12 (random) things I'm loving this winter season (cozy + comfortable)
written by Jasmine Irven
As the cooler weather sets in my goals and intentions are pretty simple:
Begin winding down my client work to prepare for the holidays
Give myself the time and space to relax, and live free from a schedule
Slow down and rejuvenate
Begin setting intentions and goals for the new year
Be cozy as much as possible
Cooler weather invites us to be inside more, indulge in more nourishing meals, sip on warm drinks, and rest more, so with those intentions in mind I’ve curated a list of 12 (random) things I’m loving this season.
1. mala the brand candles
I tend to burn candles year round but there’s something about the cooler weather that has me wanting to purchase 15 more and have them lit at all times.
However, when looking for candles it’s also important to ensure they’re made from natural ingredients and sustainably sourced. That’s why I love Mala The Brand candles!
All of the Mala the Brand candles are eco-friendly soy candles, hand-poured in Vancouver, and a tree is planted in North America with every purchase! Also, their jars are 100% recyclable and made from 25% post consumer material. Literally, what’s not to love about this company?!
Check out some of their particularly winter-esque scents: cabin fever, fireside, and golden hour. Plus, you can use the code jasmine for a discount on your purchase!
2. heated blanket
I don’t have a particular brand to recommend for this because I was gifted mine quite a long time ago, but warm + cozy blankets in general are a must in the cooler weather!
I particularly have been loving my heated blanket as our apartment gets kind of drafty in places, but any blanket will do.
Perfect for getting curled up with a cup of coffee and a book in the morning, or some sleep tea and a movie at night.
3. urban juve hand sanitizer
Something that may seem a little strange to put on this list but then again 2020 has proven to be full of surprises!
At the beginning of COVID-19 especially, my hands were taking a beating with the amount of hand sanitizer and hand washing I was doing. They were dry, cracking, and honestly painful. Enter: Urban Juve. This incredible Canadian (Vancouver based) company gifted me a number of products including two different hand sanitizers, which I have been LOVING.
Their hand sanitizers actually moisturize while protecting you, rather than drying your skin out further. Urban Juve products are made in Canada, are natural and clean (no artificial ingredients), and ingredients are sustainably sourced.
The spray is super convenient, containing orange peel, lavender, and peppermint oil so it actually smells incredible (and 65% isopropyl alcohol of course), and works to calm and soothe the skin while antioxidants protect against free radicals.
The gel is also of course made with no harsh chemicals, is vegan, Health Canada and FDA approved, and is made of aloe, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and tea tree oil to nourish and soothe hands rather than causing them to crack.
P.s. you can use the code Jasmine20 for 20% off your order!
4. espresso + nut milk
I’m a huge fan of dark roasted coffee, made in my French press, no sugar with a little nut milk. However, I recently got a Nespresso machine and have LOVED experimenting with the different flavours and combinations of espresso - switching up my morning routine just slightly in a way that feels really good (I like some flexibility!).
My favourite combination is just making a mock cafe latte with warmed almond or oat milk and a shot or two of espresso. I say “mock” because I haven’t actually invested in a milk frother yet, but I imagine once I grab one of those my coffee game will be even stronger!
5. reading in the mornings
I lost touch with my love of reading for quite a while (I’m talking probably a decade), but I’m happy to say we reconnected this year and I have loved implementing a morning reading session (with my blanket and coffee!), into my morning routine.
I read a lot of self-development books in the morning, and then will try to fit in a fiction book in the evening if I can.
To me this is the best distraction from my phone in the morning, and allows me to start off my day slowly, without being bombarded by others expectations or demands (which is exactly what would happen if I started my day on my phone!). Plus, because I often read self-development books, I feel productive and motivated afterwards to continue on with my day, but simultaneously feel like I’ve already accomplished something.
6. cork massage balls
I won these cork massage balls from Scoria in an Instagram contest and literally became immediately obsessed. So much so that I just picked up their cork roller as well.
The winter for me is often a time of less intensive exercising or working out. Instead I opt for walking on the treadmill or outside (depending on the weather), dance workouts via YouTube, and lots of yoga and stretching.
And so, these props are the perfect accompaniment to any yoga or stretching session - helping to any relieve tension that so often builds up in our bodies due to stress or simply sitting in a chair all day.
P.s. you can use the code sustainablebliss10 for 10% off your order!
7. notebooks
I’m a huge list person, and especially around this time of the year brain dumps and to-do lists are one of the main things that keep me grounded throughout the chaos of the winter season. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, or like you have a million and one things to do, simply sit down with a notebook and get it all out on paper.
The simple act of writing things down can help you feel a little bit more relief, and give you a little bit more clarity. From there you can start taking action on the things that actually need to get done.
My notebook and a working fountain pen are staples in my purse and at my desk - there’s just something about writing things down!
8. tarot cards
I started getting more into tarot cards this year and love pulling them whenever I feel like I need a little guidance! I’ve been using this Fountain Deck and it’s been a great introduction for me. I plan on using these more as I start reflecting more on this year and looking at where I want to focus my energy in the new year.
I’ll be asking questions like:
Where should I focus my mind/ body/ soul energy moving into 2021?
What areas of my life need nourishment?
What do I need to hear right now?
9. roasted veggies
Roasted veggies are something else that kind of come into my life year round but very much more so when the weather starts to get colder.
My favourites include sweet potatoes, red onion, beets, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and peppers!
Simply preheat the oven to 420 F, chop and place your veggies on baking sheets in an even layer, drizzle with olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt + pepper, paprika, chili powder, and any other spices you desire, and bake for about 25 minutes, flipping once in the middle of the cooking time.
Depending on the size of your veggies they may need a little more time - just poke with a fork to check!
10. peppermint mocha
When I need a little mid-day pick up a quick trip to a local cafe or a Starbucks for a peppermint mocha does the trick for me!
If I go to Starbucks I reduce the amount of peppermint and mocha (from 3 pumps each to 1 pump each) to reduce the sweetness! I also get it with oat milk, and ask for no whipped cream.
11. vegan chocolate coconut cookies
I love to bake in the winter. I find myself craving more sweets, don’t mind turning the oven on more because it’s cold in our apartment, and just love having fresh baked goods, warm from the oven when it’s cold outside with a cup of tea.
Lately I’ve been turning to vegan, chocolate coconut cookies like these.
12. music
I go through phases where I basically only listen to podcasts, and then basically only listen to music. Right now I’m in a music phase.
As I’ve been cleaning and prepping for the holiday season I’ve had a few playlists/ albums on replay:
Pollen: a “genre-less” spotify playlist; as someone who has a pretty random taste in music this is perfect for me!
Sia’s Christmas album, “Everyday Is Christmas” - I love that it’s an original, and is the perfect album for cleaning or dancing around your apartment while getting into the Christmas spirit
For studying or working, this instrumental playlist always seems to make me so productive
Fall/ autumn feels - this one has been on replay for me since Fall and I don’t see myself stopping listening to it anytime soon!
What have you been loving lately?
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!
