Snow Day!

Seattle has a rare snow day today, after a winter storm last night. I’m grateful I work at home and don’t have to venture out into the dangerous driving conditions and what surely will turn into icy roads later tonight! Most of the schools in the area are closed, and I expect to hear happy neighbor children sledding on the hill nearby after lunchtime.

I’m very glad we all still have power. I can spend a cozy day at home working, getting some chores done, and perhaps indulging in some Netflix binge watching. I might even settle by the fireplace with a book if I get enough work done first!

Snow Day Suggestions:

Outdoor activities –

Bonfire – Build up a big blazing one in your fire pit and huddle around with hot cocoa
Take your kids sledding – but only nearby so you don’t have to drive on dangerous roads!
Bundle up for a nice long snowy walk with kids and dogs
Snowball fight!
Build an igloo or a snow village with plenty of snowpeople
Turn your Christmas lights back on if you haven’t taken them down yet
Visit neighbors

Indoor activities –

Come in from the cold to warm up with cocoa in front of your fireplace
Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime binge watching
Snow Days always make me want to bake cookies, cakes and muffins. Bake away!
Cook something that you normally wouldn’t have the time to on a weekday.
Have a photo sorting day – whether your photos are digital or on paper
Play board or card games – invite the neighbors over to join in!
Snow Day Spa Day – Give yourself a spa day – manicure, pedicure, facial mask, sugar scrub, paraffin treatment, dye hair as needed, etc.
Write a paper letter to a friend or relative – something we might not have time to do on a regular weekday work day!
Work through your pile of unread magazines and catalogs – recycle when finished browsing through them
Grab a book, a blanket, a cat or dog, and a cup of tea and cozy up!
Put on a few episodes of Tidying Up With Marie Kondo and work on your closet!
Make time to craft – knit, crochet, work on that quilt, paint, write?

What are you doing with your Snow Day? Let me know in the comments below.

LOVELY BLOGS: Happily Eva After

Eva is a mommy blogger who also writes about home decor, style, parties, and also about her struggles with anxiety. I love how open and honest she is when she writes about personal things. That takes bravery!

Recently she’s posting some lovely ideas for Valentine’s Day luncheons, a Valentine’s Day gift guide, a craft project where you make a brushed gold vase, and some recipes.

Her photography is Instagram-worthy gorgeousness, and I hope you’ll enjoy a tour of this blog!

https://happilyevaafter.com

LOVELY BOOKS: A Literary Tea Party

I might create a tea party for myself and the neighbors today. This tea party cookbook might inspire me – luckily I bought it last summer when it came out! “Blends and treats for Alice, Bilbo, Dorothy, Jo and Book Lovers Everywhere.”

The book offers chapters on Savories, Bread and Muffins, Sweets, Homemade Tea Blends, and Tea Alternatives (such as hot cider, lattes, and hot cocoa).

A Literary Tea Party, on Amazon

LOVELY GIFTS: The Hygge Game

I wish I had already purchased this game! What a perfect gift to take over to the neighbors for tea, pleasant conversation, and perhaps a small glass of sherry or port wine! The game includes 300 conversation starters and questions for prompting discussions around the fire.

The Hygge Game, on Amazon

LOVELY SHOPS: The Literary Gift Company

Here’s a lovely place to pick up birthday or Valentine’s Day gifts for the reader in your life. This fabulous shop carries kitchen items (mugs, cookbooks, tea towels), bookends and shelving, literary-inspired candles, literary-themed cushions and pillows to snuggle down in while reading, stationery and journals, and a slew of literature-themed jewelry, scarves and accessories. Just browsing here makes me happy (though I’d have to KonMari my shelves to make room for any of these fantastic gifts, should I buy some for myself!)

https://us.theliterarygiftcompany.com/

LOVELY TV: The Kitchy Kitchen

Claire’s Youtube show helps you find out how to do practically anything in just about ten seconds. New episodes are posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’ve enjoyed her recent videos on Smores Hot Cocoa, Pecan Brownies, and Pretty Pie Crusts. She’s also giving tours of her Kitchy Cabin living spaces. I always like snooping around (remotely, of course) on other people’s home decor!

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheKitchyKitchen1/featured

LOVELY LINKS FOR TODAY:

Blood Orange Rosemary Poppy Seed Scones (Baking the Goods)

Cara Cara Bundt Cake (Sandy Eats)

Chocolate Souffle (Brown Eyed Baker)

Confessions of a Children’s Book Hoarder – Er, Collector (Publishers Weekly)

Crepes for La Chandeleur (Lavender and Lovage)

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings (The Stay at Home Chef)

Decorating With Moss (Finding Silver Pennies)

Gruyere and Ham Breakfast Casserole (Honest Cooking)

Hidden Vegetable Recipes for Picky Eaters (Confessions of a Fit Foodie)

How to Clean and Polish Copper (Ella Claire)