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Life

How to Survive Winter

March 7, 2018 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 22 comments
How to Survive Winter

Happy Wednesday! I think it’s Wednesday, at least. We got snow on Monday, so I stayed home from the office. We got more snow on Monday and since my office is on the other side of the world (or so it seems) I knew I’d be able to get there, but wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back home. I’m typically a fan of winter, but we’ve gotten so much snow in the last few weeks. Little One’s snow mountain is turning into her own personal Everest. It’s safe to say I’m pretty much over it at this point. So, in the spirit of an endless winter, let’s discuss how to survive winter, and try not to hate it!

Winter: you either love it or you hate it. But even if you love it, there might be a time when you're ready to be done with it. Inspired by the millionth snowfall in Minnesota, here are 15 ways to survive an endless winter! // dreams-etc.com

(Note – Some of the links in this post might be affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using one of them I will make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

1 // Hibernate. Just sleep right through it. Okay, so maybe that’s wishful thinking, but we can pretend, right?

[Tweet “How to survive winter: hibernate. You know, like a bear! Oh, is that wishful thinking?”]

2 // Hibernate for a day. You don’t even need to sleep the whole day, just make the most of staying at home. When you’ve been out driving in snow trudging through ice and slush in parking lots, it’s nice to stay at home and relax for a day if you can.

3 // Read a book. Big surprise to see this on the list, I know! 😉 I love reading thrillers and novels that take place in frozen climates when it’s a tundra here. Once I start to get a little stir crazy, I’m all about the beach reads. And by beach reads, I mean books that actually take place on the beach, like my fave The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe.

4 // Make an iced drink to match. I love reading books that take place in the Lowcountry and preparing some sweet tea (it’s the only time I drink it; I’m not into things that are incredibly sweet) to drink with it. It just seems fitting!

5 // Get a workout in. You know, after drinking all that sweet tea. Sometimes it’s hard to work up excitement to get out of the house and move your body during winter, so move your body inside! Better yet, do a workout that makes you think of a tropical location, like these Hula DVDs from Kili, where she teaches you easy routines with a beach nearby!

6 // Have a movie day. Bonus points if the all revolve around a theme!

7 // Binge-watch a TV show. I’ve been watching and LOVING Step by Step on Hulu lately and it’s SO much fun!

8 // Go outside and enjoy the snow. There’s actually a lot of fun things to do outside, You can go skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, and snow boarding, just to name a few. Get IN the snow. And build a snowman and make snow angels!

[Tweet “How to survive winter: get out in the snow + ENJOY it!”]

Winter: you either love it or you hate it. But even if you love it, there might be a time when you're ready to be done with it. Inspired by the millionth snowfall in Minnesota, here are 15 ways to survive an endless winter! // dreams-etc.com

9 // Practice different braiding techniques. You’ll build arm muscles AND be ready to do your hair once the weather warms up!

10 // Create a cold weather routine you look forward to. For me it’s reading a book I loved as a child (not saying it’s a good one, but it’s one that sparked my imagination so I love revisiting it) and preparing a soup that’s in it. I save this routine for the coldest months of the year when I really need a break from the cold weather, even if that break comes from being curled up on the couch with my pup and a book after finishing a bowl of soup. Let’s face it, sometimes those are the best ways to escape!

[Tweet “How to survive winter: create a cold weather routine you actually look forward to!”]

11 // Paint your nails a bright color. It’ll start to feel like its getting warmer out before you know it. (Coming from someone whose nails are currently mint blue.)

12 // But keep rocking those dark lips! Unless you prefer the brighter tones, but I always feel like dark lip season is never long enough.

13 // Rock out to some Broadway music. And pretend you’re on stage! If you can’t stand Broadway music (???) play whatever YOU love and be a pop star or a rock star or a… country star? (Some of you might really love that one and some of you are going to hate it.)

14 // Create a soundtrack for your life to take you through the summer months. And if you don’t already have a theme song, pick one out!

[Tweet “Create a soundtrack for you life + if you don’t have a theme song, pick one out!”]

15 // Remind yourself… Summer Is Coming. And with it, the endless heat that makes you feel like you can’t breathe and the allergies that make your eyes tear up if you even think about them. Or, if you’re not like me and you actually ENJOY summer, I’m not sure we can be friends, just think about all the things you love that will be here before you know it. After all, our weather-based seasons come and go, just like the seasons we face in life. Start working on your summer bucket list and cleaning out your house (before you want to spend all your time outdoors). Spring, and then summer, are right around the corner!

What do you do when you’re going a little stir-crazy?

Winter: you either love it or you hate it. But even if you love it, there might be a time when you're ready to be done with it. Inspired by the millionth snowfall in Minnesota, here are 15 ways to survive an endless winter! // dreams-etc.com

 

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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22 comments

  1. Marta A Rivera Diaz says:
    March 7, 2018 at 10:57 am

    Meanwhile, in Texas…it’s sunny and the high hit 70°F yesterday! Stay sane!

