Cocktail Book // Pom Beanie // Robe // Cable Socks // Travel Mug // Scarf

Boots // Candle // Bath Set // Slippers / Throw Blanket // Gloves

Baby, it’s COLD outside.

I feel like Winter is in FULL force here in Nebraska and I’m not so sure I’m loving it. Like when you walk outside your front door to grab the packages your bestie–also known as the FedEx guy–dropped off for you and the air takes your breath away…yeah, that’s what it’s currently like. Why I live in a place where the air literally hurts my face is beyond me. The pressure I put on Kyle every year at this time to move South has started yet again; but this go-round I’m kind of hoping he gets the hint that I’m totally freaking serious. Sure I secretly enjoy seeing snow every once in a while, especially just a few short days away from Christmas, but at the same time I’m well aware I could visit a place like Aspen or Sun Valley for a long weekend and get my powdery fix there just as easily. As I type this blog post, my hands have yet to warm up from being outside over 2 hours ago. The struggle is real, people! With the exception of hitting up two seriously intense OrangeTheory classes bright & early both Saturday and Sunday morning and a record-time grocery store run, I stayed bundled up inside the house with lots of Christmas-y smelling candles and some Soy Eggnog because it was that brutal the entire weekend. #tistheseason

A glimmer of warmth.

This longline, puffer coat from Marmot that I purchased midway through last Winter {thanks to a gift card from the best former CEO ever!} has been a lifesaver. Usually I avoid coats that might possibly add weight to my short frame but the minute I put this on and felt how cozy it was, I didn’t care if it made me slightly resemble the Michelin man. It’s SO warm and the fur hood at least gives it somewhat of a more mature appearance. Or does it make it more childish? Whatever, I love it. Being in Texas the entire first half of the month required no coat but as soon as I got back to Omaha last weekend I grabbed this one from our coat storage room because I knew it would be getting ample use over the next few weeks {secretly I’m hoping it’s only weeks I’ll need it and not months!}. Mine is actually black but I’m kind of obsessed with the navy option; however even I realize that I don’t need two of them! 😉 I’ll apologize in advance for the fact that most of my upcoming posts will be featuring a coat in some way/shape/form because well I live in the Midwest and that’s my real life at this time of the year. Despite the sunny disposition of these photos, I chose to bundle myself in black. That most accurately reflects my thought about the temps and was my F.U. to Mother Nature. Like don’t tease me with sun when you’re blowing 40mph NW winds down my back. So my typical cold weather look of Lululemon leggings + a pullover has begun and probably won’t vary much until say March. Luckily I have plenty of options in the athleisure/wear-your-leggings-as-pants department!

Cozy Gift Guide

Continuing with the bundle up & stay cozy theme, I threw together a quick and easy Gift Guide for those who like to hunker down and stay warm! This Barefoot Dreams robe is literally that: a dream. It’s incredibly soft and you’ll want to wear it around all day. Totally worth the price tag! My favorite candles, Diptyque, do it again with this chic grey option and who wouldn’t want a recipe book full of Wintery cocktails!? What is your favorite cozy item?!

On a side note, how cute is this tote from Urban Expressions?! In the spirit of giving, I’m gifting ONE reader this exact same bag! It’s faux leather and super roomy; plus the embroidered details are even more gorgeous in person. I’ll be posting the details on Instagram {@amidwesternmix} this afternoon so stay tuned!

Shop the Look

Puffer Coat / Pullover / Leggings / Boots / Hat / Sunglasses / Tote c/o