10 things to do before the chill ends

Balmy winter mornings, a cool nip in the air and cozy evenings are but fleeting guests for another few weeks with Delhi well into winter.

While it might be bliss to park yourself in front of that heater and wile away your time, why not make the best of the wintry weather before it’s too late?

There are a host of activities and list of things that one must do before the weather turns and springs on you. Read on and see what you can strike off the check list.

1. THE OUTDOORS:

There’s no better time than now to get a break from the gym and take your fitness regime outdoors.

Head to the nearest park for a jog or better yet run a little to really feel your heart pump while you get one with nature. It’s also the best time of the year to impress the opposite sex with your level of fitness without having to worry about beads of sweat dripping down your face; opt for a game of tennis or squash, go on a romantic cycling date or even try something new together for the very first time like horse riding. Take to the greens with a buddy for a game of golf and enjoy a sunday with your mates for a game of cricket or soccer. With all that physical activity, body heat and happy endorphins, you’ll be smiling through the icy weather.

2. SOMETHING STEAMY:

A cup of steaming hot chocolate on a chilly winter evening is as close to heaven as one get.

Enjoy as many cappuccinos, cafe mochas, hot chocolate as you can. For those that enjoy their cup of tea experiment with many varieties including masala, Darjeeling, green or camomile. Winter months are also the best time to go for that lazy breakfast date or explore some cozy tea rooms for an evening high tea ritual.

Chicken soup for the soul, there’s nothing like a cup of steaming soup to lift your spirits after a long days work.

3. HEAT THINGS UP:

No pun intended.

Spend a few extra hours under the covers, indulge in a romantic evening in front of a fire or just enjoy the cozy warmth of a loved ones arms. Loose some fun loving bets at board games or even cuddle up and watch that romantic movie. Take your social life outdoors; forget done to death restaurants, clubs or hotels, get together with friends and family and build a bonfire for a warm and informal evening.

4. BE MASTERCHEF FOR A DAY:

Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, promotion, graduation or engagement at a heart warming cook out . Drum up a barbecue with friends or spend a day with family in the kitchen. Whip up a potato salad, some barbecued chicken and a pasta for a relaxed evening with plenty of warmth, delicious food, great company.

5. FOND OF FONDUE:

We may not have freezing weather, but that’s no reason to stop you from eating like the Swiss. Indulge your palate with a pot of simmering fondue; it’s sophisticated comfort food that not only makes you feel good but also look chic. Crusty bread, steamed vegetables, meats and baby potatoes taste so much better when coated with cheese so treat yourself to a melting cheese fondue. For those with a sweet tooth, winter is the best time to spoil yourself rotten with strawberries coated in gooey chocolate fondue or have fun with other accompaniments like fresh fruit, pound cake and marshmallows. For the adventurous, the Asian hot pot is a good recommendation, cook your own marinated meats and vegetables over a simmering pot of stalk for that out of the ordinary meal.

6. SPA-TASTIC:

There remains no doubt that those new year resolutions to stop abusing your body call for some R& R and winter is the time to treat yourself to it. Check into a spa, pamper yourself with body treatments like deep tissue massages, relaxing acupressure massages, ayurvedic traditional massage, seaweed wraps, sea salt scrubs, just to name a few. Don’t hesitate to go the whole nine yards and get a cleansing facial and some hand and foot therapies.

Pamper yourself with a Hammam ritual, a steam and sauna to really feel cleansed, relaxed and refreshed. It’s high on the feel good factor and promises to give you peaceful night of sleep.

7. PICK A PICNIC:

Enjoy a sunny winter day in a the park while you catch up with friends over a fun filled picnic sangria, hors d’oeuvres, music and a frisbee bee. Unwind old school style head out on a day trip, explore an old fort, a monument, the zoo or a tourist hot spot.

Head for a field trip close to town and take the family and pet along.

8. FALL IN LOVE:

You’ve done the infamous summer flings many a times, try something different and fall in love this winter. Cuddling is never more fun than in frosty winter weather,. Feel the tingle of new love and cool air at the nape of your neck. Take a chance on someone and watch your romance blossom through spring.

9. LAYER ON THE FASHION:

If you haven’t taken out that overcoat, draped yourself in a faux wrap or showed off those thigh high boots, time’s running out. Don’t go overboard and wear everything all at once but do try to go through that winter closet and look fashionably up- tothe- minute. It’s a shame to own all those goodies and keep them in hiding eight months of the year but it’s adding insult to injury if you don’t even flaunt them during the four months that you can.

10. WINTER SPORTS:

Head to the mountains — Kashmir, Manali, Shimla to get a real feel of the cold; step onto fresh white snow, ski down some slopes, try your hand at snow boarding or just feel the chill burn as you make that carrot nosed snowman. If you can’t get out try your skills at the latest ice skating rink in town to feel one with winter.

Reproduced From Mail Today. Copyright 2012. MTNPL. All rights reserved.