I like winter. There is something strangely satisfying about the ongoing battle against the elements. Every time I No Falling onto an icy surface while carrying four bags of groceries feels like a hard-earned victory. And yet, sometimes I wish winter was just a LITTLE less painful. In the past, we have shared small, inexpensive things that make our daily lives easier. And since this February has really been February, we thought we’d share the little things that make our winter live easier. Hang in there, gang. We have less than a month left (?!?!)…
Kelly Dawsoncontributing writer
Lifesaver: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
I don’t want to sound like Lt. Dan, but I’m about to sound like Lt. Dan: it’s important to take care of your feet, especially in the winter! Dry feet can be painful; I use this cocoa butter in mine all year round, but especially during the colder months. Every night I sit on the side of my bed and smear it on myself, like a mother in a movie scene, and then seal it all up with socks and slippers. Don’t forget the back of your feet!
Brooke Williamsphotographer
Life jacket: HeatTech Undershirts and Ultralight Quince Sweaters
I swear on almost everything in it Uniqlo HeatTech Family (see: my Outfit Week 2017), but especially the leggingsthat serve as long underwear. I put them on in October and keep them on until April (I’m using them right now). They are so thin that they fit under almost anything without feeling bulky and they really work. I’ve spent a lot of time at outdoor protests this winter, so I can definitely confirm this!
My other clothes under the cape are these ultralight cashmere sweaters. They’re thin and form-fitting, so I’ll wear one under a thicker sweater to add warmth on really cold days when I have to get my car out of the snow.
Casey Elsassfood writer
Life jacket: Saru Onsen Bath & Bellota Original Slipper Socks
I love the emotional process of the four seasons, but the emotions I feel about winter are mostly hate and despair. One thing that helps is spending time in the bathroom. recently found this Onsen-inspired bath and I’m obsessed. I don’t fully understand what the Himalayan salt and magnesium flakes do, but I will tell you that I feel like spaghetti afterwards. And the cedar and pine aroma is absolutely divine.
I’ve always had cold feet so my other winter options are Acorn slipper socksthat I have had since I was a child. The wool part is breathable, so my feet don’t sweat. And the suede sole has extra structure and cushioning, so wearing them on the hardwood floors in my apartment is actually very comfortable.
Alex Ronancontributing writer
Lifesaver: best spices
During a very competitive holiday gift exchange, I won a spice set from a small batch spice shop in San Francisco. I have since learned that a) high-quality condiments actually do make a difference (especially in the winter when it can be hard to get good produce), and b) I really need to go through my spice drawer and throw out all the stale and expired ones. Even upgrading one or two can make everyday cooking feel like a fun project. We’ve been adding a pinch of this. herbs de provence to salad dressing and makes supermarket vegetables taste better.
Kaitlyn Teer, fact sheet editor
Lifesaver: Dr. Bronner’s Hand Spray
To protect myself from colds and bugs, I keep bottles of Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray hidden everywhere: the car, my fanny pack, whatever. The kids touch everything, so I constantly move to the back seat after finishing at the library or the grocery store. I love that the lavender fragrance smells fresh and herbaceous, not harsh or sterile (same goes for this one Trader Joe’s version.which I also use). We go through so much this time of year!
Abigail Rasminskycontributing writer
Life jacket: A really good cup
I grew up in Montreal, so know winter. It really helps to have a cup that you want to drink from in the morning, especially when it’s still dark. I asked this East Fork mug as a birthday present a few months ago, and it feels less scary to get out of bed, knowing it’s waiting for me.
Kelsey Miller, Senior Editor
Life jacket: pocket thermos & wrist warmers
My aunt was recently visiting from London and, while we were outside on a cold, wet day, she suddenly pulled a small screw-top bottle out of her coat pocket. It turned out that it was not a flask of liquor (as I had briefly imagined), but a stainless steel thermos. You use it to drink tea when it’s cold or simply as a water bottle. When I asked him where he got it, all he said was “Japan.” With a deep Google search, I was able to locate it. here. (My husband was less patient and found a similar one on Amazon.) It doesn’t hold a huge volume of liquid, but the convenience of something you can put in your pocket is SUCH a relief.
My other winter must-haves are wrist warmers – also known as fingerless gloves. It doesn’t matter how high the heat goes; Some days you can’t avoid a draft of cold air. I used to get distracted while working on my laptop, because my wrists would get uncomfortably cold after typing for hours (does anyone else’s desk surface get cold too?). The only thing that helps is fingerless gloves. Yes, I feel like a Dickensian character, working my little woolen garments on my dolls, but it’s amazing what a difference it makes in my time.
Now go! What little things do you rely on to get you through the winter?
PS: More cheap, life-enhancing things and a super easy winter checklist.
(Photo from The Shining.)
