What the F is Fika?

Excuse me? You kiss your mother with that mouth? What is this Fika? Why should you care?

Fika: An important part of Swedish culture – it means “making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat.”
Oh, so, a coffee date? Put simply, yes. But you know I’m not here to put things simply… So, surprise! There’s more to it than that. 😉

It’s funny (not), I drafted this post in November 2019. November and December of 2019 were horrible for reasons I wont go into… So I figured I’d come back to writing it when I was in a better place emotionally, then 2020 happened. 10 months later and I’m READY to talk about fika.

Fika is a social concept. It requires 1) going out 2) with friends 3) drinking coffee and eating together 4) hugging, connecting, and conversing.
2020 hates Fika. So I almost didn’t write this post.
But the reality is, we need some damn Fika right now, my friends.

As is said on the Swedish Culture blog Hej Sweden : “Swedish people – often described as distant, calm and unsocial – love their fika. It gives them the opportunity to meet and hang out with friends, get to know new people, check out potential partners or network with business folks”. 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.

Mid way into writing this post, I was looking for images that represent fika and I came across a photo of the cast of FRIENDS. I couldn’t help but think – man, they “went for fika” just about every single day, that’s how it should be.

It was their favorite thing to do together, and for good reason –
it’s good for your health to go grab coffee with your friends.

Ready to start going out for fika? Here’s what you need:

No.1) C O F F E E: Fika first and foremost means “to break for coffee” so of course, you need something to sip on. But tea works too! Get a hot or cold beverage and sit down to savor it. Sip slowly, and appreciate the satisfaction a delicious beverage brings.
Pro tip: Order an americano with white chocolate & toasted marshmallow, half sweet, with an inch of cream (or alt. milk). Thank me later. 😉

No.2) T R E A T S: The second element to fika is getting a treat! It may be a small meal, or just a quick sweet pick-me-up. Whether savory or sweet, take time to fully embrace it. How’s the taste? Texture? Smell? What does it remind you of? Take it all in.
Pro tip: Try a scone! They’re incredibly under-rated and deserve way more praise than they get. Savory scones are amazing too.

No.3) F R I E N D S: Going to a coffee shop alone is a wonderful treat, but going with a close friend to catch up is a whole other type of magic. Visit your favorite coffee shop with your closest confidant, or maybe a pal from your past, and get lost in conversation and reminiscing.
Pro tip: Ask your friend (and vice-versa) what some of their favorite flavors are, whether they want hot or cold, and their milk preference; then order drinks for each other as a fun out-of-the-norm surprise.

No.4) R E L A X: Possibly the most important element of them all, this is a time to relax and unwind. Just as the cast of FRIENDS does, let your guard down and really enjoy each other’s company. Actively listen. Have meaningful conversations. Sit in a comfortable chair or couch. Going for fika should be restful and rejuvinating.
Pro tip: Find a secluded area in the cafe or coffee shop for you and your friend(s). The easier it is to hear one another, and let your guard down without fear of others overhearing, the more relaxed you’ll be.

I think you know enough now to take fika into your own hands. Now you just have to make it happen. Call up your friend for a Saturday coffee date. Let them know you learned about this thing called fika and you want to give it a shot. Most importantly, have some good coffee & great conversations.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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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Spring Hygge Part Two

We made it.. It’s finally spring. If you’re a fairly normal being, you’re probably FINALLY shaking off the winter blues. Cabin fever is going away, bones are thawing, and there are once again signs of life outdoors..

If you failed at embracing hygge (hoo-guh) this winter, or maybe you started the winter off with high hopes and good intent, but got bitter about the frosty barren world and gave up trying.. I have good news for you, Spring hygge is just as good.
Last year we discussed some really great ways to carry the hygge way of life all the way into spring. This year, I’m coming back with even more great ideas to stay cozy and find joy in the not-quite-warm-yet season.

Not sure what it means to embrace the hygge way of life ? Find that out here and here.

Here’s some inspiration for keeping things cozy and hygge this spring!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS OVER FOR BRUNCH
3

Togetherness is a vital aspect of hygge. Building relationships, making memories, and enjoying time with a select “group” of people that you love is one of the key components to happiness and comfort.

Brunch is the perfect opportunity for hygge because the food is warm and hearty, there’s fresh coffee & hot tea, and bread & butter are a given. Plus, everyone knows that mid morning is one of the best times for natural light.

brunch collage
T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Make it warm and comfy with open windows or doors, candle light, and some fresh blooms.
2. Keep the convos light, no turbulent topics. This is a time for warmth, joy and light fare.

