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Favorite Things: Winter "Top 10"

  • Jasia
  • Dec 28, 2017
  • 4 min read

Winter is officially upon us! It's snowing outside, and temperatures are hovering around zero- the lowest in over a year. Last winter was so mild, it's a little shocking to experience this weather.

Each time a new season hits us, I like to prepare myself and my family by taking inventory of my stock for the weather and activities of the season. With winter comes the obvious colder weather, snow, and a necessary change of wardrobe; but also a change in how we prepare our medicine cabinet. So, I decided to start a new seasonal series of my personal "Top 10". This list has everything from my favorite gear, remedies, household products, and even foods. I hope you enjoy!

In no particular order:

1. Wool layers

It's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with wool. It's the perfect material for keeping little ones at the right temperature, especially when it's cold out. Wool is also a

breathable material, which helps prevent overheating! Ella's Wool is great for lounging around the house, and they're thin enough to use as a base layer under everyday clothes. They're also perfect under snowsuits for keeping kids toasty.

2. Herbal bitters

I've been using Urban Moonshine's bitters since I was pregnant with my oldest. I had terrible heartburn and wanted to find a natural remedy to alleviate it. Herbal bitters work like a charm! I personally use this for nausea, heartburn, and sometimes as a general aperitif/digestif. With the (over)eating that often accompanies the holidays, these are perfect to have on hand.

3. Wax warmers

I love these toxin-free candle melts from Poofy Organics. Each square lasts about 24 hours, and the leftover wax can be used as furniture polish! These are made with organic coconut wax and essential oils. They make my house smell wonderful and welcoming during the holidays WITHOUT the harmful toxins that come with traditional wax warmers and candles. If you're still using scented candles and plug-in air fresheners, please reconsider! Check the label, and read the ingredients- just like you would on the food you eat. Things scented with essential oils are the only way to go. If it says "fragrance" on the label, get rid of it because- Fragrance is the new second-hand smoke.

4. Mittens that go up to kiddo's elbow

My favorite- Veyo Mittens

These are a MUST for toddlers & preschoolers who love to play outside. Veyo Mittens are fingerless and thumbless, which means no having to maneuver your kid's tiny thumb into a thumb-slot only to have them shift out of it in 5 seconds. These also have elastic that cinches at the wrist AND at the elbow. That's right, these mittens go ALL the way to the elbow! This is an awesome feature that helps prevent snow from getting in and making hands cold, and it helps keep the mittens from falling off! I sized up and was able to use these for 2 years with my oldest.

5. Lotion stick

My oldest starts getting rosy and wind-chapped cheeks as soon as the weather starts to turn cold. Lotion sticks are amazing because they fit in your purse/diaper bag, and you can swipe it on their cheeks quick, even when your kid is squirming. I've been using Poofy's Chappy Cheeks on his face since he was an infant, and it truly soothes his dry skin and helps with irritation. It's USDA certified organic and unscented, making it perfect for kids. As with any skincare product, be sure to read the ingredients, and avoid things with toxic chemicals!

6. Herbal tea

Drinking tea in the winter is so soothing and the perfect way to stay hydrated- especially during cold season. My whole family loves this hibiscus tea from MRH. It has a lightly tart taste and a bright red color that my little boy loves. Plus, it's high in vitamin C, which is great for battling sickness.

7. Vapor rub

Vapor rub is a MUST HAVE for winter, with congestion, coughs, and dry air throughout the home. Anything that uses essential oils is so much healthier and helps the body naturally than something with "fragrance". Again- make sure you read the labels on the products you use on yourself and children. (Avoid anything with camphor!) Poofy Organics' vapor rub is USDA certified organic, meaning it's completely free of toxins, and uses kid-friendly essential oils to help alleviate stuffed-up noses. They also have an adult version (made with eucalyptus & peppermint) which I use for myself!

8. Balaclava style hats

My favorite: NesyBaby on Etsy

Balaclava hats are great for baby's and toddlers who are

constantly yanking off hats. Put them on underneath a coat, and zip it up-- problem solved! They also keep tiny necks warm when scarves are a bit too complex for young hands to maneuver. I love these hand-knit hats from NesyBaby. Bonus- they're merino wool!

9. Merino wool sleep sack

This is by far my favorite investment since the birth of my second. It's merino wool (of course!), and is designed to fit from 2 months-2 years. It's a lovely, snuggly sleep sack that zips all the way around, making midnight diaper changes a breeze, and it has snaps at the armpit to make it tighter/looser as baby grows. It also has a slot in the center for use in a carseat. And since it's wool, baby will be the perfect temperature all year long!

10. Elderberry Syrup

My favorite: homemade

Elderberry syrup is an essential remedy for the winter months. We take it daily for health maintenance, and if anyone catches a cold, we take it several times a day to help the body fight the infection. It is so easy to make homemade syrup- I buy dried elderberries from Mountain Rose Herbs, but if you're lucky, you might live in an area that's good for foraging fresh elderberries. Just be sure you know what you're picking, and bring along an expert if you're new to foraging.

So there you have it, my favorite Winter must-haves! What would you add to this list? Comment below to share your ideas!

 
 
 

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