The Fall Retreat Box
While it’s important to weave hygge into your daily rhythms and routines, there’s something so impactful about carving out a larger stretch of time to truly focus on self-care and mindfulness, especially if you’re in a busy season of life. We regularly organize thoughtfully designed retreat experiences to help you immerse yourself in the magic of mindful living (there’s one coming up next year in cozy Stowe, Vermont that we’re so excited about) but our latest special edition box allows you to put together your very own wellness retreat at home. With the help of the carefully curated items in the box, you can plan a full-day experience that will allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and emerge renewed and refreshed.
Start your day by lighting the Homebody candle from Market Candle Company and allow the flickering glow to add warmth to your kitchen as you brew your morning beverage of choice. As the aroma of teakwood, mahogany, musk and vanilla fills the air, slowly and mindfully sip your drink while you do some gratitude journaling and set your intentions for the day. The candle is made from 100% soy wax, and as an added eco-friendly bonus, the stunning amber glass jar can be repurposed afterwards.
Then, take advantage of the crisp morning air and head out into nature for a walk — movement is incredibly healing. Bring along a thermos of the Metropolitan Tea Company’s Maple-Flavoured Herbal Tea, a blend of seasonal flavours like maple and apple as well as fruity, floral notes courtesy of rosehip and hibiscus, to stay warm. We suggest turning your devices on 'do not disturb' mode and really focusing on being present for your time in nature. Use it as a chance to reflect on your goals and dreams, to set intentions, and of course, to marvel over the beauty of nature. Tune into all your senses — listen to the crunch and rustle of the leaves underfoot, feel the fall air on your cheeks, sip your herbal tea, and see how many different shades and shapes of leaves you can spot.
Spend the afternoon completing the Muskoka leaves puzzle from Villager Puzzles, which features a gorgeous illustration from Canadian artist Capri Sadler that will transport you to a brisk fall day in Muskoka. Puzzles are a wonderful activity for a wellness retreat day because they’re both engaging and meditative — they’ll capture your attention enough to help your mind focus on the task at hand, slowly putting together piece after piece, rather than endlessly ruminating over worries and stresses. While you work on your puzzle, indulge in a treat from Pickle and Myrrh. The buttery caramel sea salt treats are the perfect combination of sweet with a hint of salt to enhance the flavour. The fact that they’re individually wrapped also encourages mindfulness, allowing you to pause as you slowly remove each caramel from the wrapper to enjoy. Pair them with another mug of Maple herbal tea, your favourite hot chocolate, or whatever non-caffeinated beverage would brighten your afternoon.
To kick off the evening portion of your at-home retreat, draw yourself a bath with the Uplifting scented bath salts from Farmer’s Daughter Co. The blend of essential oils within the mixture is a unique combination perfectly suited to a fall wellness day — the grapefruit adds freshness, the clove warmth and autumnal spice, and the eucalyptus a quintessential spa aroma that will have your bathroom feeling like a whole new space. To further enhance your bath, consider lighting the Homebody candle once more and allowing the flickering light to add another hygge element.
After your luxurious bath, continue relaxing by laying the slightly warmed eye pillow from POD4 Design over your eyes. Take a few minutes to meditate, reflect on your day, or listen to your favourite evening playlist as the soothing weight of the pillow and lavender aroma help ease any lingering tension.
Finally, as you prepare to wind down for the day, use the Sleep Well pillow spray from Scentuals to add the scent of lavender, chamomile and jasmine to your evening routine. Spray it on the towel you plan to engulf yourself with after your bath, as well as on your pillow or linens for a peaceful transition to sleep.