In My Haven: February 2022
This February in my haven my thoughts are centered around what brings us comfort. February can feel like such a long, cold month here in Chicago even though it has the fewest days, which leaves me wanting anything and everything that is cozy and comforting. My attitude this month can basically be summed up like this: Give me all the mugs of hot tea, bowls of savory soup, and pile on the afghans! February just makes me want to hibernate, and if that's the case for you too, then I have some ideas for us in this month's newsletter. I hope you find one or two that bring you some comfort this month.
My Thoughts: The comfort of home
In the Haven Handmade Shop: The Appliqué Buffet
Make it Yourself: Rice-filled, reusable heat packs
In the Kitchen: Soup recipes to warm you from the inside out
To Read: Stories that uplift
The Comfort of Home
“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” This quote from Jane Austen's novel Emma rings very true for me. In general, I am a homebody who has no trouble finding things to do at home. Most of my favorite activities are things I do at home: sewing, cooking, reading, playing board games, and spending time with my family. My home consistently tops the list of things for which I am most grateful. As you probably know if you're already familiar with Haven Handmade, I really believe in making our homes feel like our haven. So this February, I want to encourage you to do something that makes your home even more of a place to find real comfort.
A few starting points…
light a candle in a scent you love
add a throw pillow to your sofa just because it makes you happy; don't worry about whether it matches
frame a favorite photo or print and place it somewhere that you'll see it often
The Appliqué Buffet
Let me just start by saying I'm not sure how I could spin this section of the newsletter to talk about comfort. Oh, well. Anyway, I've been wanting to find a way to offer a wider variety of one-of-a-kind appliquéd products and think I've found a way! I'm calling it the appliqué buffet. How it works is that you'll browse all my appliqué designs in the Haven Handmade shop. Once you've found the perfect one, you can choose what you want me to stitch it onto. I will then scale the design to fit whatever product you've chosen and sew it up. All sorts of customization requests are welcome too so that whatever I make is perfect for you. Getting all my appliqué designs re-listed in the shop in this format is a work in progress with new ones being added each week.
Below are a few designs that are listed in the appliqué buffet. What would want each of these designs appliquéd onto?
Rainbow Hearts Appliqué
This design is one of my simplest, but that's what makes it so versatile. This design can be applied to travel drawing sets, pillows, and more!
Felicity Fox Appliqué
My Felicity Fox appliqué is such a popular motif. I know she makes a great huggable pillow, but I think she'd also look awesome on a tote bag or travel drawing set.
Rose Wreath Monogram Appliqué
Monograms never go out of style! This elegant monogram is surrounded by a wreath of greenery and roses. It would be perfect for a throw pillow or a banner, I think, but those aren't your only options.
Rice-filled Reusable Heat Packs
I really don't like being cold. You either? I definitely associate feeling warm with a sense of comfort, so I want to share an easy project for bringing warmth and comfort anytime you need it. Rice-filled reusable heat packs are great for warming cold hands and feet or for soothing tense muscles. Heat one in the microwave for about a minute, then enjoy the therapeutic warmth it gives off. Rice-filled heat pads can also make a simple, yet thoughtful, gift that you can give to anyone "just because” and it is sure to bring them a little comfort whenever they need it.
Even though it only takes a simple rectangle of fabric, a few seams, and a bit of rice to make one, I've included a few links to tutorials to help you make one for yourself or to give away.
These mini, bean-shaped heat packs are perfect for pockets!
You can get extra creative and make a heat pack that looks like an adorable animal pal.
Here's an easy-peasy no-sew way to make a heating pad from a sock.
Soup Recipes to Warm You from the Inside Out
When you hear the words “comfort food", what do you think of? My first thought is of soup. Here are some of my family's favorite soup recipes that are nourishing, filling, and delicious. I hope that you find a new recipe that becomes a comfort food favorite!
If you love chicken noodle soup, but are craving a twist on this classic, I'd recommend trying Avgolemono soup. This creamy, lemony Greek chicken soup is a hit at our house.
This roasted potato-leek soup is a great meatless soup that is filling and also a little indulgent.
You can't go wrong with a bowl of chili when you want a bowl of soup! I usually make chili without a recipe, but recently made this white chicken chili recipe in my multi-cooker and we all loved it.
Stories that Uplift
If staying indoors, wrapped in an afghan, sipping hot tea and reading a book sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon, then you're in good company! I'd like to offer you a few reading options to help you make this cozy activity happen, whether you're reading on your own or with your littles. Any of these titles is sure to leave you feeling a little more optimistic.
Dear Girl,: A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful You! is an affirming picture book to read with your children. Reading this with Joanna always leaves us both feeling more positive. I imagine it's companion, Dear Boy,: A Celebration of Cool, Clever, Compassionate You! is just as wonderful.
When I think of feel-good reads, my mind immediately turns to the Mason Series by author Elizabeth Berg. Of the three in the series, the one that touched me the most was the second, Night of Miracles.
Do you have any books that left you feeling better about the world and your place in it? If so, please share!
I hope that February is month full of love, comfort and optimism for you!
From my haven to yours,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
