I’m not one for resolutions (hey – it’s 2019 and I’ve just got round to penning this post!) but something I wanted to do this year, more for myself than anything else, was to revive my Seasons of Rosie posts. Seasonality is at the core of all I do here, from baking to outfit posts and everything in between – so sharing my monthly seasonal joys seems a natural extension. I love tracking the small shifts from season to season; it makes me mindful of the wee things. January is tricky for many people and it’s one of the busiest times of year in my day job. So all the more reason to take note of things to celebrate this month: without further rambling, here’s my list of ways to make January that wee bit more Rosie.
Recharge:
Too often in January the urge is to rush, rush, rush. No sooner have the fireworks ended and the whole of Instagram is making (and breaking) resolutions, finding a word for the year or folding everything Marie Kondo style. Great if that works for you – but if it doesn’t it can leave you feeling, at best, a little left out and at worst utterly worthless. As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realise I will never get the ‘new year, new you’ impetus in January, rather the urge to hibernate! Instead, when Spring arrives and – perhaps oddly – back-to-school time rolls around in early Autumn are my times to review and reset. This year, I’m okay with that and instead I’m going to try to be kinder to myself in January.
Plan:
Okay, this seems to contradict my previous point but hear me out. I’m not talking about punishing plans, or putting pressure on yourself to follow resolutions or mandatory fun, rather putting concrete rewards and moments to look forward to in the diary. A simple daytime date, a trip to the cinema rather than Netflix, an adventure to the seaside, the release date of that book you’ve been looking forward to for months – little things or big things to look forward to and count down towards always help get me through this month.
Get outdoors:
Even if it’s just getting off the bus a stop earlier, or choosing a different route to work than your usual, opting outdoors can be more restorative and enlivening than any expensive gym class. Plus, the cosiness of home and hearth is all the more rewarding after a bracing Winter walk on a cold, crisp day. More importantly, you will notice January’s gradual seasonal shift: the snowdrops are early this year, while there are tiny buds appearing on the trees already. A pertinent reminder that life continues and that lighter, longer days are coming. And don’t stop there – bring the outside inside. Make a seasonal posy of bare branches, ivy and snowberries, or make a seasonal wreath. All foraged responsibly, of course!
Have a marmalade day:
Take a leaf out of Paddington Bear’s book and spend the day (or afternoon at least) in the kitchen whipping up a batch of seasonal marmalade. I love that in the dark depths of Winter citrus season is in full swing – nature’s reminder of colour, flavour and life. You’ll find Seville oranges in bigger supermarkets or ask your local greengrocer to get some in for you. Few things beat the scent of orange peel simmering in sugar, or the mouth-puckering taste of homemade marmalade fresh from the jar. It does take time and effort but it is worth every bit; plus stirring the pot and patiently waiting for the jam to pass the wrinkle test is the most rewarding exercise in mindfulness.
Celebrate Burns Night:
I couldn’t possibly leave out the birthday of the Bard this month! Next Friday is Burns Night, a time where Scots the world over celebrate the immortal memory of Rabbie Burns. I’ll be making my staple veggie haggis (tastier than it sounds) and a twist on cranachan for pud. Look out for a suitably Scottish Rosie Makes coming soon too.
How do you embrace the seasons? What are you doing to brighten January?