Elevating the Art of Everyday Living: Simple Hacks, Refined Rituals and Little Luxuries

We’re sharing simple hacks, refined rituals and little luxuries to help you elevate the art of everyday living today.

No matter how busy life gets, I’m constantly reminding myself and those around me that we have the power to transform ordinary tasks into extraordinary experiences simply by acting with care and intention.

After all, elevating the art of everyday living is nothing more than a series of meaningful practices, rituals and standards we live by each day to honor who we are and who we’re becoming.

Here are a few ways to elevate each day.

Elevating the Art of Everyday Living…

*Mindset is everything.

*Invest in things that make your life easier or better.

*Buy the thing you really want the first time. It actually saves you money in the long run because you’re not buying multiple “second best” items.

*Create a daily power hour, it will help anchor you.

*Become an expert on yourself.

*Honor your future self by being proactive.

*If it feels too big, break it down until it becomes manageable.

*Your calendar is a sacred space, make sure it reflects what you value most.

*Prioritize your health and wellness appointments in the same way you’d prioritize your kids, aging parents or best friend’s appointments.

*Create a library at home.

*Be intentional with your weekends.

*Hobbies are connection points so don’t be afraid to try something new or rediscover something you once loved.

*Write it down, you can’t remember everything.

*Keep a running list of items you want, need or plan to gift so you can take advantage of exclusive sales and holiday shopping events.

Refined Rituals…

*Invest in rest.

*Purchase the highest quality mattress, pillows, linens and blackout curtains you can afford.

*Consider adding a heating blanket to your bed in the fall and winter so you can warm the linens up while you’re in the bath or shower.

*Create a morning and a nightly routine you look forward to doing.

*Help your body wake up and prepare for sleep with simple stretches.

*Keep a water carafe or tumbler by your bed so you can hydrate as soon as you wake up.

*Fill your at home coffee station with a variety of coffee, teas and drinking chocolates. Cafe inspired baked goods are a great bonus!

*Take in the sunrise or sunset. 

*Drink green tea or french press coffee on your porch, patio, or terrace before the day begins.

*Go for a wonder walk and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

*Create a vibe with playlists for all your rituals and routines.

Simple Hacks for Makeup & Skincare Routines…

*Create a morning and evening skincare routine using quality skincare ingredients, it’s worth the investment.

*Consider keeping your sheet masks, eye masks and other skincare products like retinol and vitamin c serums in the refrigerator for added cooling, depuffing and shelf-life extension. The product labels will guide you on your specific brand’s recommendation.

*Apply your skincare at least 30 minutes before you go to bed so it has plenty of time to absorb. I review my calendar, write in my journal, and read while I’m waiting.

*Establish a makeup routine that makes you feel pulled together each day, even if it only takes a few minutes.

*Listen to affirmations while you’re doing your hair and makeup.

*Learn how to give yourself an at home manicure or schedule a standing appointment at your nail salon.

*Make your shower experience feel like a spa day by hanging eucalyptus from your shower and using luxurious products.

*Use a towel warmer to warm up your towel and robe.

*Leave your favorite lotion or body butter on your bathroom countertop so it’s easy for you to moisturize your skin after you get out of the shower.  

*Buy two bottles of facial soap so you can leave one bottle in the shower and one by the tub.

*Save time by doing a sheet mask, eye mask and teeth whitening strips while painting your nails and listening to a podcast. Be sure the ingredients from the sheet mask and eye mask are compatible.

*Put a hair mask on before your morning walk or workout, then wash it out after you’re done.

*Dim the lights or light candles and take a bubble bath, it makes everything cozy.  

*Use a bath pillow and a tub tray to hold your book and chilled drink.

*Try a new mud or sheet mask while you’re in the bathtub.

*Create a bath salt or bath bomb station.

*Set a stool next to your bathtub, it’s a small yet convenient extra surface when you need it.

Simple Hacks for Clothing & Style…

*Organize your closet in a way that makes it easy for you to get dressed each day.

*Use all the same hangers, it will make your closet look more organized. 

*Invest in the highest quality basics you can afford.

*Sequins and dresses are just as pretty during the day as they are at night. Heirloom pieces of jewelry are too.

*Carry a classic handbag that’s easy to keep organized. 

*Wear bras, underwear and shapewear that lift you up and make you feel confident.

*Take pictures of your outfits, including shoes and accessories, so it will be easier to remember your favorites.

*Lay your clothes out for the week on Sundays, give yourself theme days, or a work week uniform to help cut down on decision fatigue in the mornings.

*Keep two empty boxes in your closet. One for tailoring or dry cleaning and the other for donations.

*Turn your clothes inside out before you drop them in the laundry hamper. It will save you a step when you’re loading the washing machine.

*Do a load of laundry every day. I start mine before I go for a walk, change the clothes over to the dryer once I get back, then hang, fold and put away once I’m ready to start the day.

*For stubborn stains try pretreating with Miss Mouths Messy Eater, Folex or Dawn Power Wash. They won’t work on all fabrics so be sure read the labels.  

