Whether it’s because I hit 40 or simply because life sped up too much, I’ve been learning to slow down. Sundays have become my reset days: a rhythm of small chores, cosy rituals, and intentional pauses. This was a pretty perfect reset day for me.
The Cat Hair Chronicles
Laundry came first. With two black and white cats and a wardrobe heavy in black, lint rollers are basically part of the dress code. My husband usually does the wash, but he hates putting the clothes away, so I’ve started stepping in. Oddly, folding and hanging up clothes first thing in the morning, feels like a small victory, setting the tone for a lighter, calmer day.
Fresh Desk, Fresh Mind
All week my desk had been overtaken by clutter. I often work late and can’t always face putting things away, so the mess piles up. That, and I do find some solace in chaos – organised chaos. Similarly, clearing it gave me that ‘fresh bed feeling’, a little order in the middle of the chaos. It makes me want to sit there and enjoy the space – my little creative corner.
Trying Not to Commit Plant Murder
After the decluttering of chaos I needed to check on my plants. I love plants but have a notorious black thumb. So this year, I’m treating plant care as a mindful practice. I’ve even drawn up care notes in my commonplace journal. It’s not just about survival anymore, it’s about learning patience, noticing growth, and giving myself permission to try again. My peacock plant is in need of a bit of pruning, and a little bit of a watering.
Decluttering & Drawing
Once the plants were happy, I listed some old craft supplies on eBay (decluttering is part of my reset too). Then I rewarded myself by putting on my favourite vinyl soundtrack (Lost in Translation) and sketching. Portrait drawing is something I haven’t touched in years. Leaning back into it felt both fragile and exciting. This is my portrait of Adrienne Barbeau, and incredibly beautiful woman. However, she does look a bit scary before her hair has been drawn in.
Cosy Green Dreams
The highlight of the day was picking up my new bedding: a quilted olive duvet, a muslin throw, and a soft neutral cushion. Green is my colour. It’s restful, grounding, and endlessly cosy. Slipping it all onto the bed made the whole room feel renewed. Although now I don’t want to leave the bed. I’m waiting on some matching neutral pillow cases to add another contrasting element.
A Blondie Break
Baking is my Sunday ritual with my son. This week: maple and pecan blondies. Sweet, nutty, and dangerously moreish. They didn’t last long, but the act of baking together is a memory I will cherish. I got to enjoy my treat (I only had the one) and a little break time with a spearmint tea and a bit of mindful reading before heading for my pamper shower.
The Spa Sanctuary at Home
Evenings are for my pamper shower: scalp treatment, body scrub, face mask, lotion. The kind of slow, indulgent care that tells your body ‘you matter.’ I painted my nails green (of course) while playing another record, stretching the calm out as far as it would go. The scent lingers all night.
Journaling Eco System
Finally, I curled up with my journal ecosystem. Sometimes I write pages, sometimes just a quick mind map. It’s not about documenting everything, but about creating a gentle close to the week.
Reset
My Sunday reset isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about carving out a rhythm that helps me breathe again, ready to step into the week with a little more softness.
Recipe for the Maple and Pecan Blondies
Ingredients:
- 100g plain flour
- 50g rolled oats (blended finely)
- 1/2tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 50g light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 60ml skimmed milk
- 1 large egg
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- 40g pecans (chopped)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°c (160°c fan)
- Line your dish
- Mix flour, oats, baking powder and salt in a bowl
- In another bowl whisk sugar, maple syrup, milk, egg, and vanilla
- Combine flour mix and maple mix together, and stir in pecans. The batter is very thick but wonderful
- Spread evenly into dish
- Bake 18-22 minutes until golden on top but still slightly soft in the centre
- Cool fully before slice (if you can)