Discover the simple joys of cozy winter living after moving from Hawaii to the mainland. From warm slippers to fireside yoga, find comfort in every cold moment
After living in Hawaii for nearly 20 years, I’ve just moved back to the mainland. Yes, Hawaii does have a subtle winter – one where you might need a light sweatshirt at night and can actually sleep under a blanket without immediately overheating. But mainland winter? That’s a whole different story, and I’m finding myself completely embracing what I’m calling my ‘warm and snuggly era.’ Here are five winter comforts I’m absolutely savoring right now:
1. The Joy of Warm Slippers: A Cozy Winter Essential
I walked by the Ugg shop on Kalakaua Avenue for 15 years and so wanted a pair of Ugg slippers but I knew I’d never use them because honestly my feet rarely were cold in Hawaii. Well now I’m wishing I had Ugg slippers but any will do. I love my cheapo Amazon slippers I bought in desperation in November after 2 weeks of bone cold feet. There is something so nice about sliding into soft slippers in the morning, it reminds me of winters long ago in Boston. Find my slipper picks here!
What brings you back to the winters of childhood?
2. Hot Winter Beverages: Why Tea is the Ultimate Comfort
I love tea and have for years… even in Hawaii. But there is something extra special about sipping a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with honey on a freezing cold day while looking out at the grey winter sky. I also have come to believe that tea warms you up better than coffee. I’m finding myself reaching for tea on an almost daily basis while we chip away at our homeschool tasks for the day.
What’s your favorite hot winter beverage?
3. Soup Season: Comforting Recipes for Cold Days
My husband and I are total soup lovers. Pretty much weekly I’m making a giant pot of chicken tortilla or chicken noodle soup to enjoy, again even in Hawaii. This winter I’ve continued the tradition and branching out to some amazing pots of corn chowder, cheddar and broccoli soup and I even made a pot of napa cabbage soup after having some leftover cabbage from my first batch of Kimchi. Soup season is going strong in the Valentine RV!
What’s your favorite winter soup?
4. The Magic of Heavy Blankets for Better Winter Sleep
I thought I might find it hard to sleep under the weight of blankets after training myself to basically sleep with nothing or just a light blanket, but no it is heaven! Being in the RV, it’s gotten pretty dang cold in here… like down to the high 50s at night inside. Thankfully, I have been warm and snuggly 3 blankets deep and honestly I am getting some of the deepest nights of sleep I have had in years! It really is true that you sleep better in a colder room, so I welcome the nighttime briskness and better sleep!
What do you prefer, light blankets or heavy?
5. Fireside Yoga: Gentle Movement for Chilly Mornings
With my deep nights of sleep, I must admit it’s a challenge getting out of bed, even with my slippers sitting right there. So as the new year rolled in I decided I needed to give myself a little extra motivation to get going. So on the cold morning of 1/1/2025, I peeled myself out of bed, rolled out my yoga mat, turned on the “fire” (it’s an electric fireplace) and tuned into Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. Much to my surprise it was absolutely divine. The warm air wafted over me as I gently stretched, moved and got all the creaks out while warming up and into my day. I couldn’t have tried this for the first time on a better day and it felt so good this has become my new years resolution… gentle movement by the fire every damn day this year or as the weather improves a walk, but until then I’m going to enjoy the fireside yoga!
What gets you out of bed on cold winter mornings?
Trading beach days for cozy winter moments has been an unexpected delight. These simple pleasures remind me that there’s beauty to be found in every season, even if it means wearing three pairs of socks!
In Health,
Hilary
