It appears we find ourselves in a peculiar time of year. Though its bluster is waning, February remains committed to holding onto its wintery relationship. While March stands conflicted—“Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour,” writes Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Whatever happens outside my windows, I’m sticking with cozy or hygge if I want to be on trend. In this issue, editor and writer Angela Johnson explains some of the ins and outs of the Danish lifestyle concept.
In How to Hygge, Johnson writes, “According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience that promote intimacy and coziness via candlelight; a comfortable corner or nook; relaxed, casual clothing; blankets, pillows along with vintage style décor; steamy and delectable comfort foods and warm sips of tea, coffee or mulled wine; books; nature; and most importantly, togetherness.”
Interested? The article also includes suggestions for local retail shops where you can pick up some hygee-inspired items to help make your home just a bit more cozy! You’ll note that comfort food also falls into hygge territory, and we all know that Minnesotans know a thing or two about serving meals that feed a hungry soul. Turn to page 30, where editors from our sister publications and I offer some of our favorite soup recipes, perfect for serving up a hyggelig vibe.
Until next time,
-Renée Stewart-Hester
