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If you’ve known me for any length of time, you know that Winter isn’t my favorite. LOLZ. Even though I’m a born and raised New Yorker, and therefore an East Coast Gal by design, I would argue that my internal heat compass is more akin to that of a lizard. I’m a self-professed “Always-Cold”, and no warm climate is too warm for me. In fact, I love it! Humidity and that balminess in the air make me feel so relaxed! Well, that is, until my first experience with Heat Stroke in Texas last June…but I’ve been told Texas is a whole different ball game.
In any case, my point is that the colder months are a struggle for me temperature-wise…but they also present challenges for me mental health-wise. The shorter and darker days don’t do great things for my mental state, and for me they make the days seem so much longer. I’ve also noticed that my creativity can go out the window when I feel like I’m cooped up indoors. My kids feel the same way, I think, because I’ve noticed that all three are really restless during the Winter and it feels like our behavior milestones and manners can go out the window!
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Something that has always helped me during times of challenge is creating a list of things to look forward to. Little spots of brightness during dark moments. I really like creating a little Bucket List like this each Winter because it keeps me moving forward mentally, and reminds me that spring is just around the corner! Today I’m sharing my Winter Bucket List with you guys in case it can be of some inspiration to create your own! I know these winter months can be tough on us all. Also, please let me know if you have any great tips for making it through the mental challenges of these short days! I’ve heard great things about those lights you can bask in but haven’t used any myself yet.
WEAR MORE COLOR
I’ve always been a Color Queen, but during the bleak and chilly months of the year, I like to turn it up to 11. Wearing happy colors is such an easy way to give yourself a little serotonin boost. If all-over color isn’t your thing, you can always invest in some bright beanies, scarfs, or gloves to add a sunny outlook to your everyday outerwear.
White + Warren Striped Cashmere Beanie
$180
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love White + Warren. When I saw this beanie I had to buy it!
Cashmere Two-Tone Waffle Mitten
$195
I shared these in my Cashmere roundup a few weeks ago but they are worth sharing again – they are SO good!
SLEDDING
As much as I’m not a Winter Sports kinda gal, I do love sledding with my kiddos! I got the cutest inflatable sleds this year to try out with them, and it’s making me look forward to the first major snowfall.
Retro Plaid Toboggan Snow Sled - 2 Pack
$94
I love how they reinvented the classic toboggan-style snow sled to create an ultra-portable yet durable inflatable sled.
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ICE SKATING
I grew up ice skating every single weekend in the wintertime. We all played ice hockey as a family, and my parents would have tons of friends over to skate, cook, and have fun. I officially got both my big kids on ice skates last winter, but I’m looking forward to going to the ice rink with all three kids this year!
Lake Placid Boys' Summit Adjustable Ice Skates
$44.99
Over the years, I’ve found these ice skates to be the best for my kids. They are durable, gender-neutral, and can be passed down once they have outgrown them.
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THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
I grew up absolutely loving the Museum Of Natural History in NYC. I even had my birthday party there one year as a kid! We don’t go that often, but now that Mateo is old enough to appreciate it (and loves dinosaurs!) I’m looking forward to taking all three kids on a little weekend trip, and introducing Mateo to the museum for the first time!
CAKE DECORATING CLASS
My friend Julia and I are hosting a cake decorating class with Confections By Crystal for a few of our girlfriends, and I can’t wait! I always hire Crystal to create all the gorgeous cakes for my kids’ birthdays, and she’s now offering private classes for both kids and adults. I’ve never cake decorated before and I’m looking forward to learning…and then eating it after! Lol.
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ROMANTIC TRIP TO PARIS
Ian and I are taking a romantic trip to Paris in February, and I’m so so excited. I haven’t been back to Paris since my mid-twenties, and it’s always such a special city. My sister is finishing up design school there as well, so I’ll get to visit with her as well as a few other family friends. Ian and I love traveling together so much, and this will be such a fun addition to our memories together.
TEA AT THE PLAZA
I’m obsessed with High Tea, and it’s been so long since I’ve gone to a proper one! When thinking about booking things to look forward to, a beautiful and feminine Tea in the Plaza’s beautiful tea room came to mind. I’m thinking about booking it for my birthday in March to enjoy with some friends. Stay tuned!
SPRAAAAANG BREAKKK!!
Ian and I have the kids for Spring Break this year, and we decided to take them on a tropical vacation! We’re staying at a new all-inclusive family resort (not sponsored) and I’m really looking forward to checking it out. I LOVE a beach vacation and we’ve been saving for one the last couple of years. Traveling with three kids is so expensive, but I’ve realized that an all-inclusive resort experience really can help keep the cost down if you get a great deal on one of their promotions. If it’s great, I will share all about it!
DECLUTTERING MY LIFE
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, I’ve started to spend a lot of time and energy decluttering my life and our life as a family. I’ve gone through and started to either donate or sell so many items and so you’ll be seeing a lot more on @HEATagSale! I’ve always felt better with less “stuff” surrounding me because I’m somebody who really has an emotional response to clutter or disarray. Ian and I clean our home every single night! I’m hoping by decluttering a lot more that it will simplify all the extra things that need to be put away at the end of the day. It’s an ongoing goal and process.
I’d love to hear what some of your Winter Bucket List items are!
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You can always incorporate fun warm weather things too. My son and I used to watch summer movies and picnic on the carpet, ball games with beach balls in safe rooms, kinetic sand etc.
Oh that’s fun!
Love your list! We just came back from Paris and had the best time. I need to make a new bucket list since getting back from vacay. I want to read an agatha christie mystery, bake bread for the first time. Winter walk and picnic on the beach wrapped up with hot tea etc (we are in turkey so its not crazy cold.), brunch with friends, try a salsa dancing class, play board games with family and friends. Thanks for your blog!!! I have loved it over the last few years now xxxx
Uh oh, afternoon tea envy! NYC is the top city in the U.S. for afternoon tea – so hard to choose! Please check out our NYC Afternoon Tea Directory for all the options, and tag us when you go, so we can see what you liked. Afternoon tea is very necessary for moms ;).
Thanks for sharing with us about this lovely winter bucket list .
Looking adorable! You impressed me with your styling. I am so inspired. Thanks and keep sharing.
Great Post! You are sharing a wonderful post. Thanks and keep sharing.