City Girl Hygge Habits for 2023
Seems to be an oxymoron to incorporate hygge into a decidedly urban lifestyle, but here I am diving in. Sharing some inspiration and discoveries from this fall and winter season that will hopefully help you embrace more ways to hygge in the new year!
1. Netflix crackling birchwood fire on repeat. Too bad it’s only for one hour. Who has a fireplace in a city apartment?? My daughter’s first reaction was, Mom, what is that?! and her second reaction was to sit mesmerized for 10 minutes.
2. Warm drinks like hot chai or milk tea with cinnamon, even a drizzle of honey and lemon in hot water.
3. I recently bought a shearling bench to place at the foot of our bed. While our decor is still slowly coming together, I feel that this and the plush Pottery Barn Big Sur Double Chaise as seriously added to my bedroom hygge vibes.
4. Furry warm oversized pillows, body pillows, knit throws scattered on a couch.
5. Reading a food or travel magazine on above said couch, snuggled between at least 2 pillows tucked in cosy blanket.
6. I do love a beautiful, softly lit candle, but my risk adverse self now prefers flameless candles and a gorgeous diffuser scents from Jo Malone or recent finds from Anthropologie (Night Gardenia or Fresh Balsam and Cedarwood)
7. Cooking a soup or stew low and slow on the stove. I love a creamy spicy corn soup or roasted tomato soup with a crispy, oozy grilled cheese sandwich. Or a scorching Korean soondubujigae or even an army stew. Soft, steamy milk bread or a fresh crusty sourdough slathered in butter or good jam.
8. The optimal crunch to chew ratio of the perfect dark chocolate brownie, with a cup of coffee or tea, staring out the window at the bustling city below, notebook perched on my lap, pen poised to write.
9. And yes, early morning walks on the beach (when I can get out there), bundled in a warm jacket and beanie. With the blustering wind, the calm gray skies, the swaying waves and the serene white sands. Ok, so this one is cheating since it’s not city girl accessible, but it is one of my number favorite ways to feel cosy and content. Channeling Nancy Meyers movie vibes, writing inspiration strikes when I return to my coastal haven.
10. Watch a Nancy Meyers movie, curled up on the couch, warm drink in hand, flameless candles flickering. Phones are off. Kids are tucked in. Life is good.