hygge

pronounced hoo-gah, this Danish trend has taken over the internet in a big way... but there's more to it than cosy blankets, lots of pillows and candles. 

the travel site for Denmark defines hygge as 'a feeling, an experience, a sensation. it means creating a warm atmosphere. it is enjoying the good things in life with good people.' 

hygge is typically associated with winter; think sweatpants, warm cinnamon rolls, hot coffee, snuggling, fireplaces... which is exactly what you'll find when you search it on instagram or pinterest. 

but really, hygge is about togetherness; being around friends and family and sharing moments with them. this could mean catching up, watching a movie, playing board games, going for a walk, cooking with your significant other... as Helen Russel defines it, hygge is the 'complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming' 

it is an adopted lifestyle for Danes, not just a trend or something they work at everyday - this is their everyday. and it's not something restricted just for those colder months... there are lots of ways to embrace hygge living year round. 

now that we've defined the word. let's find way to adopt some of what the Danish have perfected... 

HYYGE IN WINTER

comfortable clothes. 

think big cosy sweaters and chunky socks

inviting decor

candles (not ones that smell like food: think sage, tobacco), fuzzy blankets, lots of pillows - ones people can actually lay on, and sit up against. inviting areas to sit

food + drink

comfort foods, plus lots of teas, hot chocolate, coffee... cinnamon rolls are a go - to

fireplace

if you have one, light it up and use it. have some logs out to the side, maybe some candles lit. if you have a puppy or two sprawled out in front, you're just winning on all levels.

books, pictures, items with meaning

not the coffee books that line the table of crate and barrel or vague offices, ones that genuinely speak to you as a person. maybe the art of coffee, an artist you appreciate, poetry books and philosophy are ones i love to always have out; they spark great conversation

board games + cards

of course a movie night is always a fun way to spend time with someone, snuggled under some blankets w some popped popcorn but when your entertaining, board and card games are great. my boyfriend and i are huge chess fans - we like to play for hours after dinner. 

HYGGE IN SPRING

plant a garden

if you have a home that allows you a small space to cultivate your own herbs and veggies, block off a little square and plant some seeds, watch them grow with your love and care and put them to use in the kitchen once you have some sprouted. 

go for a hike

one of my favorite things to do with friends is go hiking. we look up places online, pack up some bags with water and snacks, a little point and shoot camera and head out for the day. being out in nature is so elevating for our mood, it's also a free therapy session

take your reading materials outside

pick out a new book, any book and go sit on your porch, by the water, in that park you love so much and just  be. 

make iced tea

i'm an iced tea addict and the second spring hits, i'm in my kitchen boiling water with different tea leaves, cinnamon, oranges, lemon, anything i'm in the mood for. black tea with cinnamon and orange extracts is definitely my go to. i usually make a passion tea or hibiscus to keep in a pretty pitcher in my fridge as well. 

house plants

head to your closest nursery or food store and pickup some fresh cut flowers, an orchid, or maybe a beautiful plant to brighten up your home. 

open up the curtains

let the light in, open up your windows. allow the sun to shine through your home. again, its great for mood elevation as well, especially if it's a bit chilly out.

seasonal veggies

winters are all about the mashed potatoes and bread but spring... bring out the crispy greens, the fresh bell peppers, asparagus, and let us not forget avocados! make a nice big salad, or... to my next point

have a bbq

 invite all your friends and family over! who doesn't love some good food, laughs, and a few drinks.

HYGGE IN SUMMER 

oceanview

grab a blanket, some waters and towels, sunscreen, some freshly cut up fruit and head to the beach. relax by the water, take in all the sounds. go for a walk with your friend, or bring the football for the guys to throw around

picnics

i absolutely love ordering takeout or making sandwiches and eating at the harbor by my house. 

farmers markets, flea markets + swap meets

'tis the season... for little food stands, and vintage goodies. even if you don't buy anything. it's always nice to walk around these fun summer events. i love learning about the local farmers and growers, and i enjoy supporting them over big name grocer stores whenever i can. 

park days + nature walks

take a walk through a park or pop a squat and read, people watch, appreciate the greenery and blooming flowers. nature walks are another great way to get outside, especially if you enjoy learning more about plants and life around you. most are free too, you just park your car and head down the dirt path

fly a kite

i used to do this every year on our beach vacation. it's especially fun to do with others. if you're staying for a while, tie up the kite to something and let others appreciate it as they walk by. 

stargaze

i'll admit, i hadn't done this in a very long time until my boyfriend and I were in Hawaii last month. we were driving home from eating takeout on the North Shore, watching the sunset go down (another great way to embrace hygge - sunrises + sunsets). anyway we looked up at the night sky and decided to pull over. it's incredible how small we are. he's really good with astronomy and can point of different zodiacs and whatnot, but even without the science, it's just plain beautiful to see the sky lit up at night. 

movie night.. outside

there are a few places that still have drive up movie theaters, and if you're close to one, i highly recommend it. if not, most places have a park(s) where the town plays a movie on a big screen at least once a week. it's a great date night idea or go with your best girl friends, your mom, whoever.

concerts in the park

there are lots of free concerts in the summer time. people gathering together, dancing around to someone strumming a guitar, covering an old song that just gets those good vibes going.. even if you think you're a terrible dancer, i mean really who doesn't enjoy music and prancing around -live baby live.

HYGGE IN AUTUMN

apple picking / pumpkin picking

the second October hits i head straight to the orchard. there's always music, great food, warm donuts and apple cider and of course lots of families laughing and enjoying each others company. the fields are filled with people climbing up trees, piling apple ontop of apple in their burlap sack. flannels and uggs everywhere. it's the best feeling for me. 

bake a pie

well now that you have a few dozen apples.... let's bake some things! get down and dirty in the kitchen, plus it will smell heavenly and inviting for others to come and watch, help, or enjoy licking off the leftovers your spatula has generously provided.

art projects at home 

remember when you'd collect leaves and paint over them, sticking them to your art board, or stringing them together... there's so many ways to use nature to create fun home projects. pick pine cones and cover them in peanut butter and bird seed... need ideas? pinterest is a great place to find some!

decorate for thanksgiving

get out the table lining, the candles and fresh pine cones. swap out those summer candles for musky ones. put up a few squash and funky pumpkins

get out the fuzzy blankets

it's time, think hot cider and fireplaces, blankets and knee high socks, cashmere sweaters and boots

go camping

talk about star gazing, this is a great time do that too. i love packing up the tent, sleeping bags, and heading out for a night or two. everyone working together to put up campsite. roasting marshmallows over an open fire. telling stories, singing songs.... camping is a great way to get together and enjoy the moment. 

there are many more ways to embrace hygge than what i've listed here.

if i missed any of your favorites, let me know below! 

there is no rush so don't worry about cleaning up after dinner, it can wait till guests leave or finish their conversations and head to the living room. things don't have to be perfect, they  should be inviting, calming, endure a home-like feeling. 

but i think it's most important to remember that whatever you do, be present for it. 

turn your phone off

don't worry about work things or emails

focus on the positive

talk about aspirations, beautiful people, ideas 

really listen: to others, to sounds of nature or the crackling of the fire..