A seasoned traveler and devoted New Yorker shares her favorite comfort rituals for a snowy Saturday, perfect for any day of the week.
Personal comfort is something that I tend to think even more about in winter as I hate the cold. In any season, without a vitally important reason to be elsewhere, Saturday morning will find me enjoying time at home. It’s a restorative ritual. While sipping my coffee, I read, listen to music, watch Netflix, HGTV, or the news, or just enjoy the silence. And, I don’t talk to anyone until about 10:00 a.m. (Unless there is a very good reason…)
Want to know some of my secrets for self-care and comfort? Here are some affordable options:
The best part of waking up… It’s important to add a little luxe to your life, wherever you can. For me, the right scented soap is a great start to my day. And, followed by using products that add to my well-being.
A La Maison de Provence traditional French-milled soap made from pure 100% vegetable oils. Favorite scents are Rosemary Mint and Lavender Flowers. Sold in a pack of four, 3.5 oz bars through Vitacost for $5.79.
Trader Joe’s Oatmeal & Honey soap is also made from 100% pure vegetable oils. The 3.5 oz bars are sold in a pack of two for $2.49. Both brands have lovely scents and feel wonderful on the skin.
Pump bottles of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotion with Vitamin E. I buy the 13.5 oz bottles through Amazon Prime in a pack of 3 for around $14. This lotion really sinks into the skin for an all-over refreshing feeling.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Moisture Boost Leave-in Conditioner that genuinely detangles softens any dryness and minimizes frizz. The 8.5 oz bottles are $5.99 through Amazon Prime.
Food: Most of my comfort meals come from my own kitchen. Since the pandemic started, food and home cooking have become even more important. As food is a form of self-love and self-comfort, I’m sharing below some examples of healthy meals I regularly make that are comforting and delicious. Five years ago, I switched to the Paleo Diet, and recipes for all but the first two dishes below come from the terrific iPhone app “The Caveman Feast”, where you can highlight your favorites and create both a meal plan and shopping list:
* Poached eggs over a bed of sautéed mixed vegetables, especially, with turkey bacon or roasted chicken sausage - this I will eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
* Herb-roasted chicken with mashed sweet potatoes (no sugar or butter) and a lighter version of creamed spinach, sautéing the spinach with full-fat coconut milk instead of cream
* Dijon grilled chicken with cauliflower mango couscous
* Avocado-stuffed burger (beef or turkey) with sweet potato fries
* Salmon grilled with a fresh ginger vinaigrette and side of grilled fresh juicy peaches and red onions
* Almond strawberry stuffed chicken breast seared in cinnamon
* Roasted Brussel sprouts (I like them crispy) with bacon (and sometimes I sauté them with blueberries after roasting)
* Apple cranberry salad with maple vinaigrette
* Almond butter banana pudding
* Dark chocolate avocado cake (Yes, even this is from “The Caveman Feast”)
More dessert: During lockdown in spring 2020, I discovered So Delicious Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Cluster Cashew Milk Frozen Dessert including crushed cashews with a very thin layer of dark chocolate. While this is not necessarily on the Paleo diet, it is non-diary and totally scrumptious and satisfying.
And, not on any diet, but worth a little cheating for are Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Bar Thins – decadent Belgian dark chocolate.
Home. I start by surrounding myself with all things warm and fuzzy to combat the winter chill. And, in ways that won’t be at war with my finances.
I love soft, vellux, or fleece blankets and in winter, use one in place of a fitted top sheet and one in place of the flat sheet. Recently, I added one from Bedsure that is a bit thinner, but sooo silky soft. My blankets pair nicely with zippered velvety pillowcases. All in a lovely shade of pewter grey to match my velvet cushioned headboard.
Soft, fleece pajamas and slipper socks, which I wear to bed in winter after rubbing my feet with lotion for protection from the harsh, dry winter air.
Have brandy, cognac, whiskey, or bourbon on hand when I come back home on a freezing cold day. As an excellent brand of whiskey or bourbon such as Macallan or Basil Hayden is not part of my normal budget, I try to balance taste with cost. However, an acceptable brand of any of the above pairs beautifully with cozy pajamas and blankets, a solo night in, and really does make me feel all warm and fuzzy.
On a winter day or any day of the year, try taking the time for some self-care and whatever helps you re-charge your human batteries. Trust me, it makes opening your door and facing the world a lot easier!
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