GIVEAWAY! I packed up some extra February Color Club mail and would love to send you one! To win: just like this post & leave a comment :) A winner will be randomly selected!
If you are willing, please share a tip in the comments about making the best of times indoors, especially during winter. Do you have any solid advice?
Love this article!!! My favorite winter tip is to almost always have a cozy, warm-scented candle burning when at home! Makes everything feel a little more magical and gives winter a super cozy vibe
Spending time with my indoor plants! Plus the same candle tip someone mentioned below, designing new warm beverages, and coloring books that feature cozy interiors.
Since you asked (but I doubt you have time!)… You partially got me started when you mentioned hojicha, which I’d never had! I went down a rabbit hole of warm beverages. I want to explore them from every culture! I started with America (which ended up weird, but also fun, as I tried to recreate them https://rebeccarocket.substack.com/p/americas-history-of-hot-soda?r=57qvh0).
Hi!!! My tip is journaling! I know it sounds so basic but I started avidly journaling and I was surprised how much I was able to actually process and reframe thoughts by putting pen to paper instead of being stuck in an echo chamber (ie my mind lol)
This winter I got myself a new super warm coat (mine is from quince) and some cute snow boots from Sorel - they have changed my wintry life! So not actually advice for indoors, but making the most of what the outdoors still have to offer in the winter :)
This winter has been brutal! I've been passing the time by crafting (my favorite craft has been printing out ridiculous photos of my friends and making ShrinkyDinks out of them, then either presenting to them in person or sending them in the mail along with a fun homemade card); writing letters to my new PenPal; reading (Katabasis has me enraptured right now!); and doing tons of cooking and baking!
I’m very to-do list driven so for February I’ve made a list of new shows and movies I want to watch! I also have been playing my old favorite game, Mall Madness with my friends and family.
So cool! I just did a deep, deep clean, bought a new candle, and made a giant vat of white bean chicken chili to make it through this latest cold spat!
Hi Jenna!! My biggest tip is to make the space you’re in cozy and relaxing: light candles, put on your biggest sweater, cozy up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, and read a book, journal, or decompress by catching up on shows. Your environment can really shift your perspective!
I like putting on whimsical fairy/fantasy music, wrap myself up in a big cozy blanket with a steaming cup of cinnamon-orange tea (which is my favorite flavor right now), and stare out of the window with my black lab, Blitz. Occasionally, I'll join her with barking at the crows outside if the moment calls for it.
The way you described wintering in New York made me actually want to embrace the cold. Rooting for you and Feeling! Press. The best really is yet to come :)
I loved the way you describe winter drawing attention inward, toward slower rhythms, creativity, friendship, and small rituals that quietly sustain joy. There’s something deeply spiritual about that kind of “wintering,” learning to notice beauty in stillness rather than waiting for life to feel bright again. Much of my own writing explores that same shift — how ordinary moments, reflection, and love begin to look different when we see them as part of something larger than the present season alone. If anyone here enjoys reflections on time, meaning, and the quiet work of becoming, you’re warmly invited to continue the conversation at The Eternal Now: https://theeternalnowmm.substack.com/p/eternal-love?r=71z4jh
I have been making hot chocolate every Sunday! Recently as well I have been playing around with the recipe ever since I ve learned about French style hot chocolate, trying to get it as close as I can with non dairy milks and creams and it has been really fun and a really good way to stretch my creative muscles.
I really enjoyed this newsletter! In winter, I use the “scatter” method to distribute hobbies, crafts, books, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles throughout the house so I don’t get bored. I get a different view from each item…jigsaw on dining room table, crosswords by the sofa, journal on my desk, felting project on the craft table in the basement. I leave these things out unless company is coming over. I love it and it works!
I love how gentle and doable these suggestions feel.
When you don’t feel good, the nervous system really can’t hold big solutions, only small, kind ones. This list feels like permission to care for yourself softly.
I’ve struggled with winter since I moved to NYC 4 years ago. This year I’ve romanticized the tiniest things: a 15 minute walk (or less) in the cold, picking up pastels for the first time ever and drawing when I feel sad and working out even if it’s just 10 minutes in my living room💗
What helps me in the winter is warm, cozy lighting. Don’t try to force fake “brightness” with aggressive LED lighting. Enjoy the little daylight there is, and then enjoy the darkness by cozying it up with some twinkle lights, a warmer amber tone lightbulb in a lamp, a candle, etc. :)
My biggest tip is actually what you shared about your alternative to Brick - I turn on my ringer on my phone and put it away! I’ve found I read more, write more, do chores more, make myself healthy food more. It really promotes much better self-care!!
