Marie Antoinette may have not said, "Let them eat cake," but what we know for sure is that she loved extravagance. And who wouldn't at age 15? Especially if one was to be given over to an older man, told to marry and run the country. It wasn't all macarons and marzipan, but it'd be silly to say that Miss Marie didn't live a luxurious life. Did you know she had a farm built on the estate so that she and her ladies-in-waiting could dress in costume and pretend to be milkmaids? 

We may not be able to lounge in a bathtub of sweet confections all day, but there are a few things we can do to live a more Antoinette lifestyle. Here are five things I believe Marie would tell us to do.

Or pastries, candy, crumpets with jam. Whatever your sweet tooth wants to nibble on. Being healthy and eating kale salads and green smoothies is great and all, but c'mon. Marie would say, "Live a little and eat a slice of strawberry cake, for crying out loud." She might be more elegant, but the message would remain. Don't worry about calories for five seconds, okay? It's perfectly fine to treat yourself to something sweet. Bonus points if you do it in a pair of pink stockings.

In today's busy world, there's nothing more extravagant than being lazy. Do you feel a bit guilty when you're unproductive, lazing on the couch, staring out the window? Oh darling, you must allow yourself those kind of moments, if even for a few minutes. I know there are tons of things on your to-do list, but Marie advises you to slip that list under the rug for a day and grant yourself the freedom to be absolutely, completely lazy. Hang around in your pajamas, leave the dishes in the sink, binge watch your favorite show. Say to yourself, "Just for this one day I'll be lazy," or "I allow myself this one hour to be unproductive." That should do the trick.

Frivolity is the spice of life. I bet there's at least one thing hanging in your closet that you haven't worn because you bought it on a whim and now don't believe you can get away with wearing it. Nonsense! Marie is eyeing that sparkly pair of pumps collecting dust in the corner and she says you should put them on right away. Yes, even if you're staying at home. Because why not? Or wear your hair a different way, experiment with makeup, do something frivolous, darling. 

Tea for one or tea for two - it doesn't matter. Set out the teacups and saucers, put together a few finger sandwiches, and of course something sweet. And the perfect tea for a Marie Antoinette party? Apple-infused Ceylon with rose petals. *le sigh*

Next time you're out and about, put on your imaginary crown and walk like a queen: shoulders back and down, head held high, spine straight. Add a little sassy strut if you'd like. And when you're talking to people or doing something that's out of your comfort zone, feel that crown sparkling on your head and remember that you are royalty. Confidence is key. Marie says so. ;)

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This post is part of the Bella Grace blog hop to kick off the launch of Grace Notes, the blog companion to Bella Grace magazine. You can read lots of inspiring posts on everyday magic and life's lovely adventures from other participants on the Grace Notes blog hop site.  

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Image Credits: Rave Pad | Georgia Spyra | Wildfox via The Cool Hour | Ellen von Unwerth via Couture Fluff | Thirsty for Tea | Michelle Aristocrat via Fashionising

We'd all love to have huge blocks of time in which we could devote ourselves fully to the moment. A few hours to gaze into the sea. A weekend to do whatever we love most. A full on sabbatical to the mountains to dream and explore. 

But life beckons. Jobs and children and dishes and meetings. There's never a dull moment, much less a quiet one. 

But just because we live in this crazy busy world doesn't mean we can't slow down and savor the moments in between and within. All it takes is a little mindfulness and the realization that all we have is this day, this moment. Nothing else is promised. So savor each smell, each taste, each emotion. All the little and big things.

Even in the midst of chaos you have a choice. You can choose to let what's going on around you get into your head and wreak havoc or you can bring your awareness back to yourself, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. When you exhale, let go of the things that are bringing you down or making you feel like a crazy pants.

​When things seem overwhelming, it's easy to get caught up in the rumble and tumble and let everything pile on top of you. Remember, you only have today. Take it one step at a time. Even if that's a baby step.
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Stop and smell the flowers. Seriously. When you pass by a vase of petunias or a vine of night-blooming primroses, take one brief moment to engage your sense of smell. The flowers might not even have a scent, but that's not the point. The goal is to bring awareness to your everyday life. You might pass by a rose bush all the daily and not ever stop to appreciate its beauty. That's what slowing down and savoring life is about. Taking those small moments to look, listen, and enjoy what's around you.

Bring joy to whatever you're doing. Okay, I know washing dishes and preparing taxes are far from fun, but even daily tasks can be savored when you have a different perspective.

Instead of going to the sink and mindlessly scrubbing the plates, notice how the soap feels bubbling on your fingers and how the water sounds as it fills the sink. If you have a window in front of you, look out and notice the trees, the birds, the paint splatters on the concrete wall. 

When you sit down to eat, whether it's at your desk, in the car, or at the kitchen table, chew slowly. I used to practically inhale my food and then realize I didn't taste a thing. 

Slow down. Taste the food, roll it over your tongue. Notice the textures. You'll enjoy your meal much more.​
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Spend time with friends. Even if you can only spare one hour, take that hour to spend some quality time with a close friend. Go out for coffee or invite her over for tea and biscuits. Talk about whatever. Talking with a friend over coffee is some of the best therapy for me. Even if we just talk nonsense and share some laughs. It's like a breath of fresh air.

Make a gratitude list. After you read this blog post, take out a piece of paper or open up a word document and write/type out five things you love about this day so far. If you're having the crappiest day ever, I promise you can still find something to love. Cuddling with your dog, the morning cup of coffee, the tangerine sunset. 

Make plans to do one thing you've been aching to do. Whether that's writing a chapter of your novel, going for a walk in the park, or taking sailing lessons, write it on the calendar. Make a promise to yourself that you'll take some precious time to practice soul care by doing something you enjoy.

Life happens in the blink of an eye, and for all we know, this is all we get. It's only practical to slow down and enjoy the days given to us. Juice them. Fill your cup. Drink life in and all its crazy, beautiful abundance. And once you've sipped, savor it. Let it settle and fill your belly and your heart.

How do you slow down and savor life? And if it's been awhile since you've done so, what's one thing you can do today to cherish the moment?