Cozy Essentials

Here in the Northeastern United States, it’s starting to get chilly. But of course, we New Englanders are stubborn and don’t turn our heat on for a while, so now is the perfect time to bask in all things cozy! Here are my cozy essentials to help me get through fall and winter. 

• Turtlenecks
  

I am so glad that turtle necks are back in style. They are so cozy and help to keep you warm while still looking stylish. I love to wear them under crewnecks and knit sweaters, with cardigans or under t-shirts, or even tucked into a skirt.

• Tea

I am a tea girlie one hundred percent. Tea is just the perfect thing any time of year (I drink 2 cups a day in the summer), but it finds its perfect place in these cooler months. I love Earl Grey, cinnamon black tea, sleepytime, and lavender chamomile teas. If you are fancy and have a quiet afternoon to yourself I would highly recommend trying to make your own London Fog or Chai Latte.

• A Rice Sock or Hot Water Bottle

Nights are cold here, and since we’re not turning on the heat yet, you have to burrow down under your covers to stay warm. My family likes to make rice socks, and fabric pouches filled with rice that you can microwave and take to bed with you. A hot water bottle also does the trick. You can buy rice socks or heating pads online.

• Classical Ambiance Videos
  

​If you don’t live in a cooler place where the leaves change, or even if you do, I would highly recommend checking out classical music ambiance videos on YouTube. They have beautiful aesthetic images normally paired with classical music and ASMR sounds. It’s great to play when reading, writing or studying, or even cleaning your room.

• Candles
  

I used to be the kind of person who never burned candles, now I burn them down to stubs. My favorite places to get candles are TJ Maxx and Walmart because the fragrances are so good and they are so affordable., though I do love Yankee Candle (I want to live in their factory store.)

• Cookbooks

I don’t know about you, but I always want to cook and bake this time of year! I am in the process of growing my cookbook collection - my two favorite cookbook authors are Ina Garten and Sarah Kieffer (Baking for The Holidays is essential this time of year!)

• Wool Socks
  

A few years ago I got some thick socks (not sure if they are actual wool) but they are so cozy and great for when your floors are cold. Call me a weirdo, but I even sleep with them on.

• Cardigans

I am obsessed with cardigans, sweaters in general, but mainly cardigans. I love layering because it’s perfect for those autumn afternoons when the sun decides to spring a surprise visit on us. My favorite sweaters all come from Old Navy.

• Books

You thought I would forget this didn’t you? Nope, not a chance. Books are the ultimate cozy item, and I’ve been loving books that are inherently cozy these past few months. Here are a few fun recommendations The Pumpkin Falls Mysteries by Heather Vogel Frederick (New England town middle-grade mysteries.), The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (this is what you get when you combine Lord of The Rings, Ella Enchanted, and Rapunzel), and Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler, (our favorite redhead in full color and an easier to read story.)

• Video Content
  

Movies and YouTube videos are perfect for these cold nights when we’re lying low. It’s the perfect time to binge-watch a movie series (binge-able movie series - Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, Star Wars, Anne of Green Gables) or TV show (binge-able shows - Avatar The Last Airbender, The Mandalorian, The Chosen, Little House on the Praire). Some of my favorite YouTube creators making great cozy content are Darling Desi, Ruby Granger, and Randi Lynne Reed.

What are your cozy essentials? 

Belle Thomas

​Belle is the writer behind An Old Fashioned Girl. She is passionate about Jesus, good books, and living a beautiful life.