As the weather gets colder, I find myself going back to a few things that I know I can rely on every year. Things that will cheer me up, make me feel good, keep me warm, or help me to feel beautiful. Where I live, it seems like chilly breezes and more dark than light hours in the day creep up on me. It can throw a person off a little! Can't speak for everyone here at Figurebaby, but here are my personal Winter favorites!

Bag Balm, Baby Oil and Conditioner: A little goes a long way! Because the weather changes ever so quickly from slightly cooler Autumn evenings to ice forming on the windshield of my car at night, my skin quickly becomes unhappy. Right after shaving in my perfectly warm shower, I take a dab of conditioner and rub it over the freshly shaved area. Conditioner always makes my skin so much softer and prevents me from getting ingrown hairs. Even though I'm blessed enough to not have to shave my face like a man, I also use it on my face after washing - big help!

As soon as I'm done getting clean, I use a bit of baby oil all over my body and pat dry. Helps hold in the moisture. When I'm ready to get all dolled up and start applying my makeup, I'll take a DAB of Bag Balm and rub it all over my face. Lips, eyes, under my eyes, the spot where the ear lobe meets your face and in the creases of my nose. It's especially hard in the Winter to keep your skin from cracking, and we all know that once it happens, it's that much harder to repair. It can also be used on your feet or hands overnight. Lather it on, wrap in plastic and throw some socks over it. In the morning, your hands or feet will be smoother than they've probably been in a long time.

Homemade Turkey Soup: Caught some nasty flu bug this past week and this was the first thing that came to mind. Yes, homemade does mean made from scratch, but it's very simple and a great way to use any leftovers you may have in your fridge.

I use 3 carrots, 4 celery stalks, potato chunks and homemade broth. When I make Thanksgiving turkey, I separate and freeze pieces that no one eats as well as leftover turkey. Let the inedible  pieces simmer in some water for about an hour and have my broth ready which is usually a little over five cups. I'll add a little broth to the turkey pieces and let them sit on the stove for awhile to soak up some juice and be even more delicious. Mix the chopped carrots, celery and potato chunks in the broth in a pot and cook until tender. I add the turkey meat about halfway through this process. In total, I use about three and a half cups of cubed turkey and season to taste. Add your favorite noodles towards the end, and you'll have a hearty, super satisfying soup that will last a few days!

Heating Pad: It's less expensive than having to crank up the heat in the house if you're trying to avoid it, and works even better if you're snuggled down on the couch wrapped in your favorite blanket. You don't have to be sick to use one!

Scented Pine cones, Cinnamon and Nutmeg: If you celebrate Christmas, or really love the outdoors, you know the joy that the smell of a Douglass or Noble Fir can bring. If it's not quite time for the messy tree, but you're really in the holiday spirit, you can very easily get bags of scented pine cones. You can use them as decoration around the house or have them next to your fireplace. The aroma is intoxicating! Not in the mood to waste time baking but want your home to smell like you have? Grab a pie pan anyways. Add some water, cinnamon and nutmeg and toss in your oven on low. The scent will permeate your house!

Tall boots, Wool Sweaters, Long Jackets Hats and Layering! I'm not one of those girls that actually LIKES to shop. Love new things, but don't like the process of shopping. One local chain store close to me sells very inexpensive pieces that I wear the heck out of. I purchased a lined short, medium and long pea coat style jacket for under 60 dollars - brand new. Cute colors too :) You can never go wrong with a wool wrap or throw (which I picked up for less than 20 dollars) and a good pair of boots with a sexy heel (25 bucks.) They have tons of cute hats as well, none of which I found for hardly over 5 dollars max.

Lastly, I must say that I've never been a big pantyhose person. They are usually uncomfortable and I spend more time adjusting them than actually wearing them. Got a few great pairs though in Florida and have fallen in love. If you wear a pair of hose under a pair of snug fitting leggings and THEN put your jeans on, I promise that your legs will not get cold.


What do you guys really look forward to in the Winter?

On a side note, Go Ducks and Broncos!
Let's kick some backside in those bowl games!


Can you see my bag of pine cones in the bottom left corner? :)