A photo journal of the coastal landscape in January in the Northeast. January brought numerous snowstorms, and I couldn’t keep myself from taking a winter beach walk despite how cold it was. Blanketed in snow, the beach is peaceful and also mysterious. It felt so far from summer days, but also served as a quiet reminder that the ocean’s beauty doesn’t depend on warmth or summer crowds. The beach is beautiful in all seasons. Despite the below-freezing temperatures, I bundled up and headed down the path to the beach, trudging through the snow. But I wasn’t the first one to step onto the beach after the storm, for in front of me was a collection of deer prints — signs of life across the vacant landscape. It was so cold that the water had frozen in the more shallow areas, and waves were freezing as they lapped the shore. With the wind chill, the temperature must’ve felt in the single digits. Despite my hands going numb, I was able to snap some photos with the help of touchscreen gloves. The beach in winter feels both familiar and unexpected. Here are some snapshots from a winter beach walk that I took after a snowstorm in January. Winter beach walk photos 1. My first view of the beach as I reached the top of the beach path. The sea looked extra blue against the snow. 2. Looking across the frozen water of a more shallow inlet to a snow-covered beach. The water is frozen in a beautiful blue. 3. A close-up of more icy frozen water. I can’t remember the last time that I saw the water freeze like this. Related: How to Make the Most of Winter When You’re a Summer Person 4. It was so cool to see the waves freezing as they reached the snow on the beach. The tide was coming in. 5. It was interesting to see how the snow had gathered on the beach grass. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds Winter at the beach is something that most people don’t have the opportunity to see. Unless you live near the coast, chances are you aren’t making a trip to the beach during the winter months, instead visiting during the warm summer months when you can enjoy the best of what the beach has to offer. There’s beauty to be found at the beach any time of year, including in the middle of January after a snowstorm. Although almost guaranteed to be empty, the beach in winter shows us that there is still life and movement all around. With deer tracks in the snow, seagulls flying overhead, and the never-ending coming and going of the waves, it almost feels as if this quiet season allows the coastline to restore itself after working so hard to bring us joy during the rest of the year. I hope you’ve enjoyed my winter beach walk photo journal and that it offers a new perspective and appreciation for the coastal landscape during the coldest season. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Winter Beach Walk Photo Journal to Refer Back To Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this winter beach walk photo journal. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Instagram and on Pinterest for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photo Journal: A Winter Beach Walk Which of these winter beach photos is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Embrace the frost with these cool winter nail colors. Table of Contents: While I’m not the biggest fan of the cold, I can’t deny there’s something magical about winter. The coziness of a chunky knit sweater, the comforting warmth of a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and the way snowflakes twinkle under streetlights on a chilly evening. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, bundle up, and embrace all things cozy and comforting. Just as we reach for our favorite scarf or sweater, our nails deserve their own seasonal touch, too. Winter nail polish colors, inspired by the season’s frosty colors and snowy sparkle, can transform your look and bring a little extra joy to even the coldest days. Whether you’re drawn to icy blues, rich jewel tones, sophisticated neutrals, or shimmery metallics, there’s a shade to match your ideal winter aesthetic. In this post, I’m diving into the world of winter nail polish, exploring the best colors and shades that perfectly capture the season. From frosty silvers and light blues that mirror the icy beauty of snow-covered mornings, to rich, moody jewel tones that bring a touch of elegance to cozy evenings, you’ll find a range of perfect wintery colors to choose from. These shades aren’t just stunning, they’re versatile enough to complement various nail length and shape trends, no matter if you’re rocking short nails, elegant almond shapes, or square tips. Whether you prefer bold winter shades or understated, muted tones, there’s something here for every personal style to keep your nails looking fabulous all winter. Find the perfect color for your winter nails with these stunning seasonal shades. The Best Nail Polish Colors for Winter Nails Scroll down to see all four nail polish color groups. Use this nail polish guide to help you choose winter nail polish colors during the months of December, January, February, and March. This list focuses on the season of winter instead of on seasonal holidays. 