Beating the Winter Blues

Every winter, I tell myself all about how I'm going to live in Florida next year. While my ghostly skin tone clearly indicates that my ancestors used snow as some form of defensive camouflage, nearly 30 years in Ohio still hasn't sold me on the merits of cold weather.

So while I pile on six layers just to go out and start the car, I'm trying to dream up ways to spice up my bundled look. One thing I've taken a shine to lately is nail art. There's just something about that 'big reveal' moment when the gloves come of. It's like my thumbnail is trying to cheer me up, "Surprise, it's an adorable snowman! Winter ain't all that bad, Rain!"

In addition to mood stabilizing nail art, I've also built an arsenal of happy warm things to keep me smilin' in the winter. These include the arm warmers that my sister made me, a scarf that my friend Debbie crocheted ages ago, and a hat that my mom put on my head before I even had kids. Handmade bundlings like these not only chase away frostbite, but they warm my heart during a time of year when the days are short and the cold punches you in the face every time you open your door. Here's a few snuggly items you can make to warm someone in the best of ways:

• Make Gloves and Mittens
• Scarf Knitting Patterns
• Easy Crochet Beanie

How do you beat the winter blues?