A
Animals
In my book, pets are a must when it comes to the cozy life. I've always had dogs and cats since I was five years old, and a home just isn't quite a home without pets. Now, we just have cats and they make our lives fun and happy. James Herriot said that "cats are connoisseurs of comfort", and right he was. And Gladys Taber once said, "Nothing makes a house cozier than cats." Truly, having cats in our home makes everything cozier. We love making little hideaway places for them to curl up in. We have baskets of different shapes and sizes with blankets folded for them to curl up in. Some of these hidden cozy places include a linen closet in the bathroom, on top of a dresser, under my desk, and on the bottom shelf of my bedside table and the bottom shelves of our bookshelves. Of course, they also love curling up on our beds and couches as well. Pets brings so much life and laughter and love to a home...and make it extra cozy, too.
B
Books
It goes without saying that the cozy life, in my opinion, is not complete until there are lots and lots and lots of books. Everywhere. Bookshelves overflowing with books. Books piled and stacked on coffee tables and in baskets on bedside tables. I truly do not believe you can ever have too many books...sometimes you just have to get creative with how you store them. I always, always have at least two books going at any given moment. Sometimes, it's more like three or four. It all depends on my mood. I love carrying a book (or two) with my in my purse when I'm going out for a long time. You never know when you might be sitting in the car for awhile and have a few spare minutes to read.
C
Collections
I am someone who believes in the delight of collecting. And for me, a huge part of cozy living is having several collections. I collect books, mugs, teacups (and other tea time things), aprons, cookbooks, sweatshirts and sweaters. All of my collections are both beautiful and useful. And the fun thing about collecting is that you never know when you may be adding something new to your collection. Collecting is like going in a treasure hunt and being constantly surprised by what you find and when you find it. I have been collecting teacups for eight years now and while I have a number of teacups and saucers in my cabinet, I also love adding new ones. But the thing is that I never specifically or purposefully look for teacups. I simply allow them to find their way to me. At some point in the near-ish future, I am going to do an entire blog post dedicated to collecting. So if this interests you, that post will be just your cup of tea!
D
Drives
I've been a lover of drives since I was a little girl. This love of drives came from my Grandpa who loved nothing more than going for a "cruise" with the windows open. (He didn't believe in using the air conditioner as he was from the days when there was no air conditioning. So whenever we went with him in the summertime, the drives were long and HOT.) My mom often jokingly says that she grew up in the backseat of the car as drives were a weekend tradition in her childhood. And it's something we've continued all throughout my life. I love drives in the countryside, especially in the autumn, when the leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. The air is cool and crisp and you can have the windows open without breaking a sweat. Favorite music playing in the background, lots of conversations being had, and almost always stopping for a little treat of some sort. Or taking a small bag of treats or snacks with us. And I almost always take my camera with me...something else my Grandpa did. When my sister and I were little, we would take blankets and stuffed animals and a notebook with crayons in the car with us and it made it so much fun. I literally have so many fun, fond memories of driving with my family!
E
Essential Oils
I absolutely love essential oils! I use them for diffusing lovely scents around the house, and I also use them in roller bottles for medicinal or aromatherapy purposes. I have several blends that I use daily, each for a different purpose. I don't wear perfume, but I always use essential oils and they smell wonderful...without all the added junk that commercial perfumes have. I also use different oils to make a holistic salve which works wonders, as well as a variety of room sprays, using oils according to the season. Warm, spicy scents in the autumn and winter. Light, fruity, floral scents in the spring and summer. This is something that I am always learning more about.
F
Fun
It goes without saying that fun is essential in life. "We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." I cannot tell you how much I believe in those words! Whether it's having a family game night or putting together a puzzle, dancing in the kitchen whilst dinner is cooking, or dancing in the bathroom as you get ready in the morning. If it's jumping in puddles after a rain, eating ice cream with colorful sprinkles on top, or dressing up for Halloween. I am a firm believer in fun and playing. As important as it is for children, it's just as important for us "grown-ups". And I think we really need to get the idea of things being "immature" just because you reach a certain age. There is such a thing as immaturity, but it is rarely what we often think it is. It is high time that "grown-ups" get the sticks out of their butts and have fun and smile and laugh and believe in magic again and love life. We were meant to thrive not just survive. We are supposed to be living not just existing.
