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Saturday, March 28, 2015

ten favorite "winter" things



Winter?? you ask.  
Yes, "winter!" 
 While I realize some of you are enjoying the arrival of spring and others are already experiencing 90-degree temps (ouch!) we still have snow on the ground and it is, in fact, snowing as I write this post.  This is New England, after all!  Spring is still a good month and a half away.
While I call these my favorite "winter" things, many of these items are year-round favorites, and I dare say one of them has been life changing for me!
If I were Oprah, I'd give each of you a package of all my favorites;) , but since I'm not, I have linked to each product to make it easier for you to find and to find information about them.  I've done several "favorites" posts in the past and I will link those posts in the bottom of this page, if you are interested. 

Disclaimer from Amazon:   " I,  for the love of a house, am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. "
What this means is that I make a (very small, but very much appreciated ;) commission on anything - not just the products that I link to- that you buy after clicking on any of the links from this blog, or the Amazon links on my sidebar.  Thank you very much for supporting this blog.

Fyi- not all of the links go through Amazon.  Many take you to a company's website or are informational sources for you.
Other than the possible fee I would receive if you were to click on, and purchase, through my Amazon links I have not been paid by any of the companies that I am recommending.  They are simply favorites of mine and I wanted to share.



I love to share my home, my designs, my life, ideas, favorite products, etc. with you... all of my passions, which I suppose is one of the main reasons I blog, so I am really excited about this post!
Here are ten favorite winter things in no particular order...


Fresh flowers.  I keep fresh flowers in the house year-round, but in the middle of winter they become a necessity.   I buy simple flowers so am able to get them at the grocery store or Trader Joe's.  I have two floral departments of close-by grocery stores on my phone and I know the days they get their fresh arrivals!  I love this time of year as tulips are a favorite.  This gorgeous display was two bunches of $4.99 tulips!  And they last for a week.  I love how they "dance."





I've mentioned them before, but I can't do a "winter favorites" without talking about my BOGS boots!  These are the boots I wear on walks in the snow and cold.  They keep your feet and legs dry and toasty.   I love them so much I talked Dan into getting a pair.


These are Dan's- he chose the Muck boot.  He loves his boots too!





This next product has been life changing for me.  And, I do not say that lightly!!  Organic, unscented, alcohol-free witch hazel.  Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub that has many medicinal uses.  This is not the witch hazel from your adolescences- it does not contain alcohol and is not the 
"astringent" form of witch hazel.  
In the winter months I suffer, like many, from really dry skin.  I can start itching between the shower and getting to the lotion in the medicine cabinet.  I have a hard time wearing lotions to bed as, no matter the brand, they always make me feel a bit sticky.  If I use lotions I don't sleep well, weird I know  (but do continue reading for a new favorite- oh wait, that makes 11 favorite things now! Oh well ;)  So when I read a blog (unfortunately I can not find it now to link to) about the wonders of organic, alcohol-free witch hazel and that one of the medicinal uses is that is helps moisturize the skin by sealing in moisture I was happy....okay, desperate to try it!  From the first use I was amazed and delighted!  I lightly... very lightly, toweled off and then poured about a teaspoon in my palm and applied.  I repeated until I was completely covered.  Since I began using this product about four months ago I have not itched once.  Not once!  I now have the witch hazel in a small spray bottle that I keep in the shower and I spritz all over after lightly toweling off and then let it air dry.  I also spritz my face and recently started spritzing my feet (which were so dry I was embarrassed to even go get a pedicure:) and they immediately (okay, maybe it took two applications) looked and felt wonderful.  I kept staring at my feet for days because the skin looked like I had just gotten a pedicure.  Then top it with lotion before going to bed and your feet will look and feel amazing!  
My dermatologist recently gave me several samples of different lotions for some red (non-itching;) bumps I had on my arms and while I don't have eczema, per say, I must say I love this lotion and have already purchased a large bottle of it.  Seriously, my feet have never looked (or felt, i.e. no paintul cracks on heels) better and I can even wear it to bed without feeling sticky. Come on sandal season!
.
The Thayers brand of witch hazel products is made of non-distilled extract from the witch hazel shrub maintaining the highest levels of therapeutic tannins.
I have a very difficult time finding this alcohol-free "unscented" witch hazel locally, so I order this 2-pack from Amazon (though I'm not allowed to use my own links) and this is the best deal out there! 

