Clothing Swap
Red Stamp, March 2014
Last fall, I was researching a fashion article and I stumbled across the idea of a Ten-Item Wardrobe. Inspired by the simple, chic style of French women, the idea is to pare down your wardrobe to a core set of high-quality garments that can mix and match with every other item. This causes you to think through your purchases before you make them and truly love what you buy, ensuring each item reflects your personal style.
This idea re-entered my mind at the beginning of this year as I was contemplating simplicity—using less to teach myself to want less, opting for quality over quantity, paring down the amount of what I use and own. Though I want to live my entire life with more simplicity, this thought in regard to by closet especially hit home.
I’ve noticed lately that I actually do gravitate toward the same core items in my closet, creating various outfits around a handful of different shirts and sweaters. Yet my closet is filled to the brim with clothes I just can’t seem to part with! And trust me, I’ve tried. But I am the queen of justifying items in my closet, even if it’s something I wear only once a year. “My grandma gave me that sweater, and it used to be hers. It’s a classic style!” {No matter that I’ve worn it twice in the past two years.} “I wore that on my first date with that guy!” {Sure, it didn’t work out, but I really liked him at the time!} “My freshman roommate gave me those pants!” “I got this shirt during that trip to New York!” “That’s my Christmas sweater!” I could go on and on. I have a nostalgic tale for every item I can’t seem to part with. And the hard part is, it’s not that they’re too shabby to wear or that I’ve outgrown them. It’s merely that they don’t best reflect my current style. Which is exactly why I don’t wear them in the first place.
So, for the past month, I’ve been caught in this place of desiring simplicity, while my sentimental heart beats wildly in protest every time I contemplate clearing out the clutter. What’s a girl to do?! And then, the ladies at Red Stamp proposed a *clothing swap*. The answer to my conundrum! It’s so much easier to part with those nostalgic items when I know they’re going to a good home and I can refresh my wardrobe with some new items and not break my shoestring budget in the process. Voila!
So, after some planning, we all gathered together with armfuls of clothes in tow. We mixed some drinks, threw on some music and pursued the stacks of beautiful clothing that our stylish friends, and friends of friends, had brought to exchange for something new and exciting for our own closets.
What I have now are items that mix and match beautifully with each other, creating innumerable outfits so that, despite my wardrobe’s smaller size, I won’t get bored with the pieces I have. With a refreshed combination of old + a few new-to-me items, I have a closet with a lot more breathing room and one that better reflects my current style. I’m still working on building a wardrobe full of high-quality staples a la Madame Chic, and I’m still far off from the Ten-Item Wardrobe (honestly, I don’t know that I’ll ever cut down that much). Best of all, I didn’t waste any money in the process, so I can continue to save for those investment pieces to anchor my wardrobe. (I’m looking at you, Billie Boot.)
Even better than the gorgeous new clothes I scored? The lovely ladies who attended our clothing swap! We all invited a few friends, so at the gathering I got to meet new fantastic friends + got to know the ones I already knew even better. Along with a couple of new sweaters, I have a couple more friends. How *sweet*!
So, what are you waiting for? Throwing your own clothing swap is easy! Simply send out an invite to your girlfriends and have them invite friends from their broader circles. Consider hosting it at someone’s house or a meeting room at a co-working space. Set a date and time (Saturdays are perfect) and use it as not only an opportunity to score a few new wardrobe items, but as a way to meet a bunch of new friends!
If you’re wondering more about what key items every wardrobe should have, stick around. In the coming weeks and months we’ll be featuring some of those classic items that offer endless, multi-tasking style. In the meantime, here’s a simple guide to editing your existing wardrobe!
Are you a minimalist when it comes to clothing or is your closet bursting at the seams? Would you ever give the Ten-Item Wardrobe a shot? Tell us what you think!
See original article here.
Find Your Balance
Red Stamp, February 2014
Already this year, there’s been a lot of talk about slowing down, on finding balance between working hard + socializing and being still. The Huffington Post created a whole page, the Third Metric, focused on redefining success based on well-being, wisdom and having a positive impact on the world. The focus is sustainable success rather than success found through sleepless nights and burning out.
As part of that initiative, they’ve coined the term “JOMO” or “Joy Of Missing Out.” The idea is that it’s ok to stay at home and have an evening to yourself {more than once!}. It’s ok to have a quiet lunch where you aren’t scrolling through social media the whole time. It’s ok to say no to an invitation or social engagement. Because, in the long run, life is better spent in balance.
