Okay, so I think we have all figured out by now that I’m not a fan of winter. It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s wet, I never see my friends because we are all hibernating, and all I want to do is be lying on a beach with a cocktail in my hand. Does this sound familiar? I thought you might need a little something to help you through the rest of the cold weather, so I’ve put together a few lovely winter treats and one lucky person will win the lot.
These treats are from some of my favourite brands and I’ve chosen them because I want you to feel pampered and awesome. They’re things that will soothe your body, nourish your skin, uplift your spirit and help you get through those last few weeks of winter.
One person will win:
- A hot water bottle to help keep you warm
- Sukin Lime & Coconut Botanical Body Wash
- Sukin Lime & Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion
- ECOYA Coconut & Elderflower Mini Reed Diffuser
- Sukin Nourishing Chia Seed Oil
- Lush Blingy Toothy Tabs
- Lake Road Lavender Heel Balm (I mentioned this in my June Favourites)
- Green & Blacks Milk Chocolate
- Green & Blacks Dark 70% Chocolate
- Karen Murrell Lipstick in Coral Dawn
- Karen Murrell Lipstick in Rymba Rhythm
WIN IT: It’s time to get cosy! All you need to do to get in the draw is leave me a comment below letting me know how you are showing yourself love over winter, then click here to subscribe to our free fortnightly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind – it just makes it easy for us to contact you if you win (plus it means that you get style, self love and other awesomeness directly to your inbox!). If you’re already a subscriber then great – all you need to do is comment below. The winner will be drawn on 9th August 2016.
Please note that you must have a New Zealand postal address to enter this giveaway. If you’re not in New Zealand, never fear – good things will come your way soon enough.
Congratulations to our winner Kerry McKenzie!
How do you show yourself love over winter?
My partner and I bought a rescue kitten for lots of warm snuggles and cuddles. Nothing like (someone else’s) -to keep you cosy, plus the cute factor is off the charts!
Aw cute! Great that you were able to give a furry friend a forever home <3
I just went to Farmers and picked up some fabulous bargins. I got the most gorgeous longline cardi made of very heavy grey wool marked down to $40 ! Make sure you all pop in and grab some bargins. Cant wait to pop down to Rotorua and soak in the mineral water to warm up from head to tow for our winter break
Oh yay, glad to hear you’re gonna be nice and warm. Hope you have a great time in Rotorua, I can’t wait to go back 😀
I replaced my electric blanket with one less likely to kill me and we keep the heating on 24/7 (bugger the bills, I’d rather be warm!)
Keeping the heating on can be SO worth it. I’ve started using mine more – I think I’m worth paying a bit extra to keep warm!
I have a favourite blanket which I wrap myself up in like burrito! It’s so comfy and I take it everywhere so if I’m with friends I’m always snugly. Also moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise! My skin is so thirsty working in air conditioning all day long so I’m keeping my skin moisturised 🙂
I love the idea of being a snugly burrito!
This Winter I seem to have started an obsession with bed socks and am getting quite the collection lol! They are just so comfy and there’s nothing better than warm tootsies 🙂
I love having toasty warm feet!
I feel the cold so badly I have been sleeping in flannel pj’s AND my fleece dressing gown, my hubby is very tolerant of my bed attire!
Brr, you poor thing! I really feel the cold as well, thank goodness for flannel PJs!
I have a heated blanket for TV watching which has been well used (especially this weekend, snow here in Taupo township). I also have a hottie (or 2) every night. Have a fabulous time in Melbourne.
I heard it was snowing there! Hoy moly, I can’t believe the weather! Stay warm Jacqui!
Definitely taking care of myself curling up on the couch with coffee and a good book whenever I can. Definitely loving this weather though – I’m such a winter girl!
Coffee and a good book sounds great. I’m making more time to read this winter!
I prefer spring and summer over winter too. I try to make the most of things like on the weekend laying on the couch in a blanket all snug, reading a book with a lovely cup of tea. I also go to bed earlier than in summer so that means more sleep which is a win!
I’m all for more sleep and snuggling!
I spoil myself by keeping my nails painted in bright colours and wearing my snuggliest hand knits I make!!
What a great idea! What colour is on your nails at the moment?
