6 Fun Indoor Things To Do In Winter

If you're staying at home because of bad weather, challenge yourself and do something fun to deal winter boredom. Here are six fun things I usually do when I'm stuck at home during winter. Consider trying some of these ideas to keep yourself entertained when stuck indoors.

1. Learn something new.

A new hobby can eat up hours.

2. Organize your photos.

You can make a Photo Album online or just enjoy looking through all those photographs you have      taken.

3. Pajama Day.

Do nothing but relax. Get on your comfortable pajamas, gather some cozy blankets, and curl up with a good book on the coach during the day indoors.

4. Catch up on your favourite shows.

Catch up on your favourite shows that you missed during busy days while the cold weather keeps you inside.

5. Make soup.

There is almost nothing more comforting on a cold or rainy day than a big ol' bowl of hot soup. I have been on a soup kick lately;) We love this hearty soup that's packed with delicious ingredients.

6. Redecorate your home.

These Simple Decorating Ideas can create a whole new look.

Hope you have a great weekend. Stay warm! xx

(Photo by Michele Palazzo.)

10 Good Things About Winter

Today it is cold and rainy out.This day just begs for an inspiring wintery photo to be viewed along with a nice cup of tea. Winter is upon us. And while it is not typically my most beloved season, there are plenty of good things that make the season bearable - even enjoyable for me. Ah, the beauty of the wintery snow-filled landscape. There's a silence to a winter day that you will never experience in summer.

10 Good Things About Winter

 1. Hot Chocolate.

 2. Staying in with a good book.

 3. Soup.

 4. Big cozy sweaters.

 5. Fuzzy socks.

 6. Scarves and mittens.

 7. Snuggling in front of a fire.

 8. The smell of other people's fireplaces when you're walking through your neighborhood.

  9. Trees covered in snow.

10. Pajama days.

The more I look at this picture, the more I realize that winter isn't that bad! ;)

Hope you have a great weekend! xx

(Top photo by Tara Milk Tea. Bottom photo via)

Life's Little Pleasures

Flowers make me incredibly happy. Hope they do the same for you.

Embracing the winter chill. 

I like winter, despite the cold weather and snow. I love curling up on my sofa with a cup of hot chocolate. I love curling up in a warm, cozy sweater. I love to photograph winter landscapes. Need I say more?

This week has been cold - like ridiculously cold. I'll be focusing on staying warm this weekend with fuzzy socks, cozy blankets and hot chocolate.

Hope you have a great weekend! Be safe and stay warm! xx

Sitting by the window and savoring my favorite flavor of coffee.

Something about this little scene way calling me to shoot it.

Watching the clouds form beautiful shapes. It's never the same show twice.

We all need a little magic in our lives, right?

Spending a few days in a lovely cottage.

I love ivy-covered houses. There's something completely medieval and amazing about ivy on houses. Well, you would never have to paint again! ;)

A warm bowl of soup on a lazy Friday night after a hard day. Nothing beats the comfort-giving qualities of a warm bowl of soup.

French Toast. There is nothing nicer than sitting at home in my pajamas and eating one of my favorite desserts. Yum!

Hunting out interesting reflections. Capturing outside window reflections...glass can be a lot of fun to work with.

Getting outdoors for a long walk on a cold day.

Last Week's Best Moments

Friday already? Gosh, what a quick week this has been. It seems like I've hardly gotten anything done...I will happily say, however, that I did manage to get the Christmas tree up (photos will follow soon), so at least that's something! ;)

It has been a very cold past week. Some days it can be difficult to simply get out of bed in the morning. Cold winters call for a cozy night in, sitting by the fireplace, with a good book, and a glass of red wine to warm the heart.

While browsing the internet the other day, I stumbled upon this inspirational video, The Man On The Moon - it moved me to tears. It really did.
The message is simple yet powerful: "Show someone they're loved this Christmas."
I hope you love it as much as I do.

My dears, hope you have a great weekend! Wishing you the magic and love of this season today and everyday. xx

(Video via METRO.)

Christmas is Coming

It is officially three weeks until Christmas! I can hardly believe it!

There are plenty of reasons why "it's the most wonderful time of year."

