Warmth for the Winter
It’s officially winter, and generally colder and darker outside. Which makes it a good time to stay warm and cozy inside. You can set a welcoming atmosphere with seasonal scents, sights, and comfy items in your home or apartment.
For starters, who doesn’t enjoy being greeted with the scent of warm cinnamon? A simmering pot is easy to make. You can find many recipes on Pinterest, but the basic idea is to gather up a couple of cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, an orange peel, and a small sprig of pine tree or rosemary; put them in a small pot, cover with water, and bring to a slow simmer. You’ll notice the appealing scent in about 15 minutes. Or a cup of cinnamon tea can please your nose and your tummy!
Candles flickering are a great way to add warmth to the room. Well, maybe not actual BTUs (British Thermal Units), but candle flames add visual warmth. Beeswax are the most natural kind of candle, and are the slowest to burn. Here’s a tip: Kathy Shaw sells 100% pure beeswax candles at Beeswax Candle Co., online and in Downtown Lynchburg.
If you want some actual warmth, a lap quilt can be just the thing. PEDDLERS of PATCHWORK, in Charlottesville, Virginia will hook you up (via Etsy) with an old fashioned, hand tied patchwork quilt! Or if you are a knitter, or a knitter wanna-be, you can create your own afghan, scarf, or toasty socks with the patterns, classes, and beautiful yarns at Center of the Yarniverse, online and in Ashland. They even offer Zoom Sit and Stitch sessions!
Once your room is ready, it’s time to curl up with a book! A sustainable way to find your next good read is to purchase used books. “Stuff deserves a second chance” is the motto of 2ND & Charles, which claims to be “the intersection of new and pre-loved goods, where you can buy, sell, roam, treasure-hunt, and turn your stuff into cash or store credit.” Now there’s a win-win! They have stores in Chantilly, Newport News, Woodbridge, Richmond, and Midlothian.
So get comfy and snuggled down for the winter in Virginia!