Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

The United States got hit with a cold snap over the weekend and we have been seeing our first big snowfalls and coldest temperatures of the year in some parts of the country.

Winter is finally here and ’tis the season to cuddle up indoors and stay cozy!

Being a Minnesota native, I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to cold weather. I wait all year long to break out my fluffy blankets and turn on my fireplace and sip hot drinks from large cups while watching the snow float on the wind outside my windows.

Here are ten things I cannot live without when the winter season is upon me.

1. Fireplace. These are so helpful to get into that cozy mood. I have an electric fireplace that doubles as a space heater. You can find these relatively cheaply at most home improvement stores, and they really do add a nice ambiance to your winter decor. If you are lucky enough to have a traditional fireplace or wood burning stove, stock up on firewood and stoke those fires! It will cut down on your heating costs and really set the mood in your home!
2. Blankets. This time of year I have a throw on every piece of furniture in my house. My favorites are chunky knits, fluffy microfiber, and faux fur.
3. Slow Cooker. This small appliance is a must have for any winter kitchen. Comfort food is the name of the game in cold weather and these make it so easy to fix it and forget it. There are ideas all over the internet for easy roasts, chicken, and soups, just to mention a few, or you can find my slow cooker chili recipe HERE.
4. Fluffy socks or slippers. Cold weather means cold feet. Keep those little piggies warm with a pair of fuzzy socks or slippers!
5. Candles, Incense, or Melting Wax. This time of year I go for woodsy scents like sandalwood, mahogany, Frankincense, or fir.
6. Warm drinks. Of course, this is my favorite part! There are traditional winter beverages such as Hot Cocoa, Coffee, and tea of course. There are also many hot cocktails out there, such as Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Toddies, Irish Coffees, and my favorite lately The Equinox, which you can find the recipe for HERE.
7. Books. This is a great season to get some reading in. There’s just something wonderful about cuddling up in your favorite chair with a blanket and reading your favorite book. This year I plan to read Cloud Atlas, and I will do my yearly re-read of 1984. I can’t wait to read some book blogs to find out what else I will add to my winter reading list. If you are interested in poetry and want to help out a good cause check out my post about Journey to Be Unbroken, a collection of poetry by a fellow blogger about her experience with mental illness. You can find that post HERE.
8. Cards and Board Games. Looking for something to help you beat that cabin fever? A deck of cards or a board game could be just the thing you need. A family game night or even a game of solitaire can be a great way to pass the time indoors.
9. Movies. I subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime, and I find that I never run out of things to watch! Amazon also has really great deals on movies to rent or buy from time to time so the possibilities are endless. My favorites right now are Shape of Water, Cloud Atlas, and The Marvel Movies. The holidays are coming up fast so there will be plenty of festive films to be seen as well! Check the new releases they are already coming out!
10. Bundle up! If you must go outside make sure you dress for the weather. Dry your hair fully, and make sure you have a cold weather survival kit in your car in case you break down. Things to make sure you have on hand in your car are handwarmers, extra gloves hats and socks, as well as matches or a lighter, and blankets, as well as a small shovel and an ice scraper. You want to be sure you are prepared if you have to sit tight and wait on a tow or if you need to walk anywhere in the cold. You can find kits ready to go with essentials at most automotive stores, and they really can be a lifesaver if you get caught in bad weather!

I hope you have found this cold weather list inspirational, and that you are as excited as I am for cozy time! Have a great winter!