Monthly Musings

Hello and happy Thursday. My favorite day of the week…and it’s February 29…so happy leap year!

I love Patty and Holly’s end of the month link up, so I’m joining them today for Monthly Musings!

This month’s topic is surviving the winter months.

Well, after our round of winter weather in January, we haven’t had any more snow or freezing temps. Yesterday, we had crazy rounds of storms but then the temps definitely dropped again.

While I love a good dose of winter, I’m glad that I don’t feel like it’s something I have to “survive.”

Anyway, here’s how I “survive” the winter months:

1. What do you do in the winter that brings you joy?

A pretty snowfall and a snow day bring me joy in the winter. I realize I can’t control when we get snow, but when we have a snow day, I do try to savor it.

2. How do you stay warm and cozy?

I love when we turn on the fireplace, but now that I’m typing this, I’m realizing we haven’t done that this year.

Also, I love a sweatshirt, flannel pjs, a blanket and a warm cup of coffee to keep me warm. A lit candle always makes things extra cozy.

3. What are you looking forward to this winter?

Well, at this point, I feel like winter is basically over. Sorry to sound repetitive, but during the winter, I do look forward to snow. I’m so glad I live somewhere where I experience all four seasons…because I do think that means that I embrace and cherish each one.

4. Favorite wintertime activities?

I don’t do much out in the elements, but I loved the tradition of going tubing with friends once a year. Otherwise, the kids love being out in the snow with their friends.

I guess my favorite wintertime activity is staying inside bundled up and reading a good book.

5. Favorite month of winter?

January. To connect back to #1, January actually brings me joy. November and December have always felt like such a marathon, that once it’s January, I literally feel myself exhale.

January means a fresh start, a bit slower pace, my birthday and the chance for a snow day (or five! like we got this year)

6. Favorite dishes to make in the winter?

I use my slow cooker fall, winter, and spring, and I love making an easy meal. The winter months are all about comfort food, and we have more soups and casseroles. Chili is also a family favorite.

Tuesday night, I made this Pizza Pasta Bake, and it was a hit.

7. Gas or wood burning fireplace?

We have a gas burning fire place, and I love that ours is double sided. So, we can see through the living room to the kitchen…and vice versa.

8. Favorite winter hot beverage?

Well, I love my morning coffee year round, but in the winter, I will sometimes splurge on the occasional Starbucks. There, I usually get a hazelnut or pistachio latte.

I also like a London Fog from Starbucks.

9. Favorite winter movies?

In January, for Bloganuary, I shared this post about favorite movies.

10. How do you stay healthy in the winter?

Well, I don’t want to jinx it but after I was sick after Christmas, we’ve been pretty healthy. I try to drink plenty of water, exercise, and wash my hands.

To me, tomorrow, March 1st is officially spring. Now, I’m ready to count down to spring break…and then summer!