Hey friends, long time no write, huh? Did you think maybe I had fallen off the face of the earth? My last post was one month ago – this one for Where Bloggers Live 12.2023. A few days after I published that post, PC began feeling bad with a number of complaints. Many of them related to what seemed to be a UTI. After struggling to feel better on his own, we wound up going to a stand-alone ER when his fever went over 101.5* and his symptoms were more severe.
The ER doctor diagnosed Paul with sepsis secondary to a UTI and called for an ambulance to transport him to the hospital. He was hospitalized for 4 days. An ultrasound showed that fluid was collecting in a pocket outside his bladder. A drain was inserted to drain off the fluid and he was pumped full of IV antibiotics. Thankfully, his fever came down, the infection subsided and a few days before Christmas, PC was sent home with the drain in place for another week. Scared us to death!!
Needless to say, most everything other than caring for PC fell by the wayside. Including blogging. And I have pondered whether or not to start blogging again but here I am. For today. But when LIFE gets the best of me, it is hard to think clearly enough to put a sane thought together.
Like I said, though, today I am here for this month’s Where Bloggers Live 01.2024: Staying Toasty Warm in Winter.
Where Bloggers Live
The ideas for this colorful series originate with our adventurous leader, Bettye, at Fashion Schlub. She describes this series as being kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…with bloggers! Every month, Bettye provides the six WBL bloggers with a prompt that invites us to share our work and living spaces, homes, hometowns, thoughts, and memories. Several weeks ago on a night when she should have been studying, Bettye put together the list of prompts for WBL that would see us through 2025!! That’s some planning.
This series, and group of great gals, is one of the reasons I keep hanging on with blogging. Where Bloggers Live posts really are enjoyable for me so maybe I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet.
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Where Bloggers Live 01.2024: Staying Toasty Warm in Winter
We are just home from a whirlwind 5-day family trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. And boy, did we have to employ ways of staying toasty warm up there. So far, our winter in El Paso has been very mild. No winter precipitation and very few nights of really cold temps. But Santa Fe was a whole different ball of snow!!
Brennyn and Mustafa and their children, Cadence 13 and Declan 2, were driving in from Ft. Worth, Texas to be with us in Santa Fe. Lauren and her family, PC and I had vacationed in Santa Fe last January so we had some idea about what to expect weather-wise. But I was worried that my Ft. Worth babies wouldn’t be prepared for the predicted wind chill and precipitation.
My favorite way to weather the winter weather is by wearing layers. And my favorite layers come from 32Degrees.com. My brother and sister introduced me to this company last year when I was packing for our ‘inaugural’ trip to what Lucia calls “Snow Mountain.” As soon as our plans were confirmed, and our AirBnB rented, I set about ordering baselayers for all of us.
Baselayers for the Win(ter)
The baselayers at 32Degrees.com are like a modern day and much more stylish variation of the long Johns or long underwear of winters long past. I was curious about the history of thermal or long underwear, and found this short history of the original baselayers from way back when. While the style of these undergarments really hasn’t changed that much in the years since their innovation, the fabric used has. According to the article,
…cotton was common in the 1970s, synthetic materials rose in the ’80s and then wool entered the game in the ’90s. Alongside those fabrics came the addition of features like zippers on thumbholes on sleeves.
Why the shift from synthetic materials to the natural wool? Because wool performed much better than synthetics…synthetics talked about moving moisture away from your body, but it didn’t do anything with it. Meanwhile, wool absorbs the moisture when it’s still a vapor, preventing the excess from making the body damp and cold, and stopping the formation of odor-carrying bacteria.
But wool can be so itchy!! I am glad that 32Degrees.com uses a combination of polyester and Spandex in the fabric for their baselayers. It is moisture-wicking, anti-static, anti-odor, anti-pilling and tag-free with a lot of stretch. No wonder it is so comfortable. These baselayers come in 3 weights, light-, mid- and heavyweight. And baselayers are as affordable as $6.99 a piece.
What Did I Wear?
Here’s how I stayed toasty while tubing down “Snow Mountain” and playing in the snow. Baselayers, baby!!