1. Cold & Snowy Colors for Winter Nails Wintery silver, frosty blue, and snowy white nail polish shades perfectly capture the essence of winter, mirroring the snowy landscapes and sparkling ice that define the winter season. These cool tones have a crisp, refreshing feel, making them ideal for adding frosty elegance to your look during the colder months. Silver shades bring a sleek, metallic shimmer reminiscent of frosted windows, while whites and icy blues channel the serene beauty of snow-covered mornings. Together, they create a palette that feels both modern and timeless. Wintery Silvers Silver nail polish adds a sleek, metallic shimmer that pairs effortlessly with any outfit, elevating both casual looks and evening wear that feels effortlessly glamorous. Recommended nail polish colors: Frosty Blues Frosty winter blues bring a serene, icy charm to nails. Lighter blues evoke the beauty of frozen lakes and shadowy snow-dusted lawns, while dark blues look like shadowy snow and clear winter night skies. Recommended nail polish colors: Snowy Whites White captures the crisp elegance of freshly fallen snow and shimmering icicles, offering a clean and timeless look that suits any winter style. Recommended nail polish colors: 2. Jewel Tone Colors for Winter Nails Jewel tones are colors that are modeled after precious gemstones, like emerald green, amethyst purple, garnet red, and ruby red. Gemstones are considered symbolic of wealth, luxury, and status. Similar dark, saturated colors also fall into the jewel tone family and work just as well for winter nail colors. Give these shades a try if you want to add a touch of luxury to your winter aesthetic. Winter Greens In addition to emerald, deep greens also work well for winter because they give a nod to pine trees, one of the only trees that stay green during winter. Recommended nail polish colors: Deep Purples You can’t go wrong with shades of deep purple and plum, which look like a clear early night sky in winter. (Side note: Get a free wintery night sky phone wallpaper here — see number 10 in the list). Purple is also a color associated with royalty. Recommended nail polish colors: Moody Reds Burgundy, pomegranate, red wine, and ruby are all shades of red that will pair well with your winter outfits. Recommended nail polish colors: Related: How to Build a Fall & Winter Coastal Capsule Wardrobe 3. Subtly Sophisticated Colors for Winter Nails For understated elegance, try shades of blush pink, taupe, and gray for your winter nails. These colors feel cozy and versatile. They’ll look great paired with your comfiest winter sweaters. Recommended nail polish colors: Winter Blushes Blush and mauve add a soft, romantic touch to winter, pairing well with cozy neutrals and rich jewel tones. Recommended nail polish colors: Cashmere Taupes Cashmere and taupe are soft, neutral tones that bring a cozy, understated elegance to winter, reminiscent of warm sweaters and wintery tree branches. Recommended nail polish colors: Cold Day Grays Gray is a versatile and quietly sophisticated winter color that evokes cold overcast skies and the soft warmth of cozy blankets. Recommended nail polish colors: 4. Shimmer and Glitter Colors for Winter Nails I can’t think of a more perfect season to wear glitter or shimmer nail polish than winter. They work well for some New Year’s Eve sparkle, but are great all winter, reminiscent of snow falling and the sparkle of warm light hitting winter ice. Cozy Fireplace Metallic Shimmers Gold and copper metallic shimmer colors bring a warm, radiant glow to winter, reminiscent of crackling fires and lights glistening off of the snow. Recommended nail polish colors: Monochromatic Winter Glitters Glitter adds a touch of magic to winter, capturing the sparkle of fresh snow and the twinkle of starry nights. Recommended nail polish colors: Multicolored Frosty Glitters Multicolored glitter reflects dazzling hues much like sparkling snow and ice, creating a mesmerizing effect perfect for winter. Recommended nail polish colors: If you’re enjoying this post about winter nails, check out: 15 Fabulous Fall Nail Polish Colors You Need to Try Winter Nail Care Tips Winter […]

