sleighing outfits + the english countryside

volume 7

Oh hey friends! I’m sorry that this email is coming to you later than usual! But we’re here now and this edition of wintering packed full of good stuff! Grab a hot drink and a warm blanket and let’s winter together today.

Since we’re talking about blankets, let’s talk about these. These are, of course, from our wintering community. Re-Made is kind of like the organization I shared with you a few weeks ago. They employ women in their communities in India and make beautiful items that give them a source of income and independence. I have several of these sari blankets in my home and love them so much I even included them in my PR boxes that go to influencer boxes to promote my book!

They also have beautiful bags (this one is lined with a rice bag!) and runners and dish cloths and scarves and all kinds of things. I have a few more items from there I”ll share at another time! Thanks for sharing this with us, Re-Made!

for size reference - i’m 5’2

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In this volume of wintering :

Something to watch
Something to play
Something to drink
Winter outfits that sleigh
Winter where you are

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Something to watch :

For the grownups :
The Grand Budapest Hotel
About Time

For the kids :
Rise of the Guardians
Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Something to Play :

This week’s play recommendation is in the form of video games.

Here are some cozy games to try :

Zelda : Breath of the Wild
Zelda : Tears of the Kingdom
Cozy Grove
Stardew valley
Wytchwood
A Short Hike
Animal Crossing

What would you add to this list?

via pinterest

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Something to drink :

I might be on a bit of a lavender type kick right now, but it just makes at home lattes feel fancy and expensive to me! So here’s another drink with a lavender flair to try and if you want to try a new coffee brand while supporting two of our wintering roasters - both of these coffee brands are in our community and are *delish*. We tried the Garden Party blend from Road Home and the Bourbon Barrel Aged from Kingship.

Road Home Coffee + Kingship Brewing Co

Easy Lavender Latte

INGREDIENTS

• Double shot espresso (2 ounces)

• ½ cup milk of your choice

• 1 tablespoon lavender syrup

• 1 teaspoon lavender buds, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make your lavender syrup in advance or buy it. You can make our recipe.

2. Make the espresso and pour it an appropriate coffee cup

3. Add the lavender syrup and stir

4. Steam your milk of choice

5. Slowly pour the milk in the center of the espresso - the micro-foam you created on steaming will come out last.

6. Garnish with a sprinkling of lavender buds.

7. Relax and enjoy

recipe + photo via Powered by Mom

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winter outfits that sleigh

Can I just repeat this photo and use this an an outfit that sleighs? I know it’s not the best photo but it is the best outfit. My friend Kasey bought this entire outfit for me (minus the bag, of course haha) for Christmas annddd I’m not gonna save I’ve worn it everyday, but … basically.

The shirt is the walk away tunic by free people and a pair of lululemon leggings. It’s not something that I would have ever thought to buy for myself, but - now my life has been changed for the better. haha! I don’t know if it’s the chaos of my life or the fact that I’m in the latter half of my thirties, but I just don’t want to keep buying clothes that stretch out and wear out in a year. I don’t have a lot diversity in my closet and keep a rotation of a handful of outfits that I wear all the time. It makes more sense to spend a little more on fewer things than to keep buy cheap things repeatedly.

I think this year is the year I finally just focus my wardrobe on what fits right now (not what I hope will fit one day) and what requires the least amount of thinking. I know my body type, I know my colors, I know what I feel the most comfortable in. Why waste time and money on things I want to work, but most likely wont, you know?

So - a few quality pieces, more room in my closet, and less mental and emotional space worrying about how my body looks on any given day.

Would love to hear how other thirties girlies have navigated this!

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winter where you are :
this part of the wintering series is reader submitted. thanks for showing up how you winter!

Hi everyone! My name is Jocelyn and I am an American living and working in the English countryside. I live in the West Midlands near the city of Birmingham. It’s not the most exciting part of the world, but I am quite happy here!

 As I've grown up, the things I look forward to in each season have changed! I get excited about the simple things during the winter. Pulling out my favorite crewnecks and coats. Switching to the flannel sheets I bought while on a trip home. The foggy air and frosty ground in the mornings. The cold air on my nose and my cheeks when I walk around town. Feeling like a little kid again when I can see my breath outside! These little things make life more exciting to wake up to! 

While I love the sun, I also have an appreciation for the darkness (it’s not as ominous as it sounds). The shorter days force me to slow down! I work for a non-profit missions organization and I live in the same building I work in with people from all around the world! We live in a big manor house on a road built by the Romans (a common thing in this country lol). My work days can be long ones, but the winter days sometimes force me to cut them short. The sunsets provide a natural break in my day and allows me to transition into a more chilled out setting to finish the day. To be honest, I usually end up finishing the work day from my bed!

As odd as it sounds, the sunsets are actually a highlight of my day. They’re soft and vibrant all at the same time. Pink and purple fill the sky! It’s like the sun makes its grand exit at the end of the day as we eagerly await its return in the morning! 

November and December are full of Christmas markets, carol services, and pantomimes! There is always something to do. January and February are the months where I tend to get bored in the evenings. Luckily, I have a great group of friends who are intentional about spending time together and for that I am so grateful!

If you’d like to follow along and see little glimpses of my life and work you can follow me @jocie_ruth313 on Instagram

Happy Wintering!

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