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Each Sunday my sister Ashlie and I co-write a blog post about our favorite things called Sister Sister Sunday. Sister Sister Sunday is a great way for us to keep in touch every week and stay connected.   Each week our theme changes so make sure to visit us every Sunday to check out what we are into next. This week we are so excited to have sisters Bekah and Emily Noss guest blogging!

Each Sunday we host a “Linky Party” so all of you can share your favorite things with us.  Thank you all for linking up last week, we have so much fun checking out your posts and reading about your families.   Our favorite post from last week’s party came from Lisa over at The Pursuit of Happiness.  She shared a great tutorial on how to make a glittery stuffed Dreidel, go to her blog to check it out.

Traverse City, Michigan is known for their beautiful bays and beaches.  However, the other six months of the year, T.C. transforms itself into a winter wonderland full of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.  Growing up in Northern Michigan, you have no choice but to get used to the cold and dreary weather and find ways to survive the winter blues.  Here are our Winter Survival Kit Must Haves that will hopefully leave you feeling warm and toasty!! 

These single application towels are designed for both body and face (I use the half towels).  They are easy to use and aren’t as messy as the self tanning lotions.  The best part is, they don’t streak and the odor of the towels disappears after a few minutes.  After all the hard work you put it at the beach during the summer, your tan sure does fade quickly!  This gives a nice natural glow without having to go to the tanner.
 

Oregon Chai Teas  
I am obsessed with the “Vanilla Chai” mix right now and have been enjoying a mug at night while snuggling on the couch next to the space heater!  Oregon Chai also has “The Original Concentrate”, which is great for mixing with other ingredients to create various chai combo drinks both hot and cold.  It is a great addition to a party to help your guests get a little toasty.  Here is a great recipe for the holidays:

ChaiNog (in a 12oz. mug)
4oz Original Latte Concentrate
4oz. Egg Nog
Dash of nutmeg

My crock pot is my best friend during the winter and I normally make a couple meals a week in mine. When it is snowy and blustery outside, I love coming home to a delicious, warm meal that has been cooking all day while I am at work.  Soups are my favorite and white chicken chili is a staple in our house.  I used to stress over the seasonings and getting the taste just right, until I discovered “McCormicks White Chicken Chili” seasoning packet.  It makes the entire process so much easier and honestly tastes better than anything I could ever do on my own!!

Ingredients
1- 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup water
1 small onion, chopped
2 (15oz. cans) white northern beans, undrained
1 (15oz. can) fiesta corn with red and green peppers, undrained
1 (15oz. can) chopped/diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 package of McCormicks White Chicken Chili season packet

Directions
Add all ingredients to crock pot.  Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is cooked.  I like to top mine with sour cream, cheddar cheese and diced avocado.

Scarves
A winter favorite item of mine is scarves!  Living in Northern Michigan, it is important to dress warmly, but I try to stay trendy at the same time.  Scarves not only keep you warm, but you can accessorize with them just like you do with earrings or necklaces.  You can also style them in many different knots and ties to change your look.  I have found many cute yet affordable scarves at Target and TJMaxx.  Here is a new twist to the traditional European knot to try this winter. 

1. Fold the scarf in half the long way and loop it around your neck.  
2. Take one of the two tails and pass it through the loop.  
3. Grab the loop in your hand and twist it to form a figure 8 (now there should be 2 loops).  
4. Take the second tail and pass it through the second loop.

Chobani Greek Yogurt
Holidays bring Christmas parties, cookies, egg nog and so many other naughty treats, so when you are not indulging, it is important to eat healthy!  A friend introduced me to Chobani Yogurt and I am obsessed with it.  Not only is it good for you, it tastes good, and the company is also out there doing good too – Chobani, gives 10% of their profits to charities Worldwide.  Chobaini is 100% Greek Yogurt, made with fresh fruit, and it is only 140 calories or less!  You can enjoy: plain, honey, raspberry, vanilla, blueberry, peach, strawberry, and pomegranate flavors (peach is my favorite!). Chobani has twice the protein as regular yogurt, there is no fat or cholesterol and it is all natural.  There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, no synthetic growth hormones, it includes live and active cultures, it contains three types of probiotics, it’s gluten free, and it’s made without gelatin.   Check it out for yourself at their website, which also will allow you to locate a store near you. 

 

J.Crew Fingerless Gloves
Just about everyone now has an iPhone or touch screen data phone.  Since mittens or gloves are a must have for the winter, it can get very annoying having to remove them each time you want to use your touch screen gadgets.  I recently found my perfect solution at J.Crew.  They have 3 different kinds of fingerless gloves, and even offer a cashmere pair if you are looking to splurge.  They are very cute and range in price, so there is a pair to fit any budget!