Category: Hygge

Hygge

Cozy Vacation Ideas for Perfecting the Art of Hygge

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While you might think of hygge as something that happens in your home on a cold winter night, the reality is that you can perfect the art of hygge on your vacations too.

In this blog, we share five steps making your next vacation your coziest one yet!

1. Find the Right Location

Not all vacation destinations are built for cozy moments and intimate connections with loved ones, and that’s okay! Sometimes, you might just need to escape to an Italian city to experience a true discotheque. However, if you’re looking for a more calming escape to recharge and rejuvenate yourself, consider these tips:

  • Look for a destination that features plenty of relaxing spaces in the hotel or bed-and-breakfast
  • Find a location that provides delicious, nutritious food (food can be a major component of hygge)
  • Find a place that will be enjoyable for all members of your traveling party

2. Bring Your Favorite Books

I LOVE reading, but unfortunately, the busy-ness of the weeks can mean I don’t always get enough time to read for pleasure. On vacations, though, I always prioritize reading, and I never travel without at least one book. To be honest, it’s usually about three books. πŸ™ˆ

On my last trip to Upstate New York, I brought a few historical romances, one of my personal favorite genres. Lately, though, I’ve been doing a deep dive into nutritional books, specifically micronutrients.

Need ideas for your next Vacation Book List?

Tip: If you’re packing light, opt for the Kindle versions instead of paperbacks. While you can read on the Kindle app, the Kindle Paperwhite provides wireless charging and auto light-adjusting screen.

3. Pack Comfortable Clothes

No one wants to feel uncomfortable on vacation! Ditch anything that’s uncomfortable (including uncomfortable shoes!) and focus on comfort. There’s nothing better than a cozy sweater and leggings for travel days!

4. Plan Ahead for Warm Drinks

A few years ago, my family and I went hiking in the Adirondacks in October. Of course, we needed to pack water for the hike, but we also packed hot water in a thermos. When we reached the summit (which was cold and windy), we had the perfect method to warm up: hot cocoa. We mixed organic cocoa mix into the thermos for a cozy moment basking in the beauty of the summit.

Tip: Don’t pre-mix any hot drink that contains dairy in a vacuum-sealed thermos. Instead, bring powdered mix or powdered creamer to add when you’re ready to drink. [Here’s why you shouldn’t add milk to your thermos.]

A few recommendations:

5. Schedule in Plenty of Time to Slow Down

One of the best tips to enjoy your vacation is to be sure to actually ENJOY YOUR VACATION. Slow down. Schedule “unwind time” into your schedule. Bask in your environment. Savor each moment, whether you’re sipping cafe au lait in a Parisian coffee shop, trying to spot the Aurora Borealis in northern Europe, or walking through a nature trail with your family.

A Hygge-Infused Destination to Consider

Of course, you could make the trek to Denmark to explore the birthplace of hygge [Read more about the origins of hygge here.] However, you don’t have to travel overseas to unplug, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing a vacation.

The Rōming Roost

Rōming Roost is hybrid, self-catering Bed and Breakfast nestled among the rolling hills and fresh waters of Leelanau County in Suttons Bay, Michigan.

Situated on a 15 acres hobby farm, nestled amongst neighboring cherry orchards, guests can look forward to a cozy stay, rooted in simplicity, celebrated through nature.  

Accommodations provide more of a guest cottage feel, with B&B hospitality.

Let’s take a look at the hygge-infused aspects of a stay at Rōming Roost. When you arrive at this relaxing, serene B&B, you can expect:

  • A lite, farm fresh breakfast
  • To enjoy hiking trails
  • Yogic offerings
  • Cozy rooms where you can cuddle up with a good book and relax after a fun day
  • A campfire service (the perfect opportunity for cozy cuddles and storytelling around the fire!)
  • Good vibes!
[Choose the room that speaks to you here]

The hiking loop at Rōming Roost provides convenient access to the TART Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes, public beaches, Lake Michigan, restaurants, and local breweries and wineries too.

