It’s time for the Winter Edition of “What’s Good Wednesday!” I started this blog feature last month, where I talk about the places and things that have caught my eye. So, welcome to the winter edition of “What’s Good Wednesday.” And without further ado, here are a few of the things that I have been loving lately:

Hygge

Hygge, pronounced (hoo-ga), is a Danish concept that can’t be translated to one single word. Instead, it encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. If you’ve ever enjoyed reading a book indoors on a rainy Sunday, or a cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day, you’ve experienced hygge without even knowing it. I first learned about hygge a few years ago when my daughter gave me the The Little Book of Hygge as a gift. (thank you Kelly!) I found out that Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world’s happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable, long and dark winters. And it’s all because of hygge.

Candles are an important part of hygge. So is having a fire going in the fireplace, and having lots of cozy throw blankets. Homemade sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks are all considered to be hygge. Christmas time is certainly the ultimate hygge. 🙂

And, while staying inside enjoying hot chocolate and a book is certainly hygge, getting outside to go for a long walk (yes, even in the winter) and spending time with friends and family is also a crucial part of the idea.

I have to admit, that since I have introduced a more hygge way of living into my life, it truly does make winter better. 🙂

Beef Stew in the Crock Pot

It’s simple, and probably my favorite hygge food. It tastes yummy and makes the whole house smell so good while it’s cooking. It takes about 10 hours before it’s ready to eat (which that in itself makes it hygge).

• 2 lbs stew meat, cut it up into bite size pieces.
• 2 tbs butter
• 1/4 flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 medium onions
• Can of beef broth
• 8oz can crushed tomatoes
• Clove of garlic
• Paprika

Spray inside of crock pot with Cooking Spray. On high heat, place meat and butter in crock pot. Add flour, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the meat. Cook meat until lightly browned on all sides. This takes some time (usually about 15 mins). So while the meat is browning, I combine the rest of the ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally while cooking, and stew thoroughly before serving. Makes 10 (1 cup) servings.

Valentine’s Day Gifts

The February holiday of love and chocolate will be here soon. While we generally don’t really make too big a deal of it in my home, we still will exchange cards and small gifts. (flowers please! 🙂 )

My girls are now young 20-somethings living and working in Boston. I do like to mail them occasional cards and small gifts from time to time. For Valentine’s Day this year, they will be getting these adorable little notepads from Pinhole Press. I had each one personalized, and added favorite photos to the bottom of each page. There were a lot of different designs to choose from, and for only $12.99, this was certainly a great deal. They are the cutest little things, I think they’ll love them. <3

Thanks so much for stopping by What’s Good Wednesday, Winter Edition! Be sure to check back for future posts.

Linda Sobolewski is an on-location, natural-light, professional photographer specializing in seniors, baby, family & children photography.
Linda Sobolewski Photography is based out of Old Saybrook, CT and serves the Connecticut shoreline and surrounding areas.

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