SPEND TIME AT YOUR FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP
1

This is probably my favorite hygge tip. The time I feel this lifestyle the most is when I have a window seat at Colter Coffee; the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle whir of the espresso machine, indie music and light, happy chatter. You can watch the cars go by on main street, and it becomes all too easy to get lost in whatever it is you’re working on.

This type of hygge falls under a few different hygge manifesto (see below) categories; Atmosphere, Pleasure, Gratitude, Comfort.. However you view it, it’s a great place to begin understanding the hygge way of life. Get out of the spring rain and sit down at your favorite coffee shop.

coffee shop collage
T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Coffee shops are a great place to work on important projects, but don’t forget to pause every once in awhile to take in your surroundings.
2. If you’re not there to work, try truly unplugging and embracing the atmosphere around you. 

MAKE A BLANKET FORT
2

There’s a cool spring rain falling outside and you want to make your night-in just a little more cozy. How about embracing your inner child, and building a blanket fort? Think about it… When was the last time you did?

It doesn’t matter how you build it; tacks, chairs, sheets or blankets, sturdy, flimsy, simple or complex… Spending time in a fort soothes our deep-rooted human desire for shelter. It is the ultimate cozy atmosphere.

pillow fort collage
T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Spend the night in your blanket fort! How fun to wake up in the morning and experience the true child-like wonder of crawling out of your fort to grab breakfast.
2. I know, it’s tempting to grab the laptop or build the fort around your TV, but opt for story telling and card games instead and see how good it feels to have a screen free evening!

READ A SELF HELP BOOK
4

Self-care lies at the root of hygge. And how better to care for yourself than to open your mind to life-bettering advice? Reading is good for the mind and the soul.

Snuggle up by the window, curl up in bed, and delve into the world of self-help. Here are some of my faves: The Secret, The Little Book of Hygge, The Little Book of Lykke, and You Are a Badass.

self help collage
T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Highlight, underline, and mark important pages.. This ensures that you truly absorb the information.
2. DO NOT be ashamed to read self-help books in public, it is inspiring that you’re bettering yourself.

HYGGE MANIFESTO

These tips are little things you can do to create a more cozy life. I hope in doing them you experience more simplicity, togetherness, comfort, and joy.

There are many more ways to incorporate hygge into your daily life. Start with The Little Book of Hygge, apply the practices, mindset and concepts, and watch your life change for the better.

 DO NOT OWN SOME OF THE PHOTOS ABOVE, ALL CAN BE FOUND IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORM ON MY HYGGE PINTEREST BOARD.

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How to Keep Things Hygge in the Spring

The hygge way of life was invented to combat the notorious depression that comes with winter. Denmark has long, drawn-out winters with scarce amounts of daylight. Therefore, they needed a way (or a feeling, if you will) to not only get through this time, but to embrace it. So hygge was born.
Hygge, when defined simply by the Oxford Dictionary, is : a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.

Note that the dictionary definition doesn’t really state anything specifically about winter. So who’s to say you can’t “hygge” during every season? If anything, hygge is imperative during Spring.
You’ve just hunkered down for 6-8 months and can’t really remember what green grass and daylight look like.. So now’s the time to truly embrace the coziness that comes with sunshine and a completely fresh and new landscape.

Here are a few ways to carry the hygge lifestyle with you throughout Spring:

1

There’s nothing like fresh flowers and precious little succulents to chase off those winter blues. Bring bright colors and fresh pops of green into your home to brighten it up and make it extra cozy. Plus, nothing says “I have my shit together” quite like a vase of flowers or a well-kept succulent garden! That’s right, look at me, keeping plants alive!

If you’re in the Flathead Valley, your best and most delightful place to get either of these pretty little home treats is going to be Mum’s Flowers in Whitefish! Plus, they have a build-your-own succulent garden station and some of the cutest gifts you’ll ever see.


T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Start small; buy one small succulent garden or one pretty bouquet of flowers, and watch them transform your room
2. If you’re not going to go local on your flower buying, the next best place is Costco (the best bang for your buck!)

2

Natural light is one of the coziest things nature has to offer. Let those bright yellow sun rays dance across your room, or the cool blue hues cast from a rainy day… No matter what type of natural light you’re letting in, it’s going to instantly create a cozier vibe.

