Winter Survival Kit

Unlike my brother who is currently living in sub zero temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska, my neck of the woods has had a fairly mild winter up until now. Even January, thus far, was unseasonably warm (35 degrees instead of 2) until last week or so.

But now that we’ve entered single digit windchills I keep bundling up in layers and slathering on more moisturizer. It’s officially Winter Survival Mode.

So here’s my shortlist of items that are helping me get through the cold days (or would be nice to have to help me) as I impatiently wait for spring.

1. Painted Desert Wrap &/Or Scarf :: Pretty Colors, Pretty Warm. $185. I see this being used as a scarf and an extra layer when you’re inside. Looks so cozy!

2. FAB Ultra Repair Cream, $15+. Let’s face it (get it?!), our cheeks, noses and chins take a beating during the winter months. You may as well give them a little more TLC to help with the dry skin and chapping.

3. Full Finger SmartPhone Gloves, $24.99. What are you crazy? I’m not using those fingerless gloves in negative temperatures. That’s why these handy little gloves are a must. Although they are slightly boring, but you could always spruce them up with a little DIY fabric flower action or perhaps a button or two.

4. SmartWool BaseLayer Leggings, $80. They are worth the cost. It’s amazing what a little extra layer can do for warmth. I seriously wear tights or thin long johns under my jeans almost every day during the cold months. Plus, they’re cute as regular leggings when the weather starts to warm again!

5. Fara Down Jacket by Soia & Kyo, $204. The down jacket I currently sport is a little short in the arms (story of my life), so I wouldn’t mind trying a new style that’s also longer in length (to the knees) to see if it’s any better. Plus this is cuter. And, the shape of the pockets have a slimming effect.

Stay warm!

Downton Abbey

Now that winter has finally and actually set in, the need for any sort of escape from the cold is greater than ever. I’ve chosen to escape into a historical fiction television series that I am now completely obsessed with.

I only first heard of the Masterpiece Classic show in December on NPR. Having always been a fan of British Period anything, I was instantly curious. I managed to get through all 8 episodes of the first season over my Christmas break, just in time for the Season 2 premier last Sunday, 1/8. Feel free to judge.

Downton Abbey, at its series beginning, is set in 1912 at the country estate of Lord Crawley, his wife and three young-adult daughters. It’s a time of change both in the world at large and within the walls of DA. Originally introduced to the “upstairs/downstairs” lives of wealthy Brits and their servants in Gosford Park (another piece by DA creator Julian Fellows), Downton Abbey, develops this concept and each characters story even further. The ‘hook’ of the first season lies in the need for a male heir for Downton Abbey’s estate.

And of course, the costumes, house and set are amazing, so just for that alone, you should probably watch.

Since this discovery is so new to me, I’m only just learning that I’m one of the thousands of obsessed fans. There are several books about the series and the New York Times recently provided a “Downton Abbey” themed reading lists for fans (thanks for sharing, E!).

So if, like me, you finally have snow on the ground wherever you are, I highly recommend you hunker down on the couch this weekend and catch up on the show. You can watch a lot of full episodes online and the first season is available to stream on Netflix. Season 2 Episode 2 will air on Sunday on PBS.

Now run along, have a spot of tea and enjoy…

Let It Go

A couple months ago I came across this pretty little image on Pinterest and instantly repinned it. Then I saved the image and expanded the background and made it my computer desktop wallpaper to serve as a daily reminder to not sweat the small stuff.

With big events, such as a wedding to plan, I’m quickly learning that there are a lot of decisions to make, people to please, opinions to consider, stress to handle and much more. It’s been overwhelming and not always fun. So this image has really helped me keep things in perspective and to (try to) remember what’s really important.

Then, last night, this image came up in conversation with some friends of mine, and one of the gals mentioned the E.E. Cummings poem by the same name. So of course I had to go look it up today and it’s wonderful.

The poem and this image serve as a great reminder for any day, minute, or event in life. But this year, it’s proving to be even more helpful. Enjoy.

Let it Go
E.E. Cummings

let it go – the
smashed word broken
open vow or
the oath cracked length
wise – let it go it
was sworn to
go

let them go – the
truthful liars and
the false fair friends
and the boths and
neithers – you must let them go they
were born
to go

let all go – the
big small middling
tall bigger really
the biggest and all
things – let all go
dear

so comes love

Now let it go and enjoy your weekend!