Winter Survival Kit
I have lived in the Northeast my entire life, but somehow, when December hits, and the first REALLY COLD day arrives, it’s like I forget just how cold it actually gets! 🥶
Winter is the season to:
REST
REFLECT
BE STILL
FOCUS INWARD
CHECK IN ON YOURSELF
Embrace this slower paced season
Invite in warm showers or baths
Slower mornings on days you can
Dress in brighter colors to help brighten up your outlook on a grey day
Buy flowers each week to brighten up your home
Open your windows on those rare warmer days to get some fresh air in!
Create a supportive winter diet
Cook grains like oatmeal and brown rice.
Make a pot of Kitchari or soup.
Enjoy hearty veggies like onions, carrots, cooked spinach, potatoes, radishes, squash, garlic, mushrooms, eggplant, and beets.
Drink room temperature water and teas.
Fruits to favor: figs, oranges, cooked apples, bananas, dates, grapefruit.
Treat yourself to red wine and dark chocolate!
Here are 10 of my favorite things that I use all winter to make the season as cozy and tolerable as possible ⛄️
Honey Girl Organics Face and Eye Cream. I am EXTREMELY LOW MAINTENANCE when it comes to my beauty routine. I use this every morning and night - it’s THE ONLY product besides makeup that I put on my face. It’s super hydrating and perfect for these winter months. I love this brand for so many reasons. It’s made in Hawaii. The owners are devoted to the green beauty movement and their products are made with the most natural, organic ingredients. Check out their website for a list of ingredients and other products. You can buy this on their website, on Amazon or at Whole Foods. $34
https://honeygirlorganics.com
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter- I got this as a gift and I love it! I use it after my shower. They have an 8 fl. oz. for $36. It’s totally worth it. Great gift idea too. You can purchase on Amazon or on their website. Perfect for dry and flaky cold weather legs!
www.josiemaran.com
Paddywax candles- My favorite soy wax candles! They are made in up cycled wine bottle vessels! And only the purest ingrediants are used - no synthetics. They are about $25 for an 8 ounce jar. I love the Apothecary jar! You can purchase on Amazon or on their website.
https://paddywax.com
The Amazon Orolay down jacket. Speaking of Amazon- this jacket is $160 and I’m on my 2nd season with it. If you are trying to get those steps in during the colder months outside, or have outdoor kiddie activities, or planning to dine outdoors this winter due to the pandemic cases rising - this is the best jacket!! It’s so cozy and warm. It comes in several colors. I have the green and I sized up and it’s perfect.
Tea: I always have the following teas on hand - Green, Green Matcha, Camomile with Lavender, Ashwaganda and Tulsi, green ginger. In the winter months I have a water with lemon or a green tea in the morning and then a caffeine free / herbal in the late afternoon. I am ALWAYS cold so it keeps my body temp regulated! My favorite brand of tea is Traditional Medicinals.
Pretty Journal. I love starting a new journal when the seasons change. Think about your intentions for the upcoming next few months and write them down! Come back to your journal daily or weekly and revisit these intentions and add a few new ones! What did you accomplish in the previous season? What are you proud of? What could you focus more attention on this season? Write it all down! Start a morning or evening journaling ritual. Light your candles, drink some herbal tea and take 5 minutes to list all the things that you’re grateful for.
Garden of Eden Essential Oils Starter Pack. This pack comes with lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, and Tea tree. They are 100% organic & pure, Non GMO and great in a diffuser or used as aromatherapy. I use in place of perfume! I also use when we are stuffy in the diffuser to clear our sinuses. And, it’s perfect for a spritz on blankets if you’re having a movie day or night! Great gift too :) This starter pack is $28 and you can order on Amazon or on the Garden of Life website. I love this brand.
Mary Ruth Organics Elderberry liquid drops. As soon as I feel a cold coming on for any of us we put a few drops of the liquid into water and drink up! Elderberry is used to support the immune system. I order mine on amazon. There is ZERO sugar and organic ingredients.
www.maryruthorganics.com
Books, Books and more Books. Here are a few that I’ve read recently that kept my interest!
The Best Friend
It Ends with Us
The Secrets we Keep
The Silent Patient
Rice Cooker! Great in any season but I particularly love our rice cooker in the winter. It’s convenient and perfect for easy warm grounding meals like veggie or shrimp fried rice. I have the Zojirrushi 3 cup rice cooker and you can get at Crate and Barrel or amazon. It’s $150 and one of my favorite kitchen items!! I use it for white and brown rice.
I hope this list inspires you to make the best of the colder months. Align yourself with the rhythm of nature! Look for ways to adjust to the colder temps and enjoy the evenings at home :)
Take Care and Be Well this season!
Nicole xo
