MY MEDALLION
If you’re spending more time indoors this winter, we have some suggestions to help warm up your space. To make the most of this time at home, we recommend really amping up the cozy factor by incorporating these winter essentials. They’ll help warm you up, whether you’re working from home or enjoying some down time. Here are our 5 must-have winter home essentials for long days indoors.
A Mug Warmer
Whether you’re a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate aficionado, no one likes a drink that has suddenly gone cold. Use a mug-warmer to keep your drink of choice soothingly warm no matter how long it sits on your desk or side table. For less than twenty dollars, you can nurse your drink on what is essentially a heated coaster for as long as it takes to finish it, never again having to settle for lukewarm sips. No more trips to the microwave to reheat your coffee! There are basic, super affordable options, like this inexpensive mug warmer mat, as well as a more indulgent smart mug where you can control the exact temperature from an app on your phone.
Cozy Layers
Even if you’re at your desk working away, you’re likely to be more productive if you’re comfortable. Gather a few cozy items and keep them close by so you can bundle up at any time. Hand warmers are great to help you warm up quickly, and there are plenty of heated options to consider that will keep you extra warm and cozy. Check out this list that features 6 different options. You could also invest in an electric heated blanket or a heated neck warmer; there are even wearable versions! If you’re still feeling a chill, either a heating pad or a small portable space heater may be in order.
Some Atmospheric Lighting
This winter, layer in some additional lighting and create an environment that feels extra special. Adding some extra illumination will not only brighten your work and living space, it can also help lift your spirits during these shorter days with less sunlight. Put out any battery-operated candles, string lights, or lamps you already have to add a bit of atmosphere and ambiance. Consider a sunrise table lamp, which you can use as both an alarm clock and a dimmable mood light, or a light therapy lamp to help keep the winter blues at bay. As always, make sure you have ample task lighting if you’re working, reading, or crafting so you don’t risk straining your eyes.
A Few Recipes For Some Healthy And Hearty Dishes
Take care of your body and mind this winter by cooking more meals at home and using fresh or frozen produce. We like these fruit-and-vegetable-heavy winter recipe suggestions from Team Nutrition; their Registered Dieticians, who are Canadian, share comforting and tasty recipes that feature produce that is available here in winter. They use everyday ingredients creatively and introduce unique flavour and texture combinations to keep your palate interested. There are a whole slew of recipes on the site, including options for gluten-free and vegetarian meals. This beet, pomegranate, and red cabbage salad is a striking flavour-packed recipe, while these oven-baked apples could be enjoyed any time of day.
A Good Book To Dip Into
Make sure to have at least one good book by your side, whether you’re stealing a half-hour for yourself at the end of a busy work day or are enjoying a whole afternoon on the couch. It could be one of the season’s biggest and buzziest new releases, such as Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry or Monica Heisey’s Really Good, Actually. Maybe it’s something that will inspire you to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, such as Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal or James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Perhaps there’s a backlist title you’ve been meaning to get to or a recent award winner like Suzette Mayr’s The Sleeping Car Porter, which took home the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize; whatever you choose, enjoy!
Make the most of any long days indoors this winter by creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for yourself. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Medallion blog for more seasonal home essentials.
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