Our family is currently hosting a kind and beautiful exchange student from Brazil. To help her settle into the American way of life, we have been taking her around our city and showing her all the fun spots that we usually take for granted. Even simple things like eating a cinnamon roll are a new and exciting experience for her. She often remarks that we are all "so America". Watching her explore the city with my other children has been a great reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Sometimes, I tend to rush through things and forget to be grateful for what's right in front of me.

I understand the importance of slowing down and finding joy in the simple things. That's why I carefully select books for our Hygge Abode shop's collection that inspire mindfulness and encourage moments of peace, self-reflection, and connection. Our seasonal collection is not just a selection of books; it's a collection of tools that can help you open your mind and find wonder in the world. The books we offer provide refuge in times of stress and can be a gateway to other worlds. So, take a book in your hand and explore the endless possibilities of the written word.

Book of Friends is a wonderful tool for building connections. It contains thought-provoking questions that you and your friends can answer about yourselves, helping to establish trust and create shared memories. The book's author, Tia Hoyla, believes that handwritten notes can be some of our most cherished keepsakes. As a nurse practitioner, I have seen this firsthand. Patients often hold onto items that have special meaning and connect them to the people they love. The prompts in this book encourage deeper reflection and can help you and your friends dream about the future while strengthening your bonds in the present.

The Nordic Winter Cookbook is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unique cookbooks I've ever come across. The stunning and captivating photos, coupled with delicious recipes, encourage creativity and connection. Although the seasonal recipes are classically Nordic in nature, they have been modernized to cater to today's cook. It's worth noting that the authors of these books are Finnish, and we are honored to be able to offer several other books by them, including I Made This For You--Christmas Gift and Decorations, a book of seasonal ideas and instructions for crafting bespoke gifts and decorations. 

Happy Homes-Creative is also a special home design book that encourages you to not take yourself too seriously when designing your home. It showcases a selection of Finnish interiors, like the one above, that inspire you to play with colors, textures, and form to build a cozy home. 

We sincerely hope that our collection of books and journals inspires you as much as it inspires us. Additionally, if you have any suggestions for other books that you would like to see added to our collection, please don't hesitate to contact us through the form provided here. We would be delighted to hear from you and establish a connection. 

As a free thank you for reading, I am including a free resource here: Creating a Home You'll Love: Hygge-Inspired Strategies

To learn more about hygge-inspired living, be sure to follow along with my newsletter by clicking here to sign up here. 

Be well,

Rachel Zimmer