The Fresh Perspective

Mental prep for hibernation.

As much as we might not want to admit to it quite yet, its inevitable that the colder days are coming. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but we gotta face reality. The best way to go into this is to mentally prepare for the changing seasons. A little bit harder than heading into a heatwave, Winter has its strengths (even if weaknesses full on take the lead).

Warm Summer days and nights always make me feel as though I have to get outside and do something. Whether that’s going for a run, sitting on a patio, or catching up with a friend on a nice walk. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being outside and love any sort of activity, but there is a part of me that is ready to mentally prep for the Winter months.

Winter evenings can be filled with all sorts of goodness. I myself am looking forward to prepping some heavier, warmer meals, like chili or even some sheppards pie for a change? I also have a vegan partner so I get to try all sorts of spins on these traditional meals. There’s a tasty vegan option for literally (…almost) ev-er-y-thing. If you need ideas, holla.

Along with some heavier meals, I also love a good documentary or show. When it’s too cold to go outside there is absolutely zero guilt to stay in all night, snack and layer up under umpteen blankets for the night. I mean, you gotta put on a tiny bit of winter cushion to fight that chill….right?

Ok, so along with the obvious eating and watching TV, I think going into a new season is a great time to get a fresh start on a few things. Whether that’s redecorating your living space, parting ways with some clutter, making a list of new goals, making a new savings plan, or plan your next vacation. At the top of my goal list, is to save for a house (or shack…depending on how savings go). So my Winter will be a cheap one, which can still be exciting. Outings don’t have to be expensive all the time, or just let yourself have a couple of treat days so you’re not heading straight toward the Winter blues.

Take these next few weeks to think about what types of hobbies you want to pick up this Fall/Winter season. Allow yourself days to rest and relax, and also don’t be afraid to get creative - DIY spa nights, card making nights with friends, prep a big meal you can freeze to save some for another day, journal, read, exercise (try the Nike Training App!). And most important of all, if you feel yourself getting into a Winter rut, talk to a friend! Talk, cry, laugh it out and move past it - snap back into appreciating the season and all that you have to be thankful for.

What sorts of things do you look forward to in the Winter? What do you dread, and how do you resolve it?

-that’s the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective...

If you are into music, I’m sure you have your own collection of summer tunes. Whether it’s just the songs that are playing on the radio all summer or some nostalgic playlist from summers past, summer music is all about making you feel as good as the sun does!

Summer is supposed to be a happy time when we all get to indulge in the fun activities that we’re deprived of all winter. Naturally, this must come with a soundtrack. I definitely believe that many artists strategically release certain tracks for that exact purpose. I remember “I’ve Got a Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas coming out June 2009 and was easily the song of the summer. This can set a tone for good vibes every time it comes on, for the entire summer.

When it comes to music, nostalgia has a strong pull on how it makes us feel. It can be music your parents played on that summer road trip as a kid or the playlist you curated for all your friends when you graduated high school. Anytime those songs come on, you’re instantly brought back to that moment. When that memory comes with a blazing sun and happy feelings, that song can bring you summer vibes in the middle of January!

Whatever your motivation for summer tunes is, now’s the time to set the tone! The weather’s warmer and we’re spending more time outdoors. Start building that playlist now!

-that’s the fresh perspective…

Wordless Wednesday

Picnic season is here & we LOVE it.

Monday Blog

Dating ain’t easy, but this could help!

Hit up a patio and relax

• There are some great patios around the city! To name a few, Cibo on Waterfront, Infernos, and The Roost rooftop patio… (Also, looking for more suggestions always)

• Rumor’s Comedy Club

  • Hear me out - I know stand up comedy is not everybody’s jam but seriously… What’s a better way to loosen up a little bit than laughing your brains out to start out the night? Scope out their calendar to see who’s coming up in the near future, I’ve never had a bad time. I guess just double check your date is into it, as sometimes people get real uncomfortable.

• Go for a bike ride

  • Even bike ride to a patio! Even better!

• A romantic stroll through Leo Mol Garden

  • So cute. Casual stroll on a warm summer evening. Can’t go wrong! Even smarter? Start the walk off at Sargent Sundae and grab a treat for the walk.

• Deluca’s cooking class

  • I personally have not done this, but have only heard great things. Good food, great company, perfect combo.

Hit up your fun friends for a double date

• This is perfect at any stage of your relationship. If it’s early on it’s a great way to feel comfortable immediately since you’re paired with some of your close friends for the evening. And, they could also pump your tires a little bit which is a win.

• Goldeyes Baseball Game

  • These games are so affordable and always a good time! Could be fun to go with a group of friends as well.

• Movie in the park

  • A smart piece of advice is to check out the mosquito situation prior to committing to this. The last scenario you want to be in is getting really irritated to the point of crying because the bugs just won’t quit. (Maybe a little extreme, but hey, we all have our days).

That is my go to list for dates here in the city. I hope it helps! If you have suggestions or other go to creative ideas, leave a comment! Whether it’s a first date or a 50th date, we all need to spend some time with the ones we love…or just like ;).

-Freshair

Wordless Wednesday

Plants make us smile!

The Fresh Perspective...

You wake up, it’s dark. You get off work, it’s dark. If it’s sunny out, it’s dangerously cold. Winnipeg winter’s are challenging in so many ways. When the elements are literally working against you, it can seem inevitable that many of us start to feel the winter blues.

It can feel like such a chore to even leave the house in winter. Between bundling up, warming up your car and the slow, dangerous driving, we spend a lot of extra time getting from point A to point B. This can make it that much harder to leave your home if you don’t absolutely have to. It can feel comforting to just stay home and be cozy with Netflix but after a few months of this, it’s hard not to feel lonely and claustrophobic.

Some things that can help lift your spirits and keep you sane through the rest of the season are:

• Start to pay attention to how many more minutes of sun we are getting each day. We forget that the shortest day is long behind us. It can make you feel more hopeful when you notice that we are getting more daylight already!

• Start a list of things you want to do once the snow starts to melt or we get warmer temperatures. Having something to focus on and look forward to can keep your spirits up.

• Try to do one activity or task that gets you out of your house and PJs to break up your day. It doesn’t have to be anything adventurous. Grab a coffee or visit a friend. It can feel good to get out and accomplish something before you have a lazy evening doing nothing.

It can seem like winter will never end but it always does. If we’re always wishing away half the year, then we can’t complain when summer seems to fly by as well. This is just a part of living where we do. All we can control is our attitude, so try to stay positive and embrace the season!

-the fresh perspective…