G
Gentle Lighting
In our home, we do not use bright, white lighting. I really hate it and find it incredibly harsh and overpowering and not cozy in any way at all. We use lower watt light bulbs and mostly use only lamps. The only places we use big lights is in the kitchen when we are cooking and need to see what we are doing and in the bathroom. Though, to be honest, our bathroom lighting is quite dim as well. It's just the way our light fixtures are. We light candles, use fairy lights, salt lamps, and oil lamps. And like I said, we love lamps, and nearly always use amber bulbs in them. It creates the most warm and comforting atmosphere that we feel most at home in.
H
Home ♥
No words needed here. Home. Just home.
I
Immerse Yourself
Immerse yourself in things that make you happy. Listen to music that makes your heart fill to overflowing with happiness and glee. Find hobbies that fulfill you and immerse yourself in them. Discover a way to immerse yourself in Mother Nature and learn from all her wisdom. Immerse yourself in being the truest YOU that you can be. Immerse yourself in things that you want to learn more about and have fun learning new things and trying them out, too. Immerse yourself in happiness!
J
Journaling
Journaling can be done in so many ways, I can't count them all. My three favorites are commonplacing, book journaling, and something I call "crafty journaling". Commonplacing is something I began probably six or seven years ago. And I still enjoy it. It's great because you can do it whenever you want. Sometimes I'll be very consistent and add to my commonplace book quite regularly and other times it may months in between my entries. Reading journaling is something that I just really began this year. I keep two different book journals. One is simply a composition book that I decorated and I simply write down each book as I finish reading it, along with my thoughts and rating on the book. I was very good and consistent with this early this year, but got out of the rhythm of recording my reads in the summer. I really need to go back and add in the books I've finished since then. The second book journal I do is a bit more creative. I reserve this journal for only my absolute "I loved this book" favorites. And I dedicate an entire page to that book, decorating it however I feel, adding a photo of the book that I print off the internet, along with either a favorite quote or a few thoughts on the book. And finally, my crafty journal, is something that I began this year. (Really late last year.) I really don't know quite what to call it. It's not quite glue booking, it's not quite junk journaling, it's not quite scrapbooking. So I just call it "crafty journaling". I'll not say too much about it here because I have an entire post all about it coming soon. Bottom line, journaling is one of the coziest hobbies I've discovered. I love setting up our coffee table in our sunroom, sitting on a plump cushion on the floor (the table is low), and popping in a favorite movie to have in the background and just letting myself go for a few hours in the night. It's peaceful, inspiring, relaxing, refreshing, calming, and fun. Can't beat it!
K
Keeping Warm
Warmth during the cold weather months is so important. Dressing warm is made easy with layering. See the next section. Making warm foods and meals and drinking lots of warm beverages also keeps you warm. And warming yourself from the inside out is essential. Make sure to make your home and living spaces, and your sleeping space, are warm and cozy and comfortable. Use blankets, comforters, pillows, etc. to make your sofas and beds warm and like a little nest. In my opinion, if you don't want to sink down into a sofa or bed and snuggle up under blankets and everything feels soft and wonderful, it's not cozy.
L
Layers
Layer your clothes...for warmth, for comfort, and yes, even for cuteness. I am such a lover of cardigans and wear them with my outfits whenever I can. Layer your bedding...a comfy, cozy bed is like lasagna. You've got your sheets and then a blanket or two and a comforter on top. You've got a collection of pillows on top that you just want to sink into. Layer your sofa...put throw blankets and pillows to make your couch feel like a cloud. Layers not only add warmth and comfort and coziness, but they also add so much beauty and warmth and homeiness.
M
Marathons
As someone who has a list of shows and movies that I love, there's nothing like a marathon of some of my favorites. I especially love evening and nights with nothing much to do, except for enjoying a few hours of something good on TV. Pair that with a cup of hot tea or a mug of hot chocolate and a blankie and soft, warm pajamas...that's what I call the perfect night. I don't always watch what's on TV straight through...often it's in the background whilst I'm doing some journaling, knitting, or some other creative project. (Like organizing my recipe notebooks.)