It also comes scented in Rose Petal, Cucumber, Lavender.
For some additional information on the different uses of organic witch hazel HERE and HERE.





I light candles all year, but during the winter months they become essential for creating that warm and cozy feeling in the house.  My go-to candles (always "unscented") are Ikea tea lights, for the price and the fact that they burn all the wax in the tin, and Ikea votives.
Please ignore my hording tendencies, I get it from my mother :) - my Ikea is over an hour away and I don't make it there very often!  We also recycle the tins fyi)


For tapers these Trader Joe's candles are the best.  The are dripless (well, that's a bit of a stretch as I do find they can drip) and they self-extinguish (this they do every time) which is wonderful.  I can find them year-round in some stores, but others say they are seasonal.  So when I see them I stock up! 





With the house all buttoned up tight during the winter months there is nothing like the scent of fresh lemons (which is my absolute favorite smell!)  to brighten a room.  "Happy" in a spray can!  
Citrus Magic is a safe and natural, non-aerosol odor eliminating spray made from the natural oils of citrus peels.  (Interesting video on the Citrus Magic website- bottom left, HERE.)  
I buy it in the 3-pack as it is the best value HERE and then keep a can upstairs and down.  But, it can also be purchased as a single can HERE.
It also comes in Tropical Citrus Blend, Lime, Orange and Lemon-Raspberry if you prefer those scents.  In addition to the Lemon, I have the Orange and the Lemon-Raspberry, which are also wonderful.  I am able to find some of these fragrances at the grocery store, but the only place I can find the lemon is at Amazon.)





I hate taking things to the dry cleaner.  I found this product almost a year ago and I absolutely love it!  Eucalan Delicate Wash is non-toxic, biodegradable, free of optical brighteners, phosphates, synthetic fragrance and dye. (ingredients)  It is a no-rinse product. Here is a video.  You can use it to hand wash (or machine, depending) cashmere, wool, silks, etc.  A very small amount goes a long way.  It's a great eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning.
I purchase the unscented HERE
I even use it to bathe Ella as it is made of lanolin.  I think her coat stays cleaner longer using this product and I love that it is unscented (a dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 more intense than a humans (source) .  I feel very strongly against using perfume laden shampoos, unnecessary chemicals etc.on dogs.)

It is also available (click on the scent) in Eucalyptus, Lavender, Grapefruit and Jasmine- all scented using essential oils.





This one might seem really silly, but if you live in an area where it snows, and salt & sand is used to keep the snow off the road, OR if you live in a salt-air coastal environment you'll get it.
Stainless steel license plate screws.  When we first moved to New England I would notice almost all cars (including very high end cars) to have rust "tears" streaming from the metal screws on license plates.  I was shocked at how prevalent it was.  We purchased a new car after moving and the screws holding the license plate were indeed plated steel- i.e. they rust.  After discussing it with Dan  I suggested we might trade them out for stainless.  And that's what we did.  We simply went to a local TrueValue store and found stainless steel screws to use in their place.  Problem solved.  You're welcome!! :) 
I just love New Hampshire's state motto "Live Free or Die" on the licence plates.  
Please excuse the dirty car and license plate ;)





 Sweet Ella modeling the PawZ flexible booties. 
From the website: PawZ are the world's only disposable and reusable waterproof dog boot.  Made of natural rubber, they are 100% biodegradable.  Designed to go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps.  They offer serious paw protection.  PawZ is the most natural-feeling boot your dog can wear because without padding your dog feels the ground, providing a needed sense of security.  Like a sock, PawZ moves with your dog, allowing full paw motion and maximum comfort.  And imagine never losing another expensive dog boot again.  They come 12 in a package and each boot can be worn many times.
These are amazing!  Think strong little balloons on the paws!  The red are the small size and the blue (they were sweet Amelia's) are medium.  They are easy to put on (if you have cooperative dogs I guess;)   Ella will react to the salt that is put on the road for snow removal (it burns as it melts in her paw) and by wearing the waterproof PawZ we were able to walk all winter long.  It also helped her to wear them even if there wasn't fresh salt on the road, but it was simply very cold.  The snow gets up in her paws and melts from the warmth of her body and then her feet get cold.  These totally eliminated that problem.  They are great for other uses too, not just the snow and cold.





