start a new week, but done so in a way that I look forward to, rather than dread.

Now, I wake up a little slower on Sundays, lingering in bed to read a little and snuggle with our sleepy dog while the coffee brews. I leave my phone on its charger while I pad out to the living room and light a candle to signify the start of a new day and enjoy my drink while working on the day’s crossword. Once our dog has finally emerged from the bedroom, I take my coffee outside and sit on the porch while she plays in the grass for a spell.

Then it is time to start my chores, which I now look at as rituals rather than something to rush through. I turn on some music and pull out the beautiful notebook I use just for planning our meals for the week. I think about our favorite dinners and enjoy choosing which ones will nourish us in the coming days. As the music continues to play, I tidy up each room a little, thankful that this is something we stay on top of each day, so there’s not much to do.

Before heading to the grocery store, I strip the bed and put its linens in the washing machine. I finish my trip to the store in the floral section, carefully choosing which bouquet I’ll be dividing up to spread around the house that week, making sure there are enough to put some in each room. I reward myself for getting through my to-do list by heading to a coffee shop or the local brewery for a solo reading date and to work in my reading journal.

Evening is reserved for softness: a delicious dinner, a long shower, fresh pajamas, maybe a favorite movie or TV show we’ve seen a hundred times. And then we head to our freshly made bed to read until our eyes get heavy before turning off the lights.

I don’t try to “beat” the Sunday Scaries anymore. Instead, I meet them with softness. With intention. I let Sunday be less about doing and more about being. Because the truth is, Mondays will always come. But how I welcome them is entirely up to me. And when I fill my Sundays with calm, I no longer step into the week feeling behind — I step into it already whole.

Discover ways to romanticize your life with our upcoming special release A Romanticized Life Issue 1.

The post Romanticizing Sundays first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

We all have those days when we wake up feeling less than chipper for no particular reason … we just feel “blah.” Whenever I’m feeling this way, it can be helpful to read encouraging or uplifting words from others, especially those that focus on keeping a positive mindset or capture how I hope to live and/or view my life. To help me start the day on a positive note, I have a collection of quotes I turn to and read to myself time and time again.

1. “It is a serious thing, just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.”

— Mary Oliver

2. “Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.”

— Sydney Smith

3. “Wishing you a day of remaining in the moment. Not the past or future or story. Not your thoughts or anxieties or lists. But right here, right now, straight into the center.”

— Victoria Erickson

4. “I just don’t think I’m looking for the big moments in life anymore. It’s more the simple ones that make for a beautiful day now. Like the sun rising and the moon dancing and the wind singing and the leaves grooving, and kids laughing and music playing, butterflies twirling, heart-smiles staying … and me being present to witness all these little beautiful things. This is what makes for a happy and peaceful life, I’m sure.

— S.C. Lourie

5. “If you can’t run away to a cabin in the woods right now, start small. Make a cup of tea and find a sunset to watch. Turn off your phone and read a book in the bath. Go for a drive and blast some Stevie Nicks. Fight for moments of peace in the midst of the crazy. You can do that.”

— Brooke Hampton

6. “Do you get it now? This is your life. Not only your weekends, not only your vacation in three months, not only that big milestone you’ve been waiting for. This is it. Start fully living in the moment and giving meaning to the ‘mundane.’ This is your greatest adventure after all.”

— Meditate and Love

7. “Some days, doing ‘the best we can’ may still fall short of what we would like to be able to do, but life isn’t perfect on any front — and doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else.”

— Mister Rogers

8. “Decide what kind of life you actually want. And then say no to everything that isn’t that.”

— Melanie Mackle

9. “Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.”

— Thomas Merton

10 “Close your eyes and imagine the best version of you possible. That’s who you really are, let go of any part of you that doesn’t believe it.”

— C. Assad

Discover everyday magic in our latest issue of Bella Grace.

The post 10 Uplifting Quotes to Start Your Day on a Positive Note first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

As the year comes to an end, it can be all too easy to dwell on all that wasn’t accomplished — the goals that weren’t met and the projects that were never completed. It’s no secret that many of us are too hard on ourselves and never recognize all that we managed to do. With how busy or hard life can feel at times, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate our accomplishments, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel.

24 Things From 2024 to Celebrate

1. Making bread from scratch
2. Taking myself out on solo dates once a month
3. Meeting an online friend in person after years of chatting through social media
4. Eating breakfast out more often
5. Trying several new restaurants from my “to-try” list
6. Seeing Central Park in the fall
7. Admitting I needed help to navigate a challenging situation
8. Speaking my mind when my feelings were hurt
9. Eating more pizza than I can count in New York City
10. Shopping more from small businesses
11. Beating my reading goal without realizing it
12. Attending a craft workshop without knowing anyone else
13. Completing the NY Times short crossword every day
14. Complimenting strangers more
15. Perfecting my meatball recipe
16. Making more phone calls and sending fewer texts
17. Taking my lunch breaks on busy workdays
18. Finally purchasing the bedding I’ve had my eye on for years
19. Donating our old linens to the local animal shelter
20. Teaching our rescue dog to cuddle on the couch with me
21. Navigating the NY subway system without getting too lost
22. Finding a shade of red I feel good in
23. Changing the windshield wipers on my car by myself
24. Establishing a morning routine that allows me to ease into my day

What are you celebrating from 2024?

Look back on the year with thoughtful prompts from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 14.

The post 24 Things From 2024 Worth Celebrating first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve had 40 different Bella Grace covers. Though the featured image changes with each issue, as do the coverlines that shine a spotlight on some of our most intriguing stories, something important remains the same. On each issue, you’ll see the tagline, “Life’s a Beautiful Journey.” Have you ever stopped to think about what that means?

