The temperature may not be dropping too rapidly, but overcast skies and short days let us know that winter is well on its way. Here is your guide to getting the most out of this wonderful season.
Playlist
For those chilly, drizzly (or snowy) days and nights, bundle up and listen to these songs.
1)Â Â Â Shelter – The xx
2)Â Â Â Fade and Then Return – William Fitzsimmons
(Mercer Street Records)
3)Â Â Â Black Tin Box – Miike Snow (ft. Lykke Li)
4)Â Â Â St. Augustine – Band of Horses
5)Â Â Â Mr. Moon – Eisley
Meals
It’s soup season, but you don’t have to stick to a liquid diet just because it’s cold outside.
1)   Mushroom bourguignon – A healthier, vegetarian alternative to beef bourguignon, this dish will fill you up quickly for not much money.
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog…
(Photo credit: Smitten Kitchen)
2)   Cheesy corn chowder with bacon and Gorgonzola – Okay, let’s face it, soups are great. Soups with bacon are even better. This won’t help your figure, but a full stomach is a happy stomach.
http://www.howsweeteats.com/20…
3)   Vegetable parmesan – Another vegetarian dish that won’t break the bank.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/rec…
4)   Italian stuffed cabbage – If you’ve never had stuffed cabbage, you’re missing out. This rustic dish is a little more difficult to make, but worth it.
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog…
5)   Amaretto apple crisp – It’s apple season, so finish off your day with a warm apple crisp. Substitute ¼ teaspoon almond extract for 1 tablespoon Amaretto liqueur.
http://www.howsweeteats.com/20…
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Activities
Get the most out of winter by doing these fun winter activities.
1)   Ice skating – Dorky and cliché, but surprisingly fun. Head down to Crown Center for an outdoor ice skating experience.
2)   Play with some puppies – I know this sounds weird, but there are tons of pet stores in Kansas City where you can walk in and play with a puppy in your own private pen. It’s so therapeutic, especially when you can’t have one of your own yet. Check out PetLand or Land of Paws (just make sure your bank account is empty so you don’t walk out with a new friend).Â
3)   The Plaza – Once the holiday season hits, the Country Club Plaza puts up the most incredible Christmas lights. Do some shopping and then head into a coffee shop to warm up and watch the streets light up.
4)   Bake cookies – A simple sugar or gingerbread cookie recipe and your favorite people can turn a dreary winter afternoon into a great one. Who doesn’t love decorating cookies?
5)   Go sledding – When the snow hits, you don’t want to miss out on sledding. If you can make it to campus, sled down the hill from the Campanile!
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Fashion
A new year means new style, so usher in the frost with some cute outfits.
1)   Tights/leggings – Tights, tights, tights! Tights of all colors and styles! Jeans are all right but they aren’t as comfortable as tights, especially when all you want to do is wear a blanket to class. Think you can’t wear tights as pants? Think again. Show off what you got, and forget what the tabloids are telling you.
2)   Creepers – I’ve yet to buy myself a pair, but I’m obsessed with these shoes. Paired with tights or tall socks, they look super cute.
(Photo credit: WeHeartIt.com)
3)   Army jackets – Whether camo or solid green, I love army jackets. They’re a great way to dress an outfit down during the winter, and keep you warm.
4)   Flannel – The 90s are making a comeback, and flannel is everywhere. Throw it over a t-shirt or dress it up with a skirt, flannel is a great way to stay comfy while still looking cute.
5)   Faux fur – I just bought a faux fur scarf and I’m in love. Faux fur is everywhere this winter, so hop on the bandwagon already!
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Movies/TV Shows
When you don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas, snuggle up with your laptop.
1)Â Â Â Orange is the New Black – If you haven’t watched this show, what are you doing? Thankfully, the entire first season is on Netflix, so get caught up before the second season comes out in 2014.
2)   Love Actually – It’s never too early in the holiday season to watch this classic again. Never!
3)   Sharknado – A lazy afternoon can only mean one thing: stupid movies. Sharks IN a tornado? Perfect!
4)   8½ – If you’re a foreign film enthusiast, and you haven’t seen this movie, you’re in luck because it’s actually on Netflix. Will you understand it? No, not after the first time. But it’s definitely a must-see.
(Photo credit: andsoitbeginsfilms.com)
5)   My Cat from Hell – If I had guilty pleasures, this show would be one of them. Crazy cats that terrorize their owner, and the man who must tame them? Sign me up!Â