10 Tips For Getting Your Home And Family Ready For Winter

I'm sure many of you aren't thinking of winter yet, but up here in the North, Fall is a short lived season and Winter is already on most of our minds.  There's been snow up in the mountains for the last couple of weeks, and any day we could wake up to it in our yard as well.

With that being said, we've been trying to take advantage of the nice weather we are having and we're trying to get a few things done around here, so we're ready for winter... even if it comes in the Fall.

Here are 10 tips for getting your home and family ready for winter.

Wash Windows

With it being so cold out for the next 7 months, I'll be spending a lot of time inside.  I don't want to be looking out through dirty windows, so I like to have my windows washed on both the inside and out each Fall.  I don't mind washing the inside windows myself, but I pay someone to come wash the outside windows.  You won't find me climbing up a tall ladder unless I absolutely have to.

Stock The Woodpile

For us, it's already cold outside and will be until May.  Having our woodpile ready is so important.

Spray For Spiders And Bugs

With it getting colder outside, I think the bugs want in my house even more.  Bugs and I don't habitat well together, so I had pest control come spray our house again.  I usually have them come every Spring and Fall.

Freshen Up Or Clean Extra Bedding Or Blankets

You may be bringing your flannel sheets out for the season, or maybe you're putting a few more blankets on the bed.  It's probably time to freshen those up or even wash them first.  I know some people don't mind the smell of linen in the closet, but I prefer to have them smelling fresh.

Stock Up On Pantry Staples

I don't mind the snow nearly as much if I can stay inside where it's warm and cozy.  That being said, I don't want to have to run to the grocery store for a can of tomato sauce, or a can of beans.  I like to have my pantry as stocked as I can.  No, it won't be stocked for winter, but if I can stock up on some of those staples, chances are I won't be going to the store nearly as often.

Organize And Clean The Garage

It's time to make sure all the summer toys are stored away, and that you can find your rakes, snow shovels, your sleds and any other Fall or winter item you might need.

Clean Up The Yard

One of my favorite things about getting ready for Winter is looking out into my yard and knowing that if it snows, my yard is ready.  I don't like when the snow surprises us, and all of our yard items are covered in snow. 

Organize Movies, Board Games, And Puzzles

I don't know if you guys are like us, but the movies we watch in the winter are different than the movies we might watch in the summer.  You can pull all your favorites forward and move the other ones to the back.

Board games and puzzles don't get used very often during the warmer months, so if we set our favorite games in a closet nearby, we are more likely to get them out and use them.  As far as puzzles go, we usually put one up the first of Fall and we have one going until the weather gets nice again in the Spring.

Invest In A Couple Of New Books

I love having a couple of good books lying around the house, so when I get a few minutes of quiet time, I can snuggle up and read.  

Outfit Your Family

Whether you want to be out in the snow or not, chances are you will be at some point.  Check your winter gear and make sure you and your family are ready.  Does everyone's boots, coats, snowpants, and such still fit.  It's better to buy these things ahead of time, so when the snow finally comes your way you are ready!




What do you like to do in the Fall to make sure that you are ready for winter?

XO, 

Happy Friday!

I have yet to get tired of saying, "It's Friday!" or "Happy Friday!" and I hope that I never do!

So, on that note... Happy Friday my friends!  :)


Over on Instagram this week, I posted my favorite little corner in the house.

This little corner is always cozy to me, but with a bit of holiday/fall decor, it feels even cozier!


I picked up this cute little throw pillow last weekend from a boutique and I love it!
Here is a similar one.



Speaking of things I'm loving... I thought I'd share a few Fall pieces that would be perfect for this time of year.

Feel free to pin this away for later!

~ONE~

This tee looks cute and comfy. 

I'm a big fan of basic long sleeved tees.  Especially when you throw in cute slits on the sides.

~TWO~

And how fun would this scarf look with it!

I have a lot of different scarves that I love, but something about this one just seems so soft and cozy.

~THREE~

I've been on the hunt for a good pair of distressed jeans, and I think this would be a nice pair.  There isn't too much distressing on them, which I like... but a little bit to give them some character.

~FOUR~

 I have a couple different jackets that are this color of green and they go with so many outfits. 

You could pair this jacket with a fun plaid or solid shirt.  It's seriously the perfect neutral!

~FIVE~

Look at these Wellies... aren't they fun!

I love the higher front and the band around the back.  So cute!

~SIX~

Lastly, I'm loving this bag I love the mixture of brown and black together.  It is guaranteed to pretty much go with any outfit.

Have you done any Fall shopping this year?

For more fun looks, be sure and follow me on Pinterest!

I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika & Narci.

I hope you all have an awesome weekend!

XO,

  
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Happy Friday!

 Happy Friday Friends!

Weekends are definitely a favorite around here.  To celebrate the kick off of the weekend, I'm sharing a few of my favorites from this week.

~ONE~

Football season has started back up, and even though the Seahawks didn't play well at all last game, I'm glad it's that time of year again!  There's something to be said about a lazy Sunday afternoon of football, yummy food, and relaxing with your favorite people!

Do any of you play Fantasy Football?  I wasn't planning on playing again, as I've played the last couple of years, but Dan signed me back up because they needed a couple extra teams.  So what did I do?  Well, my team beat his, this first week.  I wonder if he'll sign me up again next year.  ;)

~TWO~

A blue sky was a favorite!  The smoke moved out of the valley and Monday morning was beautiful!

There was just a bit of smoke by the mountain, but nothing like what we've been bogged in with.  Unfortunately, it didn't last too long... the smoke is back.  Regardless, Monday's blue sky was still a favorite!

~THREE~

 Danielle at Against All Grain

I don't know if any of you have food restrictions... if you do, I would highly recommend following Danielle on Instagram.  We eat a lot of gluten free foods around here, because one of my kiddos has to.  And let's face it, if I'm going to make dinner it's going to be something that everyone can eat.  Who has time to make two separate meals, and honestly how sad would that be for her to feel excluded.  So... all this to say, I have loved following Danielle and getting everyday tips and tricks, plus tons of fun recipes.

~FOUR~

I shared this scarf with you guys a week or so ago.  Well, in the mean time it finally arrived and I love it!  It is so soft, light weight and it was only $19.   This is not an affiliated link, it's just me telling you how seriously pretty a scarf is.  You're welcome!  ;)

~FIVE~

 
Yesterday I shared my chili recipe.  Be sure to head over and check it out.
It's simple and delicious, and the best thing is you can mix things up a bit to make it your own.  Personally, I like my chili with a bit of a kick, as where my family prefers it on the milder side.  The possibilities are endless, but with this recipe, you've got your layout set so you're free to play around.

Well, that's it for me today.

What's a favorite of yours from the week?

Linking up today with Andrea, Erika & Narci.

 Enjoy your weekend my friends!

XO,