Loving Lately - Cozy Winter Edition
Night showers with a candle
I have been rocking a new nightly routine that brings me so much calm and it is so simple. After we eat dinner, John plays with Finney and I do a basic tidy of the kitchen. When he starts getting her ready for bed, I say my goodnight and give kisses, close off my bedroom and bathroom doors, and usually take a BIG deep breath! After spending all day with the babe, it feels so good to mentally shut off mommy mode while John & Griffin get some 1-on-1 time!
I light a candle (I’m enjoying unscented beeswax tapers in a simple candlestick holder) and start the shower. I let myself unwind and think and pray. After my shower, I get all “buttered up” (I love this body butter from Savannah Bee Company!) and snuggled in my comfies. It’s the BEST way to start a winter evening at home!
My new robe
Y’all, the last robe I owned I had kept like a hoarder since 9th grade. It was lavender and terrycloth and fluffy, and after postpartum, I knew it was time to let it retire. Robes can get pretty expensive, so I had been keeping my eyes out for a reasonably priced waffle knit one on Amazon. I love the taupe-y color (it looks complimentary to our decor hanging on the bathroom hooks) and it is good for year-round use - not too fluffy for summer wear and not too thin for winter wear.
This soup recipe
I found this bad boy from NY Times Recipes floating around Pinterest and felt like it hit all the right factors for my ideal soup - no meat, loads of veggies, and a savory, tomato-y base. It’s called Quick Tomato, White Bean, and Kale soup, but I like to call it Tuscan Tomato & Vegetable Soup (I think my name is better tbh :)
With over 1,800 reviews and a 5-star rating average, I felt like it was a safe bet, and it did NOT let me (or John, the real food critic) down! I’ve already made it several times this winter, frozen some, and gave some to a friend who just had a baby. Be prepared to feel very fancy with a part of this recipe you’ve probably never done before, a bouquet garni! I’ve unlocked another level of culinary bouginess with that one!
This mop
Hello my 30’s - I love a mop! With all the time spent at home this winter with a growing baby who is eating 3 solid meals a day, I needed a legit mopping system ASAP! I snagged this new one after seeing it at Target and consulted with John about his thoughts. We have such a small home, pretty much any “larger” item needs to be cleared by both of us.
This mop is easy and affordable. I love that the microfiber pad is removable and easily washable. As a home trying to be as non-toxic as possible, I was intrigued by the essential-oil based cleaner concentrate that is safe for our laminate floors. After using the first round of cleaner, I decided to make my own with a combo of vinegar, lemon essential oil, and water. It’s been working great!
A good book
What is cozier than snuggling up with a good book when it’s cold outside? I’ve had a little extra margin time on my hands since taking my year-long hiatus from social media, especially at night. One of my favorite things to thrift for are books, and I consider it a great indulgence in this life to peruse the titles on the bindings and see what treasures stick out to me.
One such unlikely treasure is a book I found called A Weekend To Change Your Life. I mean, that sounds nice and I was more curious than anything. But once I read the back cover, I felt interested enough to take it home and I haven’t put it down since. For my fellow Jesus-followers, this one is not gospel-oriented but carries many insightful nuggets of Kingdom-wisdom for women who are feeling stuck in a life that no longer feels creative, inspiring, or joyful.
A good playlist
To get through the dark, gray, winter days, do not underestimate the power of a freakin good playlist! Griffin and I have been enjoying moments in our days at home trading out TV time with music played from the Bluetooth speaker (mentally, I need a break from having the TV on at all, and even Youtube music or Spotify on our TV bugs me!)
I’m still playing my A New Year playlist from last month, and have crafted a February Road Trip playlist perfect to inspire you on any car ride!
What are you enjoying that’s helping you stay cozy, happy, and sane this winter? Comment below!
Love,
Sam
