A Very Cozy Baby Shower

I hosted my own baby shower.

Yes, a few wonderful people in my life offered to do it, but I’m a control freak who likes to make things extra difficult. So I planned it myself, hosted it at my home, and thankfully got help the morning of from 3 amazing women, and my angel of a husband… otherwise I truly might not have made it.

It should be no surprise that I didn’t want to go with any of the adorable baby shower themes that are already out there – with precious decorations and accessories readily available to order. No, I had to go with a theme that I could find absolutely ZERO decorations, accessories, or inspiration for.

Therefore “a very cozy baby shower” was birthed. And I think it turned out pretty dang cute.

Also, as a side note – I do think it’s kind of hilarious and on-brand that THIS was our baby announcement back in June:


But back to the shower – The whole morning was such a sweet, wonderful, blur. My mom drove all the way from Washington to attend. Her, my mother in law, and my best friend all came over to assist me with food prep and set up the morning of, and they worked SO hard. All my lovely friends and family (that I could afford to invite – my house is small) showed up! We ate brunch, had fall mimosas (sparkling apple cider for me), opened gifts, and I had everyone fill out “advice and wishes for the parents to be” cards. It was perfect, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s love and generosity.

Below you’ll see the invites, pictures from the shower, the menus for food and drink, and some fun details about how I pulled it off. If you’re ever looking to host a cozy themed shower, at least this might provide you with a little bit of the inspiration I was never able to track down:

Click the photos to make them larger, and to scroll through the gallery!


On the food menu:
* Spinach & Artichoke, and Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
* Harvest egg bites
* Bacon skewers and turkey sausages
* Apple spice glazed donut holes
* Cinnamon rolls
* Homemade pumpkin muffins
* Apples, blackberries, pears and grapes with caramel
* Cracker and cheese board

On the drink menu (not pictured):
* Apple cider mimosas
* Cranberry pear mimosas
* Cinnamon sugar rims & apple, pear or cranberry garnish
* Sparkling apple cider
* Hot chai

Shower Specific Purchases:
* The balloons, “advice and wishes” cards, and “sweet baby boy” banner were from Amazon
* The BABY balloon was from Target
* The card drop box and “Let’s Get Cozy” banner were both made by my sweet mother in law

All the Cozy Little Details:
* Played a cozy playlist that I made on Amazon Music featuring artists like Hozier and The Lumineers
* Put the Netflix fireplace show on TV
* Lit many, many candles
* Made sure all my throw blankets, pillows and faux-fur rugs were out and styled
* Chose a neutral and earthy color scheme
* Kept it simple

I’m still kicking myself for forgetting to get a picture of the “Mom”-osa bar, but oh well! I did my best, tried not to stress too much, and I think it ended up being a really beautiful shower.

Is there anything you would’ve added to amp up the cozy level? Let me know in the comments.

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A Cozy Summer Bucket List

Happy Summer, cozy friends! I know it’s been awhile, but I’m back with another bucket list because hey, why not?

Something dawned on me while writing this post… this will be my last childless summer. This time next year, I’ll have a 6 month old. I’ve been curious for a long time what hygge will look like once we have kids, because I know life will look quite different. I’ve also always wondered if moms of young babes ever read my posts about hygge/coziness, and scoff – “this lady is telling me to veg out for the day as one my cozy bucket list items, honey, can you imagine!?”.

I understand that parenthood can prevent many situations from being cozy. But it doesn’t have to. Like with all things in life, you must simply adjust your cozy rituals so that they fit into your life. But what should never happen is that you quit seeking coziness altogether, because this stuff is important!

Here are 8 cozy things to check off your bucket list this summer:

  1. Take a Nap Outdoors
    I didn’t discover the joy of this until 1st trimester exhaustion accidentally got the best of me when I was sunbathing on the deck. You see, I’m quite the control freak, so normally I require a strict set of rituals before any type of sleep can commence. But the sun was trickling lightly through the clouds, the birds were singing their hearts out, and there was a gentle breeze… I slid my hat down over my eyes and next thing I know, I woke up. Try it out, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

  2. Wake Early & Do Something That Brings you Joy
    I’m a firm believer in every season serving a specific purpose, and summer is no exception. While I don’t consider it the coziest season by any means (comes dead last, in fact), it does offer a few very hygge features that are worth taking advantage of. One being that delicious morning light. I encourage you to soak it up as much as you possibly can, while you can. Combine that, with an activity you love (writing, reading, watching the birds) and you’ll have a beautiful and very cozy morning, every time.

