If you live in warm climates, it's always nice to venture out and explore new destinations and climates. For those of us who're from warm weather zones, there are some tips others may consider common practice but absolutely foreign. So for those of you reading in the arctic or tundra, enjoy the laugh and feel free to share your favorite winter living tips in the comments section below!
Socks. In the south, flipflops, sandals, and open-toed shoes are daily footwear. We wear flipflops everywhere, including for more traditionally formal occasions like weddings, graduation ceremonies, and church. You may even own "dress" flipflops. When you consider boat shoes and yachting shoes, which are often worn without socks, it's no surprise that many don't even bother wearing socks, let along owning more than a few pairs. But when it's cold out, especially in snow, socks are essential. Be sure to pick something that will breathe - like cotton blend or wool. If you have particularly sweaty feet, it's important to use powder or special foot sprays to keep dry. And in case no one ever told you - the first thing you should put on whilst dressing is always your socks. Think about it - when your feet are trapped in thick socks and warm ski boots, they're sure to sweat, and are more susceptible to developing an array of athlete's foot or other fungi. If you put your socks on first, you minimize the risk of spreading those undesirables throughout certain unmentionable places...
Hair care. Your hair and scalp probably aren't acclimated to going from extreme cold outdoors to extreme heat inside. And the heat manufactured artificially is usually very dry. When you're outside, chances are you'll have a hat or headband on for extra warmth. The more your head the sweats, the more important to maintain your hair and scalp. I recommend using an exfoliating shampoo at least once a week, and encourage a great conditioner for hair and scalp.
I really love Aveda's invati exfoliating shampoo. They've naturally derived salicylic acid from wintergreen to cleanse, exfoliate, and refresh the scalp, with results clinically proven to remove the build up of skin-clogging sebum and other pesky product residues.Millet seed and milk thistle extracts nourish dry, tight scalps and equalize the lipid balance, while a proprietary blend of Ayurvedic herbs invigorate the hair, including turmeric and ginseng. Smells nice, leaves hair and scalp feeling fresh and free, and makes for a really nice treatment throughout the wintertime, especially.
I've used Origins' Rich Rewards intensive moisture treatment for years, especially in the middle of summertime, when you're having fun in the sun and surf. I also fully recommend this tantalizing treat for those winter weather moments. Once or twice a week, massage a handful of this rich cream into
scalp from roots to ends. Just 5 minutes reaps the rewards. Wheat
Protein bonds with strands to restore health. And Vitamins E and A help
protect. Plus, the succulent scent of William's Pear raises spirits.
Just one use brings back bounce, shine and swing. For more intense
repair, work into wet or dry hair and let sit while enjoying a hot chocolate (or cocktail) by the fireplace.
And speaking of hair, keep a dry sheet in your pocket. After you take your ski cap off, you're bound to experience a bit of static cling. One pass of the dryer sheet will discharge the electricity, calm your mane, and freshen your fragrance, too!
Hands. Your cuticles will dry out. Your hands will probably be very dry. The cold, wind, and sun are not your friend when exposed to these elements. Hydration and protection are very important. I love L'Occitane en Provence's pure Shea butter. This
100% natural origin, certified organic Shea Butter is extracted from
wild kernels of Shea tree fruits. It is produced in a fair trade
agreement with cooperatives of women in Burkina Faso (West Africa).
Certified organic and attested fair trade from Ecocert, this
irreplaceable beauty balm helps to protect, soften and regenerate dry,
dehydrated or sensitive skin. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E for an extra healthy glow. Shea butter is naturally water resistant as well, so one application will last you all day. Discover 50 other ways to use Shea butter.
Speaking of hands, you'll need a good pair of gloves. Make sure they fit comfortable, aren't too loose or too tight, and keep dexterity. I look for gloves that are water resistant, especially if you're going to a destination with snow. And one thing you might not pay attention to but absolutely will adore? Tech gloves. Your touch screen devices won't work properly with regular gloves. Many brands feature special technology in the fingertips, allowing for normal use of your favorite gadgets and gizmos without having to risk frost bite. Invest in a good pair, and you'll stay warm and functionally normal for years to come.
