Beating December Blues

I don't know about you but December leaves me feeling cold, harried and I start to feel the onset of cabin fever. It seems to have escalated this year with the absolutely FREEZING weather. There are definitely the happy things like Christmas and all that comes with it but I thought I would share with you 6 things that are getting me through the holiday craziness and keeping a smile on my face.

1) James Tissot. I go through these time period phases. I find myself convinced that if I lived "back then" that's where I would fit. I would feel most comfortable there. I would find my true self. I know none of this is true but I seem to sometimes rationalize it. James Tissot is a French painter from the Victorian Era. His paintings are mostly of everyday life and they are beautiful. Just look at them and try not to wish yourself to another time. I dare you.

2) A Fine Frenzy's album Pines. I've always loved Alison Sudol. I think she is adorable and her music has always seemed really organic and sweet to me. Pines came out in 2012 and at first I felt it was kind of whatever BUT in recent weeks I've fallen in love. It's calming and simply lovely. Please check it out! Riversong is my favorite. I have it on in the background as I finish my final projects for school, decorate our house and quilt.

3) Keeping with the Sudol trend, I've been watching this video on repeat. It's called Lost Things and it's beautiful. I don't have much else to say about it except WATCH!

4) When I'm feeling particularly worse for wear, I watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For some reason watching Sara Michelle Geller fighting demons always makes my problems and frustrations about my lack of gift ideas seem particularly small. Unfortunately I've become a Buffy fangirl. My husband... has not. I'm hoping the more I watch it the more it will grow on him. Although I don't think it will.

5) Now I've just started this book called the Diviners by Libba Bray. I've always loved Libba. Her Gemma Doyle Trilogy changed my life. I'm only about 1/4 of the way through this new book and so far I love it. It takes place in 1926. My only warning is you might want to brush up on your knowledge of 1920s slang before you jump in... Sometimes I find myself having to look up meanings for things BUT I'm getting the hang of it.

6) Last but not least... ALL of our pictures are finally hung! Our apartment is starting to look... well like it's actually lived in. It makes me so happy to look around and see everything put together. I'm an absolute nutcase when things aren't put away.

Hopefully some of things things will help you chase the December blues away. If they don't, no stress. Put on some Bing Crosby and Nat "King" Cole and call it a day. Tomorrow just might be warmer!