It’s the beginning of February and ogling over vacation pictures has become my norm. I am longing for more time outside *not in a knee length parka. But love it or hate it Chicago has at least 6 more weeks of winter so we might as well make the most of it.

So! Here is a handful of things that have kept me from going stir crazy during these sub zero temperatures!

M O V I E S:
I love going to the movies, and do so about once a week. This time of the year is my favorite because I am determined to see ALL of the best film nominees before The Oscars. So far my favorites are Call Me By Your Name and Ladybird! Call Me By Your Name is a truly beautiful story, that left me in tears multiple times(even a few days after I saw the movie and was talking about it).

*I actually tried to see Call Me By Your Name twice before it happened. Once the theatre lost power, and once I went to the wrong theatre. Third times a charm I guess!

I C E S K A T I N G:
Ice skating is one of my favorite winter actiivites and this last stretch of winter is the perfect time to visit the Ribbon if you didn’t during the holiday season. The lines are much shorter!

H O T Y O G A:
Yoga is general is something that I NEED to do at least 1-3 times a week. It helps with my mental and physical alignment. Hot Yoga is my favorite in the winter, because truly there is no way to be warmer. Bonus! you are detoxing to help keep your body healthy.

M A S K S:
You can bet if I’m on my couch, I am in a face mask. Lately I have been using a tonnnn of sheet masks. I pick one up basically every time I stop by just about any store that sells skin care.

P O D C A S T S:
Recently I have not only been listening to podcasts during my commute, but have also been listening while I hang out at home. I started listening to “My Favorite Murder” and am completely obsessed. Typically I am someone who does not like “scary” things and avoids anything that could potentially give me nightmares. So let me clear this up right now, this show is not scary! The hosts walk you through fascinating murders in a light hearted way(never thought I would describe murder as lighthearted. ever.)

All in all I am not doing this show justice so if you are interested I highly suggest listening to an entire episode! Episode 104-Garden Party, is one of my personal favs and would be a fabulous place to start!

Our last college spring break, spent in Hawaii!

V A C A T I O N:
I am taking a trip to New Orleans in just a few short weeks with some of my best friends and I AM SO EXCITED! This trip is the perfect distraction from my winter blues, and I am also so genuinely happy about getting some much overdue quality time with my friends. It has been YEARS since we have all been together.

I anticipate a majority of our time will be spent lounging in the sun with cocktails in hand(this has always been one of our favorite past times), and I could ask for nothing more.

If you have any ways you are curing winter blues let me know, and ALSO please send NOLA recs my way!