Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, or a talk beside the fire; it is the time for home. – Edith Sitwell
I used to dread winter. The cold, short days, and darkness was something I have always struggled with. Spring and summer is when I come alive, but I have come to appreciate every season and what is brings to my life. I make a point to make our home as cozy as possible and to self reflect and rest during this season (inspired by the Denmark practice, hygge.)
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Winter activities that lift our spirits & beat the seasonal blues
+ cuddle up in our softest knit blankets by the fire
+ hand roll beeswax candles and light them throughout the house
+ eat seasonally and frequent our local farmers market
+ warm up with a bourbon cocktail
+ make soup and bone broth from scratch
+ perfect our pie dough recipe and bake braided, bubbly warm pie
+ put a simmer pot on the stove for some extra magic
+ make a dried orange garland to hang in our favorite windows
+ give thoughtful, homemade gifts to family and friends
+ write letters to loved ones that we haven’t seen in a while
+ a morning routine that includes journaling, prayer, and meditation
+ get outside a little each day no matter what
+ declutter our home to start the new year on the right foot
+ read before bed instead of scrolling on my phone
+ host a cozy pajama party with our closest friends over candles and good food
+ start a gratitude journal
+ sleep in unapologetically
+ reflect on my year and write out my goals for the next year
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Seasonal simmer pot
2 sliced oranges
1 sliced apple
8 cloves
1 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
sprig of rosemary
sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice
Optional:
1 drop Idaho balsam fir essential oil
1 drop clove essential oil
1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil
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Perfect pie dough
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed and chilled)
6 tbsp ice-cold water
Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Using your fingers, cut butter into flour mixture, forming pea-size crumbles. Add water, and work dough until smooth but with visible flecks of butter. Add a little more water if necessary. Divide dough in half and flatten into disks. Wrap disks in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before using.
So long, winter.
