It’s cold here this week. Like really cold. In the next 5 days, we won’t reach above 10 degrees in Minneapolis. I am not one to mind the cold but I was born and raised here in Minnesota. I think I am used to this kind of weather.  There are some things that we Minnesotans know about the cold that transplants might not think of doing on these types of days when we’d rather not get out of our warm and comfy beds. Not that I am saying you have to do that, because if you can, just stay there in bed.

These are a few suggestions that I have for my friends that aren’t from here and need to get up and do stuff on these hideously cold days:

• Get the right winter gear.

These are two pants kind of days. What does that mean? Long underwear are a thing and you should wear them when it gets this cold. It makes everything more pleasant other than your pants feeling a little too tight. Just have one pair of jeans that are a size up from what you normally wear and wear long underwear under them.

Get yourself a pair of really warm boots. I’ve been wanting a pair of these Mukluks for years, but any pair of boots with real fur or shearling will work really good. Don’t buy fashion boots, they are no good for you. Get something that will be good up to -35 degrees.

Wool socks + wool sweaters are great for keeping you warm. I highly recommend getting a sweater and a few pairs of socks for cold days when you cannot get warmed up. They will help a lot.

Yeah, so we may not look like fashionistas on these days but, we are a hell of a lot warmer than you. Get yourself some gear and you can be warm too!

• There’s a reason why we like “hot dish”

You should not start a diet in this weather. period. Get a hot dish recipe from a friend. Try this one that I like: http://pinchofyum.com/sweet-potato-tater-tot-hotdish

The hearty homecooked meals that make you feel full are just what you need to get through this cold. There’s something to be said about comfort food and these are exactly the type of days that comfort food is needed.

• Grab a good book.

Time to get cozy! Grab a book from a friend, borrow one from the library, or even get them delivered straight to your kindle. Books are a great way to get through a cold night. I love getting home from work and snuggling up with my cat and a good book. I just finished a book by Ann Rule (very good) and I am just starting my book club book–I am Malala.

I am always looking for new book selections and my Goodreads account is super helpful. I can see what my friends are reading and what they liked.

• Get the spray stuff that gets ice off the windows of your car.

Seriously– Do IT: Here

Baths.

Taking a warm bath after a cold ride in your car home is literally the best thing in the world. Buy yourself some nice bubble bath. This is one of the best simple pleasures in life.

Because you need to survive the cold…

XoXo- @mplsgossipgirl

What are your cold weather tips? Any books I should add to my list? Cold weather gear?