Ugg Boots as house shoes!  (We do NOT wear these outdoors-  not that there is anything wrong with that; I just don't think that it is age-appropriate for us!)  These are Dan's.  Now, why are Dan's Ugg's on my 10 favorite winter things?!  Because they were the best purchase I made all last year!!!  I no longer have to listen to a certain someone constantly complaining about his feet being cold.  I bought a pair of the knock-off  (but real fur) Uggs from Costco when we first moved here and for years I extolled to Dan their virtues as winter house shoes!  Costco only sell the women's boots. Last year we were in Boston and walked by an Ugg store; I talked Dan into trying a pair on. He had been resistant as he didn't fully believe me (silly husband) and because they were expensive, especially when buying them as house shoes!  He loved them!  Sold!   He wanted me to make sure that I tell you they are the Ugg boots, not the Ugg slippers (which they also make) that warm the legs and ankles and really keep your bare feet warm.  I swear to you, he still thanks me at least 3 times a week for them!  He looooooves them!  They really can't be beat as house shoes if you live in a cold environment!  And, the best part.... no more whining!!:);)
HERE 





I find in winter I take more tub baths.  And while I love a good epson salt bath (with a martini on the side please :) I also like to fill a vintage tea ball with dried lavender.
(Antique brass soap and sea sponge holder)


Would love to hear any winter favorites you have!

Thank you again for supporting the blog! xxoj.


To read other "favorite" lists...


To stay in touch between posts, follow me on Instagram HERE





102 comments:

  1. Loved all of this, but the witch hazel is a must try! Eucolan wash I have used for years, and also use it to remove stubborn stains on my white cotton duck sofa...I rarely send anything out to be dry cleaned any more since my sister introduced it to me...Recently we were in Australia, Uggs are designed for indoor use, yes, the Aussies wear them as slippers! You are right on! Thx much, N.

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    1. Nella, I didn't know that Uggs were designed for indoor use! Very interesting! Glad to know you use and love the Eucalan- and especially good to know about the stubborn stains. I did read that on their website, but haven't tried that yet. Thank you for the info and your comment!

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    2. Yes, being an Australian I can say only "bogans" would wear uggs outside - google up bogan :)

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    3. oh my Vicki- I'm thinking we have lots of bogans then as people wear them out all the time! :)

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  2. here in chicago is snowed to where the airport closed and i could not get right back.......ugggh

    my fav is the pooch boots, and yours is a cutie!

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    1. Oh that's so frustrating Debra. We only got a couple of inches. You must have gotten a lot more. Hold on... spring is coming!

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  3. Thank you! I just purchased the Witch Hazel and the Lemon Spray from Amazon. I will definitely check out several of your other suggestions!

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    1. Please let me know what you think of them Patricia! Thank you!

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  4. The Eucalan looks very promising for my dog, Bella, who has sensitive skin. Since it is a no rinse product, does that apply to washing dogs as well? Do you leave it on Ella's coat? Thanks for all the great suggestions, Joan.

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    1. Victoria, I do rinse the product off of Ella. But, I think it would be great for a dog with sensitive skin because it contains natural lanolin. I would suggest writing Eucalan and asking them what they think. I would be curious to know. xxo

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    2. Thanks, Joan. I'll let you know what they say.

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  5. I forwarded this to my daughter in Connecticut, who is a summer baby, and is struggling this winter. She called me earlier, after I spent the day spreading mulch (yes cold here, high of 36 today, but no snow), to tell me it was snowing. I'm sure she is going to love a lot of these tips. I personally am going to try the UGG boots, my feet are always freezing...love my wool socks. Filson. I can only find them at really good hunting stores, but I couldn't live without them. Going to try the Witch Hazel. Stay warm!