And my personal favorite perk: children and families’ welcome. (Not all B&Bs allow children to stay… as I learned the hard on a recent trip to Upstate New York!)

Learn more about Rōming Roost

The Family Behind Rōming Roost

Meet Kristen Wilson!

With over 25 years in the tennis community and 16 years as a United States Professional Tennis Association teaching pro, Kristen’s passion for promoting health, strength, and mental stability continues to increase, evolving into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and sustainability celebrated through yogic practices, on and off the tennis court.  

While always a presence, yoga, Reiki and their healing benefits have taken prominence for Kristen’s family after coping with unforeseen health struggles for two of her three children. Through first-hand experience, Kristen witnessed the healing balance and clarity yoga and Reiki can provide.   Kristen, president of Leelanau Community Tennis Association, has been growing a grass roots tennis program in Suttons Bay, @LeelanauLoveTennisprograms, since 2014.

Programming includes clinics for all ages as well as private lessons. Tennis offerings are available May through October at Herman Park. During the darker half of the year, as we naturally go inward and restore from the summer season, she is available for Ayurvedic infused Reiki sessions and privately organized yoga classes.   Kristen is a homeschool mama of three kiddos, dog mama to three doodles, a wife, and aspiring homesteader. Her and her family live in Suttons Bay where they run a hybrid Bed and Breakfast, @RōmingRoost. 

Getting Ready to Plan Your Next Hygge-Inspired Vacation?

Do you have a favorite vacation destination spot that enables you to perfect the art of hygge? Have you ever visited the Rōming Roost? Share below! We’d love to hear from you!

Family Life, Hygge

Hygge 101

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What is hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) and why is it so important? Those are the two questions that we answer today.

What Is Hygge?

Hygge is a Danish concept, and it’s something that’s woven deeply into the fabric of their culture and people. The word hygge dates back a few hundred years, but similar definitions of hygge can be traced back to an Old Norse word that means “protected from the outside world.” When you practice hygge, you retreat from the outside world and into your own world of cozy comforts.

Hygge is the quality of coziness that fosters contentment, peace, and joy.

Denmark is a country in northern Europe, located between Norway and Germany. Being so far north, it’s understandable that Denmark is a cold and (often) dark country.

Even though the days are mild in summer, Danish people can enjoy up to 17 hours of sunlight per day. The sun may rise as early as 4:30 a.m. and not set until well past 10:00 p.m. However, the opposite is equally true of the winter months. During winter, Danish people are lucky if they seeΒ seven hoursΒ of sunlight.

Despite the cold weather and limited sunlight in the winter, Denmark continually ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. When researchers wanted to see how a country so dark and could be the most joyful, they discovered the secret of the Danish people’s happiness: hygge.

Check out this map to see where Denmark is.

Now we know where hygge comes from, let’s talk about what it is.

A Cozy Atmosphere

Hygge is about slowing down and taking time to enjoy simple moments. Maybe you step aside from the hustle and bustle of the day to spend time with people you care about. Maybe you even spend a little time alone to relax, unwind, and enjoy some of life’s quieter pleasures.

Hygge is often informal time with family or close friends. Examples of hygge include:

  • Sharing a hot meal together at home
  • Sipping coffee and reading books at a quite coffee shop
  • A picnic in the warmer months
  • Sharing hot chocolate with children while playing a board game
  • Lighting a candle and reading under a pile of soft blankets

With hygge, the idea is to celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow. 

Hygge Extends Beyond the Danish Borders

Although the word “hygge” is Danish, the idea behind hygge can be spotted in many cultures, including one of my personal favorites: Scotland. (The United Kingdom (where Scotland is located) ranks #18 on the Forbes’ Happiest Country index.)

How do Scottish families practice their own version of hygge? Traditionally, Scottish families would gather in one home to recite poetry, tell stories, sing songs, and occasionally dance on long, cold winter nights. 

Scotland has a rich history of music and storytelling, and honestly, what’s better than a night of music and stories by the fireside?

