A Norwegian friend once told me that the Adirondacks landscape reminds her of home. Though I’ve never visited her native Oslo I can certainly imagine the similarities, especially in wintertime.
On Groundhog Day our own Staten Island Chuck promised an early Spring — in direct opposition to Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil — but I never trusted a rodent before and I’m not starting now. The cold weather has me yearning for comfort in every form until the day arrives that I can wear a sundress again.
Fortunately, comfort is very “in” right now: the Nordic philosophy of “hygge” has gone viral. Translated roughly from Danish as “coziness,” it’s really a state of mind. One Danish tourism website suggests that a bike with an aurally pleasing bell ding, a Goldilocks-worthy bowl of porridge, and the simple glow of candlelight can all be “hygge.” I like to think it’s a broad umbrella that covers any little thing that kindles the heart — from a laugh with friends to the geometry of a snowflake to a random act of kindness.
As I burrow into my own New York "Cozy" State of Mind I’m stocking my den with hygge-inspiring treats from all over the State: Brooklyn-made porcelain mugs that will warm my hands as I take a moment to inhale my intoxicating chocolate maple drink (think hot cocoa with a twist) from the Adirondacks; and snug scarves from Saratoga Springs that are imbued with the love of the weavers who made them by hand. To top it all off, I’ve got my love to keep me toasty and am celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving letterpressed cards and all the red and pink goodies in our Marketplace to my loved ones.
Feather your nest with products for a “Cozy” State of Mind and a Valentine’s State of Mind in our Holiday tab.
Happy hygge-ing!
From New York City,
Christine Murphy
Co-Founder, COO and Editor in Chief