Are you looking out the window thinking “nope”? I’m right there with you. As I write this, it’s still snowing. I’m wearing my giant sherpa fleece hoodie, and I’ve got hot chocolate by my side. But I’m not sad because this is Hibernation Season! Between this year’s and last year’s recommendations, it’s easy to stay home, be cozy, and support local, small businesses. Here’s what we’re loving: 

Written by Seeta Lee, Des Moines Girl Contributor

Featured Photo by An Hoang on Unsplash

Feed Your Body

Need Coffee?

If you need your coffee fix, Happy Home Coffee brings their beans—ground or whole—directly to your door. Having moved from Des Moines to Hawaii and back to Des Moines, you know the owners are smart about keeping you warm with hot joe. You can also subscribe and get beans weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Who doesn’t love happy deliveries like that?

Hot Chocolate For Days . . .

Maybe you’re more of a hot chocolate person like me. The thought of clearing eight inches of snow to buy some is enough motivation to learn to make your own. The beloved Chocolaterie Stam has the chocolate chips, chocolate bars, and baking chocolate to get you started. You can have items shipped or delivered, depending on how much you spend.

And Baked Goods Forever!

I don’t know if you know this (shhhh), but Scenic Route Bakery delivers pastries. If you’ve not had their cherry pinwheels, this is the time to make that happen. The bonus is that you can make all of the happy noises without the table next to you giving you a look. On Fridays, they have their baguettes and country loaves too!

Time to Eat!

Hungrier than just snacks? My go-to is Dinner Delights. Described as “personal chef services,” this affordable option is a game changer. All meals are customizable, and the owner delivers! I live for their super easy slow-cooker and oven meals. New World Kitchen is another great delivery option on Mondays for plant-based foods.

Engage Your Brain

Love a Podcast?

The Art Center’s Inspired Conversations not only introduces you to local artists, but it also gives you their in-the-moment perspective on current exhibitions as the host and artist stroll through the works. It’s the unique take that I didn’t know we needed.

Bookworms Unite!

Reading in Public never leaves public buzz because the bookshop is one of the best additions to the metro. It’s not just their cute space and delicious drinks though. Through RinP’s website, you can also purchase audiobooks or buy books online through bookshop.org. If you don’t know what to read, they’ve got recommend reading lists for every age and interest.

Free For All!

Winter budgets can be tight, so never sleep on the Des Moines Public Library. Through their website, you can find eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video including popular films, magazines, newspapers (including Des Moines Register access), and online events like their Virtual Cookbook Club. This is the part of the library that never closes!

Boost Your Aesthetic

So, That’s What Outside Looks Like.

Long-time Des Moines photographer M.F. Hiatt’s black-and-white work features contrasts, sharp lines, and captivating faces. He’s captured some of the most beautiful images of Des Moines. If you like any of his pieces, you can contact him for pricing. They are absolutely worth it. But you can also enjoy his online gallery for free.

Gimme All The Colors!

Need some color? How about right on your phone? Hippie Dark Arts draws colorful, whimsical phone wallpapers that practically wrap you with warmth. The recommended price for wallpaper packages of four to six digital downloads is three dollars, and that’s absolutely a steal.

Prioritize Your Self-Care

While these two businesses do require you to leave the house, I picked them because of what they offer, and because they are located in the same space.

TIP: If you schedule it just right, you can go straight from Fireweed to Resonance Massage, and you’ll forget outside even exists.

Zone Out.

Fireweed Acupuncture offers centering, safe Chinese medicine that takes your whole health into consideration. If you’ve never had acupuncture done, it’s far more calming than you might expect. In fact, the best part is getting to rest in a quiet room where nothing is required of you other than letting the acupuncture do its work.

Bliss Out.

Ever notice that you scrunch and tense up your shoulders when you’re cold? Now, imagine a 120-minute hot stone massage to melt away that tension especially when it’s below zero outside. Resonance Therapy also offers 60- and 90-minute massages, but that two-hour session is magical for working out knots you didn’t even realize you had.

Peace Out.

On your way out, pick up all manner of warming goodies from Fireweed Apothecary, an extension of the acupuncture practice. Teas, tinctures, and lavender pillows will all help keep you cozy. Better yet, order online before you go, and they’ll be waiting for you as you leave.

Did this give you a few ideas for the rest of hibernation season?

Sure, winter in Iowa can be brutal, and it made itself known in an aggressive way the first week of the year. But this city has your back when it comes to staying home, shopping local, and keeping cozy, which is so much better than having the wind at your back. 

Which of your favorites did we miss? Let us know!

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