The winter can be tough in the northeast. Weather and another wave of Covid have been dampening the travel plans for seemingly everyone over the last few months. Dashing in and out of the cold to and from the house all of a sudden counts as physical activity. Other than television, sometimes it is tough to find that spark during the dark months. Here at Backyard Road Trips, we’re trying to recommend a few items to literally spice up your life!
Post-December holidays, the winter can seem simply long and dark. These are a few tips to add a little spice to the mundane. Even though spring is on the horizon, we never know what New England weather has in store.
Holiday Spice Candle
Christmas scents do not have to end once the calendar page turns to a new year. Best of all, there are major markdowns on presumed Christmas candles once the season is over. I enjoy burning my Winter Wonder Lane holiday spice candle all winter long. The candle’s scent is a spicy vanilla. Find it at Big Lots. I also like the Spiced Pear scent from Yankee Candle.
Spiced Cinnamon on the Stove
In my home, you can tell the cold weather is coming when the smell of a cinnamon sachet is simmering on the stove. One of my wife’s favorite traditions is heating up a spicy concoction that adds a pleasant spicy cinnamon aroma to the air. She boils water with cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, and whole cloves, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Mulled Cider
Take that apple cider leftover from the fall that’s been in the back of the fridge since Thanksgiving and kick it up a notch. A mulled cider is super easy to make. In a pan, pour apple cider, mix in a few cinnamon sticks and spices such as whole cloves. Slice up an orange or clementine and put them in the cider. Let it simmer until warm on the stove and serve. The smell alone creates a calming sensation, and just wait for the taste! If you’re in need of apple cider, try it from one of these apple-picking favorites.
Mulled Wine
Along the same lines as the mulled cider is the mulled wine. Keep those cinnamon sticks and whole cloves handy (unless you already have mulling spices). I typically opt for a cheap red wine such as a red Sangria wine from Costco. Being from a wholesale club, the bottle is large. Slice up an orange and add something else such as Cointreau, an orange liqueur, for an added punch. I also like to sweeten mine with a dash or two of maple syrup. Bring it to a simmer and serve! This warms up the body and soul.
Spiced Black Chai Tea
This spiced black chai tea is from Connecticut’s own Bigelow. It is the perfect blend as the black tea is permeated with the chai. This should be on the list of any tea drinkers in any season, but especially during these winter months.
Spice Up Your Life Playlist
Seriously, another playlist? Yes, all songs to add a little spice to your life! From the Spice Girls to Robert Johnson, this playlist is red hot! Even included are a few autumn songs to add the much-needed pumpkin spice to any occasion.
Spotify Link:
Spice Up Your Life Playlist
- Spice Girls – Say You’ll Be There
- Donna Summer – Hot Stuff
- Art of Noise/Tom Jones – Kiss
- N-Trance – Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
- ZZ Top – Gimme All Your Lovin’
- Nelly – Hot in Herre
- Trombone Shorty – Dumaine St.
- The Cure – Hot Hot Hot!!!
- Squirrel Nut Zippers – Hell
- Morphine – Potion
- James Brown – Get Up
- George Clinton – Do Fries Go With That Shake?
- Salt -N- Pepa – Push It
- Prince – Gigolos Get Lonely Too
- Remy Shand – Rocksteady
- Ready For The World – Love You Down
- Boz Scaggs – JoJo
- Bruce Springsteen – Fire
- Dr. Hook – Sexy Eyes
- Chris Isaak – Dancin’
- Elvis Presley – Burning Love
- Donovan – Season of the Witch
- Phoebe Bridgers – Halloween
- Chet Baker – September Song
- Robert Johnson – They’re Red Hot
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Speaking of pumpkin spice, a true guilty pleasure of mine is the pumpkin spice latte at Dunkin’. With just one swirl, it provides the sweet, seasonal flavor that spices up the cold days of late autumn.
Flamin’ Hot Doritos
They’re red hot! Typically spice to me does not have to mean heat. In this case, though it sure does! After only one my mouth is on fire. Twelve is my limit as the sweat pours down my face and the taste buds have burned off. Other than the heat, these do have that cheesy Dorito taste.
Apple Spiced Rum from Watercure Farm Distillery
My favorite spirit to come out of the Nutmeg State has to be the Apple Spiced Rum from Watercure Farm in Pomfret. Tucked in the Quiet Corner, this farm distillery concocts some tasty treats. This rum mixes real apple taste with a true spice to it. It’s as far from Bacardi as can be. It can easily be sipped on its own but I also like to use it in mixed drinks. Adding ginger ale and apple juice or a dash of apple cider to this makes an easy sipping seasonal cocktail. From September through winter it adds that extra spice to life.
Whether you’re stuck at home in quarantine, too cold to step out in the frigid air, or just looking for small ways to turn up the spice in your own life, try these remedies for simple ways to spice up your life!
