Snowed In? Here’s Some Stuff To Do

If you happen to live north of Washington, DC on the east coast, you’re experiencing a blizzard right now and stuck inside. Instead of being grumpy or bored, look at it as an opportunity! Sweet, a blizzard! Here are some things we here at HSS recommend doing during a blizzard.

Sleep In

Because you’re not going anywhere! But seriously, if there was ever a time to recharge your sleep-deprived self, this is it. And since I just got a new mattress, sleeping in is exactly what I’ll be doing.

Read Quietly

One thing I’ve noticed (and love) about massive snowstorms is how incredibly quiet the world outside becomes. Other than the occasional snowplow, there are not cars whizzing by, garbage trucks backing up or tractor trailers using their jake brakes to slow down right as they pass your apartment.

And because I’m incapable of reading with any type of noise – not even music – snowstorms are the best time for a book or magazine. I’m currently reading (and recommend): the latest issues of The Rake and Man of the World, and the books Encyclopedia of the Exquisite, The Sartorialist X, Love Style Life, Zero to One and Everything Bad is Good for You.

Make a Cocktail

This could (and should) be done in tandem with both the above and below. For some inspiration, check out some of our cocktail recipes, though allow me to recommend a Perfect Manhattan or Boulevardier.

A favorite warm cocktail of mine is the whiskey skin – so simple it doesn’t need its own blog post. Two ounces of whiskey – it’s best with scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon, or anything pot-stilled – a lemon peel, hot water and a little sugar.

Put a sugar cube and lemon peel (no pith) into mug and add some hot water. Stir to combine, add 2 oz. of whiskey and top with more hot water. Stir and enjoy. If, somewhere along the line, you acquired a toddy stick, now’s the time to use it.

Binge Watch

Because, again, you’re not going anywhere. Making a Murderer anyone? I watched the series over the holidays and if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. If you have seen it, let’s talk about it in the comments!

Organize Your Closet

This is one of those things that is easy to put off because of other needs. Like, I need to go to the grocery store, I need to go to work, I need to get away from my closet because it needs to be organized! Well, not today. Consider the blizzard an intervention between you and your closet – time to confront what you don’t want to. I can tell you, however, that a neatly organized closet does a happy (and stress-free) man make.

Shop Online

Since nobody’s going to any stores today, it’s a great time to surf the web for some great deals. And, hey, wow, it just so happens that many top retailers are having major sales right now. Like up to 80% off at Mr Porter and 60% off at Brooks Brothers (and more off the final Black Fleece collection), Luisaviaroma and, of course, the perpetually on-sale J.Crew.

Look Out the Window

And dream of a warm vacation, like in Tulum. Or just enjoy the beautiful, virgin, snow-covered landscape because in about two days, all that pure white snow is going to be brown and grey and nasty.

You know, people like to complain about the cold and snow, but personally, I love it. It’s not just that I love fall and winter style or that I run hot. I grew up in Upstate New York and I always remember snow during the winter. So there’s a part of me that longs for the snow for the way it reminds me of my childhood. And it’s peaceful and just really, really pretty.

Thanks for reading. And if you’re in the blizzard, stay safe.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.