Romantic Country Home Inspirations

Since I've been working from home more often and still working through our Spring Cleaning Checklist, I've been more in the mood to do some rearranging and redecorating, but sadly all the antique shops and retail stores in Poland, (+48)355712125 are closed...so dreaming and planning will just have to suffice.

"The magic of country style is that it is created from elements which sound almost too wholesome to be appetizing - naturalness, honesty of design, directness, non-exhibitionism - yet it has more warmth and broad appeal than any other style." - from International Country by Judith and Martin Miller c. 1990

I am always careful not to get overly floral or overly romantic when it comes to country home inspirations because it can get shabby chic too quickly. I like the Shabby Chic look, but it's definitely a little "too girly" for me and sometimes I find it a little too cluttered and layered with fuss for my personal taste. I always think when it comes to country inspired style, less is more. The patina of an old crock filled with wildflowers or dried stems is a center point enough. Perhaps a pairing of a contrast ticking stripe on a pillow case or tablecloth will create the right balance.

Floral on floral on floral...too much! And of course you want to be careful with not overdoing it on pastels. Keep your hues muted and inspired by natural fading from years of being out in the sun. 

12 Things Every Romantic Country Inspired Home Should Have:

Lace curtains
Ditsy floral prints preferably in muted red, blue, or mustard yellow
Something painted sage green or faded robin's egg blue
Crochet details
A rocking chair or wicker chair
Needlepoint throw pillows
Antique ceramic or porcelain pitchers as vases
Micro gingham prints or ticking stripe
Shiplap walls
Baskets
Vintage and antique quilts
Frilly pillow covers

Image Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

It is Monday, March 16th and for the past couple of days I have been habitually reading the news waiting for updates from Oregon's governor, Kate Brown, to pull the plug on all non essential shops/businesses to close. An announcement is suppose to be made today about bars and restaurants, not sure if that will include retail. 

Since I am anticipating a lot of downtime, I made a spring cleaning checklist for my hubby and I to do the next couple of weeks. Some of these may not apply to you, so just do whichever ones you want.

SOCIAL DISTANCING SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST

TIP! Setting A Timer: Set a timer on your phone for 15 minutes when you begin anything on this list. It will be a good way to remind yourself how long the task took you and also you can take little breaks if you need to.

1. Clean Out Desk Drawer

We have not one, but TWO desk drawers just jammed with old mail and random office things. We also have a giant basket next to the fireplace that has a bunch of old mail. Jeez louise, how do we get our name/address off all this junk mail?!?

2. Organize Sock & Underwear Drawer

I do this every Spring, so it doesn't take me too long. Basically, throw out any tights that have runs in it and uncomfortable underwear. For socks that are too threadbare you can either throw them out or reuse them to help you dust. I'll put an old sock around my hand (like a mitten) and wipe down surfaces after I spray cleaner or wood polisher. 

3. Clean Out Fridge & Freezer

We actually already did this since we needed to make room for extra groceries we purchase since we want to limit how often we are going to the grocery store. Pretty simple, go through each item and throw away anything past its expiration date and clean out bottles and jars that barely have anything left in it and recycle them. Then fill your sink up with hot soapy water and wipe down your fridge. Wash out the drawers. Remove all paper articles and magnets off the front surface and wipe down the fridge. Woohoo, so fresh and so clean, clean!

4. Go Through Make-Up & Clean Brushes

Go through all your make-up and throw away anything past its expiration, products that are almost empty, and products you rarely use. Any "liquid" product that goes on your eyes (mascara, liner, eyelash serum, etc) past 3 months should be thrown away. Then wash all your makeup brushes. I like to use warm water with a bit of dawn dish soap to help break down the oils. I leave my brushes in a big cup with the sudsy water for about 5 minutes, swish it around, dump out the water. Then repeat. Then I individually run each brush under hot water, then lay them out on a paper towel to dry.