What're some of your favorite winter tips and tricks?
Your home is a sanctuary - the place where you should have ultimate relaxation, letting your hair and guard down, to recharge, refresh, and renew. Here are a few things I'm loving that will help set the mood, lighten your workload, and make for stress free living with an added dash of style + class:
-- blankets and throws. I hate being cold, especially at home. Keeping a pile of blankets and small throws will allow for personal climate control, for both guests and yourself. Whether hosting movie nights or unexpected guests, I love offering a few comfortable, cozy options.
Made in the USA by Pendleton Woolen Mill in honor of Rainier National
Park, this 100% virgin wool blanket is inspired by heritage frontier
blankets. This style of blanket, characterized by the stripes at either
end, was used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a commodity in the
fur trade. Renowned for its quality in keeping cold and rain at bay,
trappers in the Pacific Northwest created garments out of these
blankets. Each stripe correlates to a value, originally in beaver pelts,
that signifies the thickness and quality of the wool. Woven in
Pendleton, Oregon for the past century, these distinctive blankets are a
cold-weather staple built to offer years of use. US$249 at Filson.
-- home fragrance. Your home shouldn't be overpowering, with aroma oozing out of every nook and cranny. However, your home should smell pleasant, with a light fragrance that's distinct and welcoming. I use a myriad of devices - candles, wall plug-ins, sprays, diffusers, and solid perfumes. Find a scent that you love, and incorporate it throughout your own space. After all, it's your house - if you love it, that's all that matters.
Several years ago, I purchased a gorgeous metal Pomander from L'Occitane en Provence. The small, globe shaped sphere had a small latch on the top, and when opened, revealed four decorative chambers for solid perfumes. The opened chambers would allow for air to waft gently, revealing the perfect amount of fragrance. Unfortunately, L'Occitane doesn't offer this anymore, or refills for that matter. (Good thing I stocked up on solid perfume refills when I did!)
I always seem to love the fragrances from Nest, Dyptique, Santa Maria Novella, and Agraria. They all offer products packaged beautifully, with fragrances that are crisp, without being clouded by fillers and artificial ingredients. Prices vary.
The innovators at Philips have brought one of the coolest home accessories I've seen in a long time in the form of a lighting solution called Hue. One part energy efficiency, one part futuristic living, one part awesome, Philips Hue is your personal wireless lighting system that combines brilliant and energy-efficient
LED light with intuitive technology. Together, the light, the bridge and
the smart controls not only create ambiance, bring movies to life, optimize energy, and enhance sleep quality, but are simple, easy to use, and maximize the possibilities. Turn on more than the lights; turn on your imagination, with Hue. (prices vary)
-- a well equipped kitchen. I love cooking. Some people eat to live; I live to eat. Whether cooking for yourself or an army, you always want a well equipped kitchen. Tools should be in the right place, without having to reach too far, dig too deep, or risk a limb when locating those out-of-reach items. One of my favorite cooking tools is a Dutch oven. I have a few different sizes (from teeny tiny to almost-absurdly massive) and shapes (either round or oval), from both Le Creuset and Staub.
If you don't already have a Dutch oven, I'm loving the very manageable sized offered by Le Creuset and Product Red. 10% of the suggested retail price from every item in the (Le Creuset) REDSpecial Edition Collection will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. The
wide and shallow shape of this oval oven allows for effectively searing
and browning meats before slowly cooking to perfection. A greater
surface area is ideal for reducing sauces and evaporating excess liquid. This kitchen classic enhances the cooking process by evenly
distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. With
ergonomic handles and an advanced interior enamel that resists chipping
and cleans easily, Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens blend the best of the past
with the latest innovations in comfort and functionality.
