Well, it has begun. Winter has started its whisper campaign with the first few traces of snow. Winter has big feelings around it. Some are excited, and some are not yet ready for the big chill. And so, I wanted to share a list of my recommendations to create more sunshine in the darker months.
1.) Plan a visit to your local Wheatland Regional Library. I don’t think I visited a library for close to 20 years. It’s interesting to me that the teen years and 20’s for me, didn’t involve heaps of reading. Now I can’t get enough of it. The excitement I feel when I begin a new book, especially one that locks me in and takes me to another world with the concerted effort of reading (rather than the passivity of watching TV or scrolling my phone) is one of complete delight. And the beauty of our libraries is that they’ll bring in almost any book you’d like to read or get you on the list for those popular bestsellers without having to spend money on one that you may or may not love.
2.) I’ve started to realize how much the change of seasons can affect my moods and physical health. I tried to go for a run the other day and realized everything feels just a bit crunchier and creakier…this is where walking into a space like The Hotroom keeps you warm while you stretch and move. A true gift in the changing of seasons. To me it’s as important as an oil change to keep the wheels moving.
3.) Go for some lengths at the Kindersley Aquatic Centre. Being in water is one of the best ways to move our bodies. It’s no surprise that swimming is almost always on the top of the doctors’ orders list when it comes to overall health.
4.) Visit the ‘Freshest Shop in Town’ in Eston, where the smells, the visuals, the original art and ambiance of this unique space are sure to make you feel cozy and bright. You’re also likely to find some useful pieces for your home or cross off some gifts for the merry season that is nearing.
5.) Find that friend with a fireplace and cozy up with some tea. If you’re the friend with the fireplace, invite someone to enjoy the flames along with you. OR dress warm and have a cool autumn/winter bonfire complete with hot chocolate.
6.) Book a winter photoshoot with your family or furry friends and bundle up for some cute and cozy photos. My kids are so adorable in their snowsuits so getting shots of them enjoying the snow is something to treasure. There are many wonderful photographers around who make the process so enjoyable like, Oath and Origin, and Salt and Purpose.
7.) Take yours or a friends’ kids to the Kindersley Early Years Family Resource Centre and be reminded of the intrinsic curiosity of a child. It’s an inspiring experience that I think we could all use more of.
8.) Book a workshop with Clementine Home Floral Gift. Christa will guide you through creating a fresh greenery outdoor container. If I don’t have enough time to do a workshop, I’ll often do the take home kit which is fun to do at your leisure, plus you can use any of the left-over greenery around your house.
9.) Dust off your skates and go for a few cheeky laps around the local arena. Most small-town rinks are virtually empty during the early hours of the day, so why not capitalize on your own personal ice session?
10.) Start a list of the art skills you’d like to improve for those cold and stormy weekends. I’m planning to learn a new song on the piano and more painting with my kids. If you’re looking for a good app for sheet music, Musicnotes is brilliant.
11.) Wake up at least an hour before sunrise and go for a walk in the brisk, cool air while the sun starts to spread across the fields.
12.) Visit Jenilee at Raad Beauty to relive that summer glow or try her SUNBEAMS face tan water. She does her homework on clean beauty so I’m always happy to support her.
13.) Invite your friends over for a 5:01 party and make your fave appetizers. My most recent faves are Half Baked Harvest Weeknight Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs – I don’t worry about the rice and veg since I make this as an appie, the sauce is far better than any sweet and sour meatball recipe I’ve had. And the Simple Salt and Pepper recipe from Whole Kitchen Sink has got rave reviews in my house.
For full recommendations and links head over to KindersleySocial.ca.
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