Getting Hygge
Happy Tuesday ladies. It’s time for us to take a deep breath and adjust to our new normal. Self-distancing is a new experience for all of us so let’s help each other get through this. I will continue to post about fashion because we all need to get dressed and clothes are a powerful tool we can use to affect our mood. 
The truth is, we’re much more likely to run out of patience long before we run out of perishables so let’s be kind to one another and stay calm. It’s time to get as Hygge as possible so we enjoy this time as much as possible.
I’m looking for levity wherever I can find it these days because laughter really is good medicine. My daughter sent me this article on Big Fluffy Dog. It as a couple of videos that had me laughing until tears ran down my cheeks. The commentator is pretty clever too.
Yesterday, I finally hauled out one enormous box of knitting that I’d packed when we moved, two years ago. I kidded myself that this was my whole stash. Sadly it’s just a handful of half-finished projects and my out of control multiple sets of needles. I haven’t knit in several years so rather than trying to pick up where I let off on a project I dove into a new one.
This kit is for a throw.
I thought it would go really fast based on the size of the yarn and size 50 needles. But oh no. I’m so out of practice I’m having a hard time remembering a simple two-row pattern. It really is a great way to distract myself so I am soldiering on.
This article on clashing colors has some great images. I didn’t read the words but found the pictures interesting:) Do you wear clashing colors?
How’s your athleisure game? I realize I’m going to need a few more pieces soĀ I ordered these and this top. No matter how high I put the furnace, our rain is making the house feel chilly.
I think we could all use some great book recommendations so please share your suggestions.
Be kind to your self and others.
xx
Love the dog video. Thank you. I needed that laugh. We are keeping well. I’m trying to make this as anxiety-free as possible for my kids so we are baking and watching TV and going for walks. I’m finishing up The House of Trelawney, which I’m really enjoying. Also Grown Ups by Marian Keyes. Both are amusing. These really all strange times and distraction is key. I love the lounge-wear. So cozy! Take care! Xx
I’ve been getting my house ready to sell, so have been busy organizing, decluttering, touching up paint. The downside to decluttering is that the place where I normally drop off items are all closed! But I still got in a few runs.
I have some knitting projects and want to make a striped sweater using stash yarn. I loaded up on books before the library closed, gathering four Anne Lamott novels. Her writing is fresh and funny. Laughter is what is needed now!
I agree, laughter is so important now
My sweet, patient mother in law tried to to teach me to knit, and I never could get the hang of it. It looks like your throw is going to be really cozy with the yarn you are using.
As I was reading your post, when I came to the picture of the yarn on the giant knitting needle, at first glance I thought the needle was a carrot! I think it’s time for me to close the laptop and give my eyes a rest now.
LOL, they are huge needles.
I love staying at home. What better place to than safe and secure in your own home! Read,garden,craft at peace with no one to bother or disturb you! This is so me- I don’t understand why people are complaining about staying at home. Hope everyone finds something fun and constructive to do, if they feel stuck at home. It won’t be too long and then we will wonder what w e did with all that time(complain?) Certainly hope not. I am recovering from three months of off and on stays in the hospital or rehab and am really happy to be home,in my own place,sleep in my own bed,etc. Best wishes to all to be safe and practice common sense. P.S. I have enough toilet paper!
I love being home too! Glad you’re on the mend Susan
If you need a topic, how about summertime pajamas. That’s on my list for my next set of clothing purchase to replace my burned wardrobe. I have never tried to sleep in linen, but I found some linen pjs that are very cute. What is the collective experience here with linen jams?
Hello from a displaced teacher from near Seattle. I miss my class but this blog is helping — keep posting, Jennifer!
Here are some wonderful books I’ve read lately that will transport you to another place / time:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Go outside and hike for a bit, then come home and read with a cup of coffee. We’ll get through this!
I bet you miss them! Thanks for sharing these. They sound wonderful.
Great post – so many blessings to be found under our roofs! I loved playing house when I was a little girl…so now I “play house”….take time to tidy shelves, make new recipes, read….
Would love to stay in all the time – sadly my husband had a heart attack in late February and still has some residual symptoms. We have been going to the hospital for tests almost every other day…going back tomorrow. So far, things are as normal as they can be with everything closed here in PA….but the hospital says these must be done. SO off we go…me with clorox wipes and get us in and out as fast as possible. Thankful for good care. Blessings to you and yours. Stay safe and healthy!
Iām sorry to hear about your husband. It must be scary to go in and out of the hospital but it sounds like youāre doing all the right things to protect yourselves. Be safe
Three years ago my husband took a job in St Louis and was only home for 1 weekend a month. I adjusted to living mostly alone after a time. Now he has been re-assigned to a job much closer to me and is home every weekend for 3 days. My sister is also changing jobs and is spending time in our mother-in-law apartment in our basement. Suddenly I am faced with having more folks around than I am accustomed to. Now with the CO-19 virus we are adjusting again. We are cooking more , including baking bread, doing some home projects, and working in the garden. The rain has been relentless though so there have been only a few days to work outside. I can still go into work for now (part time, semi-retired), there are only 2 of us working in a large building but that may change too.