    Reply
  2. Jolene Sng-Ong says:
    March 7, 2018 at 11:03 am

    We had a couple of snow days in Houston and the whole city almost shut down. Lol! Texas is not used to that kind of weather. But we did enjoy the 2 days of (little) snow though! Hang in there. Meanwhile, we’re dealing with allergy season… *sniff*

    Reply
  3. Portia Yates says:
    March 7, 2018 at 11:08 am

    We are actually having a snow day today and we’re thinking of some fun things to do. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Krystin Tysire says:
    March 7, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    I totally agree with your tips, and couldn’t agree more about getting a good workout in, I like to workout in my house on the bike, it’s so nice when it’s raining out! Also, yes to reading a good book!

    Reply
  5. Summer @ Coffee With Summer says:
    March 7, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    SO AGREE! Love your tips – watching TV shows is my favorite way to spend a winter day!

    Reply
  6. justine @ sunnyinjune.com says:
    March 7, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    looove this list! i wish i could hibernate for like, 2 straight weeks. <3

    Reply
  7. Tami says:
    March 7, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    Love this list! I always feel stir crazy during winter because I hate cold and snow so I never wanna go outside, haha. Movie marathons and reading definitely helps!

    Reply
  8. Linette says:
    March 8, 2018 at 8:14 am

    Since moving to Indiana from NC, Winter takes on a whole new meaning. lol. This list is super motivating! Thank you for sharing. ā¤ļø

    Reply
  9. Julie says:
    March 8, 2018 at 9:32 am

    I’m so ready for winter to end! I actually live close to you in ND – about 8 hour drive to the cities (our favorite place to visit). We just got a winter storm this past weekend too. We got 8.5 inches of snow. And it was in the 30s and 40s too the week before. On those cold days in the winter where we don’t want to go anywhere, we’ll watch movies/cartoons, play games, get caught up on cleaning, etc.

    Reply
  10. Sondra Barker says:
    March 8, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    I would need this tips If i lived somewhere other than California!

    Reply
  11. Rebecca Rice says:
    March 8, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    These are such great tips! I love living in the Northeast but sometimes enough is enough and I am so over the winter weather. I am going to try out some of these suggestions! Pinning this for future reference šŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Beth Kondrick says:
    March 8, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Seriously good suggestions here. I personally would love to take the bear approach, but since that isn’t possible, I suppose other things like reading or painting my nails might help!

    Reply
  13. Corinne Bird says:
    March 8, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Good tips! I love winter too, but sometimes a cold wind cuts through the Manhattan streets and I think “I’m ready for warmer weather!” Then inevitably I find myself sweating it out miserably through summer. Perhaps we need a summer survival article too! haha

    Reply
  14. Mary Ware | The Mom Friend says:
    March 8, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Haha #1 is so what I want to do! I am so tired of winter, these are great ideas to get through it!

    Reply
  15. Mia Sutton says:
    March 8, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    #9 made me laugh – now I have to go braid my hair and build up my muscles. šŸ™‚ These are great tips! Winter is always my favorite season because I like to be all cozy at home, but I think I’m finally ready for spring to get here!

    Reply
  16. Mrs.AOK says:
    March 8, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    You’ve compiled quite a great list of suggestions. šŸ™‚
    You mentioned sweet tea and now that’s all I’m craving. I’m a misplaced Texan and I’ve also lived in the Lowcountry, so the thirst is real! <- I know the kids would get on me for that one. "That's not even how you use it, mama." šŸ˜€
    I'm the worst at keeping my nails painted, but I do love when they're painted.

    Reply
  17. Erin Wolfe says:
    March 8, 2018 at 9:03 pm

    Great ideas. I think we may be kindred spirits. I don’t believe ‘dark lip season’ should EVER end, and any chance to belt show tunes is a good time in my book!

    Reply
  18. shootingstarsmag says:
    March 8, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    Ooh I should really paint my nails a nice, bright color – it’s been awhile since I’ve painted them anyway. And I’m all about diving into a good book! šŸ™‚ And who doesn’t love Broadway music? lol

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
  19. Shybiker says:
    March 8, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    Good suggestions. Winter is hard, especially near its end. That’s why I find Spring so invigorating.

    Reply
  20. Misadventures with Megan says:
    March 9, 2018 at 7:13 am

    I love a lazy winter day! Binge watching a show around here is usually m!ore disney-centric, but I love relaxing and enjoying my coffee!

    Reply
  21. Kara says:
    March 9, 2018 at 9:16 am

    I think my absolute favorite way to survive is by binge-watching! lol but you have a lot of great ideas/tips! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  22. Lori says:
    March 9, 2018 at 9:50 am

    Hibernate. Check! I love the part about painting your nails right colors… fuschia can definitely perk up drab months and create contrast.

    Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

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Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
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