Winter made a late appearance here in the Finger Lakes region, but oh did it show up. The snow is piling up and the wind-chill factor makes it feel like two degrees Fahrenheit.
We tend to hibernate when it gets this cold, pandemic or not. Since we were staying in for what feels like the millionth Friday night, the extreme temps gave me the perfect excuse to treat myself a little.
Here are four simple ways I embraced my cozy side this weekend.
1. Hot Beverage: Check
Hot chocolate on a stick, to be exact. I finally jumped on the bandwagon and tried the whole “hot chocolate delivered in a novel way” fad. It seems like the stick version was the precursor to the even more popular hot chocolate bomb craze.
I went with Ticket Chocolate’s peanut butter cup flavor. And let me tell you—It was delicious, decadent, and worth the hype.
Hot chocolate on a stick: definitely recommend.
If hot chocolate isn’t your jam, really any non-caffeinated hot beverage will help relax the senses, giving you that cozy-night-in kind of vibe. For me, I think tomorrow night will be a lavender tea kind of night.
Related Content: [Recipe] Weekend Worthy Chicken Fingers
2. Microwavable Slippers. Wait, What?
You heard me right. Slippers you put in the microwave. No, it’s not the latest TikTok challenge. This is a legit way to make your feet feel all nice and toasty.
My feet are cold, 95% of the time. One of my favorite work from home perks is the fact that I can wear my Ugg boots all day long. I actually own a pair that I only wear indoors as slippers.
So when my favorite local gift shop posted a pair of Warmies Slippers to its Facebook page, I was intrigued. I’ve been really good about not impulse buying things lately, but these seemed like something I needed to have. So I clicked “add to cart” on a pair of leopard print Warmies and selected the in-store pick-up option.
Tonight was my first test run, and the verdict is: Yes, these are amazing. My feet are toasty warm. The slippers have a gentle French lavender scent too, which adds to the spa-like feel.
Hot Tip: Get a clean, microwave safe plate to warm your Warmies Slippers up on. Wash the plate after (duh).
3. Find a Plush Blanket
When it’s this chilly, a simple throw blanket doesn’t do it for me. I acquired one of these super soft Sherpa Plush Throws at a quaint gift shop in the Adirondacks. Best impulse buy ever.
This particular throw has a nice weight to it, a luxe velvety feel on one side, and cuddly Sherpa on the reverse. It keeps the warmth in without overheating and is machine-washable. The tag recommends that you air dry your throw, but I have gotten away with throwing it in the dryer before.
You can find the one I have in red Lumberjack Plaid on the Carsten’s website, or choose from a range of different designs, from solids to bright florals.
4. Light a Comforting Candle
Lighting a candle in a soothing scent helps me let go and relax. I recommend choosing soy or beeswax candles over the typical paraffin variety.
Soy candles might be more expensive, but they burn longer and cleaner. Because they produce less soot than paraffin candles, they are better for your overall health.
I recently discovered Trunks Up Company, a local small business handmaking amazing-smelling, 100% soy candles. The Caribbean Teakwood scent has been a favorite of mine lately. Trunks Up candles come in a wide variety of other calming aromas, but best of all, 5% of proceeds from every sale goes to support an individual seeking fertility treatments.
They also offer adorable macrame rainbows in a variety of color pallets to complement any nursery decor. Visit their Etsy shop to explore the full line of Trunks Up products. Lots to love about this company!
As always, please follow these candle safety rules:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that could catch on fire.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
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Ok, you can probably see where this is headed. Hot beverage. Cozy feet under a snuggly blanket. A soothing candle. Sounds sleep inducing, but we still have that beverage to finish and a candle burning. (Please don’t fall asleep without blowing out your candle).
So go snuggle up on the couch, flip on your favorite streaming shows, and embrace this opportunity to recharge and be cozy.
Stay warm, friends!
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