In my imagination, my future life is sunny and relaxed. There are flowers, candles, a dog, a cat, and a cappuccino.

I’m curled up in my plush chaise lounge with a book, but I’m watching the birds come and go through the window.

The plants in my garden are lush and in full bloom, and an open window puffs jasmine and honeysuckle-scented air.

But the reality I create doesn’t match. Instead, I’m always working on projects or my to-do list.

I can change.

The best thing about living temporarily with friends is seeing how they live their days and learning from the experience.

I’ve been staying with my friend Linda since I came to the Netherlands. Linda is all about living a cozy life: Candles, flowers, cookies, sweets, cappuccinos, music, and slippers.

I’ve started enjoying candles, too. Candles at night to wind down and candles in the morning with coffee.

My candle obsession is affordable because I get them at Action.