Oh what a lovely prize. I often feel the effects of SAD in winter so have swapped my usual morning walks to early evening so I can get some vitamin D and a sleep in. Also after recently reading about the benefits of taking a sauna, I have been staying a bit longer at the gym to take one and put on my warm snugglies before I venture home.
So glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself Amy – vitamin D, sleep and sauna sound like a great combo
TV shows and good books.
I also got a puppy, and she gives me all the love. <3
A PUPPY! What kind of dog is she?
keeping warm as much as possible with a few good books and lots of lemon water vit c tablets and a fast powerwalk every day to keep my spirits up 😉
Nice one Debbie – stay warm!
Lots of hot drinks and toast!
Yum, what’s your hot drink of choice?
I have been wearing my possum gloves a lot and making lots of pumpkin soup to keep us warm
Ooh, possum gloves! That sounds so nice and warm!
I spoil myself with hydrating face masks to help my dehydrated skin. Have bought some fluffy colourful socks to keep my tootsies warm. 🙂
Socks are an essential in winter! My boyfriend and I were talking about that the other day – he only wears socks (without shoes) in winter, whereas I wear them all year round, they just get thicker and fluffier in winter!
I’m dragging myself away from the computer earlier in the night to stay bundled up in my warm bed with my 2 cutie pie cats, Dvds & warm cardy. Bliss. 🙂
Sounds like you’ve got the right idea Rhiannon!
What a lovely giveaway. I’m all for wrapping up warm with jacket, scarf, gloves and beanie when going out for a walk. Though nothing beats a blazing fire to sit in front of with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and a snuggly blanket to wrap up in.
Sounds like you’re snug as a bug in a rug whether you’re inside or out, Raven!
This winter I’ve been taking care of myself by taking lots of trips to the library with my 3 year old and finding a novel to lose myself in (takes me about 10 times longer to get through a novel than it did pre-baby days!!) and using the evenings to run warm baths and spend aaaaaaages in there reading.
Ahhhh that sounds perfect! Nothing better than a long bath with a good book!
Spending time at home with the heat pump, getting a few extra hours sleep and researching my upcoming holiday in a tropical location are my strategies!
OMG, heat pump. I wish I had one, they’re SO GOOD! Where are you going on holiday?
I take every opportunity to walk to places, absorb the clean, clear air and forget the cold – a good jacket, warm socks, mittens and a big scarf are all we need, as well as an attitude that says “after winter spring always follows”
What a great attitude!
I am a confirmed email subscriber to your blog and I love it.
Thanks Heather! Great to have you here 🙂
I show myself love over the winter by enjoying the clothing of the season and cooking some good wholesome foods for my family.
Love it – what’s your favourite winter dish?
I just cuddle with a blanket drink my favorite tea and read a book, get cozy with jazz music on the background…so relaxing.
That sounds divine!
I love Winter, I love how cosy I can be, from comfort food to warm woolies. I’ve treated myself with Essano products for my hair and skin cause my skin and hair was drying out and I’ve also treated myself to cashmere wool to knit myself a GORGEOUS cardie. Thank goodness for tax returns :p
Oh wow Tina, that cardi sounds like a gorgeous treat, good on you!
A fire each night to warm the house. Comfort food. Layering clothes. Socks! Lots of wine.
That sounds perfect Jacqui!
Such an amazing giveaway! I always have a hot water bottle in bed every night to keep warm (plus electric blanket on). I love having hot shower then moisturise my skin with a natural rich hydrating body lotion. I use Rosehip Oil on my face every night to help with dry skin.
Yum, sounds like you’ve got a great cosy routine going for winter!
Since moving to the deep South I’ve been enjoying nice long soaks in the bath with some Epsom salts and lavender oil, warming and relaxing!
Yum, such a great way to warm up!
By keeping myself warm with layers of merino and sometimes two pairs of merino socks as it can be so cold !!! Keeping hydrated good for body and for skin moisturiser is key too as skin can go mental with winter
Oh my gosh, I have never been more appreciative of merino as I have been this winter – I’ve gotten so many new merino tops and it’s keeping me so warm 🙂
This year I actually borrowed a heater for my home office – normally I just layer up and shiver my way through winter, but the heater has made a world of difference! Also, lovely knitted hats and socks from my sister in law, who is super talented!
