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.

For many of us, rest feels like something that needs to be earned. Something that comes after — after the dishes are done, the emails answered, the invisible boxes checked. Even then, it can feel uneasy. The body may pause, but the mind keeps scanning the edges, quietly listing what still remains undone.

Over time, rest starts to feel like an indulgence rather than necessity. Something optional. Something we have to explain or justify. This is a belief many of us carry without realizing — and one that can be gently set down.

Because rest does not need to be earned.

When Busy Becomes the Default

Modern life keeps us moving. And productivity is often mistaken for purpose. Without much noticing, we learn to measure our worth by how much we do and how little we stop.

The body adjusts to this pace, even when it isn’t kind. We learn to run on low reserves. To stay alert longer than we should. Choosing to rest, then, isn’t laziness — it’s a quiet decision to value your life for more than what it produces outwardly.

The Kind of Stress That Lingers

Stress doesn’t always announce itself loudly. More often, it settles in as a continuous hum in the background. Shoulders stay tense. Breaths stay shallow. The mind rarely feels fully at ease and attention often gets divided.

Even moments meant for rest can feel edged with low-level vigilance — half-relaxing, half-listening for what comes next. When this becomes normal, it can affect how we sleep, how we feel, and how much patience we have to give.

Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It often shows up as a dull tiredness, a shorter fuse, or a sense of emotional distance from things you once enjoyed. These are signs that something within you is asking for gentler care, not more effort.

Photo by ZHPH Production | Bella Grace Issue 29

Untangling Guilt From Stillness

For many women, guilt arrives the moment we slow down. What’s unfinished, who might need us, what could be done instead? Gradually, this voice becomes convincing enough that rest feels like a transgression.

Letting go of that guilt doesn’t happen overnight — and it doesn’t need to. It can begin simply by noticing the urge to justify a pause, and choosing not to answer it. Stillness doesn’t need a reason. Rest doesn’t need permission.

A Quieter Kind of Self-Care

Not all care needs to be neatly wrapped in routines or labels. Sometimes it can just be simple: like leaving an evening open. Sitting longer with your coffee. Letting a morning unfold without urgency.

This kind of care isn’t performative, it’s preserving. It doesn’t need to be shared or checked off. It works quietly and steadily, supporting you in ways that aren’t always visible but are deeply felt.

A well-lived life leaves room for pause. It allows space to breathe, to soften, to simply be — without apology. Rest becomes less of an event and more of a way of moving through the world with more presence and kindness toward yourself.

If this reflection stayed with you, Bella Grace offers a place you can linger even longer. Explore our magazines here.

The post Permission to Rest Without Guilt first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Age is something I’ve thought about throughout my life. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to be an adult. Once I arrived there — facing all the responsibilities that come with it — I found myself wishing, at times, to be a child again. I’ve ticked off milestone ages, eagerly anticipating some while quietly dreading others. Now, firmly in my 40s, I’ve come to realize that life is more than the age you happen to be. Each passing year becomes another part of your story, and instead of focusing on numbers, I’ve begun to think of my life as a series of chapters, slowly coming together to form the book of my life.

With a new year upon us, it feels natural to think of this moment as turning the page rather than counting the numbers. It’s the perfect time to pause and ask myself which chapter I’m currently living in, and, just as importantly, what I want to carry forward and what I’m ready to leave behind as the next chapter begins.

As the clock strikes midnight this year, I’m turning the page on living according to other people’s standards — measuring, adjusting, and trying to meet expectations that weren’t always my own. It taught me a lot, but it also reminded me how easy it is to lose your footing when you’re not listening to yourself.

As I turn the page, I’m stepping into a chapter that feels more authentic and freer. It’s a season in which I’ll be guided by my own values and moving at my own pace while trusting more in myself and what feels right. It’s a gentler chapter, I hope, and one I’m looking forward to starting.

Share with us: What’s the name of the chapter you’re currently on?

Find inspiration for the new year in Bella Grace Issue 46.

The post Beginning the Year on a New Page 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.

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.

I am a creature of habit; I always have been. Fortunately, my husband is one as well. We find comfort in the simple routines we’ve established over the course of our relationship. When it comes time to decide how we want to spend our free time, we have a handful of options we usually turn to. Do we want to eat at the local dive where we’re sure to run into the other regulars who frequent it? Should we walk over to the craft brewery by our house where we’ve developed close friendships with the employees there because of the years my husband worked as a brewer? Or do we just want to grab some takeout, turn on some of our favorite YouTube channels, and relax?

This all changed this year when my husband pursued his dream of opening a restaurant, and I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands while he was working around the clock. I felt a little lost and out of sorts at first without our routines, but then I decided to lean into the change. I knew the long hours wouldn’t last forever, so why not enjoy my chance to spend my time just as I wanted? I could watch whatever shows I felt like, read all day if I wanted to … the choices were limitless.

