Cosy Season Is Here
A little hibernation is good for the mind
Keeping Cosy
I'm In My Hibernation Era
Just like that we are in October the start of the cosy season, the big jumpers are making an appearance again, the sofa blanket is a permanent fixture, the Netflix marathons are back and everything is better if it is reminiscent of a spicy pumpkin. As much as I have enjoyed the beautiful summer days, the long evenings in the garden and endless ice creams, I have to admit it is a lovely feeling when the evenings start to get that bit darker and the nights that little bit longer and the atmosphere becomes oh so cosy!
Sometimes we all need a little hibernation. So grab that blanket, put the kettle on, cosy up and read a few ideas of how to make the most of our favorite season!
Cosy, Feel Good TV!
Pull up some sofa, grab your pillow, make the biggest mug of hot chocolate and arm yourself with snacks.
Long, cold, dark evenings call for some feel good shows.
Our Top Five Binge Worthy Feel Good Shows!
- Gilmore Girls- This show has to be the ultimate in feel good, cosy comfort viewing! An evening spent in Stars Hollow with Rory & Lorelei is a must this winter. All seven seasons are on Netflix along with the limited series 'A year in the life'.
- Gavin & Stacey- It's happening! Possibly the most exciting news this year was when the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special was announced, we now have just over 2 Months until we can finally find out what happened next! That leaves us just enough time to revisit the first 3 seasons & Christmas specials on BBC Iplayer- 'did someone order a Chinese?!'
- Friends - Super easy, nostalgic, comfort TV. It doesn't matter how many times we watch friends or if we can quote every episode word for word it never gets old! Every Episode is on Netflix, unless you fancy dusting off your dvd boxset (we know you still have it!)
- The Office - Arguably one of the most comforting TV shows there is! Whether it's the US or UK series they are both easy to binge on. Memorable, quotable and hilarious, if you haven't seen it yet, add it to your Netflix watch list now!
- The Good Place - A little reminder that there is goodness in all of us! Lighthearted, Thought Provoking & Guaranteed to make you feel good, and who doesn't love Kristen Bell! All four seasons are available now on Netflix.
Although it's not a TV show, we can't talk about feel good viewing without a special mention for this movie....
The Holiday - Is it too early for a Christmas movie yet?! Of course not! The Holiday is one of those films I return back to year after year and I love it more and more every time I watch it! It absolutely has everything, including Jack Black! A proper cosy feel good comedy with jingles bells on it!
Cosy Home
It's all about the Candles & Blankets!
There is nothing better than coming home and getting cosy when the evenings are getting darker, turn off the big lights, snuggle up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea, and unwind after a long day. Candles, wax melts and essential oils can help to enhance the cosy atmosphere too.
Our top 5 fragrances for the cosy season
1. Lavender: known for its calming and relaxing properties, perfect for creating a peaceful and cosy environment.
2. Cedarwood: has a warm and woody scent that can evoke feelings of comfort and security.
3. Vanilla: a sweet and comforting scent that can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Cinnamon: a spicy and warming scent that can add a touch of cosiness and comfort to any space.
5. Frankincense: has a rich and earthy aroma that can help create a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Choosing the perfect blanket.
Oh we know it is a very important decision and luckily for you we are here to help you get as cosy as possible!
If it's time to replace your sofa blanket and you are looking for something extra cosy we have a few suggestions!
1. Sherpa fleece blanket: Sherpa fleece blankets are extra soft, plush, and very warm, making them perfect for snuggling up on the couch or in bed.
2. Weighted blanket: Weighted blankets provide a comforting, cocoon-like feeling that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
3. Knit or chunky knit blanket: Knit blankets are not only warm and cosy but also add a touch of texture and style to your space.
4. Faux fur blanket: Faux fur blankets are luxurious and soft, providing a plush and cosy feel that is perfect for cold winter nights.
5. Wearable Blankets: The epitome of cosiness and comfort, the relaxed oversized fit is perfect for chilly evenings in when you want to feel wrapped in warmth!
Comforting & Cosy Food & Drinks
As the weather starts to cool down in autumn and into winter, it's the perfect time to start cooking up some comforting and hearty meals. Think soups, stews, and casseroles that are packed with warming ingredients. You can also start baking up some warm and cosy treats like apple loaf, pumpkin cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Don't forget to incorporate warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to really enhance the flavors of your dishes. And of course, don't forget to enjoy your meals with a nice mug of mulled wine or hot tea to really embrace the cosy vibes of autumn.
Below are a few comforting recipes to start your cosy season cooking.
Apple Loaf Recipe (VE)
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g whole wheat flour
- 150g brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240ml almond milk
- 60ml vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, & salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. 7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and enjoy!
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (VE)
Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 50g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 60g vegan butter, melted
- 180ml non-dairy milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Filling
- 50g vegan butter, softened
- 50g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For The Icing
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp non-dairy milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
6. Spread the softened vegan butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
7. Roll up the dough tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the cinnamon rolls on the prepared baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing.
10. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Enjoy!
Homemade Pumpkin Cookies Recipe (V)
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies!
Spicy Chilli Bean Soup Recipe (VE)
Ingredients
- 1 can of black beans (400g)
- 1 can of kidney beans (400g)
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500ml vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A small handful of tortilla Chips to serve
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and the diced red pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add the canned black beans, kidney beans, and chopped tomatoes with their juices. Stir well.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-Add more cayenne pepper if you would like extra spiciness.
7. Serve the soup hot, with a small handful of tortilla chips for dunking!
Enjoy your vegan spicy chilli bean soup!
Warming Drinks.
Of course we LOVE a cup of hot tea or a big mug of hot chocolate (or spiked hot chocolate!), we really really do!
However if you are enjoying a cosy night in with friends and fancy something a little different, here's a few more ideas to try!