Tips for how to enjoy the winter season when you wish you were sitting on the beach. Table of Contents: For those of us who love summer, who absolutely live for it, the start of winter can feel depressing, with summer seeming incredibly far away. But instead of spending the entire winter feeling down, you can turn the season into an opportunity to set yourself up for an amazing summer, and embrace the extra time to indulge in winter activities. Who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying winter along the way. You can take advantage of the winter season to find activities you enjoy, get your home organized, simplify your life, research and plan trips and vacations for summer, and find new ways to enjoy time with family and friends. Winter is a great time to tackle home projects, embrace hobbies, and rediscover activities that you’ve been wanting to do but didn’t have time for during the rest of the year, which tends to be a busier time while you’re taking advantage of being outdoors in the warm weather, going to the beach or the pool. Here I’m sharing ways you can make the most of winter when you’re a summer person. These are all things I do to occupy my time and energy in winter, giving myself, my life, and my home a much-needed reset and preparing for summer, so when it finally rolls around I’m ready to dive back into all of my favorite activities. Use this guide as inspiration for having a great winter that sets you up for an even better summer. How to Enjoy the Winter Season Use these ideas to make the most of winter — and actually enjoy it — while you wait for summer to come back around. Plan trips and activities for summer Winter is a great time to think about where you want to travel when it gets warmer and who you want to travel with. Start brainstorming vacation locations and activities, plan when you’ll go, and ask friends or family if they’re interested in joining. For some locations, you should book rental homes well in advance, especially if you’re going to a popular location in high season, like a seasonal beach town. Get your home in order Things always feel a little chaotic after the December holidays, don’t they?! Use the winter months to really clean up and declutter every room so you can start spring off with everything feeling fresh. For tips on decluttering your kitchen, check out this post. Make photo books from your summer adventures Your pictures aren’t meant to be stuck in your phone forever. Take the time to load them to your computer, and use one of the many photo book companies to create beautiful books of your previous year’s adventures. Catch up with friends, or join a group or club and make new friends Use this time to reconnect with old friends, whether for coffee, brunch, dinner, or over to your place for a fun hang. If you’re looking to make new friends, try joining a book club or take a weekly fitness class. Focus on self care Prioritize your self care this winter. Reduce stress by taking up meditation or journaling, or take time to relax and recharge by giving yourself the at-home spa treatment: bubble bath, face mask, candles, painting your nails, whatever feels right to you. You can even put a summer spin on it by transporting yourself to a tropical beach with coconut-scented bubble bath, shampoo, or body wash — see the best coconut beauty products that will remind you of beach vacations all year long. If you prefer perfume so you can sniff your wrist throughout the day, check out these coconut perfumes that will transport you to your favorite beach vacation. Find a winter activity you enjoy If you can’t beat them, join them (or so they say). Have you given winter activities a real chance? Ice skating (outdoor or indoor), sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and snowmobiling are just some of the fun winter activities that you might enjoy more than you’d think. Or you could join a winter indoor activity like a bowling league or dance class. Related: 52 Exciting Things to Do in Winter for Adults Get organized Whether tackling your digital clutter or reorganizing a closet, winter is the perfect time to focus on big indoor organization projects. It’s much better to get them out of the way when you’re already feeling stuck inside due to the cold weather, than to need to spend time on these types of projects at other times of the year when you’d rather be outside. Go all-in on hobbies or crafting There are so many different indoor hobbies to enjoy, whether you have favorites that you want to return to or want to try something new. Winter is a great time to fully lean into these hobbies. Maybe you’ll even get ahead of your gift-making for the year, or open an Etsy shop. Create winter traditions or weekly activities you can look forward to When winter seems to drag on, it’s nice to have things to look forward to. Create a taco Tuesday night with family or friends, or a once a month Saturday game nights. There are many options for starting your own traditions. Sign up to volunteer Giving back to your community is always a good use of time. If there’s a charity or organization you’ve been wanting to get involved with, look into signing up as a volunteer. Otherwise, a quick online search should provide you with options. Many organizations don’t require too much of a time commitment, as some only ask that you volunteer once or twice a month at a minimum, so don’t let time restrictions hold you back from looking into it. Work on your “beach body” I don’t really think there’s such a thing as a “beach body,” because every body belongs at the beach (or lake, […]

