As I mentioned in my last post, the cold weather seems to be sapping my energy and keeping my motivation for any kind of activity very low. Well, I’m not ready to give in or give up. I am determined to not only survive this winter but actually enjoy it. No more wasting my time away wishing for spring. In order to make that happen, I put together what I’m calling a Winter Survival Guide. Here’s my list of tips, suggestions, good finds, etc., that will help you (and hopefully me) thrive during these chilly winter months.

1) Keep your face hydrated – I don’t know about you but my skin gets really thirsty in the winter. No matter how much moisturizer I slather on my face, I still feel patches of dryness. I’ve been using a face spray daily before my moisturizer and makeup in order to give my skin that extra hydration it needs. I’m currently using Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray but I’m also planning to try Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray and Evian Mineral Water Spray.

2) Stock up on cozy fuzzy socks – when I got a pair of these soft fuzzy socks for Christmas a few years ago, I was thinking, “Where have you been all my life?” These fluffy socks are all I wear all winter long. You can get colorful ones like these or neutral ones like these. There is nothing better than warm and cozy feeling feet on a cold winter’s day.

3) Enjoy a hot drink – this is your chance to indulge in all sorts of hot drinks from herbal tea to hot chocolate and cider and of course, coffee. I still remember thoroughly enjoying a nice cup of hot cider this past Thanksgiving at my brother’s and sister-in-law’s house. Check out these 15 Soul-Warming Cider Recipes from Martha Stewart.

4) Soup does your body good – soothe your body and soul with a warm bowl of soup. I find myself wanting to make soup regularly during the winter months. I shared a Tuscan Soup recipe on the blog previously and my favorite Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the one from Paula Deen. My only adjustment to that recipe is that I use store-bought low sodium chicken stock instead of making my own.

5) Read a “feel-good” or motivational book – the chicken noodle soup talk reminded me of the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul. If there’s a book out there that makes you feel good or even better, gets you fired up and re-energized for life, now is the time to read it. My favorite go-to book for motivation is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I always find it to be a good reminder of my purpose and how I need to live my life.

6) When the going gets tough, the tough keeps working out – the key to combatting those winter blues and the lack of energy and motivation that it brings, is to keep a regular workout routine. I seriously think that exercise is the only thing that keeps me going in the winter. My workout of choice is doing kickboxing 2-3 times a week. It’s a struggle to get myself to the gym but once I’m there and I finish a workout, it’s the best feeling.

7) Plan a fun indoor activity to look forward to every weekend – weekends are busy but whenever we have a block of time available, we try to squeeze in a fun indoor activity like roller skating, going to the movies, bowling, etc. This way, you always have something to look forward to on the weekend, which in turn, helps with keeping you motivated during the week.

8) If you can’t beat it, join it – I admit that I’m not a huge fan of outdoor activities in the winter but my kids love it so they’re always asking to go outside to play in the snow. A snow fight every now and then can be invigorating. My husband also takes the girls sledding when conditions are right. I remember, in my college days, how we used to “borrow” trays from the cafeteria and go sledding down this huge slope at my school. And of course, there’s always skiing. We haven’t tackled skiing as a family yet but that will probably change real soon.

9) Good time to organize your closet/office/pantry – if the weather is keeping you indoors, then take advantage of it. Now is the best time to get to those home projects you’ve been pushing to the back burner. I know a lot of you have already accomplished this but my number one priority right now is to clean out my closet and the girls’ closets. I don’t know why it seems so daunting to me but I have no more excuses left. My study and kitchen pantry are next. They both could use some organizing and tidying up. If you need some inspiration, check out these 25 Beautiful Pantries + Organization Tips.

10) Plan a trip to a warm destination – it’s always nice to break up the winter season by taking a trip to a warmer climate destination. If you have the time and money, now is the perfect time to get away. Fortunately, this year we’ll be taking a family trip to Disney World. Although I personally would have preferred Hawaii or the Caribbean, I’ll take Disney World any day if it means I’m getting away from the snow for a few days. If you’re low on budget, a weekend getaway to a water park a few hours drive away or even a local hotel with a big indoor pool may help break up the dreary monotony of winter.

And did I mention shopping? Shopping is one of my favorite things to do in any season. Today I have a special treat for you that will, for sure, chase your winter blues away. I’m joining a group of amazing bloggers to bring you a $50 Amazon Giveaway. Make sure to enter below for your chance to win!

$50 AMAZON GIVEAWAY

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 2/6 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!”

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Linking up with these lovelies: Thursday Favorite Things | Be.You.Tiful | Fab Favorites | Sunday Funday | Let It Shine with Still Being Molly and Lipgloss and Crayons | Creative Mondays | Fellowship Fridays | Faith Filled Friday