DEBORAH CROMBIE: Yes, it's that time of year again, that first full week in February, when the days are getting a wee bit longer but the weather (at least for most of us) is not cooperating. Although personally I can't complain too much–after the arctic blast that hit Texas a couple of weeks ago, we've had a week of unseasonably warm days, but winter for us isn't over yet.
So let's do some hygge!! There have been a few things that have warmed my toes and my heart through the cold season.
1) The mug warmer. My daughter gave me one last year and I loved it instantly, so much that I immediately bought another one for my second desk. Of course the downside is that I've lost most of the steps I used to get running back and forth to reheat my tea in the microwave every five minutes!
2) Fluffy reading socks. The best thing ever! I first saw a pair of these in a bookstore during the Toronto Bouchercon, and have been addicted to them ever since. There is an arctic river that flows right over my feet when I sit in my morning spot, my sun porch desk. Even on the coldest days, these make life bearable.
3) Ditto pocket warmers. What a handy (excuse the pun) dandy invention. I keep one in my lap when I'm writing. Can't type when your fingers are frozen.
4) And now the heart warmer. The house felt so barren when we took down the Christmas decorations, especially the living room mantle. No matter how bright the fire, I missed the sparkle of lights. Hats off to whoever invented these little battery powered fairy lights. They even have remote controls and timers. Now every night is a cheerful one, and it's amazing how much that lifts the winter spirits. (I don't promise to take them down come spring, however.)
How about it, Reddies? What are your winter warmers, even if you aren't in cold climes?
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: My darling family gave us this MASSIVE blanket. It is AMAZING! It’s light as a feather, and SO fluffy and silky and cuddly. So it’s a total-body warmer!
Also I have a great fluffy sweatshirt that says Optimism and Grit. With a graphic of a campfire and a hatchet. (It might be an ax. Or is it axe?) Anyway. It is so cozy, and so unlikely! I adore it.
JENN McKINLAY: I felt the same after the tree went down, Rhys. Then I was at IKEA and they had this faux birch tree with white lights for half price. Into the cart it went and I may keep it up all year round.
Hooligan 2 is a barista at Dutch Bros and he gave me his knit beanie because we’ve had some chilly mornings during our dog walks! Of course by mid morning in AZ, I don’t need it but the early morning chill isn’t over yet!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Other than a few really cold patches, we’ve had above normal temperatures this January and we’re expecting them this month as well. Of course, 20% warmer than usual in Maine means daytime temps that go a little above freezing and nights that don’t get down to the single digits. And in my eternally drafty 200 year old house, there are chilly spots everywhere! My recipe for hygge:
A blazing fire in the woodstove, fuzzy socks inside LL Bean sheepskin slippers, cozy blankets, plenty of hot tea and cocoa, candlelight and, of course, snuggling with two Shih Tzus!
HALLIE EPHRON: I’m in for tea and cocoa. And just the feel of a hot mug held in two hands. I also wear layers, topped with a very soft warm scarf around my neck.
Am I the only person who can’t do hats? I think it’s the shape of my head. No matter what I do, a hat ends up trying to slip down over my eyes.
Fuzzy socks: DEFINITELY. And warm slippers. Which hopefully if you wear them inside you’ll remember to take them OFF before heading off to the bank or supermarket or… Just sayin’.
LUCY BURDETTE: It’s even been a little nippy in Key West, though we’re not well known for needing hats and fuzzy socks. There is a certain blanket I sink into, and both of the animals love this too. It makes for very cozy snuggling.
DEBS: I think we will all have to agree that Hank and Jonathan's photo wins the prize here--just how adorable is that??? But I love everyone's bits of cheer and feel very heartened by them.
Obviously, however, we've left out the most important thing--a good book!
What's your warming jam, dear readers??
PS One more! Here's our Lucy cat enjoying the fire!