A list of fun ideas for what to do by yourself on New Year’s Eve at home. Table of Contents: Although TV, movies, and social media might have you thinking you need to be with others to properly celebrate New Year’s Eve, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many people actively turn down invitations because they prefer to have a cozy evening at home. And the older you get, the more likely you’ll choose to stay home and relax over going out. It can actually be really great! There’s not a right or wrong way to spend the new year. While you might experience the fear of missing out (FOMO), you’ll also get to enjoy the comforts of staying in. I used to go out on New Year’s Eve, and now I prefer staying home. I never fully enjoyed being out on NYE because it felt like a letdown — the bars were noisy, seeing fireworks was cold and crowded, restaurants had expensive prix fixe menus. I stayed home one year, and after realizing how much better I liked it, I haven’t gone out on New Year’s Eve since. Granted, I don’t live alone anymore, but I still enjoy spending NYE with many of the activities in this list. The holidays can be busy and stressful, so some years there’s nothing more appealing than being home on your couch in your pajamas to ring in the new year, even if you’ve been invited out. Or maybe your version of a perfect evening is being fast asleep before the ball drops. But it’s also understandable to feel a bit sad or lonely if you’re spending New Year’s Eve alone when you don’t want to be. Whether you’re looking forward to spending New Year’s Eve alone or are disappointed about it, I’m sharing ideas to have an enjoyable day and night that are all about making the most of it and entering the new year on a positive note. These ideas will help you plan the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration from the comfort of your home. Fun Ideas for How to Spend New Year’s Eve Alone at Home You can start your own New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions by choosing a combination of activities you enjoy and celebrating in a way that makes you happy. Treat yourself to a special meal Whether you make a favorite recipe, try something new, or order delivery from a local restaurant, it’s a special occasion, so treat it as such! Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. Even better if it leaves you with delicious leftovers for lunch on New Year’s Day. Watch a movie or binge-watch a TV show You can watch whatever you want since you’re alone! No one to have to agree on what to watch with. Get some fun snacks if that’s your thing, or add on one of the other activities from this list to do while you watch. Watch the NYE concert, ball drop, and fireworks on TV Watch the entire NYE performance from the warmth and comfort of your couch, including the concert, the ball drop, and the fireworks, while remembering how much better it is to be comfortable at home than to be standing in the middle of a cold and crowded Times Square with no bathroom access (IYKYK). Listen to music, watch music videos on YouTube, or play an instrument If you’re not watching something on TV, how about adding music to your night either by listening, watching, or playing? Have a self-care or spa night Choose activities that promote your self care, or have a spa night. Some ideas are a bubble bath, face mask, journaling, paint your nails, meditate, etc. Play video games If you like playing video games, take advantage of this opportunity to play them uninterrupted. You can play with others online if you want to connect with other people. Reflect and look ahead Review your accomplishments from this past year, and write your goals or resolutions for the new year. Is there a trip you want to go on, or a pottery class that you want to take? Is there a bad habit you want to break, or a good habit you want to start? Related: 52 Exciting Things to Do in Winter for Adults Do something artistic Get creative with an art project, like a coloring page for adults, making a painting, drawing, or doing a diamond painting. Make a fun list I’m not talking about a to-do list (although that’s an option), I’m talking about lists you can make for the fun of it, like all of the movies you want to see, your favorite songs of all time, or a travel bucket list. See 250+ list ideas here. Be super lazy and do nothing Sometimes the best thing is just doing nothing! Don’t force yourself to do something on New Year’s Eve just because you feel like you should. Fully relax and recharge by not forcing yourself to do anything at all. Be super energetic and do a workout Start those new year’s resolutions early and get in a home workout before midnight. Have a spiritual night  Do something that feels spiritual to you, whether that means a tarot card reading, cleansing rituals for spiritual renewal, or a smudging to remove negative energy from this past year and invite peace in your space for the new year. Have a special beverage Non-alcoholic or alcoholic, up to you, but treat yourself with something fun to drink. For non-alcoholic, you could mix up a mocktail, or try a new flavor of a fancy seltzer in a fancy glass. For an alcoholic beverage, you could make a cocktail or open a bottle of wine. Try a new craft project or hobby New Year’s Eve at home is the perfect opportunity to try a new craft project or give a new hobby a try. It’s also a great activity to do while you […]

