Winter’s arrival brings crisp air, cosy nights, and a yearning for warmth and comfort. While some might see it as a gloomy time, I believe it’s a season brimming with opportunity. It’s a chance to slow down, embrace simple pleasures, and create a peaceful haven within our homes. In this post, I’m sharing my “10 Cosy Delights to Embrace Winter” – a collection of products and experiences that transform my winter season into a period of cosy contentment. These are all things that bring me joy, and I hope they inspire you to find your own winter rituals (and none of these companies are affiliated with me, I just genuinely love them!):
1. A Steaming Cup of Comfort: There’s nothing quite like a steaming mug cradled in your hands to chase away the winter chill. My current obsession is the “Turmeric Chai” blend from T leaft. This organic concoction of turmeric, cinnamon, licorice root, cardamom, black pepper, and horopito is like a warm hug in a cup, perfect for soothing the winter blues.
2. Digital Disconnect, Winter Reconnect: Winter offers a perfect chance to hit pause on technology and reconnect with ourselves. Inspired by Cal Newport’s “Digital Minimalism,” I’m exploring a 30-day digital detox. It’s not about ditching tech forever, but a chance to reassess what truly enhances my life. After the detox, I can choose what tech to reintroduce, fostering a more mindful digital life.
3. Snuggle Up with Slipper Socks: Let’s face it, winter begs for warm and cosy feet! My personal saviours are a pair of Norsewear slipper socks. They’re not just incredibly soft and warm, but also have grippy soles to prevent any wintertime stumbles.
4. Create a Sanctuary Scent: Scents have a powerful ability to influence our mood and create a calming atmosphere. During winter, I have been diffusing Wellington Apothecary’s “Sanctuary” blend throughout my home. This divine combination of sandalwood, orange, rose, frankincense, palmarosa, and lavender creates a peaceful and inviting haven.
5. An Emotional Journey Through Film: Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” may be about Riley’s teenage emotions, but it’s a heartwarming reminder for everyone, regardless of age. The film emphasises the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
6. Baking Up Winter Delights: The aroma of freshly baked goods is pure winter magic. Nicola Galloway’s Gingerbread Loaf with Pumpkin is a must-try for the season. It’s moist, bursting with flavor, and pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of tea. For a comforting dinner option, her Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup is another wintertime favourite – nourishing and perfect for chilly evenings.
7. Power Up with Podcasts: Podcasts are a fantastic way to learn and be entertained while you multitask. While I work, I love listening to Mikkipedia, hosted by Mikki Williden. I discovered Mikki during a Wellbeing and Nutrition course at Canterbury University, and I’m constantly inspired by her insightful and thought-provoking content.
8. Exploring Flower Power: This winter, I’ve embarked on a fascinating exploration with First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand. I’m learning about the first 36 remedies, which utilise flower essences to transform emotional well-being.
9. Reality Show Rendezvous: Let’s be honest, sometimes we all crave a little mindless entertainment! Here at home, we’re completely hooked on Season 2 of New Zealand’s version of “The Traitors.” We weren’t impressed with the New Zealand version last year, but the drama and intrigue of Season 2 have us glued to the screen.
10. Movie Magic on Saturday Nights: As the days grew shorter in autumn, we initiated a Saturday night movie ritual. We revisit old favourites from our DVD collection, a simple tradition that allows us to reconnect, unwind, and escape into the world of cinema.
As winter unfolds, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation. There are countless cosy corners to explore, new recipes to discover, and perhaps even more winter favourites to add to my list. In the meantime, I hope these ideas have sparked your own inspiration to create a winter season filled with comfort, joy, and well-being.
Feeling Inspired? Share your favorite winter essentials in the comments below! Let’s create a community of cosy and share the things that make winter special for each of us.