Winter is the perfect time to settle in at home, take a breath, and rest.
This winter, our family has been loving a few particular things that make us happy, and we wanted to share our favorites with you!
Car rides viewing the mountains.
When it’s really cold out (and it usually is in winter here!), we can’t always spend much time outside. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the beauty of nature!
We love to go on car rides and view the beautiful mountains in Maine and Vermont in the winter. Luckily, we don’t have to go far to find some amazing views! Seeing the mountains covered in snow is breathtaking.
It’s great to still have an adventure and be in nature while staying warm!
Van Gogh Exhibit In Boston
We’re also planning to see the Van Gogh exhibit in Boston this winter.
Van Gogh was an amazing artist (just like Ally!), and the exhibit in Boston was created to be immersive. Many people who visit have said that it almost felt like they were in some of the paintings themselves!
The exhibit also shares a lot of information about Van Gogh’s life and what inspired him to create many of his works.
We can’t wait to visit!
Making a Blanket Stack
A blanket stack is wrapping up in different blankets of the places you’ve been or gifts you’ve received, and it’s one of my favorite parts of winter!
We have blankets from Norway and Ireland, as well as several that were gifted to us, and getting to feel the soft blankets is a great sensory experience that allows us to remember the adventures we’ve had and the connections we’ve made!
Making a blanket stack is the perfect activity for cold winter days when you want to enjoy the warmth of a nice blanket (or several!) and revisit some great memories. Next time you’re looking for an indoor activity on a winter day, try making a blanket stack of your own!
A Yogi's Favorite Tea: Simple Chai Recipe
Our family loves tea all year long, but a great chai tea is one of our favorite drinks during the cold winter! There’s nothing better than cozying up to a nice cup of chai tea.
We use this recipe:
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2 quarts water
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15 cloves (whole)
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20 black peppercorns
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3 cinnamon sticks
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20 cardamom pods (make sure to split the pods first by gently squashing them with the side of a knife)
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8 slices ginger (1/4″ thick, no need to peel)
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1/2 teaspoon of black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags (decaf or regular)
Instructions:
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Add the cloves to the water and boil for one minute.
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Add the cardamom, peppercorn, ginger, cinnamon; cover and boil for 30 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let sit for two to three hours.
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Remove pot from heat; add tea leaves or tea bags and let cool.
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Strain the spices and leaves/remove tea bags.
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Store in the refrigerator and reheat when you want a cup; add your preferred sweetener and milk to taste.
Healing Sounds
Another sensory experience we love, especially in the winter, is listening to some healing sounds.
One of our favorites is the sounds made by Tibetan singing bowls. These bowls are made of different metals, and they have a long history of being used in various countries throughout the world.
These bowls make beautiful, calming sounds that are really soothing. These sounds can also help to clean your aura and space.
We hope you and your loved ones are having a peaceful, cozy winter! What are some of your favorite things this season?