When I think of what makes a cozy life, there are a few things that come to mind. While each of these things bring a bit of coziness on their own, when added together, it creates m a g i c. And, in my opinion, all of them are needed for the coziest night at home. These are things that I've talked about many times before, so this is nothing new or some crazy profound idea, but it is something special to me. I won't go into too much detail on each point, but instead share a brief thought as well as a photo to give you an idea of how I bring this to life.
This is just a fun little post of what I consider "essentials" to the cozy life. And a rather simple one, too, to end what has been a tremendously fun and wonderful month-long series...
(some of my sweater collection that I absolutely love wearing)
One.
Comfy clothing
For me, this is leggings, soft denim jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans, warm socks, really comfortable boots or sneakers.
(a new addition to my mug family. how cute is this little squirrel?)
Two.
Pretty mugs
Mugs to me are something much more than just a thing you drink out of. They are things of delight, beauty, and happiness. I love enjoying a warming drink in a pretty mug.
(an absolutely beyond soft and comfy pair of slippers that I wear all the time. fuzzy socks...not pictured...are also a fave!)
Three.
Fuzzy socks/Slippers
There's nothing like putting on a pair of fuzzy socks or incredibly soft slippers in the evening.
(twinkly fairy lights and a salt lamp and my diffuser which doubles as a flickering little light...so much cozier than bright lighting)
Four.
Fairy lights/Soft lighting
Soft lighting makes for a gentler atmosphere and tone for a space. And fairy lights are just one way to bring about softer lighting, especially if you don't go for the bright, white sort. And at Christmastime, I love the colorful strings.
(one of my favorite candle scents)
Five.
Candles/Fireplace/Diffusing Oils
Scent and the gentle flicker of a candle or the crackle of a fireplace brings such a homeliness that few other things can. Diffusing oils is also fun, but not as cozy, in my opinion. I like to do a mixture of both.
(just some of the shows and movies that I love...I totally forgot to include Gilmore Girls, a top favorite of mine, but our DVDs were downstairs, and I forgot all about it until I went to add this photo here.)
Six.
Movies/TV favorites/Music
I believe one of the most fun ways to spend an evening is by cuddling up on the sofa under a blanket, with a mug of something delicious, and watching a beloved movie or show. And having music playing the background of my day or whilst I'm working on something just brings about such joy and delight.
(a cozy autumnal dinnertime)
Seven.
Comforting meals
Taking the time to prepare, cook, and eat a home-cooked meal is one of life's most beautiful pleasures. Nothing against restaurants and such, but I firmly believe that the majority of our meals should be prepared, cooked, and eaten at home with our loved ones. And turn it into a feast by setting the table with a few candles, dimming the lights, and really enjoying your time together. It's one of our favorites!
(flannel pajama pants are the quintessential cozy sleep clothes)
Eight.
Soft pajamas
Good, flannel pajama pants and a really, crazy soft cotton T-shirt can't be beat when it comes to soft and comfy pajamas.
(a rather blurry picture of my bed several years ago. now, it's on a different wall in my room but still looks this cozy. although, now I also have a throw blanket draped on the foot just for our kitties.)
Nine.
Blankets/Layers
I don't know about you, but I sleep so much better when it's cold outside. The added extra blankets on my bed make it so much more inviting and help me to sleep better. I love sinking down into my bed, pulling the covers far up to my chin, and just let my eyes slowly and gently close as I fall asleep.
Ten.
Tea/Hot Chocolate/Spiced Cider
My favorites are Wild Sweet Orange tea, a healthy hot cacao sweetened with maple syrup and topped with healthy homemade marshmallows, and the occasional apple cider with all the spices...cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. Ah! Bliss!
(a few of my most beloved books)
Eleven.
Books
Obviously. Need I say more!
(our autumnal mantle with flowers from my mom's birthday)
Twelve.
A warm, welcoming, comfortable home
Home should be the center of our lives. The most important place on earth. Period. And to make it a haven, an anchor, a sacred place...that is an honor. Adding touches that bring warmth, comfort, and beauty is a gift. And making home a place where you truly want to be...that's priceless.
(a wee little peek inside my journal)
Thirteen.
Creative projects/Art
I think it's good to always have something you're working on. And for each one us, that will look different. For some, it may be art, or a handicraft. For others, it may be a decorative or design project, or an organization project. It could be writing or photography. But I think it's always good to have something you're working on, even if it's small. Being creative feeds us in ways we can't imagine. And not just being creative ourselves, but also in surrounding ourselves with art and filling our homes with it, too. I personally love collecting art prints and gorgeous postcards and such and hanging them on my walls or displaying them on my bookshelves. They bring me such inspiration and happiness!
What are your cozy essentials?
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Well, my dear reader friends and kindred spirits, we have come to the grand finale of my October series. I so hope you enjoyed this monthlong celebration of all things autumnal, homey, and cozy as much as I have. I must say that I had the most tremendous fun writing all of these posts and compiling them. That's how I spent most of my August and September and now, it's finally the end of October.
I want to thank you so very much for joining me here every day this month. I have enjoyed reading all of your comments and messages as they brought me such delight each day. You seriously cannot know how much fun YOU made this series for me! Thank you for that SO VERY MUCH! ♥
I will say that there were several (quite a few, actually!) topics and questions that you all shared with me in my survey a couple months ago that I just simply did not get to in this 31-day series. However, do not fear! I have them written down with plans to do posts or mini-series on them over the coming months. (Such as thrifting, decorating, collecting, books, commonplace journal-keeping, creative journaling, crafting, outfit posts, etc.) I also plan on sharing a video tour of my bookshelves and several more journaling videos soonish. So, there's plenty of cozy posts and videos coming still! Do look forward to that!
Speaking of videos, I have been contemplating, for awhile now, doing more YouTube videos, and even more seriously contemplating that idea since the summer. This is something that greatly interests me. I am a very private person, but at the same time, I love the sit down, chatty sorts of videos about books and journaling, and I think I could do that in a way that still respects my introversion and private nature. I don't know...is this something you would be interested in watching? Sit down, cozy and casual chats about books and journaling and perhaps something else here and there...that's the sort of video I enjoy watching and am interested in making. So let me know...would you watch videos like that?
In the meantime, I would love to know which posts you loved the most in this 31-day series, so do share with me! Also, if there are any other cozy or homey topics you'd like to see a post on, please let me know. You all really shared some great ideas with me and I'm all ears...so send your thoughts my way!
And until next time, may you have a lovely and magical day...
Happy Halloween!
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