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?
John
That’s quite a lovely herd you’ve got there!
Maggie
Thanks! 🙂
Shadow and Ducky's Mom
What has been saving me this winter? Physically, my flannel-lined jeans and bright red winter jacket from LLBean. (I’m otherwise totally disappointed in LLB’s quality these days.) Emotionally? My Keurig coffee brewer. But I especially love the Café Escapes Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. (I love coffee, but more than two cups a day gives me headaches.) And watching movies with hubby while the dogs sleep nearby.
Maggie
Ooooh! Flannel-lined jeans! Also that dark chocolate cocoa sounds divine!! Sounds like you have some pretty cozy winter-recovery systems in place! 🙂
Jan K
I love these, and couldn’t agree more. Especially coffee and firewood. I love how that big box entertained the whole family, who knew boxes could entertain children too?
I just started a whole bunch of herbs from seed, but I don’t have a good place for plants in the main part of the house. Recently I was at our local Co-op grocery store and they had some organic potted herbs. I grabbed a mint plant and it’s now sitting on our dining room table. You are so right that it brightens things up…and I’m going to use it in my homemade dog cookies too. That also makes me happy! I enjoy baking in the winter, it warms the whole house up and makes it smell so good.
Maggie
Baking is brilliant! The delicious, cozy smells and the warmth! Hmm… I might have to whip up a batch of cookies today! 😉
I can’t wait to see how your herbs turn out. I’ve been debating getting some early-spring stuff going here, but have yet to take the plunge!
Jeremy Murkey
It’s great to be able to get my dogs toys mailed to us.
Maggie
That is such a convenience!! Thanks for sharing!
Denise
I love all of these, even though we drive to the snow and cold (even then it isn’t as chilly as what you are dealing with). I especially love the box! I am with you on the ridiculous size of the boxes from Amazon. What a great way to “recycle” it! LOL