It’s a THREE POST TUESDAY over here in blog world! I have a little bit of something for everyone today.
First, I am sharing one of the most popular recipes EVER here on my blog just in time for your winter weather this week. I’m also sharing my FAVORITE book in the health and wellness category that I’ve read to date, plus, since we’ve had temps down in the single digits this week, I thought I would revisit my 11 KEYS TO A COZY WINTER should you need a bit of that in your life today too.
It’s mid-January, friends. We are legit in the middle of COZY SEASON 🙂 .
I just love the extra bit of cozy we get this time of year, so if you missed my post from last year, here are my keys to making your space “winter cozy”.
These aren’t rocket science keys, but this is what we are doing to stay cozy right now (I highly recommend them all!).
My 11 KEYS TO A COZY WINTER:
1: READ. As you know, I love to read all year long, but reading under a cozy blanket by the fire during the winter while sipping coffee? That is basically my perfect day (my other perfect day is reading on the beach in the sun with a margarita…I’m complex like that 😉 ). If you haven’t picked up this month’s BOOK CLUB READ, make sure you check it out! It’s the perfect cozy read. Our group discussion will be Monday, January 22nd!
2: LIGHT A FIRE. If you have a working fireplace, it’s now or never. This is the season to light it. I also love burning my Magic Candle Company Candles as the wicks make a flicking/fireplace sound so even in “non fireplace spaces” it fees like you have one on. You can also pull up fireplaces on your TV (Youtube has them!) which is a fun way of “adding a fire” to a room without a fire. It’s crazy relaxing even on the TV!
3: BURN CANDLES. Speaking of candles, burn them. From morning to night, it just makes every space cozy. My favorite scents during the winter are pine, musk and woodsy smells. Although, one can never go wrong with a vanilla or lavender in the winter either.
4: MAKE SEASONAL RECIPES. I have so many cozy and delicious recipes for you to make. Today, I’m featuring one of our very favorites, so make sure you check it out. It’s easy, delicious and will warm you up while you stay inside.
5: ADD THROW BLANKETS TO EVERY SEATING AREA. We love sitting under throw blankets when we read or watch TV. If you have yours put away in a cabinet, pull them out and place them near seating areas. From pets to kids, everyone will grab them and cuddle up for that next movie. If you missed the comment section on Friday’s post, it is LOADED with winter movie recommendations. Speaking of movies…
6: WATCH SEASONAL MOVIES. Winter movies? Yes. My family feels certain some movies are more fun to watch during the winter. For example, Bridget Jones’ Diary is my favorite movie EVER, and I always enjoy it more this time of year because it both begins and ends in the wintertime. Other movies that feel wintery to us are Grumpy Old Men, Groundhogs Day, Dumb and Dumber (think about it…it’s perfect, ha!), Frozen, Cold Mountain and The Edge.
7: USE FLANNEL SHEETS. I’ve said this before, but I’m going to say it again…Andrew and I first put flannel sheets on our bed in the winter and loved them so much that we now sleep in flannel sheets year around. We bought THIS SET years ago and have loved them. Flannel sheets are AMAZING. I cannot rave about them enough.
8: TAKE A BATH. I take a lot of showers because they’re just faster…but in the winter, take a bubble bath.
9: WEAR COZY SLIPPERS. Well, you know how much I love my slippers. I wear them year around and they are, without a doubt, the most worn item in my closet. If you don’t have a good pair of slippers, get you some! Your feet will never want to go back to not wearing them again. You can see…
10: TURN OFF THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS. Nothing is less cozy than harsh, bright lights. In the winter, stick to little lamps and the glow of the fireplace or candles for instant coziness.
11: MAKE A HEARTY BREAKFAST. If you’re a breakfast skipper or bagel grabber, now is the time of year to make cozy, hearty breakfasts especially if you have nowhere to be bright and early. Try…
…my EASY MAPLE FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE!
That’s it! Those are my 11 KEYS TO A COZY WINTER!
I hope you have a wonderful (and cozy!) January day! xx
Elspeth says
One of my favorite things about winter is getting cozy! Great practical tips!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Natalie Thomas says
Yes a good read! My question is, will you take his advice and start sleeping at least 7 hours a night, lol?? 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
Who says I haven’t already?! It’s hard to disagree with Peter Attia! Hahaha!
Sheaffer says
I’m 1000% with you about being under a blanket every second of the day it’s possible. But flannel sheets? I’M STILL OUT.
Libby says
We’ve started lighting our gas fireplace, and it leaves black soot on our white fireplace trim. Do you have this problem? Any ideas how to prevent this?
Mix and Match Mama says
We get our fireplaces serviced annually, and they do clean a bit each year, but I’m looking at mine now and no, I don’t see any soot. Perhaps yours is too turned on too high?? I honestly have no idea.
Laura says
Love this post!! Such great ideas. Would you mind sharing the titles of the coffee table books you have on the ottoman in the first picture? Especially, the book with the blue cover. Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! They’re both excellent! It’s My Stylish French Girlfriend by Sharon Santoni (the bottom one) and then Swedish Interiors by Rhonda Eleish.
Rachel Kazmier says
I could not live in a house without a fireplace, the more even better! I would add twinkle lights all over. I keep them on above my cabinets, in glass vases, on my mantles, in topiaries in my half bath….everywhere I can. The key? Timers. Twice a year I change the timers so they come on at dusk and off 6 hours later. I even refuse to use the fluorescent lights in my classroom, lamps all day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Twinkle lights are lovely in the winter. I should really add a few to my house too!
Paula R. says
Shay, Happy Cozy day to you!
It’s snowy here in CO and it was -7 when I ventured out to Bible study last night. Brrrr. I love these posts. Keep them coming.
I know you love winter movies. Do you know that Hallmark has over a dozen “winter themed movies?” It’s a good transition from Christmas movies to winter movies.
Also… since Bridget Jones is your favorite movie… did you hear that Renee Zellweger is engaged to a Brit??? TV personality and host, Ant Andstead, who has 2 lovely teenagers. She has a new family! I’m so happy for her. He seems wonderful.
Have a great day! I’m absolutely loving your focus on wellness this year!
Thank you for the Bible binding suggestion. I forwarded your post to several friends who need to have their bibles rebound.
Mix and Match Mama says
There is so much goodness in this one comment, Paula! I haven’t even flipped Hallmark on since Christmas, and that stops today 🙂 . Thank you, thank YOU for being a bright spot in this community. I am SO thankful for YOU!
Sheri says
Isn’t that the gentleman that used to be married to Christina Hall from HGTV? Pretty sure it is and he has a young child with her, too. Good luck to them!