If you were to ask me if I consider myself to be an “outdoors” person, I would probably laugh a little before shaking my head. I’m a homebody through and through, and find I’m most content when I’m cozied up in our little living room and reading or working on one of my cozy hobbies. I find that I’m quick to get hot when I’m outside and am terribly prone to bug bites, but I have to admit that the times when I do step outside and take in my surroundings have a profound effect on my mood. You might not find me hiking a dusty trail or sunbathing, but you can find me enjoying the outdoors the following ways:

• Every morning, I grab a steaming cup of coffee and head outside with our dog to let her stretch her legs a bit after a long night of slumber. No matter the season, I let the sun shine on my face while I deeply inhale the aroma of freshly ground beans. On the days when the weather doesn’t permit, and I am forced to stay inside, I find it dampens my mood.
• Despite having never lived farther than 25 minutes from a beach, I don’t find myself there very often, but each time I go, I feel more peaceful than I do anywhere else. Though I may not want to don a swimsuit and dive under the waves, I love enjoying a simple meal or drinks at a seaside restaurant where I can feel the salty breeze and hear the water crashing down.
• I don’t have a green thumb. Any of my attempts at gardening have been downright unsuccessful that it’s become a running joke in my friend circle. Still, I love the sight of flowers and fresh greenery, so I occasionally visit the local outdoor nursery so I can take them in without causing them any harm.
• There is something so enchanting about walking through my neighborhood as the sun begins to set. Seeing cozy light streaming through windows makes me feel so cozy, and it’s even better if I’m able to catch the scent of dinner cooking in someone’s kitchen.
• Sure, I might usually be holed up inside, but I never hesitate to let the outside in. Thanks to our mild temperatures, I’m able to keep our windows open year-round, with the exception of the occasional rainy day. Seeing our curtains flutter in the breeze while hearing chirping from the birds who love the bush in front of our living room always makes me pause and take in the moment.

Maybe being an “outdoors” person doesn’t look the same way for me as it might for you. Much like most of my life, my version of outdoors is quiet, simple, and tied to the comforts of my home. I don’t need grand gestures to feel connected to nature, sometimes all it takes is taking one step outside my door and noticing all that surrounds me.

Continue savoring the quiet ways nature lifts you in our latest issue of Bella Grace magazine.

The post A Homebody’s Guide to the Outdoors first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Every Sunday morning, I get a notification on my phone to alert me of how much time I spent on my phone the previous week. I usually quickly glance at it and then close it, but over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that number increasing steadily while the time I spend on my favorite hobbies decreased. I wasn’t getting through books as quickly as I usually do, and my current coloring book has been open to the same page for longer than I’d like to admit. I found myself frustrated at how quickly time seemed to pass in the evenings, doing little more than mindlessly scrolling. I could also sense my mood being affected by whatever online content I was consuming. I was ready for a change.

Funny enough, the inspiration I needed to kick this habit came from Instagram, where screen time seems to be a common concern right now. I saw a number of creators posting about their intentions to live a more analog lifestyle. They were putting together baskets and bags full of activities that didn’t involve a phone. Rather than stream music on their phones, they added an old iPod or CDs and a player. There were books, crafts, puzzles, and journals. As someone who rarely sits still, even when watching TV, I loved the idea of having different ways to keep my hands busy readily in front of me.

I thought about what I’d be most compelled to do, and filled a little basket with a couple of books, coloring books and markers, a crossword puzzle book, playing cards, an unfinished project, and more. It sits under the coffee table where I can easily reach it from my spot on the couch. Now, when I get home, I allow myself to unwind with a few minutes of phone time to catch up on what I might have missed, and then place my phone on its charger next to my bed, where it stays for the rest of the night. I just started this new routine a week ago, but I feel really good about it, and it’s even inspired my husband to spend less time on his phone.

If you’ve been feeling the need to cut back on the amount of time you spend on your phone, I suggest putting together a basket of your own, full of whatever it is you enjoy doing. And if you’re looking for more ideas on ways to spend your time without a phone involved, we’ve created a “Screen-Free Activities” BINGO card for you. Click here.

Here are some publications (like Bella Grace!) we recommend adding to help you disconnect.