N
Nourishment
Comfort foods are what comes to mind when I think of nourishment. Comfort foods don't have to be unhealthy. In fact, I think that the ultimate comfort foods are healthy and make you feel like you are being wrapped in a hug. Summer foods just aren't my favorite. I love the fresh fruits and veggies and all that, but I always crave that comfort food that we reintroduce to our lives come autumn and winter. I think of soups of so many varieties I can't even count them all. Chicken pot pie with fresh veggies and bone broth and a yummy crust. Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies all piping hot coming from the oven. Homemade bread and the scent of it baking in the oven. And so much more. I believe that true nourishment is much more than just nutrition. It's all about that warm, comforting feeling that comes from being truly nourished with good food, good company and a good time.
O
Outlets of Creativity
Being creative, no matter which way you choose, is incredibly lifegiving. Some of these outlets include: gardening, crafting, painting, cooking, decorating, baking, sewing, singing or playing an instrument or dancing, writing or journaling, photography, etc. Creative outlets are one in the same with hobbies, and I firmly believe them necessary to a happy, fulfilling life.
Find something, or if you're like me and don't like just one thing, find many hobbies that you love. And do them just because they're fun. Don't worry about being good at it, or perfection, or meeting some expectations. So much of life gets ruined by those things. And we often stop doing things that are good for us because of standards of perfection or pressure to progress further than we really want. If you're happy and enjoying doing something simply, that's good enough. You don't need to climb the ladder of success in the world of hobbies. (And do you really need to in other areas of life as well? We would do well to ask ourselves this more often!)
P
Peace
Q
Quiet Living
With everyone pursuing this or that, and running in a million directions at once, the desire to live a simple, slow, gentle, and quiet life is one that most just do not understand. At all. But I find it to be incredibly important and beneficial and healthy to live a quiet life. Please read this post here for more on this topic. I write a lot about busyness and gentle living and such because I do so believe in it. It's not just something I write about for the heck of it or just because; it's my heart and my passion and my belief. I do not believe that every aspect of our lives is for everyone to know...in person and certainly online. I believe in what Tolkien said..."It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life."
R
Rituals & Rhythms
I'm not a fan (or a believer) in strict routines or schedules. I find it most unhealthy to have my life structured and my days all scheduled out. But I do find having rituals and rhythms that anchor my days and nights to be most beneficial and positive. Having certain aspects of my morning and nights that I always engage in and can look forward to brings me peace and a steadiness that I love. A nightly cup of tea and reading a few chapters of my book are nighttime rituals that I can rest in. Having slow mornings and not being in a rush, picking out my clothes and then drinking a big glass of water after I am ready for the day brings a calm rhythm to the start of my day.
S
Softness
Softness is equal to gentleness to me. Being soft with myself is the opposite of being harsh with myself. And I could certainly do more of that. I am really bad about talking negatively about and towards myself. I am often harsh, ugly and unkind to myself and how I talk about to others and to myself in my head. Needless to say, this often has negative results and is something that I am really trying to work on. Being kind, loving, gentle, compassionate, patient, understanding with ourselves is so crucial to health and happiness. And yes, being soft. This also applies to how we are with others and just towards life, in general. But I want to focus solely on being soft and gentle and kind to ourselves here. Because I think we often treat ourselves much worse than we treat others. And sometimes I think if we just listened, truly listened, to how we talked about and to ourselves, we would be in utter shock.
T
Teatime
You don't always need to have a proper teatime to enjoy peace and relaxation and refreshment. Though I must admit that those are awfully fun! But a simple nightly cup of tea before bed or waking up to a nice hot cup of comforting tea is often much more doable. When you have a teatime, simple as it may be, may I suggest choosing a really pretty mug that makes you smile when you look at it, sitting down in a comfy spot with your feet up and a blanket to cuddle up with, and just really enjoy your tea. (Or coffee if that's your jam.) This doesn't have to be a long and drawn out ordeal. But I do think that having a moment of quiet and calm and peace does wonders for your mind and soul and body.