  3. Have a Fire
    It doesn’t matter what type! Campfire, bonfire, gas firepit fire, a little table top fire, shoot, even lighting the tiki torches… Flames offer a comforting glow that is impossible to replicate. The warmth and smell add even more to the experience. Just add a marshmallow to a stick, and every worry will temporarily subside. (Don’t roast marshmallows on the tiki torches though, please).

  4. Go for Evening Walks or Bike Rides
    I know, I know.. “Exercise after dinner? No thanks!”. But hear me out, evenings in the summer are some of the most beautiful and peaceful times there are. At no other point in the year is it as bright and warm at 8pm as it is in summer – and that’s something to be savored. Take it slow and easy, and stop regularly to observe your surroundings.

  5. Find Water and Get In It
    Science says that water has an almost instantaneous calming effect, which is why submerging in water is almost always on my cozy lists. I don’t care if it’s a lake, river, pool, sprinkler, splash pad, or a kiddie pool in the back yard. Summer is the only time you can take advantage of all of these and not freeze your butt off. If you’re feeling stressed or down, water will almost always turn your mood around. Try running through a sprinkler without cracking a smile, I dare you.

  6. Curl Up in a Pool of Sunlight
    Cats and dogs have the right idea when they follow the sun spots around the house, so why don’t we follow suit? Find a warm & glowy stream of light pouring in through your window and curl up in it! Even if you have to lay on the floor, and even if it’s just for a few minutes. There’s something magical about soaking in sunlight while you’re inside the safe walls of your home. Bonus points if you read a book or color.

  7. Bake a Summer Treat
    Cobblers, crisps, sweet loaves made from garden grown vegetables, and light cakes with fresh fruit and sweet cream. Is your mouth watering yet? I know baking is usually reserved for the cooler months, but with all the fresh produce available in the summer, why not take advantage and incorporate it into your baking? We deserve sweet treats in the summer, too! And let’s be real, sometimes popsicles just don’t cut it.

  8. Eat Outdoors
    Whether it’s a weeknight dinner out on the back deck, a BBQ with the family, an intimate picnic with your partner, or a potluck with all your friends! Eating outside is a unique way to amplify the coziness that already comes with sharing a meal with people you love.

I hope at this point you have some ideas swirling around in your head on how to make this summer much more cozy. But in case you needed a few more options, here are FIVE bonus ideas:

  • Visit a Farmer’s Marker
    Buy a sweet treat, or a fresh lemonade and enjoy them while you admire the hard work of your local community!
  • Go to the Fair
    Cotton candy, corn dogs, farm animals and carnival rides – nostalgic and very, very cozy.
  • Make a summer playlist
    I love R&B personally, but Hozier and The Lumineers offer a sweet and chill summer vibe too. Make a summer playlist and live by it.
  • Do a mid-summer deep clean of the house
    Whoa, is it just me or can everyone else tell the windows have been open constantly!? HELLO DUST. Summer is a great time to do a nice deep clean, and having a clean home is very cozy.
  • Go on a quick road trip
    There has to be a little town nearby that you’d like to visit, do it! Even if it’s just for the day. Play tourist and visit all the shops and local attractions while you’re there.

I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy all of these simple yet priceless pleasures this summer. Which one are you looking forward to most!?

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A Cozy Lovers Gift Guide

Hello my friends. I am back with a 2021 gift guide – serving up the coziest present ideas for all those warm and fuzzy lovers in your life. I own and love many of the items on this list, and if I don’t already own it, you bet your cozy ass it’s on my personal wish list. 😉 We’ll get to the goods soon, but first, a little info about this guide.

I curated this list with thought and insight, and before I added each of these delightful items to the graphic, I asked myself the following questions:
1) Will it increase the cozy-factor in the receiver’s life?
2) Is it affordable? (I hate gift guides with $200+ gifts, give me a break)
3) Would I use or wear this item personally?

