Favorite Things: Winter 2019-2020

It's winter. Again. Still. This winter has been full of change for our family. We moved and have been falling more in love with our new house every day. Even with so much that feels new, winter itself feels very very old this time of year. Here are a few new favorite things that are helping to elevate my mood.

For Christmas, a close friend of mine gave me this hot cocoa from Carretta's Craft Foods at the Downtown Public Market. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of hot cocoa. I love coffee and cocoa always seems way too sweet. But, since it was a gift I thought I would try it. OH my goodness! This is like no other cocoa. On endless cold days this blend of cacao, cayenne, and cinnamon puts me in the mood to savor winter just a little bit more. If you are in the Rochester area, you can only find this at the market. #carretta_craft_foods.

There is always a story. From kids to shower curtains, life is full of stories everywhere you look. So, here is the story of the shower curtain that makes me happy every time I see it. The first time I saw this particular shower curtain was at my sister's apartment. She had it as a living room curtain and I just loved the sweet birds and the flowers' vibrant colors. Fast forward three years. I was garage sale shopping with my kids and at one lady's house I came upon a box of linens that spoke to me. Yes, spoke to me with all the colors I love. There to my surprise was the curtain from my sister's apartment! In our new house, the green linoleum and counters that weren't my favorite now look so much nicer, since somehow they coordinate perfectly with the shower curtain I bought three months before I ever saw our new house. I love it when God brings together even the smallest details of life!

The shower curtain wasn't the only thing in that box of linens I bought. I found a quilt that I loved as well. When I said the box of linens spoke to me, I wasn't joking. Colors do evoke emotions. I realized this when I saw the box of linens as well as certain pics on Pinterest when I was searching for the perfect paint colors for our new house. This blanket was the inspiration for our downstairs color scheme. Not bad for a $5 purchase!

Last year, one of our favorite outings was Mendon Ponds Park to feed the birds. My kids were completely amazed with the chickadees, cardinals and even a downy woodpecker that swooped down and ate from our hands. Our new bird feeder is just starting to attract birds and the sight of our new friends coming for a visit has really brightened our cold wintry days.

Did you know there is a book that is a continuation of the Anne of Green Gable series? I never knew until I received this book for Christmas. How fun to read about Anne and Gilbert during their middle aged years through the eyes of their neighbors who love and respect them just like we do as readers

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These are just a few of my favorite things this winter. It's the little things that make life a little sunnier, a little warmer, a little sweeter. What are your favorite things that are helping to lift your spirits this winter? Leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you!