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    1. L.C.- read below to see more positive comments about the Uggs! You will love them! Even with good wool socks Dan's feet would be cold and sweat? The Uggs have been life changing for him!

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  6. Thank you so much for the witch hazel tip!!! I really have been so so frustrated and have tried everything for dry winter itchy skin. I'm so glad you found the answer! (My daughter talked me into a pair of Uggs and I don't know how I lived without them-worth every penny and have lasted me years and years, longer than any slipper could have.)

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    1. Love hearing about your Uggs experience Sarah! And let me know how the witch hazel works for you!

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  7. Amen to the Ugg boots! I am in Toronto and the past two winters have been brutal (plus we keep the house at a temperate 64 during the day). The Ugg boots have made it all bearable. I used to think they were very expensive slippers. Now I think they are indispensable!! I've used Eucalan as a woolen/delicate wash for years - I love it. Fortunately the cat is self-washing so I don't have pet experience with it, but I'm sure it would be great. It's just good stuff.

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    1. Yes, indispensable is the perfect word! So happy to hear that you love the Eucalan too!

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  8. Great list, Joan. I was just thinking of you and wondering how you're doing. Then I saw this new post. Good timing! My favorite winter things are good unscented lotion, wool socks, Ugg slippers, scarves (which I wear in the house too) and my very favorite faux fur blanket from Restoration Hardware. It keeps me toasty warm as we watch movies on cold nights. I hope spring comes to your region soon! Take care,
    Claudia

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    1. Claudia, I used to wear scarves in the house, but for some reason I didn't this year- I must be acclimating to the cold! Yes, the faux fur blankets are favorites too (especially with Ella!) I should have included those. Hope you and your pups are well.

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  9. Thank you for another wonderful favorites list! My husband thanks me each time he wears his Mucks! Trader Joe's flowers are priced reasonable enough to treat yourself as well as friends. I look forward to shopping from your new list.

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    1. You're welcome Ann! So happy that your husband loves his Mucks too! And what a nice friend you are!

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  10. I had a really good laugh at the stainless screws...I know exactly why you recommended those! Thanks for the heads up on the witch hazel, and the lotion...I'll be getting some! Enjoy your last days of winter! ;)

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  11. A fabulous posting! If you're ever looking for the Rose Petal Witch Hazel locally, I can buy it at the Hannaford in Bedford (on Jenkins). Love it!

    And I had to laugh at your IKEA candle horde! We moved from California to New Hampshire seven years ago, and I'm still working through my stash of IKEA white tapers I stocked up on before we moved.

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    1. hi Kate, Love, love Hannaford's - wish I had one closer. Funny about your tapers- glad to hear I'm not the only one;)

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  12. I'm knew to your blog so you may have already answered this, but what is the best way to get antiques bought in France back to US? I noticed you bought many of your beautiful things in France. I'm going there in two weeks. Thanks.

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    1. Smalls we bought back in our suitcases and a trunk, and for furniture we used a shipper. We grouped with other antiques dealers, as shipping individually can be quite expensive. Have a great trip!

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  13. I really need to get my dog some of those shoes!

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  14. Hot water bottles!!! (especially the restoration hardware ones). We keep our house COLD at night and they keep our beds toasty and warm even when we lose power! Love the witch hazel tip,I am definitely going to try some:). Thanks so much for sharing, I was so excited to see you had a new post:)

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    1. We keep the house cold at night too. Instead of hot water bottles we use Ella! She doesn't normally sleep with us but when it's super cold she gets an invite! Talk about a hot-dog!! After living here I understand the meaning of a "two dog night"!! :)

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  15. Your lists are the very best!
    Karen

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  16. I love to burn candles year round, have fresh cut flowers in the house (and orchids, too), and the smell of Ctrus Magic. Thank you for the many other items you shared. I will try many (if not all) of them. Have you ever used the Eucalan on Dan's suits? Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. I have not Karen. Glad to know that you have the same things around your house too!

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  17. Now that you have mentioned it, I remeber my Aunt always used witch hazel and had gorgeous, smooth skin and hands. I am getting some tomorrow!!! I have some slippers that I wear in the house all winter and love cause they keep my feet warm, with socks. They look like Santas boots, are Dearfoam and washable and I love them! Thanks so much for all thesr tips!!!! Stay warm!!! I am SO done with this weather.:):)

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    1. hi Pinky, I wonder if she used the astringent (with alcohol) or without?!

