7 Day Winter Hygge Challenge Archives

December 27, 2018

Day 7: Try a New Soup Recipe

What a cozy, homey way to end the 7 Day Winter Hygge Challenge. This morning I selected this final activity.

Try a new soup recipe

Hygge encourages simple wholesome nutritious meals. On this windy, chilly overcast day, the thought of dining on hot soup tonight warmed me all afternoon.

Finding a New Soup Recipe

I made use of the Yummly app to find a new soup recipe. Called a “smart cooking sidekick”, Yummly allows me to find the perfect recipe. By entering in preferences and filters I can narrow down my search by cook time, course, cuisine, occasion, diet, allergy, nutrition and the ingredients I have on hand.

I already have my Yummly app set up with a vegan preference. The app stores my saved info as well, such as no meat, dairy products, gluten, eggs, soy or sugar.

Tonight I listed ingredients I had on hand, a prep and cook time of under an hour, and hit search. A list of recipes popped up, featuring their eye catching photos. Much like Pinterest, clicking on the photo takes me to a contributor’s website, where a full list of ingredients and directions for the recipe are posted.

Vegan Potato Carrot Soup

I settled on a potato leek carrot soup, minus the leeks, which I did not have on hand. This vegan recipe, from Healthier Steps, was simple to prepare with a couple of adaptations to match my available ingredients. Check out her website for amazing plant based recipes.

I doubled this recipe, as noted below.

Vegan Potato Carrot Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 can coconut milk
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Sauté onion, carrots, celery and garlic until soft, about 4 minutes.

Add thyme and stir. Add potatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, water, coriander, turmeric and cumin. I also added a teaspoon of sea salt.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through and tender. Season with black pepper and more sea salt, if needed. Makes 6-8 servings.

Hygge Goodness

The new soup recipe proved to be delicious. Full of veggies and savory with a subtle blend of spices, the Potato Carrot Soup goes into my “keep” section on Yummly.

I enjoy cooking, especially on cool evenings. A hot bowl of soup is satisfying comfort food and serves up warmth, nutrition and a perfect hygge experience.

The 7 day hygge challenge is finished. Practicing coziness continues. I’ll randomly select the remaining hygge activities from the jar, over the winter.

Even as Christmas decorations come down, winter deepens and will remain for three more months. I’ll practice creativity, finding ways to display candles and pile up the thick blankets and bring natural elements indoors. It’s going to be very cozy around here.

December 26, 2018

Day 6: Cozy Pajamas Evening

When I selected Build a Bonfire, on day 3 of the challenge, the mild weather perfectly supported that activity. I laughed when I drew today’s slip of paper out of the jar.

Have a cozy evening with warm PJs, a pile of blankets, a hot drink, a book and candlelight.

It’s been overcast and dark all day, as if the sun forgot to rise. A steady rain pelts the windows. And a strong breeze is literally whistling around the house and through the front door, disturbing the cats. It is a great evening for carrying out this hygge activity. Nights like this one inspire coziness.

Looking at my hand written slip of paper, I realized it read like a “to do” list. I’m one for checking items off as I complete them, so here we go…steps to creating a cozy pajamas evening.

Warm PJs

I confess, I don’t know why I wrote the word pjs. Honestly, I don’t own pajamas nor do I sleep in them. (Check out my post, Comfortable in My Own Skin) However, I do adore wearing comfy clothes. As soon as I’m in for the evening, during cold winter months, I change out of my everyday clothes and into cozy warm tights, hoodies and fuzzy socks.

Tonight I donned tights and a lined hoodie sporting the tiger emblem and the words MIZZOU TIGERS, the mascot of Missouri University in Columbia. My oldest grandson is a sophomore there, inspiring me to exhibit school spirit. I added socks in the school colors of black and gold and my new cozy cat slippers.

Warm “pjs”? Check!

Pile of Blankets

I selected this activity first thing this morning. By mid afternoon, a new, incredibly warm blanket came into my life. The plush queen sized blanket is a Christmas gift from my son and daughter-in-law. They had no idea that I’d be enjoying a cozy hygge evening. How timely is their present.

I adore blankets and linens. For me they join candles as the ultimate hygge props. My cats agree. As soon as I snuggled beneath my new blanket, Shy Boy’s cozy alert went off. He bounded into my room and curled up on my lap, snuggling into the blanket with a raspy purr and a sigh.

Blanket? Check! Cuddly cat as a bonus? Check!

Hot Drink, Book and Candlelight

These last three items complete my list for a cozy pajamas evening.

My hot drink of choice tonight soothed me with chai spices, unsweetened cocoa and dairy free milk. Chai hot chocolate is quickly becoming a favorite night time drink. Find the easy recipe here.

I read from two books. The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life, by Thomas Moore, inspires me and creates anticipation for next year. My word for 2019 is enchantment and the way Moore writes about the state of being enchanted stirs my heart and expands my soul.

And I am slowly reading my way through the Harry Potter series of books. I’ve seen all the movies many times. Until recently, I had not read the books. I’m on book three, The Prisoner of Azkaban, and enjoying the story.