T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Open up those blinds first thing in the morning to take advantage of morning light.
2. Clean windows and windowsills make for a better experience
3. If you have large windowsills, keep some plants in them (pretty for you, good for the plants)

outdoors

Even if this means just hanging out in your back yard, just get out there. Get a little bit of sunshine, get your feet dirty, smell the rain, read a book on the patio.. Just be outside, and disconnect for a little while. Brownie points if you actually make it out on a hike or picnic. But no matter where you go, if you’re outside and your relaxed, you’ve got it all figured out.


T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Create a back (or front) yard sanctuary. This can always be done on a budget! You just need a chair or two, a small table, a blanket and some candles!
2. Go the extra mile to have a real picnic. I mean those picture perfect picnics you see in the movies. It will make the experience that much more hygge to have everything set up so well! (it’s like ‘plating’ a meal – making it look almost too good to eat!)

candles

Ah, candles. All the candles! You cannot hygge, without the candles. And if we’re being honest with ourselves, candles just make everything better. Having a nice dinner, add candles. Relaxing at home while reading a book? Light some candles! Bubble bath!? Not without the candles! Candles bring instant warmth, glow and coziness into any situation they’re brought into. I mean, even Satan worshipers use candles! (Hah). But seriously, the Danes constantly have candles going, and for good reason; they just make everything better.


T I P S  F O R  H Y G G E  S U C C E S S :
1. Buy UNSCENTED or naturally scented candles made from beeswax or soy! Scented candles and petroleum based candles release toxic chemicals into your home and that is NOT hygge. Plus, if you have a ton of candles going at once, you’re definitely not going to want them all to be scented!
2. Even when doing mundane, day-to-day activities, light a candle or two! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere something as simple as lighting a candle can create!

All of these tips are just little things you can do each day to create a cozy life. It’s about simplicity, togetherness, and comfort. There are many ways to incorporate this amazing way of living into your daily schedule. The Little Book of Hygge is where I discovered it all. I immediately fell in love, began applying these rules to my life, and then wrote my first two posts about it :
Hygge Part 1 : What is Hygge and Why Do You Need It In Your Life?
and
Hygge Part 2 : How to Embrace Hygge In Your Everyday Life

My life has been more cozy, organized, and full since discovering hygge. And I can only hope that it does the same for each and every one of you.

 

I do not own any of the photos above, all can be found in their original form on my Hygge Pinterest Board.

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Hygge: Part 2 – How To Embrace Hygge in your Everyday Life

In my last post we discussed what Hygge is and why you should incorporate it into your life. Now that we officially have snow on the ground here in Montana, I feel like Hygge is even more important to learn about, and begin applying to your life!

Candle-lit rooms, fireplaces blazing, comfortable blankets, and hot drinks all seem to be pretty basic life-things. But once you learn what Hygge is, it becomes hard not to view those things as the delightful treasures they truly are.

I had a conversation with a friend after she read my first post and she said “Growing up in Boise area there’s a lot of cool vibes down there. In particular, there was this coffee shop called The Flying M. Still to this day I haven’t found a coffee shop that has the same vibe or came anywhere close to it. There were always local artists selling their art and home roasted coffee beans, daily.. And an atmosphere that made you feel right at home.” and I honestly cant think of anything more Hygge than that. That’s what it’s all about.

While learning about the concept of Hygge and why you need it was a great start, I want everyone to come away from this with a good idea of how to incorporate it into their daily lives. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on The Little Book of Hygge, you’ll find this delightful little page in there called The Hygge Manifesto.

The Hygge Manifesto is an amazing info graphic containing the basic stepping stones to bringing Hygge into your life. I wanted to elaborate a little bit, and add more description to the 10 main concepts of Hygge.

EMBRACING THE HYGGE MANIFESTO

Make day-to-day activities more Hygge:

Want to make your life more Hyggelit? I know I do. Here are some basic ways to make every day activities cozy, warm, comfortable and relaxing.
Sitting in your bedroom or living room on your computer?
– Light 3-15 candles, it instantly makes a room more warm.
– Plug in that Salt Lamp, don’t have one? You’re missing out.
– Turn off those main over head lights and crank up that fireplace if you have one.
– Grab a blanket, some pillows and some socks or slippers.
– Turn on Pandora, I suggest The Lumineers, Hozier, The Postal Service, or Death Cab for Cutie Radio.
– Been scrolling aimlessly for too long? Ditch the computer and pick up a book, you wont be sorry.

