Winter Survival Guide: 14 Fun Things To Make This Season Way Better

I’ve lived my entire life in the Midwest.

It’s true.

I’ve visited sunny Florida, exotic North Dakota and several countries scattered across the globe, but as far as calling someplace “home,” it’s been Midwest all the way baby.

 

That wasn’t my plan though.  I had every intention of going South for college. Warmth. Sunshine. Year-round sandals. Bring it on. But when God closed every door for me to venture South, yet opened WIDE my opportunity to go to North Central…in MINN-E-A-PO-LIS we had words.

 

Side note: I thought I knew cold growing up in Metro Detroit. I did not. Minnesota is an entirely different species of cold. If you do not have a limb protected, it will fall off. True story, every time I walked outside from December to March, every time…my eyebrows froze together.  Minneapolis is “burn your lungs cold.” And yet, a lot of people live there because honestly, it’s a really fun city.

 

All that to say, you will be hard-pressed to find 2 people more adept at Surviving Winter than Chris Rea and I. And no, this is not a post endeavoring to convince you to Snowshoe or other such nonsense. I can say with full conviction, we hate the cold. I will always be more of a Summer girl than a Winter fan. However, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. And in today’s post, we’re going to help you do both. We’re arming you with a few of our must-haves to survive Winter and a few ways to embrace the season. (And yes, even as I write those words I’m convincing myself.)

 

So if you’re looking for a Fun Winter Survival Guide to help you gear up and celebrate life the next few months, here are 14 little things that will help make the bitter cold sweet.

 

1. Winter Boots

It’s only been in the last 3 years that I’ve completely embraced Winter Boots. Crazy. I know. See, I grew up in the ’80s and spent many a recess in my “Napoleon-Dynamite-Esq” velcro moon boots.

It scarred me. However, well into my 30’s I have moved on and found 2 pairs I LUV.

My Sorels, which honestly, are a little more than I prefer to spend on shoes. HOWEVER, they are classic, warm and built to last. Also, they’re really cute. So there’s that.

My other pair is new this year from Target: the Universal Thread Women’s Karri Lace-Up Hiker Boots. And if you get the brown with red laces, they’re a dupe for a MUCH pricier pair.

 

2.  All the Blankets

When I say “Winter,” you say “Cozy!” And it doesn’t get any cozier than massive blankets. Currently, I am surrounded by a fur blanket which, bonus, has also doubled as a tree skirt and a tablecloth in its past lives. It’s a multi-tasking blanket.

 

3. Good Book

When you have a blanket you NEED a book, right? Otherwise, you will watch way too much Netflix.  I’m currently reading, Cozy Minimalist Home and LOVING it and…my other 2 favorite reads from the year? This one and this one. Chris is reading this book and has already bought 2 copies for friends

 

4. Relationship Books

Speaking of books, you’re going to be inside more. In close proximity to people. Why not improve your relationships?  Here are 9 marriage books we swear by and recommend all of the time.

 

5. Plan a fun Date Night

Why not plan a fun night out with your spouse and give you both something to look forward to?  Here are 12 fun date night questions so you don’t stare at each other or your phones blankly all night.

6. Bible Study App

And while you’re growing in other relationships, take the time to invest into your most important relationship.  The Winter is a good time to recalibrate, slow down a bit and focus on what really matters. This Winter you could grow both in your relationship and your knowledge of God. If you don’t know where to start studying the Bible or just need a little direction. We LOVE the She Reads Truth & He Reads Truth Apps.

 

7. Healthy Comfort Food

So your comfy, your Spirit is healthy, you’re getting your relationships healthy, let’s keep your body healthy too.  People think of Winter Food as heavy and not always the best for you, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few healthy veggie recipes that taste totally comforting but will also enable you to wear your Spring clothes.😉 And if you’re looking for more ideas, here’s ours and here’s a cookbook that’s on my Christmas List.

 

 

8. Boost your immunity

Speaking of healthy, Winter also goes by the pseudo-name “Cold and Flu Season.” Keep your cabinets stocked with these items to fight back:

 Elderberry Syrup. The corn allergy I deal with prevents me from being able to take most OTC medicines. That’s why this discovery was a lifesaver!  Anytime I feel a little sniffle coming on I start taking Elderberry Syrup and it stops whatever is going on before it starts.

9. Essential Oil. I don’t sell it or get any kickbacks, all I know is, ever since we’ve been using some form of “Thieves,” On Guard,” or “Nature Shield,” we haven’t gotten sick. I clean with it, diffuse it, and put some on my feet in the morning and before bed. I did learn my lesson though. One time I got a little ambitious and put it all over. I smelled like a Michaels until 4 pm.

10. Vitamin D. Not only will Vitamin D boost your immunity, but It will also boost your mood! It’s like sunshine in a supplement.

 

11. To-go Mug

In the Winter months, seeing me without a hot beverage in hand is like spotting the Loch Ness. I have coffee, hot tea or hot water with lemon with me at all times. I even have hot beverages while I work out. I’m a renegade like that.  And by getting yourself a to-go mug you’ll love to use like THIS ONE (WhichWouldMakeAnAwesomeChristmasGift) *cough *cough you’ll be more apt to make your hot beverages at home instead of paying Starbucks to make them for you every day.  No hate Starbucks, I will always work at you.

 

12. Cuticle Balm

I know this seems small and girly and you may be tempted to dismiss this one. Do not. Because if you do, your fingers will get very peely. (Science Word) And no one wants peely fingers.  See aren’t you glad you read this one. Here’s my favorite. It smells like lemons. You basically need this in your life.

 

13. Car Scraper

As soon as the weather starts to turn, Chris Rea throws a little scraper/brush combo in the backs of both of our cars.  Have you ever been caught in the snow without a scraper? Your hand shoved inside your jacket sleeve can only do so much.

 

14. Arm Warmers

And lastly, if you follow our Facebook Live “5 on Fridays,”

then you’ve already heard me sing the praises of these. I love my arm warmers basically because I can still do all the things while keeping my hands warm. Answering the Phone? Easy. Pulling up a podcast? No problem. Running into a store? My hands are still warm. Once you go arm warmers you won’t go back.

And now friend, you are ready to brave the cold!  Some people of us can really dread the Winter. It can make you feel small, a little down, but that doesn’t have to be your story this year!

What are your go-to’s for Surviving the Winter? Pop them in the comments below. We’re always looking for new suggestions.

Until next time,

Meg

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