My next idea is a sewing project. I have an old matelasse bedspread that has seen better days. I want some big euro pillows for my bed but don’t want to spend the earth for 3 of them. So let’s see what I can concoct. Who knows, this may revive my sewing skills!
I don’t find this semi-isolation so bad but I’m kind of an introvert. And I have a stockpile of books! I hope everyone finds satisfying projects. Stay well and take care of your loved ones.
I think crafting of all kinds will have a huge resurgence.
I hear ya about the extra lbs. I’ll be doing a lot of walking around our area since the classes at our gym have cancelled. I’m knitting like crazy, practicing my watercolor painting, and reading – The Great Alone by Kristin Hanna, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, and A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White are three of my recent reads – all good!
I am reading We are all Good People Here by Susan Rebecca White. I loved A Place at the Table! The Dutch Door is on my list too.
Awesome, Thanks for the recommendations Cyndi
I just finished The Great Alone. It was great!
Thank you!
Yvonne said her hairdresser was not working. I wondered if anyone has any suggestions for me. I have grey hair which I have had dyed golden brown at the salon for years. Any suggestions for a good box dye while I self isolate for the next 12 weeks???
Janet. You asked about box hair color. I’ve been using Naturtint for years and have had great success. You can purchase at Whole Foods or Pharmaca. Good Luck!
Songs of Love and War by Santa Montefiore first of a trilogy, very Downton Abbey will pass the time . Family saga.
When I had the flu and pneumonia back in Feb., I binge watched a great detective series on Amazon Prime called Bosch—all five seasons! Season six is due out sometime this spring. Thanks to my son, who hooked up Prime, Netflix, Disney, and Hulu over the Christmas holidays!!! I knew that boy was smart!
We loved Bosch and my husband has read all the books too
I have unearthed 2 half-finished needlepoint pillow covers which will now see completion. The bad news… unlike the last time I worked on them, I now need one of those magnifying gizmos to hang around my neck in addition to my readers.
I think crafts will be big during our confinement. Stay well, ladies!
LOL! You did notice the size of my needles;) Amazon probably sells them and they’re still delivering.
Iāve been walking walking walking but with school and business closures Iām meeting more and more people with the same idea. Miss the āstopping to chatā as we just wave and keep distance. Weird isnāt it? Iām celiac so trying to eat healthy mostly veggies and fruit as snacks but did buy Gf chips ! I rarely buy salty snacks except pistachio nuts.
Weāre all strong women and hopefully come out if this even stronger!
This is tough! Thank you so much for your inspiring posts and reminding us that weāre all in this together.
I love the use of bright colors and color blocking! Itās a great way to add a color without it being a fussy print.
Great point!
Love your ideas and those of your readers! My husband and I decided to make bingo cards (a unique one for each of us) with words and phrases from a tv series we are streaming now. The first one to get Bingo wins a piece of chocolate! It ‘s a hoot! I also plan to dig out my knitting as well. Perhaps we will also add a fancy dress night in using our china. Even simple meals taste better on nice dishes don’t you think?āŗ
They absolutely do taste better when served on good china when we are dressed nicely!
Please review the Talbotās yoga pants when you get them! They look very appealing. Thanks!
Will do!
I have them and love them. Very comfortable!
Laughter and relaxation is good for the soul. I will be digging out my needles to work on a pair of fingerless gloves I started a year ago. We are in a slow process of relocating so the down time is welcomed. Thanks as always for your blog – I always look forward to receiving it.
Stay well and hope you can find toilet paper on the store shelves. We may need a little help from Amazon š
Yes, thank goodness for Amazon, FedEx and UPS! Hang in there. Now that you remind me, I did have some half finished fingerless gloves in a project bag somewhere.
Good morning, Jennifer. We are all in the same sad boat, it seems. Thank you for your attempt to help us cope. Today I tried something that made my husband laugh. When I got up I put on one of my beach coverups and sandals instead of my usual robe and slippers. It really did make me feel better! Have a great day, all.
Lol, I love that!! Iām digging out my opera cape. Why not?!
Thanks so much for distraction! That photo of the wool kit made me giggle, happy thought.
I just received Nordstrom email – they are continuing to pay their staff during their store closure. I have always been impressed by Nordstrom – as a quality organization. They had done it again. When I need something, I will start with them to reward them by buying from them.
That email was really uplifting. As usual, they are leaders in the retail game. They’ll be getting my business when I need something as well.
