Warm Up! 7 Ways to Make the Most of the Coming Weekend
Light a few candles, pile on the blankets and give yourself some TLC. If you’re feeling ambitious, tackle the closet too
Laura Gaskill
January 4, 2018
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
With the busyness and indulgence of the holidays behind us, this weekend is a good time to focus on health, wellness and warmth. Try some indoor winter gardening, light extra candles and soak in a hot tub — the weekend is coming, and it’s time to unwind.
1. Boost spirits with extra light. We’re past the winter solstice, but the days will continue to be short for a while. Boosting light around the house can help. Add extra candles to the table, bring in a new lamp and feel free to leave those holiday twinkle lights up as long as you want.
Simple Pleasures: Savoring the Season of Warmth and Light
Simple Pleasures: Savoring the Season of Warmth and Light
2. Get a winter gardening fix. If you love to garden, why not try your green thumb on a little indoor winter gardening? A sunny window or a few grow lights are often all that’s needed to raise a flat of fresh lettuces or sprouts to add to your winter salads.
It’s also a good time to start planning for some cool-season crops for your outdoor pots and gardens.
Warm Up a Greenhouse for Winter
It’s also a good time to start planning for some cool-season crops for your outdoor pots and gardens.
Warm Up a Greenhouse for Winter
3. Keep pets safe. Be sure pets have access to fresh water and shelter in cold weather. And if you’re planning to use snow melt this winter, double-check that it’s a pet-safe variety before you use it on the front walk.
Love Pets? Here’s What to Look for in a House
Love Pets? Here’s What to Look for in a House
4. Cozy up your bed with winter layers. Get toasty with an extra layer of warmth on the bed on chilly nights. Try a flannel duvet cover, wool blanket, or bed-size faux fur for a snuggly addition to the bedroom. And don’t forget the bedside rug and slippers for making that first step out of bed in the morning more pleasant.
5 Ways to Create Your Perfect Winter Bedroom | Browse cozy blankets
5 Ways to Create Your Perfect Winter Bedroom | Browse cozy blankets
5. Give your wardrobe a fresh start. Take advantage of that new-year energy and give your closet a good clearing out. Donate unwanted clothes to charity, and put back only what you love to wear. When you’re done, choose an outfit for Monday morning and hang it up — you’ll have one less thing to worry about when the new week begins.
Professional Tips for Cleaning Out Your Closet
Professional Tips for Cleaning Out Your Closet
6. Soak away stress. Soaking in a hot tub or steaming away stress in a sauna feels especially good in winter. If you don’t have access to a hot tub or sauna, savor an extra-long bath or shower with the essential oils of your choice.
12 Naturally Beautiful Hot Tubs
12 Naturally Beautiful Hot Tubs
7. Focus on health at home. After an indulgent holiday season, it feels good to give yourself a little TLC. Refresh the air with fragrant cut eucalyptus, encourage yourself to drink more water by filling a pretty glass carafe each morning, or carve out a corner for yoga and meditation.
How to Treat Your Home to a January Health Kick
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More: 6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs
How to Treat Your Home to a January Health Kick
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More: 6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs
Related Stories
Housekeeping
Choose Your Own Spring Cleaning Plan
Instead of trying to do it all, pick one of these six cleaning approaches that’s right for you now
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better
By Jo Simmons
Consider some simple changes and fun tips for brightening your world
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
9 Secrets to Successfully Remodeling a House Together
By Laura Wheat
Learn how to put your stamp on a project while avoiding unnecessary conflicts
Full Story
Decluttering
10 Tips for Clearing Out the Family Home
A professional organizer offers advice on emptying a family home in preparation for a sale
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen
Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies
Full Story
Houzz Call
Houzz Readers Share Snowy Scenes Near Their Homes
These 25 views capture winter across the United States and beyond
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets
Make your bed a place of comfort and relaxation with good-quality linens, ample pillows and other pleasing accoutrements
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven
By Jo Simmons
Set up a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation
Full Story
Feel-Good Home
10 Tips for Boosting Winter Wellness
Improve indoor air, enjoy some exercise and have fun — even on the coldest days
Full Story
Healthy Home
12 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home
By Becky Harris
Experts share tips for enhancing physical and mental health at home
Full Story
I'm looking forward to staining my kitchen cabinets, painting the kitchen and buying my first plant.
@Beth. I agree that no one should leave a pet outdoors in the freezing cold. I did, however, appreciate the advice about checking whether your snow melt is pet safe, even though I live in a place without snow. Not all Houzz readers are in the U.S., or even the colder parts of the U.S.
The winter layers on the bed sure look cozy. I could hibernate with that setup.