Here in the Midwest, winter is special. Cold bites any available skin the moment you step outside and snow piles higher than the fences (thankfully all of our animals know to stay where they will be fed...). 

I'm doing my best to appreciate this winter wonderland, but for the days when I forget what sunshine looks like, I fall back on a cozy winter afternoon standby.  

1. B O O K S 
I am a seasonal reader. Call it habit, but there are certain books that catch my eye when rain is falling, after lambing begins, when the leaves start turning, etc. On a winter afternoon, I can't get enough of Charles Dickens. Nickolas Nickleby, Great Expectations, and a Tale of Two Cities in particular. 

Other books I am currently enjoying: Bonhoeffer by Erik Metaxas (this deserves more than a sentence. It is phenomenal), and War and Peace (this is purely habitual. I read it last winter and oddly, I just had to try it again...).

2. C O F F E E  &  T E A
If you have followed me for long, you know how much I love a warm mug of coffee or steamy peppermint tea. Then a friend introduced me to matcha, and I jumped on the bandwagon. This stuff is popular for a reason. 

My favorite recipe: This Matcha blend from my favorite tea company (DO check them out!), a sprinkle of sweet, and a dash of cream blended until frothy. Easy peasy!

3. A R T I S T I C
Winter is the perfect to time practice little bursts of creativity that I don't have time for in summer. Painting and artisan sourdough (what a combination...) are currently two of my favorite creative experiments! 

A note on plants: "Be a gardener" has been on my list of new year goals for...forever. I still haven't succeeded, despite how adorable I think succulents are. Last Christmas, my mom gifted me with a mini herb garden kit which I am very excited about! I'll keep you posted. :)

4. P O D C A S T S  &  L A U N D R Y
Maybe not relaxing for everyone, but the hours I spend folding laundry often become my favorites thanks to podcasts and sermons that I never have time for during the typical rush of a day. (I am currently a few loads behind, so today might call for an extra-long listen).

Interested to hear my favorite podcasts? Comment below and let me know if I should do a blog post of my favorite podcasters/authors!

​There you have it. From a Midwest girl to whoever needs help enjoying the bluster of a snowy day. What are your favorite winter reads? Do you have an artistic past time? I would love to hear about it!