Happy weekend my friends!
It’s time again for another instalment of our cozy living series. Not only am I sharing my own ideas to bring a little cozy to our lives (yes, even through these warm Summer months!), but I’m also teaming up with an amazing group of blogging friends to bring you even more cozy living inspiration, so be sure to check out their cozy ideas at the end of this post.
Cozy isn’t all knitted blankets and roaring fires.
Sometimes the coziest things in life are those that bring back some of our warmest memories.
And sometimes we find those cozy memories in some of the most unexpected places.
Just a few weeks ago, I somehow found myself with a whole day in the city all to myself. Instead of letting myself cave to the pressure of using that time to tackle all the things taking over my to-do list, I decided instead to really savour + enjoy this rare day all to myself.
And so, with a fancy latte in hand, I found myself aimlessly wandering around one of my favourite shops. Between the seemingly endless shelves of books to flip through and the lovely home decor and paper goods, I can loose myself for hours within those walls.
As I slowly worked my way through each and every table and shelf, my basket quickly filling itself with all sorts of new books and treasures, I came across the prettiest little stationary set and instantly felt an unexpected touch of nostalgia.
I couldn’t help, but think of the letters I used to write to my Grandma back when I was a girl.
For years we exchanged letters, catching each other up with all of life’s happenings, both big and little. I’d fill the prettiest paper with my neatest handwriting and tell her all the important stories of my days. I’d check the mail every day after school, waiting anxiously for her reply. She’s always had the most lovely handwriting.
My goodness, for all the “important” treasures I tucked away over the years, I sure wish I’d kept those letters.
I’d totally forgotten these warm memories of my Gram until I stumble across that pretty stationary set.
I just couldn’t help myself, that lovely set of paper just had to come home with me.
And that night I sat myself down and wrote a letter to my Gram telling her just what those letters when I was a girl had meant to me. I chatted about my new garden (hers has always been such an inspiration to me!) and told her all about Carson’s piano lessons and upcoming Kinder grad. All the things, both big and small.
We don’t see each other as much as I’d like, or chat on the phone as much as we should, but I have no doubt we’ll both find the time to write these little letters to each other once again.
Whether it’s the nostalgia, or just making the time to put pen to paper, but sometimes the simplest of things can make all the difference.
In a world filled with the ease of communicating with everyone all at once through a social post or the immediacy of an email, there’s something so nostalgic and meaningful about carving out the time and effort it takes to sit down and put pen to paper (which isn’t much if I’m being honest).
Letters are personal, letters take effort, letters build relationships, letters force you to speak slowly and with intention, letters bring meaning.
Who would you like to take the time to write to?
And of course, don’t forget to check out these other cozy living ideas from my talented friends below…
Vinyet Etc. Duke Manor Farm Finding Silver Pennies
Making It In the Mountains Sincerely Marie Designs Town and Country Living
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
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Oh I love this post, Kristi! One of my favorite things to do it check the mail, kinda juvenile, I know. There’s just something about getting a little something unexpected. A good friend and I used to write to one another regularly and there was something about putting it to paper. It’s really a treat these days. Thanks for reminding me of that. Now I need to pick up so cute stationary!
It’s so true! SO happy you’re feeling inspired Amanda!
Oh Kristi – you brought back fond memories for me with this post. My grandma (Mimi) and I used to write each other letters, too. It was so much fun to choose pretty stationery and write a letter to her on it. I’d anxiously wait to see her stationery too. I also had a pen pal over in the U.K. I always loved writing letters!
Awwwww, those memories really mean so much! Thanks Jennifer!
Kristi, really enjoyed your post today! I, too, have many precious memories of writing letters on lovely stationery. I still do like to drop a note to someone on pretty paper! There’s nothing quite like it!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I think any time you can carve out a few extra minutes to send a written letter or note really says SO much to the person receiving it! Thanks Mary-Ann! Hope you had a wonderful weekend too my friend!
Oh my goodness, tears in my eyes! I love this post! I used to write to my Nan too, so special! But when Bud was first in the military that was our only way to stay in touch, maybe a call once a month while he was away. I have kept all of those letters and they are amazing! He once didn’t have the paper to write – so he took a roll of brown paper towel and started a letter to me diary style, this folds out to be about 6′ long and is my favourite! xo
Oh Laurie, how special! What a lovely way to look back at that time in your lives!
I love the thought of getting a letter in the mail. I don’t write many letters but I do love to mail cards to friends and family….it’s a welcome surprise to many.
It really is! Finding a lovely card or letter in the mail always makes my day!
LOVED reading this, Kristi. Brought back so many memories for me. I had personalized stationary when I was little and loved it. When my husband and I were living apart – he was in England and I was in the US we used to write letters to each other. I still have the box of letters we wrote. xx
What incredible memories to look back on Danielle! SO special!
I completely agree! Writing letters has become a bit of a lost art, and this post just reminded me of all the cards and letters I used to send my cousins back before we had Facebook. This is such a beautiful idea, I’m so glad you shared this!
Oh yes, those days before Facebook seem like a different life altogether, don’t they? Thanks Emily! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!