Keeping It Cozy

If you've ever felt the winter blahs, you're not alone! Many people get the blues during the long winter months. My earlier blog post on hygge (read it here) talks about my own struggles with this and how the concept of hygge has turned it into one of my favorite times of the year. I thought it would be fun to round up a few essentials that help me feel cozy and share them with you all!

If you took a look at my hygge post I mentioned earlier, you'll know that I like to decorate my home to make it extra cozy during the winter. I have one new area this year in addition to the ones shared in my previous post, and it cost less than $20 to put together! I put a scarf over the top of my piano and decorated it with a couple of cute wintery signs and a pinecone garland from the Target Dollar Spot, a handwoven basket made by my mom (but you could use any basket you already have), a couple of fox Christmas ornaments, a tree from Dollar Tree, and some fairy lights from Marshall's. Super easy and super cozy!

Probably the most obvious item is a warm, fuzzy blanket. Nothing is better than curling up on the couch to watch a movie or read a book while wrapped in your favorite blanket!  Barefoot Dreams has the market cornered when it comes to coziness, and this gorgeous blanket  in ivory and gray is only $49.97 (normally around $100) right now at Nordstrom Rack! It also comes in a tan and ivory striped pattern for the same price. If you are looking for a Valentine's Day gift or cute Valentine's decor, this pink and red "Stay Cozy" shearling blanket is perfect at just $18.73, also from Nordstrom Rack! Weighted blankets are also gaining in popularity these days. Amazon has tons of styles, sizes, and weights. A good one to start out with is this Degrees of Comfort velvet and sherpa 15 lb blanket. It comes in a variety of colors and is only $69.99!

Another no-brainer when it comes to being cozy is a comfy pair of pajamas! I've found more pairs than I probably need this winter at Kohls. Not only do they have a ton of styles and colors, but they have great sales on a regular basis! My favorite set so far is by LC Lauren Conrad and is SO super soft on the inside! They are warm without being too bulky and come in several cute prints for just $20. Coming in at a close second are these Simply Vera Vera Wang pajamas that come with a faux fur scarf...so fun! I especially like the floral patterns. Sometimes we all need a break from plaid and fair isle during the winter! And right now, they're on sale for under $20! If you like the classic button-up flannel pajamas, then this Croft & Barrow set for only $15.99 is perfect for you. It comes in a variety of prints as well, even a red polka dot one that would be so cute for Valentine's Day!

The final step in being cozy is to get a warm cup of coffee or tea and a good book. And what could be better than a book about being cozy? I recently picked up a copy of Cosy: The British Art of Comfort and read it all in one sitting. Not only is it adorable, but it has some great ideas! It discusses the fact that the idea of being cozy is different for everyone and that it's good to think about what makes YOU feel comfy. If the answer to that is your old college sweatshirt and your grandma's quilt, then you don't need to buy anything to make you feel cozy! Order a copy here and enjoy all the cozy ideas it offers!

Other activities that help me get through the winter months include watching a good movie, a phone call with my mom, playing board games or card games, and cooking a delicious soup. I hope these ideas help you feel a bit more cheerful as we wait for spring to get here! Feel free to leave a comment with ways that YOU beat the winter blues! Xoxo