Winter isn't coming. It's here, and we're slogging through the thick of it with the heater on and an umbrella at ready when the weather chucks up a fuss. As temperamental as the skies have been, there's still a fair bit on in our ends. Trying to placehold our hours spent in the sun with indoor nonsense has been trying, I'll admit. But luckily for us, there's still much to be done. My first plan of action is to never to bemoan. Contrary to what everyone around me has seen, I have several Hail Mary's up my sleeve. Ahead of the polar vortex, we compile a no-fail of the best activities to pursue.

Get on the reformer...

My saving grace. My one and all. In May of 2023, I'd been hot on the hunt for a new form of exercise that would cure my restlessness and drum up a workout, without having to take many rest days in between. Once I got into my first 'Happy baby', legs flailing in stirrups, I knew there was no turning back. Reformer Pilates is the talk of the town, and perfect for those chill winter days. Here's where to find a studio near you.

My kitchen rules...

Cook to ward off the chill. Dial up the heartiness with these soup recipes, or try your hand at these winter-warmers, from braised lamb falling off the bone to poached wine pears. 

Invest in art...

Incognito Art Show returns in July this year, both in-person from 13–14 July, and online from 18 July. With more than 15,000 anonymous artworks for sale (each for only $100), all profits raised will go towards funding programs that support artists working with disabilities. Otherwise, leg it to the new wing of Art Gallery NSW. There's always a show on rotation.

Brave the winds for an excellent lunch or dinner reservation...

It's time to be fearless. So what if it's quaking down on the outside? Our resolve can cut through fire and ice. For any last-minute drink plans, rally your boldest and head to these reservation-free spots for a belvedere vodka with lime, carcass out.

Pamper...

What better season than now to pamper our bodies, chapped from the cold? For spas to luxuriate every sense, these are our contenders for where to go to unwind.  Pick between aquamedic pools, spas, saunas galore.

Catch up on the page where you left off...

We're in the business of unfinished books. What better time than now to pick up on that dog-eared page that's been gathering dust on your shelf? If you're on the hunt for a new novel, we've got that too. These are the very best page-turners to come out of 2024, and here's our pick of literature to get you flush under the collar. 

Practice your swing...

Your axe swing, that is. I've been ensnared by the act of throwing an axe ever since I went to the medieval faire. Now, you can try your own hand at this axe studio in Marrickville for fifty bucks a session. You might see me there at some point, wielding a weapon half my size.

Grace your guests...

It's time to open your homes. Host a dinner soiree that Bree Vanderpump would be proud of. To help you along the way, here are some of our favourite tips to get you in tiptop hostess shape. Need a vegetable-appropriate inclusion? We've got the star risotto dish for all your meat-abstaining guests.

Catch a show...

There's plenty of theatre to go around in July. For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare will be presenting King Lear in the round at The Neilson Nutshell in Sydney until 20 July. National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) is presenting the world premiere of new work by acclaimed playwright James Elazzi, Karim, at Riverside Theatres Parramatta from 25 July. We'll see you in the box seat.

Watch from under your covers...

Can't be fussed about leaving the house? We very well can't blame you. If you'd like an activity for your home screen, we've got you covered on that too. For your hibernatory pleasure, dig into our extensive list of the best movies of all time.