10 Little Luxuries That Will Make January a Little Warmer.

By: Stephanie Andrews

What is happening? We live in Atlanta, and it was 17 degrees this morning! Couple that with a devastating number of people who have had the flu or Covid over the holidays, the government’s insanity that seems impossible to comprehend, and January is feeling grim. I wanted to do my part to create a little “collective pick me up” just for you (and me too!)

I have selected 10 little luxuries that may add a little more “hygge” to your January.

From the Oxford dictionary, “Hygge” means:

“A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded of a defining characteristic of Danish culture)”. I believe the Danes may know a bit about being cold, and they also seem to have a sense of well-being, consistently ranking among the happiest people in the world.

If you are not feeling well right now, I wish you a speedy recovery. For me, one of the hardest parts of being sick is slowing down and spending time in bed. I know it is not really a choice, but it still takes conscious effort to give myself time to heal. So if you are struggling with not only an illness, but also feeling guilty about what you are not doing, consider this your permission to relax and take care of yourself.

All of the items that I consider Little Luxuries work so well together!

I wanted to select some items to inspire a little pop of happiness, or create a moment just for you. Some of these treasures have been gifts from special people, and some are inspired by other countries and their customs to create space.

I selected several items from Etsy. A quick note about Etsy-I love Etsy, but the marketplace is vast. It contains artwork, special objects, jewelry, and can also sell low-quality items. Do your homework before you purchase. I like to make sure they have hundreds of 5-star reviews and read about the maker. I often find a very personal touch to the interactions with the seller, and sometimes they even include a note inside the package. This little note detail will often give me a warm feeling that I have served someone in a faraway land.

So here is my little list for you:

Shibui: The Japanese Art of Finding Beauty in Aging

#1 A good book. This sweet little book was a gift from a special client who just seems to get me. Just when I am feeling sluggish, sick, and generally not full of youthful vigor, I can pick this book up and feel better about the process of aging. (Aging is better than the alternative!) Especially when I am sick, it is easy to get down in the dumps; this book offers a boost to feel better about life.

Handmade Vegan Lavender Body Butter

#2 Natural Body Butter. I cannot wait to order this from Etsy! Dry skin in the winter is a thing! To be able to slather on my arms and legs before going to bed with those lavender scents and clean ingredients seems just what the doctor ordered.

This Japanese tea cup can be used for tea, coffee, espresso, matcha, or even sake.

#3 Handleless Tea Mugs from Japan. In the winter, I drink lots of tea. When I am sick, I drink even more. Drinking my tea without a handle brings the warmth through my hands, making the experience even more satisfying. These Japanese mugs may not be used during a traditional tea ceremony, but the mindfulness is something to be celebrated.

This little guy from California is called an “Albuca Concordiana Bulb”.

#4 A Funny Looking Live Plant. So it’s winter, my outdoor garden is dormant, but my window ledge is so sweet! I wanted to add a few more plant babies to my life, and this one cracked me up!

I have to admit that I was attracted to this wool cap because of the colors and the flirty way it is dancing in the air.

#5 A Wool Beanie from Scotland. Hats are just the thing for a cold winter day. They cover bad hair days, I can match it to my outfits, and I don’t just wear them outside. When I am wearing a hat, I feel warm, cozy, and slightly protected from the cold, cold world.

These felted wool ottomans are little mushrooms for your feet.

#6 A Playful Tuffet for my Feet. When something is this small, it can go near the sofa, my favorite chair, or the fireplace. A little whimsy makes me smile, and the colors add that pop of happiness that I am always looking for in my home.

These candles match my dishes and they smell amazing!

#7 Clean and Delicious-Smelling Candles: Candles are one of life’s simple pleasures. I love new candles, but many contain chemicals that can harm your indoor air quality. These little guys are made from pure soy wax and contain a cotton wick. They smell divine, really!

Matches that are pretty enough to leave out and light my favorite candle.

#8 A Colorful Box of Matches: To light the above candles, or your fireplace, or simply to look pretty on a tray, these matches are adorable!

This colorful runner would work with my kitchen color palette and keep Ed’s feet comfy while cooking.

#9 A Turkish Runner for the Kitchen, Hall or Bathroom. I love hand-knotted rugs from Turkey. I love their textures, their colors, their age, and the stories behind them. I especially need them in the wintertime when the floors are cold.

#10 My East Fork Dishes. Every day, we use these beautiful dishes. They are handmade, a bit heavy, and they upgrade my kitchen. No regrets on this purchase.

These little luxuries make my home a better place all year round, but especially in January. I am looking forward to hearing what little luxuries put you in a better mood and give you your own “hygge” in the winter months.

Until next week,

Stephanie