Nordstrom is a class act. One of the reasons I love shopping there
Thanks for the laughs this morning with a dog to hug and giggle with. Also the cat in the next video was heartwarming. I am not a knitter ( fingers will not work that way ) but there is so much to catch up on at home I will watch how your projects go to inspire me. Sooo appreciate that you will continue with the fashion/fun side to keep us up. Our snowdrops started to show yesterday, but then we had snow this morning to remind us that we are not done yet. Looking forward to the spring garden.
Spring officially arrives on Thursday! I hope it warms up for you Diane. Being outside in our yards will help a lot.
Good luck with your knitting project! Never did learn to knit or crochet but I have done counted cross stitch. I’m sure there are some UFOs in the back of the closet. Miss Yvonne mentioned her hair stylist. Mine lives next door and she does make house calls. Restaurants and bars are all closed here, except for delivery and pickup. Although I’m sure the bars won’t deliver…ha! The Urban Farmer and I keep busy with usual chores and when the weather breaks we will be in the backyard, getting ready for the gardening season. So far we are finding enough to do that not getting out doesn’t bother us. The only thing we won’t be doing is celebrating our youngest daughter’s 46th birthday on Saturday. She brought it up that she won’t visit to protect us. I appreciate that she recognizes the “elderly” are more vulnerable. We will celebrate big time when this is all in the rearview mirror. The big fluffy dog is adorable! What a hoot! I am including a link of folks singing on their balconies during all this crisis. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/16/kind-triumph-spirit-locked-down-italians-singing-balconies-inspire-hope-across-world
Thank you so much, your posts have inspired me. I always knew I had nice clothes, but just wasn’t sure how to put them together and fell into a rut of always using the same pieces. My husband and I have been joined by our daughter who is on an extended break from college. We are expecting her brother is not far behind as his college figures out their next move. We worry for our oldest daughter who is a nurse at a large hospital and her husband who works the ER as a doctor. We feel blest. I am trying to navigate the world of teaching from home(and welcome insight). I do have a plan. We are all exercising regularly if just for stress relief. We will be showing our daughter the beauty of classic films she may not have seen. The house is really clean and the food organized(I never knew how many cans of diced tomatoes I had). We have tried to develop routines, thanks for being a part of that routine! As we say in our family, stay safe and wash your hands.
We are all grateful for your daughter and her husbandās selfless help! Thanks for reminding me I need to maintain my walking routine. No matter the weather!! Stay safe
Thank you for Kratu! Laughing out loud was a great way to start my day! Just what I needed.
Iām glad you liked him too:))
Reality just set in – my hairstylist has closed her salon for the next 3 weeks and I had an appointment booked! Seriously, I’m impressed how many businesses are reacting responsibly to this. I’ve also lost my part time retail job for at least the next 3 weeks, and I’m missing the social aspect and my work friends.
I’ve cleaned out my closets as much as I can for this time of year – March in Canada means at least one more snowstorm, so some winter clothes will still be worn. I’ve tried on new combinations of spring outfits and took photos to remind me. I don’t really need any new clothes for spring, and it’s fun putting new combinations together.
I’ve been craving comfort food, so have been baking scones and biscuits, but at this rate I’ll be adding on the pounds soon LOL.
Our libraries have closed, so I’m going through old favourites at the moment.
I look forward to your blogs Jennifer. Stay well everyone.
I think I may have a few extra pounds on me when this is over too;) Cooking is very comforting for me. I just need to eat less. Stay well Yvonne
I am here to warn you that knitting with big needles and chunky yarn is an advanced aerobic workout for your arms, shoulders, and hands. After making an afghan for my daughter using size 50s, I was sore for weeks! My C-19 social distancing project is knitting sofa pillow covers (size 10 needles), much less taxing on the muscles. Knitting is highly therapeutic and relaxing, so this a good activity for now. P.S., I am, also, a member of the large stash and out-of-control needles group, ha! As always, thanks for your wonderful blog; I look forward to it each day.
I woke up to sore arms and stiff shoulders!! I may need to dig out other yarn so I can mix up the projects and give my arms a rest. I love, love, knitting. I canāt believe I stopped cold turkey a few years ago!!
Self distancing hasnāt been bad…so far…but whatās going to happen when everyone gets āCabin Fever.ā Hahaha! I thought about knitting too but I donāt have any extra yarn lying around…at least not enough to do one project. My husband and I drug out of the closet some puzzles we never worked so going to do that. We also play cards (mostly gin) and spend WAY too much time on our devices! The only TV we watched were sports and that aspect of it all is killing us!!! I walk on my treadmill everyday but that doesnāt take long and staying up with the usual chores around the house. Will be glad when this rain moves on so we can sit out on our deck and soak up a little Vitamin D.
I agree, the rain is making this harder for me too. Stay upbeat!