Asking these questions made these gift ideas a no-brainer, so, without further ado – A Cozy Lovers Gift Guide:

No.1 The Little Book of Hygge | No.2 The Little Book of Lykke | No.3 Starry Night Aroma Light
No.4 Sixty Piece Custom Puzzle | No.5 Boucle Throw Blanket | No.6 Stoneware Candle Holder
No.7 Modern Candle Lighter | No.8 Ribbed Taper Candles | No.9 Soft Knit Socks
No.10 Cozy Beanies | No.11 Lavender Bubble Bath | No.12 Shower Steamer Tablets
No.13 Gooseneck Kettle | No.14 Open Toe Furry Slippers | No.15 Chunky Cable Knit Throw

There you have it, hygge lovers! Fifteen useful, beautiful, no-nonsense gift ideas – suitable for anyone who loves to warm up & get cozy. I hope you all have a stress-free holiday season, filled with delicious food, people you love, and of course a few cozy gifts to exchange. You deserve it, hell, we all deserve it after these last few years!

Now run along and get cozy. ❤

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8 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day

Happy National Coffee Day my friends. If you hadn’t gathered by the name of my blog, I am a big fan of coffee. I was a barista for 3 years, and to date, it’s one of my absolute favorite things to do. I loved it. I blame my Harry Potter obsession for my adoration of making coffee – being a barista is basically just brewing potions all day. And when it comes to drinking coffee, well, there’s nothing better.

I know I’m not the only one who loves coffee, and National Coffee Day is definitely something to be celebrated! If you needed a few ideas on how to embrace this wonderful day, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive in.

8 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day (September 29th)

  1. Go to a local sit-down coffee shop, order a butterbeer latte to stay, and spend some time enjoying the vibrant environment a coffee shop has to offer.

  2. Surprise your friend or partner with a coffee, or Venmo them $5 to go get one themselves. Caption it “Happy National Coffee Day. Your coffee’s on me this morning!” and watch how excited they get.

  3. Pick up a pumpkin pie americano from a local drive-up coffee shop, head to the closest park, and stroll around while you sip your hot bevvy.

  4. Head to a main street café or shop, get a brown sugar + oat milk americano, find a window seat, and watch the people and cars go by.

  5. Snag a frosted maple latte from your favorite drive-up, and hit the road for a long scenic drive. Don’t forget to blast your favorite music, turn the heat on, and roll down the windows.

  6. Make a delicious pot of coffee at home by adding cinnamon to your grounds, find a cozy place to snuggle up, and sip your coffee while you read a book, color, do a puzzle, or read a magazine.

  7. Buy FIVE $5 gift cards to your favorite local coffee shop and hand them out to friends, co-workers, or strangers! $5 is just enough to buy a latte or frappe and you’d be surprised how stoked people will be for a free coffee.

  8. Make a to-go mug of coffee with some 100% pure maple syrup, oat milk, and a dash of pumpkin spice, bundle up, and go outside to watch the sunrise.

There you have it, 8 ways to celebrate this holy day. And it was short and sweet, just how I like my coffee! I hope you all have an amazing, delicious, caffeinated National Coffee Day.

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November Gratitude Challenge

*To participate in the November Gratitude Challenge, check my Instagram stories each morning in November!*

HEAD OVER TO MY INSTAGRAM TO JOIN THE FUN



Is doing a Gratitude Challenge in November cliché? Maybe.
Do we all desperately need 30 straight days of counting our blessings though? Abso-f*ckin-lutely.

This challenge may be a little, well, challenging. I get it. It’s been a really rough year.
Let’s validate your feelings by going through some of the BULL SHIT we’ve experienced so far in 2020:
1) We’ve been in a global pandemic for 8 months. E I G H T M O N T H S. With no end in sight. Regardless of how you feel about it, hundreds of thousands of people have died from it and that’s horrendous.
2) One of the most turbulent presidential elections of all time is about to go down. There’s a strong possibility that EITHER winner will lead to some form of civil unrest. (Did you vote??? GO. VOTE)
3) Many incredibly influential people have died: RBG, John Lewis, Chadwick Boseman, Bill Withers, Kobe and countless others.
4) Thousands of people are out of jobs, housing, and more.
5) This is getting grim, I’ll stop listing things now.

