Leonine List – Cozy

Top Ten Dogs That Love to Snuggle

By February Fortescue

On a cold winter’s night, it’s sometimes nice to have a canine companion to snuggle with when you sit down in front of the fireplace with your favorite book. Here’s my list of ten of breeds who love to snuggle. I’m saying anything against mutts, however, because my own cuddly canine is a mixed breed.

  1. Golden Retriever – They have a kind temperament and are a great fit with families.
  2. Labrador Retrievers – Very even-tempered, and another great family dog.
  3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Everyone is a friend. They’d make a poor choice for a guard dog!
  4. Boxer – Especially noted for their silly sense of humor.
  5. Bichon Frise – Happy-go-lucky, playful, and sensitive.
  6. Great Dane – As an adult, majestic and mild-mannered.
  7. Newfoundland – They love cold weather.
  8. Greyhound – Laid back and devoted.
  9. Chihuahua – Big personality is a very small package.
  10. English Bulldog – Sweet natured and good with children.

Cosy Things

By Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis
  • Hot Chocolate – Whenever there is a chill in the air, it’s time for hot chocolate! Early morning chill counts too, of course.
  • Blankets – I’ve spent many a winter sleeping under layers upon layers of blankets. I believe the average is four.
  • Fuzzy Slippers – Even though I’m known for my awesome socks at volleyball, I don’t like wearing them at home. Instead, I opt for fuzzy slippers.
  • Boots – Especially when lined with fur, it just feels warmer. The extra heft is helpful when trekking through snow.
  • Convertible Mittens – I have the Hedwig ones! It’s nice to be able to free my fingers without taking off the mittens.
  • Winter Hat – Heat escapes from the head, so I always make sure that I have my trusty R2-D2 beanie with me.
  • Warm Hugs – To quote a wise, animated snowman.
  • Scarves – It’s a warm hug for the neck! Colorful ones also make the season brighter.
  • Lapdog – Much warmer and fluffier than a laptop.
  • Book Nook – Curled up on the sofa, completely immersed in a good book.

Top Ten Winter Activities

By Iverian Gnash
  1. Reading – Reading is a wonderful way to pass the time when it’s cold outside.
  2. Board Games – A tradition that goes back a long way, board games can be played next to the fire on a cold day.
  3. Drinking Hot Chocolate – A great way to warm yourself up.
  4. Indoor Fire – Gather around the indoor fireplace with your blankets and a warm cup of tea.
  5. Making Snowflakes – Origami Snowflakes are a fun and easy way to spruce up your house for the holidays.
  6. Knitting – Something that’s been around for a long time, knitting is an enjoyable activity that reaps benefits when you finish making cosy apparel.
  7. Writing Letters – When the cold weather comes in and you’re feeling pretty closed off, writing letters to friends and family is a nice way to spend some time without going outdoors.
  8. Music – When the weather is chilly and you’re stuck inside, music (holiday themed when appropriate) being played to make some noise always makes even the coldest day a bit more cosy.
  9. Puzzles – Whether they’re connecting the pieces or more along the lines of sudokus, puzzles are a lot of fun and a way to pass the time.
  10. Instruments – Since there’s not much outside to distract us, why not pick up a new instrument to learn as they are delightful to listen to.

Top 10 Ways to Keep Warm

By Maxim Trevelyan

10. Fluffy, woollen socks
9. Scarves
8. Blankets
7. Earmuffs
6. Tea, cocoa or hot chocolate
5. Bake cookies
4. Heating pads
3. Fire up the fireplace
2. Oversized hoodies
1. Cuddling

Top Ten cosy scents

By Sky Alton
  1. Wood smoke – on the breeze
  2. Cinnamon
  3.  Cloves
  4.  Freshly Printed pages
  5.  Fallen Leaves
  6.  Stewing fruit
  7.  Caramelised sugar
  8. A candle once it’s been blown out
  9. My dog’s fur after she’s had a long nap
  10.  Freshly washed sheets

10 Comfort Foods from Around the World

By Polaris Black
 
  1. Afghanistan: Aushak – pasta dumplings filled with chives, with a (frequently meaty) tomato sauce, topped with yogurt and dried mint
  2. Australia and New Zealand: Porridge, topped with brown sugar or honey, yogurt, nuts, and (dried) fruit
  3. Britain: Toad in the hole – sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding
  4. Canada: Poutine – french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy
  5. France: French onion soup – onion soup with cheese and bread
  6. Italy: Lasagna – flat noodles (pasta) layered with meat, cheese and tomato sauce
  7. Poland: Pierogi – filled dumplings cooked in boiling water or pan-fried. Typical fillings include potato, sauerkraut, ground meat, cheese and fruits. The dumplings may be served with a topping, such as melted butter, sour cream or fried onion. 
  8. Puerto Rico: Pastelón de plátano maduro – ripe banana casserole with ground beef and cheddar cheese
  9. Taiwan: Oyster omelet – small oysters and potato starch is mixed into the egg batter and often fried in pork lard. Spicy or chili sauce mixed with lime juice is often added. 
  10. United States: Mac and cheese – cooked macaroni pasta, a (cheddar) cheese sauce and sometimes breadcrumbs, meat and vegetables