Hygge Yourself and Home
The popular Danish cultural concept Hygge, has begun making headway in the U.S. It’s pronunciation “hoo-gah” which may be the origin of the word “hug” is apt, as it’s all about creating coziness, comfort in your home and with yourself.
Think LL Bean sophisticated cozy cabin décor or lounging in your softest pajamas before a roaring fire inside a Singh Luxury home. While Denmark is known for its epic cold weather, hygge may have been born from the need to keep warm and comforted in the face of long, dark winter.
But hygge isn’t regulated to cold months.
In the summer, hygge could mean creating a space in the yard with a fire element and comfortable lounging chairs surrounded by fresh flowers – perhaps rocking chairs or swings enclosed with pretty LED lanterns. How about a meshed gazebo filled with soft pillows and lightweight blankets for pleasant summer nights?
Hygge is about calm, enjoyment and beautiful simplicity to enjoy the moment. Here are some additional ideas:
- Open those windows and enjoy the air while working at your computer.
- Have a picnic in the yard on a blanket with outdoor plush pillows.
Keep the blankets and pillows out at night for a Spring Eta Aquarid meteor shower viewing which peaks through May 28. Even brighter and more spectacular meteor showers are Aug. 11-13: The Perseid meteor shower tcan produce 60 shooting stars an hour at its peak.
- Freshen your home with vases of soon-to-bloom Michigan lavender flowers. 3 pix: Apt & Homes Lavender basket, Apt & Homes Lavender, Apt & Homes Lavender2
Basking in a swing hammock with a book, or lazing on the porch swing with a glass of fresh lavender lemonade (see recipe below) brings the attitude of hygge to summer.
It’s about appreciating life. So get out your flip-flops and outdoor lighting and give yourself a big “hygge” to celebrate the summer we have all been waiting for.
Lavender Lemonade
Handful of fresh lavender flowers or a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers
¾ to 1 cup maple syrup, coconut sugar or white sugar
2 cups of boiling water for the infusion
1& 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups or more of cold water
Ice
Place sugar in a large bowl. Mix with the lavender. Gently rub the lavender and sugar with your hands to coat the flowers. Add the hot water, stir to dissolve the sugar and let seep for 30 minutes or for hours. Strain into a pretty carafe. Stir in the lemon juice and add the cold water. Add more sweetener or lemon to taste. Serve on ice.