The idea of living in a walking neighborhood seems so romantic in a way don’t you think? Leave your car in its spot, walk a couple blocks to 15 different restaurants, yoga, the grocery store, library, the park and then it snows and you realize you aren’t a snow bunny. The Cole Hahn booties with three inch heels or Timberlands with a short heel just don’t cut it in 10 inches of snow, whether you are just walking down the street or are shoveling. Yep that is what happened to me this past week!

So, what did I realize I needed? Starting at the top, most of us have hats and my best experience has been a skull cap that covers my ears, but I love the bill on my little wool hat paired with sunglasses for the best protection from the wind.  I like my neck tube better than a scarf or paired with a scarf because it is fleece, so it’s super light weight and can be pushed down or pulled up over my nose and mouth.

Now for my upper body. Layers are important almost anytime of year in Colorado, so of course, the traditional tank under a long or short sleeved shirt, sweatshirt or sweater. Make sure the first two layers are long enough to tuck in to your pants. My down jacket is the absolute warmest coat I have owned, so that is essential.

Since I haven’t ever skied and I haven’t ever really done anything in the cold too long except to watch high school football games, I never really need to think about layering on the bottom too much, so, I had a pair of jeans that were a size too big and realized a pair of long johns fit perfectly underneath. Then when you do walk your thighs won’t be frost bitten.

Last but not least, your hands and feet. I discovered wool socks (my favorite pair come from Target) that have extra padding on the bottom, and they don’t make my legs itch. My favorite gloves are leather. I will probably never give up my leather gloves with the fur lining, but, I found a pair of ski gloves that were my son’s they have a spider logo, they are pretty amazing for a more casual look.

I have found that walking can be a lot easier and faster in ten inches of snow than trying to find a parking place on side streets. Especially after our last storm!

So on your next sunny day, take your bike in for a tune up before spring comes, I will have some great tips on spring wear and bike wear as well! I’m ready for warm weather!

Livin’ Denver,