Love this post!! There’s no other Substack out there quite like this one, and I dearly love everything by Jenna!!
absolutely convinced that the groundhog is out to get me. i swear he always sees his shadow lol.
no but seriously i love the encouragement from this piece to cultivate joy inside. from interiors to cozy coffee dates. definitely need to do some color exploration in my space as i wait out the snow
Super interesting. They coated the black tea leaves in matcha. So it steeps and drinks more like a black tea, but the flavor of matcha is in there too. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it!
Cooking is like therapy to me so i love trying out new recipes when it’s cold outside. Most of the time i like cooking with company or for the people i love but if weather makes it hard to see them then i will call them on the phone while i cook to really lighten my mood.
GIVEAWAY! I packed up some extra February Color Club mail and would love to send you one! To win: just like this post & leave a comment :) A winner will be randomly selected!
If you are willing, please share a tip in the comments about making the best of times indoors, especially during winter. Do you have any solid advice?
Love this article!!! My favorite winter tip is to almost always have a cozy, warm-scented candle burning when at home! Makes everything feel a little more magical and gives winter a super cozy vibe
Spending time with my indoor plants! Plus the same candle tip someone mentioned below, designing new warm beverages, and coloring books that feature cozy interiors.
I've gotta hear what warm beverages you're working on!
Since you asked (but I doubt you have time!)… You partially got me started when you mentioned hojicha, which I’d never had! I went down a rabbit hole of warm beverages. I want to explore them from every culture! I started with America (which ended up weird, but also fun, as I tried to recreate them https://rebeccarocket.substack.com/p/americas-history-of-hot-soda?r=57qvh0).
But then I kind of side-tracked because a local coffee house sent me a note about a “Strawberry, Rosemary, Sparkling Wine Latte” (https://rebeccarocket.substack.com/p/fortunate-february-continues?r=57qvh0).
And this week I’ve been trying to figure out how to replicate (but reduce the carb count of) the taro lattes I used to buy in Koreatown.
It helps me to always have a water or some other hydrating drink on hand so I don’t get parched!
Hi!!! My tip is journaling! I know it sounds so basic but I started avidly journaling and I was surprised how much I was able to actually process and reframe thoughts by putting pen to paper instead of being stuck in an echo chamber (ie my mind lol)
Amen, amen.
This winter I got myself a new super warm coat (mine is from quince) and some cute snow boots from Sorel - they have changed my wintry life! So not actually advice for indoors, but making the most of what the outdoors still have to offer in the winter :)
GOOD winter clothes made such a big difference!
This winter has been brutal! I've been passing the time by crafting (my favorite craft has been printing out ridiculous photos of my friends and making ShrinkyDinks out of them, then either presenting to them in person or sending them in the mail along with a fun homemade card); writing letters to my new PenPal; reading (Katabasis has me enraptured right now!); and doing tons of cooking and baking!
Meredith, it sounds like you are doing a fantastic job. Expert level wintering.
I’m very to-do list driven so for February I’ve made a list of new shows and movies I want to watch! I also have been playing my old favorite game, Mall Madness with my friends and family.
I love this. Mall Madness just unlocked memories!
I loved this, Jenna! Indoor things I love for winter (as a fellow northeast girl):
Puzzles!!
Having people over for tea
Making An Event out of watching the Olympics this year
Flowers
Friends!!!
Tea time, for sure.
So cool! I just did a deep, deep clean, bought a new candle, and made a giant vat of white bean chicken chili to make it through this latest cold spat!
Soup or chili in a giant pot to eat for days is pristine wintering.
Hi Jenna!! My biggest tip is to make the space you’re in cozy and relaxing: light candles, put on your biggest sweater, cozy up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, and read a book, journal, or decompress by catching up on shows. Your environment can really shift your perspective!
You are so right.
Bake something special … I recommend making Madeleines 👩🏾🍳
YUM!
I’m a cozy hobby girl so winters are my fav! I sit down with a good audiobook/movie and crochet and knit and journal and sew to my hearts content
Perfection.
