Wow! If there is ever a time to appreciate small moments of joy, it's now. It's unbelievable how much our world has changed since our March blog post, The 3 Most Joyful Ways to Welcome Spring.
As you read this month’s blog post, we hope you and those you love are well. This is a critical time to reach out to the people who count on you as well as those who provide you the greatest support — the ones who know the right thing to say at the perfect time.
With so much uncertainty, doing what you can to support your friends, family, and community members (while maintaining your social distance) can make a big difference.
Of course, the core message behind partager la joie is to share joy. So, here are some tips to help make your stay-at-home time feel special.
Even though we’re “apart,” we need to be creative and rethink how to bring our families and friends together.
For the family members living together, the art of a conversation over a spring-inspired dinner can bring joy to all. As we gather around the table — use this time to quiet phones and focus on and listen to each other. Some of the best gatherings are not necessarily the most lavish, but are times when family and friends can connect and care for each other.
Also, be innovative with ingredients — go for the most colorful and nutritionally rich ingredients you can find. Experiment with fresh, healthy dishes and include a few sweet delights — especially for your Easter menu.
Since weekends can seem long right now, without our usual planned outings. Incorporate a family brunch on Saturday or Sunday to encourage all to relax and enjoy a leisurely at-home event. Keep it simple — try some of our April favorites in our Epicure section.
Since we’re all “at home,” yet apart, share some special recipes with your friends — even if you can't enjoy the celebration in-person. Ask friends to share their favorite recipes, cooking techniques, and meal prep ideas. Perhaps, take advantage of the numerous online cooking demonstrations and brush up on your skills together!
If the weather is nice, surprise your children with a picnic dinner and end with a special outdoor treat — s’mores by the fire. Enjoy these gooey chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker delights — need we say more? (Make sure to grab your favorite cozy wrap or slip into your softest lounge pants!).
If you’ve been meaning to try video chatting, now is a great time to start. Be sure to reach out to parents, grandparents, neighbors and all those you love for a video chat over coffee or tea. It’s an excellent opportunity to catch up from home in your intimate space.
Schedule a virtual book club.
Book clubs are ideal for hosting remotely. Keep your friends inspired and discuss a selected book over a glass of wine. Another option is “Book Club and Bubbly” — it’s fast becoming a popular theme :).
Need some book inspiration? Our partager la joie most recent reads include:
You’ll also find more great reads on the New York Times Best Sellers for April.
Need more physical activity? Use these days at home to get creative with your workouts. Participate in an online fitness or yoga class.
If appropriate for your area, head outside for a walk or run. Just bringing your yoga mat outdoors can enhance your practice and change your perspective on the day.
Take the time to treat yourself with kindness. How about learning something new? It’s a great way to reboot and give yourself a boost. For instance, Yale is offering its “mega-popular” free happiness course online.The course instructor suggests that “much of happiness stems from cultivating healthy practices and routines.”
Also, check out the most recent Unlocking Us podcast by Brené Brown. The best selling author and University of Houston research professor digs into “Conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are.” What a great way to gain some insight and make the indoor days more meaningful and joyful.
Some healthy practices might include settling into your favorite reading spot with a new book and lighting a citrus and sunshine candle.
Additionally, you might like to unwind with a eucalyptus-scented shower or relax in a warm bath followed by a luxurious body butter or oil.
Need to stock up on pampering products? Treat yourself today at our Wellness Collection.
Also, if you are not in the habit of journaling, take advantage of your time at home and start now. There are so many incredible benefits that come from writing about your thoughts and feelings in your favorite journal.
Above all, be patient. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your friends and family. Sometimes a few moments talking with a friend can make the whole day brighter.
At the moment, you’re spending more time indoors — especially if you’re working from home. What an excellent opportunity to make your space feel fresh and welcoming!
Now that your closets are on the way to being organized and gently worn items have been re-purposed or donated, it's time to indulge in a few new finds (see our latest spring Chic Style finds).
This is a magnificent time of the year. Branches are budding, and blossoms are opening.
Surround yourself and your home with April’s lovely spring blooms — tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are a few of our favorites. See more ideas for creating beautiful arrangements here.
One special garden-inspired activity we love to do with children is to plant ryegrass or catnip seed in a flat container and watch the indoor grass grow (germination time is about 10-14 days). As a special bonus, this project creates the perfect spot to display your seasonal pastel-colored eggs.
You can also bring the spring sunshine indoors by forcing bulbs in your favorite planters. When they bloom, arrange them with flowering branches and other spring blooms from your outdoor space.
At the end of the day, when you’re ready to unwind with a beautiful meal, sitting down to a pretty table can make the evening meal that much more special.
Is it time to refresh your table settings? Make your table feel welcoming with crisp linens, such as pale blue and soft orange-striped napkins and table runners.
To add a special touch to your Easter table place settings, position a white plate on a fun rattan charger then place a personalized, hand-colored egg on each plate.
Also, create a beautiful spring-inspired table (and surrounding counters) with spring blooms, sugar-coated marshmallow chicks, and clear vessels with jelly beans or handcrafted confections.
Stop by the partager la joie Home Collection for beautiful spring finds.
Remember, the sun will shine, and we will move forward!
As we all navigate this unique moment in time, it’s essential to follow the CDC precautions and keep up with the news. At the same time, let’s tap into our strengths, keep a positive outlook, while also taking the time to relax, unplug, and share joy.
So beautiful, inspiring and joyful. Your simple yet meaningful ideas are heartwarming and comforting.
What a beautiful article you wrote. I m so luckily to have such a thoughtful daughter. Love
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Courtenay
December 28, 2020
Beautifully written and so well said. These messages of joyful self care are inspirational and wonderful reminders for all.