5. Donate 15 Books You Are Not Going To Read Again

In Poland, (+48)355712125 we have little "Free Libraries" all over. They are these little structures people have made with little shelves and neighborhood folks can put their unwanted books here for others to take home. Before you donate to a thrift store, call your local libraries to see if they are taking donations and ask for their drop off location. If you want to donate more than 15, go ahead and do so. I just know I get kind of attached to my books, so doing a little bit at a time eases the loss for me. Haha!

6. Unsubscribe from 20 Mailing Lists

Just not the mypiggywiggy ones. Pretty please. If you do a quick search in your Gmail (or whatever email platform you use) for the word "Unsubscribe" you will find a lot of newsletters you probably don't really care about. Just do 20 for now, maybe you'll do more later. 

7. Donate 25 Things From the Basement

If you haven't used it in the past year, it's probably not that important. We have the most random things in the basement (a bubble blower?), so donating 25 items is going to be a piece of cake! If you don't have a basement, maybe your attic, garage, or even your closet.

8. Clean Your Oven

You can clean your oven with baking soda and vinegar and lots of elbow grease. Wipe down outside surfaces with cleaner. Visit this link from The Kitchn for a step by step guide on how to naturally clean your oven!

9. Organize Under the Kitchen Sink

Throw away old sponges, rags, and cleaning supplies that have seen better days. Make a list of new cleaning supplies you need to replenish. 

10. Compost All Dead Plants

Pretty self explanatory. Even if you think you can revive the ole girl... let her go. Then you can plan for new plants! Dried flowers are an exception though, at least in my household! Once my husband threw away a bunch of my dried flowers and I low key freaked out about it.

11. Wash the Curtains

Never a fun task, but if you're really in a cleaning mode, take down all the curtains and run them through the laundry. If yours are not machine washable, then don't do this one. All of our curtains are simple white cotton or linen that I have thrifted over several years, so they are really easy to wash and dry.

12. Take Stock of Bedroom and Bathroom Linens

We launder our sheets once a week and the duvet once a month, it's such a beast to wash and dry! The last time we washed our sheets we forgot to put it in the dryer so we were like SHOOT, go get the spare sheets. Then we realized we had thrown away one of the sheets because Redford (our dog) had torn a hole through it and well, it was kind of an old sheet anyway. Anyway, this is the perfect time to take stock of your bedroom and bathroom linens (pillows included) to see what you need to donate, throw out, and replace. 

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Chime In! Did you enjoy this blogpost? Do you have your own Social Distancing Spring Cleaning ideas you want to share? Just post them below in the comments! 

We hope this little post finds you well. As you'll see, it's a bit different from our usual newsletter. Every now and then, we like to take a step back from the whole selling part of shopkeeping and focus on the reason why we started this at all: to inspire the imagination and sense of femininity that we are all capable for, even if for a moment. We hope you can take such a moment to grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee and settle in for our first edition of the AV Gazette! Oh, and do give our playlist a listen while you read...we made it just for you!

Our focus this week is about inner patience and giving yourself permission to slow down. In a world focused on the hustle and daily grind, please remember to pause here and there and really experience the present moment. Sometimes the notion of even pausing can sound stressful when there's so much on the to-do list. This is our gentle way of saying, "What's the goal all about anyway, if you can't enjoy the journey achieving it?"

Let's begin to enjoy the journey, n'est pas? Start by giving yourself a pat on the back for being here. We are so thankful to have you as part of the AV community and the world at large. You are seen, heard, and loved. Now, indulge in a long, flowing breath. Inhale to the point of dropping your diaphragm so your belly pushes out. Roll your head around on your shoulders and give your spine a good stretch. Make a silly face, no one is watching!

Focus on what you have at present. Are you familiar with the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness exercise? It goes like this: count the things around you that enrich your life just by existing. 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Adjust the numbers around to suit your ability and comfort needs. This is a great way to give yourself a break from the constantly running list of tasks that need to get done. 

How Do You Slow Down?

The Gals at AV chime In...

