Hello February! - Mama Sparrow Guest Blog

And so it’s February, January is over and we’re feeling that late winter slump. Everyone feels a little bit depressed. After making it through what feels like the longest month of the year, we’re exhausted and wondering what will come next. However, is there something we’re missing?

Personally, I love February. After the daze of January, where we don’t quite register the new year, February feels like a month where anything can happen. It’s the season of crisp walks under the cold blue sky, and the season of comforting meals and puzzles by the fire and the season that leads into spring.

I mention it in the previous paragraph, but one of my favourite winter activities is a good walk with the dog and the family. One of those Sunday afternoon walks, where you come back with boots a little muddy, cheeks a little rosy and feeling windswept and wonderful.

A friend from abroad just couldn’t understand why I could possibly like winter until he saw a sunny January day, then he got it straight away.

With that in mind, where better to go to than Philip Morris for all your outdoor and indoor needs. The reason I discovered Philip Morris was because I needed a new Barbour, and not only do they stock a brilliant selection of Barbour goods, they have a whole floor of clothing for country pursuits. From shooting and farming to just loving the outdoors, there’s something for you.

I was given an Alan Paine field coat from Philip Morris for Christmas, and my father recently purchased a Musto field coat for himself. They are the warmest most practical coats we own, and will be joining us on many a dog walk.

For cold heads in winter, why not check out the great selection of hats Philip Morris has to offer. Whether it’s a flat cap you’re after, a woolly hat or maybe a solid out and about hat from Tilley hats, there is a vast array of options waiting for you.

Let’s talk footwear. When we moved to Herefordshire, the first thing we bought were proper wellies. Not fashion ones but solid ones that could cope with the Herefordshire mud. Did you know that Philip Morris and Sons has their own wellington boot? The Heritage 1845 wellies are absolutely brilliant. We both have a pair, but my husband wears his daily and 3 years in they’re still doing great. Made with natural rubber, but at a slightly lower price point than the designer brands, they’re a brilliant wellington boot to invest in.

No winter walk is complete without the warm shirt and/or jumper and so we introduce Albert and Maurice. Like Heritage 1845, Albert and Maurice is a clothing company set up by the brothers behind Philip Morris. But I tell you now, it’s a brand that’s going places. The quality of the pieces is fantastic, and the men in my life already own a selection.

There’s a choice of two styles of jumpers in a selection of colours and two fits of shirt, the regular and the contemporary fit.

For a winter walk, why not try an Albert and Maurice regular fit shirt in brushed cotton- perfect for warmth! Ladies, do not fear though, if you don’t mind the look of a men’s shirt (which personally I love), why not treat yourself to your own Albert and Maurice shirt. However, if you’d prefer a more feminine cut, there’s a vast array of ladieswear brands to choose from including Holland Cooper and Joules.

Now, once you’ve been for the walk and it’s time to finish off the casserole that’s been bubbling away in the slow cooker. Don’t have the right casserole dish? Philip Morris have just the selection of cookware to aid you.

Simply transfer your stew to an oven ready Le Creuset dish (your choice of colour) and make your dumplings in a rather beautiful Mason Cash bowl (also stocked at the most wonderful of shops), before putting the Le Creuset dish complete with dumplings and stew into the oven, then enjoying the fruits of your labour by a toasty fire. Fancy a cup of tea? Just fill up a beautiful Le Creuset tea pot with your favourite brew and you’re sorted.

Now the beauty of all the pieces mentioned above, is that they are all built to last, so you can repeat this routine February after February, winter after winter, and if it’s still going strong, pass it onto your children or grandchildren!

With the help of Philip Morris you can turn your February into a cosy haven, and a quiet and quality filled way to enter the last month of winter.

Happy February folks!