Maegan Mariee | Thoughts & Lifestyle

How to Hygge This Fall | BLOGTOBER 🍂☕🎃

10/19/2018
By Maegan Mariee
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The best thing about Hygge is that it's all about self-care.

And over here, we're really starting to dig deep into the self-care routines. So if you're new, welcome. If you're not, welcome back. I'm still on my personal journey of self-love and self-care. Hygge (hue-guh) is the Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness with associated feelings of wellness and contentment. I love that this word exists. I love that this feeling exists. And I love that you don't have to be Danish or Norwegian to put this into practice.

My first suggestion, but it's definitely not necessary, would be to get your hands on a copy of The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. Whether you buy a copy or get one from the library, having this book on hand is... well, handy. First, the small size of it already does a good job of making you feel cozy. And the illustrations inside are particularly cute as well. Having this with you will give you the extra reassurance that you're getting into your Hygge zone right. Though, there is no wrong way to Hygge.

Get yourself a comfy corner. A cozy nook. Anything where you feel warm and happy. This could be your bed, your living room, a big fluffy chair in the den. A good spot would be near a window, but definitely not necessary. Light some candles, turn on some fairy lights and the mood is set! I like to alternate between my office couch, which is loaded with pillows and blankets and has a good view from the window, and my bed, which also has a good amount of blankets. It really depends on my mood at the time and really it's just where you feel the most relaxed.

Grab something warm to drink. Tea is a must for me, but this could be anything. It could even be cold! Tea, coffee, hot cococa, anything you fancy! Curling up with a good book or throwing on your favorite TV show or movie is a good start. What I love about Hygge is that you can basically do whatever you want, as long as you feel comfortable and happy.

This is also a perfect time to invite family and friends over for dinner or a game night. Indulging in your favorite comfort foods is highly suggested, even if you're dieting. Throw that out the window and enjoy. This is a time that's meant for you to be the most happy, the most carefree. And like I mentioned before, there is no wrong way to hygge.

Get comfy and be happy.

♥

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By Maegan Mariee
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books

8 Autumn Reads; Guest Post | BLOGTOBER 🍂☕🎃

10/14/2018
By Maegan Mariee
0 Comments

Hello everyone!

When the fall mists come sneaking around the corner and temperatures drop enough that we can officially call it sweater weather, it's time to dig up some trusty sidekicks to help you through those long, cool, rainy afternoons.

Obviously you'll spend a lot of the fall season outside frolicking in the leaves, but let's face it, coming home to a mug of warm tea and a good book is probably one of the things autumn's known for.

So if you're like me, and need just a little bit of a nudge to some really good fall reads, look no further.

I tend to always have too many books to read, but this year I've fallen into a bit of a slump and didn't have ANY. Which means this blog post is as much for me as it is for all of you!

Let's start off with a classic:

The Hobbit. Oh, The Hobbit. This is the perfect autumnal read because a ) it has adventure, b ) you don't have to physically go on one yourself, and c ) it has a dragon and Dwarves and a Hobbit. Of course there's The Lord of the Rings, but The Hobbit is better-suited to begin with because it has a shorter narration span and also, autumn is for walking. Going there and back again. See what I did with that?

Pride and Prejudice. Honestly, any Jane Austen novel will do, but after rereading some of them this year I have to admit I agree that Pride is probably the author's best work. And I don't really know what it is, but Austen is the one you should reach for while you're sipping hot cocoa and watching the rain fall outside. Zombies count, too. Let Lizzie and Mr. Darcy have their verbal spats while you chill in warm socks and long sweaters! Not all of us have to be inches deep in mud.

Outlander. Something about Scotland just SCREAMS autumn, no offense to the Scots. But unfortunately the weather there seems just ready-made for a fall setting, so if you're feeling a bit like doing some time travel out of your favourite reading nook, this is the book I'd recommend. Hop along with our favourite Sassenach and see what 18th century Scotland was all about (hint: try and find out what they wore under those kilts). Make sure to say hello to Sam Heughan if you happen to pass him by.

A Discovery of Witches. I admit. I'm biased. I've watched the television show since it premiered and Matthew Goode makes for a very compelling vampire. All that aside, however, this is a story about vampires, demons, and witches, so if we're in October and Halloween is about to happen, what better way to start it off than with this? It's got an inter-racial love story and a visual representation on TV as well. And did I mention a house that magically creates extra rooms for visitors and sounds trumpets or a gong when it wants the inhabitants to listen?

Sherlock Holmes. Any old Holmes story will do, what with foggy London and running after cabs illuminated by gas lights, but I think I'd be remiss not to specifically point out The Hound of the Baskervilles. It's the quintessential read for any whodunit fan, not to mention nothing says spooky month better than a gigantic hound that glows in the dark and comes at you with red eyes and big freaking teeth. Am I right or am I right?

Dracula. I mean. There's no October read-fest without the King of Vampires. I think nowadays modern readers have sort of deviated and almost forgotten what bloodsuckers used to be like - myself included, if you'll look up to a certain mention above. But if you want something to REALLY get you into the Halloween spirit, look no further than the original Count. Bring your crosses and your garlic and have a stake handy. Van Helsing unfortunately doesn't use phones so getting him on the line might be dodgy.

Hallowe'en Party. If you're going to be reading mysteries and spooky tales, you might as well do it right - and the Queen of Mystery should always be a go-to. She really is a seasonal kind of read for me, because I usually devour most of her books during my summer vacation or, indeed, in autumn. This one in particular should be leafed through on the 31st, because what's better than a party is a party with a murder. Between you and me, however: if I were ever unfortunate enough to run into an egg-shaped headed, green-eyed, mustached little man, I'd book the first ticket out of there. Disaster follows Hercule Poirot like the plague!

And before I leave you to it, one last, honorary mention: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Because nothing, not even a murder, says Halloween more than sitting at Hogwarts with bats and floating candles while pumpkins dance around without anybody's help. Plus, no Halloween can ever be complete without a troll in the dungeons.

xx
*images not mine

*Thanks so much to Ami for posting on my blog today! You can find all her amazing reviews on her blog here, and on twitter here.*

♥