Photo by Lucia Postike | Bella Grace Issue 40

It’s been a year of learning to embrace change (something that isn’t easy for me), and in doing so, I’ve discovered a lot about myself in the process. Some of these things are:

• I really enjoy going somewhere alone to read while enjoying a meal or sipping on a delicious beverage. It’s perhaps my favorite way to spend time by myself.
• I shouldn’t be afraid of calling up a friend or texting them to see if they’d like to do something when I’m feeling lonely. Most of the time they’re thrilled to get asked.
• Absence really does make the heart fonder. I eagerly await whatever time I get to spend with my husband.
• I can still frequent our regular places even if I do so by myself or with a friend.
• It can be fun to say yes to new things with new people. This is something that can be difficult for an introvert such as myself since a lot of times I’d like to just stay in the comfort of my own home, but I’ve agreed to hiking trips and pottery classes with a new friend, and I’m so happy I did.

Now that the restaurant has been open for more than a year, my husband is around a lot more, and, of course, I’m thankful for that. But switching up how I spend my time has felt so rewarding that I’m weary of slipping back into all of our old routines. So, I’m continuing to say yes to new things while making time for the old. Life really is a never-ending search for balance, isn’t it?

Embrace change & self-discovery with our Field Guide To Everyday Magic magazine. Learn more here.

The post A Year of Change & Self-Discovery first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Summer is a time of year marked with unhurried moments and simple pleasures. It is when we all seem to slow down — whether intentionally or not — immersing ourselves in the small joys that only come with this season. The days go by at a leisurely pace as we sip tea brewed in the sunlight or doze off under the shade of a tree. The magical days of summer are fleeting, and before we know it, the days will get shorter and the air will turn chilly, and these warm, lazy will become a distant memory. The best way to savor summer is by slowing down and embracing the season and all the delights it brings. Here are 15 of our favorite activities for doing so:

1. Grab a tote bag and head to your local library. Check out as many books as your bag can hold. Find a quiet place where you can read, and make it a goal to go there as often as possible.
2. Purchase a beautiful glass pitcher from a thrift store, and use it to brew sun tea each day.
3. Turn off the TV at night and play games with your family instead.
4. Invite friends over for a classic BBQ, complete with all the traditional foods and snacks. Have everyone leave their phones in the house.
5. Create a playlist that consists of soft music, like jazz or folk, and play it while you putter around the house.
6. Do as much as you can outside.
7. Lay blankets on the grass and spend the evening looking up at the stars.
8. Load up the car with delicious snacks and head to a new-to-you town a few hours away. Try to find somewhere to stop for ice cream along the way.
9. Learn to play a new lawn game and have people over to play it.
10. Teach yourself to make ice cream the old-fashioned way.
11. Find a place where you can dip your toes in some water.
12. Spend the day at a local carnival or fair.
13. Go camping, either at a campground or in your own backyard. Don’t forget the s’mores!
14. Find a difficult jigsaw puzzle and set it up somewhere in your house. Pour some lemonade and make a little progress on it every evening.
15. Dust off your bike (or find a place where you can rent one), and spend the day exploring your city.

Explore more ways to savor summer in Bella Grace Issue 40.

The post 15 Ways to Savor Summer Slowly 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.

Every four years, we’re gifted with something special: a bonus day. Though we think you should always make time for yourself, this leap year, we encourage you to set aside an entire extra day so you can spend it however you want. Discover in this blog some of our favorite ideas. Choose a few to do, or do them all.

Why We Have Leap Years

The concept of leap years traces its roots back to the ancient Romans. A leap year every four years helps synchronize our calendar with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. But it isn’t just about adjusting our calendar; it’s also a time when cultures celebrate in unique ways.

The extra day in a leap year symbolizes a pause, a chance to step outside the everyday routine and reflect on the extraordinary beauty of life. In some traditions, women are encouraged to take the initiative and propose to their partners on February 29th. Others consider the leap day a day of good luck and a time to embark on new adventures or make life-changing decisions.

Photo by Kim Swain | Bella Grace Issue 31

10 Ways to Spend Your Extra Day

1. Spend the day in bed. Pull on a fresh pair of pajamas, gather up some books and snacks, and the TV remote. Sneak in a nap or two for ultimate relaxation.
2. Pretend it’s summer. Turn up the heater, throw on a sundress, and paint your toenails a bright, sunshiny color.
3. Gather with friends. Call up those people you never get a chance to see and put aside a few hours to spend with them. Go out for lunch, or consider hosting a potluck at your house. 
4. Go somewhere new in your town or city. It can be easy to stick to the same restaurants, stores, and even parks. Visit a new-to-you place where you live.
5. Watch your favorite movie. Many of us feel the need to keep up with all the new pop culture. Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and turn on your go-to feel-good movie.
6. Do a puzzle. They’re good for your mind, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of putting the final piece in place. 
7. Cook something that takes all day. How often have you said you wanted to make a certain meal but you just don’t have the time? Now’s your chance.
8. Take a break from social media. We all need to reset from time to time. You won’t miss anything. We promise.
9. Pamper yourself. Take an extra long bath or shower. Use the good salts and scrubs. Put on a face mask. You’ve earned this break.
10. Watch cute animal videos online. Just a few videos filled with puppies and kittens are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Find more ways to celebrate the beauty of everyday life in our Bella Grace magazine.

