Happy Thursday! Happy Leap Day!! It’s the last Thursday of the month so I am linking up with Holly and Patty to answer 10 fun seasonal questions. I love thinking about my answers and seeing everyone else’s answers, too!

In January, we talked about winter self-care.

This month we are talking about surviving the winter months.

1. What do you do in the winter that brings you joy?

I soak in any sunshine I can.

We are all home more in the winter and we have more family time to watch a movie or show together, play a game, or do a puzzle.

Of course, reading brings me joy in the winter.

2. How do you stay warm and cozy?

I put my pajamas on as soon as possible! I also love a warm blanket.

I always have a cardigan within reach!

3. What are you looking forward to this winter?

Thank goodness we only have 19 days left of official winter! I have some fun planned in those 19 days though. I am going to an author event to meet someone I’ve never met before. Jack has his first high school golf match. Luke might have his first lacrosse game of the year.

4. Favorite wintertime activities?

Hopping on a plane to somewhere (that is supposed to be) warm.

I love swim meets in the winter because they are always warm and it’s so fun to cheer on the boys!

5. Favorite months of winter?

I love December for all the lights and Christmas fun! I also like March, even though it can be a love hate relationship sometimes. I love that the sun is shining for longer in March. We get glimmers of warmer weather. The first flowers and buds start to show up in March. We also get right into our spring schedules in March and they give me hope that summer will be here soon!

6. Favorite dishes to make in the winter?

I like warm, hearty dishes in the winter. I’ve been making chili a good bit. I am pretty excited to try a few new recipes. We just had our chili cookoff at school and I got a few great recipes to try.

I also love to make tomato soup. I use the Creamy Tomato soup and the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup boxes from Trader Joe’s. I also add a Boursin cheese to the soup pot and let it melt in there. I think I got the idea from Andrea. It is so flavorful and filling. We usually have it with sandwiches or a salad. All four of us eat it and it makes a bunch.

7. Gas or wood burning fireplace?

Nope! Absolutely not! We don’t have a fireplace and I do not like the smell of fire. I feel like it clings to my hair, clothes, purse, everything and I can smell it forever.

8. Favorite winter hot beverage?

I love Tazo wild sweet orange tea. If I’m going to Starbucks, I like their honey citrus mint tea, aka the medicine ball. If I’m looking for a grown up hot beverage, hot chocolate with peppermint vodka is pretty yummy!

9. Favorite winter movies?

I have a few Christmas movies that I love, but I don’t really have any winter movies that I can think of.

10. How do you stay healthy in the winter?

I work really hard to keep up with my exercise routine. I go for at least a 30 minute powerwalk (about 2 miles) and do weight training most days. I’ve added more yoga and pilates into my workout routines because they feel good these days.

I have been monitoring my screen time and scrolling pretty carefully lately. I find that in the winter I am much more apt to scroll on my phone because I don’t want to go outside in the cold and we have more time at home. Honestly, I was feeling a little down and decided to cut back a lot of my screen time. I think it has helped quite a bit. Now that I am feeling better, I am working on finding a good balance because I enjoy reading and commenting on a bunch of blogs and accounts.

I have to pay extra attention to our fruits and veggie consumption. In the spring and summer, we eat so many fruits and veggies because they are in season and go with the meals I make then. Since I got my salad spinner for Christmas, we have eaten so many more salads and it feels good!

That was fun! I’m on the lookout for a winter movie that someone loves! Here’s hoping we all have some spring weather heading our way soon! Have a great day full of sunshine and books!