winter
Laundry Day: Calm Between Storms
What a week! My mom lost electricity for several days due to the first storm, on March 2nd, so she stayed with me for a few days.
I’m so glad that I had power! Especially living in Quincy, where there was crazy rain, flooding, wind damage and dozens of people had to be rescued by the National Guard. While I’ve often been jealous of those who live closer to the beach, I’ve recently been very appreciative of living on a hill.
Then we had another storm this week. I walked to and from the train for work during both storms and luckily wasn’t hit by any falling trees, wires or debris. I saw a piece of siding ripped off a house and go flying into the air. I’ve already barely missed being hit by a tree and hope my luck continues.
With all the chaos, my laundry has piled up. So today is the day.
While sipping my coffee this morning, I found an article about modernizing your laundry routine. Two sisters from Germany moved to Brooklyn and opened a really cool eco-friendly and sustainable laundromat with a cafe and backyard space. Wish there were a place like that in Quincy!
The sisters are interviewed about laundry and one of their suggestions is to use dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They are cheaper overall, less wasteful and healthier. Seems like a great idea, so I found a DIY blog post and might make make my own felted wool dryer balls. We’ll see.
Have you tried dryer balls? What do you think?
Well, last I heard, we’re supposed to have another storm on Monday or Tuesday. I haven’t checked again, because it’s too exhausting at this point. I’ll just enjoy the calm between the storms. Have a good weekend!
Boston Sunsets & Bitter Cold
Last night I walked home from the train like most days. It was probably the coldest temperature I’ve ever felt. My face hurt. It took hours to warm up and I kept shivering.
Between that walk and shoveling out my car in the morning, I’ve caught a cold. So this weekend I’m resting and trying to get my strength back.
Even though this winter is far from over, I’m looking forward to a warm-up that’s supposed to be here by Tuesday. Yay for the January thaw!
Also, the sunsets are getting later. More sunlight each day. I’ll take it.
Happy weekend to you!
Hey Boston! It Just Snowed. Got Hygge?
We just got our first substantial snow of the winter in the Boston area. While not a fan of snow, I’m all about the cozy. So I find ways to enjoy the season.
A favorite winter breakfast is oatmeal with maple syrup, walnuts, dried cranberries and vanilla soy milk. I’ve been baking recently — scones and banana bread. A snack for me and gifts for others.
With all that’s going on in this country at the moment, it’s important to take time for self-care. To gather inner strength. To steady ourselves. Without that we won’t be ready for whatever lies ahead as we enter a new American era.
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The United States is thousands of miles from Denmark. We have very different forms of government and culture. But we have cold weather and dark winters in common. So right now I’m taking something from Danish culture to see me through this time — hygge.
In case you’re not familiar with term, it’s pronounced “hooga” and is about the appreciation and art of coziness. I have seen many different definitions for it, but here is one from Denmark’s tourism website.
In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. There’s nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life.
A blog called Hygge House gives another perspective on the word.
Some refer to hygge as an “art of creating intimacy” (either with yourself, friends and your home). While there’s no one English word to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as cosiness, charm, happiness, contentness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness.
Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness and the undefinable feeling of Hygge was a way for them to find moments to celebrate or acknowledge and to break up the day, months or years. With so many cold, dark, days, the simple act of a candle glowing with a cup of coffee in the morning or a home cooked evening meal with friends can make a huge difference to one’s spirit.
We can all define what the word means to us as individuals. For me, right now, it’s about making my home a warm cozy place where I can retreat and gather my thoughts and my calm.
As an introvert, that’s vital. Home is where I recharge. But It’s also a place where I can invite friends and family.
What about you?
Move Over Chai. Hello London Fog.
To me, there’s nothing endearing about the cold. Except the warming up. What better way to warm up than with a steamy hot drink?
I’m all about the hot cider, hot chocolate. Of course hot coffee. And as the first leaves start falling from the trees, I stock up on multiple teas.
Chai tea is a favorite. I love the sweetness and spice with either soy or almond milk. Generally that’s the only tea that I drink with milk. But recently, I read about a different way to drink Earl Grey tea.
According to a Tasting Table article, a hot drink called London Fog is all the rage on the West Coast — though first created in Vancouver. Apparently since I am way over on the East Coast, I had never heard of it. Or I’m just out of the loop.
To make it, you steam milk, add to Earl Grey tea, then add vanilla. Have you tried it?
I did a very quick version of my own when I got home from work tonight, but I also added honey. I liked it and will definitely make it again.
You can also order the drink on Starbucks Secret Menu. So if you don’t want to make it at home, grab some while you’re out on the go.
Cheers!