Most magazines have a tagline that explains what it’s about, and when we were conceptualizing Bella Grace, coming up with ours was something we put a lot of thought into. The pages of Bella Grace contained so much heart and soul and we wanted everyone to know that it wasn’t just another women’s lifestyle publication, but how do you do that in just a few words?

At its core, Bella Grace has always aimed to capture the beauty to be found in life, whether it’s celebrating the good times or finding the glimmers of hope in the bad. We knew we wanted to highlight just how beautiful life can be while also acknowledging that it’s a cycle of highs and lows.

It came to us: what is life if not a journey? From the day we are born, each of us is set on a path we must navigate. We travel from destination to destination, both physically and mentally, creating connections with others, learning valuable lessons from our experiences, and carrying it all with us throughout the years. There are twists and turns, setbacks and stumbles, victories and celebrations, and we might not know our final destination, but along the way, there is so much beauty to be found. Our mission has always been to help our readers find that beauty, even when it feels impossible. It’s been an honor to do so for the past 10 years, and we look forward to continuing our beautiful journey together for many years to come.

Celebrate life’s beauty with Bella Grace magazine.

The post Life’s a Beautiful Journey first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

The melodious songs of birds, serene sights, and pathless woods are natural treasures worth yearning for, as within their embrace lies the purest pathway to inner peace. Yet, time spent in nature is declining while reliance on technology steadily increases. Be honest: How much time each day do you spend staring at a screen? Explore in this blog the benefits of being in nature and how to rekindle your connection with the natural world.

From forest bathing to stargazing and beyond, read on for 7 Ways to Connect With Nature.

The Healing Power of Nature

We have an innate affinity for nature, a connection that has been ingrained in our DNA over millennia. From serene shores to verdant valleys, nature provides a refuge where we can find renewal, clarity, and solace.

Strength for the Body

Whether it’s cycling, hiking, or simply going for a walk, being outside in nature often involves physical activity. This active lifestyle strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that simply spending time outdoors – more greenspace exposure – can lead to lower rates of chronic disease and a stronger immune system.

Harmony for the Mind

Time spent among trees provides a much-needed break for tired minds, revitalizing them for new aspirations.

• Reducing Stress

Nature’s knack for relieving stress is one of its most well-documented benefits. A simple 20-minute nature break can lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress.

Photo by Taryn Elliott | Bella Grace Issue 39

• Boosting Mood

Nature holds a special power over our emotions. Being out in natural settings can lift our mood and make us feel happier and more at peace. The sights and sounds of nature trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in our brains, which can help chase away feelings of anxiety and sadness.

• Enhancing Cognitive Function

Besides being a mood booster, nature also enhances cognitive function. From the whisper of leaves to the melody of birdsong, the natural world captures our focus and hones our mental acuity. Spending time in nature, according to studies, can improve concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Calmness for the Soul

• Cultivating Mindfulness

Connecting with nature is not just about being in its presence; it’s about cultivating a mindful relationship with the natural world. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we become attuned to the surrounding sounds, sights, and sensations, grounding us in the present moment. Mindfulness fosters a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us, helping us let go of worries and regrets.

• Fostering Emotional Resilience

Life’s hurdles can take a toll on our well-being, but let the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world remind us of the adaptability and resilience of life itself. Witnessing the cycle of renewal in nature can instill a sense of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Nurturing Social Connections

Nature has a unique ability to unite people and nurture deep social bonds. It serves as a gentle reminder that we’re all interconnected, forging connections through shared experiences that enrich our lives.

Photo by Oleksii Syrotkin | Bella Grace Issue 39

7 Ways to Connect with Nature

1. Take a Forest Bath

The Japanese practice of forest bathing, shinrin-yoku, involves immersing yourself in the sounds, sights, and smells of the forest. As you take a stroll through a wooded area, listen to the soothing sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. Breathe in the fresh air, be fully present, and let nature work its magic on your body and mind.

Related: The Magic of Forest Bathing

2. Practice Meditation Outdoors

A powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and inner peace is meditation. Take your practice outdoors and find a quiet spot to sit comfortably and undisturbed. With closed eyes, focus on your breath, allowing yourself to tune into every sensation. Feel the sun’s warmth on your skin, the wind’s gentle caress, and the earth beneath you. Let go of any distractions.

3. Go Stargazing

On a clear night, away from the glare of city lights, the night sky becomes a canvas of twinkling stars. Find a cozy spot, grab a blanket, and gaze up at the vast expanse above you. Stargazing is a humbling experience that fills us with awe and wonder.

4. Start a Garden

Not only is gardening a rewarding hobby, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect with nature. Even with a small balcony, you can create a thriving garden with flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Get your hands dirty, feel the soil between your fingers, and watch your plants flourish under your care.

Related: ​7 Creative Spring Garden Ideas To Explore

Photo by Blue Collectors | Bella Grace Issue 35

5. Try Bird Watching

Bird Watching is a delightful pastime anyone can try. Simply grab a field guide and a pair of binoculars, then set out for a nearby nature reserve or park. Spend time observing the feathered inhabitants, learning to identify species by their behaviors, plumage, and songs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the fascinating world of birds that surrounds you.

6. Go Camping

There’s something truly magical about spending a night far away from the commotion of city life. Gather around a campfire, roast marshmallows, and listen to the nocturnal sounds as you fall asleep under the open sky.

7. Volunteer for Conservation Efforts

Get involved in conservation efforts by volunteering for organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife and natural habitats. Whether you participate in beach cleanups, tree planting initiatives, or wildlife monitoring programs, volunteering lets you make a meaningful contribution while connecting with nature.

Discover more ways to immerse yourself in nature within the pages of Bella Grace and Field Guide To Everyday Magic, where we embrace the art of slow living and mindfulness.

The post 7 Ways to Rekindle Your Connection with Nature first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.