Love and Rosen

Five Ways a Night Owl Can Get to Sleep & Wake Up Easier

Arica — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:00:40 +0000

First off, not everyone wants to become a morning person. I can testify to the fact that I've been a night owl for most of my life and it's one of those things that is just a part of who I am. However, it seems as I've grown older (going to turn 30 next month) that I've started to enjoy early mornings just as I enjoyed late nights. Maybe it's just the peace and quiet. Whatever it is, I know that I am a happier person when I get adequate sleep. Since I have to be up by 6am, staying up till midnight doesn't mesh so well with the concept of well-rested. I also HATE the stressed out feeling of rushing out the door with my hands completely full and hoping I get to work without a speeding ticket. Not a great way to start the day. For me, I'm so wired from the day at night that it's hare to shut down and get to that sleepy place. I've forced myself to do a few key things that make going to sleep earlier and waking up a little easier.

1. Start the bedtime routine earlier than you actually think you should. I found that by going to my bedroom to get ready for bed by 9:15pm makes a big difference. It gives me that leisurely time to wash my face (maybe do a mask or exfoliate), brush teeth, get dressed in comfy PJs and check in on my little guy. All that stuff takes me at least 30 minutes.

2. After feeding and playing with Noah, I like to be sure the kitchen is cleaned up. My brain has a hard time relaxing when the house is a mess. However, I know it's not reasonable to have a clean house all of the time BUT I can take the effort to be sure the dishes don't pile up and the counters are cleared off. Maybe it says something about me but I feel more relaxed with an uncluttered kitchen counter.

3. Before heading upstairs to bed, I prepare my coffee for the morning and a cup of tea for that night. I'm definitely a coffee person in the morning but I love the warmth of a relaxing caffeine-free tea in the evening. I especially love tea that contains lavender or rose petals.

Here are my two favorites:

Tazo Calm Chamomile Loose Leaf Tea

Republic of Teas Be Relaxed

4. Then there is the subject of your cell phone. The key here is to stop looking at my phone, computer, etc. after 9:30pm and to have it charging at least 5 feet away from where I sleep. There is something freeing about not having your phone right on your nightstand.

5. Now for all you married people, you know that it's not always possible to have it your way all the time... My husband loves to fall asleep with TV on. The problem is I CANNOT FALL ASLEEP WITH THE TV ON! I am a firm believer that you really can't change anyone and it's all about compromise. Luckily, Mitch falls asleep way earlier than I do so I just let that TV be on and then make a point to shut it off after he falls asleep. However, if he puts on some movie I like, I'll get so sucked in and end up staying up way too late... SO when I can utilize self control with the TV, I shut it off and pick up a book. It helps me get sleepy and it's fun to look forward to each night.

The morning part I'm still working on but getting to sleep at a reasonable hour is half the battle.

For even more ideas such as exercise and the right foods to eat to become a morning person, check out this list from Real Simple. I love the idea of giving yourself a reward for not pressing snooze.

Have you crossed over and become a morning person? Please share tips!

Arica

Just for You

Arica — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:00:04 +0000

First, I changed my Twitter handle to @AricaRosenthal so I hope you'll come "follow" me on over. =) Ok, now it seems that every post I write lately begins with a reason for not posting as often... I've come to the conclusion that I may need to be honest with myself (and my lovely readers) with the fact that I just won't be able to post as much as I'd like because I just end up with such a tiny amount of free time after working all day, taking care of my little guy (Noah), my big guy (husband) and our home. It's something I'm sure a lot of people face when it comes time to balancing everything. I appreciate you guys getting it. I think we all work at balance and sometimes saying yes too often, leaving us forgetting what we really like doing for ourselves. Outside of spending time with family and friends, it's important for me to take time for myself. Here are a few things that make me happy and help me recharge. We all need that boost to take on those other things in life that are not always so great. If nothing else, pin a few to remember for later. =)

Pancakes, well any kind of breakfast or baking for that matter.

Retail Therapy and anything sparkly

Yoga (I'm still pretty new to it but I love it)

Reading a good book

The Ocean

Gold + Pink + Champagne (a lot of happy in one photo) via This Is Glamorous

DIY Projects (DIY Macrame Bracelets from this post)

Animals (Reminds me of my little black cat, Mila)

Had to sneak in just one of me and my guys since they make me the most happy.

