Tuesdays With Tracy: January Joy

Hi Friends,

This month I decided to continue my December thoughts on joy.  Sometimes after the holiday decor and lights are put away it can get a little dreary.  So I have some things I do this month to bring January some joy.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains other affiliate links too for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

January Joy

Each season my mornings on the pond are different. In January we have spectacular sunrises.

And some beautiful snowy mornings.

January Flower Joy

Remember the waxed Amaryllis I had last month?  Well they are still blooming!  I have them in front of a window in the kitchen.  As the pond freezes and everything turns brown, these babies are still bringing me joy .

Those are actually faux ivy plants that they are sitting on. 

January Food Joy

On cold mornings I love to make porridge with steel cut oats.  The first time I had it was on a trip to the Highlands of Scotland. Eleanor, who owned the B&B that we stayed in, had it on the breakfast menu. It was so yummy and now I make it at home. 

Porridge is healthy & hearty and I swear, every time I make it I think of being in Scotland. It can be made on the stove or overnight in a crockpot. On the stove it takes about 30 minutes. I usually double the recipe and make four servings, saving two bowls in the refrigerator for the next day. A nonstick pan really helps.

I know it sounds funny but when I first started making it I didn’t like the film that formed on the top. But now I realize that as you stir that film in, it disappears and makes the porridge creamy.

Kind of crazy that something so simple can bring me joy, ha!  I like mine plain and Larry likes it with fruit.

Peppermint Shake

During the holidays Chik Fil A has peppermint shakes.  So, early in January I made sure I had one before they were gone.  Mmmm, Joy!

Scones

In December I made some scones and froze the extras.  It sure was fun to have scones, clotted cream, and jam in January.  Yummm…Joy!

January Home Joy

“In the winter silence January speaks: try again, begin anew.”              Ralph Waldo Emerson 

After putting the Christmas decor away, I begin to add cozy touches like candles and comfy throws.

If you recall, we had our Christmas tree in an old vintage goat cart.  That cart has been tucked away in the kitchen corner for years.  I decided to leave it out and use it to hold collected quilts and blankets. Those linens being accessible and visible brings me joy in January.

I just took a basketful of quilts and plopped it in the cart.  I will eventually take the quilts and blankets out of this basket and just fold and lay them in a stack in the cart so I can enjoy seeing them.

A candle in a teacup.  What more can I say…

January joy!

Tea Settings

Every winter I place a tray set with teacups, teapot, and a candle on our coffee table.  On days when we have an opportunity, we love to take some time to sit and have afternoon tea. And yes, my husband Larry enjoys having tea too.

The teapot was a special joy filled gift from a dear friend. I brought the teacups home from England in my suitcase. The Burleigh Factory has seconds for sale and I had fun filling a small carryon with a few bubble wrapped items.

The creamer and sugar bowl were found at a local flea market.  More on flea markets later!  The candle holder was my mom’s and the bowl full of candles was also a flea market find.

The little covered sugar bowl was a gift from my sister.

This tray brings me so much joy just remembering the history behind each item while having tea.

January Joy…at a Flea Market

Let’s have some fun.  The other day I went to one of our local flea markets that is full of vintage finds.

I took some photos of items I liked and I want you to see if you can guess which item came home with me.

Below is a little case containing tiny butter pat plates and also a cool basket hanging on a hook.

How unique is this cement  gray hound dog, and the willow whale?

And last but not least, this is a green glass flower frog bowl with legs.

So, what do you think I brought home?  Scroll down and leave me a comment with your guess.

Thanks for joining me for some January Joy.  I appreciate each and every one of you!

Love,

Tracy

SHOP THIS POST