I think we’re all a little afraid of missing out. We like to be connected and know what’s going on around us, whether at work or in our social circles. But that desire also puts a lot of pressure on us to be plugged in at all times, to overload ourselves with appointments and run ourselves to the ground. Well, this year, consider bringing that self-pressure to a halt! No one can do everything or be all things to all people, and learning to step back now and then will lead to a healthier, happier you.
Sometimes, part of building stronger relationships is about saying no more often, so that when we do say yes, we’re fully present and invested, leading to more meaningful interactions. Because when we say yes to social engagements a little less often, we have time to recharge, to take care of ourselves, to slow down in the midst of life’s craziness.
To find a balance between pouring out and filling up, we are considering which things in life are most important to pour time and energy into–1:1 time with those most important to us. Coffee dates, parties, letter-writing, phone calls. And we plan to take the time for small pleasures, things that bring joy, so that we can fill up and have more to give to the people around us. The key is to learn and do what works for you, not your co-workers, friends, mother, or sister. Because all of us have different balances that we must strike, and it won’t look quite the same from individual to individual.
So, we’d love to hear :: how do you strike a healthy balance in your work and social life? What do you hope to work on in 2014? Is it hard for you to say no to an invitation? And will you embrace JOMO in 2014? Please share!
See original article here.
28 Acts of Love
Red Stamp, February 2014
Our *free* digital calendars for February are here, and we’re loading them up with love! Because, around these parts, we love love. We’re suckers for romantic songs and classic Nora Ephron love stories, cute cards, and all things red + heart-covered.
So, naturally, we’re *huge* fans of Valentine’s Day! This year, we want to do more than put a heart around February 14 and plan one over-the-top day of love. We are spreading special moments over the entire month, and we invite you to join us! Here’s a list of ideas to get you started, and be sure to share with us how you’re spreading the love this month! We can’t wait to do the same!
1. Wake your love with a kiss every day in February. There is no sweeter way to start the day!
2. Hand-write a letter to your childhood best friend, filled with your favorite memories of times together.
3. Make a playlist of all the songs that relate to a friendship you hold dear, whether sappy + sentimental or outrageous boy-band jams, and surprise that person with a copy of the CD.
4. Send an in-the-moment text {or Red Stamp card} letting them know why you’re thinking of them.
5. Take your sweetie out for a museum day, and be inspired by the classic romantics. On a budget? Many museums and art galleries have a free evening each week!
6. Look a loved one in the eye and tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
7. When going out on a dinner date, meet at the restaurant instead of at the house.
8. Give your darling a copy of your favorite book, with a personal message inside. For an extra-personal touch, underline your favorite lines throughout the book.
9. Go out for a Karaoke night and dedicate your song to your bestie or sweetheart. Sing your heart out!
10. Surprise your dearest with a homemade breakfast of heart-shaped pancakes or waffles, topped with strawberries + whipped cream.
11. Send a friend a quote, song, or photo that makes you think of them, just because.
12. Invite your grandmother over for tea and ask her to share some childhood memories, or perhaps the story of how she and your grandfather fell in love.
13. Show up at a friend’s door with a tub of her favorite ice cream, two spoons, and a classic chick flick for a girls night in.
14. Hand-make Valentine’s cards for all of your favorite people. It doesn’t matter if you’re not crafty, because in this case, it’s definitely the thought that counts!
15. Make a *sweet treat* and drop it off at your neighbor’s door, with a note saying how sweet it is to live next door to them.
16. Make a list of ways a person in your life inspires you, and give them the list. There’s nothing more uplifting than knowing someone notices the little things about you!
17. Share your love with matching temporary tattoos.
18. Take your kids out for a special day full of their favorite things—food, parks, games, and movies. Make them feel extra loved + cared for.
19. Affirm a decision a loved one was uncertain about, and offer some unsolicited encouragement + support.
20. Buy an extra cup of joe on your way to work and give it to a co-worker. Be sure to share a few sips and conversation.
21. Pause in the middle of the sidewalk and give an unexpected kiss to your sweetie. Because, every once in a while, life should feel like the movies.