Bringing Hygge to Your Family

It doesn’t matter if you’re located in Denmark or Scotland or sunny California. Hygge plays a big (and special) role in family life. Family life is nothing if not busy … and practicing the art of hygge can help us all find joy in the present moments… and connect with the most special people in our lives.

Hygge also meshes quite well with homeschooling family life because — let’s be real — homeschooling can be busy and chaotic! Trying to make more hygge moments is something that we have found brings peace to our days when everything else seems to be crazy. I often find that it’s in those hygge moments that I have a calm and clear mind to thank God for our blessings.

In our homeschool, hygge helps make hard lessons seem easier to handle. Hygge helps us feel close when we feel overwhelmed with work or school, and most importantly, hygge teaches us all to slow down and appreciate each golden moment in life.

We may do little things like:

  • Playing calming music
  • Light a candle
  • Diffuse essential oils
  • Cuddle on the couch and share a snack on a break from school
  • Read school books together in bed
  • Play a family card game during dinner

“Joy is the happiness of love – love aware of its own inner happiness. Pleasure comes from without, and joy comes from within, and it is, therefore, within reach of everyone in the world.”

– VENERABLE FULTON J. SHEEN 

Further Reading

Here are two hygge books that I have (and love!):

Be intentional with adding more hygge moments to your day.

What is one hygge-inspired practice you will try today?

Hygge

7 Healing Playlists from Spotify

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You already know that music can inspire you, calm you down, help you heal after a breakup, or spice up your workout… but healing music? What’s that all about?

In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions, including:

  • How is music healing
  • What type of music is best for stress reduction
  • Where to find healing music
  • How to make your musical moment even more hygge
  • Which tea to pair with your music β˜•

All About Healing Music

Healing music is pretty much what it sounds like:  using music to improve your physical and emotional wellness. According to a 2017 study, a 30-minute healing music session helped reduce pain in patients who just had spine surgery. [You can read the full study here.]

Meditation — especially when paired with music, chanting, or prayers — provides many health benefits include:

  • Reduced stress (yay!)
  • Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Improved memory
  • Reduced blood pressure [Here’s what Harvard Publishing says about this!]
  • Reduced pain (recall that study about post-op patients!)
  • Decreased risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke (both can be made worse by stress)
  • Improves cognitive performance

What Type of Music Is Best for Stress Reduction

While all music is good for your brain, not all music is calming. Some music is better suited to help you focus on an intense assignment or push through a workout. Music researchers found that certain genres are better suited to stress reduction. This includes:

  • Classical music
  • Nature music (sometimes called soundscapes)
  • Cinematic scores (they are often emotional and help trigger endorphin and dopamine responses)
  • Reggae
  • Jazz

You may also find that searching for music with a certain frequency is helpful. These are known as Solfeggio frequencies.

The modern world is finally catching up to the powerful frequencies that ancient cultures have been using for years (396, 417, 432, 528, 639, 741, and 852 Hertz) for years. 

Source: Better Sleep

Each frequency affects you differently and serves a different purpose. Here’s a quick example:

  • 417 Hertz: Inspires change
  • 528Hertz: Helps reduce cortisol and increase your own inner awareness
  • 741 Hertz: Known as the detoxing frequency

Learning about sound frequencies and healing and stress reduction may seem a bit … out there. Keep in mind, though, there are hundreds of studies on the powerful effects of music on the human body. Digging deeper into the specific frequencies of the music is just the next step. Researchers found that listening to the right frequency helped stop toxic effects on human cells. You can read the study here.

Also, fun fact, sound waves are even used in medical settings! Shockwave therapy (sound waves) can be used to treat wounds, fractures, plantar fasciitis, and more.

Where to Find Healing Music

You can find calming music anywhere: YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and the list goes on.

Here’s a few playlists to get you started.

741 Hertz

This playlist focuses on the 741 Hertz frequency.

432 Hertz

This playlist focuses on the 432 Hertz frequency.

528 Hertz

Known as the “love” frequency, this playlist showcases the 528 Hertz frequency.

Calm Music

A switch up from the previous lists, this is a grab bag of calming music. There’s also a song called “music for cats.”