I used to shiver my way through winter too – since getting the heater for my office, I honestly don’t know how I did without it!!!
on super cold days curl up on the couch with a hot coffee big blanket and a fluffy cat watching Bones and binge watching it at the moment ..
Yum, what a treat!
Notoriously bad at remembering moisturiser, so trying to show love and do that!!! Especially my hands…they are suffering big time
I’m the same, so I’ve got a bunch of moisturisers so I will do my hands regularly – I have one for at my desk, one beside the bed and one in my bag! Going to put moisturiser on now haha
I’ve knit myself two wool jerseys this winter and am living in them. 1 is a colourwork yoke and the other is handspun merino in nice bright colours.
You clever thing! A great way to stay warm 🙂
I’ve been pretty ill for the past year so taking care of myself winter-style has included:
– a thermal blanket (SO much better than electric blankie)
– focusing on improving gut health with bone broth, kimchi in miso soup and licorice tea
– b vitamin complex to help with nails and hair
– upping my meditation practice
– luxuriating in some funky 70s ASOS and Kmart purchases (a girl’s still gotta shop)
– looking forward to the silver wool snood my mum is making me for my birthday next week!
Sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell Donna, I hope you’re on the mend! I’ve been working on gut health lately as well – kombucha and sauerkraut are two of my interesting new additions!
I have been spoiling myself (and the family) by making some yummy comfort cooking/baking treats. Instead of doing the boring housework jobs that I can’t seem to get motivated to do on a cloudy, rainy wintery day. A warm kitchen with yummy smells and something to fill the t
um is far more appealing. 😀
That sounds lovely Angela, what’s your favourite thing to bake?
My Mum makes amazing wheat bags which I have been using to keep myself so toasty warm in the deep south of Dunedin.
Ooh that sounds so nice! I love wheat bags, they’re such a saviour for aching muscles too
Still keeping up regular exercise thanks to the treadmill. Makes me feel so much better.
Great idea Kelly – makes exercising so much more appealing than going out in the cold and wet, doesn’t it?
Oh I forgot… also I make sure I go to the library often!
I love snuggling up in winter and I show myself love by filling winter with things I love. Hot home cooked meals, striped socks, snuggly blankets, juicy mandarins, hot chocolate, walks in the rain with a brightly coloured umbrella, stormy walks on the beach all rugged up in the warmest gear. There’s lots of good to be found!
YUSS! I love this list! So many great things 🙂
I love having nice hot showers with my yummy bonbon macaroon scrub. Something about it just really relaxes me. Then I love to snuggle up with a fluffy blanket next to the heater with my Tailor masque and a hot chocolate. It’s the simple things xxx
The simple things are the best, right?
Making sure that I set my heatpump to come on before I get up in the morning and get home from work in the evening. Love coming home to a cosy flat after a long day at work. Good luck for Melbourne, safe travels.
Yum, walking into a nice warm room is the best! Thanks Sue x
I have been taking Apple cider vinegar along with my multi vitamins daily.Hot or cold lemon drinks-awesome that Citrus is abundant in Winter.I love thermal sox and Merino layers which give me warmth.I have an amazing Fluffy wrap from Autograph and when I wear it to school ;the kids are extra snuggly.So often I wear them as accessories😊😊.Cuddles always warm me up.At home my moggie and I warm up in bed with Woolly blankets and a feather duvet.Dreaming about Summer while sipping a hot tea makes me warm and happy…and fingerless gloves make everything easier.
Sounds like you’re super snug Janne! I love citrus – my boyfriend is right now peeling us some mandarins picked fresh from the orchard this afternoon!
I bought my very 1st pair of ugg boots!! Why it’s taken me 29 years to buy them I have no idea but cozy toes are the best!!!
I really want some Uggs, I think when I can afford them I’m gonna do it
I don’t normally splash out on moisturizer or serums, but I’ve been using Estée Lauder moisturizer for the past week or so to see if it made any difference to my normal winter routine, it sure has!!
Glad to hear it’s making a difference Ange – hurray for treating yourself to something lovely
With loads of my homemade chicken and vegetable soup. Even for breakfast some days!
What a great way to start the day!