In this photo, I have on my 32Degrees.com poly-fill, packable, lightweight, hooded jacket (not an affiliate link) and bibbed overall snow pants. Underneath my jacket, I am wearing an Under Armour fleece hoodie (similar), and beneath that, my lightweight baselayer top (not an affiliate link).
On the bottom half, below the overall snow pants, I am wearing yoga pants like these Danskin from Amazon. And under those are my baselayer bottoms (not an affiliate link). And I was very comfortable.
Toasty Accessories
One thing I picked up this year that I was lacking for our trip to Santa Fe last year, was a good pair of waterPROOF gloves. The Under Armour water resistant gloves I had purchased in 12.2022 were no bueno, as my BFF Sharon says. My hands were cold and damp. When I realized, I tried to purchase some gloves on the mountain but they were super duper expen$ive. So, Francisco loaned me a pair of his.
This year I was prepared. I purchased these waterproof gloves on Amazon. And they were perfect. They even have the media-friendly index finger tip that enabled me to snap pictures with my gloves on.
I also bought this 3-piece beanie set for this year’s vacation. It worked wonders at keeping my face and neck and head toasty warm.
For our tootsies, we wore thick Columbia brand hiking socks, 2 pairs, and Eddie Bauer waterproof hiking boots that I found on sale (out of stock now) online at Kohl’s.
All in all, I think we were all very comfortable, if not completely warm. And once we got to moving on the mountain, we didn’t have time to think about being cold!!
Your Turn
So tell me true, how do you stay toasty warm in the winter? Coffee? A pot of chili? Bowl of soup? Electric blanket or heated throw? Maybe a steamy mug of hot chocolate? Have you ever tried Mexican hot chocolate? If not, girls, you have got to check out this recipe right here. It is divine. Rich, spicy, chocolatey.
Do you baselayer? Or layer-layer? We are forecast to have some chillier days next week. I will be pulling out and pulling on my baselayers to wear under jeans and yoga pants so I stay comfy-cozy.
Want to join me in checking out the ways my Where Bloggers Live comadres (chums) stay warm? If so, just click the links below the graphic to drop in to visit them. You won’t be disappointed. They are creative, fun gals who live in some pretty cold places…with the exception of Daenel and Jodie. But I bet even they get cold and have to find ways to stay warm!!
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Sally at Within a World of My Own
Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After
My sweet friends, thank you for spending a few minutes of your day here with me. Tomorrow I am substitute teaching again…gotta pay off that Amazon card. And I have to do 4 days a semester in order to be able to continue subbing. Thought I’d better strike while the iron’s hot…you never know when the bottom might drop out around here.
Happy new year, girls. Wishing you a kind and gentle and very healthy 2024.
Hugs and kisses,
So sorry to hear about PC and his health scare but I am so glad he was back home by Christmas. It’s sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Can you believe I don’t have any base layer clothes? I will borrow some of my husband’s when I really need them but should invest in some of my own.
Thank you, love. We enjoyed our getaway to Santa Fe and I was very comfortable-even in the snow. At 32Degrees’s prices you could splurge and get some baselayers of your own. I think YOU would really like them. With all of your outdoor activities and many hikes all year long.
Dressing for snow is serious business! Those warm base layers and waterproof outer layers are so important. Wool is a great material for the cold but I do find it terribly itchy so I use the modern technical fibers too. I have a Fort Worth baby of my own…no, he’s actually my husband but he does NOT like the cold. If I could only convince him to wear pants in the winter that aren’t jeans, but apparently that’s contrary to his whole Texan DNA!
Girl, I know YOU know all about dressing for cold weather. I was surprised that wool is really the fabric of choice among those who know best. Love your husband’s nod to Texas in his choice of jeans over all else. Atta boy. You can take the Texan out of Texas but can’t take Texas out of the Texan.
Sounds like you had a fun trip. I’ve always been cold natured and don’t think I’ve EVER been able to stay warm in winter – not even here in Alabama. Of course, I’m old and I guess that makes a difference now. The clothes you mentioned do sound like a good idea though.
Glad you’re back to posting. Also glad your hubby’s medical issues were figured out and treated. Sometimes the figuring out is the most difficult part. 🙂
Iris
Sweet Iris, I miss you. I am colder than ever before these days, too. I guess it does come with celebrating more birthdays…this cold naturedness. But have always had cold hands and toes. And layers don’t help much there.