The post Creating My Own Analog Basket first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Thanksgiving always feel extra special to me because my birthday usually falls near it. This year, however, it actually falls on holiday. Like many people, I get reflective and a bit more introspective as I step into a new age and take stock of my life so far. When I think back over the past 43 years, one overwhelming feeling emerges: gratitude. Though every life is filled with ups and downs, I can’t help but feel so thankful for this life of mine that is filled with happiness and love. However, I recently realized that I don’t express this as often as I should, both internally and to those around me. This year, my biggest goal for myself is to express my gratitude more often and I plan on doing so daily in a few small ways.

Write a “Just Because” Note

A surprise note or postcard sent to someone unsuspecting often mean more to the recipient than you’ll ever know.

Give Thoughtful Thank-You

Grocery store clerks, baristas, and restaurant workers hear “thank you” countless times a day, often out of habit. Pause for an extra moment and let them know you truly appreciate them. Sincerity stands out.

Spread Kind Offerings

One of the sweetest ways to show gratitude is through a small act of service. Run an errand for someone, bring over a warm drink, or surprise a friend with freshly baked cookies. These simple gestures let the recipient know you see them and are thankful for them.

Take a Daily Gratitude Photo

You may not always have your journal handy when gratitude strikes. Snapping a quick picture of something you’re thankful for — the morning light, a cozy corner, your pet’s sleepy face — is an easy way to capture the moment before it drifts away.

As I step into this new year of my life, I want gratitude to not just be a feeling, but a practice and a way of life. I hope these small gestures inspire you to do the same, and to notice just how much goodness is already filling your life.

Discover gratitude journal prompts in Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 16.

The post Counting Blessings first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

As temperatures drop and the nights stretch longer, we naturally find ourselves spending more time tucked away at home — snuggled under blankets, candles flickering nearby, a good book or favorite show keeping us company. While there’s comfort in returning to familiar favorites, there’s also joy in discovering new ones. Here are some lesser-known cozy reads, films, and songs to savor this autumn.

10 Books to Read by Candlelight

1. “The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan
2. “The Lost Art of Letter Writing” by Menna van Praag
3. “The School of Essential Ingredients” by Erica Bauermeister
4. “Midnight at the Blackbird Café” by Heather Webber
5. “Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café” by Jodi Thomas
6. “When Autumn Leaves” by Amy S. Foster
7. “Meet Me at the Museum” by Anne Youngson
8. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
9. “Mrs. Queen Takes the Train” by William Kuhn
10. “Small Pleasures” by Clare Chambers

10 TV Shows & Movies for Long Nights

1. “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”
2. “Ladies in Lavender”
3. “The Durrells in Corfu”
4. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”
5. “84 Charing Cross Road”
6. “About Time”
7. “The Hundred-Foot Journey”
8. “Chocolat”
9. “Juliet, Naked”
10. “The Café”

10 Songs for Rainy Days

1. “Bloom” by The Paper Kites
2. “London Thunder” by Foals
3. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison
4. “Your Love Is a Song (Acoustic)” by Switchfoot
5. “Clementine” by Sarah Jaffe
6. “Old Pine” by Ben Howard
7. “Holocene” by Bon Iver
8. “Home” by Gabrielle Aplin
9. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
10. “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last

Slow down and savor autumn with The Cozy Issue Volume 8.

The post An Autumn Comfort Collection 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.

While I always anticipate the arrival of the warm days of summer, the crisp air of autumn, and slow winter nights, spring is admittedly a season I get excited over. Perhaps this is because living in Southern California, our winters are too mild to get tired of and wish away. Most things stay green here and by February our days are sunny and often warm.

In my ongoing quest to stay present and live in the moment, I’m making an effort this year to welcome spring with open arms, just as I would any other season. Time goes by all too quickly, and I want to enjoy the seasons and everything that comes with each one.

5 Ways to Welcome Spring’s Arrival

1. Create a spring sounds playlist. While I don’t listen to music while I work or read, I don’t like sitting in silence either. A playlist made of the sounds of birds chirping and light rain falling is just what I need in the background of my days.
2. Plant wildflowers. You can never have enough flowers, especially during spring. To keep my vases and jars full this season, I’m going to scatter wildflower seeds in some of the planters we have in our backyard and watch what grows.
3. Host a clothing swap. Spring is a great time to go through your closets and rid yourself of clothes you no longer wear. I plan on inviting friends over to swap clothes and give our wardrobes a little refresh.
4. Change my computer’s wallpaper. This is something I’ve started doing monthly and I always enjoy it. I’ll be swapping my current photo of a snow-covered Central Park to gorgeous tulips (my very favorite flower).
5. Go on a picnic. I often plan to do this during summertime, but the weather is often far too warm for it to feel enjoyable. A simple meal of some meats and cheeses enjoyed in the sunshine sounds like the ideal spring day.

