This winter. I mean, seriously.
A blizzard that prompted a snow day, wild swings from mid-50s to single digits in the same week, piles of powdery icing-sugar snow that melted into gray sludge, only to refreeze into hard, icy lumps. And it’s not even the end of January.
This is my fourth Northeastern winter, and the third one with significant amounts of snow. By now, we know the drill: stock up on tea, warm socks and heating oil; buy ingredients for soup; pull out the down coats and the heavy-duty boots; and hunker down. Winter comes to Boston to stay a while.
I tell people, over and over, that the right gear makes a huge difference in how I survive the winter. Here’s the stuff that is saving my life this winter:
- Keen snow boots, bought at the end of last season when my old ones (inherited from my sister) gave up the ghost. Lightweight, warm and waterproof.
- My down coat – knee-length, hooded and toasty. (I got mine way on sale at an Eddie Bauer outlet several years ago.)
- Fleece-lined tights, which Santa put in my stocking.
- A bright cocoon coat. (I own the green one above, though they’re not selling that color this season.)
- My enormous collection of tea. (The blend above is from Harney & Sons.)
- And the mug my sister bought me to drink it in.
- Tiny, tart-sweet, zesty clementines.
- Lip balm, cuticle salve and hand lotion. (I love Burt’s Bees so much.)
- My new slippers (a Christmas gift from J).
- The electric blanket J bought two Christmases ago.
- All the knitted cowls (I have five) and cozy scarves.
By the way, that image up there is my very first Photoshop collage. Color me proud!
What are your winter gear essentials? I’m always looking for more secret weapons against the cold.
Hats! I used to be anti-hats, until I started wearing them and realized how much heat left me via my head! Also, paleo hot chocolate. I just got new slippers, too: http://theshoozeveryday.wordpress.com/2014/01/16/cold-feet/ and they have made every day better!
Donut mixes from King Arthur Flour and Stonewall Kitchen (snow day breakfast staple), Winter Spice Wine (to be served warm), fleece pj’s, and a Kindle gift card (so I can get another book, even if I can’t go outside!)
I’m definitely taking note of those boots. Mine are so heavy and exhausting. One of my secret weapons against the cold is an extra-long scarf that I crocheted myself. It’s perfect for wrapping around your head twice on those truly bitter days.
What a lovely post full of warmth as I sit here on a balmy 35° afternoon, with a new polar vortex approaching our area, drinking a cup of tea.
One of my most favorite teas is Harney & Sons Paris Tea. I can only find it around the Chicago suburban area during the holidays, so, appreciate your link, which I will employ as soon as I whittle down my own supply of tea.
We don’t get winter here in Texas like other folks do, but I can’t live without my Zum lip balm, Body Shop body butter in Almond, big, comfy sweaters, a Buff head wrap and thick hiking socks.
Keen boots are the best. I got a pair about 5 years ago and they are still as awesome as ever. The winter in Scotland has been so mild this year that I’ve only worn them once and i haven’t got my full length down coat out yet either. At times like these I’m glad i left Canada.
Winter in Pittsburgh has been equally insane this year. My essentials include Aquaphor, Norwegian Formula hand lotion, and Smartwool. Especially Smartwool.
Oh, my sister is totally addicted to Aquaphor! Good stuff.
Mmmmm, Tower of London blend! I have a tin of that, too. My winter essentials also include plenty of Smartwool socks, hand knit scarves, and a cast iron Dutch oven for making homemade soup. Oh, and Lantern Moon rosewood knitting needles with a skein of merino yarn. And a good book.
Love the Burt’s Bees lip balm (the tinted ones are great, too) and I’ve got the same mug! 🙂
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I agree 100% that a great pair of boots are an essential item to have during the winter months. I know my boots keep me warm and provide me with excellent support. Thanks for sharing your essentials!