1. Fresh flowers
Go to the thrift store and buy a mix of cute miniature vases (jars work, too). Then go to your local florist or buy a bunch of fresh seasonal flowers that make you happy from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's (both often have high quality suppliers and fair trade options). Add tiny pops of fresh color to every counter space, bedside table, window sill, coffee table, book shelf...go wild! |
| photo: effectssf.com |
Bonus tips for longer lasting flowers from my former flower-shop days:
1) give stems a fresh cut on the diagonal UNDER water before placing them in vase with water
2) make sure to give a sprinkle of fresh cut flower food to every tiny vase
3) be sure that only stems have contact with the water, and clean all leaves, petals and foliage off so that they don't create bacteria in the water that shortens the life of your flowers.
2. GREEN THINGS
Plants! If you're feeling inspired, you can go to your local home and garden center and plant your own potted masterpiece with potting soil. Often places like Home Depot or Lowes have some nice budget-friendly options that you may want to re-home in a nicer planter or pot.If you're short on tools and time, pick up a potted plant from your local florist (plants that need moderate filtered light are good this time of year). Ferns and ivy are low maintenance, just make sure every plant can see a window and enjoy the calm that adding a little green will give!
3. Candlelight
In Vienna the sun goes down by 4:00pm on winter evenings, and in order to stay peppy until bed time I like to add a warm glow to the entire apartment. Tea lights are a nice way to sprinkle light in a big room, and I like to put them in my entry way and bathroom to add a warm flicker. I have a nice little eclectic votive collection from my local thrift store (see vase shopping above).4. Add a cozy throw or a new pair of socks
I find I spend a lot more time burrowed on the couch (watching Netflix and HBO) on cold winter nights. Give your couch a quick upgrade by adding a new colorful throw or buy a pair of soft new socks.Throw Crazy
5. Add Natural Fragrance to the Air
Try simmering some cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, fresh rosemary and a dash of white vinegar (thanks to my friend Jessica for this magic ingredient) in about 3-4 cups of water over the stove. Your home will smell amazing, and bonus, you'll add a little moisture to the air with all the dry winter heat. Bonus: Try some slow cooker stew recipes. They're perfect for winter nights and make your home smell delicious all day long. Here are two of my favorites:
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
Traditional Chili