Embrace the cold-weather coastal grandmother aesthetic with a capsule wardrobe that combines warmth, classic style, and simplicity. Table of Contents: What Is a Fall & Winter Capsule Wardrobe? A fall and winter capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing pieces that will keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish during colder weather. It focuses on high-quality, timeless, and versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits while meeting the practical demands of the fall and winter seasons, such as layering and staying protected from the elements. A coastal capsule wardrobe differs from a traditional capsule wardrobe by incorporating relaxed pieces inspired by coastal living, even in colder seasons. It focuses on comfort, classic northeast style, and a neutral, beach-inspired color palette. Benefits of Having a Fall & Winter Capsule Wardrobe Colors for a Fall & Winter Coastal Capsule Wardrobe By sticking to a color palette, it’s easy to mix and match pieces to create many different outfits. By combining neutrals with coordinating colors you can create many clothing combinations. Here are my recommended colors for a coastal wardrobe: Related: 52 Exciting Things to Do in Winter for Adults Key Pieces for a Fall & Winter Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Streamline your closet with these essential pieces that will keep you warm and coastal chic through fall and winter. The items in this winter and fall capsule wardrobe are classic and timeless, prioritizing enduring style over fleeting trends. These classic pieces are available year after year, making it simple to add or replace items as needed. While the specific examples provided here serve as a guide, you’ll find stores offer many similar options that can achieve the same purpose and seamlessly fit into your wardrobe. Tops for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Jeans, Pants, & Leggings for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Dresses & Skirts for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Accessories for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Footwear for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe You might want some or all of these items, depending on where you live. If you live in a city where you walk a lot, or in a location that gets a lot of snow, it’s helpful to have more footwear options in your wardrobe. Outerwear for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe I feel that you can never have too many outerwear styles, especially if you live somewhere like New England where you never know if you’re going to have a 60° day or a 20° day. Loungewear & Pajamas for a Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Related: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas How to Start A Fall & Winter Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Decluttering, Evaluating, & Editing Your Current Wardrobe Building Your Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Maintaining Your Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Related: How to Wear White Sneakers — 6 Easy Outfit Ideas Save These Coastal Capsule Wardrobe Ideas Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to this list of fall and winter coastal capsule wardrobe pieces. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. How to Build a Fall & Winter Coastal Capsule Wardrobe A fall and winter capsule wardrobe offers the perfect balance of warmth, style, and simplicity, meaning you’ll stay comfortable while looking effortlessly coastal chic throughout the colder months. By focusing on high-quality, versatile pieces, you’ll eliminate the stress of decision-making and have a clutter-free closet. Start building your own fall and winter capsule wardrobe and experience the simplicity and ease it brings to your daily routine. With thoughtfully chosen pieces, you can create endless stylish outfits while staying warm and comfortable throughout the fall and winter seasons. With a coastal capsule wardrobe you can have a closet filled with clothing you love, and be able to embrace your best coastal style. What’s most appealing about creating a coastal capsule wardrobe to fit your lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments.

