Simple Pleasures

 

Before I start today, I wanted to answer Paula’s question from the comments yesterday. Yes, I’m still unable to comment – on this or any other blog – and it has to do with a login issue. It recognizes my login to post (thankfully) but when I try to comment, it tries to switch me out and won’t let me continue. I’ve tried several workarounds and nothing has been effective so far. I’m so sorry, but I do read the comments!

            I stumbled upon a list of joys for when the weather starts to turn colder, and some of the suggestions made me smile, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites and see what sorts of things bring you joy on chilly mornings and evenings. (For the record, the temps have been absolutely perfect here recently. Not too hot, not too cold, just right for evening fire pits or sleeping with the window open…just a joy! But I know those cooler temps will fast approach, so that’s why this list caught my attention!)

Towels warm from the dryer. This wasn’t something I grew up with or did for myself when I became an adult, but let me tell you: when Ryan introduced me to warm towels at the rehab hospital, I found a whole new level of joy I’d never known before. When he worked at the hospital, they had a towel warmer in the gym. Sometimes, after work, when I would go visit him or go work out, he would set me up with a warm towel on my neck to help relieve tension. It was amazing. So cozy. So warm. So I fully support throwing towels or blankets in the dryer to warm up on chilly evenings! (Or jackets…or sweatshirts…you get the idea.)

Watch the fire (or a fire video). It’s not just about the actual heat from a fire. There is something relaxing and lovely about watching a fire flickering in the fireplace. If you don’t have one (wood, gas, or electric) you could always watch a fire video on YouTube. Ryan always puts the yule log video on our TV around Christmastime, and it really is mesmerizing to watch the flames and hear the crackle play on the speakers. I find myself truly slowing down and resting in the presence of a fire – real or simulated.

Fuzzy socks. I don’t like being too hot, so fuzzy socks only work for me in cooler weather. They make my feet too hot the rest of the year. But fuzzy socks are just so much fun! I really do love it when the weather cools down enough to warrant bringing them out of the bottom of the drawer.

Extra pillows and blankets. My preference for any room any time of year is for the room to be on the cold side so I can throw on a blanket. (I’m strange, I know.) But when it gets cooler, I pull out the extra fleecey blankets – and even the electric blanket. That extra layer of warm comfort brings me joy. (I usually throw a few more pillows on the pile too. I don’t know why. I just do!

Hoodies!! I am relatively new to the hoodie scene. I have so much hair that sometimes a big pile of hair and a hood all fighting for the same space gets frustrating. But I have some long-sleeved tees that have thinner hoods on the back, and I love them. (I even got one for work when I purchased my work wardrobe.) It makes me feel like sitting by an outdoor fire is in order.

What do you enjoy doing to keep yourself cozy as the weather inches toward the cooler side of things?