What’s Saving My Life Right Now

This post is inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy’s linkup. If you love books, you need to read her blog! It’s like having a conversation over coffee with a friend who happens to be a librarian. 

Winter.

It’s getting old, you guys. But, today’s the halfway point, so the end–and sunshine–is in sight!

Each winter requires a handful of practical staples to see it through physically: warm boots, wool mittens, a shovel, pet-safe deicer. Ruffwear boots for Cooper and–new this year–snow pants for Violet.

Each winter also requires a handful of staples to see it through emotionally. This post is about those.

Firewood

While not a necessity by any means, a crackling fire is a luxury. There is literally nothing in the winter I love more than curling up with the animals, a good book, and a steaming cup of coffee (you know, unless it’s nighttime, then swap the coffee for a glass of wine).

Digital Checkouts

I’ve done so much reading this winter, which tends to be the trend since I’m not tempted to be outside (see: curled up in front of the fire above). Most recently I finished Upstream by Mary Oliver. I’m currently in 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (my jury’s way out on this one). Next up is Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. But, if you’re looking for a book rec, let me know! I’ve read so many good ones these past few months! (And a couple duds.)

The Giant Box

So, I ordered a new litter box on Amazon because Ripley had a significant kicking-litter-everywhere problem that was making me nuts. When it arrived, it was in the BIGGEST box ever. Seriously, this is the litter box I ordered, and the box it came in could’ve fit at least three of them. I tend to get annoyed at excess packaging, but then the box took on a life of its own. Cats, dog, and baby all enjoy it immensely. It’s proven to be quite the showstopper in our living room, giving us something else fun to do while we’re stuck inside! (And if you want to hear a baby shrieking hysterically in a box with a cameo by Ripley, I’ve got you covered: here.)

Coconut Oil

Every night at dinner, the cats and Cooper get a scoop each of coconut oil mixed into their food. It’s supposed to help with digestion, skin and coat health, and more. Well, when I scoop it onto the spoon and use my finer to scrape the solid oil into their bowls, I wind up with coconut oil on my fingers… which I started rubbing into my hands like lotion! It’s like a skin treatment every evening! (BTW, I’ve had a few people ask me if it’s a special kind or brand. Nope! I buy the kind that comes in a glass jar instead of the plastic one, and Newt prefers the refined to the unrefined. Otherwise, get whatever’s on sale!)

Pacifica Face Lotion

Related to coconut oil: Does your skin go bonkers in the winter? I’m so tired of my skin being super dry. Especially walking Coop… everything is covered except my face, which gets red and cracked. So, confession: When I was looking for a face cream, I really thought this said Winter Repair, and I was like, “OMG! That’s what I need!” Only later did I realize it’s called Water Repair, but whatever. It works. And it’s cruelty free and doesn’t have parabens and all that other yucky stuff you don’t want on your skin. The only thing is… it’s made with coconut water. The animals, as noted above, eat coconut oil every day. Ergo, they all want to lick. my. face. after I apply.

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

No explanation needed. Just send more.

My Plant Window

This is the view from my desk. It feels, I don’t know, springy. It brings a bit of the outdoors in, brightens up my view, and makes me feel like new life–plants, trees, flowers, birds!–is right around the corner.

Hiking!!

We’ve had a handful of days in the past two weeks where temps got above freezing, so out we went! We all needed the fresh air, and I needed to get out of the house. It was lovely!

Still… I’m counting down the days until spring springs!

What about you? What’s saving YOUR life right now, as we hit the halfway point of winter?