how to get through a winter cold snap.

Raise your hand if you’re jealous of the Arctic temps here in Minnesota.

Anyone? Bueller? 

Didn’t think so. 

It’s not supposed to get above 0F this week (OMFG the high today is -13F, and it’s currently -29F with a -49F windchill), so please remind me why we continue to live here. With weather like this – and the fact that it feels like January 53 – it’s all I can do to not book a flight to Hawaii and not come back until it’s 70F and sunny. But, alas, responsibilities. So here are a few ways I get through winters in the tundra. Hope they help you, too ♥

Spend some time in the sauna

My favorite thing to do when it’s this cold: sweat in the sauna. I frequently cut swims short so I can sit in it a bit before the pool closes. And I just booked a few infrared sauna sessions at Awaken for Wellness. If you’re in Minneapolis, you can also join the 612 Sauna Society. BRB… trying to talk Nick into covering our basement storage pantry into a sauna… 

Tackle that house to-do

Outdoor recreation when the air temp is -23F isn’t recommended – because who wants frostbite?! – so hunker down inside and check a few things off your house to-do. Ours includes removing the last of the wallpaper (just one more closet!), painting said closet, finally hanging our gallery wall frames, getting started on painting the living room, and possibly KonMari-ing our closet and all the boxes of books. (And else binge Tidying Up?!) 

Comfort food

Cook or bake your favorite comfort food. This winter weather is perfect for hearty stews and salted chocolate chip cookies. We made Pinch of Yum’s 5 ingredient vegan vodka pasta last week and omgsogood. The daily green smoothies for breakfast balance it out 🙂 

I’m definitely not a food photographer, but this vodka sauce pasta was delicious! And loving our new Minnesota-made Nordic Ware Dutch oven.

Get a happy lamp

It’s not quite laying on Ke’e Beach in Kaua’i, but this time of year everyone in the north could benefit from some time with their face in a happy lamp. I’d love this Sperti vitamind D light box.

Take an Epsom soak with candles 

This one is a 1-2 punch. One, a hot Epsom soak with lavender oil is super relaxing and restorative. And two, it’s great for sore muscles. Light a candle or two, grab a good book and soak until the water’s cold. 

Crank up the fireplace

Have a fireplace in your living room? Throw some logs on, and start a fire (or flip the switch if yours is gas). There’s nothing cozier on a cold winter night than a roaring fire, a glass of kombucha or mint tea (or wine if you prefer), a good book or movie, and puppy snuggles. 

Cozy up on the sofa and read or binge Netflix

This is pretty self-explanatory. I’m currently working my way through my stack of library books – almost done with Nineteen Eighty-Four – and our tv list is fairly long. Recent watches: Fyre, The Great British Baking Show, A Million Little Things, This Is Us, and Conversations with a Killer: the Ted Bundy Tapes. And my current treadmill go-to: YOU. 

Spend some time at your local greenhouse

There’s nothing quite like walking into a tropical greenhouse in the middle of winter. For a moment, it almost feels like you’re at the equator, breathing in that lucious humid air. A few of my favorite places: Tonkadale, Tangletown Gardens, and the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (the palm dome and tropical gardens ♥). 

Embrace it!

You know the saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. So bundle up and head outside for some fresh crisp air. But definitely not today in the midwest – stay warm inside instead!