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  18. I love candles and a martini on the side too!!!!!!!!!!!

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  19. I'm a big fan of witch hazel, but now I must order the organic - didn't even know it existed!! Such a great list!! Happy weekend ~

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  20. Great list! Love your lists and did not realize you had authored numerous lists already. I also used the PawZ booties for my dog. Walking on pavement will wear them out after 4-5 walks but they do serve a purpose. Also, have you heard of Musher's Secret also available through Amazon? Another great product that seems like it would work well on a dog's paws in the snow.

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    1. Yes, we get about 5-10 walks with the PawZ, depending on road conditions. I looked up the Musher's Secret and it sounds interesting. Thank you for the mention.

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  21. Yeah, it's been 90-100 here in San Diego this week. I can't wait for summer when it will get cooler! I hope! Send us your snow and you can have our heat!

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    1. Auntiepatch- I'm gonna let you keep that heat and I'll keep the snow!!! :) :)

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  22. So many good ideas. I love fresh flowers too. Always in a rush and never really checked out the grocery store shops except for Costco where I have seen beautiful flowers. Looked at some of your older tips and may use the one for a deep bath ! My apartment is a very strange shaped townhouse and my bathtub drain sometimes leaks to the ceiling below if I take a deep bath. Instead of really fixing the problem, which would require them opening the wall behind my tub (not really in a difficult spot, just a good day's work they told me not to take a bath beyond a certain point so it doesn't drain. Well, I caulked the drain mostly shut (not completely just in case of true overflow) and am denied my very much needed therapeutic deep baths. The covers will solve my problem !!! YEAH !!!

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    1. Yikes Bonnie Jean- a leaky tub on a second floor sounds very scary :O You'll love that overflow cover- just be careful!!!

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  23. Though your posts are not as frequent as they were during renovation, I still enjoy them when they do appear. We also keep the thermostat at 64 in the winter - our skin doesn't feel as dry as when the heat is set higher. We learned the joy of hot water bottles while living briefly in Scotland - a need during our short cold season. We do use them when it turns cold and it does - even in San Antonio! I read that you grew up here when reading your other favorite lists at the bottom of today's entry... I feel so at home looking at your rooms on your blog. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. That you feel at home when looking at the rooms of the house, is such a lovely compliment.... thank you! Yes, born and raised in SA! Fun to know someone in SA is reading! We keep the house at 63/64 during the day also, and 61 at night.

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  24. Loved this post! And as a former employee of Whole Foods Floral Dept., I can say that tulips are one of my favorite flowers too. (FYI: They recommend not trimming the stems or using plant food with tulips. Also, to help your tulips last longer, you put an ice cube in the water.) I can't wait to try this Lemon Air Freshener! And I'm with Dan on the Ugg's houseshoes. My feet couldn't survive a winter without them! I tend to get cold easily, so one winter favorite would be Target Mossimo thermal t-shirts. I'm a casual dresser, and these fit snugly under sweaters, flannel shirts, and even look cute underneath short sleeve t-shirts. I sleep in them. And clean house in them. They're inexpensive so I don't care if I get the occasional stain on them. I keep about 6 in my drawer and wore one almost every day during the cold winter months. That said, today, here in OKC, we were wearing shorts and flip flops. Hope springtime comes soon for you. :)

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    1. Shorts and flip flops... oh my Michelle! Whole Foods has a great floral department. We just got one in NH but it isn't close to the house. I will try the ice cube in the water next time, thanks!

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  25. wonderful suggestions, thank you!

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  26. I. Am going to try the witch hazel and the eucalyn wash. I hate b using the dry cleaners as well!!

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  27. Love, love, love your favorite lists, and yours are much better than Oprah's!!! I appreciate your attention to detail in all you do. I smiled the whole way through your post. Just reading your list made me feel emotions and comforts; warmth, sunshine, happiness, gratitude, clean and safe to name a few! Tina, Ohio

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  28. Great post! The right equipment and the right attitude certainly make a huge difference in how one enjoys a New England winter! Loved your previous lists also. Always be prepared!!