Having dinner with friends or family?
– Opt for a night in! It’s more relaxing and personable.
– Play a game! Nothing is more Hygge than laughing with loved ones.
– Encourage comfortable attire, and make your home more welcoming. (Candles, hello!)
– Serve warm, hearty food and hot drinks. Attempt to create a beautiful table scape.

Going out for a coffee or lunch date?
– Find a local cafe with a great vibe, they’re out there, no matter where you are!
– Bring a book or a friend and just relax. Don’t rush through your coffee or meal, this is an experience!
– Find a spot with great lighting. String lights, big windows and a rustic feel. Bonus points if they play great music.
– Order a pastry or two, I bet you deserve it.
– Chat with strangers! Sometimes they have really neat or funny things to talk about.
– R E L A X

There are ways to make just about any situation more Hygge. (Minus like, Emergency Rooms and Dentist Offices).
Hygge is a way of life. In all instances, seek out a way to make these instances more comfortable.
Hygge is about creating fond memories, having a good time with loved ones, and enjoying every single moment. It’s about great lighting, good food, and feeling comfortable and safe. Hygge is everything comfy, cozy, relaxing and warm, and it’s absolutely wonderful. I encourage you to live your life in a way where you’re always searching for Hygge, because it’s a truly delightful way to live.

How are you going to start incorporating Hygge into your life? Buy some candles? Call up your old best friends for a night in? Invest in a salt lamp or a new cozy blanket? Wherever you start is perfect, because you’ll notice a difference right away.

So go on, get! Get your Hygge on. And don’t be embarrassed to say the word (HUE-GUH). The more you talk about Hygge, the more normal it becomes… and you’ll intrigue and inspire everyone around you!

Did you miss Part One? Find it here:
HYGGE: PART 1 – WHAT IS HYGGE AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT IN YOUR LIFE?

Sources: Hygge Manifesto, all photos on the “Embracing the Hygge Manifesto” graphic can be found HERE.

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Hygge: Part 1 – What is Hygge and Why Do You Need it in Your Life?

Pretty recently I came across the topic of Hygge and was absolutely intrigued. Almost immediately after learning what it was, I went out and bought The Little Book of Hygge – Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. And so began my infatuation with the simple, comforting and beautiful way the Danes live their lives.

Ah, I’m sure you, too, are intrigued and you’re probably ready to know (if you haven’t already blown this post off and just Googled it) :

What is Hygge? And how in the the world do you pronounce it?

Hygge (hue-guh) is, to use Mr. Wiking’s words, “…about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down.”

Hygge is sipping hot cocoa by the fire in your favorite pair of socks.
Hygge is Christmas, early evening, when the food is almost ready, the lighting is dim and glowy, and everyone’s hearts are buzzing with warmth and comfort.
Hygge is relaxing at your favorite brick walled, dimly-lit coffee shop, listening to indie music and taking it all in.
Hygge is wrapping up in your favorite blanket, bra off, hair up, watching a snow storm consume your neighborhood while you watch from the comfort of the indoors.

Hygge is everything comfortable, warm, and relaxing. It’s togetherness, music, pastries and candlelight. Hygge is, to generalize; happiness.

Why do you need Hygge in your life?

The reason the concept of Hygge struck me so hard, is mostly due in part to the fact that, like Denmark, Montana has long, grueling winters. Part of my research lead me to uncover that many years ago, the Danes came up with a way to combat the notorious depression that can set in when you live in a place with crazy-long winters.
It was a new way of life, a way to embrace the long “depressing” winters, rather than dread them. They yearned for a way to look forward to the frigid, dark season ahead of them, so they created one!

It’s inspiring, if you ask me. And I feel like we Americans, and especially us that live in the North (Montana) could really, truly benefit from bringing Hygge into our lives.

The winters are long, and I know from 18 + years of living in the Flathead Valley that there are still thousands of people here that haven’t found a way to cope with the way a long winter makes them feel.
I want everyone to have the opportunity to find pure and blissful joy by embracing the cold season, rather than trying to escape it or complain about it.

So grab some close friends and family, light a few candles, climb into your Hyggekrog, and delve into the wonderful life that is Hygge.
I encourage you to do some of your own research.
Hop on Pinterest and create a Hygge Board for inspiration and warm feelings.

And I would also like you to keep your eyes out for Hygge Part 2: How to Embrace Hygge in your Everyday Life… where we’ll talk about things you can do to make your life more Hygge.

See you soon.

(photo sources: source, source, source, source, source )

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