How to Add Cozy to Your Life

We have had a really nice fall here in Central Indiana. The temperatures have been warm in the day and cool at night. It’s really cooled off the last couple of days, though. Did you catch the Northern Lights? My friend who lives out in the country texted me that night and told me to go outside. I could just barely see a touch of pink in the sky. I’d read the lights show up better on a phone so I took a few photos. They weren’t amazing, but I can now say I’ve seen them. Today, though, is the third Thursday of October which means it’s time for an Ageless Style challenge. This month, Jennifer selected Cozy October. In the past we have worn straw bags, stripes, jeans, splurges, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites! Today is also a Global Writing Challenge. I’ll have another post ready for that, and it’s all about schooldays!

Hygge…

I’m not sure when I first saw the word, hygge. I think one of my friends on Facebook mentioned it. But, I have been hooked on the idea ever since. For many, they think hygge is just a synonym for cozy. So not true!! Hygge is more a way of life. It’s creating not just a welcoming space but also learning to live in that.

“At its core, hygge is about creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that promotes relaxation, connection, and a sense of security. It’s often associated with the colder months when people seek to counteract the darkness and chill with cozy indoor activities. Hygge emphasizes slowing down, being present in the moment, and valuing the simple joys of life, like sharing a warm cup of tea, enjoying the company of loved ones by a fireplace, or snuggling up with a good book on a rainy day. Hygge is closely tied to the idea of mindful living, where people focus on the positive aspects of life, cherish relationships, and create environments that promote a sense of ease and contentment. It’s about finding pleasure in life’s ordinary moments and appreciating the beauty in simplicity. Whether it’s through soft lighting, comfortable textiles, meaningful decorations, or meaningful conversations, the goal of hygge is to cultivate an atmosphere of coziness and well-being that enriches one’s quality of life (source).”

Achieving hygge…

I think the article I linked to above sums hygge up so well. The article then goes on to give ten rules for achieving hygge. And, here’s the really wonderful thing…they’re all fairly achievable! I appreciate it when something is easy, broken down into steps I can understand, and can actually do! The only one I struggle with is the last one…creating my own little hyggekrog (cozy nook). At the Big House, I had several hyggekrogs. Here, I have yet to figure out where, exactly, the best place would be. I think of them as escape places…where I can escape from everything for just a little bit of time. Maybe, in time, I can convince Nigel to finish a small room up in the attic for a hyggekrog.

So, cozy…

I think cozy is a very simplified version of hygge and focuses on just the comfort aspect which could be attained through lighting, comfort, and shelter. Cozy is, basically, a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. It doesn’t even touch on togetherness, harmony, or gratitude. Not that that’s a bad thing. Cozy is what we all think of when we get to the fall months, whenever they might be in your part of the world. We think of soft, fluffy things, warming soups and drinks, and low lighting. OK, that’s what I think of…you may be completely different.

My Cozy October look…

Actually, this is a version of what I wore almost every day on my trip to Ireland and Scotland! I promise I will do a few more posts on my trip, but I feel like I’ve been playing catch up with the blog forever! I was cozy every day in this outfit! And, the wonderful thing about it was it washed like a dream and dried overnight! These are the Extra High Waisted CloudComfy Joggers. I bought them in Black Jack, grey, and Warm Taupe which is the color I’m wearing. The top is the CloudMotion Side Tie Tunic. I think the color I’m wearing is called Dusk Navy. I also bought it in Ondine, Royal Velvet, and Warm Taupe. I figured all the colors played well together. I took four scarves from Gudrun Sjödén and alternated them. I thought this new scarf (they call them shawls) brought both colors together well. I am definitely comfortable and relaxed in this look. It was chilly in Ireland, but I was never cold. So, maybe, this outfit also fits the definition of warmth!

The Lewk!

The only jewelry I wore to Ireland and Scotland was a single pair of studs. I would alternate them between my top and bottom holes because if I go too long, they get a bit touchy and want to grow shut (after all these years)! These earrings are years old. I think they’re really quite cool as they are two pieces and jangle a bit when I wear them. Each leave is separate from the other. These are my OnCloud sneakers. They were comfortable, but I decided to put my own orthotics in them, and gosh were they ever comfortable then! I thought the colors worked well with this outfit as well as every other one I wore on my recent trip! I would link to them, but I have absolutely no idea which ones they are!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I know this is a different look for me on the blog. And, honestly, I haven’t worn either of these pieces (in any color) since getting home from Ireland. Part of that is because it’s been warm here. Another reason is I did get a little tired of them because I wore this outfit (or a version of it) for 15 days straight! I hope you’re enjoying your weather, whatever it might be. I wonder, friends in the Southern Hemisphere, do you think about being cozy in October? Or, is there a different month when you focus on that? I am not sure I ever think of being cozy in the spring or summer. So, can we talk? Have you heard of hygge? How do you practice hygge? Do you have a hyggekrog? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

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Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

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Jen – Joyful Jen

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Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle

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And, now, it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts about denim, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

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