Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Friday, January 15, 2016

Friday Five: Winter Survival Kit




Despite spending much of my childhood in the midwest, I was officially de-conditioned after my 2nd winter in California. I remember coming back home for Christmas and wearing my Uggs and winter coat around the house....and still feeling like I was near hypothermia. So far this winter hasn't been too awful. The dryness has been the most irritating part (for both hair and skin).
I made some wise winter preparation choices back in November that I am thankful for.

In most of the country leggings would be an easy, comfortable pant choice that just happens to look great with boots. Unfortunately, there is ZERO wind (and wind chill) protection. The fleece lined ones are super cozy and add a much needed layer of protection.

I was debating getting new Uggs vs. the Bean Boot. I couldn't decide if the leather of the so cozy Ugg would just get gross in the salt or if the Bean boot would be cozy enough. I've had a pair of Hunters, but have only worn them a few times (California drought). They seemed PERFECT for the snow and slush and I could buy cozy liners for them. Best. Decision. Ever. They even keep your pants dry, which the lower Bean boot doesn't.

I came down with a post holiday cold while we were in New Orleans. My first night back I woke up from how painful it was to breathe. It felt like my lungs were drying out. I pulled out the humidifier and it hasn't been off since. It makes my skin feel so much better too.

These are absolutely key for checking bus arrival times (and instagram) in the negative weather. You think 5 minutes in the cold wouldn't be to  horrible on your bare hands until you experience it.

Fresh Flowers
There is nothing better than coming back home after a long, freezing, dead, dry day to fresh blooms. A helpful reminder that spring is exactly 64 days away.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Winter Skin Care

2 years ago at Christmas I came back to the midwest for about 5 days. By the end of my visit my skin felt like and was peeling off my face. There was nothing I could do to keep the moisture in. Last year, I purchased the Kiehl's holiday 'moisture rescue' pack just for my trip. It contained all of their intense moisturizing products in travel size. Perfect for my quick trip!
Needless to say, I'm spending a little more than a week in the depth of midwest winter this year. I started scrambling for every cream, serum and mask I could find about a month ago. I've finally widdle my collection down to the select few below!




Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus - Mature Therapy 
This is my everyday, every season moisturizer. Why "Mature"? Apparently during menopause your skin dries out so you need a better formatted moisturizer. I did try the regular version and I just didn't feel like it penetrated deep enough. It did a great job on the surface, but I find the "Mature Therapy" to be more cream like and moisturize thoroughly.
 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
So easy, convenient and DEEPLY moisturizing. When my skin gets really dry it starts to feel "crispy" underneath my skin. This gets rid of this feeling almost instantly. I also have really dry skin on my arms that this works great on. I imagine it would have divine effects on the feet, but I haven't tried it yet.


Aveda Hand Relief
It is a little greasy, but I like the smell much better than Keihl's hand cream and you can get it in purse size!




Kiel's Creme De Corps
I normally use Aveeno, but in the winter I've switched to this. It gets moisturizes deeply and gets rid of the "crispy" feeling on your body.


Sunday, November 22, 2015

Baby its cold!

In honor of the first snow in Chicago this weekend, I can't help but post this adorable Barnes and Noble spot. I was delighted to find out bookstores actually exist in Chicago! In San Francisco I could count everyone I knew of on 1 hand.






 If anyone asks, its not Christmas-y its just discussing the weather.