Winter for us is time all about family and coziness. In today’s Currently Loving: Cozy Time, I’m sharing the simple things that are making our long Minnesota winters fun and snug.
Happy almost March! For some of you this might mean you are approaching spring, but for us in Minnesota, we still have several months of winter. Yes our winters are cold. And yes they are long. But what I’ve learned in my 7 years here, is that winter in Minnesota is all about hygge (Danish word for coziness), good winter gear and the right attitude.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, winters tend to be difficult for me. Growing up in the heat of Houston and Venezuela, I’m definitely a warm weather person by nature. But I did marry a viking after all. So I’m learning to love this climate as much as he does.
What has helped immensely has been changing my frame of mind from trying to escape winter to actually trying to enjoy it. And in order to enjoy it, I’ve tried to consciously create Hyggelig environment at home which means a space that is comfortable, warm and one that encourages togetherness.
Here are the 9 things making our lives extra cozy this winter:
1. Candlesticks
There is something magical about eating by candlelight. We never really tried it until this winter, and we are hooked! The lighting is so soft, warm, calming and perfect for slow dinners with our girls. Plus Poppy basically thinks it’s her birthday every night!
I especially love lighting them on nights when the hubs is working late and the girls eat dinner earlier. What a lovely way to enjoy a meal!
These IKEA candlesticks are amazing, sleek, toddler-proof and crazy affordable at $10 for a set!
2. Eucalyptus showers
The hubs and I both LOVE eucalyptus! The plant, the look and especially the smell! And ever since I found out you can get it at Trader Joes for 2 bucks, it’s become a staple at our house.
One of my favorite ways to use it is in the shower, hanging from the shower head. When you take a hot shower, steam activates and releases the calming therapeutic essential oils of the eucalyptus creating almost a spa-like experience. This is incredible during the winter months. Thanks LeeFromAmerica for the awesome tip!
3. [amazon text=Capresso Burr Grinder&asin=B0000AR7SY]
Some like flowers or chocolate or jewelry on Valentines day. Others coffee grinders? Yup, I got a Capresso Burr Coffee Grinder!!! The hubs knows me oh so well 😍
After taking a coffee making class a few years ago, one of my biggest aha-moments was learning what a difference a quality burr grinder can make in the taste of coffee.
Up until now I had a grinder with a blade. Nothing fancy but it worked just fine. However using this burr grinder is life-changing. It’s so simple to use and clean but the biggest benefit is the taste of the coffee! Because of the consistent grid, my coffee has never tasted better! Better than most coffee shops! If you want to up your coffee game, I would highly recommend this grinder. Thanks to our new Capresso I anticipate lots of slow early mornings cuddling on the couch and late night reading in bed together with a cozy cup of coffee. Thanks hun!
4. [amazon text=Equal Exchange Dark Organic Hot Chocolate &asin=B0187JTHW2]
Coziness and hot chocolate go hand in hand! This stuff is so good! It has a rich creamy dark chocolate flavor without being excessively sweet like most cocoas out there. Poppy adores this stuff especially made with unsweetened almond milk and [amazon text=Dandies mini marshmallows&asin=B00P1FRKHA] on the side.
5. [amazon text=Contigo travel coffee mug&asin=B0757VJMM9]
Like my children, I bring my trusty Contigo mug everywhere! This Contigo travel mug has probably been my single best purchase all winter. Filled with coffee or tea at all times, this travel mug is completely spill-proof and keeps liquids warm for hours! Plus it’s an amazing way to reduce waste at coffee shops and it’s even better around toddlers!
6. [amazon text=Potty Book by Leslie Patricelli&asin=0763644765]
At any given time, we are talking about using the potty at our house right now. We hope to potty train Miss Poppy by summer time, so we started reading and talking about the potty! This adorable book is fun, simple, colorful and easy to memorize. Poppy can recite the whole thing and loves talking about the potty because of it!
7. [amazon text=Johnny Jump Up&asin=B016OOD6XI]
Our little Bean lives in this thing! If she had to share her favorite at home activity, it would be jumping all day in this this Johnny Jump Up. It is easy to install, doesn’t take up much space and is so entertaining for everyone. One of our favorite activities is to relax in our living room with music while Beanie is bouncing in the jump up and Poppy is dancing around her.
8. [amazon text=Theo Chocolate Bars&asin=B0166BWT7I]
With my intense chocolate cravings, I’ve been loving Theo Chocolate Bars this winter. Fair trade, organic, social and environmentally friendly, Theo Chocolate is working with farmers around the world to source cocoa that benefits the farmer and the environment. For me this means, eating insanely delicious high quality chocolate while supporting a company with a mission I can stand behind. Win win! More chocolate please 😋
9. Peace Coffee
The ultimate cozy drink! Peace Coffee offers organic fair trade coffee that is locally roasted and available around the twin cities or online. This coffee is served at several coffee shops around town but we prefer brewing it at home and enjoying the comfort of high quality coffee in our Pjs.
So there it is. Just some simple things around the house that have made our winter extra cozy and fun. What are you currently loving this winter? I’d love to know your recipe for a snug winter days.
Originally posted 2018-02-23 05:47:00.
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