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5 easy easy to make your house cozy, relaxing, and inviting all winter long.
Good morning friends, how are you?
Today I am joining Kim and Juliet for weekend meanderings, our weekly series of things that caught our eye, piqued our interest. Adventures, style, life and so much more.
It is cold this morning, it is dark and gray. I am sitting in bed reading and sipping a hot chocolate pondering my day. There are a few things to do around the house and walking date with a friend and I still have to organize my Christmas boxes. They are still stacked in the living room but I have yet to muster the energy to take them to the garage.
The news this week was pretty bleak, the passing of Lisa Maris Presley, all of the “bombshells” from The Spare and of course the seeming endless rain in California and tornados across Alabama, George and Kentucky.
Were you affected by the bad weather? Have you read The Spare? I’ll be honest, I have not read it and don’t plan too.
Last night we watched Elvis, wow! What a movie and what a life. I had no idea he was basically a prisoner to his contract. So sad.
Ok let’s meander!
Weekend Meanderings
Winter can be a long, lonely, gloomy few months and it is definitely a time to enjoy the little things. This month I am savoring the cold, gray days, they are the perfect excuse to relax, read, watch movies and eat comfort food. The beauty of the sun after a few days of rain. Fresh baked bread on Sunday morning. The antics of my pups who keep me on my toes and always put a smile on my face. Long calls with my siblings and parents on Sunday afternoon sitting in my cozy house.
5 ways to make your house warm and cozy all winter long
The dictionary definition of cozy is: giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
That is my aim all year long but particularly in the winter. I want to feel comfort on a cold day and I want people who visit to feel the same. So today I am sharing 5 easy ways to make your house cozy during the dark days of winter.
Candles
Is there anything better than the glow of a candle? It makes everything feel warm, romantic, and cozy, also a little like days gone by. Sometimes I light lots of candles or turn on the electric candles and read by the glow of the light, it is a peaceful way to start the day.
We have lots of candles, especially in the fall and winter. Balsam fir, Fraser Fir, winter woods and citrus and spice. The scents are as calm, cozy and relaxing as the warm glow. Not only that they create the perfect hygge home. If you do not know what hygge is you can read all about it here.
Music
Turn off the tv, get away from the “noise” of life and let yourself relax with music. Make a playlist on your phone, use Alexa or access to over 2 million songs with your Prime membership.
I love all kinds of music, my dad was a fan of traditional country music, my mom loved John Denver and Pavarotti. In high school ABBA, Styx, REO, Journey and my brothers’ alternative music was blaring from the radio or his LP records.
My first love is classical, opera and early music, add a Gregorian chant to the playlist and I can listen for hours. In fact I took up the violin at 28, I wasn’t very good but I still enjoy listening to and attending concerts by my favorite artists.
Let the cares of the day fall away as you sing along or simply listen to your favorite music.
Natural Elements
As you can tell by the name of this blog I love natural elements, especially pinecones and acorns. Pinecones, acorns, seed pods, antlers, cotton and other found treasures are wonderful frugal finds from nature to decorate your house inside and out
The good news is that all you have to do is go out and find them.Take a bag with you when you go for your daily walk and when you come across something you like take it home and add it to your decor.
You can pile pinecones into a vintage or a favorite add a few leaves or springs of pine or holly and you have an easy seasonal arrangement. Or place cuttings from your trees, wildflowers or weeds in a vintage pitcher or vase for a seasonal arrangement.
If you don’t have the time to forage, Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store always has seasonal berries and greens.
Remember pinecones need to be cleaned, here are some easy tips for cleaning pinecones.
Bath Salts, Fluffy Towels and Self Care Items for the Bathrooms
Stock your bathroom with your favorite candles, bath salts, Epsom salts, bubble bath and fluffy towels. After a day out hiking, skiing, or playing in the snow a warm bath is the perfect way to warm up. It is alway a great way to wind down after a long day and drying off with a large plush towel definitely makes you feel more cosy and warm.
Get out your favorite pajamas and robe and keep them stored in the bathroom so that when you get out of the tub after a long relaxing soak all of your things are there. Add candles, a few touches of seasonal decor and your bathroom will be as cosy and comfortable as the other rooms in your house.
Get into the kitchen
The kitchen in the heart of the home, it is where you create memories while sharing your favorite comfort foods and drinks.
A pot of soup simmering on the stove or steaming chocolate; the scents of the season are the easiest and most delicious ways to cozy up your home. They bring you together with the people you love most and filly your belly and nurture your soul.
These are just 5 ways to make your house warm and cosy this winter there are so many more.
IN OTHER NEWS
If you are organizing your house this month you might want to add this to your drawer for baggies.
How to Dress an Apple Body Shape Over 50
Workout Wear That Will Make You Want to Work Out
Add this salad to your menu this month.
The Latest Decorating Trends to Love or Hate
Love this DIY oversize Greenery Branch idea from Lucy
Read this! Turning People into Trees
What to do if you miss your Christmas tree.
Have you shopped J.Crew lately? I am in love with all of the beautiful new pieces. I like this sweater and this shirt. By the way if you like cashmere the end of the season cashmere sale is on now.
Boden is one of my favorite places to shop, I love this shirt, this white button down shirt, and this comfy sweater to name just a few pieces.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
On the blog this week I shared, Lost And Found in Paris which apparently many of you love as you have messaged me that you have read it! Paris seemed to be my book theme this month because I also read The Last Restaurant in Paris and The Red Notebook.