Candlelight flickers through my home again this evening. With the fierce wind and rain, I skipped lighting the front porch candles. And I simply plugged in a string of lights in my studio. However the rest of the rooms are alight with twinkling flames. I truly love candlelight. It softens a room, creates intimacy and sends hope outward, energetically. I understand why candlelight is such a crucial hygge element.

Hot drink? Check! Books? Check! Candlelight? Check!

Cozy Pajamas Evening

Surrounded by light and warmth and coziness, I am at peace and filled with joy. If the bonfire night epitomized outdoor hygge, tonight defines the simplicity and beauty of the hygge lifestyle. It grows my faith and deepens my trust in the Divine, as I randomly draw out activities that so perfectly align with my day.

I have one more winter hygge activity to carry out tomorrow, for the challenge. This week of activities completes an intention I set forth on the first day of spring. My desire to welcome each season with a week of activities, appropriate for the time of year, has been realized.

What I’ve come to appreciate most is that hygging truly is a lifestyle for me. This Scandinavian tradition is in my DNA. I’ll continue to practice hygge, and find fresh ways to embrace coziness, in all areas of my life.

Cozy pajamas evening? Check! Hygge lifestyle? Check!

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December 24, 2018

Day 4: Watch a Favorite Movie From My Childhood

Tonight is Christmas Eve. Simple wholesome food is ready for tomorrow. It will be a quiet day for me, with family scattered until after Christmas. I’ll enjoy a day of rest and play, movies and music. The hygge activity I drew from the jar was perfect for an evening in.

Watch a favorite movie from my childhood.

That seemed like an easy task. A movie immediately came to mind.

A Childhood Favorite

My first film choice, for tonight, was the 1964 movie Mary Poppins. That fun musical had a great impact on me as a child. Mary Poppins showed me how magical life could be. And I’m talking about truths deeper than flying with an umbrella, although I tried that, unsuccessfully, as a six year old.

Alas, I could not find Mary Poppins online to watch.

I’ve learned, these last few years as a blogger, that if a plan goes awry it’s best to let it go and remain open to other possibilities. The search began, at almost 8:00 PM, for another movie from the 1960s that I could watch this evening.

White Christmas

Being Christmas Eve I turned my focus to classic holiday films. Flipping through tv channels I looked for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964) or Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). I had a fallback ready to go…my beloved Jason and the Argonauts (1963). That adventure fantasy is a favorite and I own the DVD. Something Christmasy appealed to me now however. I kept searching.

I found the right one. Netflix has a great selection of holiday films. White Christmas (1954) stood out. Although I watched the classic every year, as a child, it had been a very long time since I watched this Irving Berlin musical all the way through.

A Favorite Movie From My Childhood

White Christmas stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. The story follows a popular song and dance team, Bob and Phil (Crosby and Kaye), as they team up with sisters Betty and Judy (Clooney and Vera-Ellen), who are launching a musical career of their own. The four end up at an inn in Vermont, where lack of snowfall is hampering business.

I confess, I smiled though this 2 hour movie. I’d forgotten so much: How rich and distinctive is Bing’s voice and how brightly his eyes sparkle. I laughed over Danny Kaye’s comedic antics. His weekly variety show in the 60s was another favorite.

And as a child, I missed the real plot of the story. The lack of snow affected the inn of a man who was important to Bob and Phil. The owner was Major General Waverly, formerly in command of the troops Bob and Phil served in. They literally rallied those troops, and performed a Christmas show, to support their old Major General.

White Christmas is fun, it’s full of familiar tunes, and it has a great message about helping each other through difficult times. I appreciate the timeless story as presented through song and dance.

Hygge Christmas Eve

Before starting the movie I created a cozy, hygge environment. Throughout the house and out onto the front deck, candlelight welcomed Christmas and sent the lights of hope, peace and joy into the world.

I carried hot tea and a nutritious dinner of lentil shepherd’s pie into my room. For warmth I snuggled beneath a fuzzy blanket while my new cat socks kept my feet toasty.

It was the perfect setting for a watching a favorite movie from my childhood. I loved the whole experience.

I have no idea what hygge activity I’ll draw tomorrow, for Christmas Day. However I trust it will be just as perfect!

December 23, 2018

Day 3: Build a Bonfire

I could not have had a more perfect day for this winter hygge activity. When I select a slip of paper from the jar, I do so randomly. Seeing what I draw each day becomes a fun game…and also an exercise in trust.

With mild temperatures and low wind conditions, an evening bonfire in the backyard fire pit offered the ultimate cozy hygge experience.

Setting the Stage

The Danish custom of hygging embraces simplicity, connection and creating a cozy atmosphere. Candlelight and firelight are important elements of winter hygge. While I use many candles throughout my home, I do not have a fireplace. I have a backyard fire pit though!

Hygge encourages spending time outdoors as well, no matter what the weather is. I use the fire pit from spring until late fall. I’ve never actually built a fire in it during the winter months. It was time for a new experience.

To up the coziness factor, I added several metal candleholders to the brick patio area and carried out soft blankets to snuggle beneath.

Healthy Snacks

While Greg built a fire and tended to it, I prepared a healthy snack to enjoy outdoors.

