In America, our cozy has a 'z' but in England it's an 's'. Either way, the feeling is mutual: during difficult times, or winter, or spring days that feel wintery, one can cuddle up with a warm blanket, make a soothing cup of tea, or a pot of simmering soup and kick back with a movie, or a classic album and chill.
Scandinavian 'hygge' is cozy's sophisticated cousin - embracing the simple way that a wood fire, comfy clothing and something warm and mulled to drink can transform a moment from dreary to dreamy. Cozy is more of a mindset than a well-designed lifestyle.
It is strange to think of cozy at the beginning of summer, but the warm season also has it's cozy counterpart. For us, it is simple meals inspired by what's growing in the garden - sliced new radish on homemade bread with a perky curry mayo, or a salad with fresh greens, steamed baby beans tossed with a vinaigrette seasoned with snipped chives and dill.
We trade our living room fireplace for a roaring campfire, built not for warmth but for ambiance and perhaps a batch of s'mores. I want to spend every waking moment of my weekend outdoors, playing in the gardens, dining on the patio, and pondering the wine-stained sunset from the fireside.
Regardless of the weather, cozy is finding the pure and idyllic things that bring you comfort and sinking in. Ahhh... Perfectly simple.
