Winter Essentials

We are experiencing some extremely cold weather here! Like -40 C with the wind chill kind of cold. The university actually canceled classes yesterday because of the extreme cold weather, which is something they rarely do. The cold temperatures and the lack of class made for a good excuse to stay inside all day, drink tea and watch copious amounts of netflix. Here are some of my cold weather favourites:

David's Tea Timolino - I don't know how this thing does it. But it keeps tea hot for hours. I was walking around with it in the cold weather and my tea was still nice and hot when I came back inside.

Netflix - On cold winter nights all I want to do is curl up on the couch or in bed and watch some netflix. Lately I have been watching Dance Academy and Suits.  Any suggestions for movies?

Vaseline Lip Care - I use this before I go out, before bed and when I get home from being outside. It saves my lips from the harsh winter cold. You can see my other winter beauty favourites here.

Cozy Sweater - Aritiza has a version of this sweater every winter (its on sale right now!) and I love it. It is so warm and cozy!

Crochet Slipper Boots - My grandmother made me a pair similar to these for Christmas. If I am home then they are on my feet. They are so soft and warm.

Lululemon Wonder Unders - I wear these as leggings or if its really cold I wear them under my clothes.  I basically lived in them when we had no power because of the ice storm and just threw jeans or other sweatpants on top when I left the house.

What are your winter essentials? 

Jaclyn

Snowed In

 I was home for the weekend and when I cam back to school I was greeted with 50-70 cm of snow, which basically appeared overnight. What does that look like you ask? 

This:

source

There is snow EVERYWHERE! It makes me not want to leave my house, but cuddle up with some hot chocolate and watch nothing but movies all day but unfortunately I have class. My wishes of a snow day were not answered. While I love the way the snow makes everything look beautiful and magical especially the trees that only seems to last for a day, then it becomes one big slushy grey mess. Its a pain to walk through. 

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with snow. I love the first snow fall every year - the one where the big flakes fall down and melt the next day. There is something so perfect and magical about it. Its the snow that sticks and the cold and ice that it brings along with it that I have a problem with. 

Snow seems to bring out both the best and the worst in people. People tend to come together to fight the snow - helping neighbours shovel or helping with the car that always seems to get stuck. Snow brings people together. It unites people. It provides a common mutual thing to hate and complain about. 

As a kid, there was nothing greater then the perfect packing snow. Spending recess rolling the biggest snow ball that you could manage, often needed two or three friends to help push the giant snowball just a little father on the field. Making snow forts with your siblings and knowing that when you're done there would be hot chocolate waiting inside. There was nothing better, except maybe tobogganing. 

Identity Crisis

I have been having a serious case of The Blahs lately. I am tired of this wintery weather. I am ready for spring! Seriously getting dressed in the mornings is getting harder and harder. I don't want to wear boots any more or thick wool sweaters. I want to wear cute flats and light cardigans. I want to wear my trench coat. I am tired of mittens. Seriously is it spring yet? I open my closet and I just hate all of my clothes. I don't want to wear any of it. I go shopping I don't see anything in the stores that I am just dying to purchase. I change my outfit more times then I care to say. I think I am having a style identity crisis. Its driving me nuts. I seriously envy all of the bloggers who live in warm weather climates or who seem to be able to layer in their sleep. I pull out a shirt and it looks foreign to me. Did I seriously buy this? Did I actually wear this? I need a serious style intervention. Someone please. How do I find my style identity again?   
Jaclyn

Beating the cold

It has been super cold these past few days. If I didn't have to go to class I probably wouldn't. It is FREEZING! I have been bundled up in my warmest sweaters, boots and scarves when I leave the house. Here is how I have been beating the cold:

1. Moisturizer 

The first thing I do when I get home is take off al my make up and apply a thick layer of moisturizer to  my face. The cold and wind are super drying so it is important to keep your face nice and moisturized. I  usually also apply lip chap and drink lots of water through out the day.

2. Cozy Sweaters and Leggings - I love putting on my big oversized sweaters and leggings as soon as I get home. Nothing like comfort and warmth in the winter. 

3. Cozy Socks 

 My friend made me these socks and they are the warmest things ever. I have an obsession with socks and slippers but nothing beats homemade :)

4. Movies and a blanket - snuggling up under a blanket to a movie is the perfect way to spend any cold afternoon. 

5. Hot Chocolate or Tea

Nothing is better then a warm drink after being out in the cold all day. I love tea lattes or rich and creamy hot chocolate.

What is your favourite way to beat the cold?

Jaclyn