Garance Galore

I’ve always been a homebody who enjoys the comforts of my own space. As a kid, I always appreciated the warmth of a fireplace during winter and the sound of rain falling on the tiles. I could spend hours cutting photos from magazines and filling up my many scrapbooks and diaries. These small things used to bring me so much peace. It was MY thing, the bubble I created for myself when I wanted to feel like time stopped.

My husband often tells me that I enjoy being the main character and romanticizing everything. He’s not saying it in a negative way, quite the opposite I would say, but I just don’t know how to do it any other way. And I like the cozy world I create for myself whenever I need to slow down.

Over the years, as life gets more stressful and intense, I’ve realized how much I cherish this side of me and my ability to slow down and find joy in the smallest things.

My dad was and still is the most down-to-earth and humble person I know, and I like to believe that I got this mindset from him. He’s always been able to find the positive side of every situation and enjoy the simplest things in life. I hope that as life passes, I am able to cultivate this quality and instill it in my children one day.

So, slowing down… but what does this mean?

For me, slowing down means turning the sound off and doing something that brings you actual joy. Something that you look forward to. This could look very different depending on who you are and what your hobbies are, but it’s something that you know calms you down and makes you feel GOOD.

Knitting

My mom is a very talented knitter, but that was never something I was interested in growing up until I turned 23 and thought to myself, “I wish I could knit.” My husband encouraged me to go and buy my first pair of needles and yarn, and that day, my knitting journey started.

I’ve made a few projects, but I am still practicing. My skills are far, far, far from perfect, but I get a lot of joy learning new stitches and making the most basic projects.

I like to put on a podcast or a background show while playing with my needles. It’s a very special and important moment for me.

Exploring my newfound interest in gardening

Lately, I’ve been watching videos and reading a lot of gardening blogs. I’m an absolute beginner, and I am afraid my knowledge on the topic is very limited. Knowing that we will not stay in Malta indefinitely also discouraged me because I know I won’t be able to take my plants with me, so what’s the point?

Well, actually, the point is enjoying the activity itself and learning a new skill. So when I found this basil plant at the supermarket, I could not resist getting it and actually trying to replant it. After all, I enjoy edible herbs and eat them on a daily basis, so why not?

It was a short and lovely moment. Separating the roots on my balcony while listening to the pouring rain made me feel like a novel character, lol.

If you have any tips for me, feel free! : )

Exercising

I mentioned in my September Favorites that I started going to the gym, and it has been the most enjoyable experience: rediscovering my strength, understanding my body, and slowly pushing myself to be better each time.

When I am working out, I truly feel like I am in the present moment. And now I sound kind of ridiculous lol. But you get the picture, having a regular gym session is another surprising way I am able to slow down and find peace.

Scrolling on Pinterest

I think that Pinterest truly is my favorite social media. I love making boards, scrolling through photos, and finding amazing blogs. It’s a great source of joy, inspiration, and the coziest corner of my phone!

Skin and hair care

Taking an extra 15 minutes to do a hair mask, moisturize, and just take care of my physical appearance always brings me so much joy. And weirdly, it’s also a moment for me to realize that I am lucky to be alive, in a functioning body, and in an envelope that I honestly like on most days.

Since I started my blog in November 2023, I have found so much comfort in sharing my thoughts and words with you all (probably just my husband, best friend, some of my aunts, and a couple of friends), but I guess that’s enough for me because I like it just as much, if not more, than when I wrote my first post.

I wish you all to find peace through whatever medium works best for you. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Till next time,
Garance