Winter Syndrome

Image: here

Well we’ve reached the halfway mark of January and I still don’t know what to think of this weather. We’re done with that disruptive polar vortex right? That was a nice gift on the second day of classes: temperatures in the negatives and no cancelled classes. Thanks for looking out for us students! It has warmed up since then--I find something wrong with referring to 45 degrees as “warm.” All I know is that this up and down (way down!) in the temperature is kind of exhausting me. Just pick one, Pittsburgh!

I refer to this yearly funk I’m in as winter syndrome. What are the symptoms of winter syndrome? Tiredness normally due to early sunsets and the perpetual cloud cover, lack of desire to venture outside due to bitter cold and wind, and the need to be constantly wrapped in a blanket in bed. During the winter I have no motivation to work. I wish to lay in bed all day, read and drink gallons of coffee through a straw leaving the sedentary comfort for only a little to seek social interaction with my neighbors.

But alas, I do not live in a dream world and I must zip up my winter coat and slide my feet into a pair of boots to venture out. I am putting it on the table now: I am ready for spring!

<3 Ashley

Do you have winter syndrome? Are you counting the days until spring too?

Some Down Time

So with snow fall from the sky, and friends who are in class longer than I am I have decided that now is a good time to slow down and think about somethings. I actually wanted to share a pleasant surprise I experienced with you! When I woke up and got dressed for class this morning I found myself feeling a little small in my skinnies. Actually, the jeans I wore to the basketball game last night also felt quite loose. Looks like my devotion to my New Year's resolution and my dedication with keeping up my Lent promise are really paying off. I feel great! 

That is also how I am justifying this down time - totally deserved! I came back from Italian, put on some yoga pants, turned up the heat, brewed some cocoa and curled up on the bed with my big blanket.  From this perspective the falling snow looks quite beautiful. 

While I am reading through my favorite blogs and sites - eventually I will move on to finishing Pride and Prejudice (almost there!) - I am also listening to an artist I was introduced to just this morning. I was reading one of my morning sites, The Everygirl, I read about this fifteen year old singer/pianist Birdy. I looked up some of her music and it is so beautiful! It really is so relaxing to listen to. I highly recommend it.

Have a great evening everybody!

<3 Ashley

How do you slow down and spend your down time?

Fancy Footwear

During the winter we dress with one goal in mind: be comfortably warm. Since we dress with this in the front of our minds, it can be very difficult to dress both practically and attractively. I find most problems rest on my feet. I pull an outfit together and my shoes have no effort put toward them. So I have endeavored to put together a few different outfits paired with the appropriate shoes that are great (or at least tolerable) during the winter.

Riding boots are a go-to for sure! If you invest in a truly good pair, they are warm and very durable. You can wear them in rain and snow and they will wear very well.

A close second are lace up boots. For me they are a little more casual than riding boots (I just think riding boots are a little more polished.) Similarly to riding boots, they are great with skinnies and leggings.

If you are going for a more dressed up look, I think ballet flats are best. I would not wear heels out when it is wet or icy. Simple flats will look great and can keep your feet wet if they are a good and sturdy material.

Those are my picks and really all I wear in the cold months. Have a great Friday, I will have my TGIF pins up in a few hours. Got to get through Italian first!

<3 Ashley

What shoes do you prefer in the winter?

Winter Warmth

With autumn and the fast approaching winter comes the bitter cold outside. For those when you must go outside rather than staying cozy by the fire, here are some cozy coat suggestions! (Including one from my own collection)

1. The Pea Coat

I bought this coral beauty at New York & Co. on Black Friday for a whopping $39.99 rather than the original $109. I must say, I am a recent fan of NY&Co. but I have noticed that when they have sales...boy do they have sales! It would not hurt to check it out once in awhile. Plus, this pea coat is heavier than the other coats I own, so it is much warmer in this cool Pittsburgh weather.

2. Classic Trench

While I am by no means urging you to stretch your budget and run out to get the latest Burberry, I must say there is nothing unfashionable about a classic trench coat. While they may not be as heavy as other coats, layering will be your friend when it comes to this coat.

