Hygge Hacks: The Art of Cozy Living

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that embodies cozy contentment and well-being through simple pleasures. As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, it's the perfect time to embrace hygge and create a warm, inviting atmosphere at home. Whether it's curling up with a book, enjoying a hot cup of tea, or spending time with loved ones, hygge is about finding joy in everyday moments.What is Hygge?Hygge is more than just a trend; it's a way of life that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment. It’s about creating a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. Think of it as the art of creating intimacy, whether it's with yourself, your home, or your friends and family.

5 Steps to a Hygge Home

1. Lighting: Soft, warm lighting is key to creating a hygge atmosphere. Use candles, fairy lights, and lamps with warm bulbs to create a cozy ambiance. LakeO editors, love the candles at Glow Gifts & Candle Studio (www.glowgift.com) and The Grove Boutique (www.thegrovelo.com)
   
   
2. Comfort: Surround yourself with soft, comfortable items like blankets, pillows, and plush rugs. The goal is to create a space where you can truly relax. This cozy faux fur throw (https://amzn.to/3BuhkZD) is currently being fought over in our house!
   
   
3. Nature: Incorporate natural elements like wood, plants, and stones into your decor. These elements help bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your space.  Wyatt Moon Mercantile (www.wyattmoonmercantile.com) not only has some of the most beautiful plants and planters, they also have swoon-worthy bowls, wall hangings - not to mention crystals! - to add natural elements to your room.  
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4. Simplicity: Hygge is about simplicity and minimalism. Declutter your space and keep only the items that bring you joy and comfort.  Lake Oswego's encroyable "Buy Nothing" Facebook community is a fabulous resource to re-gift all the extra stuff!
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5. Togetherness: Spend quality time with loved ones. Whether it's a game night, a shared meal, or simply sitting together in silence, the connection is a big part of hygge.  Why not order delivery from Deno's Pizzeria (www.denospizzeria.com) and hang out tonight?

​Get Hygge with It!
Listen to these podcasts for even more  hygge inspiration:

1. The Hygge at Home Podcast: Hosted by Laura Donnelly, this podcast explores the essence of hygge through practical tips, inspiring stories, and delightful conversations. Each episode delves into different aspects of creating a cozy and contented life.
   
   
   
2. Living a Nordic Life: Fiona McKinna's podcast is dedicated to helping you live a simpler, more intentional life the Nordic way. It covers topics like self-care, happiness, and the art of living a cozy life.
   
   
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3. The Nordic Mum: Hosted by Susanna, this podcast unravels what it means to embrace the Nordic way of life. It explores why Scandinavian countries are often ranked as the happiest in the world and offers tips on how to incorporate Nordic simplicity into your daily routine.
   
   
   
   
4. Ologies with Alie Ward: While not exclusively about hygge, this podcast has a cozy, educational vibe that many listeners find comforting. Alie Ward explores various "ologies" (or fields of study) with experts, making it a great listen for those who enjoy learning new things in a relaxed setting.
   
   
5. Hygge in the Early Years: This podcast focuses on embracing hygge to improve self-care and happiness, particularly in the context of early childhood education. It's perfect for parents and educators looking to bring more coziness into their lives and the lives of their children.
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Happy hygge-ing!