Why Don't You – Week of January 6

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Inspired by one of my favorite blogs Brocante Home (who was in turn inspired by a feature in Harper’s Bazaar written by Diana Vreeland), Why Don’t You is a week’s worth of ideas for adding a little something special to your life. It’s an easy way to keep life lovely!

Pick and choose what sparks your interest and fits into your schedule. Or use these simple ideas for special days as inspiration for coming up with your own ideas. They can add a bright spot to even the dullest of days.

Why Don’t You – Week of January 6

So, why don’t you…

Treat your winter worn hands to a little pampering.

Basic routine: Use an exfoliating cream. Rinse off. Coat with hand cream. My personal favorites when it comes to hand cream products are either O’Keefe’s or Eucerin. For exfoliating, I really like the Pretty Feet and Hands Rough Skin Remover and hand peel mask gloves such as the ones shown below.

Deluxe routine: Start by soaking your hands in warm water for a few minutes. Next, you want to use an exfoliating lotion. Rinse. Apply a good thick hand cream, some Vaseline, or coconut oil.

Wrap your hands in some plastic wrap or pop them down into plastic bags. Cover with warm towels. Once cooled off, unwrap your hands and pat off the excess with the towel. Apply a hand lotion or cream.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, 3.4 ounce JarEucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream – Fragrance Free, Hand Lotion for Very Dry Skin – 2.7 oz Tube (Pack of 3)

 

Pretty Feet & Hands Rough Skin Remover-Exfoliant, 3 Fluid OunceHand Peel Mask 3 Pack, Spa Gloves Moisture Enhancing Gloves for Dry Hands, Exfoliating Hand Peeling Mask, Repair Rough Skin for Men Women

 

Fill a basket with cozy items for snuggling up on a chilly day.

I keep a basket next to my bed and another one in the living room filled with warm cozy wraps, throws, thick socks, and fuzzy slippers. The moment I start feeling chilly, I’m able to get cozy and warm in no time.

Chanasya Fuzzy Faux Fur Throw Blanket – Soft Light Weight Blanket for Bed Couch and Living Room Suitable for Fall Winter and Spring (50×65 Inches) GrayGenteele Sherpa Throw Blanket Super Soft Reversible Ultra Luxurious Plush Blanket (50 inches x 60 inches, Gray)Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket | Reversible Sherpa/Royal Mink, 3 Heat Settings, Honey5 Pack Womens Warm Wool Socks Thick Knit Winter Cabin Cozy Crew Socks GiftsIZOD Women’s Slippers, Casual Fuzzy Warm Slip-on Scuff Clog, Large / 9-10, Black White

 

Read a cozy winter themed book.

I love to read The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder at this time of year. It’s a great one to read, a little bit at a time, aloud to your family every evening. If you’re looking for something for the grownup Little House fan, try Caroline: Little House Revisited by Sarah Miller.

I have some more really great winter reading list suggestions here.

Make a cozy comfort food meal to warm you up on a cold winter’s day.

Chicken and dumplings is one of my favorites. It’s warm and hearty and simple to make. A pot of this simmering on the stove fills the house with those delicious aromas too – just that smell gets those feelings of comfort and hygge going before you even eat this!

Keep your duvet from bunching up in the corners of your cover.

Some ribbon or twill tape and a few simple stitches and you won’t have any more duvet cover frustration! Check out the link above for some helpful hints.

Take just 15 minutes and have some fun with your family.

Of course, if you have longer to spare, feel free to extend any of these activities for as long as you want! But, these ideas for 15 minutes of family fun really can be done quickly and easily (little or no prep!). It may seem like a small thing but kids will remember these little moments!

Drink warm milk with honey before bed.

The reasons as to why drinking warm milk before bedtime can help us sleep are up for debate. Some say it’s because milk contains tryptophan – the same amino-acid found in turkey which has been found to be part of the reason for the post-holiday meal sleepiness. But when studies were done on the effects of milk on sleep, there was no correlation found.

Still, sitting down sipping a warm beverage in the evening can in itself feel very soothing and relaxing. There may be a bit of a placebo effect going on here too based on the belief that it will help us sleep. Either way, it’s a lovely little ritual that can help you wind down and get to sleep!