The new year is officially here - and if you ask me, I’m ready for spring to begin pretty much on January 2nd or 3rd! This is my least favorite time of year. It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s wet, and it’s windy - and there isn’t even any Christmas to look forward to!
During this time of year, I often find it hard to get out of bed in the morning (whereas that’s totally not a problem during the rest of the year, ever…), and when I get home from work, it’s already dark again. MEH! Literally the first thing I do when I get home is take off my office clothes and switch to my cuddly sweatpants, a giant knit sweater, and the warmest socks I can find, and cozy up on the couch with a cup of tea or coffee.
Since we here in Denmark have about two to three months more of this kind of weather until spring finally comes, I thought I’d put together my essentials for surviving the Danish winter! Ten items that you’ll need for a cozy, warm, and altogether “hyggelig” start into 2016.
1. | Let’s face facts: chances are that it’s going to get wet one way or another, and you’ll need some solid, waterproof boots. I love my Hunter Wellingtons, which I love to wear with wool knee-high socks on icy cold days. |
2. | The cold temperatures and icy winds will freeze your entire face faster than you can scream “nooooo!” - so be prepared with the warmest, coziest, snuggliest hat you can get your hands on! I have an excellent model, hand-knitted by my mom, but here are some options if you’re still looking: classic, polar bear, fun. |
3. | Vitamins are so key if you don’t want to get sick! You can start your day by drinking a glass of water with fresh lemon juice, or make a hot lemonade, which I love (hot water with fresh lemon juice and a spoonful of honey). Alternatively, try my immune-boosting smoothie! |
4. | Your poor, ice cold body is in desperate need of some care, so pamper yourself with this Tromborg body scrub with a delicious orange scent that reminds of summer and sunnier days. |
5. | Don’t let that coffee get cold on your morning commute! We all know there’s nothing worse than cold coffee (unless it’s summer and you are slurping your iced latte). This stylish Stelton thermos will make sure your hot beverage stays that way until you’re ready to drink it. |
6. | I’m a coffee girl, but in this wintery cold, I love me a good old cuppa - there’s just something so cozy about snuggling up with a cup of steaming hot tea. I love Chaplon’s Full Moon tea (a green tea with lemongrass, naturally sweetened by licorice root). You can get it e.g. at Irma stores. |
7. | Nothing brightens up a grey day like some flowers! During these cold winter months, I love hyacinthes, they have the most amazing smell. Alternatively, there’s a delivery service called GrønGrøn.dk that brings a new bouquet to your house every week! |
8. | Winter time is soup time in my house! Like with tea, there’s just something about a bowl of steaming hot soup - tomato, carrot and sweet potato, or a simple chicken noodle soup, I love them all. Serve them in these beautiful “Nordic Sand” bowls from Broste Copenhagen. |
9. | The dry and cold air outside dries out your hands, so be sure to give them a little extra attention with a nurturing hand cream, e.g. the Empower Hydrating hand cream by Ole Henriksen. It has something called “arctic cloudberry” in it, so it must be good for winter, right?! |
10. | Finally, we all know that winter is prime season for “hygge” in Denmark! After their successful scented candles, Skandinavisk have expanded their product range to include scent diffusers as well. An all-time favorite is the subtle and pleasant Hygge scent. |
What are your essentials for surviving winter? Share in the comments below!
This is not a sponsored post.
Nate says
I don’t usually go for the body scrubs. Lol. But for me it’s essential to take multi-vitamins and try to exercise to keep my energy up and spirits high. Plus, it gives me a head start to the summer.
Laura says
Vitamins are so key! I prefer smoothies or fresh juices over supplements, but during winter, sometimes you have to up your intake. I should probably also put exercise on my to-do list, but it’s just so hard to leave my warm, comfy couch!
Felicia Shelton says
Hello there!
I discovered your blog a few days ago and I really love it.
I plan to visit Copenhagen in June and I really appreciate the information and lovely photos you’ve featured here.
I used to live in Sweden years ago and did not get to visit Denmark. I know, that’s crazy, but I’m on my way now!
So excited!
Best,
Felicia Shelton
Laura says
Hi Felicia, I’m glad you found the blog, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! June is a great time to visit Copenhagen, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. I haven’t actually been over to Sweden since I lived here - oops - but it’s on my list!
Felicia Shelton says
Hej!
Aha! Well now I don’t feel so bad. I lived in Gothenburg, Sweden for almost five years and never made it to Denmark. I visited everywhere else in Europe during that time, but never thought to see beautiful Denmark. One of my first stops when I start blogging about food in Copenhagen will be Grød. I’ve seen videos galore about this place and I can hardly wait to taste!
Have a lovely evening,
Felicia
Laura says
Oh, yes, Grød is such a great place! If you like food, definitely check out Copenhagen Street Food and Torvehallerne as well :)
Felicia Shelton says
Thank you! Will do! I believe it was through your blog that I discovered Traveling Mama who actually did a video about Torvehallerne. I’m so there! I’ve only been back in the U.S. (originally from Virginia) barely three years and I’m so ready to get back into great food. Would you know of any good hotels, budget-friendly in Copenhagen? I’m also thinking of renting an Airbnb apt. while I’m there.
Thank you!
Felicia Shelton