I like putting on whimsical fairy/fantasy music, wrap myself up in a big cozy blanket with a steaming cup of cinnamon-orange tea (which is my favorite flavor right now), and stare out of the window with my black lab, Blitz. Occasionally, I'll join her with barking at the crows outside if the moment calls for it.
You just painted a VERY magical picture.
So exciting!! I’m a HUGE fan of setting a mood with lamps and candles in the winter. Embrace the darkness a bit but make it cozy!
Cozy lighting is a must!
Tea and other warm drinks in winter are the best
The way you described wintering in New York made me actually want to embrace the cold. Rooting for you and Feeling! Press. The best really is yet to come :)
Love this article!! I sent you a dm asking a question about making color palettes! :)
I loved the way you describe winter drawing attention inward, toward slower rhythms, creativity, friendship, and small rituals that quietly sustain joy. There’s something deeply spiritual about that kind of “wintering,” learning to notice beauty in stillness rather than waiting for life to feel bright again. Much of my own writing explores that same shift — how ordinary moments, reflection, and love begin to look different when we see them as part of something larger than the present season alone. If anyone here enjoys reflections on time, meaning, and the quiet work of becoming, you’re warmly invited to continue the conversation at The Eternal Now: https://theeternalnowmm.substack.com/p/eternal-love?r=71z4jh
I have been making hot chocolate every Sunday! Recently as well I have been playing around with the recipe ever since I ve learned about French style hot chocolate, trying to get it as close as I can with non dairy milks and creams and it has been really fun and a really good way to stretch my creative muscles.
I am VERY into this idea. Wow!
French hot chocolate is the way! Adding a dash of armagnac is also divine.
You know I'm not much of an alcohol drinker, but if its a dash, im willing to try. From the description I found of armagnac it does sound heavenly!
I really enjoyed this newsletter! In winter, I use the “scatter” method to distribute hobbies, crafts, books, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles throughout the house so I don’t get bored. I get a different view from each item…jigsaw on dining room table, crosswords by the sofa, journal on my desk, felting project on the craft table in the basement. I leave these things out unless company is coming over. I love it and it works!
I like this scatter method!
I love how gentle and doable these suggestions feel.
When you don’t feel good, the nervous system really can’t hold big solutions, only small, kind ones. This list feels like permission to care for yourself softly.
Yes! Small things really help more than we think they will. I am glad this list felt doable — that was my hope!
I’ve struggled with winter since I moved to NYC 4 years ago. This year I’ve romanticized the tiniest things: a 15 minute walk (or less) in the cold, picking up pastels for the first time ever and drawing when I feel sad and working out even if it’s just 10 minutes in my living room💗
15 minutes is impressive! Glad you've found your rhythms. Glad spring will be here soon!
We’ve been having friends over for dinner every other Sunday and it’s been so nice to plan the menu, have folks come, and eat and play games together.
I love the consistency and frequency. Something about Sunday supper is really wonderful — starting the week together.
A make your own trinket mobile is a MUST !! Love!
I love that websites are getting cooler and cooler.
What helps me in the winter is warm, cozy lighting. Don’t try to force fake “brightness” with aggressive LED lighting. Enjoy the little daylight there is, and then enjoy the darkness by cozying it up with some twinkle lights, a warmer amber tone lightbulb in a lamp, a candle, etc. :)
Embrace the twinkle!
My biggest tip is actually what you shared about your alternative to Brick - I turn on my ringer on my phone and put it away! I’ve found I read more, write more, do chores more, make myself healthy food more. It really promotes much better self-care!!
Love this post!! There’s no other Substack out there quite like this one, and I dearly love everything by Jenna!!
Yes. I think home phones had something going for them.
And thank you — very, very kind!
absolutely convinced that the groundhog is out to get me. i swear he always sees his shadow lol.
no but seriously i love the encouragement from this piece to cultivate joy inside. from interiors to cozy coffee dates. definitely need to do some color exploration in my space as i wait out the snow
You and I need to have a face to face with groundhog Phil!!!
Earl Grey Matcha.... I'm fascinated and need to try this.
Super interesting. They coated the black tea leaves in matcha. So it steeps and drinks more like a black tea, but the flavor of matcha is in there too. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it!
Cooking is like therapy to me so i love trying out new recipes when it’s cold outside. Most of the time i like cooking with company or for the people i love but if weather makes it hard to see them then i will call them on the phone while i cook to really lighten my mood.
This reminds me of my mom using the home phone in the kitchen to catch up with others while cooking dinner. Magic.