Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A few mid-winter comforts

It is warmer here today, high 30's. Snow is melting. But still, all is black and white. And cold. My amaryllis has opened in its subtle red. My eyes feel renewed and revitalized with its cheerful color.

My hand sewn slippers. An indulgence of ten or so years ago which I have never regretted. Some of the stitching is coming undone, but they are still wonderful.

About this time of year my skin feels so dry and itchy. The only solution I have found is a good calendula lotion. Not easy to come by. There is a homeopathic version I have to order by mail. But I have recently discovered this Weleda brand for babies that works wonderfully and is stocked by the local health food store. This cream is an expensive winter indulgence but well worth it.

And I wouldn't be without my trusty hot water bottle tucked beneath the covers. It retains the heat for about 4 hours and keeps my toes warm. It is portable so when you go on your winter ski vacation you can take it with you. what could be better than that!

23 comments:

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Burrr.. that header is cooooold looking. No wonder you need all those lovely winter conforts. We woke up to cold slush. Surprise. been so nice and warm for so long and winter has returned. I will look for that lotion. will be needing it. :)

Jann Gougeon said...

Wonderful post Suki! I LOVE the slippers you made!

patti said...

The amaryllis is very cheery! In Australia we call those kind of slippers Ugg Boots(an Aussie brand name that I think was sold off to someone in the USA)

Stay cosy and warm Suki - love the snowy banner!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

It looks like you are set for winter Suki. I don't ever remember using a hot water bottle.

Unknown said...

Homey, cozy and comforting ..... And your new header photo is really cool

Teri said...

Oh that red flower is just gorgeous. My eyes needed that also. Won't it be happy when you can put winter away!

Lynn Cohen said...

Four hours of heat? I think I will dig ours out or buy a new one if I cannot find it...I use a heating pad in bed but have to be sure to unplug it before falling to sleep for safety.
I love your snowy banner photo!!!
The flower is such a LIGHT from the cold and dark of winter.
and your comfy slippers make MY feet feel warm just looking at them.

Umā said...

That hot water bottle is a great idea, I hate having cold feet at night!

Lynne with an e said...

Creature comforts--absolute necessities to get one through! Simple pleasures. Practicing gratitude. Lovely.

Tess Kincaid said...

Love your snuggly slippers!

kj said...

suki, what a great and cozy post! you have warmed me up on this chilling freezing night! i never thought of a hot water bottle, what a good idea. and those slippers: so worth it ten years later, eh?

xoxo

studio lolo said...

Pretty soon your header will be crocuses...hopefully!

Yesterday was the coldest day this year I think. The wind tore through me like a knife. I had to stay in. As a matter of fact I had hardly any sleep the night before because of the loud, forceful wind that left me so tired I napped twice. I hardly ever nap.

But today promises temps near forty. What a blessing as I spend the day with Mim and KJ.

I love your slippers. I'd leave them on all winter! And I never think of using a hot water bottle. Great idea for pet's beds too!

The ammarylis is a beauty. I'll bet it just makes the space radiate.

Happy Wednesday Suki. Wishing you warmer temps!

xo
Lo♥

Robin said...

Suki hello! I'm back from a nice little trip....

I love the new header.... brrrrrr.....but....gorgeous!
Your Amaryllis is like a blaze of fire to warm you! At least you can look at it and "think" warmer..

The slippers are so "cool" - your own version of the oh-so-popular UGG boots! I know they keep your feet toasty.....I would live in them!

I will check out your lotion.....I know that as I get my older my once always-oily skin is dry in Winter....I do use a cocoa-butter lotion, which helps....but I need to reapply it often!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

marianne said...

My Amaryllis is blooming since half December the third flower!
That weleda is magic. I always used that on my kids when they were babies and it worked magic on sore bottoms! The only thing that really worked fast. Now When my stepdaughter got a baby I put the calendula balm in her baskets of presents.
Hope you can stay warm and comfy Suki! Please let it be spring soon......

Mary Richmond said...

hope you are staying warm and cozy though today is pretty nice here on the Cape...actually a bit warmish! thanks for the heads up on the calendula cream--my grandson is already benefiting since I went right out and got some!

Katiejane said...

Wonderful winter comforts. I hope your snow melts soon. Ours is all gone and temps are in the mid sixties. I'm loving it. Spring sprouts are shooting up out of the ground everywhere! Won't be too much longer for you.

layers said...

you have lots of winter tips for keeping warm- never thought of a hot water bottle- sounds toasty though.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Love the header...as I like most snow, just to look out on. Reminds me of when I lived with an outdoor instructor and we ice climbed and the snowfields were what the call sun cups...sharp, hard ice like an eggcrate to walk on, in crampons.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/573606/sun-cup
Give me a warm fireplace any time, lol.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Oh...I forgot to comment on the flower (can't have them in my house as the cats would eat them and they are toxic), the slippers sublime and I will have to look for that lotion here at Whole Foods maybe.

ZenDotStudio said...

Nice, the comforts of winter! Even in these parts it can get chilly, I think its the dampness. I have been using a hot water bottle for an "ache" and it's virtures have been forgotten in this modern world.

Love the slippers and the amarylis reminds me of my mom. She used to buy one for me every Xmas. Somehow I have forgotten to do this now that she's gone. Next year when I'm more settled!

Words A Day said...

I came over from Willows Blog and I LOVE your posts...(and those hand sewn slippers)stay warm!

Kim said...

Dear Suki, You all have had quite a winter up there this year! Wow! Your amaryllis is truly beautiful and I can understand how it warms your spirit. I have to say I also can't live without my hot water bottle - an electric heating pad just don't do as well - they are fairly expensive here, too. Ah, but what a gift you have given me to share the joys of the calendula (sp) lotion! I suffer terribly with dry skin and have resorted to making my own "stuff", however it is in oil form and I understand the lotion actually draws moisture to the skin and the oil keeps it in!

I have missed our visits, but I am also working my way back....thank you so much for being such a dear friend. Together we will get your friend connected with her friend in Christchurch. I will focus my meditations hard on that happening.

Peace, my friend!

San said...

Seeing your winter comforts has comforted me.