Photo by Mohamed Elsayed on Unsplash
Whether it’s dreary grey and snowy or still sunny but winter nonetheless, the end of the year can test the best of us.
After a summer of to-do list accomplishments, winter can often feel long, especially a winter after nearly 19 months of navigating a global pandemic.
While we love the holidays as an opportunity to share with those we love, this feature is about taking some time for ourselves—a self-care wishlist (by women, for women) to help us stay hopeful and motivated through the colder days.
And for those that get to enjoy comfortable temperatures all year long, consider this the cure to languishing.
Lula’s Garden Succulent Garden
Lula’s Garden makes it extremely convenient to add a little green during the grey days. This succulent shop lets you pick your perfect plant companion, without requiring extensive care instructions to thrive through winter together.
From a single succulent to full "gardens," you can decide what would fit best on your desk.
Price: $28
Graydon Skincare DIY Spa Night
Graydon Skincare has the perfect portfolio to enjoy a well-deserved spa night from the comforts of your own home.
My tried and true line-up includes an extra hot shower with the Matcha Mint Shampoo, Matcha Mint Hair Smoothie, and All Over Soap (trust me, enter stressed and take a deep breath of this hair care to guarantee you leave feeling relaxed), followed by the All Over Face + Body Lotion, Fullmoon Serum, and using their incredible Face Food Mineral Mist to freshen up throughout the rest of my night.
This women-owned beauty brand has mastered creating high quality products with clean ingredients that easily refresh my skin (and my attitude)!
Price: $25+
Avryn Co. Wallet & Wristlet Set
Handcrafted in South Carolina (and one of the most mesmerizing instagram accounts to watch as Kate produces them herself), Avryn Co. understands the value of having your hands available for the necessities—like hot chocolate, a pile of your kid's artwork, or carrying every grocery bag in a single trip.
This wallet and wristlet set allows you to wear your necessities (keys, wallet, mask) on your wrist, leaving your hands free, which may just be the most simple gift you can ever give yourself.
Plus, the new winter collection is made of waterproof French leather which makes it safe for even the worst hail/snow storms and comes in the most extraordinary colors to match your outfit—whether you're dressed up for work or down for running errands.
The Blu Kitchen Hot Chocolate and Homemade Marshmallows
Speaking of hot chocolate, it doesn’t get much better than The Blu Kitchen’s mix with at least one homemade marshmallow on top! This women-owned business is from Michigan, so they have expertise in making the best of winter and with this on hand, you can, too.
An easy mid-morning pick-me-up or a late-night sweet treat, this is one of the best ways to stay warm and energized this season.
lu & elle Getaway Tote
For those that want to spend a little longer recharging, meet the Getaway Tote from lu & elle. This women-owned business makes a bag that is the perfect size for a long weekend away and has a zip-top closure to make sure your contents stay contained throughout your adventure.
The inside has just enough compartments to make it easy to find your phone charger, but it gives you plenty of open space for making sure your fuzzy slippers can join you.
Price: $170
Wander Puzzle Co. Puzzles
These puzzles offer a classic activity to help unplug and reset, but with the bonus of artwork that celebrates female artists from around the world. Wander Puzzle Co. puzzles are easy enough to tackle on your own for a night off from email, but loaded with inspiration to energize you whenever you need a boost.
My personal favorites are The Movement (depicting a women’s march), and We are One (a portrait of a sisterhood that is incredibly inspiring).
Price: $28
gr8nola Superfood Granola
Because sometimes you only have 15 minutes between meetings to cure the blues, this superfood granola is an easy pick-me-up. Perfect by itself or on yogurt and ice cream, it’s convenient to keep on hand. Plus, it's video-meeting-friendly since it won’t leave anything embarrassing in your teeth.
Such a sweet, filling way to power up throughout the day.
Price: $10
Free Period Press Vision Board Book
If Pinterest had a book, this would be it.
It's a massive brainstorm of photographs, phrases, and images to remove you from social media's influence and give you space to define your goals on your own. A night to do some cutting and crafting with this will result in a perfect collage of your ambition and passions to help you be inspired.
Price: $30
Wool & Indigo A Cozy Night In
Sometimes the best way to recharge is to take a night to completely unplug. Wool & Indigo has a beautiful collection of handcrafted products, including their perfectly weighted blankets and long-lasting (as in, 40 hour burn time) candles.
Grab that book that has been collecting dust while you have been working, and settle into the comfiest place in your house to enjoy a night getting lost in the story.
If you don’t have all night and need an express recharge, I highly recommend their perfumes, which smell extraordinary and instantly make you feel fancy.
Price: $28+
Nourish Book
Nourish is the kind of book that is as beautiful to read as it is to have on your coffee table or in your workspace.
While I loved the short stories about ten Seattle-based organizers, I equally loved the recipes they provide to elevate a home-cooked meal, with far more understanding of what “home” means to these individuals. With proceeds benefiting the exact organizations that these people fight for, it’s a simple way to fill your soul (and your stomach).
Price: $35
Women’s Collective Subscription Box and Marketplace
Because let’s be honest, sometimes a gift only feels like a gift when you get to open it up. Each quarter, the Women’s Collective Subscription Box celebrates women-owned businesses by delivering their goods right to your door, and it includes a booklet about the founders to inspire and share their success across the sisterhood.
Products can include bags, jewelry, drinkware, planners, accessories, beauty items, and so much more. Items you fall in love with can then be purchased individually online at the Marketplace.
Scrolling through small-batch women-owned products and responsibly shopping online in the name of empowering women? Sounds like my new favorite way to beat the Winter Blues!
Price: $55
A big thank you to the brands who provided me with samples for pictures and to further experience the featured products. If you have any favorite Female Founded brands or products that you think Contessas would love, please share with me at kerrimayper@gmail.com or show me how you use the CC Collection products on Instagram @kerrimayper.