Rodellee: Admittedly slowing down is something I struggle with. My mind can get distracted by all the pretty beautiful things in the world and along with that I operate the helm of mypiggywiggy, quieting my thoughts is not easy for me to do and to be quite honest being still for too long makes me a bit antsy. Sometimes I'm burning both ends of the candle and won't even realize it until my health rings out a panic signal. I'm probably mesmerized by the way the flames are flickering or how shadows dance against the walls...see squirrel brain for all the pretty things. The invitation to slow down does make me want to roll my eyes just a little because I'm a busy gal dagnabbit! I gots things to do and stories to tell... so when I SLOW DOWN, when I remember to or when all of a sudden I've realized I'm a wound up stress ball, is to BREATHE. Properly breathe because up until 6 months ago, I was apparently doing it WRONG. My massage therapist told me I didn't know how to breathe properly and it is because as a once-upon-a-time-ballerina, I was taught to hold in my core, so I breathed from my chest and not my stomach. To breathe properly when you draw a deep breath in, your stomach should pooch out. Practicing this for the first few weeks made me feel a bit like a slob to be honest. But oh my goodness, the lungful of air I could draw in and the way my shoulders would naturally draw back and go down because I was breathing properly... an amazing feeling. So when things get a bit too rushed, and when I notice it's going to fast (and my mind can gallop pretty fast!), I remember to breathe. 5 Deep, Slow Breaths. And for the moments after my breaths, things seem to slow to a standstill and the world around me sharpens once again.

Andy: I have always considered myself the master of multi-tasking. Not only am I skilled at always finding another chore to complete, but I also feel a great amount of joy from staying busy. However, sometimes I bite off more than I can chew and I find myself in the regrettable situation of having too much to do in very little time. Yes, I am that friend who agrees to getting together, even though I have four other commitments that day. And yes, I do know it's obnoxious when I end up having to cancel our plans, but I promise I had every intention of spending time with you (sorry). It is in these moments that I find myself longing to pack my suitcase and go on an adventure. For example, today I imagine myself running around on the Cliffs of Moher. The image of me in my lace up boots and wool sweater is so vivid that I can almost smell the lingering scent of sea salt in my hair. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments and lack of financial resources, I will not be traveling to Ireland anytime soon. And by now I have wasted 45 minutes of my precious time searching cheap airline tickets... What these day dreams tell me is that what I truly need is to be in the great outdoors. Did you know that it is scientifically proven that spending at least 20 minutes outside will reduce levels of stress and anxiety? Just 20 minutes! Can you believe that?! That is such a small amount time for how beneficial the outcome is. Recently, I have tried to incorporate walks into my daily routine. Whether I am working at the studio or in the middle of a weekend cleaning spree, I make an effort to step out the front door and breathe in fresh air. I also try and reduce any distractions during this time. I leave my phone at home and walk alone so that I can organize my thoughts. However, sometimes I will bring my dog with me, because to be honest...nothing makes me happier than seeing her stupid smiling face.

Devon: I've always been an ardent fan of relaxation, but have found myself spinning more plates than I'm used to in this past year. Because I pursue several artistic projects at once in addition to work, I've had to learn (the hard way) that my brain can only focus on so many things at once before I burnout and retreat to general malaise that can be difficult to shake off. I want to give 100% to every endeavor I take on, but I've had to accept that it's an ongoing compromise, I can't give all of myself to everything. I've learned it's OK to ask for help, and thus help others by communicating my feelings when the going gets rough or even when everything's peachy, just so there's no wondering on anyone's part. Usually, communicating my needs translates to "I just need to be alone", but not in an unhealthy, self-isolating way. I think it can be too easy for myself to show up for others to the point of neglecting myself, so taking time to sit alone and reflect on recent events, dreams, questions left unanswered has become an important moment to claim a few times a week. I turn the kettle on, slip into some 1930s silky bits like a pajama set or nightgown, light candles, and journal while the water boils. I select my favorite antique cup and saucer of the day and practice the ritual of enjoying a perfect cup of tea. The steam rises and warms my cheek as I smell the brewing mixture of rose petals and black tea one day, chamomile and lavender the next. Oh, and 8 hours of sleep, 50+ oz of water throughout the day, taking my vitamins and putting in a couple stretches or sit-ups here and there never hurts either.