22. Sew a heart inside a pocket flap on one of your darling’s shirts, so your hearts are always close together.
23. Host a dinner party and fill it with the favorite dishes of your guests.
24. Read your favorite love story aloud to your love. Let the words linger in the air.
25. Be your own Valentine and wear a cunning heart pin to make even the simplest outfit sweet and lovely.
26. Send a hilarious YouTube video to a friend. Add a note with the link letting them know that, even more than hilarious videos like this, they brighten your life and leave you in stitches.
27. Encourage someone to chase their dreams, whether it’s your husband, neighbor, child, co-worker, or a stranger on the bus. Let them know that you see their potential for doing great + beautiful things.
28. Buy flowers. Fresh flowers—cut or potted. Every day of the month. For everyone.
So, what will you be doing this month to spread the love? Do share!
See original article here.
Hot Cocoa Bar + Sledding Party
Red Stamp, December 2013
There’s something magical about freshly fallen snow. The world gets quiet and still, like everything has stopped but the swirling of the flakes. It leaves me in awe of the beauty around me. It makes me pause and give thanks. It makes me be still too.
I first discovered this magic in fifth grade, on a class trip to go cross-country skiing. After we found the right sized boots, we went outside to clip our toes into the skis and head off. And just as we did, it started to gently snow. As we swooshed into the woods, we were suddenly surrounded by the glittering silence. It was peaceful and bewitching; it made my fifth grade heart soar, because I had never experienced something quite so beautiful.
Fast-forward eight years, and it was my first winter at college. That December I found myself finally settling into a group of friends I felt at home with, who loved the same things I loved and were the truest of kindred spirits. One Friday, right before finals, it had been snowing all day, those thick, fluffy, December snowflakes. That night, several of us girls decided to go on an adventure, in search of hot cocoa and whipped cream. We piled on our boots and hats and puffy coats, and headed out into the winter wonderland. As we walked, we were hit by an un-earthly stillness, the kind that makes you feel separate from the rest of the world, like you are in your own little snow globe. We trooped along snowy sidewalks, laughing, reflecting on the semester, discussing our favorite things, and singing our favorite Christmas carols. Though I had felt the warmth of friendship from these girls in the past many weeks, it was that night that I knew these would be my forever-friends. The snow irrevocably brought us together. Like magic.
I believe that a jaunt through the freshly fallen snow is good for the soul. It causes you to pause amidst the busyness of life and notice the beauty around you. It conjures up contemplations and brings hearts together. So, this winter, I encourage you to go outside after a new snow, breathe in that frosty air and see the world a bit differently.
And, I speak from experience, these walks are always best when accompanied by some steaming hot chocolate. In fact, why don’t you make a party of it! Gather some kindred spirits, put on your warmest clothes, and load up a sleigh full of your favorite hot cocoa ingredients for an unexpected and sweet Hot Cocoa Bar + Sledding Party! It’s easy to put together at the first sight of snowfall for a spur-of-the moment winter gathering. So, add a little more magic + surprise to your winter days, and share your photos with us when you do!
Original Cocoa (Makes 4 cups)
Ingredients ::
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half, divided
Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan; stir in boiling water. Continue until sugar is dissolved. Bring cocoa mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes; stir milk and 1/2 cup half-and-half into water mixture. Cook and stir just until hot, about 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in remaining half-and-half.
Chocolate Hazelnut
Add 1 Tbs chocolate hazelnut spread to cocoa mixture.
Mexican Hot Cocoa
Add 1 tsp + 1 dried chili pepper to cocoa mixture, boiling for 2 minutes, and remove before serving.
Dairy Free
Switch out milk and half-and-half for 4 cups Vanilla Flavored Almond Milk.
Optional Toppings
Caramel Bars
Mint Chocolate Chips
Butterscotch Chips
Peppermint Bark
Flavored Candy Canes
Giant Marshmallows
See original article here.
Choose Your Own {Holiday Card} Adventure
Red Stamp, December 2013
Inquiring minds want to know :: what does the Red Stamp card-ordering process look like, from log-in to mail-out? Today, we’re giving you an inside look, walking you through the ordering adventure so you’ll know just what to expect!
This year, for the first time ever, I decided to send out a Christmas card to a handful of loved ones. I am, after all, a couple years out of college and establishing a career for myself…so that’s what all good adults do, right? Plus, Red Stamp has so many adorable options, I really couldn’t help myself. Join me on this little adventure of merriment, would you?
