Cosy Corner Chronicles: Crafting Your Perfect Reading Retreat

We all need a sanctuary, a little slice of heaven to call our own. Whether you dub it a cosy corner or a reading nook, it's that special spot where you can escape the daily grind and truly unwind. This haven can be nestled inside your home or perched on a shaded back porch - the choice is yours!

Start by picking a sun-kissed corner anywhere in your house. Transform it with a few key elements: a plush rug for comfort, a pillow for support, a side table (I'm partial to vintage pieces), a touch of greenery, and some soft, ambient lighting.

As an avid reader, I've crafted my own little retreat. Picture this: a comfy secondhand chair overlooking our serene pond, surrounded by stacks of my favorite books. A flickering candle sets the mood, and I keep some duck food handy for when our feathered friends pay a visit.

Here are some ideas to make your space uniquely yours:

1. Swap physical books for audiobooks. Imagine sipping coffee in blissful silence, headphones on, eyes closed or simply sitting still.

2. Keep a notepad and pen within reach for those eureka moments.

3. Set a schedule for your me-time. Maybe it's 30 minutes every morning or an hour each Saturday. Communicate this to your family to ensure uninterrupted peace.

4. Activate "Do Not Disturb" on your phone to resist the temptation of checking it.

5. Be selfish with your time here. Read what you want, not what you feel you should. Leave your to-do list at the door.

6. Engage your senses with calming scents. Try our Raglan Weekend blend (vanilla, lime, and coconut) for a tropical escape, or indulge your sweet tooth with Sunday (almond, cinnamon, and vanilla).

So, where's your go-to spot for a little me-time? We'd love to hear about your personal oasis.

Summer Hygge: Mastering the Art of Warm-Weather Cosiness

"Cosy" is normally reserved for cooler seasons like winter or fall... but you can still feel that calm comfort in warmer temperatures.

Summer calls to mind rocking chairs on front porches, soft whir of the fan, sunflowers gently bobbing in the breeze and the smell of freshly cut grass. But did you know you can embrace those slow, cosy, hygge moments anytime of the year?

Here are our 4 top cosy tips:

1. Pick yourself flowers

My faves = hydrangea, lavender, peonies, Queen Anne’s lace, Zinnias or wildflowers with greenery branches tied together with twine

Flower Picking Tips...

• Bring a bucket of water while you pick

• Run stems under warm water and trim before adding to a vase

• Try adding some homemade flower food! Here’s a basic home recipe: 1 quart water + 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/2 teaspoon bleach. The sugar is the food part and the bleach will help to slow fungi and bacteria growth!

2. Make fresh lemonade with lemons from the garden

Fresh Lemonade Recipe:

• Mix 2 cups of water with two cups of sugar, simmer on low until sugar has dissolved completely. Allow to cool.

• Squeeze 8 lemons and add to a pitcher with two cups of cold water and the sugar / water mixture

• Add ice or allow to cool in the fridge before serving

• Optional: Add lavender, lemon slices or even some vodka for a the perfect lemony summer refreshment

3. Treat yourself to s'mores by the outdoor fire

4. Make a cosy picnic in your backyard, on the beach or at your local park

I have a thrifted yellow checkered blanket I keep tucked inside a market bag in my car so we’re always prepared

How do you hygge in summer? ⤵