Ugh, I know that the change of seasons is a beautiful thing but in my heart I am a warm weather girl. Now that the temperature is starting to drop in my hometown of New York City, my flirty sundresses have been banished to make way for boots, coats, and all the bulky gear that winter demands. Bah humbug!
So until spring and summer come around again, I will be making a conscious effort to add some warmth to my life. Here are six fun ways to heat things up on those cold winter days.
1. Get Out of Town: Pack those sundresses in your weekend bag and follow the heat! Whether you prefer Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, or South America; a few days in the sun will rejuvenate you. Visit sites like LastMinute.com or Expedia.com for great deals on warm weather escapes.
2. Snuggle Up: A good cuddle is perfect year-round but especially nice when it is chilly outside. Have you and your sweetie been fighting over that couch potato accessory phenomenon known as the Snuggie? Be lovers not fighters in this kind of odd but cute Snuggie for Two ($19.99) For some suggestions on how to maximize your Snuggie experience, buy the Snuggie Sutra - a guide with, ahem, 100 Karma Sutra inspired positions, including the Charlie Sheen and the Matador. Available for $9.99.
3. Shake It Up: You can't be a couch potato all the time - get moving and spice up your routine with Samba or Salsa dance classes, Zumba or bellydancing. The great music and moves will lift your spirits. If there is no dance school near you, just pump up the music and dance around your living room. Also, many cable television providers offer free exercise programs on demand.
4. Heat Up Your Wardrobe: Don't let drab days bring down your wardrobe, you can still be sexy in the winter. Bright colors will elevate your mood so opt for colorful gloves, hats, and scarves.
Why not top your little black dress with a vibrant coat or classic winter white? This DKNY Ruffled Placket Coat is timeless and on sale at Macy's for $181.99.
Animal print is also very big this season and a printed scarf is a snazzy way to stay warm and chic. This Fraas Zebra Print Muffler is available at Amazon for $21. View the full collection of Fraas scarves, wraps and hats at their website.
5. Spice Up Your Food: I crave spicy food year round but I really love the way that it seems to warm you up inside on a frigid day. Go beyond hot sauce, and try adding exotic spice blends to your recipes.
The Ingredient Finder is a great source for gourmet ingredients for the home chef who wants the very best. Try this Ararat Spice Blend of urfa biber (dried Turkish chile pepper), smoked paprika, and fenugreek. ($15)
Vosges Haut Chocolat takes hot chocolate up a notch with their Aztec Elixir Couture Cocoa. This magical mix of sweet and heat includes dark chocolate, ancho & chipotle chillies, Ceylon cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla bean.
6. Get Pampered: A spa day is a great way to kick the cold weather blues to the curb. From hot rock massages to simple saunas, visit SpaWeek.com for year-round spa deals near you.