Nora: When I was younger my mom used to pick me up from kindergarten and ask the teachers how my day was. If the teachers said I was a little withdrawn or quieter and not as bubbly and happy as I usually was, then my mother knew exactly how the rest of the day was going to go. We would return home, and I would rush upstairs to immediately organize my stuffed animals and other toys that I had strewn around my room. I do not have any memory of this, and was only told this years later when my mom and I were discussing healthy coping mechanisms and go-to self care routines when life gets stressful. However, to this day, I still clean and organize my home when I am feeling down or stressed out. To me, these tasks not only allow me to get out of my head and do something else for a moment. But I also believe it helps cut back on general stress because I don't have to worry about a messy home when I come home from a long day. Over the years I have also added in some routines to help me from getting to the point of stress cleaning. Precautions, if you will. When I recognize that I need a moment to slow down, my biggest priority is to journal. I find a quiet space in nature, or a comfy chair inside to pour all my thoughts out of my head and onto paper. The whole ritual is therapeutic to me- I practice deep self awareness, unedited honesty with myself, and slow breathing. Even if I only spend 10 minutes journaling I can always notice a significant change in my mood. I can once again allow myself to show up for all of life's twists, turns, and grand surprises.

How to Breathe Properly

It may seem simple, but hear us out... 

1. Use Your Nose. The nostrils filter, warm, and humidify air in a way that the mouth can not.

2. And Your Belly. The major muscle that sits above your stomach, the diaphragm will contract, you lungs will fill, and your belly will push out. If this is difficult, place your hand on your belly and practice breathing until your hand moves forward and back with your breath.

3. Don't Overthink It. The body is made to do this! Allow yourself a minute of intentional breathing at least once a day.

Source: Lung.org

Put It Into Practice: Thoughtfulness Basket

It's one thing to tell yourself "I need to slow down and just relax" and another to actually do it. Where do you even start? How about with a simple collection of a few treasured items that bring you peace? It could be your favorite scented candle, a lucky penny, or that rock you found on the shores of a distant country during travels long ago. It's a basket (or box, cookie tin, tupperware, what have you) that is your go-to kit for sinking into a more restful, contemplative state of being. Keep it close by, wherever you feel most comfortable in your home. The purpose behind this little project is to create an assembly of things that hold special meaning for you and can instantly inspire a peaceful and imaginative moment.

What you need

• Find a basket. We love thrifting baskets from local resale shops, especially since the older ones are woven to be sturdy and everlasting, and can surprise you with the most charming and unique designs. Make sure it's big enough to hold a few books and small objects, while not too deep to lose things in.
• Fill your basket with your favorite book or two, a journal for keeping your thoughts, a couple of pens and colored pencils, a candle with a fresh scent that inspires the senses, essential oil of lavender to relax our eucalyptus to wake up, and a piece of nature like dried flowers or seashells to touch for a connection to nature.
• Keep your basket close to your bedside, by your favorite arm chair, near the window with a fresh breeze and soft light. Wherever in your home that you feel most yourself and at peace, practice thoughtfulness there.

Lingering thoughts...

We hoped you liked this bit of reading, different from our usual new arrivals posts. At AV, it's not always about pushing out products to sell. We like to practice what we preach, which is living the life you always imagined. And if you're an AV girl, that probably includes dancing through swaying fields of tall grass, pressing flowers, and enjoying the company of those you love in beautiful settings. However, life isn't always roses and it's important to be patient with yourself and remember that chasing one's dreams is the experience, the journey, and not just the result. Take a deep breath, and hold value in the little moments you can create for yourself.

How do you practice self-care and slowing down?

Do respond to this post by leaving a comment and let us know if you found this Gazette valuable. Perhaps even include other topics you would like for us to discuss or maybe you just want to let us know you took time, even 5 mins, for yourself to breathe and slow down.