These lighthearted Christmas romance books are perfect for the holiday season. Table of Contents: The Charm of Reading Coastal Christmas Books Beach-themed and coastal Christmas books bring a fun twist to holiday reading, blending a cozy Christmas vibe with the charm of a seaside setting. If you’re like me and love escaping to a coastal village in New England or other quaint seaside towns, these stories are a perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit with a seaside spin. You’ll still feel all the holiday magic of a typical Christmas romance book, just with a coastal twist. There’s something about reading holiday-themed stories that just makes the season feel more complete. I love how these books add a cozy, festive touch to my days, pulling me right into the warmth and wonder of Christmas through their engaging stories. They’re reminiscent of everyone’s favorite holiday TV romance movies, and a perfect way to enhance the holiday spirit, offering a bit of comfort and escapism during this special time of year. The coastal Christmas books in this list bring all the warmth and wonder we crave during the holiday season, set against a variety of beautiful seaside backdrops, like Nantucket, Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, and more. With stories of friendship, family, and love, they capture the heart of what makes the holidays so special, all while transporting you to charming small towns, coastal villages, and seaside celebrations. Whether it’s the cozy charm of a Nantucket winter or the breezy holiday spirit of a beach town, each book offers a perfect escape to enjoy the holiday season a little more fully. Cozy Coastal Christmas Books List Here’s a list of charming coastal holiday romance reads to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your season. A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber When a ferry breaks down in the middle of Puget Sound, Avery and Reed end up having a very different Christmas than they planned. Avery finds herself stuck on board with a mix of passengers who each have their own little dramas going on, and she even meets a sailor who brings a spark of holiday magic back into her life. Meanwhile, Reed is making an unexpected connection of his own. It’s a quick, feel-good read about those inconvenient moments that somehow end up bringing people together in the best way. Print book length: 272 pagesAudiobook length: 5 hours and 22 minutesGenres: Christmas, romance, fiction Summary:A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.Avery and Reed Bond grew up sharing a close-knit relationship, weathering life’s storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother’s relentless matchmaking, while Reed can’t resist teasing his sister—after all, isn’t that what siblings do?Facing their first Christmas without their beloved Grams, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to spend the holiday together at Reed’s home. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when the ferry Avery’s traveling on stalls in the middle of Puget Sound, stranding its passengers and leaving Reed waiting a now undetermined length of time for her arrival. What is at first an inconvenience threatens to ruin the plans of a number of commuters, but Avery and Reed soon discover that this unforeseen delay might end up being be a perfectly timed blessing in disguise.While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, and sparks a surprising and delightful connection.In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.— From the publisher: Ballantine Books A Sea Glass Christmas by Davis Bunn This story follows Brody as he returns to the Outer Banks after years of sailing and trying to outrun some emotional knots he never fully untangled. Coming home at Christmastime forces him to face what he left behind, including Rae, who’s built a full but lonely life of her own while caring for her aunt and chasing down adventure wherever she can. Their reunion is layered with old feelings, personal growth, and the kind of soul-searching that happens when you’re finally honest with yourself. It’s a second-chance romance with depth, healing, and plenty of coastal atmosphere. Print book length: 256 pagesAudiobook length: 6 hours and 14 minutesGenres: Christmas, fiction, romance Summary:In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, a bracing Christmas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks opens the door to a second chance at love…Some places never leave you . . .Two days before his 21st birthday, Brody Reames left the Outer Banks to fulfill his dream of sailing. For years, it’s been a liberating, wayfarer’s life, crewing on ocean-bound vessels and joining cross-Atlantic races. He knew leaving his hometown wouldn’t be forever, but to mend a disillusioned heart in Fortunate Harbor, it was for the best. Still, he never expected that a family upheaval and his loving mother’s plea would call him back. With Christmas nearing, Brody is coming home again—to a crisp chill in the air and a warm former flame . . .Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be forever . . .Attorney for the Outer Banks’ 5-star ocean-front resort and resident treasure hunter, Rae Alden has a life that is adventurous, rewarding . . . and lonely. Still struggling with recent romances gone wrong, Rae directs all her energy into her career and caring for her ailing aunt, taking respite in dawn runs along the beach. But now, after eight years, she sees Brody again. They share more than a passion for the island realm. There are memories of a lovely once-upon-a-time fling. It lasted until a fateful change of seasons—and heart.Like […]