Simple Hacks for the Home…

*Don’t wait to use your best dishes, crystal or silver.

*If you’re having take out for dinner, replate your meal on a proper dish.

*Use cloth napkins at mealtimes.

*Add ambience with candles, music, and relaxing conversation.

*Buy fresh flowers from the flower market, farmers market or your local grocery store as often as you can.

*Keep fancy hand soaps in all the bathrooms.

*Create a signature scent in your home with quality candles, simmer pots or essential oils.

*Organize your kitchen by zone.

*Follow a cleaning schedule that’s easy to maintain.

*Run the dishwasher each night before you go to bed, empty it each morning.

*Group utensils together in the dishwasher basket so they’ll be easier to put way.

*Fashion a “closing shift” tidy routine for the common areas such as the kitchen, breakfast nook and living room.

*Clean out your refrigerator and pantry the night before trash pickup.

*Buy groceries, get gas and clean out your car on the same day each week. A lot of grocery stores have gas stations nearby so it’s a convenient way to stack multiple tasks together.

*Buy in bulk only when it makes sense. You don’t need a backstock of all the things, simply the essential things.

*Meal plan, prep and batch cook each week. Even batching one thing like protein for lunches is a time saver.

*Double batch meals like chilis, soups, stews and lasagnas to make the transition home from tips and vacation a lot easier.

*Use a special chopping device or salad scissors to cut veggies into smaller pieces for littles or aging parents.

*If you make smoothies, blending warm water and mild soap in your blender helps to cut down on chalky residue from protein powders and makes cleaning easier.

*Keep two running lists. One for groceries and another for items you need from Amazon or other big box stores. That way, you can order everything on the same day.

*Create a grocery list prior to going on vacation so you can place your order on the way home.

Simple Hacks for the Car…

*Set your clocks 5 minutes ahead so you’re more likely to arrive on time.

*Use a Swiffer cloth to help remove dust from your car dash.

*Place a sachet under your car seat to keep it smelling fresh.

*Leave reusable shopping and cooler bags in your trunk. You’ll be able to shop anytime you’re free. Plus, it will save you trips to and from the car when you’re unloading groceries.

*Make car rides and new places feel like an adventure by keeping a large tumbler, small bag or lunchbox of toys on hand for littles or pets.

*Keep a small clear pouch full of basic first aid supplies and make sure it’s easily accessible on trips. That way, you’ll have what you need when you need it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left our kit in my suitcase which is always at the bottom of the stack in the back of the car!

*Customizing drink tumblers and creating snack boxes for each person helps keep road trips more manageable. Be sure to keep snacks and serving sizes age appropriate.

Simple Hacks to Save You Time and Keep You Organized…

*Declutter your closets and drawers so items are easy to put away.

*If you see something that needs to be put away, take it as you leave the room and put it away immediately.

*If it takes 2-5 minutes, do it right then.

*On the days you’re procrastinating, set a timer for 5 minutes and get started. It helps you build momentum without the pressure to complete the entire task. Starting is usually the hardest part.

*Delegate tasks to help free up your time by paying to have your house cleaned, your laundry washed and folded, your groceries delivered, your meals cooked or prepped, your errands run, your children babysat, your pets walked, your lawn mowed, your household projects completed, your car washed, vacuumed and detailed, your taxes done, your portfolio or your estate managed. While some of these items require a professional others might be as simple as finding a responsible teenager, college student or young adult who wants to make extra money. 

*Utilize delivery and curbside services when you can to help save time.

*Use smart devices to remind you of tasks and appointments.

*Find the phone mode such as do not disturb, focus mode, work mode, sleep mode, etc. that works best for you and honors your values.

*Keep cord clips on the back or the side of your desk and nightstand to keep your charging cables organized.

Simple Hacks to Let Someone Know You Care…

*Write down birthdays and special occasions for the entire year when you’re filling out your new calendar in late December or early January. That way, you’ll have them ready. You can also set reminders with Alexa or in your Google calendar.

*Take advantage of greeting card sales so you can stock up.

*Keep a running list of gift ideas for yourself, friends, loved ones, neighbors, teachers and coworkers so you’re not having to come up with something at the last minute.

*Designate a closet, shelf or drawer for small gifts that can easily be placed in a gift or welcome basket, or care packages.

*Have a go-to meal you can easily drop off to loved ones celebrating something special such as a new home, a new baby or those going through medical treatments or season of grieving.

*An easy way to stay in touch with loved ones is to call, text or send them mail on the date of their birthday each month. For example, if your loved one’s birthday is April 10, call, text or send them mail on January 10th, February 10th, etc.

*If your loved ones feel comfortable sharing, keep a central calendar with their medical appointments. It’s an easy way to keep up with their healthcare needs, gives you something extra to talk about and shows you’re interested in their daily life.

As always I hope these simple tips and tricks have helped. Let us know your favorite simple pleasures, little luxuries and refined rituals for everyday living.

Other Elevated Living Posts to Explore:

Simple Ways to Live a Luxurious Life

Simple Ways to Elevate Your Morning

How to Create a Hotel Inspired Turn Down Service at Home

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo