On My Mind: I’m Finally Upgrading My Ski Gear
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I startedlearning to skia few years ago when I went to visit a friend who was working at a resort in Colorado for the winter. I had taken one lesson previously, but she truly taught me to ski that weekend. Even though I left covered in bruises from falling on the mountain, I got the bug to keep doing it. Next month, I am making my return to Colorado with a bit more experience under my belt. So I’ve also been upgrading some of my gear ahead of the trip.
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Even though I bought my own skis and boots last year, I haven’t had anywhere to store them except in my husband’s snowboard bag. It’s not usually an issue to share the space when we’re driving, but since we’re flying to Colorado, I decided to get my own bag. This one from Dakine is a simple sleeve, but I appreciate that it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
[Editor’s note: Some colors, including the Spice version I bought, are sold out at Dakine.]
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I also got this boot bag from Dakine. I like that both bags are colorful and easy to identify. The boot bag also has extra space to store my helmet and goggles, plus it’s a backpack, which keeps my hands free to carry my skis.
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I have some nice base layers from Kari Traa that I use for skiing, but earlier this winter I also got this zip-up fleece that I’ve been loving. It’s a nice midlayer because it’s lightweight and thin, so it doesn’t add too much bulk. It’s also a nice jacket to wear on a sunny winter day for a hike or walk outside, when it’s easy to overheat but I still need to stay warm. I got mine discounted from a sample sale, but it’s even cheaper now that it’s 40 percent off.
I’ve been usingBuff’s merino-wool multifunctional neckwear, but I find it a bit finicky to actually cover my face with it, plus my hair gets pretty tangled underneath, so I’m on the hunt for a hinged balaclava. I like merino wool, which is why Icebreaker’s balaclava appeals to me, but the color options are super limited. The Skida and Blackstrap versions are polyester, but do come in plenty of colors and patterns.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …
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I adopted two adorable kittens in January, and I love them, but they are high-energy and require a lot of attention, so another reason I’m excited about my Colorado trip is the chance to sleep uninterrupted. (Why do they decide to get into a wrestling match on top of my bed at 3 a.m.?) One thing that’s been keeping them occupied is this motorized toy with a spinning, feathery bird they can chase. My brother gave it to me as a gift, and it has been invaluable. The wire the toy hangs from is somewhat springy, so it also bounces and bobs when they pounce.
For the first couple weeks we had them, I went a little overboard buying cat stuff. They haven’t been interested in many of those things. But these are my three of my most successful purchases so far. They love jumping on the scratching post, running through the tunnel, and playing on these modular corrugated cardboard pieces that look like something out ofMinecraft.
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The next thing I want to get them is a window hammock. They have a nice tall cat tree in our sunroom, where they love to sit and watch people walk by on the street. For my office or another room with less space for a tree, a hammock seems like the perfect way for them to get another vantage point. I like the look of this one from Tuft and Paw, but I don’t know if I’m willing to spend so much.
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I’m also intrigued by these hammocks that hook onto the windowsill. Because I’m a renter, I can’t drill into the walls. But I’m also worried they’ll knock it off the window if they play too rough on it (a likely scenario with these two).
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A few years ago, I bought my sisters’ cats one of these kicker toys and they absolutely loved it. When she came to visit me recently, she brought one for my new kittens — it has a black-cat pattern on it, since my boys are both black cats. It’s crinkly and filled with catnip, so it’s very enticing and just the right shape for them to hold and bunny kick.
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She also brought me some very sweet black-cat stickers, all drawn by the same artist.
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For much of the winter so far, I’ve been usingNiecy Nash’stip about mixing a few drops ofbody oilinto Jergen’s Ultra Healing lotion — it’s very effective for moisturizing dry skin. But after Kate McLeod sent me their Sleep Stone to try, it’s become my new favorite way to moisturize. It’s scented with lavender and chamomile, which is perfect for nighttime. And I like how rubbing the stone onto my skin feels a bit like a massage. I’ll probably stick with Jergens for my everyday routine, since it’s so much cheaper, but the stone is a luxurious upgrade that’s especially nice to use after a shower in the evening when I’ve come home from a workout.
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My hair has also been super dry this winter, especially at the ends. Since I’m such a fan ofOdele’s Air Dry Styler, I’ve been trying a few of the brand’s other offerings, including this leave-in conditioner and moisturizing mask. I have fairly fine hair and both products have added moisture without weighing it down, which has also helped define my hair’s loose curls.
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