Life's Everyday Joys Archives - Paola's LifestylePaola's Lifestyle

Hi friends,

As much as I enjoy my active lifestyle and career, I also enjoy a relaxing Sunday at home. It is a day to re-charge and rest. Sometimes, I simply need it. It is one of life’s simple joys – the art of relaxing! If you are like me, you are productive all week….I’ve had to learn that it is ok to relax. To learn that relaxing, will help me re-charge.

My husband and I like to travel, and do it often, so I don’t get to enjoy weekends at home every week. A few weekends each month I’ll work, or we have commitments with friends and family. My weekdays are pretty full and long. Like many of you, I regularly work more than 40 hours each week, then try to exercise after work. About once a week, I’ll attend a work related function in the evening. So, by the time I get home and make dinner for my hubby, it is late. I try to spend some time on a blog post, do some things around the house, prep my outfit for the next day, take off my make-up, then it is time to go to sleep. That’s it, the day is over. Does this sound familiar?

So, when I can relax at home on a Sunday….all day long….I really, really enjoy it! I’ll sleep in a bit to catch up on my z’s, make some breakfast for my hubby, enjoy my cup of coffee in my pajamas while sitting with my husband as he has his breakfast. I’ll shower, put on some jeans, then watch TV or a movie, do some reading, catch up with friends or family over the phone, organize something at home, maybe do some laundry….and if I can, I’ll take a nap…and of course, write a blog post. Later in the day, I my have some tea and make an early dinner for my hubby, or he’ll go get some take-out (he’s so sweet). I’ll enjoy my hubby’s company & spending time at our home. Once a week, it is nice to not have to look at the clock or have any commitments.

Do you ever take a day off to just relax? What do you do on a relaxing day at home?

Hugs,

Paola

Of the breakfasts I make for my hubby, waffles are one of his favorite.

Afternoon tea is SO relaxing!

I get to sleep in a bit on a relaxing Sunday…or take a nap in the afternoon.

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Time to Relax

Hi Friends,

I am going to write a series based on life’s little (and sometimes big) things and moments that bring us joy – ok, these bring me joy, hopefully they bring you joy as well ;).

Our everyday lives and days may be packed, right? Mine are. Sometimes, I wonder if life would be simpler if I tried to do less, but I realize part of my happiness is learning, exploring, traveling, growing in my profession and as a person, and the most important – time with family and friends. So, I accept that my schedule is busy because I choose it to be. I have also learned to say “no” to commitments when I know it will just be trying to pack in too much into my day or week, which result in me being too tired. When I am too tired, I get cranky (& I don’t like being cranky). I’ve also learned that it is ok to sometimes just relax, that I don’t always have to be doing something productive. As they say, the “Art of Doing Nothing” (I actually have a book titled that).

I have always been appreciative of the blessings I have. I now try to stop to acknowledge these blessings and be grateful. These blessings can be big and can also be simple things that bring joy to my life, perhaps the beauty or comforts of everyday life. Those little moments that make us smile or sigh. Like admiring flowers, the ocean or beach, a good cup of coffee, a long shower, a vacation, sleeping in on a weekend, taking off our work clothes and getting into our pajamas at the end of a long day….you get the idea. That is what this series will be about. What do you think? Do you like it? Feel free to send me ideas on topics and things that bring joy to your everyday life! I’d love to hear from you!

Hugs,

Paola

Life’s Everyday Joys: Weekend Showers

On weekdays, I shower super fast in the mornings. A fast shower for me is about 10 minutes. Add 5 minutes more on days that I wash my hair (ladies you understand). I have been able to take showers in 5 minutes when I am in a super hurry! On weekday mornings, I am constantly looking at the clock, to make sure I get ready fast & out the door on my way to work. My mind is racing about things I need to do at work.

On weekends, I really enjoy being able to take a relaxing shower, particularly on days when I don’t have commitments or a work function. I used to work, usually making appearances, attending events as a special guest, or as an emcee, about two to three weekends per month. In the past two years, I have cut that back to about one to two work events per month. I still have personal commitments and outings on weekends, but those are with friends and family, so it’s more casual and I don’t have to get as done up (not as much make-up & hair). On those weekends when I don’t have commitments, I will enjoy the shower, listening to the water, letting it fall on my face, ahhh….so relaxing. I will also apply a deep conditioning treatment in my hair, soak my feet and use a moisturizing exfoliator. I’ll use a special body wash and sea salts to exfoliate. Sometimes, I will apply a clay mask on my face just before and rinse it off in the shower. During the shower, I’ll reflect on projects I am working and on life projects, on family, and also just enjoy the “me” time. These longer showers help me feel relaxed, yet also re-energized at the same time! They help clear my mind!

So, next time you can spend a few extra minutes in the shower, enjoy it! Give yourself that little “me” time. Look at the water as it flows out of the shower head, let it fall on your face, listen to it…..use a special body wash with relaxing scents, don’t rush, stay in the shower as long as you like, just enjoy it!

Have you ever thought about the joys of weekend showers? Do you take long showers? How long do you usually spend in the shower on weekdays? Do you use any special body washes you like and recommend for us?

Hugs,

Paola