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  29. Great list of favourites - and they all help us get through the torture of winter conditions. I now need to hunt down the witch hazel you recommended. Boot Feet are a unique experience to us who live in the north and something we all try to keep in control.
    IKEA tealights are the best. They burn for five hours or more. I too have packages stacked up and have been know to light half a package when we have a big party at the house.

    Good tips........ but OK Mother Nature, you can bring a sprig of spring anytime.

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    1. I want to come to a party at your house Katherine!!! :)

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  30. Please excuse the muliple comments, just wanted to share a couple tips. You can use Bag Balm, or Badger Balm for dogs paws to moisturize and keep from cracking. I use it on my hands and feet as well. I smear on a generous amount before bed and put socks over. Soft feet in the morning! Badger balm is my favorite cuticle treatment. I am going to get the witch hazel today!! Thanks!!

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    1. Badger Balm is made in New Hampshire and it's organic... and I've never used it. Shame. I will try it on my cuticles- always looking for the perfect product for cuticles. Thank you for sharing Pam.

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  31. I got the idea, after your shower your spray yourself with witch hazel, air dry ,then coat yourself in lotion...hmm...

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    1. I have used the organic alcohol free witch hazel for about 4 months without using (or "coating" as you suggested ;) any lotion, just the witch hazel. And that alone has kept me from itching from dry skin. I have only, within the two weeks, started using the lotion that was a sample from the dermatologist. And, I don't use that every night either.

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  32. First, is that a "glimpse" of the treasure/barn storage room? Secondly, I too suffer from very itchy/dry skin in the winter and have spent a small fortune on different lotions and potions to no avail. I will have to try the Witch Hazel and see if it helps as I'm always looking for anything that will make me stop itching in the winter. I just bought a bunch of roses at Trader Joe's last week and will buy more this week when I go as flowers in winter always make me feel good and until it hits 50 it's still winter in Pittsburgh.

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    1. You eagle eye you Nathan!! That's the extra beauty of the organic alcohol free witch hazel.... the price!!!

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    2. I do have an eagle eye, or I'm house obsessed one of the two or a little of both. Thank you for another great list as a nice big box of Amazon purchases will be coming Wednesday, all purchased through your links of course.

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  33. Thanks for this lovely post. Here in Australia we are approaching winter and had our first chilly night for the year yesterday.
    I have been using witch hazel on my face but I didn't know that it was great for legs and feet. I will start using it for them.
    I love to use a hot water bottle in Winter and to wrap myself up in my husband. He warms my back and the hottie warms my frozen feet! I have a pretty woollen cover that I embroidered to slip the hottie into.
    As to UGG boots, yes they are wonderful and have been used by Aussies since about 1940 as slippers but PLEASE two rules for UGG boots. DO NOT use them as out of the house wear, they are slippers not a fashion wear, only bogans do that, and secondly PLEASE don't buy these uggs by Deckers. They are not Australian despite their name and they have outraged Australians by not only calling the boots UGG AUSTRALIA but they have been trying to prevent Aussie companies that have using the name and manufacturing Uggs since the 1930s from calling them Ugg boots!! Such a cheek. It is a generic name and a generic sort of design here, and they have stolen the name, falsely advertised them as Australian, and trademarked it and now are trying to prevent anyone else from even making slippers like these and calling them Uggs.

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    1. hi Melissa, you are the second Aussie to mention that "bogans" are the only people who wear them outdoors. Very interesting indeed!
      Are you using the astringent (with alcohol in it) form of witch hazel on your face or the alcohol free?

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  34. I love when you share these lists!!

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  35. Always LOVE reading your "favorites" posts. I always find something I inevitably cannot live without!! :) Thanks for such great resources and for sharing your special finds with us!! xoxo SHine

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  36. Fabulous items! I spray a lot with vinegar.
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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  37. What a wonderful list! I went straight to Amazon to order the witch hazel, my winter skin has been particularly dry and itchy this year.

    I, too, discovered the joy of Ugg boots as house slippers this winter. My daughter thinks it's hilarious, as I've always said you shouldn't wear them in public if you are over 16.

