“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind
made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had
fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow” – In the Bleak Midwinter, Christina
Rossetti. January 1872
Hello everyone! I hope 2017 is
treating you well so far. The hymnal lyric above was one of my favourites
growing up and the chilly weather in Boston has gotten the tune stuck in my
head lately. If it does leave my head, it is quickly replaced with California
Dreamin’ (all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey. I’ve been for a walk on
a winter’s day…) Suffice it to say, I could feel a theme emerging in my head.
At the end of last summer, I compiled a few of my favourite things (Cue: Julie Andrews and some Austrian children) from Summer 2016.
So, I thought the best thing to brighten up my winter would be to do something
similar and share with you some of the products that are helping me to survive
these long months.
So, here we go:
CLOTHING
The first item up is this deep
chocolate coat from L.L.Bean. The down insulation has kept me toasty warm in some truly frigid Boston
winters. Furthermore, the coat comes with ample storage space; two zipped
pockets on the outside, one smaller pocket with a Velcro closure on the inside
and a very deep breast pocket with a zip to keep items safe.
We all know that quality winter
apparel can be a bit of an investment; and at $239, this supremely soft winter
coat may be a bit pricey. However, it is still a fraction of the cost of
similar Canada
Goose products that can retail upwards of $1300. Now, don’t get
me wrong, I love the style and design of the popular Canada Goose coats but we can’t always afford such an expense; so it’s
great to have this gem from L.L. Bean. Furthermore, it’s exquisite
craftsmanship, comfort and utility have made it well worth my while.
The Caheez satin lined wool hats are a lifesaver for curly-haired girls and
naturalistas. The smooth inner lining retains moisture and prevents breakage
while the outer woollen layer keeps you comfortably warm in frosty
temperatures. For more information on the company and the nature of the hats,
you can read my full review here.
Jobedu Hoodies
I learnt about
the Jobedu brand while I
was living in Jordan in 2011. Ever since then, their cosy hoodies have become
one of my favourite things to pull out of my closet come wintertime. Their
apparel brilliantly depicts Amman’s growing youth culture, through
witty Arabic euphemisms and pop culture references. I recently did a more
in-depth recap of my time in Jordan and discovering some of my Jobedu
favourites here.
SKINCARE
Moving away from clothing and into
skincare, it would be impossible not mention some excellent products from The Body Shop. Growing
up, my mother’s vanity and bathroom were always filled with beautifully
packaged, aromatic lotions and scrubs from The Body Shop. Several years later,
I seem to be following in her stead.
Hemp Hand Protector
The Body Shop’s “Hemp
Hand Protector” has been particularly helpful in the past few
winters I’ve spent in Boston. There is a sharp, arid element to winter in New
England that can cut straight through you, a dryness that used wreak havoc on
my hands. However, the Hemp
Hand Protector has completely resolved this issue. It eliminates
cracks and blisters while providing soothing relief. The scent is rather strong
and can a bit pungent to some noses, but trust me this little tube of goodness
is an absolute godsend for sufferers of dry skin.
British Rose Hand Cream
While the British
Rose Hand Cream may not have the super strength of the Hemp
Hand Protector, the rose petals still leave your skin feeling
soft and smooth in the dry winter months; and the rose fragrance is a sumptuous
alternative for those who may have a problem with the earthiness of the hemp
cream.
The Body Shop Spiced Apple Body Butter
The Spiced
Apple Body Butter maintains the signature thick texture of The Body
Shop butters that we’ve all come to love; but is also infused with nutrient-rich
apple seed oil from the Italian Alps and a subtle warm hint of cinnamon. This
luxurious lotion is a wonderful addition to any winter skincare routine.
HOMEWARE
Mahogany Teakwood Bath and Body Works Scented Candle
This fragrance is the very
essence of winter in the countryside. The notes of mahogany, teakwood and oak
evoke the scent of freshly chopped wood, while the delicate trace of lavender is
reminiscent of damp earth after a fresh snowfall. Lighting this candle on
chilly winter evening after a long day, adds such comfort and tranquillity to
my apartment. For a moment, I’m no longer in my complex in the city, but am
transported to a cosy log cabin in a secluded forest. The scent of the Mahogany
Teakwood candle encapsulates the best of what winter has to
offer.
Bergamot Waters Bath and Body Works Scented Candle
For those who may find the
heady woodland composition of the Mahogany
Teakwood candle a bit too potent, I would suggest the softer
aroma of the Bergamot
Waters candle. The citric note of bergamot is coupled with the hearty
but not overpowering scent of sandalwood. When the fragrance fills my home, I can
practically taste the sandy, salty air of a crisp dawn on a wintry beach. The
Bergamot Waters candle is a perfect fusion of summer and winter, which in addition
to the classic white marble design makes it an excellent accent piece year-round.
So, that’s it for my winter
favourites. How about you? What are some of the things that help you soldier on
to Spring? Feel free to let me know in the comments. For now, I’m off to curl
up in a warm blanket, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a good book. I
can’t think of a better way to spend a winter’s night :)
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