11 Natural Ways to Support the Winter Blues
The colder weather and darker days can result in increased fatigue and gloominess. I know that I struggle once the skies turn gray and Seasonal Affective Disorder starts to wreck havoc on me. That being said there’s some natural ways I have found that help me stay out of the winter blues and I’m sharing them with you today.
11 Natural Ways to Support the Winter Blues
- Get outside in the morning
- Stay hydrated
- Learn something new
- Play uplifting music
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
- Slow down, and give yourself permission to rest
- Exercise
- Seek natural light
- Spend less time on social media/your phone
- Consider a vitamin D supplement
- Use aromatherapy like essential oils
February Bucket List 2024
Happy February! In today’s post I am sharing 29 (yes, it’s a leap year!) way to romanticize each day with hearts, pink, flowers and more.
- Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, start the month off right by indulging in some dark chocolate.
- Spend some time planning Valentine’s themed outfits. Think pink, red and hearts.
- Add a little romance to your life, and make some homemade pasta. It’s so much easier than you think.
- It’s soup day, so head to Pinterest and discover a new one to make or make a tried and true favorite.
- Look for an igloo to dine in.
- Grab some chopsticks and indulge in sushi. My favorite is salad sushi.
- Treat yourself to some flowers. I love purchasing them from Trader Joe’s.
- It’s National Pizza Day. Order some place new, try some new toppings or make your own heart shaped pizza at home.
- Go bowling.
- Give your skin some love this winter. I am trying out Tallow Me Pretty skincare products. So far I am LOVING the Tallow Me Pretty Peppermint Lip Balm.
- It’s Superbowl Sunday! Sport your team colors and make some delicious gameday snacks. I love honey bbq cauliflower wings.
- Go cross country skiing. Many Metroparks rent cross country skis. Want to adventure off the beaten path? Try out Altai Skis.
- Happy Galentine’s Day girlies. Have a fun day with girlfriends: craft, shopping, baking…etc.
- Happy Valentine’s Day! I absolutely love Valentine’s Day, yes even when i’m single. Do something nice for yourself: buy some flowers, make chocolate covered strawberries, cupakes
- Bake some homemade cinnamon rolls.
- Enjoy a winter bonfire.
- February is dark and cold. Light some candles, and get cozy while you watch a romantic movie. Don’t forget the snacks.
- Give a new hobby a try. I just purchased this 30 Day Sampler Embroidery Kit to try this month.
- Set the winter blues aside and take a cooking class. I love classes at Sur La Table.
- Go for a wintery hike.
- Eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to before.
- Browning bananas on the counter? Make some banana bread.
- Take a yoga class and find some calm.
- Do a fun craft project with girlfriends.
- Treat yourself to a smoothie.
- Take a winter trip to the zoo and visit the polar bears.
- It’s National Floral Design Day. Create your own gorgeous arrangement or purchase one from your favorite florist.
- Get outside and go snowshoeing.
- It’s a leap year, take advantage of the extra day by doing something for yourself today.
Coming to Detroit: Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars GIVEAWAY
Detroiters, have you heard the news? Disney on Ice is coming back to Little Caesars Arena for an unforgettable performance. Disney on Ice presents Magic In The Stars will be in Detroit Thursday, February 15th through Sunday, February 18th, 2024 and based on the media release pictures it looks like it is going to be the show you do not want to miss. How would you like to go to the performance for FREE?! I thought you might. That’s why i’m going away a family five-pack of tickets below. Good luck! Want to guarantee that you get seats?! Grab your tickets today at 313presents.com.
Disney on Ice presents Magic In The Stars
Thursday, February 15th, 2024 through Sunday, February 18th, 2024
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Grab your tickets today!
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars where every story begins with a wish. This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice visits Little Caesars Arena from Thursday, February 15 through Sunday, February 18, 2024. Get tickets now at 313presents.com!
5 Things to Know Before Seeing Wicked in Detroit
We all know The Wizard of Oz story; ruby slippers, a yellow brick road, flying monkeys, and of course the witches of Oz. While Wicked offers the untold story of the witches of Oz. You’ll learn why Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) has green skin, and how she got that pointy hat. Plus, you’ll also learn how two unlikely friends end up becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Wicked returned to the Detroit Opera House in downtown Detroit this week, if you know me, you know I couldn’t miss seeing the show while it’s in town. You can check it out now through February 18th, 2024.
Purchase your tickets to see Wicked in Detroit at BroadwayinDetroit.com.
I have seen Wicked a whopping 13 times, in various cities, and while no performance will EVER come close to the first time I saw Wicked with the original company (Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel) I couldn’t be happier to tell you that this performance is definitely my second favorite. The entire company is incredible, but I have to shout out these two ladies not only are their vocals unreal, but they are performers!
Celia Hottenstein plays Glinda, and she is the BEST Glinda I have seen aside from Kristin Chenoweth. Her voice would make Ms. Chenoweth so incredibly proud.
Olivia Valli plays Elphaba and I have seen her in a few other shows (not Wicked) prior to this. I have always loved her performances and I truly think she excels as Elphaba. I was STOKED to see her in this role.