Choose a design ::
For quite a while I have sent out Red Stamp cards digitally, without creating a login, but I discovered that by logging in, I can “like” cards while I browse, and they’ll be saved to my favorites to come back to later. So, once I logged in, I bee-lined it to the “Holiday Cards” section to browse the Christmas designs. I perused for quite a while, because I just couldn’t decide which one I liked best. I tested out a couple possible designs with the photo I wanted to use, and after some tough decision-making, I decided to go with a Nordic fair isle design, with a red + white color scheme to make it feel extra festive. I knew I wanted a photo card because it would be a bit more personal. I pulled a photo from my Facebook account {though I was happy to see I could also pull from my camera roll and Instagram, or take a brand new picture and use it on the spot!}.
Personalize the message ::
I then wrote up a short, sweet holiday greeting that fit my personality. And did you know, if you ever need help putting together the right words, Red Stamp is happy to serve as your wordsmith? Many card designs offer pre-written sentiments that are sweet and personal enough to send to all your dear ones. Just tap on that little wording quote in the upper right-hand corner.
Digital or paper ::
Once my design and text were set, I was ready to begin the great send-off! I already knew I could send cards digitally, for free, over text, email, or social media. However, for my holiday cards, I wanted something a bit more sentimental and lasting, so I decided to go the card + envelope route, which allows me to slip in an extra note before sending.
I love how personal a card + envelope is. There’s something so special about seeing your name scrawled across an envelope, and the excitement of opening it to see the magic inside, knowing that someone was thinking of you and took the time to put it together. That’s the feeling I wanted to send out this Christmas, and the idea is even sweeter knowing Red Stamp prints on their famous luxe matte paper, tucked into a sturdy, elegant envelope. And speaking of envelopes, I went with the classic craft paper option, my first decision in the ordering process. This choice elicits strains of “brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things…” and my heart just melts. Because how quaint and magical is it to receive a craft paper package in the mail?
The send-off::
Originally, I was planning on having Red Stamp send my cards for me, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing once my order was placed. However, I was a little stumped when I realized I didn’t have all of my addresses collected. So, I ventured over the river and through the woods, ending up with the “ship to me” option. I want to add a special letter with some of my cards, so this is actually the perfect option for me. I did, however, opt to have my return address printed on the envelopes, and for Red Stamp to add the postage for me. I may not have my addresses collected, but that doesn’t mean I have to fight the crowds at the post office too! By the time the cards arrive, I’ll simply slip in my letters, write out the addresses, and send them on their merry way!
I also appreciated the fact that, had I been more organized, I could have had Red Stamp print the “to” addresses on the envelopes and then send to me, so I could still add my special note and then just pop them into a fully addressed, stamped envelope! Next year…
I ordered 17 cards for $1.69 each – bonus for being able to select the exact number I wanted! – and then chose standard shipping, at Red Stamp’s everyday rate of $1.99. I was able to confirm my order and then entered my credit card information, which will now be saved for future orders.
After placing my order, I got an email confirming it, and letting me know that my cards would be printed and shipped out in 2-3 business days, and they’ll let me know once my cards have shipped.
I’m so excited to be able to connect with my loved ones in a special way this year, and I love how easy it was to make that happen. Red Stamp gave me the flexibility to order whenever I wanted without any looming order deadlines, which was so important to me since I tend to run a little last-minute. Even with all of my vacillating over card designs, and re-writing my note about ten times, the entire process took me well under an hour. And now I have the rest of the holiday season to enjoy some cookie-baking, ice skating, and tree decorating with family + friends…once I dig up all the addresses I need, of course!
So, what are you waiting for? Go on, enjoy your own adventure + create your perfect holiday card!
See original article here.
St. Nicholas Day Surprise
Red Stamp, December 2013
Ready for a wonderful Christmas surprise? December 6th is St. Nicholas Day! Though this tradition is not as widely practiced in America, it is such a sweet way to spread holiday cheer, add some surprises to an ordinary day, and let the magic of the season last a bit longer. The lore of St. Nicholas travels back through the centuries, and everyone has a slightly different tale of this legendary man and how we came to celebrate him on December 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas.
St. Nicholas, the man, was born during the third century in what is now Turkey. His parents died when he was a young man, leaving him a significant inheritance. Generously, he gave all he had to the poor, the most notable legend being his rescue of three sisters being sold into slavery. He was later made the Bishop of Myra, and as a saint, he is best known for his generous giving to the needy, his concern for children, and as the patron saint for sailors and ships.
