Winter Without the Blues (Issue #29)
This week’s theme is the changing of seasons – easing our way into shorter days, warmer clothing, holiday festivities, and indoor activities.
Hi friends!
I can hardly believe that we’re already more than halfway through November! Because I live in Minnesota, season changes are always very noticeable, and I’m sloooooowly preparing (both physically and mentally) for the return of cold, short, dark days.
I’ve mentioned it before, but in recent years I’ve gotten into Hygge as a way to make the winters more bearable. If you’re unfamiliar, Hygge is a Danish practice that doesn’t have a direct translation in English, although the closest definition would probably be “cozy.” Hygge is ultimately a way of life that was first developed as a survival mechanism for the long, dark winters the Danes experience each year. There’s a lot more I could say about this practice, but instead, I’d highly recommend you check out The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. I snagged my own copy while visiting Copenhagen a few years ago, and it’s a great resource all about the practice of Hygge, its history, and how you can implement it into your own life.
So, for today’s issue, I wanted to settle into some cozy recommendations for colder days ahead. Enjoy!
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise I’ll only ever share items I love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
Racket: For Artists and Musicians Who Want to Speak Out About Palestine But Aren’t Sure How by Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre
A few weeks ago, I shared some of my own reflections about how to support Palestine as someone with an online platform. I found this article shortly after publishing my own opinions and found Guante’s reflections helpful to my thought process. In addition to examining the ways social media activism can be performative, Guante shares tangible actions to take and things to think about while navigating how to support the people of Gaza. While the title is directed towards artists, I think the piece can truly be helpful for anyone navigating speaking up in community spaces.
Book: *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I’ve never personally read a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, but I loooved the Daisy Jones and the Six miniseries, and really hope to dive into her large catalog this winter. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of her more popular books and has a film in development, so this one is top of my list.
Book: *One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is another Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that caught my eye. The plot follows Emma Blair, whose husband Jesse mysteriously disappears. A few years later, Emma falls in love with her old friend, Sam, and the two get engaged. Sounds like a pretty standard love story, that is, until Jesse is found, and Emma is forced to navigate this new complicated reality. One True Loves was made into a movie that came out this year, which I’m saving to watch until I’ve read the book!
Netflix: Life on Our Planet
I’m not typically a nature doc person, but this series covers more natural events from the past, including the rise and fall of dinosaurs and lots of other cool events from millions of years ago. The show covers a number of prehistoric creatures, including the first cell that ever existed! It’s executive produced by Steven Spielberg and features Morgan Freeman as the narrator, both of which make for a really great series!
Add some adventure to your week and check off as many as you can!
Host an Elf + Love Actually Double-Feature Movie Watching Party
Inspired by this Vanity Fair article from which I learned these two movies came out on the same day in 2003. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit through two very different yet era-specific holiday classics.
Create your Own Winter/Holiday Reading List
I started reading *The Christmas Orphan’s Club and was reminded of just how much stories can help root me in the spirit of a season. Interpret the theme as loosely as you wish. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
For a classic picture book: *The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
For non-fiction lovers: *Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
For romance fans: *Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
For a silly holiday tale: *The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket
For a winter thriller: *Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
For fans of You’ve Got Mail: *The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
For an autobiography: *Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by Maya Angelou
Spend a Day Indulging in your Favorite Childhood Winter Activities
I recently had the realization that as a kid, the cold didn’t bother me nearly as much as it does now that I’m an adult. And I think the reason is I was far too busy enjoying winter activities to let the cold hold me back!! So, for this bucket list item, try to connect with your winter-loving inner child. Build the day around an outdoor activity like sledding or skating or making a snowman, and end the day with hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies (these ones from Pillsbury are a classic), and a favorite childhood holiday movie (my choice would be The Santa Clause franchise)!
Try an Advent Calendar
Last year, I got the Bonne Maman advent calendar and loooved opening the door to a new treat each day. Yes, I did end up with an unmanageable amount of jam, BUT I had fun, which is really all that matters. This year, I’m considering trying one from Sephora or Urban Outfitters.
A recipe to make my whole house smell like Christmas? Count me IN!
Things to try + share in the group chat.
My sister sent me this creamy sausage and courgette pasta recipe video, and it just looks like the perfect meal for a cold day!!
On the theme of both pasta and recipes my sisters have sent me, I am sooo excited to make this pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce.
I bought *this long-sleeved bodysuit as a Skims dupe and love it! It’s made from thick, double-lined material and is the perfect fitted silhouette. I got it in elephant gray but they have a range of colors to choose from!
As the weather chills and the holiday season approaches, I want to make sure you didn’t miss the bonus issue for this week.
In it, I shared the aesthetic pottery, comfy clothing, and curly hair-friendly accessories that are topping my wishlist this year. Check it out here!
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