Haylee (Daughter)

Rainy, windy, and colder days mean winter is on the horizon. They bring fires in the wood burning stove, extra cups of coffee, among other things that bring us comfort. On days like these, when errands are ran and chores are done, here are a few of the little things that bring me comfort and keep my family and I sane being stuck inside.

1) Something Warm to Sip

Let’s start with the obvious. Having a warm drink on a cold day is like the beverage equivalent of a warm hug from someone you love. These days, that warm cup is usually just filled with freshly ground black coffee. I know for a lot of people, black coffee isn’t their thing, but I’m a firm believer that the right coffee doesn’t need anything added to it. It’s delicious just the way it is. Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy “fancier” things from time to time. Because it’s currently Fall, a cup of warm apple cider, chai with cinnamon, or the occasional London Fog will grace my table.

2) Cozy Comforts

I’ve always been a “barefoot no matter the weather” kinda girl, but when I was in the hospital, I was blessed with so many pairs of fuzzy and cute, comfortable socks that I’ve turned into a sock girl this year – at least when it’s cold. Our friends even brought me like 7 or 8 pairs of Lululemon socks, and I’m obsessed! Between those and the blanket my mom got me for my birthday, just call me the Comfort Queen! It definitely helps to have a little one who is also all about the warm and cozy. We’ll light a candle, cuddle up, and just sit by the window and watch the rain fall.

3) A Little Nostalgia

We are definitely creatures of habit in this house, so it’s no surprise that on days like these, we tend to throw on a movie that we’ve seen a million times. Nine times out of ten, that movie is any of the 6 Lord of the Rings movies. If we’re feeling froggy, it turns into a whole marathon. Now, if for whatever reason the husband isn’t home, odds are one of the Disney princesses is dancing across the screen or I’m putting on a musical of some kind. Entertaining a toddler sometimes involves theatrics – dancing and singing with every fiber of your being are just a necessary part of the show. There’s nothing like enjoying something you love over and over again that makes the heart a little more full.

4) Activities for the Soul

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting my mom in person, odds are you know that she holds the title for World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (at least according to our family). Between her cookies and my grandma’s friendship bread, baking became near and dear to my heart at a very young age. Rainy days are the perfect time to bake, especially with your little one. The house gets warm from the oven, the air in the room smells heavenly, and there is nothing like a warm cookie fresh out of the oven.

Rainy days also call for long, hot showers and fresh bedding. Being able to climb into a fresh bed after a cozy shower (or bath!), with everything clean, everything crisp, is just wonderful. It’s like being on a cloud. Despite the cold, wet, and dreary weather happening outside your home’s walls, that bed is warm, cozy, and just down right comfortable.

Needless to say, I love this time of year, and I love this weather – not just for its comfort, but for its subtle reminders. Days where we’re forced to stay inside, remind me that rest is a blessing. Not all days have to be jam packed with tasks or complex activities, and it’s ok to have days filled with rest and relaxation.