❄ Warm baths and brownies. ❄
Both very delicious 😉
Moving to NZ from Queensland, this is my first “real” winter and I’m loving it! Though, it’s taking some getting used to. I’m looking after myself by buying some ultra warm fluffy jumpers (or jerseys as they call them here) and our little town has free thermal pools so I have been going down to soak in the spa every Friday afternoon with my husband while my kids play in the pool.
Definitely a change, isn’t it Kerry? My parents moved to QLD and now they complain when it gets under 20ºC – I think they’ve forgotten what NZ winters are like haha. Lucky you having those thermal pools to soak in.
Congratulations Kerry, you’ve won yourself some awesome winter treats! Keep an eye on your inbox for a message from me x
This winter i have been making the most of scarves and thermals
Both very very good ideas! I’ve just bought a bunch more merino tops, I’m finding them so warm and cosy!
I have a well-loved fake mink blanket that I curl up with on the couch, so when I get the chance I love to sit and read or watch tv. I’ve also busted out the “at home only” trackies and fluffy socks! Peppermint and Sleepy Tea have been my go-to drinks, but I would love to pimp a hot chocolate with a square of Green & Blacks!!!
I’ve just recently gotten back in to peppermint tea and I’m loving it so much. I forget about it when it’s warm and then winter rolls around and it’s a great way to warm me up!
I’m the same as other posters – flannelette pjs, flannelette sheets, and electric blanked. And a hot water bottle. Annnd maybe a hat if it’s freezing
Mmm, sounds snuggly!
As I am a winter baby, I like to take the whole of August (my birthday month) to pamper myself with relaxing baths (at my parents house because I only have a shower) treating my dull skin to face masks and scrubbing my dry lips and slathering them with lip balm to keep them protected. I also like to pamper myself with a new book and a new pair of sleeper socks (the fuzzier the better!). It makes my birthday month a great experience.
That sounds like the perfect birthday month! Just reading this makes me want to take a bath and do a face mask…
warm sunny spots in the back of the campervan lounging on the bed with a good book ….even if its just on the front lawn …..amazing how it just seems like a warm special place without leaving home yummy .
What a neat idea! Got to make the most of that winter sunshine!
I put my flannel pyjamas and fluffy dressing gown on, sit by the fire when everyone else in bed and watch Game of Thrones reruns with a cup of herbal tea.
Living the winter dream! That sounds super cosy 🙂
My hot water bottle died…but i highly recommend them for warmth.
In the meantime ..baths…socks and an old comfy jersey
Milk Milos and snuggling on the couch with a good movie.
Leaving for work in the dark and getting home in the dark…makes the days too short. Sun come and visit Vitamin D needed!!
Sounds divine! I’ll be so much happier when the days get longer, it hard working through all the daylight hours. I’ve been taking breaks when it’s summer and making sure I get out to soak up some Vitamin D!
I indulged in a pair of sheepskin slippers and an impossibly fluffy jumper. I can’t wait to get home every day so I can put them on. Bonus, the kids love to cuddle me in that jumper!
OMG I am so there for slippers and fluffy jumpers, that sounds divine. Cuddles make it even better!
I wrap myself up toasty and warm, pop in my head phones and my ear warmers on and take myself off for a stroll, to forget about all stress I currently might have in my life at that present time. It’s good to zone out and and make inner peace with myself.
Good on you for taking some “me time” Jaimee!
I show myself love over winter by curling up by the fireplace while reading a good book and drinking hot tea in my favorite mug.
Oh yum, that sounds like bliss! What are you reading at the moment Sarah?
I love to sit at the window with the sun streaming in and pretend it’s summer 😉
Ohhh, that winter sun is so good! I will freely admit to the lying in the sun around 4pm to warm up haha
I got the most amazing electric minky throw rug for Mother’s Day, and I use it every cold morning when I get up with my kids! It makes the winter mornings SO much nicer!
I would never get out from underneath it, that sounds amazing!
Yes, please that is a stunning prize. Well I am enjoying making soups galore and feeding the soul this winter to avoid any ills and chills!! Oh and the odd glass of nice pinot under a blanket to keep warm 🙂 Love winter..
Yum, I love a good soup! I feel like I haven’t made enough of them this winter, I’ll have to make a big batch this weekend
give this one a whirl.https://houseandhome.com/recipe/green-pea-and-coconut-soup/
it is amazing, fast and easy!!