Hot Toddy
A classic winter cocktail made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon juice. Perfect for warming up on a cold night.
Ingredients
- 60 ml whiskey
- 120 ml hot water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 clove
Instructions
1. In a heatproof glass or mug, combine the whiskey, hot water, & lemon juice.
2. Add the honey & stir well.
3. Add the cinnamon stick and clove.
4. Let the hot toddy steep for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. 5. Enjoy your warm and soothing hot toddy!
Mulled Wine
Red wine simmered with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
A festive and cosy drink for the holidays.
For a super easy mulled wine you could consider using a pre-made spice mix
Ingredients
-1 bottle of red wine
- 100 g sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 cloves
- 1 star anise
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the wine is warm but not boiling.
3. Let the mulled wine simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the mulled wine to remove the spices and fruit slices.
5. Serve the mulled wine hot in mugs or glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slice. Enjoy!
Irish Coffee
A delicious combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. A great pick-me-up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 50 ml Irish whiskey
- 100 ml hot brewed coffee
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 50 ml heavy cream
Instructions
1. In a heatproof glass, add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar.
2. Pour in the hot brewed coffee and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Gently float the heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Do not stir the cream into the coffee, let it float on top.
4. Serve hot and enjoy your Irish coffee!
Spiked Hot Chocolate
So very simple but so very delicious!
Add a shot of your favourite tipple- think Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint liqueur to a steaming mug of hot chocolate (We recommend making your hot chocolate using Guppy's Dark Chocolate Stirring Stick for an extra indulgent treat!), then top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
- One mug of hot chocolate
-One shot your choice of alcohol
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
-Sweet cinnamon
Instructions
1. Make your favorite mug of hot chocolate as normal
2. Stir in the alcohol of choice
3.Stir in the vanilla essence
4. Top with whipped cream, sweet cinnamon and chocolate shavings
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cranberry Mule
A seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with cranberry juice, ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. Refreshing and festive.
Ingredients
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml cranberry juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- 120 ml ginger beer
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice to the glass.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Winter Sangria
A cosy twist on a summer fave!
Be sure to allow your self at least 4 hours for the flavours to blend with this one- or even better make it the day before!
Fruity and flavorful drink, perfect for cosy gatherings.
Ingredients
-1 bottle of red wine
- 250 ml orange juice
- 100 ml brandy (or spiced rum!)
- 50 ml maple syrup
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 50g cranberries
Instructions
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and maple syrup. 2. Add the orange, apple, cinnamon stick, star anise, & cranberries to the pitcher.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the winter sangria over ice in glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit in each glass.
6. Enjoy your festive and flavorful winter sangria!
Peppermint Martini
A sweet and minty cocktail made with vodka & peppermint liqueur.
Garnish with candy canes for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml peppermint liqueur
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, peppermint liqueur, and syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes on the rim of the glass
6. Serve and enjoy!
Cosy Gifts
Cosy Care Packages are perfect for Birthdays, Christmas or just to say 'I'm Thinking Of You'. Where Bluebirds Fly care packages and letterbox gifts are the perfect pairing for a cosy night in! Build your own gift box filled with lots of cosy treats to enjoy and send them directly to their doorstep, or create your own little bundle to be posted back to yourself to hibernate in style!
Candles, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Books, Snacks, Socks, Bath Bombs, Face Masks, Wheat Bags, Eye Masks, Puzzles and so much more - Where Bluebirds Fly gift boxes are here to inspire you to embrace the cosy season.
Create the perfect cosy night gift box with Where Bluebirds Fly's Gift Box Builder
- Socks- Cosy or patterned, whatever your preference, new socks are always a welcome gift and an absolute must have for colder days!
- Hot Tea- We have some delightful flavours to choose from, but our absolute comfort brew has to be Bird & Blend Dozy Girl!
- A Good Book- There is nothing more cosy that curling up for the night and getting lost in a good story!
- Mulled Wine Spices- Sugar, Nutmeg, Cloves. Add to a bottle of red wine for a cosy, warming treat, which smells amazing too!
- Seasonal Wax Melts- Whether choose lavender for relaxing or Birthday Cake for celebrating, adding some wax melts is not only a thoughtful little touch, they will also make your gift box smell amazing from the second they remove the paper!
- Hand Packs- Our hands may need a little extra TLC when its colder, a weekly hand pack treatment can help to keep them feeling moisterised and pampered right through until spring.
- Handmade Chocolate Shards- We love chocolate, all chocolate! But there is something so satisfying about chocolate shards, rich, indulgent with the perfect snap! When it comes to chocolate shards nobody makes them better than Guppys Chocolates York.
- Gingerbread Vodka Making Kit- Transform a bottle of vodka into delicious homemade Gingerbread Flavoured Vodka. Ready to drink in a week.
- Cold & Flu Relief Bath Ball- A proper comforting treat for when you are feeling a little delicate! Eucalyptus, ginger and black pepper essential oils to help relieve congestion and relax the mind whilst sea salt to help to soothe tired muscles, the cold and flu bath ball is made for a little bit of self care when you are feeling under the weather.
- Lip Balm- Our lips need a little extra self care when the cold weather creeps in! Lip Balm is an essential for autumn & winter, making it the perfect little self care treat.
- Autumn Harvest Hand Stamped Note Card- After you have built your cosy care package you can add a card and gift note- We think our Autumn Harvest card is perfect for the cosy season!
We hope we have inspired you a little to create your own cosy gift package!
Visit the Where Bluebirds Fly gift box builder now and have a go at creating your own cosy care package!
Build Your Own Cosy Care Packages & Save 10% when you spend £25 or more with the Discount Code: Cosy
Offer not available on our set price bundles or letterbox gifts.
Offer ends 31/12/2024
