The flickering glow of candles can be mysterious, dreamy, warm and inviting.
Paddywax has two candles, I would highly recommend. The lemon zest and rosemary is crisp and garden-fresh. A wonderful scent to update the indoors without overwhelming your senses.
The library candles of famous authors are very clever. I selected Charles Dickens, with a tangerine, juniper and clove scent. Notice the quote from the Christmas Carol, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Brilliant! And one of my very favorite stories.
Two
Sunshine in the winter warms your home and enlightens your mood. On sunny days open the shades and let the sunlight pour into your home. We all benefit from sunlight including our house plants.
If there is one spot of sunlight in the room one of the dogs will find it.
Three
House plants add warmth and clean the air. I picked up a little rosemary plant in the produce section of the grocery store. It only took a few minutes to plant it when I got home. Organic elements such as green plants, flower arrangements or a bowl of fruit will add energy to any living space.
Four
Create a cozy spot to curl up with your favorite throw and a furry friend.
The pups have established their territory on the leather sofa with a throw made from a kingsized quilt. Sandy was just a puppy when she chewed a hole in the middle. I put the quilt in the closet and eventually cut it down to make a throw.
Five
For me, winter time is the best time for cooking and baking, which automatically adds warmth to the house. Normally on a Saturday, I’m doing just that. Today, I have something different in mind.
I never thought I would reveal this, but I’m a hot chocolate junky. I must admit Nutella Hot Chocolate is devilishly tasty compared to my usual non-fat, low-calorie powder mix that I have in the evenings.
This is my version for Nutella Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon Nutella
- 1 teaspoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
I combined all ingredients in my small blender. Once it was mixed and frothy, I poured it into a glass measuring cup and heated it in the microwave. Then I poured the hot chocolate into one of my favorite mugs, added whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg and a few chocolate chips, just for good measure.
The whipped cream was melting fast so the photo session was quick. Technically this didn’t add warmth to the house but it did wonders to warm my soul.
Drink, drank, drunk…
Cheers!