    I'm going to look for the Citrus Magic at the grocery today, I know I've seen it and look forward to trying it as well.

    Thank you so much for sharing all of this great information, Joan. It makes my morning when I check in and see you have a new post or Instagram photo up!

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  38. Hi Joan:

    also a big fan of the Ugg's. I have the slippers I wear all the time plus a pair of the short Adirondak boots that I wear outside all winter, which are great by the way. Like you, talked my husband into a pair of the slippers, and he loves them. He thought they were silly women's boots until he started to wear them in the house all winter. I'll have to get him to try the higher inside boots, as he's complaining his legs seem cold sometimes. Also going to try the witch hazel, same dry itchy skin in the winter here. Thanks for the list...always helpful.

    Bev

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    1. Bev- that is exactly what Dan would complain about. Your husband will love them!!!

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  39. Such a good list! I use the Cetaphil - both liquid facial soap and moisturizer and it's wonderful. I've been using olive oil ( a tip from Janet from the Gardener's Cottage) but I'm tempted to give the witch hazel a try.

    One winter trick I can't live without is something a manicurist taught me years ago. Designate one tube of unflavored lip balm (I use Burt's Bee) for your cuticles. Rub the tube along your cuticles to get the waxy balm on them, then rub it in well. It seems to work better and last longer than any expensive cuticle cream I've tried and my nails always look good.

    Wendy

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    1. Wendy, love the lip balm cuticle cream suggestion- makes sense! I actually use the witch hazel after washing my hands like a hand lotion and then I will let dry and apply cuticle oil or Burt's Bee Lemon cuticle balm (love the smell) and probably a similar texture to the lip balm.

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  40. Your list is great! We are IKEA tea light "hoarders" too! We live in NE Ohio (the rust belt) and I love your stainless steel screw idea! I am going to do that for sure! Also ordered witch hazel from Amazon! We fight the dry skin problem here as well! I might have to go out and buy the Uggs to wear as slippers! The doggie boots are a great idea! I have 4 boxers so I may check those out as well. Love your blog - first time I am commenting!

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    1. Dennie, So glad to hear I'm not the only Ikea tea light hoarder!! 4 boxers?! I love it! Thank you for commenting- really appreciate it and nice to meet you.

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  41. As we share similar weather, can relate to dry itching skin during the winter months so totally appreciate your tip on using Witch Hazel. Another good remedy for dry flaking feet is a very light application (once or every two weeks) of good old Vicks Vapour Rub on the required areas, topped off with a pair of lightweight socks. You will be amazed how it works and its great if you have the sniffles. ☺
    -Brenda-

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    1. Brenda, my only problem with doing something similar (to the Vicks) is that even after I take off the socks I get stuff on the hardwood floors:( I've found I can use the above mentioned lotion and not have that problem nor do I have to do the sock thing. Vick's is such a childhood memory smell!

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  42. Continuing to endure cold and snow flakes here in Upstate NY - Smart Wool socks have been my saving grace this brutal winter. Great list - thank you for sharing!

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    1. hi Anna, yes I'm very fond of the Smart Wool socks too!

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  43. I am a recent convert to rubber boots. This year with so much snow to melt, they are essential. I bought Canadian made Kamiks, the Jennifer model. LOVE them. The other think I wanted to mention is about the witch hazel. I use it to clean my dog's ears. It seems helpful in fending off ear infections as well. Bonus.
    Janice, in Saint John, NB

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    1. I'll give it a try on Ella's ears. Thank you for the suggestion Janice!

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  44. Loved the new list. I still refer to your old ones! Ordered the witch hazel and the lotion! Interested to hear that you keep your thermostat so low. My kids tease me about my house being cold and I keep it at 68!! Now I have a new low to strive for!!! What temp do you keep your AC in the summer? So sorry about Amelia - I just cried when reading her story. Will you adopt again?
    Best!
    Angela - Virginia

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    1. Angela, I think? (because I can never remember for sure- you should ask me in the middle of summer;) I keep it at 73/74 during the day then crank it down to 70 at night!
      Thank you about sweet Amelia. We miss her so much and mention her everyday. Yes, we will definitely adopt again. We are just working through the healing process right now. I have looked on petfinder, but I just want "her" back :(

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  45. LL Bean makes great shearling boots that I think are better quality than Uggs. I have three pairs of Uggs and I have noticed that their quality has decreased over the last few years.

