As I was iterating the list to share in this months lifestyle article, I realized that equally important to doing, is being. Because when you do and be (the act of be-ing), in balance, you do-be good.
Therefore, I will be sharing my side of this intricate balance of daily practice. Because without being or taking care of that being (ourselves), we cannot do.
This article contains:
REVEAL: Refinished Wood Hutch; Lifestyle practices that work for me; Bathroom Refresh Reveal; Spice Cabinet Contents;
Read @ Meals in a Week for Free; Chocolate & Whipped Cream Stuffed French Toast Sandwich
DO
Let me take you back to August 2022 - I received this gorgeous, solid wood half hutch from our auntie. Manufacturers don’t make furniture like this anymore. Excitement! I needed a hutch and I wanted to continue refinishing furniture. This was the perfect “pick-up-as-you-go” project. My original goal was to have it up for Christmas. However, I’m here to tell you that one person does not *simply finish* a piece of furniture.
It seemed pretty straightforward in the beginning, but as I began to satisfyingly sand, enjoying myself 93% of the time, I knew this would be a labour (of love).
Fast forward to approximately 23 hours of sanding this piece to bare wood, I thought: “Great! I’m almost done!” lol, girllllll.
Then it got cold, so cold. So I let it sit in the garage for the better portion of 2 months. I ruminated and remained undecided on paint colours.
Once March came around, we started basement renovations. This is when I moved the piece indoors. I worked on filling hardware holes, cleaning, scrubbing rust and polishing hardware.
I fixed some mistakes I made with stripping agent and linseed oil and removed the backing.
Once all the details were done, it was time to get it ready for paint. I sanded again with a finishing grit (220) - and so with a smooth grain and clean surface, I lightly spray primed it.
I went off to Home Depot to pick up more paint swatches and for the first time, looked at their small collection of “oops” paints and items.
There it was, the perfect shade of lavender in a perfectly sized quart can. I am obsessed with lavender. The flower and color holds much meaning to me and I’ve kept it close to me throughout my adult life as a reminder that All things (must) pass. This, and all days are meant to be savoured. So, I ran home to start my paint wash with the color that chose me.
3:1 paint to water ratio, a foam brush and a smile, I started applying the color and loved every inch of it. Two coats later, more sanding, Abit of wood filler, more washing and then two coats of varnish. This project felt never ending.
I put the drawers back together with modern stainless steel knobs I already had on hand. I took a moment to grieve the original hardware I wanted to use but vowed to keep them for another piece that would hold it to its standard.
Once everything was assembled…it was time to move her upstairs.
A perfect fit in a living room nook, it was time to style. And oh…have I been collecting for years.
When I look at it, this hutch feels like a metaphor of myself as a young woman, growing into a home of her own, never forgetting the little girl that will forever live inside. Filling life with intention and balance. I also see a solidly built piece of wood furniture that has been given new purpose and life in our home.
This project took a whole lot of DO-ing.
BE
With such emphasis on doing and productivity, this is what I try to incorporate into my daily life to bring be-ing into the mix. These practices allow me to balance do-ing and be-ing. In turn, my overall wellness has been heightened. There is still so much to learn about ourselves but these daily practices have helped me stay grounded, true and connected to my self, and I wish that for everyone!
Everyday I try to…
Drink a large glass of water before I take my first sip of coffee. I find lukewarm or hot, goes down way easier in the morning, but this is a personal preference.
Finish my showers with 30 seconds of cold water. It started with 5 seconds, and I’m now up to 30, and with much colder water than what I started with. It’s a process if you’re a heat creature like me. But it resets me like nothing else can.
Pilates, almost every day. This practice is new but I am hooked. I love the slowness of it the most and I find myself craving it. Sometimes my practice lands in the morning and other days its in the afternoon. This flexibility allows me to sustain doing it almost every day. If you’re curious, I’m doing the beginner videos with Move with Nicole on YouTube. If I were to summarize beginners pilates in a few words: breath, alignment, posture, release, stretch.
This one seems obvious but - eating all my meals! Yes, I used to simply skip breakfast, most days skip lunch and eat my first meal around 2pm. Now, I eat in the morning, I eat at lunch, I eat at dinner and snack when my body needs it. I’m set on intuitive eating and getting better at it every day!
Setting a visual and written routine for our daily life (my toddler and I) has helped with balancing it all, setting clear expectations and making sure we’re both doing and being. Its’ been a special and important piece of structure in the development of our ideal family life.
Outside Walks, Nature, Fresh Air Play. We are outside walking almost every morning. I knew coming into the winter, I needed to make a plan for us. A plan that would allow us to be and stay mentally and relatively physically fit. Which meant, snow, wind or shine, we were outside, without fail - every day. I can probably count on my 10 fingers the amount of times we didn’t go outside this winter. Hooray.
GOOD
BASEMENT BATHROOM REVEAL
This winter, we worked on our basement: tore down walls and closets, fixed drywall, ripped out carpet and put in a fresh coat of paint on the walls, trim and doors…so I figured since we were already in the weeds doing all these renovations - why not refresh this basement bathroom while we’re at it! (Above is the before picture)
Incredible what some paint and TLC can do!
We did this on a tiny budget. The blue paint is what the previous owners used on the outside of the house (don’t worry, it’s indoor paint - do not use exterior paint inside). The grey color is leftover from the basement wall renovation. The most expensive thing in this refresh were the 2 fake plants - I really did not want fake plants but our bathrooms don’t have windows! The baskets came in a 3 pack at Giant Tiger for $15 and the mat too. We replaced the shower head and the print was $10 on discount at Home Sense. We’re so pleased with this little makeover!
SPICE CABINET
As much as I originally wanted to do a whole segment on spring cleaning, it’s just not that interesting! I purged, wiped down grime and dust, reorganized…it feels good, the end.
What I DO want to share is my spice cabinet contents!
And here are my key learnings of the process!
Use what you have - containers, small mason jars, plastic bins for oversized bags of herbs or spices.
Take everything out, clean the inside of the cabinet and create categories.
Keep a pen and paper nearby to write down anything you are missing or want to add to your spice cabinet.
Keep spice blends on hand! I didn’t realize, this was by far my biggest category - my spice blends. Some store bought, some homemade - both effective for quickly attaining maximum food flavour.
HERBS/SEEDS
Oregano; Basil; Marjoram; Thyme; Rosemary; Fennel; Savoury; Coriander; Caraway.
SPECIALTY/LONERS
Onion; Garlic; Pink Peppercorn; Sumac; Mustard Powder; Old Bay; Slap Y’a Mama; Chipotle; Cinnamon; Clove; Gumbo File; Cayenne; Aleppo; Allspice; Celery Salt; Chili Flake; Salt
BLENDS
Lemon/Dill; Shawarma; Taco; Marrakesh; Schezuan; Za’atar; Keg Steak; Montreal Chicken; Piri Piri; Tajin.
MASALA BOX
Paprika; Chili Powder; Cumin; Madras Curry Powder; Turmeric; Cardamom; Garam Masala; Saffron; Nutmeg.
LEAVES (Bin)
Curry Leaf; Bay Leaf; Lime Leaf
OVERSTOCK (Bin)
Pickling Spice; Chili Powder; Black Peppercorn; Cinnamon
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As always Cuties…Thanks for reading!
Check out my Easter weekend recipe!
BONNE BOUFFE
Véronique