During the long, cold, gloomy days of winter, we have to celebrate any little thing that makes us happy. Today, I’m celebrating that we’ve made it to the halfway point of winter by sharing little things that are saving my life right now.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy where you can see how others are getting through the winter blues and maybe take a few tips to survive until Spring. Check out this post about the reason why Anne Bogel started sharing What’s Saving My Life? and why others, like myself, have joined her in the last several years.
In looking through previous years’ posts, pretty much everything I’ve mentioned before is still saving my life now. You can see all my posts from 2017 to now, HERE. Feel free to leave a comment with something that is saving YOUR life this winter.
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House Plants
My plants are saving my life right now. In Iowa, the snow (as you can see in the picture) can be pretty, but I’m so over the cold weather. Having plants in our home that are green and even some that are blooming brings me joy every day. I have violets and a kalanchoe blooming flowers in my bathroom. My shamrock is blooming in our front entry. This cactus is blooming in my reading room. Plus I have a host of other air plants, house plants, and succulents all over our home. I love caring for them and checking on them every day. Being a plant mom brings me joy.
Nespresso Frother
I have an older model than the one pictured, but I can’t imagine living without it. Even though I don’t use it EVERY time I have a cup of coffee, I probably use it 90% of the time. It just ups my coffee game and makes me feel like I’ve been to the coffee shop. I use flavored creamer, half and half, or whipping cream, whatever I have on hand or for the particular flavor I want to add to my coffee. Game. Changer.
Duraflame Fireplace Heater
My husband gave this to me for my birthday last fall, specifically for the porch. It did heat up our porch and give me a few more days sitting out there under a blanket. But, once the temps kept getting colder we brought it inside. Since my desk is next to our porch door, it can be chilly there, especially when the cold wind is coming from the west. One day I had the idea to turn on my little heater and BAM! Life changing! Ok, maybe not really, but I love turning it on when I am sitting at my desk writing blog posts as it keeps me warm and willing to sit there for a bit longer!
Mug Warmer
I don’t like to drink my coffee cold (unless it is a cold brew in the summer). So, having a mug warmer is essential to sipping at my coffee all morning and keeping it hot. It makes such a difference in enjoying my morning coffee or evening cup of tea. Getting a mug warmer with an automatic shut-off is also a good idea.
NOT Washing My Hair Daily
I’ve found a few products that make saving time on my hair a priority. If I take time a couple of days a week, I can save time on other days by not having to do much to style it. That is saving my life all year round actually. When I use these four products after washing my hair I can often go 3-4 days without washing my hair. I used to think that was gross because my hair would get so greasy and now I can’t imagine not doing it. I actually think my hair is healthier by not washing it every day.
After washing my hair and combing it out, I spray it with Foxybye Heated Hairbrush Dryer. I may take a few quick strips through with my hair straightener but then I spray it with Kenra 25 and I’m out the door. Then either that night or the next morning I spray my roots with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, restyle with my straightener and I’m out the door. I spend less than 5 minutes on my hair for a couple of days. Saves me time in the shower and getting ready.
Beautiful Life Atelier Candles
Beautiful Life Atelier candles are made with a delicate, natural blend apricot + soy wax. We use 100% cotton braided wicks that are sure to give you a clean, even burn. All of our fragrances are hand-picked and are phthalate and paraben free. All of our products are made in small batches and are hand-poured in the heart of the midwest.
I strongly believe in supporting small, local businesses and this is one of my favorites. I belong to Sarah’s Candle of the Month club. Each month, I receive a special candle just for club members. Last month was Midnight Kiss. The package also includes a sample of a wax melt or maybe a shower steamer or other fun product. Her products are amazing and every month when my candle arrives it brings me joy.
Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment
This is essential to my daily routine. I can’t live without this product and I always make sure I have at least two on hand for backup. Hands down one of my favorite products that I put on my body.
Over a year ago, I decided to purchase a piano. I had money that I’d saved up and it had been a long time since we’d had a piano in the house. I went with a Yamaha Clavinova. But, what I didn’t know is that it would take over 6 months for it to get to me. It finally arrived last summer, but with all the wedding planning and then school starting, I hardly had the time to play it. One of my goals for this year was to play my piano for at least an hour every week. I’ve loved pulling out some of my old piano books or recital pieces and try playing them again. I’m surprised how much my fingers just seem to know where to go, just like riding a bike!
Posted Under just for fun, Life, Lists, What's Saving My Life, winter
Those all look wonderful! I agree on not washing our hair everyday. We gave our Yamaha piano away to our grandchildren years ago, but this makes me want to have one again! Love the lip balm tip, Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE my frother and mug warmer too! I couldn’t survive winter without them. I love that you’re giving attention to playing the piano – I imagine it’s bringing you a lot of joy.
Me, too on house plants in the winter–even though ours in NC are not like the Midwest. I also spend hours upon hours on my back porch reading in the warmer months, and in front of the fire in the cold. Right now, the Christmas houses (up till we change time again) give a nice twinkle that makes me smile, and candles, my kitty, fleece lined leggings, and warm, fuzzy sweaters.
Stacie, thanks for the nudge to notice and be grateful for all the good things that are happening in our lives. And yes, I love Burts’ Bees … and a candle of the months sounds fantastic.
I hope your weekend is lovely and fulfilling.
As a fellow Iowan, I’m loving this list! A fireplace, candles, and a warm drink make all the difference this month!