Beating the Winter Blahs

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm so winter-weary it's not funny.  It seems like winter started in November with frigid temps which were soon followed by one snow storm after another, and here we are 4 months later with no end in sight.  If you're a snow bunny, then I guess this must be your dream winter, but what about the rest of us?  What should we do to beat the winter blahs until the crocuses start poking up?

Well, here's your friendly neighborhood perch librarian to offer you some ideas to help you make it to spring.  In no particular order (and with, perhaps, some slight bias):

• Go to the library
• Read a book
• Watch a movie
• Listen to beach music
• Knit or crochet
• Draw or start a new hobby
• Take a yoga class
• Hang out at a bakery cafe
• Walk outside (even though it's cold)
• Cook a new recipe
• Try a new restaurant
• Get a massage
• Sleep or nap
• Work on a puzzle
• Do that home reno project
• Visit the local museum
• Have a 1-night getaway out of town
• Get together with some friends
• Take a bubble bath complete with candles and wine
• Get some extra Vitamin D (either natural or pills)
• Do some aromatherapy
• Meditate
• Eat some dark chocolate
• Clean your house
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Turn on more lights
• Plan your next vacation
• Play old-fashioned board games
• Color an adult coloring book

I'm sure there are other things that can be added to the list.  Maybe you have some ideas of your own?  If you do, please share!

Wishing you early and warm spring wishes from the perch.

Gifts from the Heart

Believe it or not, Valentine's Day is looming on the horizon, just a week away.  Maybe you've already gotten something for your sweetie.  Maybe you've already made reservations for that popular restaurant.  Maybe you've got something special planned to demonstrate your love.  If you're all set for V-Day, that's great and we're happy that you don't need to read the rest of this post.  If you still don't know what you're doing, then read on.

Perhaps you're a little short on cash or you just want to do something from the heart.  Homemade Valentine's Day things are the way to go!  Remember when you were a kid and you made Valentine's Day cards in art class to give to your mom or that special crush in your class?  Who says that a homemade card isn't something that would make your sweetie melt?  After all, it's something YOU made that can't be bought in any store.  Not too creative?  Take a look at some of these samples for ideas.

Want to make a homemade gift to go with that handmade card?  There are plenty of things to make that your sweetie would absolutely love because it's from you!  Personally, I think the love rocks and coasters are great things that even the artistically-challenged can make, but there are a lot of different ideas.  If those ideas don't do anything for you, maybe some of these might do?  Or perhaps these?

Remember, Valentine's Day is all about telling that special someone how much you care.  It doesn't have to be about how much you spent.  Heck, probably the best thing you can give your sweetie is just some time and affection.

Wishing you warm and fuzzy feelings this Valentine's Day from the perch.