Before you head to the Detroit Opera House to see this spectacular performance here are 5 things to know before seeing Wicked that’ll make your experience more enjoyable.
5 Things To Know Before Seeing Wicked (from someone who has seen the show 13 times)
1. Play the Detroit Wicked Lucky Seats Digital Lottery
Let’s face it, tickets to see Wicked are expensive, but with the Wicked Lucky Seats digital lottery, you’re given the opportunity to win a pair of tickets with a price tag that will not break the bank. The digital lottery gives fans the chance to purchase a limited number of $31 tickets (including Lucky Seat fees) available per performance. To submit an entry for lottery tickets to Wicked in Detroit visit www.luckyseat.com.
2. Buy Your Detroit Parking Ahead of Time
The Detroit Opera House is located in the heart of downtown Detroit, and like any major city, parking is limited. I purchased nearby parking that was only a 3-minute walk from the doors, this was especially nice because the show finished at 10:30 pm and I was able to quickly make it back to my car.
3. Make Dinner Reservations
Yes, there are a plethora of restaurants near the Detroit Opera House with all types of cuisine and price points. However, Detroit is a happening place. If you have a specific restaurant in mind making a reservation will guarantee to get in and out in a timely manner. Even Eminem’s joint Mom’s Spaghetti had an HOUR alley wait (they do not take reservations you order in the alley).
4. Arrive Early to the Detroit Opera House
Typically arriving at least 30 minutes before the start of the show is a good enough amount of time to get through security, bag check, get your ticket scanned, go to the bathroom, and get to your seat. If you want food or merchandise these lines are substantially longer (I waited 45 minutes in the merch line) so be sure to plan accordingly. The first 15 minutes of the show are extremely important to the storyline. Plus, if you arrive late, the ushers may not let you in until the opening number is over (standard theatre etiquette).
4. Wicked is a Long Show, Plan Accordingly.
Wicked is a 2-hour and 45-minute show with a 15-minute intermission. I highly recommend using the restroom BEFORE the show starts. Especially since the first act is almost 90 minutes.
5. Watch The Wizard of Oz Before Going
You do not need to be a Wizard of Oz expert to appreciate Wicked. Even if you don’t watch it beforehand, you’ll still enjoy the show. That being said, if you are familiar with the music, storyline, and a few of the famous lines from the 1939 film, you’ll have a better connection with Wicked. Plus, you’ll “get” all the subtle, jokes, puns, and references when you see/hear them in the musical.
Wicked is playing at the Detroit Opera House in Downtown Detroit through February 18th, 2024, and will give you a newfound appreciation for the Wicked Witch of the West.
Purchase your tickets through Broadway in Detroit.
5 Solo Date Ideas That Will Help You Romanticize Winter
Winter has its way of reminding single people that we are—well, single.
A few of my friends have found themselves single leading up to Valentine’s Day and have made comments that there is nothing to do during the cold-weather months unless you have a plus one. I am here to let you know that you don’t need to be “cuffed” during the winter to enjoy the season. This season think about romancing yourself. After all, no one knows you quite like you do.
There are so many ways to treat yourself well during the colder months. For me, Valentine’s Day is my absolute favorite (yes, even when I am single). I love all the pink and hearts and always get myself something that will make me happy during the most dreadful time of the year.
If you’re not ready to spoil yourself for Valentine’s Day, I have some other great ideas that allow you to enjoy your own company through solo dates. I’m here to remind you, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy the snow solo. In fact, here are five solo date ideas for the wintertime that will ensure a fun-filled season.
5 Solo Date Ideas That Will Help You Romanticize Winter
Go for a snowy walk
If you live somewhere it snows, take advantage of it! Whether taking a walk in the snow literally means strapping on a pair of snowshoes, snapping into cross-country skis, or strolling around city streets, get out there and enjoy winter.
Pro Tip: Some cities offer wintery lantern hikes.
Take yourself ice skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity that most of us picture doing with a partner, but instead, why not do it yourself? No matter where you are, it is likely there’s a skating rink indoors or outdoors somewhere around you. I love ice skating, and finally put my big girl snow pants on and went out on my own, and let me tell you the experience was fantastic.
Pro Tip: Some outdoor skating rinks offer hot cocoa to give you a full romantic moment for yourself.
Make a meal with seasonal winter ingredients
Yes, summer and fall get all the hype for the delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables, but you can still cook seasonally outside of the harvest season. Fill your cart with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, cruciferous veggies, and of course citrus! Then head into the kitchen, light a candle, and turn up some music as you get creative.
Pro Tip: Soups are a great way to use seasonal produce. And you can make a delicious salad with a citrus dressing.
Take yourself to a fancy dinner
Something that I NEVER thought I would enjoy is going to a fancy restaurant solo, but I actually kind of love it. Make yourself a reservation, order something nice, don’t forget dessert, and just enjoy the moment.
Pro Tip: Most of the time they’ll try to seat you at the bar, I always politely decline and ask for a table.
Go see a movie
When it comes to solo date ideas that you can do today without any prior planning, a trip to the movies is the perfect choice (and one of my favorites). Some of the best movies come out during the cooler months. Get yourself some delicious movie treats and enjoy the evening alone.
Fashion meets Food 