By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
The air is getting colder, days are getting shorter and we now have flipped our calendars to November. Winter is quickly approaching and you may be wondering what there is to do when there is snow of the ground, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, and the thermometer reading 50 or below? Easy, there is so much to do and the options are endless!
1. ICE SKATING ROYALTY
Hit the ice with the family or take a group of friends. You might be a skating queen/king or might need to practice your balance, but either way, it’s lot of fun! I love ice skating and if you have not yet been, you have to!
Hetland Arena is in New Bedford, and Driscoll’s Skating Arena, is located in Fall River, so it’s just a quick drive from campus and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
2. NATURE WALK
Weather permitting, when the day is just cold enough for you to bundle yourself in hats and gloves, tie up your laces and hit the park. There are beautiful parks in Rhode Island and soon enough with Christmas just around the corner many places will be stringing the garland and putting up the lights, to spread Christmas magic that you sure do not want to miss.
This is my favorite time of the year, because of all the Christmas warmth and cheer that is spread all around, it is always so pretty to walk through.
3. SLIPPERY SLOPES:SLEDDING, SKIING, AND SNOW BOARDING
Pretty soon, before you know it there will be snow on the ground and sledding is a childhood favorite, that is a great way to enjoy the nippy chill and take a break from homework.
Spend the weekend in the mountains and take the hills for skiing, as you take on each hill one by one. Even if you have never been on skis before, why not try something new? This fun activity is a great exercise and once you’re done, don’t forget to head back to the lodge for a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up.
4.PAJAMA PARTY
It’s time to put on your favorite pair of pajamas. Come on, we all know you are rocking the onesie in the winter, how could you not have one already? Invite your roomies over, pop some popcorn, bake some cookies and order some pizza with extra toppings; it’s pajama party time! There is nothing quite like having a pajama party in, when the nights are cold and the snow is falling on the town. Have a series of movies pre-selected, or look to Netflix to play some of the best pajama party hits. You will be sure to have everyone laughing until the wee hours.
5. NIGHT AT THE THEATER
Dress up for a date night or take the family out for a night at the theater, a perfect night out. Whether you are catching a show at Trinity Rep or Providence Performing Arts Center, both are beautiful theaters that know how to put on a fabulous show. There is something for everyone, and tickets are priced at a reasonable rate. Hint: Christmas is just around the corner so make sure you get your Christmas Carol tickets soon! I know I will be!
6. SWEATER WEATHER READING
Get into your favorite overly big sweater and snuggle up with your favorite book. Cold weather is the perfect time to read.
Not sure what is new and good? Head to the library or Barnes and Noble, if you are like me and want to own the book to add to your collection. Put some light music on in the background, and pick a cozy spot to nestle in. A great way to spend the day when you don’t feel like going out.
7. CRAFTY MUGS FOR COFFEE LOVERS
Who is ready to get crafty? That’s right, we need a trip to Michael’s, only two minutes away from campus! Head to the craft store and pick up your favorite color solid mug. I recommended white, which will allow you to use your artistic abilities on a clean style canvas. Then pick up anything that catches your eye to decorate your own mug to carry around on campus, or keep at home to enjoy all your coffees, hot chocolates, lattes and more. You can even put your oatmeal in it. Get creative! There are so many cute sayings and ways you can create what will become your favorite mug.
8. HOLIDAY SHOPPING PALOOZA
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” You know Lite Rock 105 will be playing Christmas Music in a blink of an eye and I can’t wait! You know I will have my radio playing morning, noon and night. Why not start your holiday shopping early, and plan a Holiday Shopping Palooza, where you get most of your Christmas shopping all done in one day?
The night before, plan what stores you want to go to, who you have to buy for and what you want to get them beforehand. This will help you stay organized and to your list.
Plan on leaving early and stopping at Dunkin for an Oreo hot chocolate. Mosey on in to your top-rated stores first, to check off your lists.
Then stop for a quick lunch, after, plan to stop into the other half of stores and bingo, you’re almost done. P.S. Don’t forget to check your lists twice!
As you can see the colder months come with a blanket of chilly weather fun, so get out there and go have some fun! I know I will be, see you at the rink!