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.

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.

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.

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.

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.