The Simple Things - A Wintertime List

The Simple Things

A Wintertime List

December is a riot of kaleidoscopic color that I wrap around me like a favourite shawl.  The reds, the greens, the golds - I love them all.  I pull out the coat I bought at Jenner’s in Edinburgh, the one with the lavish red fur collar (faux, of course) and don it at every opportunity.  I wear green velvet whenever I can and paint my nails oxblood red. I fill the house with orange and red roses and The Songwriter drapes the cottage with colourful lights.  And then suddenly, abruptly,  January arrives and the vibrant hues of the previous month are squeezed out completely by the simple turning of one thin calendar page.  It’s necessary, I suppose, as too much everyday richness can make one a bit queasy.  

We need the month of January - to rest, to plan, to clear our palates for the new year we’ve been given - and for many years now I’ve come to look to this month with sweet anticipation.  It’s the time I pull back, close the door and turn down the phone.  I curl up by the fire to knit sweaters, write stories, and read books.  I plan trips and sketch out changes to the garden.  Edward dozes, The Songwriter writes, and Apple…. well Apple still sits by the window and watches for squirrels who are, as any experienced squirrel-watcher knows,  much easier to spot in a bare naked tree.  In the sterling light of the afternoons, I bundle up and take the dogs for a long ramble, Edward’s jaunty step and bouncing ears a testament to how much he adores this particular month of the year.   It is outdoors that one can truly appreciate the remarkable beauty of this icy span of days.  The violet skies, the silver light, the handprints of grey trees on the frosted air. 

Yes, there are many pleasures to be found in January 

and most of them are simple ones. 

That extra quilt you throw on the bed when the mercury takes a vertical dive.  

That little nip of Glenmorangie you add to your afternoon tea when you come in from the cold. 

The crackle of the fire. 

The feel of the wool as it flies through your fingers. 

The weight of a big furry dog’s head as he sleeps on your feet.  

Yes,  January is simply a wonderful time so here is a list of simple comforts to make it even better.  

Enjoy.

*******

1. Staying Hale and Hardy

There’s nothing good about a cold and I do whatever I can to keep them as far away from my door as possible.  I wash my hands frequently and often use my sleeve to open doors, not caring one whit if I look funny doing so.  One of my secret weapons against this dreaded obnoxious malady is this particular brand of Vitamin C.  I take it before every flight, during every journey, and whenever I know I’m going to be in crowds. 

Laugh if you will, but I swear that it works.

Find it HERE

*****

2. Skin Care

Those long afternoon winter walks mean I often return home with bright pink cheeks which can mean dry chapped skin if I’m not careful.  So I do take good care to see that doesn’t happen.  I’ve just recently found these new creams by Belif and I love them.  I use the aqua bomb in the daytime, and the cream before bed.  They both feel SO delicious, and my skin has been glowing all winter.

Find the Aqua Bomb HERE

And the Cream HERE

****

3. Bath

Every time I’m lucky enough to be on the Isle of Skye I make certain to visit the Isle of Skye Soap Company.  A tiny, charming shop tucked into a corner of Portree, it is full of the most lusciously scented soaps imaginable.  I brought home a sack full in September and believe me, I’m completely devoted to my nightly soaks in my big claw foot tub with these wonderful soaps.  Lemongrass and Lime is my favorite, but you’re sure to find one you can’t live without out.

Find them HERE

And of course, I’m a bubble bath girl.

And this one is the best.....

Close your eyes and be spirited straight to a beautiful warm beach.

Find it HERE.

*****

4. Television

The Doctor is back!  Though I’m aware season seven was shown in the UK last autumn, we here in the states are just now enjoying the return of the marvelous Martin Clunes as Doc Martin.  I love this show.  And I love Martin Clunes.  I particularly love the way light shines through his slightly protuberant ears turning them as pink as Edward’s tummy.

As they say, check your local listings.

Unfamiliar with Doc Martin?

Find past seasons HERE.

Here's a preview of the new season.

*********

5. Book and Movie

Rarely is a movie as good as the book.

This one is.

Find the book HERE.

and preview the movie.....

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6.  Books

My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante, has worked its way to the top of my teetering stack and I’m looking forward to diving into the entire series.

Has anyone else read these?

Find it HERE

Also, speaking of a fun series of books, 

you have read THESE, haven’t you?

Love them.

Be sure to start with the first one.

******

7.  Comfort

I got the word on these from the fabulous blog, A Cup Of Jo.   They looked comfy and the price was certainly right, so I ordered them.  Oh my goodness.  Seriously, these are the closest one can get to wearing one’s pajamas all day long.  They can be dressed up with a blazer, tucked into boots, or worn with your favourite big sweater.   I wear them to walk the dogs, to the market, and out to dinner.  And yes, they’re perfect for a nap.    No joke, I’m ordering another pair so I can have something to wear while these are in the washer.

Find them HERE.

*****

8.  Planning for Spring

As I begin to think about the spring additions and changes to my garden, I’m drawn to this new book by shade gardening expert, Ken Druse.  Our cottage sits beneath many tall, old trees, so shade is something omnipresent here.  But I’ve found that gardening in shade can be just as luscious as sun. 

This book also addresses the effects of our changing climate on our gardens, something that is becoming increasing vital to understand and adjust to.  

This book will be well-used this year.

Find it HERE

*******

9.  The World’s Best Eyelash Curler

Stupid expensive, 

but lives up to the hype and then some.

I'll never use another.

Find it HERE

*****

10.  Toast and Jam

Nothing much better on a cold morning than really good bread 

and really good jam.

A good friend introduced me to this fig jam a while back 

and now I’m hopelessly in love with it.  

Good enough to eat by the spoonfuls, 

but I highly recommend slathering it on a perfect slice of homemade bread.

Find it HERE

*****

11.  Wuthering Heights

There’s a special reason I’m revisiting this unique book just now.

I’ll clue you all in, in a month or so. 

 Till then, this annotated edition is the best I’ve seen

 and it’s hard to beat a Bronte when the January winds rattle the windows.

Find it HERE

*****
Painting at top by Susan Ryder

A Special Thank You

to everyone who commented and wrote me letters 

about my last post.  I'm happy to say all is very well here!

You all are the best.

xo