Create your perfect winter bucket list with these fun activities and ideas for friends, couples, or solo. Winter is coming, or maybe it’s already here. The coldest season can also feel like the longest as the days drag on and the sun sets early. But you can make the most of the season by creating your own yearly winter bucket list filled with exciting things to do in winter, which will help you get through with fun activities to look forward to and keep you occupied.  As someone who thrives during summer and beach season, I struggle with the long winter months in the northeast. Creating a winter activity list helps me to enjoy this time and focus on the best possibilities for it. Enjoying activities during the winter months is important for both physical and mental well-being. Staying active helps combat the winter blues by boosting mood and reducing stress levels. This list has great activities to do with friends in winter​, activities that would be great for a date or as a couple, and ways to enjoy time by yourself. Read through the list below of fun things to do in winter, and save the activities you like to your own list.  Table of Contents: This list contains activities that are focused on the season of winter rather than the winter holidays. Outdoor Winter Activities Engaging in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or ice skating allows you to soak up fresh air and sunlight, which can be in short supply during the darker months. Outdoor winter activities also provide an opportunity to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, despite the colder weather. 1. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink Feel the thrill of gliding across the ice and enjoy the crisp winter air with friends or loved ones. 2. Go skiing or snowboarding Hit the slopes for a day of adventure and fresh mountain air with friends or solo. For some people, myself included, skiing or snowboarding can be the highlight of their entire winter season. If you’ve never tried it, you can take adult ski lessons to learn from an instructor before going out on your own. 3. Go on a scenic winter hike Experience a winter wonderland with a scenic hike surrounded by snow-dusted trees. Even if it hasn’t snowed recently, you can enjoy new scenery and quiet trails. My favorite place to find hikes is the AllTrails app. 4. Go snowshoeing Trek through snowy landscapes for a peaceful, scenic workout in nature. In some locations you can even find a snowshoeing guide to go out with. 5. Go snow tubing or sledding It’s not just for kids! But you’ll sure feel like a kid again as you zoom down hills on a snow tube with your friends or significant other. 6. Go snowmobiling Sign up for a guided snowmobile tour and explore snowy trails and scenery. 7. Build a snowman Embrace your inner child and the magic of winter by building a snowman. Or get creative and build snow sculptures of animals or your pets. Related: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas Indoor Winter Activities, Outside of the Home There are plenty of ways to get out of the house and enjoy new experiences while still staying cozy indoors. These indoor things to do in winter will give you the chance to get out and have fun while getting a change of scenery. 8. Go to a hockey game  Enjoy the action and excitement of a live hockey game with friends or family. Search online to view the game schedule for your local team. 9. Go to the theatre to see a play or musical Enjoy a night of live theater for a fun and different experience. 10. Go to the movies Get out of the house and escape into a new film at the movie theater for a relaxing night. Bonus if you have one of the fancy movie theaters near you that serves cocktails and snacks right to your seat! 11. Go out for hot chocolate It’s cold outside, so warm up with a rich, delicious hot chocolate at a local café. Bring a book to read while you enjoy it, or take it with you on a relaxing walk. 12. Challenge yourself with a rock climbing wall Test your strength and have fun with indoor rock climbing. 13. Try a new fitness class Challenge yourself and try a new fitness class to switch up your exercise routine. This can be a great way to help beat the winter blues! 14. Go to a museum Discover fascinating exhibits and learn something new with a visit to an art museum or local history museum. 15. Join a book club Dive into new books and discuss them with fellow book lovers. 16. Try a new restaurant Enjoy a night out and try new dishes at a restaurant you haven’t visited before. Or you can meet a friend for brunch — sometimes I enjoy a daytime meal out more than going out for dinner! 17. Go to a paint and sip night Unwind with friends at a paint and sip night, where you can create art while enjoying a drink or two. 18. Go to a trivia night with friends Search your local event listings for trivia nights and grab a few friends to form a team. Trivia nights can range from general knowledge trivia to themed trivia, like based on a specific TV show, for example. 19. Volunteer at an animal shelter, or at another local nonprofit organization that you’re interested in supporting Spend time helping animals in need by volunteering at a local shelter, making a difference in their lives and in your community. If you aren’t interested in working with animals or are allergic, you can find other organizations in your area to support. 20. Start a hobby club Choose a hobby, like knitting, needlepointing, or something else, and find a local bar, restaurant, or community center that […]