It might be because I was out skiing not long after I learned to walk, but I actually like winter. I even like February, which many people malign. Nevertheless, these months can be hard on the body and sometimes the spirits. Here are 8 of the things that help me enjoy low temperatures.
1. Hot baths: Sylvia Plath had it all right when she said "There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them."
2. Plants: I have more than 20 plants in my home, because they make me happy. Jade is low maintenance, especially in winter.
3. Chapstick or lip balm: This one's a no-brainer. I discovered Firebird Bath & Body at a craft fair here in Baltimore, and her lip balm is smooth, moisturizing, and pleasantly fragrant.
4. Bedside carafe: I have been waking with a very dry, sore throat lately. This carafe from CB2 is on my to-buy list.
5. Bedside rug: Cold floors in the morning — why make getting up harder? This sheepskin from Ikea is the right size and extra soft.
6. Warm beverages: I joke that I "chain drink" tea in the winter. Ever since a trip to Ireland I've been hooked on Barry's Gold Blend with milk and sugar.
7. Slippers: The Wicked Good Slippers from L.L. Bean live up to their name. I refer to mine as "elf booties," and they instantly make me feel comfortable and cozy.
8. Lotion: Same vein as #3, but moisturizer is a must in winter. Soap and Paper Factory's Geranium hand cream is more plant and earth than flower, in a very enjoyable way.
What things help you get through the winter?
(Images: 1. Jeanine Brennan, all others: as linked)
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Commercial Flour Sa...
A Real Dinner, Fast: 5 Favorite Types of Almost-No-Work Meals
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
I swear by my warm mist humidifier--I no longer wake up with a sore throat every morning because of the dry Wisconsin winter air. The warm mist type doesn't build up bacteria like the cold mist varieties because it's boiling the water to make it steam. (and it only costs $20) Also, an electric blanket or my husband to keep the bed warm.
I agree, a humidifier is key. Warm or cool mist depending on preference. Dump the water from the basin daily and clean both the tank and basin with a vinegar/water solution to prevent bacterial issues.I couldn't live without my cool mist humidifier.
I'm finding cut flowers to be very therapeutic at the moment. I don't usually buy them but I think I need the freshness of them in this cold weather. Also, as I live in a drafty flat that's always cold, they are lasting forever :)
you can see them here: http://bunniesandstripes.blogspot.fr/2013/01/pick-me-up.html
Lanolin for my dry chapped lips (and sometime kids' chapped faces and noses as well as the occasional overnight foot treatment - a little lanolin goes a long way. I still have a tube from nursing 5 years ago!).
Eucerin for my hands and feet.
Water to drink and the aforementioned humidifier.
Wool socks!
Humidifier humidifier humidifier! I LOVE my $40 Drop humidifier. I have it in white but it comes in lots of colors. It's great for my sensitive dry skin, mouth, chapped lips, and sinuses.
A heated mattress pad and flannel duvet cover and pillowcases. Makes me feel like being a bird in a nest.
I have a full-fledged Barry's Tea addiction! The absolute best by far.
A must have for me is a super-soft blanket on the couch to cuddle up with. I keep my thermostat at 68 degrees, so I get cold if I am just sitting. I use the blanket to keep me warm while doing something that takes a while, such as watching a movie. When I am working at my computer or grading papers, I try to get up every half hour and exercise for a few minutes. This keeps me warm and is also better for my health.
People! Hasn't everyone at AT gotten the coconut oil memo? It's (apparently) a cure-all, and can replace lip balm and lotion on this list.
Happy Friday, friends!
Houseplants, hot tea, and smooth body butter are my winter must-haves (and seed catalogs).
I am with everyone else, the humidifier is a life saver. two hot drinks I'm loving this winter are hot green tea with coconut oil, honey, and half a cutie, or Hot spiced wine: 1 bottle merlot, 1-2 Tablespoons honey, 1 orange squeezed, 1 Tbsp. whole cloves, 3-4 sticks of cinnamon, and bring to a simmer in sauce pan. Serve warm. Good stuff.
A humidifier, cozy socks & pjs, C.O. Bigelow's rose salve, extra hydrating lotion, and my favorite all season blanket!
I guess Sylvia found something the hot bath couldn't cure?
"I guess Sylvia found something the hot bath couldn't cure?"
No but the hot oven did :(.
Egyptian Magic Cream, thick socks, space heater, firewood, flannel sheets, double duvets.
Once I'm home for the night, fleece jammies in pretty colors so that I'm warm AND I like what I see in mirrors that I pass.
Before, I just grabbed traditional sweatpants and a big sweatshirt. Now I look cute to myself and it cheers me up.
And how is it possible no one mentioned hot chocolate? Ever since watching Once Upon a Time, I've been drinking it with a bit of cinnamon. Or a bit of chili poweder, thanks to Chocolat.
Fleece sheets. Maybe not necessary if you live in a place with, you know, well-constructed windows and actual insulation, but in my chilly place, I LIVE for them.
My apartment has forced air heating, so it blows dry, hot air at us all night in the winter. I don't know if I should get a humidifier or just turn off the forced air heat and get a small space heater for the bedroom at night. Anyone have suggestions for "safe" space heaters that won't burn curious kitten noses? My cat has no sense of self-preservation.
My first thought also.
LOL @b77 - thank you for sharing my black humor moment.
I work in our home office all day and keep the heat down in the rest of the house. I run a radiator style space heater in the office that gives consistent heat without red hot coils or noisy fans. It can get hot to the touch but it's the only one I'd consider running while sleeping because it doesn't seem to present a fire hazard in the way some others do. (Yes, I'm crazy paranoid about fire but that's just me.)
http://reviews.homedepot.com/1999/100646470/1-500-watt-portable-oil-filled-digital-radiator-heater-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=reviewTextLength
I had a cold last week and my humidifier wasn't working hard enough for my dry throat. So I've been putting wet laundry on a drying rack in the bedroom at night and it makes for very pleasant sleeping and clothes that don't come out of the dryer all wrinkled. Maybe it's a good trade off on my electricity bill for the cost of running the electric space heater, too!
Love love love this article! All the items on this list are must-haves for me, especially a cozy bathroom rug and slippers! What I'd add to this list: a working fireplace, cozy throw, comfy but still structured jacket (because you have to look pulled together most days!), and coconut scented lotion to be reminded of summer.
I feel more comfy just looking at this list. I think I'm going to buy those slippers though.
I swear by those LL Bean slippers! Also, most of their products also come with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
ha! i was thinking the same thing. :)
Recently discovered flannel sheets. Spent so many years buried under layers of blankets but still waking up cold. Flannel sheets are awesome!
Very warm socks & pajamas.
Also a space heater that looks like a fireplace.