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If you know what hygge (hoo-ga) is then you’ll think, I might be trying to turn hygge on its head? Shouldn’t we participate in the Winter?

And to that I say,

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Proposing Hygge in the Summertime . . . in Dallas

Hygge is a Danish word that describes a feeling of coziness and contentment. It’s about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and enjoying the simple things in life. Think blankets, hot chocolate, candles, watching Gilmore Girls. Summer is a great time to hygge, as the oven in Texas goes from preheat all the way up to ROAST.

 

It’s a beautiful time to be still.

With a world that is constantly in motion and whirling at a pace that just isn’t meant to be kept with although many will try.

For me, life in Dallas can feel . . .

Overwhelmed. Overbooked. Overstimulated.

Carving out times of stillness or seasons of stillness can bring such calmness, wisdom and peace.

Especially in the dog days of Summer. ☀️

What is the formal definition of HYGGE?

 

and of course, there is Darling Desi who is fun to watch for the younger viewers:

 

 

If there is any chance you are looking for an uplifting yet soothing playlist, look no further than this one.

Its 1.5 hours of some of my faves for relaxing around the home and garden.

 

Or click here, its totally free to listen to Spotify.

 

What does hygge look like for us in the summertime?

• Nature crafting. Harvesting flowers to press in a book, dry in silica gel for resin projects or a wreath (mine are drying now).
• Tea time. Harvesting a big bunch of lemon balm from the garden, making tea with a bit of honey from Farmersville and raw milk from Lucky Layla farms. My chamomile sits in a jar with plenty from the season to get me through til next April. In the Summer, chamomile iced tea is the way we go in our household.

• Swimming. Cool off by jumping in the lake or grabbing a float at the new wave pool in Plano. Maybe popping into the lazy iver at Jack Carter.
• Writing letters. Handwrite beautiful letters with specially crafted envelopes (think dried flowers in wax seals)

• Read a book. Curl up with a good book in a hammock or on a porch swing. We have hundreds of books in our shelves but could also run over to Harrington Library to select something new for August.
• Paint candles. Anyone else on board with painting long taper candles? I have a stack from the clearance bin at an antique store in McKinney. Perfect for practicing this new hobby.
• Photography. My newest DSLR that can video and photograph is an art skill that I am loving!

• Cook a delicious meal. There are no shortage of amazing recipes online. Or just stock up at Hatch Chili Fest at Central Market like we do every August. Use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a meal that is both delicious and comforting.

• Leisure Bike Rides. Playing a good podcast or classical music riding through Oak Point or Bob Woodruff after sunset is always a good way to embrace nature in August.

• Gardening and creating. This is the time I hunker down and harvest. Turning all the herbs into magical goodness – teas, tinctures, facial ceams, jars of dried herbs and seasonings. And its all created within the walls of my air conditioned home.
  

 

 

Hygge is all about creating a sense of calm and togetherness. By following these tips, you can bring a little bit of hygge into your summer days.

Additional tips for incorporating hygge in the HOTTER THAN HOT summertime:

• Decorate with natural elements. Bring the outdoors in by decorating with flowers, plants, or seashells.
• Use candles and lanterns to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Keep those light switched in the OFF position.
• Serve food and drinks that are refreshing and light.
• Create skin care out of the herbs you are harvesting right now to prep for Winter skin.
• Say NO to running errands and running out to the stores. Use Amazon to deliver must-have items or just be open to doing far less while triple digits have a strong hold on us.
  

Hygge is a simple concept, but it can make a big difference in your life.

 

 

For now, I’m content staying at home or near to our home. August is a month that I always buckle down and produce work that will benefit our family through the coming months and years. It’s the perfect time to hunker down before our favorite season of Fall and hiking and all the outdoorsy things beckon to me. In August we HYGGE but we also hustle for that future reward of endless time outdoors again.

I know life is in the NOW and it can be a bad habit to find myself constantly looking forward to better days. However, this is exactly why we’ve turned August into a special month of Hygge.

I invite you to try it.

To step away from “society” and strip malls, slow down, drink the freshly brewed iced tea.