I’m writing this email as snow drifts outside in Boston the day before Halloween and daylight saving’s day. As in LATE OCTOBER. What a rude welcoming into winter, especially in a year where I expect to spend so much time at home in quarantine. You couldn’t have given us a few more weeks of fall, Mother Nature?

I feel like I’m preparing to hibernate for the long haul, making my home as cozy as possible. Taking a lot of cues from Nordic countries, I hereby give you my list of things to buy to get you through this winter in quarantine:

1: House Slippers

I’m a firm believer in having two kinds of slippers: a pair of slip ons with actual bottoms that you can slip on to take out the trash and a pair of slippers that stay on your feet, even when you’re getting cozy on the couch.

For slip ons, I have an old pair of uggs (makes a great holiday gift).

For cozy ones for the couch, I have Merippa House Shoes from Topdrawer – $59

2: Phonesoap

A phonesoap is an UV-light enabled box that kills the germs on your phone and keys. As someone who owned one BEFORE coronavirus even existed, I can’t tell you the peace of mind this little guy gives me. Is it actually killing the germs? I have no idea.

Phonesoap, Uncommon Goods – $80

3: Apple Watch

I never wanted to be an Apple Watch person, but three full months into it, I can tell you this device helps me get out of bed in the morning and get exercising everyday. I have been so motivated not to break the streak; I’ve closed all three rings every day. I may or may not have sat on the couch and punched the air to burn my last 50 calories to hit my Move goal multiple times. But i still hit my Move goal!

All in all, a great purchase to force yourself to be active, to stand up and move around, even though you aren’t leaving your apartment most days.

I bought the oldest model, a Series 3 – $199

4: Weighted blanket

I didn’t think I needed a weighted blanket, until I had the best nap of my life trying out the one my stepmom had gotten my sister. It truly feels like getting wrapped in a nice hug – something I know I am not getting enough of this winter. I mostly use mine going to bed for the night, but also bring it out to the living room for movie night, too. It automatically relaxes me.

This one is similar to the weighted blanket I have – $32.50

5: SAD light

I am new to the SAD light, but hopeful about how much it might be able to help in the cold dark days of winter. Pro tip: you’re only supposed to use it for like 20 minutes, but it IS supposed to be really close to your face (like only 12 inches away). Don’t put it on all day like I did… it will screw with you. Now I put it on for a few minutes as I sit down and start my work day.

Amazon, $35

6: Smart Bulbs

One of the best decisions I made when I lived in a tea-level (read: basement level) room was buy smart bulbs for a standing lamp. Every weekday, the smart bulbs turn on little by little on a schedule, mimicking the sun. I had considered a light alarm clock, but found the smart bulbs went better with my aesthetic because they could work in existing lamp. These aren’t cheap, but they should last forever.

$25 for two, Amazon

7: Electric Kettle

My apartment is freezing all winter, so I end up transitioning from drinking cold water to exclusively hot water or tea. A few cups of Earl Grey in the morning, a peppermint in the afternoon, a fruity treat after dinner, followed by a chamomile before bed. Up until recently, I used a kettle on the stove, but it took a long time to heat up so I’d go start work in the other room, then it would SCREAM when it was ready and I’d have to go running. With the electric kettle, the water is usually ready while I’m finishing putting together my oatmeal for breakfast, or if not, it beeps lightly when its ready.

While I looked into some embarrassingly expensive kettles, this one from Cosori checked all my boxes: looks nice on the counter, has multiple temperature settings (I have some finicky teas) and has a warmer setting so I can go back for seconds 30 minutes later.

Amazon, Cosori Kettle $60

8: Skylight Digital Frame

Full disclosure: I really thought these digital photo frames were silly looking before I owned one. But now that I have one, I love that I actually see all of the photos I have that might not be permanent frame worthy but bring a smile to my face. Especially during a long winter where you won’t be seeing as many of your favorite people, a digital frame is a good purchase.

Mine was a gift from my dad from Skylight – it’s worked well for him, me, and my sister. Skylight.com $159