Not sure how much blogging I game for this year. At least not right now as PC’s health scares are back. Another hiccup or the same one, I guess, as the fluid pocket that was making him septic is either back or never disappeared to begin with. Grrr. Trying to get some answers but not being very successful. Hard to write for fun when I am not feeling fun!!
Love you.
Some days I feel like the layer queen, LOL.
And I just saw that 32Degrees company on FB. Gosh they are so reasonably priced.
Love how you stayed warm, and you look like we do when we take Piper for a walks in the morning,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You do so many great outfit ideas with layering. Things I would never think to try.
32Degrees has some really affordable pieces. Keep them in mind.
My problem is that I hate cold weather clothes! I don’t like long sleeves and I don’t like sweaters. I’m happy with a hooded sweatshirt! If I have to dress for cold weather, I layer so that I can take off when I get warm.
I’m so glad that PC is feeling better!!
Your perfect layer is a hoodie and that works. I love sweatshirts, too. I prefer the pullover kind but they are not as easy to add and remove.
Thank you for thinking of PC. We are still in the midst of this health scare. Turns out the fluid pocket that was causing the sepsis is BAAAA-ACK. Or never went away. We can’t get any answers to our questions and the doctor just keeps avoiding us. Grrr. I am about to go all mama bear on his butt.
Hi, Leslie! I’m so very glad that PC had a good recovery! What y’all went through definitely does sound scary!
I’ve never heard of 32Degrees before. Will have to check them out. I have snow pants, a parka, and several base layers and gloves that we purchased before going to Antarctica. So I can layer up along with the best of them, but I am also interested in that 3-piece beanie set.
We are expecting single digits this long weekend along with some precipitation, so my husband went grocery shopping this afternoon to get us stocked up, so we don’t have to go out in the bad weather. Frozen pizza tonight, homemade beef stew tomorrow night, and chili on Sunday. Monday will probably be leftovers.
We were hoping to be away from this and in Louisiana reuniting with family this weekend, but we both tested positive for COVID earlier this week. Ugh.
Keep blogging! I get that it’s not always easy, but I love “seeing” you here in blog world! 😘
I know you guys have been about frozen. Brennyn is south Ft. Worth has never been colder. She is so concerned about their heating bill. Predicted to be at least $700. Glad Big Eagle was able to stock your pantry before the weather hit. My sister in Crossville, Tn is out of her house today for lunch with her husband for the first time in 8 days. Their pantry is bare. She hopes to go into the big city tomorrow for groceries and a day of being out and about.
How are you guys feeling? Hope the Covid wasn’t too bad. My son-in-law tested positive yesterday and we were at their house on Saturday. Here we go. It is always something.
Would appreciate your good thoughts for PC. This health scare is back. We don’t have any answers as to what is causing this fluid pocket. Paul tends to hang back and not be very aggressive so I come off being the pushy wife. But this is ridiculous. His prostate surgery was 7 months ago. We should be beyond issues related to it. Thank you!!
So glad to hear that PC has recovered well. Sepsis is a VERY scary condition and I’ve seen some stories of people losing limbs etc due to their extremities shutting down. Catching it early is the key.
Interesting seeing all your snow pics – we’re in the middle of a very long heatwave – with temps in the high 30’s (around 100 degrees in your terms). Some cooler weather would be lovely right now!
Wow, so hard to imagine 100* when I am under the covers and refusing to brave the cold over here. But we had the hottest summer on record last year. Hoping to have a less drastic one in 2024.
Poor PC is still strugging with whatever this is that caused the sepsis. And I am beside myself. We cannot get clear answers. I tend to be melodramatic and overreactive but this is ridiculous. No one knows what is causing this. And now the fluid pocket is either back or never disappeared in the first place. Please think good thoughts for my hubby.
Stylish and warm – a great combination! So pleased you had fun on Snow Mountain. If your hands, head and feet keep warm and dry it seems to help your whole body feel cosy!
Snow Mountain was beautiful and especially frigid this year. Declan was not at all impressed so our time playing in the snow was limited. But we stayed warm!!