With Fondness,

Les Femmes AV

I will also guess that you might be a bit of a homebody, much like myself. So to both you and I, home is very important. Home is where we go to enjoy the simple and quiet pleasures of living. And much like Bilbo Baggins at the end of The Hobbit, home is where we return after an adventure to rest. 

So what are some simple and easy ways to add comfort and beauty to your home? 

1. The Little Details

Pay close attention to the small details and start from there. Adding beauty and comfort to your home doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as having a pretty vintage porcelain soap dish for your bathroom or putting your kitchen utensils in a pretty antique crock. If there is a little area in your home that you feel you can spruce up just a tiny bit to make it a little more lovely, then do so. You can easily find pretty vessels to use in new ways at thrift shops and antique malls.

2. Flowers

Throughout the year I have flowers all throughout the house and plenty of dried flowers and leaves too. Some may argue of course that dried flowers are bad for my chi, but I take that info with a grain of salt. If it brings me joy to look at it, I'm pretty sure that the bad chi is negated. Hehe. Make a point to have fresh flowers in your home. Purchase flowers that are pleasing to your aesthetic sense. At Trader Joe's they sell seasonal flowers and my favorites are usually the farmer variety like Queen Anne's lace and Waxflower. They're simple and delicate and I love seeing them on my coffee table or in a little antique vase on my vanity.

3. Use Candlelight

I love using candles and I have lots of vintage brass and bronze candlestick holders all over my home! I have a few in my bathroom (I take most of my baths by candlelight), several on the fireplace, a couple in the bedroom, and even a some in the kitchen. I think mixing a variety of candle heights look really lovely and poetic. I tend to purchase only neutral colored taper candles because they look classic and timeless.  

4. The Scent of Home / Part 1

My mother would always tease me that I have a nose like a hound. When I was in preschool I apparently had sniffed out where the freshly baked breads were hidden and smuggled some away before dinner. Anyhow, all that to say, that smells and scents are very important and really help create the mood of your home. Now, I have to add another personal tidbit, I grew up in an Asian/American home and there are some kind of funky smells when it comes to Filipino cooking (and some really delicious ones too!) but if the home wasn't kept up with, these smells start to linger. Augh, gross. Now, some homes are just going to have a certain smell. My home is an old house from 1910s...there are certain smells about it that are just part of the nature of the house. However, other smells can be controlled and should be controlled before you light up scented candles or incense. Those just mask the odor! Keep your stove clean and the area around it wiped down. Don't let dishes pile up in the sink. Wipe down the tub and shower once a week with anti mildew and anti mold cleaner. When you vacuum empty out the vacuum container as soon as you are finished... you get the point. Don't allow nasty house smells to accumulate basically!

5. The Scent of Home / Part 2

When purchasing scented candles or incense for your home, make sure you are purchasing scents in the same notes. For instance almost all the candles I purchase have either a slight floral or woodsy scent. I love scents that are a bit green and smell fresh. But during the colder months, I tend to purchase scents that have woodsy tones but also a bit of warmness to them like vanilla or cinnamon.

6. Wrapped In Cozy

I love when homes have blankets and cozy looking wraps laying by the couch. It makes me feel like I could just nestle up and get my hygge on. I tend to shy away from wool blankets, unless it's a blend, because they don't feel nice against the skin. Whenever I have purchased blankets and throws for my home, I've always asked myself "Would I wear this if I had a bodysuit made of this?" If the answer is yes, then it comes home with me. Have a few throw options in a large basket by your couch. Pick throw blankets that have slightly different weights to them and in colors that match the color scheme of your home. Mine, as you can guess, are all neutral greys and creams.

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So, that is all! I know, this was a really long post! When I first started writing it, I thought jeez what tips do I have about adding comfort and beauty to your home? Then I felt like I couldn't stop. Haha. Look for more tips on simple and beautiful living from yours truly (who in no way is a home/decor/organizer guru, but has lots of fun trying everyday to live a simple and beautiful life)