3. Cape

Yes...I am fairly obsessed with this right now. How could I not be? How darling are capes?! Just make sure you are wearing a long sleeved garment underneath! This one here can be found on Etsy for $109

4. Parka

I must say, I have seen a lot of these walking around campus. It makes sense too; they are sensible and comfortable while looking cute too (not an easy feat!) You can even find some with a faux fur lining around the hood.

5. Puffer Jacket

I am not 100% a fan of this one. Not saying I don't like it, some people can truly pull it off. Personally, I think that it is easy to find your way into Michelin Man territory. Put having at least tried one on, they are very warm and get the job done. After all, at the end of the day you want to arrive home without any frozen limbs!

<3 Ashley

What style will you try out this winter?

The Holiday Bug

Well it really is that time of year...I have fallen ill. :| Conveniently right before Thanksgiving, right? I am currently dealing with a sore throat and slight fatigue. If I know my body well enough now, I am willing to bet some vital parts that this is going to be a raging cold tomorrow. Luckily, I did not have many classes today so I had all the time to rest a bit in bed (while doing some catch-up on my work!) I have also been blessed with some amazing friends out here that have popped in and out to check up on me.

This entry is devoted to some ways that you can either fight off the dreaded cold or at least effectively fight it off.

1. Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! - Sleep really is a very good way to help along the healing process. When you are asleep your body actually works to repair itself. And let's be honest...being sick really does take a lot out of you and can make you a very difficult person to be around. So for the safety of everyone else around, you may want to follow this rule.

2. De-stress - Being constantly stressed out can really make you more susceptible to fall ill when you come in contact with that virus. Make sure that you let off some steam and relax once in awhile. Take up meditation!

3. Be a social butterfly! - Some studies have shown that people who interact with a more diverse group are actually healthier than people who have very narrow social circles. This could align with the fact that the more that your body is exposed to various germs, the better defense your immune system can offer since it is more familiar with those bacteria.

4. Stay fit and healthy! - I feel like this one is a no-brainer :)

5. Vitamin C - While it is not as effective as you have probably been told, it does not hurt to maintain a healthy intake of vitamin C.

I have also taken my mom's advice and concocted a mixture of hot water, lemon juice and honey to sooth the sore throat. Hopefully this does not last very long. If there is one thing I hate....it's a trip to the doctor! ;)

<3 Ashley

Is there anything you to get better if you're sick? Any home remedies out there?

Love Sweaters

Ready to welcome Thanksgiving break and the end of the semester with open arms. One thing that I am coming to learn is that living with someone in a single square of a room can be a bit overwhelming at times. Needless to say, I am looking forward to having some room to breathe even if only for a week. That aside, I will not regale you with my problems but will continue on in documentation of what I plan on being the perfect autumn yet. I hope that everyone is enjoying the fall recipes that I have been putting up (one coming up later today!)

Today's topic is one near and dear to my heart when it comes to this time of year...SWEATERS! I count down the days on the calendar until I can wear my favorite comfy garment again. One good thing about the early temperature change in Pittsburgh is that I was able to bust out my sweaters early. You really cannot go wrong with them. They are comfortable, warm and stylish (fashion and utility at the same time!) Here are some of my favorite types of sweaters:

This one is not really specific for layering, which makes it nice. It acts quite simply as the top to a great outfit. It's warm, but aside from jeans or a skirt that is all you really need.

Love this one! Oversized sweaters are my kind of thing. I specialize in them almost!

The sweater functioning as a dress. While your legs are only protected by the thinner tights or stockings, the sweater dress is a great way to remain feminine through the chill of fall and winter.

  

Gotta love a good cardi. Perfection for layering over t-shirts and pretty much anything else.

And one more for home! Unfortunately I do not have one of these, but I am on the look out! If you know where I might be able to find one, please do not hesitate to let me know!

There it is...my obligatory entry on sweaters. Now if you will excuse me I am probably going to catch a nap in my pile of sweaters before my next class. :)

<3 Ashley

What types of sweaters do you like to wear?