The point is, no matter how tough 2020 has been, there is SO MUCH we all have to be grateful for. (As long as Betty White holds out for another few months). So with that, I’m issuing you a challenge.
I’m challenging you to write, (or post) an item of gratitude every day for the month of November.
I have provided some prompts to help prevent redundancy and creative blocks, and I will be posting each one of them on my Instagram stories every day from November 1st til’ November 30th.
See the calendar and a few IG templates below to know what you’re getting yourself into.

*calendar has been updated for 2022*

Whether you choose to write each item in a journal, or follow along on Instagram to screen shot my story each day, is completely up to you. I would encourage you to do both, and to go into more detail about your gratitude in your journal.

The most important thing is that you make expressing gratitude a daily ritual.

I promise, it will change your life.

https://www.instagram.com/lo.ponder/

Now let’s get started with counting all the beautiful things life has to offer.

a cup of lo2 Comments

How to Have the Most Hygge Fall Ever

This year has been a doozy. Seriously, what a whirlwind. SEVEN months ago, I created what would become my most popular blog post ever – “Embracing Hygge During Quarantine“. I think it’s pretty obvious why it exploded; people are more intrigued by hygge this year than ever before.

With everything that has happened, and the election coming up, I feel like it’s my DUTY to make sure you have the most hygge fall, ever.

Fall is already incredibly hygge, but I want to make sure that you take time to slow down, and do activities that will help you feel calm, fulfilled, and cozy.

Here are 10 ways to have the most hygge fall, ever.


Let me expand a little bit:

  1. LEARN ABOUT HYGGE
    Read The Little Book of Hygge, or if a book is too much, check out my original Part 1 & Part 2 posts about what hygge is and why you need it in your life. Once you truly understand the purpose of hygge, you’ll be able to appreciate it more
  2. INDULGE IN TREATS
    We all have a childlike desire to go to town on a caramel apple or a bag of kettle corn, so do it. There is comfort and happiness to be found in having a treat here and there.
  3. PLAY IN NATURE
    When was the last time you jumped in a pile of leaves? Climbed a tree? Picked an apple? It’s probably been a long time, like, since-you-were-a-kid-long. I think it’s time to get outside and do it.
  4. EXPRESS GRATITUDE
    Sure, this can be done anytime of year. But when the busy-ness of summer starts to settle and the days start getting short, seasonal affective disorder can creep in. An amazing way to combat that is to count your blessings, in writing, at least a few times a week.
  5. ADJUST YOUR LIGHTS
    Speaking of shorter days, the sun setting early means it’s time for: candles, string lights, and salt lamps. Seriously. You need to light up your space in a way that brings comfort and contentment. Make it a habit to turn them all on right before the sun sets each evening.
  6. GO OUT FOR FIKA
    If you missed my post about fika, you’re gunna want to check it out. In short, fika means “to go out for coffee and a bite to eat with your friends or colleagues”. As I say in my blog about it “Covid has created this fear of being around our friends and I think that as long as we’re all responsible, aware of our bodies and how they’re feeling, and hygienic, we can (and should) make this work.”
  7. SET UP A HYGGEKROG
    Call it whatever you want; a nook, a nest, the comfiest corner of the couch… All you need to do is pick a spot in your home to spruce up with extra blankets & pillows, a coaster for your hot tea, a reading light, some candles, and whatever else makes you feel ultra-cozy.
  8. HAVE A BONFIRE
    Big comfy sweaters, rainboots, wool socks, orange glowy light from a crackling fire, a bright yellow moon on a crisp October night – nothing’s more hygge than that. Don’t forget to bring the hot apple cider and some friends.
  9. DECORATE PUMPKINS
    Are you catching on to the trend? There’s a reason for the term “child-like sense of wonder”. Doing things we did as children is cozy and nostalgic, but most importantly, fun. No one ever frowned while carving a pumpkin, plus, candles go inside them which is very very hygge.
  10. GO FOR A DRIVE
    Quite possibly my most favorite hygge-fall activity. Look up the most scenic fall drives in your area, or if you’re feeling brave, just hit the road.