St. Nicholas, the legend, has greatly evolved over the years. As memories and tales of the real Nicholas grew dim, it was the people of Holland who kept his memory and generosity alive. On the eve of December 6, the anniversary of his death, Dutch children would lay out their shoes, legend being that St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, would return and fill it with treats. Most believe that Dutch immigrants brought the tradition to America, and Sinterklaas, who became known as Santa Claus, came across the ocean. (Read about St. Nicholas traditions around the world here.)
During the holiday season, my family has always kept the tradition of filling stockings with small gifts and candy, our modern-day equivalent to the traditions of our deep European roots. As part of this tradition, my mom gets each of my siblings a new Christmas Tree ornament each year. For weeks ahead of time, she labors over finding the perfect bauble for each of us, wanting it to reflect our personalities, something significant that we’ve done that year, or one of our great loves. Not only does this sweet tradition map out something remarkable from each year of my life, but as each of us move out of the house, we take our ornaments with us and have enough to fill a tree of our own. And it’s always a surprise to see what she comes up with every year!
Do you have a St. Nicholas Day surprise in store this year? What other holiday traditions do you carry throughout the month? Do share!
See original article here.
Surprise + Delight Your Guests
Red Stamp, November 2013
We’ve been counting down the days, and there’s just one day left! What we love about this year’s uniquely combined holiday is that it blends giving thanks, gratitude + great food. Both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are about gathering our families around us and taking stock of the past year, what we’ve been through and where we’re going. How are you planning to surprise and delight your guests? Read on for ideas + inspiration!
Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Thanksgivukkah this year, we encourage you to join with us as we share 1,000,000 Surprise Moments and plan something extra special. It doesn’t mean hours of extra time in the kitchen or missing the Thanksgiving Day Parade or football game. It doesn’t mean extra stress. We think this year’s festivities can be about the sweet surprises that will make the day oh so special and even establish some new traditions along the way!
Here are some ideas we have in mind:
• Ask everyone ahead of time what their favorite holiday dish is so you can be sure to have it at your celebratory meal. Surprise each family member with a recipe card of that favorite dish, so they can make it all year long.
• Give Thanksgivukkah a try and serve your traditional Thanksgiving meals while using Hanukkah decor! Think: menorah centerpieces, dreidel favors, Star of David plates…find all sorts of classy and festive decorations here.
• Going around the table to share what you’re thankful for is a Thanksgiving classic. This year, give it a twist and have everyone bring an object that represents what they’ve been most thankful for. Giving thankfulness a physical representation makes gratitude more tangible for everyone!
• Pull out a family photo album or old home videos, and promise to look at a different one each year. It will be fun for everyone to see glimpses of their former selves and remember all the sweetness of years gone by.
• During dessert, pour some bubbly and let each person share their biggest accomplishment of the year, toasting along the way. Celebrating what each person is proud of in their lives is a small way of seeing what is important to them, and you can remember to encourage everyone in these areas throughout the year!
These are only a handful of ideas, ways that you can bring together your families and friends + set apart some sweet times for memory-making. And if there’s someone special you won’t be seeing this year, surprise them with one of our digital cards, include a photo to make it even more special! Do you have any long-standing traditions, or new ways you’re planning to surprise everyone with an unexpected twist this year? We’d love to hear!
See original article here.
A Kind Word, A Warm Heart
Red Stamp, November 2013
Here at Red Stamp, we believe that with a bit of empathy and awareness our small acts of kindness can have a significant, rippling impact.
Receiving kindness also spurs us on to give that kindness back to others. It softens us, makes us more aware of what others are going through and more motivated to do something to help someone else, no matter how small an act.
In fact, for both the giver and receiver of a kind act, there are actually chemical reactions shooting off in the brain that make us more happy, calm and stress-free. Compassion stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, and decreases levels of cortisol. You can learn all about the science of kindness here.
We want to spur on world kindness with our 1,000,000 Surprise Moments campaign to really make an impact on the people around us. We encourage you to go out and surprise someone with a bit of kindness today, and share with us how you reached out or were impacted.
There are a million small ways you can touch someone’s life…
• Pick up a friend’s favorite coffee and surprise them at home or work with an extra treat for the day.
