It's still pretty warm here in North Carolina, but I am hoping and crossing my fingers, wishing that we will have a cold winter this year, into 2013! We don't usually buy winter outdoor clothing, because we generally don't have a need for it, but I long for cold days, so I can bust out a winter coat, and actually use a pair of gloves!

We're banking on a colder winter this season, though, because we've sort of had actual fall-like temperatures since early September. I would love to see some snow around the holidays, instead of having it be seventy-five degrees on Christmas Day! We've made ourselves a little Winter Checklist, to help ourselves prepare for a slightly cooler winter season.

#1- Switch out seasonal clothing.

#2- Start cooking- Bake a few meals, breads, quick breads, etc that can be stored in the freezer.

#3- Slowly, start stocking the pantry with winter essentials like soups, baking needs, etc.

#4- Get Organized- Go through the house and make a clean sweep!

#5- Get plenty of rest, and take care of ourselves!

#6- Spend more time together as a family.

#7- Get the inside of the house ready for winter and make a winter emergency kit.

#8- Get the outside of the house ready for winter- pack away all summer decor and tools.

#9- Prep the cars for winter weather.

#10- Get into the holiday spirit! Christmas is around the corner... start planning!

As far as being prepared for winter, outdoor clothing wise, I have some light jackets, but I really don't have a true coat, and if it's going to turn cold, everyone in the family will need the proper winter clothing, and accessories, too!

Boys Evolution TriClimate Jacket from The North Face

I trust The North Face most, when it comes to winter coats. All of my friends had The North Face jackets and coats while I was growing up, and I always wanted one. I would love an excuse to get one, now! Balian will definitely need a winter coat, because he will want to be outside, playing in the rain, the snow, or the winter sunshine. The North Face has great styles of coats and jackets for boys, girls, men and women!

Berghaur Derwent 3-in-1 Jacket (This color is so Sacha!)

My husband is not the biggest fan of those jackets I love so dearly, so he'll probably want something more along the lines of a coat or jacket from Berghaus. He'll want a durable, quality coat that will stand up against the elements, and essentially be the last jacket he'll ever have to buy. He's super picky about brands and quality, so once he finds a men's coat he loves, he'll stick with it forever!

As for me, I'm not as picky as my husband. I just want to be sure that whatever I'm wearing, will keep me warm against the wind and the cold... oh, and I want it all- scarves, gloves, hats, coats, jackets, and more! Hey, a girl's gotta accessorize, right? I'll probably need outdoor clothing for warmer days, and the very chilly days- as I pretty much have nothing left in my closet that fits accordingly. I've lost a little weight, which has left my jackets and coats way too big. I've definitely got a new winter coat on my Christmas list this year!

We're slowly, but surely getting ourselves ready for winter weather. Are you ready for winter?