Winter Essentials

the cold weather has arrived with a vengeance in Chicahhhhgo. i’ll tell ya, my Northern roots have all but completely disappeared. i am such a baby with this weather, and i haven’t even seen close to the worst of it yet. Lord, help me. i thought i’d share a short (and probably not extensive) list of must-haves for your purse or work bag this winter.

(clockwise, from left)

>> portable phone charger – this one isn’t exclusive to winter, but it sure is a life-saver. my sister bought one for me and it’s come in handy on a few occasions when i needed a quick charge for my phone and wasn’t near an outlet. also, how cute is that pattern?!
>> glittens — i live for glittens. they keep my fingers warm but also allow me to easily access my hands without having to take the whole glove off.
>> static guard — with winter comes the driest air of all time. therefore, my hair is almost always statically charged and sticking to everything. i keep a can of static guard handy for a quick spray once i take my winter jacket off.
>> hand cream — my skin dries out so quickly in the cold weather, so i make sure to have a really good moisturizer on hand for after i wash my hands or if they’re feeling especially in need of moisture.
>> tinted lip balm — it adds some color to my already pale skin, while also replenishing my lips
>> hair spray — another one that isn’t exclusive to winter, but always comes in handy.
>> hair ties — i like to have a couple on hand in case i need to throw my hair back after it’s been whipped around by the Chicago wind or if i want to tuck it in my coat or under a hat neatly. it doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty, too!
>> an extra pair of warm socks — there’s nothing worse than having to wear wet socks in the winter. if you find yourself stuck in a snowstorm without snow-proof shoes, extra socks can go a long way in keeping you warm and cozy.
>> Starbucks gift card — or a card to wherever you like to get your favorite hot drink. there’s nothing better than the warmth of coffee, tea, or cocoa filling up your body on a cold winter day.

what are some things that you make sure to have on hand during the winter months, no matter where you are?