VB Hacks

There's no place like home... especially with these tried-and-true tricks up your sleeve. 

1. Try a daily fingertip facial to melt the lines and stimulate circulation. This one is courtesy of Clémence von Mueffling in her book Ageless Beauty the French Way.
Eye Area: Dab a spot of eye cream under both eyes, pat and apply a light pressure along the bone of your eye socket. For more mature skin, use one index finger to hold the skin taut while the other finger applies the cream. Next, pinch your brows towards your temple.
Frown Lines: Use both index fingers to create a zigzag motion between your brows. One finger goes right, the other goes left, and so on—simultaneously.
Lips: Hold the left side of your upper lip taut while your right finger glides above the upper lip, with a spot of cream. Repeat on the other side. Then, do the same on the bottom of the mouth.

2. Blow-dry your comforter and sheets before getting in bed. For ultimate warmth, layer your blankets properly—knitted or crochet blankets first, then your comforter. Thin, dense blankets go up top. 

3. Stock up on ginger. It's known to increase body temperature and trigger a small boost of adrenaline. Bonus: It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It's great in tea—mix up a few slices with cinnamon or mint. Or add some freshly grated ginger to hot chocolate. And for the cocktail crowd, luxe things up even more with a maple-ginger hot toddy—get the recipe here.

4. And speaking of libations... Invest in a bar cart. It'll class up your at-home happy hour. Just don't forget the accessories: mixing glasses, bar spoon, jigger, peeler, bottle opener, a julep strainer...

5. Bring the outdoors in—with air-purifying houseplants, like garden mums, peace lilies, Gerbera daisies, Areca palm, aloe vera, weeping figs and spider plants. Not only will they boost the air quality, but they'll lower your stress and boost productivity and attention, too. 

6. Subscribe to hygge—the Danish term for coziness. Picture lots of candles, warm lighting, soft textures, hot drinks and slowing... things... down. No stressors, no multitasking, minimal technology. It’s about the simple pleasures. There’s a reason Denmark consistently lands in the top three of the World Happiness Report—#2 in 2019, #3 in 2018, #2 in 2017, #1 in 2016… you get the picture.