Baby it's Cold Outside

I live in the great state of Minnesota. Ten thousand lakes, Minnesota-nice, moose, bobcats, hockey--and of course, seasons that mean business. Winter has hit with full force, a week of temperatures promised in the -40 degrees range. I'm not complaining, not really. I know what to expect living here, but sometimes, well, its sucky.

When new people come to Minnesota, especially ones who have never dealt with cold, I find it is the simple things they don't anticipate.



Frozen Pipes--You wouldn't think it would be an issue with the advances in heating and insulation, but Minnesota is full of old houses. Pipes in older houses are especially susceptible. So think very hard before you leave your Minnesota home in mid-winter. It might make sense to turn off the heat since you won't be home, but you might return to busted pipes--cute.


Travel--Cold is hard on vehicles. Always leave enough time to warm up your car before you have to leave. And also--make sure you have at least half a tank of gas at all times. All that car warming up time can be a necessary suck on the tank.


Dress--Layers are your friend. You can always take off a sweatshirt or scarf if you get too warm once you're at your destination, but if your car breaks down, you're stuck with what you have on to keep warm until help arrives. And fashionistas out there who don't enjoy matching snow boots to their outfits, wear your darn boots! Get a cute tote large enough to house your boots and use that for your day shoes as well.


There are for sure more cold weather tips (like carry hand sanitizer with you since everyone and their brother has a cold this time of year) and if you're traveling to Minnesota or Wisconsin or any other state that sports the cold, take the time to look into it first. Better safe than freezing your buns off!

All the best,
Stephanie Beck
www.stephaniebeck.net