winter wednesday....and a giveaway!

I'm not a fan of winter. 

And I'm not good at pretending to be. 

But last year I forced myself to post something I liked about winter.....every Wednesday....just so I could convince myself (once a week) that all was well in this frozen tundra we call home.

I decided to bring it back this year.....and maybe we can share survival tips....what do you think?

Survival Tip #1: Keep Warm

uh....duh.

I grew up in Montana. 

Montana knows how to do winter. 

For some reason, I do not.
Living in California totally made a wuss out of me, and since we've moved here,

I've tried for the past few years to get by with just extra layers and socks, but I finally realized winter happiness starts out with being the absolute most bundled you can be. Like Randy.

This is the time of year to shop for your winter gear....over the next few weeks it will be put on super sale, just begging to be bought and wrapped around your frozen body.

1. It's amazing how quickly you can go from numb fingers and toes, to warm and cozy with just a cute mug full of hot cocoa. 

2. I finally got a winter coat. No really. I have cute jackets that stores consider to be "coats", but it takes 700 layers underneath to keep my warm. My mom just got me this coat and it is warm warm warm. I cannot believe what I have been missing out on all these years because I didn't have a proper coat.

3. yoga. really. If you're feeling blah and frozen, head to a yoga class. It's amazing how just a few simple movements can warm up your joints and muscles, and even more amazing how holding poses--just HOLDING STILL--can make you drip sweat like nothing else. Bonus points for sitting in the steam room afterwards.

4.  I am convinced that these are the best boots in the world. They are warm and so comfortable, I wear them every single day. They aren't too bulky to drive in like some boots are, and I'm certain they will last forever. I got them last year on clearance at REI. 1/2 off! HALF!! tip: I had been eyeing the traditional Sorels for quite some time, but found when everything goes on clearance, the original boot stayed the same price, while the newer styles got super cheap.

5. hooded scarf. I found a "scood" a few years ago at gap for $10 and I'm pretty sure it is the best invention ever. That's all.

6. The Weepies. I LOVE the weepies!! They may not physically warm my body like a puffy snowsuit, but good music makes me feel happy:)

7. So I wouldn't spend hours shoveling your driveway in these mittens, but they are perfect for everyday errands and driving around town.....and bonus that the top folds back so you can easily use your phone.


So.....to kick off our first Winter Wednesday of this miserable wonderful season, and to celebrate 
my little old blog turning ONE YEAR OLD.....


...let's do a giveaway!


I present to you......

for those who asked: the boots are HERE. I have the "jar" color.

I love it. It's the best color (which I truly believe goes with everything), and it's super soft, warm and cozy. 
And I have an extra one for YOU!


Just leave a comment (leave me an email if you don't have a blog), and one person will be randomly chosen as the lucky winner. Comments close Sunday Jan 9th at 10pm.


happy wintering!


giveaway closed.