I’m so happy Paul is feeling better! You guys look like you are having a blast in the snow! Stay safe and warm!
Thank you!! Loving your snow video of the livestock in the field. And that fence, those trees, that quiet!!
Whoa!!! I thought I was the only person who knew about 32 Degrees! Years ago, when we were in San Antonio, a cold front came through. I picked up a down filled packable jacket from 32 Degrees at Macy’s. But, I never saw them at Macy’s again. I love that jacket and have washed it over and over again. Then, I discovered their website. This year, around Black Friday, I ordered another down filled jacket and full length coat. The coat was $23.99!! It was actually less than the jacket. While they aren’t warm enough when the temps get way below freezing, they are perfect for most winter days. I got the coat in a berry color and the jacket in spruce.
I layer layer. I haven’t worn long underwear since I got married. Mike did get a pair of long johns a couple of years ago because he’s so cold at night. I, on the other hand, freeze throughout the day and am so hot at night. Right now, I’m wearing two sweaters with a throw over my lap and wrapped around my feet. Mike is sitting in shorts and a short sleeved tee!
I’m so glad PC is better. I hope this year is so much better for you and your family!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Wow, your coat and jacket sound so pretty. Mine is a peacock blue. But it is very short. I need a longer one. Might have to get one at the end of the season this year to have at the ready.
I always have a throw when I am sitting in the den or in my loft writing. Have always been cold natured and worse than ever now. PC used to run warm but is colder now than he has been all the rest of his life. He says it is cold in the cavity where his prostate was!! Yikes.
This latest hiccup with his health really has me on edge. I try to continue on with the daily grind but I am a nervous wreck. Praying we soon have a course of treatment and can move forward. Love you!
Oh, you just had to say chili, didn’t you! I’ve been craving chili since I heard mention of super bowl recently. I was trying to explain chili to my Korean friend and I was like damn, I just need to make him some, but…I am not cooking-equipped here.
And while we’re at it, Mexican Hot Chocolate! Yum! Now THAT’S something I can make here! Minus the chocolate ice cream (don’t ask). But still. Oh, those are both great warmers!
xoxo
Oh make some chili!! I would think it might be quite different from typical Korean food. And The Mexican hot chocolate. Can you get a crockpot? Even a small one to use for cooking soups, chilis and cocoa? You could eat for a week on one crockpot recipe!!
What a scare with PC. I’m so happy to hear that he is okay! I love the 32degrees brand – everything is so warm and cozy and affordable! I always layer and my tip is always to make sure your first layer is tucked in. You look so cute and toasty! Going to make your Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe this week!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Oh, I hope you made the Mexican hot chocolate. I absolutely love it. Need to make some myself.
Yes, tucking in your first layer is a great tip. I try to tuck baselayer pants into my socks. And baselayer tops into my baselayer pants. I was really quiet comfortable in Santa Fe.
We are still worrying over PC’s health. Thought we had closed this chapter after his episode in December but an ultrasound and now CT scan indicate there is something else inside him…another pocket of fluid? a mass? an abscess? We can’t seem to get clear answers.
I wish I had some of these items when we were in New York last month! No snow but oh so cold. I’ve made a note of 32Degrees, thank you for this info! Looks like you had a blast on that mountain!
Please keep 32Degrees in mind. I think their prices are very reasonable. And my layers made our trip to Santa Fe much more comfortable. Hope you kids are feeling better over there.
I hate the winter, and we really have one at the moment. It’s so cold here and I can hardly move because of the layers, lol. Will be a very happy girl when sorting begins.
Hope you have managed to stay warm through this winter. We are having rain today. Very strange for this time of year. But glad for it. I am still under the covers trying to do all the things while staying warm!!
I must admit that I stay toasty…by staying inside. It sounds lame even as I type it but, it is true and I am just not an outdoorsy girl in the winter months. I’ve tried skiing and ice skating and other ways to have fun in the snow but, truthfully, I just like to get back inside!:) You did find some great pieces to add warmth. Good for you!! A good pair of boots would be one step in the right direction for me. HA – one step. Pun, not intended. So glad that Paul is doing better. What a scary time. Here’s to a 2024 of good health for him. For both of you!! And glad that you did not throw in the towel on blogging. I always enjoy your posts. Your words and your photos!!
