A slow, gentle week at the cottage focused on self-care and finding peace. In this video, I’m taking things slow. With anniversaries this week, I’m feeling the weight of grief, and I’ve realised I need to be much kinder to myself. Instead of frantic cleaning, I’m embracing "slow cleaning days', clearing clutter and refreshing the cottage at a gentle pace. I also take you along to a wonderful foraging workshop with Feebee from Forager.ie at the Bohernabreena allotments. We explore her medicinal apothecary, learn about the healing properties of the plants around us, and make our own plant-infused tinctures and balms. It was such a grounding experience and exactly what my soul needed this week. In this video: A slow cottage reset and clearing clutter. Reflections on grief and being kind to yourself. Foraging at Bohernabreena allotments. Learning about medicinal plants and apothecary magic. Making plant-infused tinctures and balms. Mentioned in this video: Feebee from Forager.ie I hope this video encourages you to slow down and take care of yourself too. 🌿✨ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcx0GWauE1_cQYSkk70y0YA/join 📚📚📚📚📚 Books 📚📚📚📚📚 I am delighted to announce that my second book, "Heart & Home" by Catherine Carton, is now available. The book is not just about home and garden projects; it's about creating a space that truly reflects you. From wall panelling to simple projects and growing your garden, I share my personal tips for putting your heart into your home. Order from Eason's with quick international shipping: https://www.easons.com/search?q=Catherine%20Carton&category=Books Order my first book now: Carving time out of our hectic, plugged-in lives to play and create can bring stillness and satisfaction. The projects in my book are for everyone, so take a break from the world, reignite your creative spark and make your home a little bit more beautiful! In my book, I share over fifty of my favourite projects, from upcycling, crafting, sewing, painting and gardening, many of which take unloved items and make them shine again. ** Signed copies: You can order a signed copy from my publisher ( while stock lasts ) here: https://obrien.ie/dainty-dress-diaries International shipping is available. If you are in the US and Canada, you can order from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dain... For free creative project ideas, check out my blog: https://www.daintydressdiaries.com Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free furniture makeover guide: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/607c4f... Get to know me & FAQ: https://www.daintydressdiaries.com/2020/12/about-me.html Follow me: Blog: www.daintydressdiaries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daintydressdiaries/ Music: Epidemic Sound *affiliate links and ads. I use auto ADs on YouTube. Although ADs are annoying, they help pay for all the valuable free content I create for you. Members can watch AD-free videos and get a 1st look at weekly uploads. I really appreciate your support on my blog and Youtube channel at this time. I always read through the comments, and I really appreciate your kindness. I try to heart and reply to as many as I can. THANK YOU :) ** Your safety is my priority. Please take care when using power tools and machines. While I've made every effort to make sure this video contains accurate information, I'm not responsible for any direct or indirect damages that may occur in connection to the information contained here. Please complete the projects featured on my channel at your own risk and consult a professional if you have any questions. Get creative, but stay safe!
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It's 3 years since my eldest son was found dead. I find grief constantly surprises me.its not anniversaries or birthdays necessarily that affect me, it can be the week or month before. It can be a song on the radio, a memory popping up on FB. I just cry buckets in private or with my remaining son, who I forget is also grieving the loss of his brother. We learn to live with the grief. Thinking of you Catherine at this time xxxx
Your Mum and Dad would be so proud of the fine young woman you have turned out to be and how you help others.
I lost all my original family members within two years. Mom, Dad and two brothers. My brother told me on the evening before he died that “you don’t get over losing your loved one, but you do learn to live with it. And the memories are everything.” He was right. It has been 4 years now and I am still learning to live with it and the memories really are everything.
Hi Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling with grief at this time. I dont really have any advice regarding this other than "The best way out is always through" and what i mean by that is just let it be. Just sit with it. Dont fight it as grief will manifest elsewhere in the body and show up as illnesses. I'v lost both of my parents too and i miss them every single day. Sometimes it completely takes me off guard and the feeling is very palpable. I can randomly just start welling up in tears and i just let it happen. The only comfort i get from grief is that it is the price we pay for love. If there was never love then what is the point of being. We are all here for such a short amount of time that our time should always be filled with love. Much love if we can. I truly hope you start to feel better very soon. Feel blessed you have a loving family who you can talk to and be around with to share the grief. Great video too and i loved the goodies that you made. Take care x
Grief ebbs & flows for me. Be gentle with yourself.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I lost my dad, then a week later on Christmas eve 2021 I lost my mom. I was a complete weepy mess for 2 years. I lost my dog in April and all the grief came back just as bad. I'm glad you cope by getting busy as it helps distract you. Thinking of all of you who have lost people you love ❤
I lost my beautiful daughter just before Christmas and my husband 7 years ago, I’m totally alone now, I have no grandchildren and my daughter was my best friend. As everyone knows that had lost a loved one you have good days and bad days then really bad days. I’m having a tough time right now as I fell down the stairs and broke my ankle, I can’t say I’m coping because I’m not, but watching your videos gives me such pleasure. I think you are a lovely kind hearted lady with an awful lot of talent. Xx.
The sunflowers look great. Slow time is a great thing.
My mom has been gone 15 years. I miss her everyday but I know I’ll be with her one day. ❤❤
Grief has no Expiration date.
Such a lovely video. Grief is hard. Thinking of you.
I’m also parent-less, and it is the weirdest feeling I’ve ever experienced. The sadness comes and goes, and I basically learned to live around this large gaping hole that they’ve left. So I feel you, girl. ❤
You are smart to acknowledge the grief and not fight it. The more you embrace it and give yourself grace the easier you can move through it. It does change over time and you will feel stronger. And know that your parents are so proud of the accomplished woman you have become. They taught you well.❤
I love that you say jim jams ❤️ my mom, sister and I say it too. Continue to be gentle with yourself. Anniversaries like that are hard. Warm love from across the pond.
Feel your pain 😢 After losing my daughter at a young age sometimes all you have to do is just breathe Just go sit in your garden and just be sending you a big hug 🤗
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on grief. It is very reassuring and helpful. My son died 14 years ago on the 20 July and just two weeks ago on the 18 my American Cocker Spaniel died after living with me for ten years as a Rescue dog aged 4. So although Lany was 14 and a half still very hard. My son loved all his dogs through his life too. I just have my little black cat now, very similar to your beloved puss. I tend to go out of the house all day on these anniversaries and comfort eat with lunch out or tea and cake somewhere lovely. Best wishes to you, ea ever.❤❤❤
I know that your parents are smiling dawn on you as they are so proud of you ❤❤❤❤
Sending you lots of love while you continue on this journey. ❤🤗❤
When I'm feeling weak, I do just what you're doing. I tidy and clean because that gives me a sense of control. I also allow myself to take the day as it comes. If I need to have a cry or a lay-down or a cuddle with my dog, I have it. You are wise to be kind to yourself. Grief is a very normal emotion.
My mum passed 4 months ago , the grief is awful 😞 I fully understand. I have good days and bad days.😢❤