Relax Music: Stress Free Binaural Fire Sound

This playlist is all about fire sounds and calming music.

Calming Jazz

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX0ZgPbUQ205W
For the jazz lovers out there!

Spiritual Healing – Relaxing Music with Gregorian Chants for Mindfulness Meditations

Make It a Hygge Moment and Brew a Cuppa

Feeling stressed out? Carve out some time to practice a little stress reduction with one of my tried-and-true de-stressers: a hot cup of tea.

β€œThere is no problem on earth that can’t be ameliorated by a hot bath and a cup of tea.”

– Jasper Fforde

Tea could be its own blog post, but for now, let’s just focus on how to take your music listening session up a notch with a hot cup of tea.

Pop on your electric kettle and brew a cup of calming tea. My favorite calming teas are:

Once your tea is ready, turn on the music of your choice and get cozy under a blanket. Even 15 minutes of listening and sipping can soothe a weary soul.

What’s Your Go-To Music for Stress Reduction?

Let us know!

Catholic, Catholic Parenting, Family Life, Hygge

5 Ways to Have a Hygge Autumn Day with a Catholic Twist

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As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We promise to only recommend products we use and love.

Hygge is a Danish way of life. It’s a defining aspect of the Danish culture and it’s often summed up in one word: cozy. While cozy is part of it, the idea of hygge extends beyond just coziness. It’s a sense of contentment. Peace. Joy.

In this blog, we’re highlighting just five simple ways to sneak more hygge moments in your autumn.

1. Light a Candle

Lighting a candle is a quick way to bring a cozy warmth to your home. In addition to creating a cozy ambiance, candles can help bring a sacred air to your home.

[Read: 5 Benefits of Using Candles During Prayers and Meditations]

When I was little, I remember my grandma would light a candle when she would pray. Many, many (many, many, many) times, it was a candle for Saint Anthony because one of us kids lost something. I can still hear my grandma saying “Tony, Tony, look around. Something’s lost that must be found.”

You don’t have to light a candle to Saint Anthony. You can light a candle with Saint Jude in mind — who doesn’t have a few hopeless causes?! Saint Dymphna, Saint Michael the Archangel, and the list goes on. The Saint Store by Ira DeWitt makes a whole series of non-toxic, soy candles with beautiful fragrances.

The Saint Jude candle is a blend of Turkish Rose and geranium. That’s a pretty calming blend to help both create a hygge moment and help you deal with any impossible causes you’re trying to overcome.

Check out the whole collection of candles

2. Read a Devotional Under a Cozy Blanket

Reading under a warm fluffy blanket is hygge in its finest form. (Bonus points if you’ve knitted the blanket yourself!)

Need inspiration? Try one of these books.

The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion
First Place Winner of the 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Award: Collections of Prayers
(Where to Buy)
A Saint a Day: 365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism

(Where to Buy)

Catholic Prayers for All Occasions 
(Where to Buy)

3. Listen to Music

Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, help regulate blood pressure, and helps improve pain tolerance. Listening to music also helps improve sleep quality (assuming you choose the right playlist!), mood, mental alertness, and even your memory.

Music can also help create a hygge afternoon. Snuggle up by the fire and play some tunes while relaxing together.

4. Bundle Up for a Rosary Walk

Like listening to music, spending time in nature can also provide both physical and mental benefits.

Tip: If you wear mittens, you’ll be able to use a Rosary ring easily to keep track of your place while praying the rosary.

5. Bake!

Warm baked goods fresh from the oven! Baking homemade saffron rolls in honor of the Swedish day St. Lucia’s Day — a day that honors St. Lucia.

According to the Swedish tradition, the oldest daughter in each family makes saffron rolls on December 13 and hand delivers them to her parents in bed with a nice cup of coffee — a beautiful tradition to start for families with older daughters! (And what parents don’t love breakfast in bed?)

(And yes, December 13 is still considered fall, but there’s no reason that you can’t “test” your saffron rolls a little early!)

What about you?

How are you making your day a little more hygge? Share in the comments below!