Monday 25 November 2013

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Happy Monday!

Winter is upon us. Interestingly enough, December 21 is supposed to be the first official day of Winter. But what does the Great White North care? Not at all. Despite this cool weather, we are still expected to go on with life. These are days when I wish I lived here, or here, or even here would suffice. I'm just saying I wouldn't complain.

But for now I live in the great white north, and so I might as well live it up! Here's a bucket list of 40 things to do this Winter!!

1. Watch Christmas SNL. This stuff is hilarious. Plus you'll keep warm and cozy inside!


I assure you, you won't regret this. 


2. Watch Home Alone. A classic. Who doesn't love this kid who makes you believe that real life criminals can be outsmarted by a 8-year-old?!

3. Bake and Decorate Cookies!! Nom nom nom. Sugar cookies are the best. But any cookies would be delicious.



4. Attend an Ugly Sweater Party - Or host one yourself! These are great. Head over to Goodwill or Value Village (or someone's closet) and shop it up! :)

5. Try 5 Different Types of Hot Cocoa. I'm not talking about Starbucks, Timmies, or Second Cup. Search around Pinterest and you'll find some gooders! Here's a good one!



6. Knit a scarf, toque, or mittens. It's enevitable that you will go outside. If you don't, you'll miss 3/4 of the year. You gotta suck it up. But it helps to have some warmth on you head, hands and/or face. So take up knitting!

7. Read Little Women. My sister did this growing up and I always thought it was such a cute idea. Nothing like a good book to get you in the Christmas Spirit!

8. Read the Bible about Christ's birth. This is the reason for CHRISTmas after all! Around Christmas, I like to give myself a little reminder of the real reason for the season. Here's a great video also!

I always love this one. The example of the little girl is so touching.

This video is a short telling of Christ's birth, while in the actual location. Super cool!


9. Go sledding! Who doesn't love sledding?! It's not just for kids. Although, it makes you feel like a kid again. Plus you'll sneak in a workout climbing those hills, and it's totally worth it!


10. Go to an Ice Sculpture Festival. This one is definitely on my list this year. I was supposed to go last year, and it didn't end up working out. Go support your community, and have a blast at the same time! Ice on Whyte runs from January 24, 2013 - February 2, 2014


11. Make a Snowman and Snow Angels. Back to being a kid. If you have kids, all the more reason! This is one of my favourite ways to play in the snow! Then make sure you go inside for some hot cocoa after! :) I like these ones!

 
Source                                                        Source

12. If you feel like snowmen and angels are too amateur, feel free to build a fort. This one should be doable. ;)

13. Give a Gift of Service or Time. Money is easy to give (generally). But time is one thing that I think means much more. Plus, helping those around you will make your heart warm...even if your face is cold from shovelling your elderly neighbours walkway. <- I did this the other day, and I assure you, you will get hot. ;)

14. Sign up to serve those less fortunate dinner! This is one way specifically to do #13. The only thing is that you have to do it a few months in advance. I've tried to the last two years, but I always forget and wait to long to ask. I think I should set a reminder for August 2014.


15. Buy a Homeless Person Lunch! Using money for service isn't a bad thing. Hopefully this can get you a little out of your comfort zone and make someones day. :)


16. Become good at snowboarding. Notice how I said good, and not pro, or amazing, or be able to do this. Let's be real Lauren, you can barely carve. But that's okay! My plan this season (or three) is to go snowboarding regularly and get solid at it. Those tricks will have to wait till next year.

17. Find a way to keep my legs and face warm always. This might work:


Or this outfit might work.


I like the boots especially.

Thoughts? I need something practical people. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

18. Workout Regularly! I know you probably don't want to hear this, but it definitely helps you stay warm! (Especially if you do it inside!)

Hot Yoga anyone?

19. Download Christmas Music! Duh! This is one of the best ways to get in the Christmas Spirit I think.



20. Watch the Nutcracker! Ideally the ballet! I love getting all fancy to go to events! How cool would this be! How presh is this!


If the ballet isn't your thing, or you don't have enough money, there are other ways to experience it, aka movies!

21. Make Gingerbread Popcorn! How delish does this sound!? Found this baby on Pinterest!



22. Make Eggnog Waffles! Another pinterest gem. :) nom nom nom.



23. Have a Movie Marathon Day! Hopefully you get a day off during the holidays. A great way to just relax is to do this! Treat yo self!



24. Sing Carols. Another classic! Gather up some friends, some songs, and make your way door  to door bringing some cheer to your neighbours and friends!

25. Make Nice Cards. Are you the crafty type? No, well now's a great time to start! Nothing says I love you like a homemade card. Even if it looks like this


....and you're 27-years-old. It's the thought that counts, right?

26. Buy This!!


27. Make Macaroons like These! Presh. 


28. Go on a Sleigh Ride. This one's just adorable! :) 

29. Read by the Fire! There are plenty of good books you could snuggle up with! Get that fire cracking and read to your hearts content. I would personally recommend any of the Harry Potter Series. :) 


30. Go see the Christmas Lights! Candy Cane Lane is a gem! It's free, but they encourage you to bring a donation for the Food Bank. But you could just drive around and look at the lights in your neighbourhood! 



31. Go to Bath and Body Works and pick up some winter candles or wallflowers. They help to create a warm ambience. :) 

32. Be a kid again and have a snowball fight!! 




33. Catch snowflakes on your tongue! Goes along with being a kid, like #32. Its simple, but kind of really fun. 

34. Make Paper Snowflake Cutouts! Some of my best memories are making these with my siblings. Pretty sure I even did it a year or two ago. Grab some scissors, paper, and start cutting away! 



35. Bundle up and go for a long walk with people you love! If you're up for it, it's a great way to spend time with someone and get in some fresh air and exercise in the cold months. 

36. Buy a Onsie. Onsie's make everything better. 


Personally, I find them great year-round.


37. Make some Mittens on a String. How cute is that? I've been wanting to do this for a few years now. This year I'm gonna make it happen. 

38. Watch Dumb and Dumber. What??? This isn't a Christmas movie? How about you watch this scene and then we'll decide.



It's a Christmas Eve tradition at my house!

39. Make cookies for someone else! Eat some of the cookie dough. ;)

40. Make Gingerbread Houses!


....or end up with the icing on your face. Either works.


*And if these aren't good enough, take a look at this list I found!



And if you have a pug, dress him up like this, and send me a picture. I will be forever jealous.



Happy Winter!!

Lo

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