Create a little cosiness.

The rain has arrived and there’s definitely a chill in the air. Heading into June, autumn is most definitely here and winter is on its way. We’ll actually have an excuse to be indoors most of the time. Over lockdown we rediscovered “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking.

What is Hygge you say? Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word that generally means ‘cosy’. Hygge isn’t something you buy — it’s just a consciousness or slowness, an enjoyment of the present. Sounds good to us.

According to the Little Book of Hygge there are about 10 things that create Hygge and we’ve chosen a few of them to help you create some Kiwi “Hygge” in your home this autumn.

1. Atmosphere – Turn down the lights

Candles, candles, candles! Instant hygge!! There’s something about candlelight that just makes you feel good, warm, relaxed, hygge. If you’re going to light a few, it’s good to think about what wax they are made of. There are some pretty dreadful ones out there, and who made them? Our beautiful range of 100% Natural Soy Wax candles are made by Desiree, our candlemaker, in Christchurch.

Fragrance can be a big part of creating a peaceful home environment. Choose from ten fine fragrances to perfume your home this season. Brigit’s winter pick is our spicy Vetiver & Violet candle. Each Linden Leaves candle has a 300g fill and up to 80-hour burn time. Please note – Always take candle safety seriously, especially around little ones and never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

2. Pleasure – Coffee & Cake

Post the great kiwi lockdown bake off, we think everyone is feeling more proficient in this area.
Kat, our marketing manager, made this @chelseasugar recipe every Sunday. Kat eats dairy free, so subbed the butter for margarine and milk for cashew milk and her family thoughtfully saved some leftovers (amazing but true) for our office Monday afternoon tea.

Or if you’re feeling decadent try Chelsea Winter’s one!

3. Gratitude

Much has been written about how taking time to feel gratitude can help your mood and keep you positive. We all need that right now. If you’re looking for wellness inspiration in this area we recommend the book Balance, Food, Health & Happiness by @rachelgrunwell of www.inspiredhealth.co.nz and we love following @hafsayoga for a positive take on life.

4. Comfort. Get Comfy. Take a break. Relax.

For us taking a break means escaping for a bath time ritual with a bath bomb or one of our gorgeous bubble bath fragrances, a candle, a good book and a DO NOT DISTURB sign for the door!

5. Shelter – Creating a place of peace and security.

For many of us lockdown gave us time to recreate our home spaces and finally tick off the last jobs on the to do list (window’s washed anyone?). When it comes to cosiness there’s nothing like natural textures in your home; natural wool throws from Wyld or gorgeous New Zealand wool blankets from Exquisite Blankets to beautiful home linen and velvets from Wallace Cotton. All beautiful New Zealand brands.