10 Things to Try This February

Are you feeling inspired to try something new this month? Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up 10 things to try this February!

I don't know about you, but I love finding a bit of inspiration to improve my day. It's easy to get stuck in a routine, and changing things up (even a little) can be fun and exciting!

In that spirit, I’ve started a monthly series, 10 Things to Try. Each month this year, I’ll share ten seasonally appropriate ideas (recipes, crafts, decor ideas, and more) that are worth trying that month. If you'd like to play along, take a pic of something new you've tried, then post it on social media and tag it with #hellolittlehome ... sound like fun?

Here are 10 things to try this February!

1. Start a New Habit

Have you heard the saying that it takes 21 days to create a new habit? I actually read recently that it's a myth, and that it actually takes anywhere from 18 days to 254 days, depending on the person and the habit they're trying to develop. Ha!

In any case, I think February is a great time to start a new habit. I tend to spend January reflecting on the previous year, and by February, I'm really ready to make some changes.

I've gotten into the (bad) habit of checking news on Facebook in bed, and then of course, I have trouble falling asleep. So one of the habits I'm trying to develop this year is to read a book instead. I've already started my first one, and I'm falling asleep much faster ... shocking, I know!

The other habit I'm hoping to develop is to exercise more. I love exercising, but it's not something I've been consistent about lately. To get back on track, I've signed up to run a 5K with my sister this March. I even downloaded a couch to 5K app that I hope is going to be helpful in keeping me on track.

A new habit doesn't have to be anything major, and that's why I prefer habits to resolutions. It could be something as simple as eating a piece of fruit every day or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

2. Do Something Fun for Valentine's Day

I know a lot of people hate Valentine's Day, but I happen to love it. My husband and I have never made a big deal of the day, but I enjoy decorating and cooking something special. I think I'm drawn to all the cuteness ... pink, red, glitter, etc.

You don't have to be in love to celebrate Valentine's Day. Gather your girlfriends for a fun Galentine's party instead. If you know someone who's feeling lonely on Vday, do something special for them. Treat your friends to a sweet treat to brighten their day.

I have a ton of Valentine's Day ideas here on Hello Little Home, but these are a few of my faves:

• Conversation Heart Banner - So cute and there is a free printable (available in English and Spanish) to make it extra easy. You could even use the hearts as cards instead of stringing them up.
• Mini Ombre Cakes - I love how these cute, delicious cakes turned out! They have chocolate toppers that can be customized however you'd like ... XOXO, BFF, etc.
• No Sew Valentine's Day Flag - Use it to decorate your home or give it as a gift.
• Shot Through the Heart Cake Pops - So adorable, plus super delish and easy to make!
• Raspberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding - Perfect for serving after romantic Valentine's Day dinner or for a casual brunch.

3. Celebrate Game Day

Okay, so I'm not the biggest football fan, but I do love getting together with my family and friends. The big game is just around the corner, and even though my Packers didn't make the cut, I'm sure I'll still be watching.

And when that's over, there's basketball, baseball, etc. My husband is a huge sports fan, so there's really no escaping sports around here!

When it comes to game day, I'm all about the food and friends. If you're planning to celebrate, check out my roundup of 100 Vegetarian Game Day Recipes, which includes everything from apps to main courses to desserts to inspire your meal planning. Need some decor inspo? Download my Free Football Themed Party Printables.

4. Do Something Creative

With the freezing weather and dark days, it's easy to get into a slump at this time of year. There's nothing that gets me out of the winter doldrums like doing something creative!

It could be something as simple as wandering around the local art museum (perfect cold weather activity), or you could make something!

Here are a few easy craft ideas to get you started:

• Like a Boss DIY Zipper Pouch - It's perfect for holding pens or odds and ends.
• DIY Personalized Notepads - Make your own custom notepads ... it's really easy!
• Super Easy, Super Chic DIY Sunglasses Case - Spring isn't that far away! Make one in anticipation of the sunny days that lie ahead!
• Canvas Mounted Instagram Photos - This is such a fun project and a great way to show off your fave photos!

5. Treat Yourself

Treat yourself to something special this month! It doesn't have to be anything crazy or expensive, and doing something small for yourself is sure to brighten your whole day.

Go to the salon for a mani / pedi, give yourself an at-home manicure, or try some nail art. Pick up a bouquet and create an easy and inexpensive flower arrangement. Stop by your favorite coffee shop for a latte or make your own with my yummy Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Syrup.

What is your favorite way to treat yourself?

6. Warm Up with a Cup of Cocoa

February can feel so long (and cold) even though it only has 28 days. Is there anything better that a cup of hot chocolate after being outside on an icy day? Not that I can think of!

Although those packets with freeze dried marshmallows are okay, it's also super easy to make your own hot cocoa. Check out my Dark, Rich Hot Chocolate post for my fave recipe (plus, three easy variations). For something a little different, try my Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe ... yum!

7. Take a Moment to Appreciate Winter

I actually really like winter ... I mean, it's no fall, but still! There's nothing prettier than a blanket of fresh snow covering the ground and trees.

So forget about wishing for warmer weather for a minute. Put on your boots and go for a walk in the snow. Make a snow angel, have a snowball fight, or go sledding while you're at it!

If all else fails, and it's just too cold to go out, you have the perfect excuse to stay in, bundle up, and eat some comfort food!

8. Stay Healthy

Do you feel like you're constantly fighting off a cold at this time of year? I definitely know the feeling, but there are a few simple things you can do to avoid getting sick.

Washing your hands frequently is the most important, especially when you've been out in public or around someone who is ill. I'm not the biggest hand sanitizer fan, but it is useful when you can't get to a sink. Drink lots of water. Eat well and excise to help build up your immune system. Get enough sleep.

If you do happen to get sick, check out my tips for surviving a sick day and make a pot of my favorite sick day elixir, Easy Peas and Rice Soup. Know someone else who's sick? Cheer them up with a Cough, Cold, and Flu Care Package.

9. Pamper Your Hands

Winter weather is so hard on the delicate skin of our hands. My hands feel dry and itchy pretty much all season long.

To combat the effects of dry weather, remember to moisture your hands after washing them and throughout the the day. I like to keep a tube of my fave Neutrogena Hand Cream (affiliate link), a super thick lotion, on my desk and by my bedside table. That way, it's within reach whenever I need it.

I also love to pamper my hands with my DIY Soft, Silky Hands Treatment. It's super easy to make and leaves my skin silk smooth and well moisturized.

10. Put Yourself in Someone Else's Shoes

I'm a little nervous about writing this, and trust me, I have no interest in turning this into a political blog. However, recent events here in the US are weighing on me very heavily. There is just so much hate going around, and it's been very disheartening to say the least. The things I write about here have seemed very inconsequential in comparison.

Now more than ever, I think it's important to put ourselves in someone else's shoes. It's something I need to do more of myself! At its core, the US is a country of immigrants who came here to make a better life for themselves and their families. What we need more of right now is compassion and understanding, not hatred and fear of people who seem different than us.

I'm planning to do more volunteering and connecting with my community this year to hopefully counter some of this negativity. I hope you'll join me! 🙂

What is something new that you are inspired to try this February?

Make sure to check out all of my 10 Things to Try posts for even more inspiration:

• 10 Things to Try in January
• 10 Things to Try in March
• 10 Things to Try in April
• 10 Things to Try in May
• 10 Things to Try in June
• 10 Things to Try in July
• 10 Things to Try in August
• 10 Things to Try in September
• 10 Things to Try in October
• 10 Things to Try in November
• 10 Things to Try in December