What are some of your favorite ways to welcome spring? Savor the season with our newly released Bella Grace Issue 43.

The post 5 Ways to Welcome Spring’s Arrival first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

While it’s common for many people to jump into a new year full of motivation and armed with a lengthy list of things they can’t wait to accomplish, I’m not one of them. Sure, I have things I’d like to do over the next 12 months, but they can wait. January is my season of wintering. It’s my time for cocooning and living gently. The animals and plants do it to prepare themselves for the long days to come, why can’t people?

The Season of Wintering

Living in Southern California, my winter looks a lot different than many other people’s. The thermometer rarely drops below 40, and when it does, I’m usually already snug in my bed for the night. Gray, rainy days are few and far between. We might even experience a heat wave or two (like we are right now). No matter what the weather may be outside, I embrace winter with open arms. I welcome the long evenings and continuously seek ways to make them pass even slower.

I stock up on the things I seek out this time of year: cozy blankets, warm beverages, and my favorite winter reads. I choose something to do with my hands, whether it be a simple knitting or crochet project, or a coloring book filled with images I love that aren’t too intricate or involved. I admittedly don’t watch much TV, but this time of year I choose to play cozy ASMR rooms over sitcoms or movies. The food we cook takes more time to make, and we linger around the table a little longer, wanting the nights to last forever.

On the weekends, there’s no rush to leave the house, and we instead decide on a second pot of coffee and contemplate the day ahead. Perhaps we’ll venture out into the world for a bit, but we know we’ll be just as happy at home with no plans at all (perhaps even more so).

As the weeks go by, I feel myself letting go of all the stress and worry from the past year, like I’m physically leaving something behind. I’m finding more peace and contentment each day. I’m really recharging my batteries, getting ready for the busy spring.

This isn’t laziness; it’s intentionally slowing down. I’m taking care of myself, both physically and emotionally, so I can tackle anything that comes my way in the coming year with fresh energy and a clear head. It’s wintering.

Embrace the season of wintering with our latest issue of Bella Grace.

The post A Time for Wintering first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

In a world that often feels uncertain, it’s nice to have things you can rely on. It might sound cheesy, but perhaps Jessie Frederick, the singer and composer responsible for the Full House theme song, said it best when he asked, “Whatever happened to predictability?” Bella Grace readers know that I’m a creature of habit, so it’s probably no surprise that I love holidays because I love traditions.

Each year, the holiday season starts with my birthday, which is usually right around Thanksgiving. I know going into it that I can count on lunch at the same place with one of my closest friends, as well as a bottle of luxurious hand lotion she always gives me. It’s something I look forward to every year, as I know it gives us a chance to catch up and chat about how excited we are for the holidays to arrive.

This is a time of year filled with things I do annually. Not because I feel obligated to, but because I truly enjoy them. Some of these traditions date back to my childhood and even generations before me, while others have been established in recent years. Most might not feel significant or meaningful to anyone else, but they’ve grown more important to me over the years and help keep me present in the season, even when I might be feeling a little lost or overwhelmed.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions:

• Snacking on the turkey-shaped cheese ball my aunt makes every year and joking with my family about how little it actually looks like a bird.
• Browsing the Black Friday ads after enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner, making a list of all I want to buy, and ultimately purchasing nothing.
• Going to the mall just to surround myself with the festive atmosphere.
• Taking far too long to pick out a Christmas tree and figuring out how to best hide its “ugly” side.
• Having a gift-wrapping party with friends so we can spend time together despite the ever-growing to-do list that comes with this time of year.
• That first viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and reciting our favorite lines.
• Vowing to make something new for Christmas breakfast but never actually steering away from our beloved egg and sausage casserole.
• A coffee-fueled stroll around our neighborhood to look at Christmas lights with friends before enjoying a dinner filled with good cheer and food.
• Christmas Eve spent in pajamas.
• Guessing how much Grandma’s Christmas lasagna weighs.
• Standing around my best friend’s kitchen island each New Year’s Eve, talking and laughing while making more dumplings than we’ll ever be able to consume.

What traditions are you looking forward to this year?

Explore more ways to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest in our newly released Bella Grace Issue 42.

The post Holiday Traditions I’m Most Looking Forward To first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.