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Local Milk | The Art of Slow Living

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Meet Beth

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local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind. It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday. Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.

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  1. Cook
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  5. Motherhood
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  8. Health and Beauty

Most Popular Posts

  1. 35 Baby Travel Tips | Infant to 1-Year-Old + Minimalist Baby Packing List
  2. Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Shortbread + A Giveaway
  3. Wander Guide | The Essential Paris Travel Guide & Map
  4. Gathering from Scratch | A Workshop Retreat in the Shenandoah Valley Part 2
  5. Cardamom + Rose Iced Latte / Japanese Ice Coffee

Insta-Milk

A long time ago in a different life (or at least i A long time ago in a different life (or at least it feels that way) I was riding in a car at night with @whereissionnie to meet up with @ruthielindsey and @1924us for bonfires and general cabin shenanigans outside of Nashville. 

I remember the drive so well. It’s a conversation that always stuck with me. We talked about trauma and crisis. And I don’t know much, but I shared the only thing I know, a thing that has served me well through the natural undulations life is bound to bring.

And that is simply sometimes you have to cling to the mast. You aren’t doing anything but surviving but that’s the most important work of all. Because the storm WILL pass. And you‘ll be left standing.

And when it does you can mend the sails. Untangle the ropes. And get on with the business of sailing.

I’ve learned to give myself permission to do nothing but make it through. To sleep a little too late. To dance in front of the mirror and feel myself even when I look ridiculous. To load and unload the dishwasher and allow that to be a great victory. To dress like a cartoon character in nothing but white t-shirts and denim shorts.  To eat mac & cheese from a box and frozen chicken nuggets sometimes. To not respond to text messages. To flail and get back up over and over. To ask for help. A lot.

And also permission to feel it all. Rage. Grief. Joy. Hope and hopelessness. And sometimes all within the span of a few minutes. 

And most of all, whether navigating calm waters or stormy ones, what matters more than anything is the crew you’re doing it with. Surround yourself with solid people.

People that challenge you with compassion. And humor. People whose strengths buttress your weakness. People that don’t judge you. That believe in you even when you think they’re maniacs for doing so.

I know a disproportionate amount of us have had rough seas this year. Cling to the mast in the storm. Choose your crew wisely. No storm ever lasted forever. But there never was a last storm in the world. Accept that they will come and be prepared.

9 Mindful Ideas to Transition Your Home For the New Year

Dwell

12.31.2019

9 Mindful Ideas to Transition your Home into the New Year from Elise Joseph on Local Milk Blog

Hello! I’m Elise Joseph, and I’m really excited to share some ideas for transitioning your home from the holidays to a fresh, new year. As a shop owner and consultant in Nashville, I strive to create and surround myself with beauty (any other Enneagram 4s out there?), and have spent a lot of time honing and fostering an intentional, welcoming space for my family and friends.

If you’re like me, the short, dark winter days can often feel challenging and melancholy. Our bodies (and our minds!) need some extra love and care during the colder months, and I think it’s important to find joy, comfort and warmth in the spaces that we call home. Here are a few thoughts on high impact, minimal investment updates that support our homes this season.

9 Mindful Ideas For Transitioning Your Home into a New Year

Minimal and vintage bedside table with flowers

Lighting. 

The glimmer of holiday lights and trees may be gone, but lighting can still feel magical. With the sun setting earlier, I find it important to have lots of lamps and install dimmers around the house. Warm golden light creates a more peaceful energy than the bright white (almost blue) bulbs. I love Edison bulbs and super low wattage. And if you have a fireplace, put it to use! Your space will glow from the inside out.

Fragrance.

I gravitate towards warm and woodsy scents to get me through the colder months. Stock up on your favorite candles, incense, and oil diffusers, or make your own. There is nothing quite like simmering a stovetop scent like my mom did when I was a kid — try using cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, vanilla, and rosemary sprigs.

Incorporating texture through bedding and design in a bedroom. This southwest geometric print bedding on top of a white bedspread emulates the wooden round light fixture.

Texture.

We all love to wear layers this time of year, so why not also add layers to our homes? Think warm throws, down pillows, and wool rugs underfoot. Add some tonal texture to a sofa or chair with a sheepskin or knit pillow. Make sure your bed has soft layers and an extra blanket. Rest is so important and having a cozy place to relax, recharge, and dream sets the tone for brighter days.

