Pump the brakes, guys

Now that Christmas is over, my blog rolls and Facebook feeds are full of posts pleading for spring to be here.

Whoa.

I know I've said this a lot, and I might be crazy, but I LOVE the seasons. I definitely haven't gotten my fill of winter yet!


For those of you who have forgotten, this summer was hot. Stupid hot. So hot, that we all barely needed to wear coats until the Snowmaggedon hit us before Christmas.

All I can think of was the blast of hot air that greeted me every time I left a car or building, the sweat beads on my forehead and dying/dead yard. So hot, that you actually don't want to be outside.

I'm pretty grateful that snow is hiding my yard right now :) I love sweaters, coats, blankets, something warm and bubbly on the stove...

 (photo credit)

So here it is, friends, a find-your-inner-winter-lover guide. To carry you through at least February.

1. Find one of these, stat.

There is nothing more romantic/winter than a fireplace. The crackling, the ambiance, the couldn't-be-more-cozy. If you can't locate one, make plans with us and we'll show you :)

2. Try a new soup/stew/casserole/bread/cocktail recipe that you would never think of eating or making when it's 80+ degrees out. I made a sweet/spicy chili this weekend (um, not a part of our pre-cleanse) with jalepeno-cheddar corn bread and it was like a hug. I'm trying to locate a good, classic recipe for hot toddies and some cozy appetizers for a gathering this weekend** and couldn't be more stoked. I'm actually excited that temps are going to drop again.

3. Get away. And I don't mean to Cancun. For our second anniversary, Tim and I just caved and decided to spend a weekend here again. Forget finding a new bathing suit and beach cover-up, I'm on the hunt for a new ROBE. BAM. 

4. I'm no health nut, but I totally understand the whole seasonal-depression-lacking-sun nutrients thing you get in the winter. For me, this is a great time to get started at the gym again. I've realized over time that this tendency isn't attached to any real New Year's resolution (I suck at goals), but things are just slightly less busy/noisy right now, and the extra energy and endorphins I get from working out keep the seasonal slump at bay. Right now, my gym routine isn't intense -- at least 3-4 days a week, treadmill/elliptical and squats/lunges/crunches, and I hope to increase it in the next few weeks (and potentially switch gyms) to incorporate group fitness classes again (I actually miss spinning classes.)

5. This doesn't appeal to everyone (if you are low-key when it comes to clothes), but dress the part. Get a new cozy sweater (yup, this happened, only in black, and I'd really love a new one of these). 

That's all. If you have other winter survival (read: thrival, yes, I made up that word) tips (any good reads to recommend? Feeling crafty?), post a comment and share them with me. And for heaven's sake -- I've heard predictions that this summer will be at least as hot and dry as the last one, so don't wish away our natural cooling off period! I'm not ready to face the tan tines, cellulite-bearing, and mess of a yard.

***This weekend, Tim and I are getting the chance to see the final edit of  The Formula, a movie project he's been working on with some other really rad people. We're planning to host the writer/directors and executive producer at our house for a little sneak peak and celebration. Unfortunately, we are going to miss the premiere at The Englert on Sat. Jan. 19, but that doesn't mean you have to! Represent for us: Reserve your tickets now. The event is free!

Did I mention that supporting local, independent movie projects was a key winter thrival tip? Because it is.