What's to do in the Winter?

Growing up in the South, we may get a good snowfall once or twice a year and the next not see anything but ice, so I feel well versed at being able to talk about the activities that we have done for years to keep us entertained when the cold weather hits.

• First and foremost you get a pot of chili on the stove ASAP!

Growing up, the minute cold weather was being forecast my mother would go to the store to get the essentials; milk and bread. She may only come back with those two ingredients if we had the stuff for chili already at home. I can't tell you how many times my brothers and I would get in from playing outside and there on the stove sat chili waiting to be eaten by the people who were freezing. Now, I know you are thinking making chili is not an activity but it can so easily become one! Let your children help open the cans, stir the pot, brown the meat, etc.. they will be more likely to eat said chili because they feel like they had a roll in creating the masterpiece!

• Movie Marathon!

Make that fort in the living room / playroom your kids have been begging for, sprinkle in lights, lost of snacks, cozy pillows and blankets and watch everyone's favorite movies. I always loved when everyone in the family would write down their favorite movie and we put them all into a hat and which ever movie was drawn first was the one we watched. If you want to / have the time to watch all the movies it makes the time together even more special!

• Read the book you've been putting off

Maybe you are single living on your own and you want something simple to do. Well, light a few candles, grab a cup of coffee or tea, add a cozy blanket, and finally pick up that book you've been meaning to read for the last 6 months.

• Brave the Weather

So you've done the first few things I suggested and now you are tired of being stuck inside well, go for a walk or hike! Sometimes the best thing that you can do for yourself and your family -- we all need time away -- is take 15 minutes to an hour and walk! Walking / hiking clears your head, gets your endorphins pumping, and helps you get in your steps for the day!

• Drink copious amounts of hot chocolate / cider / coffee / tea

Is there anything better than having a hot steaming drink while the snow is falling around you? I think the answer is NO! I understand that many of you may not see this as an activity but there is always an easy fix to that! Pull out the recipe that you have wanted to try but never had time, or didn't have the guts to try, well now you are home and when will there be a better time?!? Get your kids / significant with you in the kitchen and make a few memories that you'll be telling for years to come.

Most of my actives are family oriented, but you could certainly do all them with your best group of friends just as easily! Winter is my favourite season so you'll have a few more posts around this season while we get to live in it!