Spring is in the air: 5 activities to shake off the winter blues

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."

(Hal Borland)

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As we approach the end of the winter season, I am already looking forward to the arrival of spring. The temperature is rising, the daylight is getting longer, nature is awakening.

The change of seasons also provides a great opportunity to shift our routines. Here are 5 activities that will help you to make the most of the changing weather and welcome the new season with its blooming flowers.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring cleaning - For most of us, cleaning is probably not our favorite activity, but decluttering and organizing can help us freshen up our homes and create a clean environment for the new season. Trust me, you'll feel better afterwards, and it's kind of worth an exercise too.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring decor - It's time to replace all the wintry decoration and bring a touch of spring into your home by updating your decor with fresh flowers and some vernal decor.

🌼🌷🌼 Outdoor activities - It's getting light outside for longer and the temperatures are milder, allowing us to enjoy more outdoor activities. There will no longer be an excuse that it's already dark outside after work, which is something I'm really looking forward to. Whether hiking, biking or simply going for a walk, enjoy the fresh air, the sun and the beauty of nature.

🌼🌷🌼 Spring getaway - Whether it's a day trip or a whole weekend, exploring a new place or visiting an old one, embrace the adventure and switch off your mind during this time.

🌼🌷🌼 Practice mindfulness - Don't forget to take the time to slow down too. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and sensations around you. Enjoy the awakening nature, the beauty of the flowers. I personally can't wait for this, and also to listen to the birds and bees. It's so calming.

As we prepare to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the changing landscape and reconnect with nature. From spring cleaning to outdoor adventures, there are countless activities to help you make the most of the transition and celebrate the arrival of this new season filled with growth, renewal and blossoming possibilities.

What activities are you looking forward to with the end of the winter season? Share your favorite ways to welcome spring in the comments below.

With best wishes,

E

Finding joy in the little things: Valentine's Day inspiration

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you."

(Loretta Young)

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Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14. Over the centuries, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of love, whereby the exchange of cards, flowers and gifts is a common tradition. In recent years, Valentine's Day has also evolved into a commercial holiday, offering businesses the opportunity to profit from it, which has naturally led to numerous discussions about this special day.

In my opinion, you shouldn't limit your love to a specific day, but show it all year round. Regardless, a little extra gift on Valentine's Day can't hurt, of course. But remember that love is best shown through consistent actions that show care, support and appreciation every day, not just on a specific holiday.

You can show your love through small acts of kindness, such as leaving a love note, giving a warm hug or cooking a favorite meal, but also with small but thoughtful gifts. Remember that the price tag doesn't define the sentiment behind the gift. What matters most is the thought, love, effort and time someone puts into choosing a gift. This can be anything from a handmade card, to a personalized photo frame, a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. Other options include experiences such as a dinner out together, a movie night or cooking lunch together.

🠊 Are you celebrating Valentine's Day? If so, how do you celebrate it?

💖 "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."

(Buddha)

💖 "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

(Mother Teresa)

💖 "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."

(Aristotle)

💖 "Love is being stupid together."

(Paul Valery)

💖 "You can't blame gravity for falling in love."

(Albert Einstein)

💖 "There are never enough I Love You's."

(Lenny Bruce)

💖 "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

(Audrey Hepburn)

With best wishes,

E

Letter bead bracelets: A fun and meaningful craft for all ages

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

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"It all started with one little bead."

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Making letter bead bracelets is fun for all ages. They are easy and quick to make and a perfect craft activity for both children and adults.

You can completely personalize these bracelets and you can freely choose the size, the colors and of course the word you add.

You can choose positive and motivational sayings, but also your name, the name of your partner, your children or other loved ones, your horoscope, not to mention a date or a monogram, perhaps a place you would like to remember.

To make the bracelet, all you need is a handful of colored beads of your choice, some letter beads, elastic string and, of course, a pair of scissors. Optional are glue and a piece of tape.

Choose any material you want, there are different types, sizes, colors, pick what you like the most and what best expresses you. There is no right or wrong here, the design is entirely up to you.

💛 The first step is to wrap the elastic string around your wrist to find the right size. Cut a piece of string that is about twice the size of your wrist so that you have enough room to tie the knot later.

💛 Next, thread on the beads. Make sure that the beads do not fall down on the opposite side when threading them on. If you are a beginner, you can tape the beginning to your desk with a small piece of tape. When threading on the letter beads, make sure that the letters are facing in the right direction. 

The letters should be in the center of your bracelet. I always start with one side and if it's not right, correct it in the end by taking off or adding more beads at the beginning, but some people start with the word and then add the beads evenly on both sides. Choose what works easier for you.

There's no need to worry about not finding the symmetry on your first try. You can always adjust it accordingly by adding or removing beads once you've checked it. Just make sure you end up with the same number of decorative beads on both sides of the letter beads so that the pattern is symmetrical on your wrist.

💛 Once all the beads have been added, it's time to bring the two ends of the string together and tie them into a knot. Some people also secure the knot with a bit of glue, but I personally don't do this.

💛 Finally, cut off the excess string at the end of the knot with scissors leaving you as close to the knot as possible.

That is all. Beaded bracelets are a great addition to any jewelry wardrobe. They are colorful and personalizable. You can even stack them or combine them with other types of bracelets, but they even make a great gift.

🠊 Do you have a letter bracelet or are you planning to make one? Which word have you chosen for it?

Get started and have fun making your own beautiful beaded bracelet! 😊

With best wishes,

🅔