How to transition your home into the new year by reducing clutter (channeling your inner Marie Kondo) and reorganizing your shelves.

Ideas on how to style shelves

Take inventory. 

Start the new year with a clean slate, and aim to minimize clutter, donate items that aren’t being used and create a more meaningful space. Things may have accumulated over the holiday season, so clear out what feels unnecessary and focus on what brings you joy. Channel your inner Marie Kondo, set some new intentions and restyle shelves using various sizes and shapes (think: books, candle holders, vases, framed photographs, a shell collection, and so on).

Driftwood wall art to bring nature indoors as unique art pieces.

How to incorporate dried blooms into your house this winter

Dried and fresh blooms.

The trees and garland may be gone, but it’s the perfect time to incorporate some foraged branches, dried grasses, or fresh blooms into the home. I make a weekly routine of exploring my yard for some foliage or visit the local flower shop for a bouquet that makes me smile. Eucalyptus adds a subtle, refreshing smell, and even a new houseplant can help liven and brighten up a space. Winter means more time indoors, so be mindful to bring nature in.

Product staging and styling on Local Milk Blog

Tips for interior decorating and styling a side or end table.

Books. 

I like to pull out old favorites and incorporate new books into an easily accessible place. Maybe they inspire a recipe idea (thank you, Alison Roman), evoke a memory, or stir up an interesting conversation. Add a fresh stack to the mantle or coffee table and get to re-exploring.

Mindful Ideas to transition your home into the new year with Elise Joseph on Local Milk Blog.

Tips and tricks for photographing jewelry and how to style it with ideas on how to transition your home for the new year

Find your nook. 

This year, I’ve enjoyed creating a morning ritual with a floor cushion, some incense, and a short meditation. Even if it’s just a small corner, establish an intentional spot to nestle up with a good book, sip some herbal tea, or practice journaling. Take some time to turn inward to improve clarity and focus, and find a ritual that is meaningful to you.

Using fruit to bring in color into your decorating this winter season

Shape. 

All in favor of functional beauty—find a bowl that speaks to you (wooden, glass, ceramic) and fill it with seasonal fruits and vegetables. This can bring some much-needed color and life to a countertop or table.

Surround.

So many of us can feel the isolation of winter, so why not continue celebrations into the new year? Invite some friends or family over, sip on some wintery drinks, or eat a hearty stew together. It doesn’t take much to lift the spirits and bring warmth into the home.

I hope these simple ideas can remind us to take care of ourselves and find beauty in the everyday. In the spirit of this list, I have shared a new collection of pre-loved vintage finds over at Duende. There is magic in these cold months, so let’s do what we can to savor the warm, grounded moments and carve out some time for physical, mental, and emotional nourishment. Cheers to a new decade!

 

Elise Joseph is a consultant and owner of Duende, her online collection of vintage finds. She is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Need the perfect drink recipe to ring in the New Year? Try our CBD Mezcal Ume Sour Cocktail!

 

Images edited with the Local Milk Instagram Preset Collection.

 

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tags: decor, decoration, Duende, Elise Joseph, home, minimalism, minimalist, New Year, styling, tips and tricks, winter

2 thoughts on “9 Mindful Ideas to Transition Your Home For the New Year”

  1. Natasha says:
    January 1, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    There’s texture, and then there’s that wool rug under the bed! LOVE IT! Is it an heirloom, or can I find one similar?

    Reply
  2. Hrelate says:
    January 9, 2020 at 5:32 am

    What beautiful ideas for home transformation! When I would plan to renovate my home, then I will surely implement your ideas.

    Reply

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Popular Posts

travel with baby
35 Baby Travel Tips | Infant to 1-Year-Old + Minimalist Baby Packing List
Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Shortbread + A Giveaway by Beth Kirby
Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Shortbread + A Giveaway
The Ultimate Paris, France Travel Guide: All the Must See Instagram, Travel Photography, Food, Cafes, Things to do, and Shopping Spot plus Travel Tips for the First Time Visitor! #travel #paris #france
Wander Guide | The Essential Paris Travel Guide & Map
Gathering from Scratch | A Workshop Retreat in the Shenandoah Valley Part 2
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