As one who has grown up in sunny Southern California their entire life, I know nothing of a true winter & that is why winter is my favorite season.

Since I could walk, ski trips to the Eastern Sierras have been a yearly tradition for my family. We would rent a cabin, my brother and I would ski and ride snowmobiles with our cousins, play in the snow and then as soon as we ran out of dry clothes, we’d head home to our sunny home just inland of the San Diego coastline.

It’s because of this plush lifestyle that I am naive to a true, bone-chilling winter. Where in some places (I've heard) every day for three months straight the thermometer doesn’t go past freezing and in order to get out of your house to get to work you have to shovel snow off your driveway. Whatever, I could totally do it — all of our grandparents "walked five miles in the snow to get to school every day", so I guess I could do it too. Why not, I love being cold.

Yes, I truly enjoy being cold, in fact, right now it's currently 54 degrees in Cardiff, California and I am sprawled out on my all-white Urban Outfitters daybed with all the doors and windows open, wearing a t-shirt and shorts as I swoon over snowy cabins and winter getaways. So if you're wanting to get away to somewhere cold as well, below are a few of the winter vibes I'm currently into.

Ski Lodge Wolf
In the mountains of Austria sits an astonishing bar and restaurant with views of the Swiss Alps and beyond. Birch tables and chairs were crafted to match the vertical and horizontal birch wood lining the entire lodge, while an open concrete fireplace connects the dining and bar areas so guests can kick off their snow boots and warm up with a glass of wine while taking a break from a day on the slopes. Only in Europe would you find such a minimally beautiful ski lodge.

Hytters (the Norwegian word for cabin) are a huge part of Norwegian culture. With over a quarter of all Norwegians owning at least one, this traditional Norwegian hytte is a private residence just an hour north of Oslo. Inside there are three bedrooms, a bunkroom, an annex for ski waxing and a two-person sauna. With every room having private views of the forest, the closest I will ever get to this is walking through a room display at IKEA.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It seems like just yesterday that Hannah & I were wondering about the empty town of Jackson and touring the National Elk Refuge in the coolest little Western town. This was when there were only whispers of Kanye being seen around town and before The Kardashians made it their new “it” spot. Now, Jackson Hole has some of the most luxurious hotels and boutique hangouts. 

If you're planning a trip to Jackon in the winter, I'd highly recommend staying at the Anvil Hotel — this boutique hotel offers the best stay in the city and (omg!) the best Italian food at their laid back restaurant, Glorietta. The best views in all of Jackson House are perched on the crest of East Gros Ventre Butte at the ultra secluded Amangani and if you’re looking for the best nature tour or winter experience, Amangani is the best in class.

If you're going The Kardashian route, Caldera House is the newest boutique hotel (yes this is where the family stayed in the latest episode) in Teton Village, with just steps away from the tram and a short drive to Grand Teton National Park.

Sounds of December
Unpopular opinion: Mariah Carey Christmas stays in 2019. You deserve better than the same holiday hits playing in malls across America and more of a soundtrack from a feel-good Nancy Meyers movie.

May I present to you four playlists — all curated with my favorite Christmas songs mixed with dreamy winter vibes, perfect for every holiday gathering. If you’re looking for something a little more pumped up for say a New Year’s Eve party or an intimate gathering with your favorite people, I’d recommend my Dinner Party playlist or three of the other playlists below, whatever your vibe may be.

Listen to December on Apple Music and Spotify
Listen to A Very Dreamy Christmas on Apple Music and Spotify
Listen to A Very Winter Feeling on Apple Music and Spotify

Silver Lake Pool & Spa
Winter in Southern California is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp while the Santa Ana winds fill the air with the smell of citrus from the valleys to the coastline. If you’re looking for a refreshing start to the new year, the newly opened Silver Lake Pool & Spa is where you can take in a healthy dose of Southern California sunlight. Oh and yes, the pool is heated to 84 degrees all year round.

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