.
Awesome thanks Jo!
Eating well(mostly,being kind to myself and lots of green tea
Nice one Rochelle! Green tea makes staying hydrated a lot easier when it’s cold, doesn’t it?
I bought a huge Country Road scarf, almost blanket-style, and I currently have 5 blankets on my bed. Body butter after a lengthy hot shower is comforting too!
Ohhh that sounds lovely Rachel – I love having lots of blankets on my bed, it makes me feel like I’m in a cosy nest 🙂
Looks like such a lovely prize pack you’ve put together! I’m showing myself love this winter by allowing time to soak in the spa pool or chill in the sauna as a reward after going for a swim. Definately takes more effort to go to the pool when it’s cold outside.
It really does take more effort – glad to hear you’re getting that exercise and giving yourself a nice reward! A spa sounds like bliss right now!
I don’t want to enter to win the prize, but I did want to say how much I love the lead pic. I am currently living in Belgium, where I wish we actually got more real summer in summer. 🙂
Thanks! What are your summers like there? I don’t know an awful lot about Belgium, I’m afraid!
Normally a mix. They will get 7-10 days of really hot weather (30+ degrees) and that is miserable as it is rare to have air conditioning in houses here (all heating is by radiator, so no central air). Rest of the summer is 25 degrees or less, and it can get quite chilly (for summer at least) where you need a coat. And lots of rain. Usually you get a mix of sun and rain during a day (today we had really heavy rain twice and overcast 5-6 times and sun the rest – the blinds in my office are constantly going up and down, and I went out for lunch today in the sun and thought of sitting outside, but then it clouded over, poured really heavily, then got sunny again by the time I left). Today and yesterday have been better (low 20s), but earlier in the week we needed jackets (and some people were wearing coats). I will not miss this when I leave next year.
Oh my how bliss would this be, so many pieces of heaven xx
I’m drinking lots of water so my skin stays hydrated, plus making heaps of meaty stews. I’m also not giving myself too much grief for not exercising every day.
Good on you Shirley! It’s not as easy to drink lots of water when it’s cold, but your body really appreciates it
Oh Meagan I would love to win this! This is my first winter in many years that I haven’t been working outside in a physical job which really keeps you warm and makes the winter fly by.
So instead I’ve been focusing on what makes me feel good everyday. I’ve removed from my wardrobe every single piece of clothing that didn’t make me feel amazing – now it feels so good to reach in every morning and not throw stuff back because it doesn’t fit etc. I’ve made a point of catching up with old friends for quality time together instead of the brief texts and lunches, indulged in a naughty weekend away in which we cranked up the fire and lay in bed in the middle of the day listening to rain on the roof. I’ve disassociated myself from someone who pulled me down in the self esteem department and taken up some part time study in a field I’ve had a lifelong interest in. Yeah it’s a good winter so far!
Yes yes YES! This is awesome Julia, I’m so proud of you. It sounds like you’re having a brilliant winter 🙂
I’m going to bed straight after the kids each night (like 7pm) and curling up snuggly playing my games, reading and listening to music. Haven’t watched tv in ages and feel better for it!
Um, that sounds like a genius plan!
Showing myself love in winter involves lots of hot home made soup (cajun pumpkin is my fave!), while being snuggled up in front of the telly with a good movie and my new hubbster. It also means long hot baths with delicious oils, lathering in moisturiser and cozy pajamas before curling up in bed with polar fleece sheets (these are a GOD send in winter, trust me!) Hope you are keeping warm Meagan! xo
Yum, it sounds like you’re super snug this winter! I love the sound of polar fleece sheets, but my boyfriend gets too hot at night so they’re a no go for us 🙁
I purchased a lovely new throw to snuggle under while watching tv, turns out the dog loves it too, so now we share 😊
Aw that’s so cute! Always good to have a buddy to snuggle with
This winter I am spoiling myself with Kmart bargains like face mask or cheap scarf or nice slippers. What’s got me through is my electric blanket and flannelette pjs 🙂
Electric blanket and flannelette pjs for the win! I haven’t used my electric blanket quite so much this year but on nights when it’s SUPER cold I am making the most of it. Or when I feel like I need a bit of extra snuggliness!