Moving to or visiting the Midwest and not sure what to wear? Let this warm-weather transplant show you how it’s done!

 

My Winter Wardrobe Essentials:

-Waterproof Boots: I recommend Sorel Tivoli boots, perfectly warm and practical for city living/lots of walking!

-Boot Socks:  Calf High or Knee High Wool Blend boot socks.  Boot socks are both warm and will protect your legs from the cold and wear from boots.

-Thermals/Leggings:  Silk long underwear or thermals to wear under clothes can be found at any department/discount store.  I also recommend double layering regular tights for warmth/texture or polar fleece leggings (Google “Polar Fleece Leggings” to snag a deal).

-Scarves:  Knit your own or get something thick and wooly!  I recommend an infinity/loop/cowl scarf that won’t blow off if the wind picks up or get tangled if you’re in a hurry.

-A Parka:  A peacoat won’t do!  Get a down feather parka (Mine is 80% down) that goes past your tush if possible.  Also, if you can one with a down lined hoodie and drawstring (so it stays on in windy conditions).

-Headband, Hat w/ Ear Flaps or Earmuffs:  Cold ears and earaches are the worst!  Having your ears covered will make even horribly windy days bearable!

-Gloves:  Knit gloves are adorable but have a tendency to fray and get ruined prematurely.  Be sure to pick up some fabric/leather/synthetic fingerless gloves with a mitten top (as shown).  You can also get some gloves that have special fingertips that are good for touch screens but may still not be ideal for gripping.

Also, you may notice that poor little Ralphie is hacking about 7 minutes in.  He’s had a horrible ear/sinus infection and has required some (expensive) medical treatment. In my sidebar is an adorable little “Spare Some Noms” donate button, but I’m sure he’d appreciate some good karma as well!

I loved this video, even if you’re not from London, these styles are universal!
So, what’s been your style evolution? Is there any trends you’d rather forget?

{for me, if I could go back and change my penchant for oversized shirts, studded Hot Topic Belts, & skater shoes I would!}

Are you doing your best work?  Are you creating, crafting, giving, unfolding as much of your unique gifts and talents as you can?  

Are you involved in something that fills you up, spills you out and leaves your fingerprints?  

I hear from people all the time who truly wish  they could be brave enough to craft their ideal life, or pursue a passion. They have an idea for a blog, a book or a new career but they feel that it’s unattainable.  It’s too new and difficult, or conversely, it’s too overdone….but why?  Is there really nothing left to give?

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This inspirational talk highlights a lot of what I’ve been pondering over the past few weeks- that failure, or simply- being wrong, isn’t that bad. From a young age we are raised by a system that rewards those adhere to guidelines. Doing homework assignments that feel like a waste of time, taking a standardized test or other expectations of conformity to measure your “worth” are rewarded.
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Watch this video, it will change the way you see what you see…

 

When was the last time you evaluated your perspective?  If you could look around you with new eyes what would you see?  In your life, do you see poverty or potential?  Do you view the world with the 3-D glasses of gratitude or the 1-dimensional view of  assumption?