-- snacks. Food is very important to me, so I love keeping unique, moderately healthy options on hand that don't take much time to prepare. Think of things you'd put on a beautiful platter for antipasti - olives, pickles, nuts, cheeses, dried fruits, hummus, salumi, and any other goodies that strike your fancy. I like to have something salty, sweet, tart, crunchy, gooey, and savory - just a bite or two of each category. One of my favorite snacks, especially when I'm in a hurry, is roasted nuts. I'm loving the satisfying, fun flavors offered by Kernel Desires, all handmade and in small batches. From the spicy Chipotle Chile Almonds to the decadently sinful Praline Pecans to the addicting Smoky Herb Almonds and Pecans, I can't get enough. They also make lovely hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.
-- cleanliness is godliness. What better way to guarantee a clean home by employing the People Against Dirty: Method Home. Beautiful products, with fabulous fragrances, that are tough on dirt and gentle on the environment, without costing an arm, a leg, or your firstborn child. If there's a surface to be cleaned - from head to toe, ceiling to floor, Method makes a product just for it.
Speaking of clean and effortless, I love the new Miele RX1 Scout Robotic vacuum, US$599. If you're not familiar with Miele, imagine the home division of Mercedes or BMW. The products are incredibly designed, with beauty and engineering at top priority. If you have hard floors like tile or wood, or have pesky pets, this is definitely the product for you. Features include:
• Smart Navigation by Miele features a ceiling camera, gyro sensor and innovative software
• Improved Triple Cleaning System for 34% more dust pick-up performance
• New Chevron style brush roll, two Front brushes, new Side brush dust strippers, and new Sealing lip
• 4 Cleaning Modes for a more thorough clean
• Lithium-ion battery offers up to two hours of continuous cleaning without recharging.
-- Think ahead for maximum comfort, for you and your guests. No one wants to sit in wet clothes, so I love the idea of keeping an umbrella stand stocked with a few umbrellas, just in case the weather is anything less than merry and bright. Crate & Barrel offers the beautiful Kensington, for US$139. The tall cylinder casts a graphic modern silhouette that makes a stunning
first impression, with umbrellas or without, in entryway or mudroom.
Handwoven into a casual grid, broad bands of iron are worked in the
round and given a warm antique brass finish. If you know you're going to host parties with many guests, or with people you might not see again, I recommend buying a few inexpensive umbrellas either from Target, online, or anywhere else that stocks decent quality and inexpensive products.For those who you trust, or for yourself, try something more durable, like the British brand Fulton.
-- Prepare for unexpected overnight guests. I keep a small supply of small soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and an assortment of sample sized toiletries and such.
Your home should be a haven. It's your physical space to create the mental and emotional universe you so desire. Whether you seek inspiration, relaxation, comfort, or any other feeling, make the most of what you have. What products and solutions do you love for your home?
"The home should be the treasure chest of living." -- Le Corbusier.
I have no idea what rock I've been living under. Or at least that's how I feel right now. I love L'Occitane en Provence. I think they have some pretty fabulous skincare and treats for the home. I love the story. Tried and true remedies and traditional ingredients from the south of France, mixed with the power of science to pack some serious results. Sexy skin. Fabulous fragrance. All natural.
Regardless, L'Occitane has spas! First opening in 2001 in both Brazil and Vietnam, the company has 16 exclusive locations worldwide. So now you can relax, rejuvenate, and renew yourself in the style of Provence! So for the ones you really love, I recommend a trip focused around the visit of this tranquil paradise. And if you decide on a location in France, you can also arrange a tour of the L'Occitane facility as well!
Many of L'Occitane's products contain Shea Butter -a super fabulous ingredient from Burkina Faso, Africa. Shea Butter is full of anti-oxidants, protecting your skin from deterioration, dehydration, and oxidation. It's full of natural vitamins and minerals, so it brings you a healthy, radiant glow. It's incredibly moisturizing, so it literally melts into the skin.
We all know that when you look good, you feel better. So start feeling better today and celebrate le joie de vivre today!
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