Obviously there are so many fall activities you can do that are cozy and fun, this is just a list to get you started.
The most important takeaway is that learning about and embracing hygge is a wonderful way to enrich your life.

If you’re constantly seeking out and embracing things that bring you simple joy, you will always be joyful.

Happy Fall my sweet friends. ❤

a cup of lo1 Comment

A Cozy Summer Reading List

This summer is…. Weird. There, I said it.

Not that I ever have extravagant, exciting summer plans… But it feels odd that those things aren’t even an option.

No bars, concerts, festivals or house parties.

2020 is the summer of chill.
And CHILL is synonymous with cozy.
And COZY is synonymous with books.
And BOOKS that revolve around happiness, comfort and joy seem like something we all need right now.

So I present to you a Cozy Summer Reading List:

You may have noticed that this reading list correlates a little bit with my last post “Summer Hygge Challenge” where I challenged you to do things like “Run through a sprinkler” and “Read about something unfamiliar” (see what I did there, that’s kind of like, foreshadowing).

You didn’t think I’d tell you to read about something unfamiliar and then NOT give you my list of faves, did you?

Here’s some info on the books, so you can gauge if you want to spend time reading them or not:

1) The Little Book of Hygge:
“Danish secrets to happy living”. Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, and the author of this book literally runs a company called the Happiness Research Institute (dude knows a little bit about happiness).
Read this book if: You love getting cozy, you love fall & winter, you like to find little things that bring you joy, you like hot drinks and warm socks and things like that.

2) Business for Bohemians:
“Live well, make money”. The author of this book has done multiple things throughout his life such as writing articles for popular magazines, running a book store / cafe, and most recently, creating an online learning establishments for adults. The most important thing to know about him is that he does NOT want to work for the man.
Read this book if: You want to learn more about business, you want to start your own company, you want to do these things un-traditionally, you hate working for people, you want to learn the nitty gritty of running a business the way that YOU want to run it, and still have time for life and fun.

3) The Little Book of Lykke:
“Secrets of the world’s happiest people”. Do I really need to say more? No? I will anyway. While the Danes are the happiest people on the planet, happiness isn’t exclusively Danish; cultures around the world have their own unique approaches to leading a contented, fulfilled life.
Read this book if: You like being happy, and finding new ways to be happier, you enjoy learning about other cultures and what brings them contentment, you want to feel inspired.

4) The Art of Making Memories:
“How to Create and Remember Happy Moments”. Do you ever try to think back to some of the best times in your life, only for the memory to be incredibly fuzzy? You know that summer 2013 was one of the best of your life but you can’t even remember why… This incredible book talks about ways to make your memories more… well, memorable. So you can look back fondly and clearly.
Read this book if: You want to remember important things in your life, you have issues with clear memory, you want to recall stories from your life to share with your children and grandchildren one day, you like being happy.

5) Ikigai:
“The Japanese secret to a long and happy life”. According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai—a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. You could call Ikigai your passion, your niche, or your dream… but whatever you call it, FINDING it and practicing it every day is what Ikigai is all about.
Read this book if: You want to reassure yourself that finding your passion is important, you want to learn how to live a longer happier life, you enjoy staying busy, you love learning about other cultures.

All 5 of these books have changed my life. Not in some grand, earth shattering way. They just made me slow down and think about the way I spend my time, the things I do, the people I spend time with, and the things I spend my energy on.

They have all taught me how to live a more intentional life.

I hope you read one (or 5) and get all the joy and benefits from them that I know you will.

Please post on your Instagram or Instagram story if you read any of these, and tag me: @lo.ponder I would love to see who ends up reading these amazing books.

a cup of loLeave a comment

Summer Hygge Challenge: Pandemic Edition

Last year (also known as b.c. or “before corona”) I created the August Hygge Challenge to help cozy lovers everywhere learn how to make the summer months more hygge. (STILL don’t know what hygge (pron: hue-guh) is!? JEEZ. Click here then here.)

I began that post with what I now think is a hilarious statement: “So it’s the middle of summer; the cozy-lover’s nightmare.” If I had only known then what I know now. It seems 2020 has given the word “nightmare” a whole new terrifying definition, and summer all the sudden doesn’t seem like such a burden.

