Spring Boost
Ways I perk up my days
The world is a little too heavy nowadays, right? It’s easy to get stuck in the muck and forget that joy and pleasure can still be had. Both dread and delight can simultaneously reside within. In this installment I’m sharing some small things that give me a little joy.
Do you have any self-care rituals, products, or practices that keep you grounded and smiling?
Sumptuous Self Care
I love McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover. Not only is it a gentle facial cleanser, it smells naturally divine. It combines naturally scented waxes and oils into a luxurious balm. I rub it on my face before I get into the shower and the smell is so relaxing without being perfumy nor too herby.
Little Letter = Big Smile
Chronicle Books’ Little Letters series is a collection of small books (4.5’ x 3.5”) of blank, designed letters that you can use to scribble a note for someone, then fold & seal with a sticker. There are various themes from Love, or Hello, to Thanks. They’re perfect for popping into a lunch sack, tucking into a book, or leaving on a desk to be found later. I started writing small letters to my fella and hiding them around his apartment …a few pages into the book he’s reading, one on the turntable to discover when he plays a record, or in the pocket of the jacket he wore out to dinner. I write simple, affectionate messages when the thought occurs to me “You look handsome today” or “Thank you for introducing me to Kate Clover’s music” and hide them later. It’s become a lovely aspect of our relationship and he kept each one.
A Flower in my Gin
I randomly bought this new version of Hendricks thinking it might appeal as many gins are too juniper-y for me. Flora Adora is a floral without being perfumy, with a light herbiness that I find goes well with fruit like berries and a light tonic. I made a version of their Wildgarden Cup recipe using elderflower tonic and it was refreshing on a spring evening.
A Tasty Squeeze
Like most Californians, my food pyramid includes a section for guacamole. But as a single person, I found that I couldn’t (actually make that shouldn’t) finish a whole container of guac before it started to go off. Then I found squeezable guacamole (Target sells one, as well as Yucatan). It’s great for adding to a taco or burrito, or for a quick snack with some chips. Because it’s sealed it can last up to 2 weeks instead of turning brown overnight.
There’s Good Rockin’ Tonight
Music is my true love. I’m always listening to it…while at home, working, walking the dog, driving. I especially like early rock-n-roll and garage rock. Boss 66 internet radio station plays an amazing selection of early rock. Often, I like a song, look it up on DIscogs, and am suprised at how rare and expensive the single is. So, in addition to keeping my musical pleasure and curiosity going, it saves me from draining my bank account. Also, actor Tom Hanks has a wonderful weekly show on Tuesdays at 10am PT. Check it out!
