I’ll bet you’ve come across the word hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) at some point in the last few years. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable.” It comes from Danish culture and usually suggests wintertime visions of quilts and fireplaces, candles and baking, socks and snuggles. But you can still grab some of that easygoing feeling even in the summertime by appreciating some of these simple things.
Sun, sand, and splash
This could mean a canoe trip or just being in or near an ocean, lake, pond or pool to soak up some sunshine. The idea is to enjoy just being present while hunting down shells, building sandcastles and rock creations, and catching your kiddo as they jump from the side of the pool into your arms. Don’t forget little baggies for collecting treasures, depending on where you go!
Camping by a cozy crackling fire
Hear me out because I know you’re thinking I’m crazy to suggest camping with little kids. But you can ease your way into a camping trip by starting with a cabin in the woods if you’re not ready for tent life just yet. Think sitting in comfy camp chairs roasting hot dogs for dinner followed by s’mores by the fire pit while pointing out stars.
Cozy Reading picnic
Pack up a meal your family enjoys, blankets, a Frisbee, a small speaker for music, and some books! Then head into nature for the hunt for the perfect chill spot. Take turns reading to each other from your favorite books or make up some stories. (On a really hot day, you could instead set up a reading nook in a cool corner inside, and don’t forget the snacks!)
Ice cream social
Chase down the ice cream truck and try something new. Have friends, family, and neighbors over for an ice cream sundae bar with various toppings. Or how about some iced hot chocolates? If you’re feeling super adventurous, get an ice cream maker and create your own fun flavors from scratch using heavy cream, sugar, rock salt and more at home.
Create an outdoor or indoor cozy haven
Using space on your front porch, back deck, terrace, yard or driveway, put up fairy lights and scatter light blankets on comfortable chairs with cushions. Spend an evening listening to music, chatting, noshing and telling stories under the stars. Climb into a hammock strategically placed under a shady spot and take a nap together. Inside, build a fort and hunker down in it.
Experience the farmer’s market… then grown your own!
See what others are growing, baking, canning and creating at a nearby farmer’s market. Then breathe fresh air, dig in the dirt, and discover crawly critters together with your family while planting and caring for a garden. Research unusual seeds to plant: my youngest grows beautiful watermelons that are orange inside and taste sweeter than a regular watermelon! How about some purple carrots, tomatoes and green beans? Or try your hand at herbs or flowers!
Writer and mom Rebecca Hastings puts it so well when she says, “Summer is about…enjoying the moments and living life along the way.” You won’t regret creating calm, peaceful, fun memories with friends and family.
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Pink Peppermint Pie
You’ll need:
24 chocolate wafer cookies, crushed
½ cup butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
½ cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup crushed peppermint hard candies
red food coloring
Directions:
1. Combine cookies and melted butter. Press into 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes then take out of the oven and let cool.
2. Put 3 cups marshmallows in a double boiler. Add milk, then cook until mixture melts and thickens. Cool in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whip the cream. Blend in the crushed candy and add one drop of red food coloring. Fold whipped cream mixture into melted and cooled marshmallow mixture.
4. Pour into crust, then chill well before serving.