Things look a little different these days. Last year’s challenge had things like “Have a Potluck” and “Go to a Farmer’s Market” which are now deemed “risky” activities. So regardless of how you feel about the current state of things, I thought it’d be helpful to create a new challenge:

SUMMER HYGGE CHALLENGE:
PANDEMIC EDITION


Catchy, huh? 😉 Let’s get started.
1) Go for a bike ride. Don’t have one? Rent one! Or find one at a Garage Sale or Facebook Marketplace. Ride around the neighborhood, or on a trail. You’ll be amazed at how freeing it is.
2) Run through a sprinkler, any one you find will do. Have someone take a pic or video so you can watch it later. It’s fun to see the joy on your face when you do something carefree and child-like.
3) Read a book about something unfamiliar. Hygge, Lykke, Ikigai, Fika. Don’t know what those things are? Your life will change once you do! Do some digging about foreign concepts that make life great, it will open a whole new world. If a book is too time consuming, read a magazine or article, or A BLOG! *wink wink*
4) Make a s’more on the fire. Or the microwave, or the oven, or the BBQ. Simple, sweet, & slightly labor intensive. Just like when you were a kid! Get your face messy and your fingers sticky, and enjoy. (wow that was kind of naughty, get your head out of the gutter)
5) Jot down a few things each day that you’re grateful for. If there was ever a time to start counting your blessings, 2020 is IT. Don’t try the whole 10 things per day.. That turns it into a chore. Are you grateful that you got to listen to your favorite music on your way to work this morning? Write it down! Did you sip wine in peace on your patio when you got home? Jot that shit down.
6) Take a day (or two. or three.) and just veg out. Life is SO busy, and sad, and scary. You need to take some time to just, be. Lay out in the sun with a spray bottle of water to spritz yourself every 20 minutes. Find a big tree with shade and lay under it. Go to the park and just chill for a few hours. We don’t always have to rush to the next thing.
7) Ditch Facebook for ONE whole day. Yeah, I said it. At least 25% of what you see on Facebook is upsetting, negative or triggering. Especially if you’re one to enter the comment’s section. So ditch it. Spend an entire day (or more, if you want) without scrolling through Facebook. Be present, and make note of how you feel at the end of the day.
8) Go swimming! When was the last time you jumped into the lake? Cannon balled off a cliff? Floated the river? Dove into a pool? Soaked in a hot spring? And ladies: When was the last time you went to a body of water and fully submerged yourself – hair, face, and all? Swimming is such a fun, nostalgic activity. I dare you to do it.


The future is hazy right now. No one really knows if or when things will get back to normal. But as long as we find fun, comforting, exciting activities to keep us busy, things will work out. I challenge you to embrace this summer hygge challenge before the season changes.

xoxo, Lo

a cup of lo1 Comment

Embracing Hygge During Quarantine

I wanted to start this post off by saying that I am NOT taking the threat of COVID-19 lightly. I don’t want to talk about the negative aspects of this pandemic, there’s too much of that out there.

What I DO want to talk about the fact that the biggest thing people can do right now to stay safe and healthy is to just STAY HOME as much as they can. With staying home, comes the exciting opportunity to make it as cozy, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Enter: HYGGE

Don’t know what hygge (pron: hue-guh) is?
Here’s the definition: A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.
And here’s the manifesto that breaks it down. >

The Hygge Manifesto Ten Key Elements to a Hygge Life

Now that you have a fresh reminder of the basic elements that Hygge engenders, we can get down to business:
Embracing Hygge During a World-Wide Pandemic.
Woah, never thought I’d be writing this post.
The following is a checklist of basic things you can do/have to make your time away from the world a little more cozy.

