It's not that I don't like summer...12 Winter Blues Busters

There's something settling and peaceful about winter. I actually don't mind the season.
Winter allows us time to slow down, focus and learn to be content.
I know, this is where you start throwing tomatoes (or snowballs!) at my computer screen.
But please, hear me out.

Since you're stuck in, why not take advantage before the distractions (and I use distraction loosely ;)
of sunshine and going out for ice cream start pulling us out of our homes!

What better time to get life in order than winter?
I put together a list of 12 things that will make winter not so bad.


1. Acquire Good Looking Winter Wear.
Donning a nice coat and scarf when you leave the house will make you feel better about yourself no matter how crumby the weather. Buy a new pair of boots and I guarantee you'll be watching the evening news in hopes of hearing Tom Skilling announce a snowfall in the future!

And who doesn't love a cute hat? I just adore them on my kids.
Now is the perfect time to learn to knit, crotchet or if you're like me, support those that do! ;)

2. Become An Artist.
You'd be surprised at the amount of art supplies $20 can buy at Hobby Lobby or Michael's.
I must say, it's worth splurging on fancy pastel...you're going to feel as talented as Rembrandt.

Take art a step further by going to the library and checking out different art books.
Learn artists, techniques and styles of art. Visit an Art Museum.

When artwork is complete, display it in the gallery! (aka the wall ;)
Make a fancy sign that says..."The Gallery"....Hang above all that beautiful art you've just created.

3. Utilize your oven.
Winter is the perfect time to bake! Choose one day a week to have a special dessert.
A Sunday afternoon cake. Cookies together on Saturday. Friday night apple pie.
Your family will look forward to it. You will too.

Make a Pinterest board and choose a new recipe each week.
All those food photos will be very inspiring and get you in the mood to be in your kitchen.


4. Comfort Food.
We've been loving this Mac and Cheese cookbook.
Should you order it? Yes! Yes you should. The Smoked Cheddar and Bacon recipe is beyond words.
P.S. Don't worry about calories, okay? Okay.

Nothing will warm your evening more than a great big pot of chicken soup or a crockpot of chili.
Comfort calorie filled food is the best!

5. Garden.
...on paper that is. Now is the time to research, plan and get creative.
Start a gardening journal. Look into different seeds and order them ahead of time. Start seedlings.
Make sure they aren't genetically modified. (GMO) Burpee is a reliable company.

When the weather and ground are ready, you will be too!


6. Get Your Finances in Order.
What better time to organize the office. Create a new budget. Start a savings account.
File, toss and organize!


7. Deep Clean and Throw Away.
I know our house begins to feel very claustrophobic during the winter months.
I find socks and Legos and trinkets stuffed in couches and what feels like every corner of my house!
Crayons and books and papers are everywhere...especially with homeschooling.
Sometimes I want to scream. Sometimes I do. Ha!

Choose a room a week and clean under beds, dust ceiling fans, wash trim....etc.
Throw out anything you haven't used in the past year. It will feel so nice to be free of un-needed clutter.
If you're going to be shut in, better to be shut in a clean space where you can breath and move.

8. Rearrange Furniture and Buy Something New.
While we're at it...when you finish cleaning up a room, rearrange it!
This time of year the redecorating and remodeling bug bites me hard.
Unfortunately, it stays away from my husband.
Rearranging the house helps get it out of my system.

Buy new dish towels, a new rug or hang a new picture on the wall.
Freshening up the house a bit will make you want to be in it more.

9. Plan an Event.
Plan a party or small get together in your home
We had friends over the other night for popcorn and games.
It was low key and fun..we even wore sweat pants.

Host a make your own pizza night.
Have a candlelight dinner with just adults or a movie night with different flavors of popcorn.

No matter what you do...you're going to have a good time just getting together with others.



10. Have Plants.
Putting plants in your windows will help clean the air and add life to the drab winter.
(just make sure you don't put it too close to your wood burning stove...
it may dry up and turn crunchy and brown no matter how much you water ;)

11. Plan Trips and Outings.
We have friends that plan their camping trips during the winter. What a great idea!
Sit down with your calendar and pencil in trips for the zoo, a day at the beach..even a family cookout.
It will give you something to look forward to, and you will be sure to fit it in since it's written on the calendar!

12. Have a Good Attitude.
Nothing will make you more miserable than having a miserable attitude.
This article  about miserable people made me laugh! It's SO true!

Check it out and make sure you're not doing any of the 14 habits it talks about.
I was guilty of a couple.

God created winter.
His hand is eveywhere...from the tiniest snowflake, to the gorgeous sunsets winter boasts.
Look for things to be thankful for, to find beauty in....even if it's just a cup of coffee.

Studies have shown, those who are the most thankful are the most happy.
XxOo