Cranberries aren’t just for your Thanksgiving table! Use them to make this delicious Cranberry Bundt Cake!
Friday Favorites was filled with comfort food including a chocolate snack cake, chocolate hummus and a scrumptious recipe for chicken tiki masala fried rice! As well as interesting articles, finds and more. Love this cable knit sweater and the pop of color.
THAT’S IT
I hope that you enjoyed meandering today and that when you leave here you pop over to see all of the things that Kim and Juliet have discovered this week.
If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here
Subscribe to the blog and you will get the latest recipes and post to your inbox! You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Have a wonderful and safe weekend!
It’s Time for Amazon Prime Days!
Monday Musings No. 125
Friday Favorites No. 577 from Foodess, What’s Gabby Cooking, Butter Your Biscuit, and more.
American Viscountess, Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, Vanessa Cooper, Cherry Desserts and more on Weekend Meanderings. 
Like your blog but the ads are too much and make it difficult to read your post. I realize you need them but can the pop ups be limited. Thanks
Thank you for the feedback Shelia, I will contact my adnetwork and let them know. Hopefully we can fix it.
Good morning Elizabeth,
Thank you for your inspiration for all things cozy, I especially love the quote from Thomas De Quincey. I wanted to let you know that your link to how to dress an apple shaped body after 50 takes you to the amazon/baggies page.
Nancy, thank you for the kind comment. And for letting me know about the link, I will change it! Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Elizabeth,
I like how you start your day, in bed with hot chocolate and contemplating what you will do. So many good things for the soul here and to do to make your home cozy during these months. WE just made soup last night too… So needed during this weather. I keep my robe and things in the bath to wrap up after a hot shower in the evening..Sometimes a bath.
I will put this Paris book on my next list! I like you, love to collect things on walks and appreciate about how to clean a pinecone! I will be taking another rainy walk today as we have a storm, another tonight and another after.. Have to get out!
I was saddened to hear about Lisa Marie. I feel like I grew up with her. She looked so much like her wonderful dad.
As far as Harry, I had no opinion, but after watching many off his interviews, he comes across as so genuine and sincere and hearing more about the extreme disfunction and twisted way they are meant to live, I do think he is doing the right thing. His side of the story needs to be heard.
I think one needs to read his book before judging… and the tide is leaning his way after so many are reading what is a heartfelt and believable account of what he has to live with – aka your own family planting stories to keep in the good graces of the pubic and press. That’s just so awful. Perhaps we should look more at Harry as one who has left a sort of cult, where the truth isn’t talked about and that one must just swallow it all and shut up. Good for him for telling the truth of it all. And the memoir is kinder than the press says. I am one who is/was a royal family fan, but this is just not healthy for anyone, and I would think no one should have to be silenced and live this way.
Have a good weekend!
x Kim
As I read this my husband is engrossed in watching Jurassic World, so I’m seriously failing at escaping the noise! 🙂 But I agree with the impulse!
I watched several of Harry’s interviews, as well as his and Meghan’s documentary series, and I have gained sympathy for their impossible situation. That said, I won’t read Spare. The excerpts that have been shared on television about his “frozen todger” and his father’s teddy bear went beyond anything I needed to know. I’m no prude, but it seems to me some things are not for sharing with the insatiably curious public.
Sarah,
I agree that everyone is entitled to tell their side of the story. I cannot even imagine what their, Megan/Harry, life was like. I am sure there is so much going on behind the scenes at the palace that people cannot wrap their mind around. So many believe in fairy tales and think that it is all money, crowns, palaces, parties, fun and that is it. I for one had no idea that each family is their own “business”, I knew they had their own courtiers/staff but I thought we had moved on from what we previously read about in history. The competition between each house/family is so strange and must be very difficult to navigate when you are simply trying to do your job.
I think it is sad that there was so much personal information(as you mentioned) shared that I can not imagine a way back to reconciliation.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and find an escape from Jurassic World!
I have no wish to read the Spare. I think Harry has destroyed himself with his decisions the last year or two.
I think as so many have said that he has a right to tell “his side” of the story but I am sad that he shared so many private details about his family. I do not see any way for reconciliation.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Great tips for keep warm and cozy at home during the winter months. We’ve been have a real winter here in California which isn’t always the case. Yesterday I was in the grocery store buying flour and was told that everyone was coming in to buy baking supplies. Very sad news about Lisa Marie Presley, I watched her brief interview at the Golden Globes and she seemed very fragile. I haven’t seen the Elvis movie, thanks for the reminder to watch it. Hope you have a wonderful, warm and cozy weekend! xo
Juliet,
Our winter has been very mild, I do not think we will have any snow this year.
I am sure that people are baking, it is a great stress relief for hard times. I cannot believe how horrible your weather is. Hopefully soon you will see the sun.
Lisa Maris Presley, so very sad. A tragic end to a her life. I too thought she looks fragile, I think the death of her son was heartbreaking for her and I think she passed of a broken heart.
You will love Elvis!
Have a wonderful day Juliet! xo
Hi Elizabeth
I am not interested in reading the Spare only because I am not a royal watcher. I loved all your suggestions for keeping the home cozy however. January can be a dreary month even here in California, especially this year!