In cool weather, staying comfortable is a top priority — from the clothes and shoes you wear to the food you put on your family’s table.
Here, lifestyle experts explain their personal techniques for staying cozy all season long:
No Shoes Policy
Avoid tracking the outside elements into the interiors of your home. A no-shoes policy in the house can help. Keep a shoe rack by the door of your house to encourage family and guests to remove their shoes upon arrival. You can make the policy stick more easily by supplying your family with weather-appropriate shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
“We keep a small basket of Crocs by our sliding door to the backyard. It’s easy for the kids to grab their pair, so they can go outside,” says lifestyle blogger Kacia Hosmer of Coconut Robot.
Though known as a summer shoe, she cites some of the brand’s newer styles, such as Baya Heathered Fuzz Lined Clog, as being cool weather-friendly and a good fit that stay on one’s feet.
Simple Meals
With energy-zapping seasonal afflictions an ever-looming threat, your energy levels can be as unpredictable as the weather. But cooking your family wholesome foods that evoke warmth and comfort doesn’t need to be complex or tiring.
“Since I’ve been under the weather, I didn’t really feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen,” says Stephanie Keeping of Spaceships and Laser Beams, who of late has turned to simple recipes that can satisfy hunger morning, noon or night.
One dish recipes like stews or chili are great for incorporating seasonal vegetables with minimal fuss.
Dress for Comfort, Stylishly
The temperatures may be dipping but that’s no reason why you can’t remain at the intersection of comfort and style. Seek out good quality outerwear. The key is finding favorites that look good with everything, work well no matter what activity your family is doing, and will last year in and year out.
And it all starts with shoes. Especially for moms who want to quickly slip something on when running out to pick up the kids from after-school activities or racing around for last-minute errands.
“If you know flats, you know not every flat is a very comfortable one,” says Jenny Ingram, the family blogger behind Jenny on the Spot. But Ingram and her daughters have been sporting Crocs Mammoth Bow Flats, a discovery she calls “winning the simple and comfy lottery.”
When it comes to shoes for kids, parenting experts recommend fuss-free shoes designed for a lot of activity. “Let’s just say that tying shoes is not top on his priority list. Crocs Kids Bump-It Shoes have been his shoes of choice since they arrived and they are keeping up with all his outdoor neighborhood activities,” says Camille Gabel from the family and parenting blog Growing Up Gabel.
With the right head-to-toe gear and the right mindset, you can stay cozy all season long.
(StatePoint)