Bringing Hygge into My Home

Having seen the unusual word of "Hygge" here and there,

I wanted to find out more about it!

Hygge pronounced 'hue-ga' is a Danish term defining

cosiness or snug.

The word derives from a 16th century Norwegian term: 'hugga'

meaning well-being or comforting.

One could say that it reminds us of the English word 'hug'.

Don't you love this little window belonging to the wooden house in the first photo?

It's a candle-holder, a Christmas present from my grandson.

Let's peep through the window and see what's happening in my home!

I always have candles burning during these darker, colder months of the year

especially at the breakfast table and in my living room.

One sure way of making a home feel like home is through cooking

aromatic, colourful and delicious dishes.

Colour and texture are so important, just as much as taste.

These ingredients are going to prepare the dish below.

Roasted carrots and orange, or mandarin slices, tossed in a little olive oil

and flavoured with chile and a little sea salt.

You may like the recipe HERE

Baking too creates the sort of atmosphere that feels homely and snug

when it's cold outside.

Did I really put that much chocolate in these still warm cookies?

Hmmm! I must have done because they were rather

finger-licking good!

Crochet is a hobby that I'm really quite passionate about.

It could be anything I feel like doing: a shawl, a cushion cover, flowers and garlands and perhaps a blanket.

and a front door wreath to welcome my visitors

 and when I come home, it welcomes me too!

I have different wreaths for different seasons.

So however you like to create your own cosy atmosphere, 

remember the things which make us feel good

those that nourish us body and soul!

We learn to appreciate the small joys in life with very little effort.

Slowing down creates a feeling of well-being

and allows us to use all our senses incuding

the diffusion of pure essential oils

Light a candle, put on some favourite music. Something soft and gentle.

The uplifting effect of good quality music is well-known.

One of my favourites is Mozart.

So let's settle in on our couch with our feet on a footstool 

preferably wearing a comfortable lounge-wear outfit,

some thick socks and a hot drink.

Don't you love the robin mug?

It's an appreciated present from my daughter.

For those of us living in apartments and not having the possibility

of lighting a log fire, 

the presence of flickering candles in our home is quite perfect!

I've just ordered this book. 

Isn't the cover charming?

I have heard that the Danish people are some of the happiest people

in the world!

Wishing you hyggeligt (hygge-like) moments in your life!

Turn off you phone

Switch off the computer

Take a good book instead of watching TV

and come back to the simpler life

and feeling snug again!

Happiness is a frame of mind

but we can give it a slight nudge by making a few little tweaks

around our homes to make us feel good.

Others will love it too and feel so welcome when they drop by!

***

Hygge translations:

English: cosiness, snug, comfortable, to feel cherished

French: douillet, confortable

German: Gemutlichkeit.