The Hygge Quarantine Checklist 13 checklist items to make sure your lockdown is as hygge as possible
  1. Comfy Blankets:
    Because, well, they make everything better!
  2. Books, Notebooks & Games:
    Entertain yourself in ways that are outside of your norm.
  3. Nourishing Food:
    Keeping your immune system healthy has never been more important.
  4. Sweet Treats:
    Find some basic comfort in your favorite dessert. You deserve it.
  5. Unscented Candles:
    Candles create a relaxing and comforting glow that will bring you the calm you need right now.
  6. Hot Tea, Cider & Coffee:
    Just like comfy blankets, a hot drink will help soothe your stressed soul.
  7. Clean, Open Windows:
    Letting in natural light and fresh air is extremely important in times like these. Take all the fresh air you can get!
  8. Cute, Cozy Loungewear:
    Because if you can’t leave the house, you might as well wear something cute & comfortable to lift your spirits.
  9. Indoor & Outdoor “Hang Spot”:
    If you set up a spot with pillows, blankets, and a place to put your feet.. You’re more likely to spend time there. Find your “hyggekrog”.
  10. Charged Phone & Laptop:
    So, usually your phone & computer wouldn’t be part of a hygge checklist.. But while in quarantine, or practicing social distancing, it’s important to stay in touch with the people you love.
  11. A Safe, Drama Free Environment:
    Turn off the news! Get off Facebook for awhile! You cannot be comfortable and at peace if you’re constantly stressing out.
  12. A Fun and Comforting Playlist:
    Your favorite music will momentarily melt your worries away.
  13. Toilet Paper:
    If you can find it, that is. Hah.

Hopefully this post helps you understand the importance of making your environment warm and inviting in such a turbulent, unknown time. Implementing the Hygge lifestyle will not only bring you peace, but will bring unexpected joy to the little things in your life.

Stay safe out there, we’re going to make it through this.

a cup of lo1 Comment

August Hygge Challenge

So it’s the middle of summer; the cozy-lover’s nightmare.

It’s hot, sweaty, sunny and busy everywhere… and if you’re anything like me, you’re missing the cozy environments and activities that seem to be present in every OTHER season..

But no one said you couldn’t embrace the hygge lifestyle in the summer. If anything, it’s important to find ways to embrace this lifestyle in the summer, especially if you’re not a “summer person”. Need a little brush-up on exactly what hygge (pron.: hoo-guh) is? Check out a few of my last blog posts Hygge Part 1 and Hygge Part 2!

Here are 8 hygge-centered things that I challenge you to do before the long days and summer heat fade into even longer nights and crisp leaves:

  1. Read a Self-Help Book:
    It’s good for you. It opens your mind to new ideas, new concepts, and new ways of thinking. Plus, we all need a little help. Reading is a super hygge activity in itself, and reading to better yourself makes it so much more rewarding.
  2. Play in the Lake:
    Cold water, hot sun, laughter and play. There’s something surprisingly cozy about a day at the lake. Get out, dry off with a big fluffy towel, have a snack, and breathe it all in.
  3. Deep Clean the House:
    I know what you’re thinking… Cleaning!? How in the F*#k is that hygge? Well everyone knows how good it feels when the house is clean. Ultimate relaxation and comfort often comes after making your environment clean and tidy. Kick those feet up and relax now, it’s alllllll clean.
  4. Do Something You Did as a Kid:
    Run through the sprinkler. Jump on a trampoline. Ride your bicycle aimlessly and curiously through the streets. Write in a diary. Eat a hot fudge sunday. Nostalgia is good for the soul, and very, very hygge.
  5. Have a Pot-Luck:
    Round up your favorite people and tell them to bring their FAVORITE dish ever. No big plan, no theme to the meal. Just eat yummy food and enjoy the company. Unplug and tell stories, and listen to other’s stories. Take it all in. This is where memories are made.
  6. Get a Summery Candle:
    I’m burning “blushing amber” right now. It’s sweet mix of floral and musk, reminiscent of watermelon hard candies, grandma’s perfume and a flower garden. Sweet cinnamon pumpkin can wait until October, I promise.
  7. Go to a Farmer’s Market:
    Just go wander around. People put a lot of work into the unique things they’re selling, appreciate it. Buy a few things, sip a coffee or some lemonade. Wear a big sun hat. Embrace that “day at the farmer’s market” like first-season Jess from New Girl would. Your heart will feel warm and fuzzy, I promise.
  8. Lay Out and Star Gaze:
    Nothing crazy. Throw a blanket down… just for a bit. 5 minutes even. Look at those things up there. Wow. When was the last time you did?

I challenge you to do some or all of these things before the end of September. Even if it’s just one. I’d love to hear how they make you feel.

I do not own most of the photos in this post, you can find the source of most of them here.

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