January Pleasures

January marks the start of a new year, but it can be a quiet month. For me, it's a time of peace and of reflection, although there are plenty of things keeping me busy. But I savour quiet evenings at home with my husband, and Sunday dinners with my family while the wind blows rain drips outside. Here are a few of my January delights.


* After taking down the Christmas decor I enjoy a few days of a spare,
streamlined home. Slowly, the mantle fills and a few pretty things are
added here and there - right now three pink hyacinths are beginning to
bloom there, lined up in a row with clear glass votives between them.
What a pretty sight to see the candles flicker in the evening and
smell the hyacinths.

* One ritual I've begun that is now in its second year is that of
making a collage featuring a word, or words that I've chosen to focus
on for the year. This year my word is New, with Dwell and Trust
alongside. I did a post about that here.

* I like to spend a few hours pouring over my cookbooks and marking
new recipes to try. So far this year I've made Ile Flottante (Floating
Island) and some luscious Souffle Cakes, and a Vegetable Strudel.

* new craft projects are always a lovely way to fill January evenings.
I've begun knitting a pair of blush pink handwarmers for my daughter
in the softest yarn. One is done, the other just begun.

* planning my summer vegetable garden while sitting beside the fire is
a lovely juxtaposition of seasons

* drinking copious cups of hot tea

* going for winter walks with my husband - in the evenings after
dinner, or on the weekends out along the shore or in the woods

Be sure to visit Melissa at The Inspired Room for more ideas and links to Living Beautifully.