Slow Life in January in the English Countryside | Rustic Home Decor, Folklore & Cosy Cooking Vlog

These cold frosty days of January must be the most peaceful time of the year. Our homes become the most inviting and comforting places, sheltering us from the winter cold and early night fall. It is the perfect time to notice and be grateful for everyday ordinary comforts, like heating and homemade food, things that are so easy to take for granted. Andrei is cooking soup for later but right now I want to show you a delivery of hops. I've ordered these a few days ago and followed the suggestions from the website to keep them open in that moist environment for over 24 hours. So that's done and now I will hang them over the window. I had a Christmas garland over the window and now when I took it down it feels so empty. So yeah, I thought I will give it a go and see how it's going to look with the hops above it. Hops are flowers that have been used in beer brewing since middle ages. Today they are also very popular as decorations, often hung above fireplaces or on beams in cottages and pubs across Britain. Thanks to their connection to farming and rural traditions, they instantly add English countryside charm to any space, making even modern homes feel more rustic and closer to nature. In folklore, hops have long been associated with fertility, abundance and growth. In some traditions, hop garlands were believed to guard against evil spirits and bring good luck to homes and breweries. Their presence in a space was thought to promote positivity and safety, which makes them a perfect addition to my home. They are also known for their calming properties. Placing hops underneath your pillow is believed to protect against nightmares and restlessness. Although I am not a superstitious person, I believe every story has a seed of truth and simply bringing natural elements into the home definitely makes our environment calmer and more restful. I love it. I truly, truly love it. I am hooked for life. I can't imagine myself moving forward, not having hops in my home anymore. Gosh, it's gorgeous. It's so full and rustic and it just really brings the outdoor indoors. Right, it's time for Henry. I genuinely consider Henry's the best vacuums in the entire world. January is a time of hibernation and rest, but days like today with blue skies and sunshine remind me how winter is both the end and the beginning. Although nature seems asleep, seeds are already buried in the darkness of the soil, waiting for the call of Mother Nature. This time of rest and regeneration is essential. Without it, there will be no spring flowers or the abundance of summer. Let's remember this when thinking about our own rest. Perhaps some of you will give slow living a try this year. I have lots of useful posts on my blog for those interested in calmer and mindful life in 2025. I will share the link in the video description. Andrei is cooking soup with chicken, noodles and vegetables. A perfect meal for this cold January evening. Warm meals are truly invaluable at this time of the year, nourishing not only our bodies but also spirit. They keep us warm, shield us from the winter blues and stoke our inner fire. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to embrace slow living. The long evenings encourage us to find comfort in our homes and give us time not only to rest but to read books or watch videos that will inspire us for the year ahead. It's also a wonderful time for retrospection, being honest with yourself about the things you want to continue or improve upon and also what needs to go because it no longer serves you. It's not always easy and these decisions don't have to be drastic, but planting the seeds now will give you a direction for where you want to go and how you want to feel in the months and years to come. Thank you for watching.