• Leave an encouraging note on the desk of a co-worker.
• Say thank you, and really mean it.
• Help an elderly gentleman or a busy mom carry their groceries out to their car.
• Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru.
• Say hello to a stranger on the bus who looks like they’ve had a hard day.
People want to know that they are seen. In these small ways, we can show people that they aren’t alone, that they’re worth a bit of kindness, and that perhaps they have a bit of kindness to offer to someone else. It’s a contagious thing, kindness is. We hope you all catch the bug!
How will you show kindness to others today? Do share! Maybe we’ll even send a little kindness back your way…
See original article here.
Here We Come A-Wassailing!
Red Stamp, November 2013
It seems like, in just the blink of an eye, the holiday season is upon us! The temperatures are dropping, coffee shops have pulled out their holiday cups, and we are beginning to plan out the next two months of festivities!
One thing that always puts us in the holiday spirit is preparing warm, cozy beverages, especially for a group of our friends and family. We love the smell of spices filling the air, and this Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider is just the thing to warm us up to winter. We can’t stop thinking about how homey it will feel to prepare this cider for a holiday party, letting it brew all day while the snow falls and we decorate, bake and get ready. How perfect! There’s nothing like gathering with loved ones over steaming mugs of holiday cheer.
What is it about food and drinks filled with cinnamon, cloves, and other spices that is so cozy and wintery? Part of it is probably the way that smells are so closely connected with memories. These spices recall coming inside after long days of playing in the snow, warming up by the fire and sipping hot cider that mom made. Studies show that smell memories actually tend to be much more vivid and emotional than visual or verbal cues. And speaking of scents, here is an easy way to make festive, natural air fresheners with cinnamon and vanilla!
Drinks with these spices are also steeped in history, and nothing warms our hearts quite like a good, long-passed-down tradition! Mulled Cider has its roots in the British Wassail custom and is heavily associated with Yuletide celebrations. So this kind of spiced drink is wintery by trade!
We may not be drinking to the good health of trees and bountiful harvests like ye olde Wassail days, but we’ll happily drink to the health of our friends and families, and enjoy some good cheer over this cozy drink!
Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
4 cups cranberry juice blend
6 cups apple cider
Peel of 1 orange, cut in wide strips
2-inch pieces of ginger, peeled and sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp whole cloves
Garnish: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, fresh cranberries
Optional: make it an“adult bevi” by adding Tuaca-soaked oranges
Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and heat on low for 4 to 6 hours, covered. Serve in festive mugs with desired garnish.
Take a peek at our other delicious recipes!
See original article here.
Bye, Bye Daylight Savings, Hello Standard Time!
Red Stamp, November 2013
Ah, Daylight Saving Time. Most of the US will celebrate the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday. Some say, it’s a weekend to “fall back” and gain an hour of sleep. Not a bad idea. Recent studies by the National Institute of Health show that sleep can improve memory and even lead to a more toxin-free brain which leaves your mind clearer for the day ahead! {We like the sound of that.}
Or maybe adventure is more your speed? In her book “168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think,” Laura Vanderkam outlines how, with a bit of awareness and organization, we truly do have time for not only the tasks required of us, but that we don’t have to sacrifice passions for obligations. Also, this video makes a pretty stunning display of the time that we have.
At Red Stamp HQ, here is what our extra hour of daylight looks like this year…
• Time to reconnect with a dear friend who we don’t see regularly in the midst of busy schedules. A long brunch, or even just a phone date, is a perfect way to start the day off right.
• Extra fresh air before the days grow colder and shorter. A stroll or bike ride through the park with the fam sounds lovely, possibly accompanied by a late autumn picnic. Maybe we’ll even follow it up with some leaf-jumping with the littles!
• When we’re good and hungry, we’ll head to the kitchen, taking the time to make our favorite special-occasion baked goods — apple pies, pumpkin cookies, ginger snaps — all topped with a generous dose of whipped cream.
• A late-night “me party” sounds like a perfect way to finish out the day. A chick flick, Pinterest crafts, at-home manicure, and cocktails!
Just don’t forget to turn back the clocks! Saving that until right before you go to bed will make you feel like you’re getting that extra sleep your brain needs while still feeling absolutely accomplished with how many lovely things you packed into your day.
What does an extra hour of daylight look like for you?
See original article here.