Earlier in the afternoon, anticipating the evening bonfire, I tried out a simple new recipe for Rice Krispy Treats, by Anthony William. This healthier version of a traditional favorite is made from raw honey, cashew butter, vanilla and organic brown rice puffed cereal. The treats chilled in the refrigerator while I created a hot drink for us to sip on as we enjoyed the fire.

Chai Hot Chocolate combines the goodness of chai spices with a healthy sugar-free, dairy-free cocoa. Prepared in a saucepan on the stove, this delicious hot drink came together in minutes.

Find both recipes here.

Winter Bonfire

I loved this experience. This is what hygge is all about.

As darkness shadowed the backyard, the bonfire crackled and sent sparks twirling into a clear, star studded sky. Candles twinkled, creating a soft glow.

Temperatures dropped into the low 40s. The blanket felt great to snuggle beneath. A cap, scarf and gloves added to my comfort. And the chai hot chocolate warmed me and delighted me with its spicy goodness.

Coziness? Yes. Peace and quiet joy, watching the mesmerizing bonfire? Yes. Total, absolute bliss? Oh yes. After tonight, I’m inspired to build more fires during the winter. I’d especially love to warm myself with a roaring fire after a gorgeous snowfall.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

December 22, 2018

Day 2: Buy a New Pair of Cozy Socks

Purchasing cozy socks is such a beautifully simple hygge activity. And it meshed perfectly with my day. I had last minute errands to run, to complete preparations for Christmas.

I thought it would be easy to find a fun pair of fuzzy socks to wear over the holidays. However, being the Saturday before Christmas meant there were LOTS of shoppers out, completing Christmas purchases.

Where Did All the Cozy Socks Go?

Since Halloween I’ve seen displays of cozy, holiday themed socks everywhere…until today. I should have known better. I worked in retail years ago. Traffic along Range Line indicated the stores would be full. And they were.

I made six stops, running errands. I felt sure I’d find the right pair of cozy socks at my first shop. Not one pair remained. The displays were empty.

At my next to last stop, a Walmart Super Center, I perused the slim selection of available socks. I had a pair of textured boot socks in hand, although it seemed a stretch to call them cozy.

Finally I spied a display with a few holiday socks hanging upon it. Two options fit my criteria. Being a “cat mom”, with three felines at home, I chose the cute, cozy kitty socks, lined with fuzzy fleece. Perfect.

Coziness Improves Health

Did you know that hygging, the Danish practice of creating coziness, has health benefits?

Being cozy is actually good for you. Benefits include:

Increase in happiness
Less depression and anxiety
Greater optimism and sense of self worth
Lower stress
Improved compassion, toward self and others
Raised awareness and mindfulness
Increased gratitude
Appreciation for simple things in life

No wonder the Danes are some of the happiest, most content people on earth.

Cozy Cat Socks

I’ve worn my new cozy socks since I returned home, errands completed. I love them. They are more of a slipper sock and my feet feel toasty warm and cradled in comfort. As a bonus, I smile every time I glance at my feet.

The coziness that surrounds my feet moves upward to cocoon my whole body in sweet warmth. And that’s the beauty of hygge. The small acts of creating cozy comfort expand into joy, contentment and peace.

My cat babies seem to like my new socks as well. Two of the three have snuggled up, which is another lovely hygge tradition. We are embraced by coziness.

December 22, 2018

Day 1: Create a Winter Playlist

Who creates a winter playlist at 11:30 at night, and then starts on blog posts? I do! I do because I made a commitment to myself, five years ago, to write and post daily. Plus I intended to launch a 7 Day Winter Hygge Challenge today, on the first day of winter.

These are my rules. I can choose to break them, or not. And I confess that I nearly chose to start the hygge challenge tomorrow. A long and full day focusing on other people who are dear to me took precedent today. No one would fault me for skipping a day of writing. It matters to me though.

Twice I stared into my jar with 15 folded slips of paper tucked within, feeling the minutes ticking by. Various activities awaited me. Finally I reached in and selected one. I made the right decision.

Winter Playlist

Of the 15 possibilities, this activity…Create a Winter Playlist…was the most doable in a limited amount of time. A playlist is simply a selection of songs grouped together. I have more than 300 songs on my iPhone to choose from.

Which songs inspire me as I head into a new year? Which ones create a cozy warmth around my heart?

In a few minutes I named my new playlist, added a photo I took recently of our one and only snowfall so far, and selected 19 songs.

An Eclectic Playlist

With the theme of winter guiding me, I pulled together an eclectic mix of songs. It’s the end of the year. A bright, shiny new year beckons, promising exciting adventures. Music accompanies me as I journey through this in between time.

I felt inspired to add a few Christmas songs, such as Winter Wonderland and Mary Did You Know? Music from the movie Frozen seems perfect for a winter playlist. Auld Lang Syne, by the bagpipe band Red Hot Chilli Pipers, gets the year off to a great start. My list is completed with additional movie soundtrack favorites, and a couple of Queen songs.

I’m grateful for this delightful hygge activity. And tomorrow I’m excitedto try out the winter playlist, as I embrace this new season.