Comments on my blog are so fun to get, I'd love to read about some of the things that make my amazing readers smile. xx Arica Image Credits: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Wine Tasting Adventure

Arica — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:38 +0000

Hi Friends. I've missed you. I'm sure everyone knows life gets busy and we all need to catch up sometimes. I recently went on a fun wine tasting adventure near Santa Barbara for my friend Rachel's 30th birthday. It was so nice to escape for the weekend, including the gorgeous drive up the coast with Mitch and spending time with friends. This was my second time going up that way and all the wineries we visited were amazing. All wonderful but very different. First we went to Rusak where we really learned a lot about their wines and how they built up the vineyard over the course of many years. Then we stopped at Koehler where we had great wine and ate lunch outside. I think it may have been my favorite part, plus I found a little cat to follow and take pictures of. Lastly we made our way to Curtis where at that point we were all a little wine "happy". I found dark chocolate with sea salt, bought a few fun gifts plus found a little something for me. I've always love a little wine and shopping mixed together. Don't you? Here are a few fun photos from the day... Happy 30th, Rach! ♥♥ Arica

Nightstand Update

Arica — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:00:11 +0000

I love those little personal touches at home that make your space yours. Simple things like fresh flowers or a favorite candle put a smile on my face and make my day a whole lot nicer. However, after a while the same set-up I create can get stale and it looses it's spark. I think it's the perfect time year to take a look at your favorite spaces and make a couple of changes to freshen up the look. It might be a new throw-pillow, fresh flowers in a vase you rarely use or you could just swap things around in different rooms. I've made a few updates throughout my house and for today I thought I'd share my nightstand update. But first, here are some great finds if you'd like to spruce up your nightstand.

1. Tray

Antiqued Carved White Tray by Pier 1 Imports

Studio Tray by Z Gallerie

Sarah Campbell Decoupage Trays by West Elm

2. Lamp

Gemma Milk-Glass Table Lamp by Pottery Barn

Oxford Lamp from Dwell Studio

Source Kudu Table Lamp from West Elm

3. Coaster

Lacework Coaster in Mint from Anthropologie

Midas Coaster from Z Gallerie

Agate Coaster by Jayson Home

It only take a few minutes. I highly suggest removing everything you currently have on your nightstand and then adding the items you want one at a time. Here are the changes I made: 1. Swapped out the tray I was using for my jewelry and placed it on my nightstand. 2. Added a fresh lemon scented candle. This one in particular is Myer Lemon by Yankee Candle. 3. Moved a framed photo from my wedding to the other side of the nightstand onto the tray. 4. Filled a vase with my favorite flowers from my wonderful husband. ♥♥ Arica

My List of 5 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

Arica — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:23 +0000

So I know that it's super cliché to write a post about resolutions at the start of a new year but the truth is I need this. I am so thankful to have had a few extra days off from work to clear my head, spend time with Noah, get a little organized and have an at-home beauty afternoon (while Noah napped). It may just be that having that extra time gave me a jolt and made me realize I am constantly going and doing something, that I should make sure I'm going and doing the things I really want and that will make me happy. I recently watched the documentary called Happy and it made me realize for one that I say happy a lot and two that sometimes I do things that I think will make me happy at the sacrifice of things that do make me happy. I think my personality is always been one where I'd rather do the not so fun things first and then enjoy the good stuff. Sort of torturous when I think about it. Odd. It's not an easy task to change a lifelong habit BUT at least I'm more aware of it, right? Anyhow, I enjoyed the documentary and give it a thumbs up if you want to check it out. www.thehappymovie.com When it comes to writing out resolutions, I think a short list is probably best. More than 5 will be hard to keep to and what you really end up with is a wish list... Here are my 5 resolutions for 2013:

1. Take a photography class

2. Try a new food recipe at least once a week

3. Do nice things for others without needing anything in return

4. Experience "flow" or a feeling of being "in the zone" at least once a day (you'll know what I mean if you watch the movie).

5. Check-in on my resolutions and general state of happiness every month.

It's a good idea to write them down somewhere even if you don't want to post them on the refrigerator. You can even make a craft out of it. I never hesitate at the chance to use glitter... =) ♥♥ Arica