a cozy winter season
If you too have not always loved winter, grab a blanket, your favorite warm drink and cozy up. :) A blizzard made its way through this past week closing down the interstate from one state to the next, reminding me we are in the THICK OF IT. Winter is not naturally my favorite season - the darker days, colder temps, often times kiddos coming down with something. But the Lord created us for seasons, so past year I started leaning in, delighting in the coziness winter brings. The slower pace, the cozy evenings in, the rest this season lends itself too - sweet gifts from the Lord I can so easily miss.
Winter doesn’t have to feel dreadful sweet friend. We can choose to delight and search for the beauty in this season. :) the Lord is so kind to remind me of that again and again as I reflect on the very heart of this blog.
In an effort to uplift your spirits this winter season - here’s a few favorites that are making this season feel cozy and delightful. Read on for easily accessible links to seasonal favorites, a warm nourishing bone broth hot cocoa recipe, and a few honorary mentions to make the season feel cozy without spending a dime. :)
Ember Mug // Keep your favorite beverage at the perfect temp as you sip it throughout the morning.
Bone Broth Hot Cocoa // The easy button for nourishing hot cocoa - add a half scoop of Just Ingredients Chocolate Protein Powder to a hot cup of water, use a little frother to mix it in and that’s it! Just Ingredients is gifting you $10 off your first purchase with this link. :)
Warm Winter Boots // The best investment for midwest winters - comfy, warm, grippy soles, waterproof, and neutral enough to wear day to day. :)
Cozy Blanket // Soft blankets perfect for cozying up with a pile of books or snuggling under by twinkling lights.
Kindle // The simplicity and ease of use while rocking babies in the middle of the night has made me a big fan of kindle reading in this season. :) Currently reading and learning so much from Be Good to Your Body by Jordan Lee Dooley. Highly recommend. :) All about nourishing our bodies well, stewarding the gift that they are, and getting back to God’s design.
Board Games // My husband is in his board game era & I’m here for it. :) This one was recommended by a sweet friend and has been such a fun calming game to play, with a cup of tea in hand to round out the night.
Candles + Candlesticks // There’s just something about the warm flickering glow of candles that just feel like a deep exhale. A couple thrifted candlesticks + candles lit around the dinner table in the evenings, make the early sunsets feel sweeter. :)
A hot cup of tea // A few years back we did a favorite things exchange and this tea was one of the gifts received. It has turned me into a tea drinker. ;) The decaf is such a warm, comforting treat to wind down with at the end of the night.
Red Light // Quite possible the most used item in our home this year - Immensely grateful to have this wellness tool on hand to use for just about anything. A cozy blanket, some red light therapy, and a hot cup of tea are the perfect trio in the winter months. :)
A few more favorite ways to make the most of this season:
Finding a cozy snowy ambiance with some calming music to set on the tv
Starting a cranberry cinnamon simmer pot on the stove
Warm winter gear - having warm gear makes being outside in the winter months so much more enjoyable! Soak up that fresh air and sunshine even in the winter. :)
Having a puzzle out to work on little by little
Antique Candle Co. Candles - my sweet sister just gifted me one of these for Christmas and it smells incredible and makes our whole kitchen feel so cozy.
Homemade Bone Broth Hot Cocoa:
1/4 cup bone broth
1/2 cup of whole milk
1-2 tbsp cocoa powder
splash of vanilla
splash of maple syrup
optional - a small scoop of collagen (we’ve used the needed brand)
heat up on the stove top, whisk together & enjoy!
That’s it friends! Hope these ideas spark a little joy for you this winter. May your winter months feel restful & cozy. :)
- Rachel