What's not to like about twinkle lights, all the reindeer, sugar cookies, Starbucks holiday drinks, candy canes, Christmas decorations and trees, mistletoe, snowflakes, Vintage Santas (that my family had collected over the years), and Christmas music...they all easily make me happy and get me into the Christmas spirit!

This is always a busy time of year and it's just so wonderful to slow down and take in the beauty and true meaning of the holiday season.

It's a season of love, anticipation, and giving. Remember, "Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our heart."

-Janice Maeditere 

Hope you have a great weekend! Enjoy the holiday season! xx

What are the twelve days of Christmas.

How to make a large bow in a professional way.

24 DIY Christmas decor ideas. I love this!

Top 13 Christmas movies .

Five Things Tuesday

There's nothing more peaceful and relaxing than the soft glow of candle light.

Hello everybody! Hope your week is going well. Spring is coming, and I'm so looking forward to warm sunshine, blooming flowers and long walks in the countryside.
Have a great day! xx

Farewell to winter!

English Cottage in Devon.

 'A cottage is the only form of building  in which happiness is attainable,' Jane Austen declares in Sense and Sensibility.

Macarons anyone?

Here's the recipe for macarons.

Have a Wonderful Weekend

It was much to chilly in my house today, so I'm warming up with my 3rd cup of coffee.

I'm looking forward to a simple and unhurried kind of weekend. So I'm planning on lying lazy and relaxing at home.

A day in New York, New York.

I love  this video for so many reasons. Watching this makes me want to go to New York again. I've been to New York actually. Several years ago, I made my first ever visit to this unique, amazing place. I think I just fell in love with the Big Apple all over again!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

(Video by JacksGap)

Pick-Me-Up!

Have you ever had one of those days when everything is going wrong? You spilled your morning coffee on the carpet. Someone used the last of the shampoo. The hot water ran out before you got a shower this morning. And all that happens before your day even gets started. It is enough to put anyone in a lousy mood.
Each of us has some activity that grounds us. My thing is listening to my pissed-off-put-me-in-a-better-mood music. Music can be therapeutic. Because it just takes my mind off of what made me angry in the first place and makes me feel better in seconds.
What is your thing?

What do you do when you are having a bad day? Any tips? I'd love to hear your ways to shake off a bad mood. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

P.S. Tip: Touch your toes. "It opens up your hip joints, which is where most people store tension", says Dr. Oz. "Hold the position for a minute then slowly roll up. As you lift, so will your mood."

Linking to Wednesday Around The World

Happy New Year!

Little Deer Welcoming the Sunrise.

Happy New Year everybody! I hope you have a great year ahead of you full of love, happiness and unexpected surprises. May you and your family have a wonderful and blessed 2013!
2012 was a great year and I'm so thrilled to have you here. You, lovely people, brighten my life and inspire me everyday with your laughter and creativity. Thank you so so much for reading Cut and Dry.

Love you guys! xx

*Comments Off*

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

...So be good for goodness sake! I still can't believe that 2013 is just five days away. Is it just me, or is December flying by?
Right now I'm looking forward to: spending time with friends and family, walking in a Winter Wonderland and baking shortbread cookies.
I hope the New Year brings with it lots of promise, peace, joy and happiness to everyone!

What are your plans for New Year's Eve? Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year! xx

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Bright and Merry Christmas! I wanted to say a big thank you for all your wonderful comments on Cut and Dry this past year and for your continued support; it has been such a pleasure having you here.

My dears, whatever you celebrate, may your days be joyful and your hearts warm with love.
Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time with friends and family. 

In the meantime, I'll be savouring the sounds of the holidays. Merry Christmas, everyone! xx

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Winter Subtleness + Have a Great Weekend!

So these are my last road trip photos. I love these shots for too many reasons to fully explain.

Trying to capture the cold, grey (gray) wintry mood, the loneliness of the landscape, the dead feeling of winter,

a subtle shadow,

...and trying to use my camera like a paintbrush.

These are a few of my favourite photos. Why? Because looking closely at these, they do look a lot like they were taken with a film camera (my favourite cameras of all time). I really love that bluey hue in some of them. But they have been taken on a digital camera.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay warm! xx

P.S. I love this inspirational Japanese proverb..."One kind word can warm three winter months."

Sharing with WW@Kent Weakley .