Simple Winter Pleasures

Beeswax, Orange Blossoms, Books

I love winter. January’s grounding, midwinter energy usually keeps me feeling my best and most inspired, but this past month was tough. Between a neck injury that kept me immobilized in bed for well over a week, disorientingly hot weather, and absorbing daily horrors from every corner of the globe, I’ve been aiming to find happiness in small things. Maybe you have, too. Below, some bits sparking joy in an overwhelming world:

1. Bodha x ACTIVIST Beeswax Eau de Parfum

Before trying this, I would have told you decisively that I was not a perfume person. This has changed me, and I think it’s due to the fact that Bodha uses 100% natural ingredients – no artificial, migraine-inducing fragrances. I am obsessed with beeswax in all its forms and have always longed for a way to carry its scent with me, and this perfume is somehow even better than I imagined. It opens with invigorating woods, orange blossom, and incense, then dries down to a honeyed warmth that is truly intoxicating; I can’t stop smelling myself.

2. Possession by A. S. Byatt

One of those books that makes you marvel at the author’s mind. Possession is an engrossing literary mystery, following a pair of 1980s academics uncovering the secret lives of two Victorian-era poets. Textually rich and quite original, I really enjoyed this one.

3. Necessaire The Lip Balm

The best balm. It’s thick and cushiony, has a very subtle mint flavor, and I feel it actually nourishes my lips rather than merely sitting on top like so many others. The angled metal applicator is a lovely touch.

4. Trader Joe’s Hot Cocoa Mix

So nostalgic, seasonal, and satisfying. If you can’t remember the last time you had a hot chocolate, let this be your sign to pick these packets up. I like mine with half hot water and half whole milk.

5. Beeswax candles

A forever favorite, but apropos now for bringing warm light to shorter days. I’m passionate about local, small-scale bee farming, and beeswax is such a special gift from the hives. I get mine from my local apiarist (look for San Marcos Farms at the market if you’re local), but have been eyeing Alysia Mazzella’s handmade candles as well. I’m saving up wax scraps to send to her exchange program!

In Salter House’s pewter chamberstick

With my favorite Hotel Ceramics mug

6. Everlane Luxe Rib Long-Sleeve Crew in White

Most days, I’m wearing one of these under a sweater. Comfy, soft, and the ideal weight for layering – the short-sleeve version is also a winner for slightly warmer weather. I found particular relief in slipping into a fresh one here and there while I was bedbound with my injury. Shown below peeking out from under my favorite cream-colored knits:

Gillian Stevens Dawes Cardigan

Nothing Written Pound Sweater

Babaà Jumper No. 29

7. Winter blooms

Deep winter in Southern California feels a lot like spring everywhere else. In January and February, we’re treated to a few sweet early bloomers – wild violets by the back door smelling like candy, my neighbor’s glorious magnolia tree, and backyard orange blossoms that perfume the air and signal the fruit soon to come.