Staying Cozy in Subzero Chicago

If you haven’t heard by now, Chicago is reaching record low temperatures this week. It gets cold every year, of course—but today It’s colder here than it is in Antartica. Which just feels…incredibly unfair.

First things first: If you happen to be reading this and aren’t able to keep your home warm or find a warm place to be, Click here to find a warming center in Chicago. Lyft is also providing free rides to these centers using the code CHIJAYDEN19, and Uber is doing the same with the code DFSS. It’s also helpful to share this info on social just in case—you never know who may need it.

So today is all about staying indoors. I thought I’d share a few things that are keeping me warm and occupied this week.

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1. Metric Coffee - Colombia Roast

I have the Colombia Nelson Chavez roast brewing all day today. It has a robust initial mouth feel, with notes of raspberry tea, reships and orange zest—and an ever so sweet finish.. I’m into it. Also glad I grabbed a couple cinnamon rolls from my favorite bakery in the suburbs to start the morning off right. ;)

2. Parachute Alpaca Throw

This Windowpane throw from Parachute Home is made of Alpaca fur in Peru, and is seriously one of the coziest (and warmest) things I own. On a day like today it also could double as a shawl or scarf to protect against the arctic elements—I certainlyI wouldn’t judge! Take a look at it on their site here.

3. Music

I snagged a few faves from the growing vinyl collection to find a few albums that feel ideal for a winter day in.

Yebba is one of my absolute favorite vocalists and I can’t wait for the impending album. For now, we have one main single and if you spring for this LP, an exclusive special acoustic version that I’ve had on repeat for awhile.

Listen on Apple Music or Spotify.

Bonus: Watch the amazing exclusive Apple Music music video (with unique vocals) here.

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I inherited this album from my Great Grandmother, and I’m so glad I did. There’s a special energy about live recordings from this era, and Harry’s charm & charisma are so evident throughout the whole album.

Favorite song: Day O

Listen on Apple Music or on Spotify.

This album is basically perfect. To be fair, I can listen to this album any time of the day or year—but it feels especially perfect for the end of a day in. Let S. Carey guide the transition from day to night and keep it nice and cozy.

Favorite Song: Have You Stopped to Notice

Listen on Apple Music or Listen on Spotify.

4. Candles

This one’s a no brainer. I burn a candle or incense nearly every day so I go through scents quickly—but today I’m burning New York by Roam, and in addition to the perfect notes of Amber & Birch, it also boasts a 45 hour burn time which is amazing for a candle this size. If you have a favorite candle, feel free to leave a link in the comments!

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However you’re spending the winter months (and extra chilly days if you’re in the Midwest) I hope you at least get a few moments of cozy. A special shout out to those who can’t take the day off or work from home—public servants and other workers who keep things moving even on days like today.