If you’re in the Midwest or along the upper East Coast then you know what’s up when winter decides to make its appearance. It’s frigid and cold. At some point of another, you’ve fallen on the ice when walking to class or down the stress. Maybe you’be been smacked in the face by the frozen pellets falling from the sky. Either way, you’ve experienced the harshness. I will admit t hat my winter is not as harsh as those in Chicago or Boston but growing up in the south for ten years, this snow stuff is for the birds. I contemplate hating life before realizing that it’s such a first world problem. Sigh. I still dislike the cold.
This winter, I’m going to be optimistic — I’m going to wake up earlier and try to beat traffic because everyone is terrible at driving in these winter conditions. Why? I have no clue but it’s dangerous weather to play around in. To prep for winter is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best… that might be a little dramatic but things get wild in the Midwest when it comes to winter. Have you been to Ohio and experienced the weather? We don’t know what we’re going to get. Don’t fret, though, we’ll get through this together. You’ll prepare and show winter weather who the boss is. Even if you don’t show the weather who the boss is which you won’t because that’s kinda hard, you will be warm.
What do you need to prepare for winter? The basics. Don’t go out and but a snowsuit unless you know you’re about to be trapped by snow. It’s really not that big of a deal once you find something that will keep you nice and warm. It’s just now getting cold in Ohio — that can change at any time, though. It was 55 degrees on Monday so we’re going to see how this plays out this year. Cleveland gets the worst of it in this great state, lake effect and all that northern fun stuff and Cincinnati doesn’t have to deal with all the inches like us unless it’s a huge snowstorm. But enough about Ohio, we’re trying to keep you warm. The winter is no joke when you live in an area that can get hit.
If you’re new to the Midwest or East Coast or a snowy area, you’re going to love this. You’re going to need this because you’re going to have to brace yourself if you’ve never dealt with winter.
Let’s get down to business. This is what I’m suggesting you get for the wintertime blues.
Knitted hats and Scarves
Anything cold on your body is no fun — cold ears might be the worst followed by a freezing mouth or nose. I don’t know what it is but I hate when my ears and nose are cold. I’m so happy when my hair covers them but a hat really does the trick. I have hats and ear muffs, everything one needs to keep them heads and ears warm. Knitted hats were so ugh when I was younger, I hated it but now they’re cute and I want to wear them all day even when I’m inside. The ones with the fuzzies on top really take the cake. Get a winter hat, you’ll thank me later. Your ears will appreciate you. A scarf will come in handy for those that want to save face and not buy a ski mask. I literally wrap up to my eyes when it’s really bad out, I refuse to let the snow smack me in my face.
Sweaters and Coats
I love sweaters so you know I’m loading up on them. They are a staple piece of my wardrobe and they keep you warm! Sweaters are just perfect and they really make an outfit when you don’t want to get too dressy but you don’t want to seem too casual. You can be cute and warm, that’s what we’re aiming for. Be like me and stock up on sweaters and live in them until you see the sunshine and flowers again. Spring is only seventy something days away! Until then, make sure you have a great winter coat to keep you bundled up because the last thing you want to do is wear a windbreaker.
Medicine
I can’t tell you how much I wish I stocked up on medicine before I got a cold or some time of sickness. I’m never prepared for the wintertime illnesses until after the fact but it’s time to get ahead of being sick. Stock up on your Tylenol and NyQuil right now. Do what’s best for the body and get those remedies ready. If you’re all about natural remedies, get those ready as well. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to be stuck in bed with nothing to curb your illness.
Mittens
You hands need to stay warm, I repeat that your hands need to stay warm. You should want them to be warm because when they get super cold, it takes awhile to get them warm again. Invest in a good pair of gloves or mittens, do what’s best for your hands. It sucks having to drive with cold fingers and then trying to heat them as you’re trying to get somewhere. Prepare for red fingertips and feeling the pain of frozen hands if you don’t get those mittens. I’m telling you, you want gloves. ASAP.
Boots
Cold or wet feet do not equal fun. I’m trying to do what is best for you by making sure you’re prepared for the worst of winter so when it turns out to not be bad, you can say you made it.You don’t want anything to get wet because it sucks. I’ve done it all and I’ve regretted not listening to my parents. You can get some quality boots are Target or Famous Footwear, not everyone needs a pair of lined Hunter Boots. Just do what’s best for you feet and keep them warm.
Tumbler
Coffee, tea, or hot beverage lovers — this is what you need to thrive during the wintertime. Sure, you can stop at your coffee spot but you can save A LOT of time especially with traffic getting worse in the wintertime by putting together your own hot beverage. There are so many tumbler choices out there that will keep your hot drinks hot. I have a S’well bottle and it will keep my drink hot for 12 hours, that’s pretty legit. Invest and save. Bring the drink from home so you can make it on time.
**disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post. affiliate links are included in the post and I can gain payment from those links if they are clicked on.
These are just the basics. We could get into throw the ice melt down the night before and making that spray bottle mix for your frozen windshield but that shall happen on another day. Or we can just have that conversation together because after fourteen years, I really have winter down after growing up in the South for ten years. Trust me, snow as a reality check because I thought it was amazing until I grew up. It’s pretty, yes but it’s not my favorite — I don’t think it’s anyone’s favorite but if it is, tell me why! I’m intrigued.
But winter isn’t all bad on the days that you get to cozy up and drink tea. It can be peaceful to see all the snow outside with hopes that it falls on a Thursday or Friday so it doesn’t ruin the beginning of the week or ruin your weekend plans. There’s really nothing like a rainy or snowy day to cuddle up in your bed and do nothing, trust me I’m really good at this. In the Midwest, you need to prepare. Have your ice melt ready and always have a shovel in your car. Some cars can’t drive over large amounts of snow in parking lots… I’ve tried and failed. Prepare so you aren’t running around and upset that you don’t know what to do.
What are your winter tips?
these are definitely winter essentials for the warm weather. I stepping my sweater game up and finally bought a new coat to go along with my others. I haven't bought boots yet but that's new on my list!