U
Unwind
This is about nighttime rhythms. I have created a nighttime rhythm that works for me. Most nights, after dinner, I am ready to cozy in for the night. While I'm not an early-to-bed kind of person, I am an early-to-settle-in kind of gal. So after dinner, my nighttime begins. After dinner clean up, it's time for pet chores to be taken care of. Then after taking a warm shower and not rushing through it (I've found that feeling like I need to hurry for no reason really brings anxiety to me), I wash my face and moisturize and use my essential oils and put on super comfy pajamas. I am absolutely not someone who likes fancy or formal pajamas. I'm a soft cotton t-shirt and flannel pants kind of gal. Once that's done, I head downstairs to hang out with my mom and sister. We usually have a show going that we're watching together, so we watch one episode and have a cup of tea or healthy hot cacao. Then I'll often do a bit of writing (like this) or work on my journals or watch a show that I love or something and then it's off to bed to read for a bit before I fall asleep.
V
Vases of dried flowers
It was hard to come up with a "V" for this post. So my sister came up with vases of dried flowers. But what this really represents is just coziness in the tiny details. Adding little knick-knacks here and there, old jam jars or vases with some flowers you've dried yourself, a little touch of beauty in all the nooks and crannies. Those things add so much to the cozy life. I don't like for any space to be neglected, so I love going through my room and walking around and seeing what I can add here or there. It's a fun hobby too...beautifying a space. It makes me smile and fills me with delight. And that, I think is a very good thing, indeed.
W
Weather
I cannot lie and if you know me, then you know...I do not find hot weather and warm climates cozy. Like at all. I mean, my favorite seasons are autumn and winter, after all. I love snow and rain and gloomy weather, cloudiness, overcast and grey skies, etc. I love Christmas being really cold and especially if there's snow on the ground. I honestly love everything about autumn and winter's weather. Sunshine doesn't make me happy. My ideal summertime was the two weeks I spent in Ireland a few years back. It didn't get above the mid 60s, you needed a jacket or sweater outside, and it was drizzly rain nearly all the time. I was in heaven!
Hot weather makes me feel ill and sluggish and just not well. Anything about 75*F is too hot for me. (The summers where I live stay in the mid to upper 90s and get up to 105 sometimes.) Cold weather makes me feel invigorated, happy, inspired, refreshed, calm, peaceful...and just like ME. And weather plays a big part in coziness for me. I do think there are ways to embrace a cozy feeling all year round, regardless of the season, temperature, and weather. And I'll be sharing about that in a blog post soon.
Bottom line: Embrace the coziness of autumnal and wintry weather, even if it's not your favorite. More on this in a future post, too!
X
eXpress yourself
Be unique. Be authentic. Be genuine. Be true to yourself. Be who you are. Be YOU. And express yourself. Without fear of what others will think or how you will be perceived. Dress in clothes that make you feel like YOU regardless of trends or what everyone else is wearing. Decorate your home and space in a way that makes YOU happy even if it's not trendy or what the magazines or blogs or HGTV says is the "right" way. You do you and be fine about it. There's no other you in the world, so don't hide yourself from the world. Shine your unique light. Follow your heart. Listen to your gut. Follow your instinct and inner voice deep within your soul. Trust yourself. And express yourself.
Y
Yarn crafting
There's not much else cozier than a handknit scarf or cowl....or anything else handknit, for that matter. Not only is it an enjoyable, peaceful, relaxing hobby, but yarn crafting also ends in some beautiful results. I am a beginner knitter without much interest in delving into any more difficult stitches anytime soon. I'm actually rather content with being able to knit a scarf or cowl for myself or my family and friends. One thing about crafting and hobbies is that it is absolutely okay to be content with simply being a beginner or not being interested in doing the fancy stuff. That may come, or you may just enjoy sticking with the basics forever. Crafting and hobbies are first, and foremost, about enjoying yourself. It's not about perfection and oftentimes, it's not about "climbing the ladder of success". That can take away your enjoyment and interest. So, find something you enjoy and do it for the fun of it.
Z
ZZZ...Rest
Rest is not just sleep, though that is obviously important. Rest is different. Rest is simply taking breaks and not being busy all the time. It's saying NO sometimes. It's slowing down and not rushing through your tasks and days and life. Rest is doing something just because you want to. Rest is embracing a simpler, slower pace of life and not giving into the hustle and busyness that is being projected on us. Rest is not a bad thing; it is essential to a happy and healthy life.