Things have been a little quiet around here lately, I suppose I'm in blog-hibernation mode. I hope you'll forgive me. You've probably heard this from me a million times since I started this blog, but... I'm working on my thesis. I really am this time, and I plan to finish it THIS YEAR. There. I said it. Now I have to do it. 

So. I'll be doing a little less blogging than usual this winter, and also slowing down the monthly giveaways to a more occasional surprise every now and then. That way I can devote my full attention to the mountain of work ahead. So now that I'm all bunkered down with my computer and tapes and hard drives in this quiet little pocket of Nova Scotia, and winter has enveloped us in its long endless embrace, I really really (really!) do not have any excuse for not getting down to work and getting this blasted thesis done, once and for all. Though let's be honest, I'll need tiny distractions to keep me sane along the way: wintery comforts to keep me going on those days when it's frigid outside and all I want to do is throw my computer out the window and fly to a Mexican beach until spring comes. Maybe you're feeling the urge too? As we plunge into February (my most dreaded month of the year), some of my latest little winter pleasures are what I wanted to share with you today. 

2. Second on my list of recent wintery pursuits: marvelling at the ice patterns on window panes. Hours. Of. Fun. 

3. Knitting! Legwarmers! From this free pattern! (And slowly working my way through my pinterest knitting board). Also, this wool is making me drool. (The knitting ideally takes place while  simultaneously watching Downton Abbey. Yes, that's my idea of a hot winter date).

4. This wintery album from Montreal-based Folly and The Hunter is perfect for sipping a hot drink by the fire.

5. The Lehman's catalogue. A homesteader's dream come true. How is it that no one ever told me about this before?

5. Sn'ice cream!!? Whaaaatt?! Ice cream made with actual snow. Pure magic from one of my favorite food bloggers.