It’s been a tough winter for many. Droughts on the west coast, snow where it’s rare (poor Atlanta, man) and here in the Midwest, record-breaking amounts of snowfall. Winter has only recently begun to loosen its grip on us. I don’t like complaining about the weather, though, so instead I try to focus on the things I love about winter. The things I’ll miss when it’s gone. Namely the gorgeous winter sunlight that streams in our windows each morning and the pastel sunsets. The fact that we’re all forced to slow down a bit on the roads, cook a little more from the pantry and snuggle under the covers a bit longer is nice. Looking back, the winter has been good to me.

Olo Fragrance samples! My current favorite is Valens which I like to think smells just like hugging Ralph Lauren in a cashmere sweater.

Our little fridge at work broke and I like my water cold. Snow to the rescue.

Our downtown area covers the buildings in lights after Thanksgiving and it’s pretty at night.

One of my snow walks.

Megan and I went to Rock City Eatery together and had mac n’ cheese in a parmesan bowl. Naturally.

The pretty snow in my parents’ backyard at Christmas.

I dragged Marc and my Dad to the beach on Christmas Eve, but it was so lovely.

Clouds during one of my snow walks in my hometown.

This Everything Focaccia is one my favorite things in the world. Time to make it again.

Hot chocolate for two.

Making your own pizza and having it come out beautiful and delicious is completely satisfying.

We had a snow day and I made my first batch of baked oatmeal with dried fruit. It was tasty!

This Cannellini Bean Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette helped brighten some cold days.

I tried making that crazy snow ice cream and it was a nice treat. Marc thought it was weird that I was harvesting snow from the backyard.

We said goodbye to Cindy (who just moved to Portland!) with a trip to Slow’s BBQ in Detroit and I love this photo outtake. I still have no idea what we were looking at! Cindy, Amy, me and Megan.

This is my second Tortilla Girl knit hat because I love them so.

This Kale Slaw recipe is a real winner. I think it will make a good side for Easter dinner.

A cider mill opened a tasting room for hard ciders and wine in the winter. We had fun night tasting them all with friends.

Dark chocolate popovers are really pretty.

Taking MLK Day off with Marc and eating at La Feria was just what we needed.

And a trip to the DIA afterward was a great way to spend an afternoon.

When you buy a pair of Imogene + Willie jeans (which are the best jeans on the planet), you get a few free repairs. They sent this sweet little note along with Marc’s jeans that needed a pocket hole fixed. The jeans are returned lovingly wrapped in tissue and tied up with charming denim scraps.

I’ve become a bit obsessed with little organizer bins.

This Cod with Spicy Tumeric Coconut Sauce and Baby Bok Choy is simple, yet delcious.

If you have a waffle maker, you really must make these Blood Orange and Vanilla Waffle Donuts.

I picked up these cupcakes for the ladies at work. Just a little Galentine’s celebration. Flavors were vanilla white chocolate, bumpy cake (chocolate, marshmallow and ganache), raspberry and chocolate peanut butter.