This cozy fall essentials post is sponsored by Zappos.
I’ve never loved cozy weekends at home more than I do now in our new house. I’ve found that I’ve been traveling less and less because I just don’t want to leave! I really never envisioned myself becoming this much of a homebody – but oh, am I loving it.
I had a few girlfriends over the other night for some chit chat over wine & cheese and when one of my guests walked in our home for the first time she said, “Oh, Alice, your house is so cozy!!!” It wasn’t until I heard the words said aloud that I realized, wow, it actually realllllllly is. No wonder I keep finding myself wanting to curl up with my coffee and a good book at seemingly every moment while at home!
I’m assuming the chilly weather combined with the feel of fall in the air (or my fall scented candles) is what has caused me to up the cozy factor in all aspects of my life lately. Or maybe I unintentionally have developed my own personal seasonal “hygge” – which is a trendy word for “the art of creating intimacy, coziness for the soul and taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things.” All of which sounds good to me!
Whether it is leaving my cozy UGG slippers from Zappos right by my bed so I can slip them on first thing in the morning, or choosing to drink coffee out of that one particular cup that fits just right with the size of my hand (you know what I’m talking about) – I’ve noticed that small insignificant adjustments to my day make me feel instantly more relaxed and happier too.
In an effort for us all to have the best seasonal “hygge” yet, I’m sharing a few simple things I’ve done not only at home, but to my personal style, and even my overall routine to boost the cozy fall factor in my everyday. More below!
5 Essentials for a Cozy Fall and Winter Season
1. Swap Out Your Regular Coffee with a Flavor to ‘Tis the Season
The only time of year Patrick and I both agree on brewing pot after pot of flavored coffee is during the cooler months. We’ll swap out our traditional medium roast morning brew for hazelnut, pumpkin or anything labeled holiday spice. The change in routine not only tastes delicious but is a reminder with each sip all morning long to cherish the flavor of this special time of year.
Flavored coffee not your thing? Maybe think about trying a new blend of tea or actively choosing something small you can adjust in your morning routine to give you a bit of a boost from its newness.
SHOP MY COZY FALL LOOK:
2. Switch a Simple Sweater for a Stylish Statement One
I always feel more sure of myself when I make a bit more of an effort to put myself together at the start of each day. Adding a little something extra to my look even lifts confidence somewhat – and lately, I have my collection of statement sweaters to thank for that!
The fashion industry has had such fun with sweater trends in recent years and now the options are so much more than the typical crew vs. turtleneck debate. I’ve gravitated towards pom pom cardigans, festive fringe pullovers, long flowy duster sweaters and even sweaters with bow trimmed sleeves! Feeling stylish while cozy has never been more achievable!
3. Update Your Space with Cozy Pillows and Throws
As soon as November 1st arrives, we swap out our pillows and throw blankets with prints and fabrics fit for the season. The chairs on our front porch now boast tweed in deep colors and prints. Inside, we spruced up our living room with a faux fur throw & faux fur pillows. I also love the idea of swapping throw pillows out with festive printed ones for the holidays or even using cable knit pillows to bring on all the cozy! This small change in decor makes a big difference to our home decor and sets the tone of this time of year at home.
4. Leave Your Soft Slippers By The Door
As soon as you’re home from work or errands, your favorite slippers will greet you with instant coziness! I also leave my UGG slippers right by the bed so I can step into their softness first thing in the morning. I’ve been wearing UGG boots since middle school and not a winter has gone by where I haven’t enjoyed the cozy and oh-so-soft feel of my UGG boots.
This year, I added a new style to my rotation with the UGG Fluff Mini Quilted Slippers, this color is exclusive to Zappos. I love that the inside feels as soft & cuddly as you’d expect, but the ankle-height gives the pair a more casual easier-to-wear feel, as opposed to the mid-calf pairs. I’m wearing these navy boots as I type this!
5. Light a Fire
They say fire is a key component to living life with hygge in mind. The flickering light from a scented candle adds peace and tranquility to your space – no matter what you may be doing. A roaring fire in your fireplace or inside a pit in the back yard is another great way to go out of your way for a little bit more of those warm & cozy vibes this season.
We actually lit a fire the other night for the first time with friends and ended up having so much fun we stayed up around the fire until 2:00 am! Let me tell you, that warm flavored coffee of mine was MUCH needed when the sun rose with my toddler only a few hours later. I pretty much needed ALL the cozy things on that particular day!
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How do you go out of your way to stay cozy and enjoy the stillness and warmth of the cozy fall and winter seasons?! Let me know in a comment below!
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xo, alice