The post Leap Year: 10 Ways to Spend Your Extra Day first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Every year, January 1st can feel like a fresh beginning, a date to start something new, something exciting. But it’s no surprise by now that making lasting change overnight isn’t easy. In fact, many people give up on their resolutions around the second Friday of January. That’s why the date is known as “Quitter’s Day.” 

If you’re looking to make a change but haven’t started yet, or if your resolution isn’t going as hoped, read on for ways to turn resolutions into lasting habits.

Table of Contents

• The Psychology Behind Resolutions
• The Science of Habit Formation
• 7 Ways to Build Sustainable Habits

The Psychology Behind Resolutions

Resolutions often come from the hope for a fresh start, self-improvement, or societal expectations. However, these motivations can be fleeting, and without a solid foundation, resolutions easily crumble under the pressures of daily life.

Realistic vs. Idealistic

One common pitfall is setting vague or idealistic goals. Resolutions like “get fit” or “eat healthier” lack specificity and a clear action plan. Instead, break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. For instance, “exercise for 30 minutes three times a week” or “replace one unhealthy snack with a nutritious option daily” are more tangible and attainable.

The “False Start” Phenomenon

The “false start” phenomenon is when people delay their resolutions until a specific date, such as the beginning of a new week, month, or year. Recognizing this tendency can help you break the cycle of procrastination. Start working towards your goals immediately, as waiting for the “perfect” time might mean you never take any action.

The Science of Habit Formation

Habits are behaviors that, through repetition, become automatic, and understanding the habit loop can help you transform resolutions into lasting habits.

Photo by Vertikala | Bella Grace Issue 32

The Habit Loop

Charles Duhigg, in his book “The Power of Habit,” introduces the concept of the habit loop: cue, routine, and reward. The cue triggers the behavior, the behavior itself is the routine, and the reward reinforces the behavior loop. By deliberately intervening in this loop, you can develop lasting habits.

Start Small and Build Gradually

Attempting to make drastic changes overnight is a recipe for failure. Begin with manageable adjustments to your routine. Once these changes become ingrained habits, gradually build upon them. This approach aligns with the practice of “kaizen,” a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement through small, incremental steps.

7 Ways to Build Sustainable Habits

1. Establish a Trigger

Habits often thrive on triggers, cues that signal it’s time to engage in a particular behavior. Identify a trigger associated with your resolution. If you aim to cultivate a writing habit, the trigger could be having a cup of tea in the afternoon. The consistency of the trigger helps anchor your habit in your daily routine.

2. Focus on the Why

Connect with the underlying motivation behind your resolutions. Why is this change meaningful to you? When faced with challenges, revisit your “why” to reinforce your commitment to making your resolutions lasting habits.

Photo by Nikita Sursin | Bella Grace Issue 34

3. Try Habit Stacking

Habit stacking is a powerful technique that links a new habit to an already established one. Identify an existing habit in your routine and pair it with the behavior you want to incorporate. 

For example, if your resolution is to meditate daily, link it to your morning routine by practicing meditation right after you’ve made your coffee. Habit stacking leverages the neural pathways your brain already knows from your existing habit, making it easier for the new habit to stick.

4. Implement the Two-Minute Rule

The two-minute rule, popularized by productivity expert James Clear, emphasizes starting with actions that take less than two minutes to complete. The idea is to break down the habit into a small, manageable task you can quickly complete. Once you’ve initiated the behavior, momentum often carries you through to completion.

5. Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is a vital aspect when it comes to building lasting habits. Maintain a record of your efforts, whether it’s through a journal, app, or a simple checklist. Then, reflect on what’s working and what isn’t, and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate small victories along the way while avoiding the trap of perfectionism. Acknowledging your progress or treating yourself to small rewards – such positive reinforcement strengthens your habit. The key is to make the rewards immediate and satisfying.

7. Integrate Mindfulness

Mindfulness can amplify the effectiveness of your habits and involves being fully engaged and present in the current moment. Whether savoring the taste of your meals or fully immersing yourself in a creative endeavor, mindfulness adds depth to your habits, making them more fulfilling.

What’s a habit you want to make part of your routine in 2024?

For more inspiration to kick off the year 2024 on a positive note, explore the pages of Bella Grace magazine.

The post How to Turn Resolutions into Lasting Habits first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.