Winter is a time to slow down and relax. On the cold wintry days when you’d rather stay cozy at home, warm by a fire - here are some relaxing activities you can do at home, either alone or with your household.
1. Read a Book
There is nothing better than cozying up under a blanket with a cup of hot tea or chocolate, and diving into a good book. Many people today use E-books to read. However, you can support our local bookstores by purchasing hard copies from them. Here are some local favorite bookshops:
Shelburne Falls Booksellers, Deerfield Ave in Shelburne Falls
Boswell's Books, Bridge Street in Shelburne Falls
Nancy L. Dole Books & Ephemera, 20 State St, Shelburne Falls, (413) 625-9850
Zoar Books and Gallery, 399 Zoar Road, Charlemont (413) 339-6611
World Eye Bookshop, Main Street in Greenfield
Federal Street Books, Federal Street in Greenfield (online shopping only until March 5th)
Roundabout Books, Kenwood St in Greenfield
2. Get Crafty
Pick up a new hobby like knitting, sewing, painting, jewelry making, or any other creative outlet which speaks to you. Franklin County has long been a place of inspiration for artists and creatives. Let it inspire you too! These shops have some items to help get you started on your next project:
All About Beads in Greenfield has a complete selection of beads, findings, tools, and books to help you start beading.
Check out Loot Found + Made in Turners Falls for “piles of cool stuff” which may be part of your next work of art or project.
Plum Boutique in Greenfield also has a few crafty kits such as a Paint by Numbers Kit and Complete Embroidery Kit.
You can also browse online stores for any other tools or craft items you may need and hop on YouTube for millions of how-to videos.
3. Family Movie Night
Set aside a night of the week for the whole house to come together and watch a movie. Make it a truly unique experience by rearranging the furniture to make it more theatre style, make a batch of fresh popcorn, and create ticket stubs for everyone to use to enter the theatre.
4. Do a Puzzle
For some, it's easy to lose track of time and become totally absorbed in a puzzle. Puzzles are great to tackle alone or get the whole house involved in a large one.
Greenfield Games on Main Street in Greenfield has lots of puzzles, board games, and more to entertain for hours on end.
Flora! The Shop on Bridge Street in Shelburne Falls sells puzzles, including ones with magnetic pieces.
5. Cook a new recipe
Wintertime is a great time to cook and try new recipes. The house is warmed by the stove and oven, and the air is filled with pleasant aromas from the food. Try a new recipe or remake your classic favorite dish. I especially love to cook soups and stews during winter because they warm you up and can feed you for several meals.
6. Keep a Journal
The new year is a great time to pick up a good habit of journaling daily. Keeping a journal helps you to organize your daily life amongst a long list of other benefits. Journaling has been shown to relieve stress, boost your memory, and enhance creativity. It can also help you to set and achieve your goals, improve your writing, and allow for self-reflection. Pick up a journal and start today!
I hope these ideas inspire you to spend some quality time relaxing in your home this winter. Enjoy!
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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.
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