self-care routine | Birdsong & Blessings

There’s something special about embracing the rhythm of simple joys—books that inspire, small routines that bring comfort, and little luxuries that make everyday life feel a bit more special. This week, I’m gathering moments of grace that have added beauty, warmth, and a touch of sweetness to my days.

To Read & Enjoy

For Learning & Growth

Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott – A timeless guide to embracing elegance, simplicity, and intentional living. A personal favorite.
My Money My Way by Kumiko Love – A refreshing, empowering approach to budgeting based on real-life habits and values.

For Pleasure & Escape

The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams – A charming cozy mystery with warmth and bookshop magic.
Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan – A delightful light mystery filled with history, humor, and heart.

On-Screen Cozy Mysteries
For a comforting mystery on screen, Father Brown and Miss Marple on Acorn or BritBox are always a recommendation—suspenseful yet charming, without anything dark or disturbing.

A Simple Recipe for Busy Moms

Creamy Tuscan Chicken (with leftovers)

This one-pan meal is rich, flavorful, and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ½ cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked (about six to seven minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
Stir in the spinach, letting it wilt, then pour in the cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the creamy sauce. Let it warm through, then serve over rice or pasta.

Leftover Tip: Save extra sauce separately to toss with fresh pasta or use as a base for a quick soup the next day.

An Iced Coffee Treat

Simple Iced Coffee Recipe

Lately, I’ve been loving this easy afternoon iced coffee. It’s smooth, refreshing, and just sweet enough.

How I Make It

Leftover coffee from the morning, poured into a glass
One tablespoon pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
A splash of heavy whipping cream—or whip the cream lightly for a delicious foam topping

A simple joy that makes an ordinary afternoon feel like a treat.

Budgeting & Financial Grace

Cash Envelopes & Sinking Funds – Yay or Nay?

I’ve been thinking more about budgeting intentionally, and sinking funds have been a game-changer—setting aside small amounts ahead of time for things like gifts, car maintenance, or even fun experiences (because joy matters, too).

Cash envelopes? I love the idea for mindful spending, but I also appreciate digital tracking. Maybe a mix of both is the sweet spot.

Are you team cash envelope, or do you prefer a different budgeting method?

At-Home Manicure Love

A Little Self-Care Ritual

I’ve always loved a fresh manicure, but lately, I’ve found so much joy in doing my nails at home. It’s a simple ritual that feels both relaxing and rewarding.

Current Favorites

Londontown – Strengthening formula with beautiful shades
Olive & June – Easy application and a long-lasting topcoat
Manucurist – A clean, non-toxic brand with gorgeous colors

A fresh manicure, whether at home or in the salon, is such a small thing, but it truly lifts the spirit.

Home & Life Simplified

Little Touches That Bring Joy

Favorite Kitchen Appliance: My coffee maker—the heart of my mornings and the start of every good day.
Beloved Tea Kettle: My SMEG electric kettle—it makes brewing tea feel even more special.
Cherished Coffee Table: My great-grandmother’s old cedar chest serves as my coffee table, adding history and warmth to my home. A rattan serving tray keeps everything tidy and beautiful.

To Reflect & Journal

How can I bring more beauty into my daily routines?
What’s one small way I can simplify my spending while still enjoying life?

As we step into the weekend, may we find grace in simplicity, joy in small luxuries, and peace in the routines that make life feel like home.

Joy & Blessings,

Jenny

“A slow morning, a warm cup, and a little bit of luck to start the day. The best way to begin a Saturday.”

There’s something about a Saturday morning that feels different from the rest of the week. The rush of early alarms, packed schedules, and structured routines fades into the background. Instead, there’s space—gentle, unhurried space—to move at a pace that feels nourishing rather than necessary. I hold onto these mornings, protecting them from plans and obligations whenever I can.

The first light filters softly through the curtains, the world still quiet except for the birds beginning their morning song. I pour my coffee, rich and warm, and settle in—pillows behind my back, soft sheets cocooning me, book or journal in hand. For a little while, there is no to-do list, no urgency, just the simple joy of a slow beginning.

Embracing the Unhurried Moments

Weekday mornings follow a rhythm of necessity—wake, walk the dogs, get ready, start the day. There’s comfort in routine, but Saturdays allow for something different: a slower, more intentional start. These mornings feel like a gentle inhale before the fullness of the weekend unfolds.

It’s in these moments that I find stillness. A sip of coffee that lingers rather than rushes. A few lines in my journal, capturing fleeting thoughts. A stretch in bed before the world calls me to move. These small rituals are my way of pressing pause, of making room for presence before the day truly begins.

The Beauty of a Slow Start

There is something deeply restful about allowing the morning to unfold naturally. No rushing out the door, no immediate demands—just time to savor, reflect, and ease into the day. In a world that often celebrates productivity over presence, choosing slowness feels like a quiet act of self-care.

Maybe for you, a slow morning looks different. A walk in the cool morning air. A chapter of a book you’ve been meaning to read. A quiet moment with a steaming cup of something warm. However it takes shape, these little pauses remind us that life isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about being present, too.

Savoring the Stillness

As the weekend unfolds, the pace may quicken, but the intention of a slow morning lingers. There is beauty in beginning the day with slowness, in making space for simple joys before the demands of life set in. A slow Saturday morning is a gentle reminder: we are allowed to pause, to savor, to just be.

Do you carve out time for slow mornings? What simple moments bring you peace at the start of your day?

Thank you for being here,