    Also, you should wear your Uggs out!! Get a new pair for outdoors, your feet will thank you! I think that people of a slightly older age look great in hip things.:) After all, we aren't talking a leather mini skirt here, it is just Uggs! My mom has the Bean boots and Uggs and loves them both and looks great in them. Wear them with jeans and pull the pant leg tight around your calf, tucking them into the boot. I wrap my pant leg around my calf, then tuck into book. Very slimming and looks adorable. You will love it!

    PS
    Uggs makes a flip flop to wear around the house too, perfect for summer. I'm on my second pair, you will love them! The first two days the band between the toes was rather tight, then it stretched and was perfect!

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    1. I actually wear wool socks and leather boots all winter with pants tucked in and am always really warm. But yes, Uggs would be really warm!

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  46. Well, I see some have a very low opinion of wearing Ugg boots outdoors! LOL We actually don't wear them inside, except for their slippers, but we wear them as boots. That's OK, I'll keep my warm, happy feet! I do get new ones every winter because they tend to look bad at the end of the snow season. But I think clean, fresh ones look great. To each their own, right?:)

    Claire

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    1. I know Claire, I had no idea either until the Aussie crowd chimed in. I've seen at local cleaners that they will scotch-guard them for you. Have you ever tried that. Might save some $$!

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  47. Witch hazel is also good for warding off the winter blues! The scent triggers a hormonal release that makes one feel peaceful and happy. At least that's what my friend, an herbalist, would comment :) I happen to also believe that. I can attest for sure that witch hazel is very good for the scalp and hair. Love that citrus magic. I ordered it right when you posted and I loveeeeeeeeee it. Have to give my dealer credit as they use all SS screws for license plates. You don't realize how pleasant it is to not see the rust stains until you don't have them anymore. Ella is a beautiful model, but I think she knows that! Never been a bath person but have always been a martini person-so id love to see a cocktail version of your list! Also I'm sorry to ask an unrelated question, but what are the green things beneath your lovely cow painting on the fireplace mantle? They are so interesting and the glaze reminds me almost exactly of a green confit pot. Oh and you don't even want to talk about candle hoarding with me...it's a Dec 26 ritual to go clear the shelves of white candles! But I find if I have an inventory I'm much more inclined to use them freely!

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    1. hey Stephen! That is so interesting about witch hazel warding off winter blues. Would love to hear how you use the witch hazel for scalp and hair.
      The little green ginger jars are vintage and antique (over 100 years) and were used to import "ginger" from China. Some have their original wicker wraps and some have lids, though that is more rare. I love them for their beautiful glazes as you mentioned. I have a wee bit of a collection (think hoarder;)
      You are so smart to clear the shelves Dec. 26. I might have to join you;) And I agree, if I have them I will use them.

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  48. Such interesting suggestions for the ugg boots. I do agree, they are so warm and since it's rarely wet here in the winters, I wear them out. Now I'm contemplating cleaning out the bottoms and wearing them as slippers since I tend to wear them all year long...I have cold feet ;). Love your suggestions, and will hopefully use them if we ever move up north.

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    1. Kristel, if you have cold feel you will LOVE them and never look back! :)

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  49. I first found your blog while searching info about soapstone countertops. We ended up putting it in a bathroom and I just love it. The feel, the look, it is perfect.
    After reading your favorite 10 things list, I couldn't forget you loving the Ugg boots for slippers. Our local Sam's Club had a knock-off brand and I bought them just for the house. It rained and snowed yesterday and today and my feet have never been so warm. Thank you! My feet are always frozen, I can tell this is going to be the best purchase ever!
    Love your blog!

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    1. hi Melanie, Happy to hear you love your soapstone too. And really happy your feet are warm and cozy now;) My "uggs" are the knockoff from Costco. Dan thinks his are the best purchase ever too! Thank you for writing and reading the blog! j.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan