Monthly Musings: Winter Fun/Valentine's Day

It's the first Monthly Musings of 2026. I'm so excited that Holly, who blogs at Pink Lady, and Patty, who blogs at Good, Better, Best, are continuing this in 2026. I really love this link up. Thanks for hosting such a fun blog party each month Holly and Patty!

 1) Describe your winter so far in one word.

Intense. We've already surpassed our regular annual snowfall for the year. We're in a extremely cold spell (going down to -30C (-22F) with windchill) which is unusual for Ontario. We've had two full school closure days in the past three weeks -- it's just been an "intense" winter thus far. And I know it's far from over. *deep breaths, deep breaths*

 

2) What winter activities have you never tried but want to.

Winter swimming. I've been reading about this practice in places like Norway and Finland and I am intrigued. Living in Canada, and the parts of Canada where I've lived, I've had the opportunity to do so many things. I'm taking the time with this question to talk about some of them.

 

Feeding birds on a forest walk and going in a sauna (or hot tub) and then jumping straight into the snow!

 

Kick sledding, downhill skiing, and tobogganing.

 

Skating (both on regular rinks and through a forest) and snow shoeing.

I've also played on a hockey team, gone curling, and been on a snowmobile. 

But I've never gone "winter swimming" and I feel like I'm missing out! 

3) Favourite winter beverage.

Coffee-hot chocolate with Kahlua and whipped cream!

4) Least favourite winter chore.

Shoveling the driveway after the snow plow has gone by. The snow is super heavy and my arms hurt for a few days afterwards. Yuck.

 

5) Soup or chili? Share a recipe if you would like.

My favourite soup ever is Cream of Carrot-Cheddar Soup. Bonus: the kids like it too and it makes excellent leftovers. You can find the recipe here.  

 

6) Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, both or neither.

I do like both kinds of chocolate but, except for rare occurrences, I just don't love chocolate as much as I used to. I'm usually always up for a Lindt ball though and the dark chocolate ones are my favourite! 

 

7) Share your galentine's or Valentine's Day plans.

I should probably make some. We're getting more low key about Valentine's Day as the kids get older and it might be even moreso this year. 

 

8) Do you dress festive for Valentine's Day?

I don't. I always think I want the heart sweater I see on other blogs but I still haven't bought myself one and there must be a reason why... 

 

9) Do you make any sweet treats for Valentine's Day?

No, and we especially won't this year as we still won't have a kitchen. (I sound like a real Valentine's Day downer, don't I? I think I just really don't have the energy for it this year and I'd rather show love consistently all year round.)

I'm sure there's a Valentine's metaphor in the photo with droopy, unwatered tulips on my heart tablecloth, but this also sums up how I feel about Valentine's Day this year!  

 

10) What is your love language?

 Probably acts of service. I love when people do something kind or nice for me and I love being able to show my love in this way.

So those are my thoughts on the first Monthly Musings of 2026. I never thought I'd be more into winter than Valentine's Day but it looks like I'm still learning and growing! Hahaha!!!

 

If you didn't link up, share one winter activity that you'd like to try. Maybe you'll inspire me to have a new "winter activity dream"!