Favorite Things: Winter Edition

Its that time of year when we want to enjoy the winter weather and cozy up, but it can definitely take a toll on our skin, our health, and our mood! I wanted to put together a list of things that help make winter a little more enjoyable (and tolerable), that includes everything from skincare to fashion! A survival guide, if you will. I'll even include places to find my favorite things, where it applies, of course.

Skin Care

The first thing I think of during winter is how to keep my poor hands and lips from cracking and bleeding. It has been HORRIBLE at times keeping them in check, but luckily I have found the best stuff. Here are my tips and tricks for healthy, hydrated skin:

1. Drink water, and plenty of it. Take your body weight, divide by half and that's the number of ounces to shoot for each day! Ex. 140 lb / 2 = 70.......70 oz (which is roughly about 9 cups a day; 8 oz = 1 cup)

2. Eat balanced, all food groups. Your skin needs lots of nutrients to be healthy.

3.Coconut Oil
THIS. There are so many things you can do with coconut oil. Its antibacterial/fungal properties make it great for the skin to help keep things in balance, while the skin seems to drink up the oil, leaving it oh-so-soft. Here's how I use it in winter:

• Combine with 2 T of brown sugar and use as a natural, all-over scrub while showering or to exfoliate lips before hydrating with lotion or lip balm
• Add a few drops of lavender oil to 1/4 C of oil to make a great-smelling moisturizer 
• Use on scalp and hair, wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap towel around head to use as a moisturizer for both before washing
• Have a baby? Its gentle enough to use, and clears up cradle cap (since its anti-fungal)! 

Where to get it: Most groceries carry it, now. Good quality oil: Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Earth Fare

4. Aveeno (anything), but particularly these two products. Nothing seems to quench my skin more during winter:

• Aveeno Active Naturals Creamy Moisturizing Oil lotion. Its soft scent is so nice, and was wonderful at keep stretch marks away when I was pregnant. Works its magic overnight! Love it. Love it. Love it.
• Aveeno Positively Ageless Night Cream has mushroom extract and a soft finish to add moisture to the skin, sensitive enough for the face, while you sleep. Doesn't clog my pores or leave it oily-looking.

You can find it at most stores/drug stores, but Target and CVS usually have great deals you can double up with manufacture coupons! Yay savings! :) 

5. Lips: Burt's Bees. That's all you really need.

My lips are notorious for chapping. I bite them all of the time. *nervous, and bad habit!! After you exfoliate with sugar/coconut oil scrub, use Burt's Bees lip balms and tinted moisturizers- it work miracles. All-natural, yummy flavors, and feels great.

Clothing

6. Wool socks are a MUST during this time, especially when you have hardwood and tile floors! They wick away moisture, which helps keep your feet dry and warm. Definitely recommended for hiking in to keep away blisters. I found my pair at Target on sale.

There is something so comforting about a warm pair of socks, a hot cup of coffee (Yes, I drink black coffee), and a good book on a cold day. Add fleece-lined leggings for additional wonderfulness.
 

Food & Drink

7. Vitamin A and Vitamin C - rich foods help keep the skin looking and feeling healthy, but help boost the immune system, too! Here are some of my recipes that are tasty and healthy:

• Sweet Potato Quiche

http://rhoknoxville.blogspot.com/2015/12/sweet-potato-quiche.html?m=1

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 

http://rhoknoxville.blogspot.com/2016/01/roasted-butternut-squash-soup.html?m=1

• Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup 

http://rhoknoxville.blogspot.com/2014/11/homestyle-chicken-noodle-soup.html?m=1

8. Books

In a world where social media has sucked everyone's brains out, it can be reclaimed by opening one of these. Whether you prefer a fiction or nonfiction, it does the mind good to step away from the electronic device (unless, of course, you read from your Kindle.) Still, I think it does your eyes well to get a break. 

One of my resolutions this year was to read more. My goal is to read at least one book per month. It's a small goal, but I do have a needy baby :-) 

Here is the list of recommended books for 2016, posted by the Huffington Post, if you need a place to start!

I hope you enjoyed my list! Let's get through this winter together!

Enjoy!

-Ashley