Poor winter gets such a bad rep. While we certainly are no strangers to a seasonal slump, we’re also all about embracing this time of year to basque in the good things it has to offer. This winter has been slightly warmer than usual, but we’re New Englanders – so we’re ready for you, harsh, cold February.
We’re both pretty active people through out the year, whether it’s being physically active or socially active, but we tend to slow down a bit during the winter months. While we do love the mini hibernation mode, that’s when we start to really feel the cold, darkness that New England winters are known for. We’ve decided to embrace winter this year and have the best winter yet. Reg is going on a work ski/snowboarding trip this weekend and Christa has been bundling up and taking walks at the reservoir even when it’s a tad chillier than she’d like!
Here are our favorite ways to take advantage of winter weather:
Cook and bake
Put on your favorite movie in the background, or a new album you’ve been wanting to listen to (ps. the new Childish Gaminbo is great, and people are loving the new XX album), and try that new recipe you’ve been eying!
Host
Having people over is always fun! We know it can be a little bit of work, but it can be as simple as hosting a movie night where people bring over their favorite movie watching treats, or having a potluck so you’re not the only one on the hook for food. Plus, what a good excuse to tidy up the house 😉
Winter walks and sports
As we mentioned above, Reg is getting back on the snowboarding-saddle after a couple years to go on a work ski trip, and as you probably saw on instagram, Christa was recently in Colorado for some skiing. Finding an outdoor winter activity is fantastic! Of course the first couple minutes of being outside in the cold, you are asking yourself, “why did I do this?!”, but from our experiences, we always feel amazing after!
Studio exercise classes
BUT, if you really, really hate the cold, you can be just as active inside! Reg loves yoga and Christa plays indoor soccer once a week, but it could be as simple as just warming up at the gym (we’re both loving the Nike+ Training app.)
Reading and writing
This is always one of our New Years Resolutions, because once things get busy, the lovely leisurely activity of reading and writing tends to get pushed aside. We’re going to try our best to keep this going, especially during the chilly months. Curl up in bed, on the couch or at a cozy coffee shop and dive into a new world. Christa is currently reading H is for Hawk, and Reg is searching for something great – any suggestions?!
Movies
Guys, this is *literally* the best time of year for movie watching! The Oscars are right around the corner and the last couple months have been filled with fantastic movies. We both saw Manchester by the Sea, Arrival and La La Land. Reg saw Nocturnal Animals, and Christa saw Loving, and we both still want to see Jackie and Moonlight.
Burn candles, incense and simmer pots
We’re big components of this (we’ve mentioned it a couple times here on the blog!) super easy mood setting tactic. Reg makes a mean simmer pot that really cozies up the house. Hoping to have a post on that someday! 🙂
Meditate and color
As mentioned in last week’s post, the better you feel, the better you’ll be equipped to handle the New England winter.
Make art
Do it! Any kind of art! Draw, doodle, knit, craft, sing, write. While you’re stuck inside, take that time to express yourself a bit – even if it’s for your eyes only.
Museums
We unfortunately forget what wonderful museums we have right at our doorstep. Christa has easy access to the Wadsworth Athenaeum, the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Hill-Stead Museum, the Mark Twain House, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, and many many more. And with Reg in Boston…it’s endless! Her favorites are the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Pamper yourself
When you’re feeling frumpy from endless bundling up – why not treat yo’self! Get (or do your own) mani/pedi, get a massage, get that haircut you’ve been dreaming of. As we mentioned before, the better you feel, the better winter will feel!
Puzzles and games
And last, but not least, play some games! Reg has been loving putting together puzzles, and Christa and Curtis have friends over all the time to play board games. They’re a lovely way to spend an afternoon with friends.
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Gardenias & Mint 