The Perfect Winter

If you're lucky enough to live in one of the coldest, bitterest, most bone-chilling cities in the midwest, here are a few things to help you get through with style and with grace. These selections have quickly become essential to my perfect Chicago winter.

the essential clothing piece:

a union suit

and if you're lucky enough, a friend to wear one with you

I cannot even begin to describe how essential this was during the two coldest days of this month. I was lucky enough to have those days off, and I gladly spent all of them -- night and day -- in my union suit. Warm, comfortable, and roomy enough for a spur of the moment dance party.

the essential book:

An Everlasting Meal

This book is an absolute treasure. The author's lyricism toward food is funny, thoughtful, and sometimes achingly beautiful. It inspired me to pickle some radishes tonight, after I had finished it, and to appreciate the humble foods lying around on my shelves, especially when it's entirely too cold/snowy/windy to venture outside for groceries.

the essential movie:

First Winter

It's a bit moody, a lot sad and a little dreary, and full of stark winter scenes that are just so wonderfully burst-your-heart beautiful. The house it's set in is interesting enough to keep my interest, I've been known to turn it on with the sound off just for the background aesthetic.

Happily, it's currently streaming on Netflix.

the essential album:

Charlie Parker, Stupendous

It works as an alternative to holiday music, fits in perfectly with any baking in the kitchen that may be going on, and it's light-hearted enough to give you a pick-me-up during the long, dark months. Also a great way to celebrate snowfall, instead of bemoaning it.

the essential non-essential:

L'Occitane Rose Heart Hand Cream

Treat yourself.

Honorable mentions:

Waffles with maple syrup, brothy pasta soups, House of Leaves, flannel shirts, sweater stockings, Theolonious Monk, banana bread, cedar balls, truffle honey, The Gruffalo's Child, and ice skating on the ribbon at the Maggie Daley Park.

For my ever-growing list of winter essentials, visit me on Pinterest.

Things to Do When Visiting Virginia

Eat the vegetarian #5 at the Guad in Charlottesville

I went a la carte with the cheese enchilada and chile relleno, skipping the beans and rice.

 Drink coffee outside, in a backyard (or on a porch).

My coffee: black, Momma's coffee: cream and sugar.

Buy ALL THE TOBACCO at Smokin' Joe's in Fishersville. 

Buy Field and Stream coffee mugs, 4/$12. 

Or be a dummy, like me, and don't buy them, and wish you had.

Drink (and smoke!) at Baja Bean in Staunton.

Used to be the only bar in Staunton, and I got kicked out twice, the last time "for life". I guess they forgot, or forgave me.

Eat vegan chicken & waffles at my girl Mary Beth's restaurant, AVA Restaurant and

Wine Bar in Staunton. 

Seriously, so good.

Drive a tractor. 

Hillbilly-ing it up at my Dad's place.

Hang out alongside the majestic James River in Nelson County. 

So many hot summer days spent swimming under this bridge.

Hang out in towns with funny names, on the steps of old post offices. 

Just a stone's throw from the James River.

Explore abandoned, run-down houses. 

Maybe grab a souvenir or two? I'm not saying anything...

Visit more abandoned buildings. There are a lot, and they're great. 

This was my preschool, the Sunshine School.

Drive over old bridges. 

The oldest steel bridge in the county!

Eat a twist cone with sprinkles and the Colleen Drive-In in Nelson County. 

Many a discussion about cute boys and the New Kids on the Block were had at this location.

Check out a haunted house in Lovingston. If you want, you can even buy this one. 

I've even heard police officers report seeing the ghost of Helen Loving.

Hang out with goofballs. 

My brother-in-law is the supermodel, then there's my niece Charlotte, me, my sister,
my nephew Micah, and my niece Harley.

Check out the stars, 'cause you can.

Leaving for my flight at 5:30am.

Mini-Vacation

In a few days I'll finally be making a short trip to visit my friends and family in Virginia. I haven't been on a plane since 2008, the first time I visited Chicago (and then moved here not even a few weeks later), so I'm realizing that I'll really have to bring my necessities down to a bare minimum, just so I can fit them all into my one allowed "personal item" bag.

I made a quick treasury of a few items that I really liked for light travel.

Traveling Light -- Etsy Treasury

My must-haves include:

1. A light snack -- as long as I know have one in my bag I'll be fine, but if I forget it I will inevitably become crazy-hungry.
2. One bag that will fit everything -- bonus points for efficient pockets. I'm bringing my semi-handmade military backpack, which I covered in plaid fabric on the top flap. It looks great, it's the right size, and it fits way more than it looks like it would
3. A journal or reading material -- it's a great opportunity to put your phone down
4. Travel thermos -- hot coffee at the ready, for early morning flights
5. Comfortable layered clothing -- leaves more room in your personal bag, and it's easy to lose a piece or two if you become too warm.
6. Boots -- it's easier to wear them than to pack them.
7. Headphones -- okay, I know I said I would put my phone down, but in the even of a crying baby on the plane, these are a definite must-have.
8. Camera
9. All-in-one wallet/passport cover
10. Cigarette case

Because I will be traveling, I want to make a note that any items purchased from my Etsy shop from Nov. 5th until Nov. 10th will need a few extra days before they'll be shipped. If I find the time (and the space in my bag) for shopping, I might also be coming back with a few more items to list!

Three New Shirts Listed in my Etsy Shop

New (vintage) shirts listed in the Urban Camp Supply Co. Etsy shop

1960s Vintage Pendleton Plaid Wool Flannel Red & Blue Western with Pearl Buttons

Wrangler Red & Grey Plaid Flannel Work Shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Flannel Green & Red Shirt

Rainy Days

I've been sick for the last few days, sleeping on and off on my couch while watching horror films or -- I'll admit it -- back to back to back episodes of House Hunters. I made a treasury on Etsy that seemed to fit for a nice cozy, rainy day -- hopefully not everyone has to be sick on the couch to enjoy a bit of down time.

View this treasury on Etsy

A Beautiful Place to Be

A reminder that even the simplest landscape can be stunning.

outdoors from vkraynov on Vimeo.

Company: Poler Stuff

I love this company, their stuff, and the videos they make about it all.

Quiet Camp Vibes from Poler Outdoor Stuff on Vimeo.

Camp Vibes - Raft from Poler Outdoor Stuff on Vimeo.

I'd take either one of these locations in a heartbeat right now, but the rain on the city streets outside isn't half bad, either.