Thank you, Jennifer, for lifting my spirits. We have had a rough go since I wrote the post about staying warm. PC continues to have issues and we are not getting answers. This year, I was ‘off’ my game when we played in the snow. And I left Santa Fe wondering if my days of enjoying winter weather are behind me. I still love the beauty of a fresh snow. And I love being outside in it. But I found myself worrying about slipping, falling, breaking something!! Ugh. So I might be joining you inside by the fire!!
Not sure how much I am going to be be blog reading or writing as I just feel very distracted right now. Hope your health worries are behind you and this new year brings you nothing but good days and good health.
It’s 17 degrees here today! It hardly ever gets that cold here, so your post was right one time. 😉
Hope you have managed to stay warm with this recent cold front in the deep south. My family in Tennessee all got snowed in. Hope you had layers to keep you comfortable.
Layering! You would think a Buffalo girl would do more of that! Perhaps it’s because our weather–up to this post topic that completely jinxed me–had been very mild through last weekend. Alas, winter returned to Buffalo very publicly and with much endurance as we are in our second storm in 5 days. I can’t say I mind as we had four blizzard refugees come home for the weekend and that was fun.
But not as much fun as your family trip to Santa Fe. That looked super fun and beautiful…your PC is one resilient fella! I hope that his most recent setback is quickly behind him and is accompanied by good news.
As for the blogging…life comes first. It seems that, well, it IS that, the only posts I get to these days are the WBLs. But I do miss writing and keep the door open for that time in the future when I make time for it. I know what a blessing you have been to our little corner and hope you’ll be gentle to yourself and “get to it when it you get to it.” We’ll still be here ready to read…and in the interim, we’ll hold positive thoughts for you and your family. xoxo
You are an angel. Thank you for always saying the perfect thing.
Good for you for getting a solid base layer!! That is super important! I think I have some 32 degrees brand layers as well. And it looks like y’all had a fantastic time playing in the snow!!!
And – phew. What a scary thing you went through with PC. I am so glad to hear that he is doing well now!
Hi sweet friend, thank you for coming by. We are back to worrying over PC’s health again. Another abscess or fluid pocket or something has appeared in the same place as the first one. Hoping to know more soon.
Layering up is so important in those cold temps. I can honestly say I was never really cold with all of my baselayers on. I love being in the snow so I am happy to be able to enjoy it comfortably!!
Sending prayers your way that you have the strength and grace to care for your husband and prayers that he continues to heal. I know how hard it can be to watch someone you love in discomfort.
You look so stylish and cozy in your snow gear. I love that you and your family vacation together. That’s an incredible gift.
Thank you for coming by, my friend, and for your powerful prayers. I know you know all too well about watching a loved one struggle with health issues. It is exhausting for everyone.
I am so glad PC is doing better and was home by Christmas. That is a long hospital stay, but I am glad they got it all taken care of!! What a relief. I am sure it was scary in the moment, though. I understand on blogging, when Brian was going through all of his stuff last year I found it really hard to find time to sit down and write… more or less think straight! So, I totally get that. Oh, your snow photos are SO pretty! I have been to Santa Fe once with girl scouts when I was in 7 or 8th grade. It was fun!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
You know what? We just discovered this issue is still there. He still has a pocket of fluid? A mass? A structure? Something in his pelvic cavity. Makes me nuts. This doctor is not impressing me in the least.
Thank you for the sweet words about our trip to Santa Fe and the pictures. I just love snow pictures best of all. Loved your recent series of pics from your yard with the snow all around and just a patch of grass under your feet.
Praying this year is healthier for both of our boys. XO
UTI’s can get serious fast, I’m glad PC is ok. I had no idea it snowed in Santa Fe. I’m shocked. Looks like you had fun though!
I live next to my space heater all winter long! Haha! I love a cup of tea and my comfy as well. Down jackets are key here. They help a lot! Looks like you are all having fun in the snow!
Hi Leslie, I really do hope you have some answers about PC’s illness soo. Try to take each day as it comes and look for the beauty around you. What a fabulous bunch of pics and words you’ve shared here, as we swelter in high temps your snow is a welcome sight.