Beating the Wintertime Woes

February 6, 2018

Meghan Donovan at home I wit & whimsy

Remember when I waxed poetic about some things I love about winter? Well, the time may be up on those – ha! This has been one of the coldest, snowiest winters I’ve experienced since moving to New York and therefore the wintertime woes have officially set in. But a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to get through to spring, right? Today is all about sharing how I’m combating the winter chill.

Creating a cozy home.

I’ve posted before about all my favorite cozy things and, man, have I been employing all of them of late! I will admit there’s kind of nothing better than a stay-at-home snowy day but only if I’m well equipped. I get out my favorite faux fur throw, I light a ton of candles (one of my current favorite brands was noted in this post) and I make myself a cup of tea. I truly cannot get enough tea this time of year! And, if we’re being totally honest, this generally happens when I’m in my favorite PJs and slippers.

Tips for beating the winter woes

Booking a getaway.

There’s nothing like the prospect of warmer weather to get you forgetting the wintertime woes. I’m grateful to have just returned from California last week (the sunshine did wonders for my mental state!) and then I’m off to Charleston this Friday, too! Charleston is a trip with a friend of mine from Chicago and we booked it back in the fall knowing we’d both be itching for some warmer weather come mid-February. I can’t wait! (Have any recommendations?!) If you have some flexibility in your schedule, I am mildly obsessed with Scott’s Cheap Flights’ daily emails. They are great for some spontaneous trips!

Skincare Tips for Winter

Taking extra good care of my skin.

With the differing weather we’ve been experiencing my skin has been requesting extra TLC. I’ve been battling some dryness on my nose and chin which makes applying makeup particularly difficult, so I’ve been tackling it head on with Olay Total Effects Whip Face Moisturizer which is unlike any other moisturizer I’ve used. I was so excited when Olay shared they were coming out with a new texture for their face moisturizer that I’ve had such a good experience with and let me tell you, I love a whipped formula. I loved when Yoplait Whips came out back when I was younger, and I loved when Philadelphia introduced whipped cream cheese. Morale of the story: you whip it, I’ll probably love it. This new Olay Whips moisturizer is no exception and my favorite part is that it goes on feeling weightless yet leaves a matte finish. No sticky or slick feeling which means it is great for morning or night. Makeup goes on so well after it! It also has Vitamins C & E so skin looks healthy and radiant after application. You can purchase Olay Whips at Walgreens here even save $5 off your purchase. If you try out the new Whips, I’d love to hear what you thought!

Why I Like the new Olay Whips

Seeking shelter in the best spots.

I’ve started making plans with friends specifically at places that would give me hygge feels or cozy vibes. Bars with fireplaces, great comfort food spots, wood-paneled hotel lobbies…you name it but if I’m going to brave the cold it better be to land at a spot that has all the vibes you want for escaping winter. I highly suggest you commence planning your social calendar with this strategy in mind until the leaves once again start sprouting leaves. A few of my favorite NYC spots to tuck away in include Laduree’s Winter Garden (seen below), Minetta Tavern, Freeman’s, The Wren and The Library at The Nomad! Fellow New Yorkers: Any I should add to my rotation that you love?

Cozy NYC Spots I wit & whimsy

Have the essentials on hand.

I feel like my mother recommending this, but in my 30s I’m more and more aware of how right she always is! She’s always told me to be prepared in the winter for whatever may strike and to ensure my apartment resembles that of a drugstore with plenty of water and gatorade and Nyquil…etc for when/if a cold or the flu may strike. Tis’ the season for all the germs and I feel like everyone has been sick around me so I’m heeding my mother’s warning to ensure that, should I get sick, I don’t have to trek out to get what will make me feel better.

For those of you also battling a brutal winter – what are your favorite ways for beating the wintertime woes?

p.s. my favorite beauty discoveries of 2017 and beauty treatments not to miss in NYC.

Thanks to Olay for partnering on this post. I’m so grateful for this ongoing partnership with a brand I really believe in!

[Bekka Palmer Photography]

comments +

  1. Kendal says:

    I recently got some daylight lightbulbs for my living room and they have been great! I heard that they were a great way to beat any wintertime woes. These are great tips!

    Kendal // Life With Kendal

  2. Claire says:

    You look so beautiful in the camel blazer-by-the-window photo! Yes, THAT’S what one wears to winter brunch this weekend. Recreating outfit- now.
    Agreed, SO much slush and ice, definitely need to get your cozy on!

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