When I was at home during the period of lockdown, I spent many gentle hours of journaling, day dreaming and simply focusing on those things that make me feel happy. At the end of the four weeks I spent at home, I felt grounded with renewed clarity of what is important to me without the distractions and obligations of the outside world.
My home was an oasis of calm that held me close and safe for the duration and I had time and energy to clean out my closets and home make to my heart’s content.
Surrounded by my books, family photos, gifts, travel treasures and objects chosen simply because they make my heart glad, it is easy to feel at peace.
As I have mentioned before, I thrived during lockdown. Although I felt guilty given the truly terrible impact of the virus on people’s lives and the economy, I was in my happy place. I could have remained in a state of quarantine indefinitely. So long as I had a constant supply of good books, knitting projects and pantry full of ingredients, I would be fine.
Even when I was able to return to the shops, my focus was very much on blessing my home with little touches of bijoux. Case in point are the dear little pots of ivy and button ferns I now have dotted around my house.
As happy as I have been in my domestic situation, the return to work was inevitable.
I have been mindful of my surroundings over the last few weeks, and it is clear that it is important to me that my sanctuary is restful, beautiful and nurturing.
A small bunch of flowers makes my soul smile, as does a touch of pink, a comfortable throw and beautiful china cup.
On my return to work, I decided to take some of that homely, feminine spirit back with me.
I spend much of my day at a desk while at work, and in an office setting that it is fair to say is quite soulless.
So on leaving my bubble, I took to work a few, new essentials. My desk is now beautified with a sweet little diffuser scented with French Pear. Next to this is a pump dispenser of luxury hand cream of the same fragrance. I have had feedback already about how beautiful my office smells.
I have chosen my favourite family photo and had this printed in black and white, set in a simple white frame. This memory of happy times centres me and keeps me focused on what in life is really important on those occasions when the day feels out of control.
I have a lovely china cup, cream in colour and embossed with bees for my Earl Grey tea. There is a small pot of faux pink blooms to the side of my monitor and a pink pashmina draped over the back of my chair to throw around my shoulders when the air conditioning turns the air chill.
I have a small, white bowl which has been repurposed as a work day fruit bowl and a water bottle of a fondant pink hue.
It is most certainly not a home away from home, but having a little bit of home style luxe and a touch of chic in the office makes for a more senses satisfying experience.
What is it that sustains you when you are away from home?
Quietly Quaintrelle 