It's that time of year again! When the weather drops to a dreaded 65 degrees and Floridians begin to bust out winter coats and scarves. That's right, living in South Florida for years will make you a warm-blooded wimp. I said it, most Floridians are wimps, including myself as someone who used to live in Missouri. Living in Florida for an extended period of time has converted me to a beach loving, all around summer time sadness kind of girl (hopefully you catch my reference). These are the tips I have found useful to surviving a South Florida swinter:

1. Embrace the "cold"

Even though to the rest of America it is not cold, to Floridians anything below 60 is chilly and not acceptable. This weather will only last for a short few weeks, but it can be a nice change to the blistering hot weather that plagues Florida during the summer, well all year round.

2. Wear your swinter clothes

With this short opportunity of cold weather, it is nice to dress up in winter clothing and look cute because winter clothes are always cute and trendy, *cough cough* booties!

3. Surfers, bring your wetsuits

Even though the sun is out and the people are tanning, that doesn't mean that the water is warm in the slightest bit. Always bring a wetsuit to be safe, the water can deceivingly beautiful, I mean come on, the water in South Florida is always clear and blue as can be.

4. Wear loose layers

Yes, it does get cold in the morning and the evening. Florida is the most bipolar state and cannot seem to make up its mind about the weather. The temperature in the morning will be freezing and by noon, it is 75 degrees and hot and you are stuck wearing jeans and an oversized sweater. Wear some loose fitting layers that are easily taken on and off.

5. Break out the fire pit

When do South Floridians ever get to make a bond fire and snuggle up? Almost never. Take advantage of the weather and get some friends over to make a bonfire and roast some smores. You will be happy you did and this is a great opportunity to show the rest of America Floridians know how to participate in fun winter activities as well!

6. Enjoy the beach...if possible

Even though it is "cold" it is still beach weather. You may not be able to go into the water because that may be slightly chilly, but it's most likely 70 degrees at some point in the day so go enjoy that weather before it drops to the 60s. Anything below 70 is not optimal tanning weather, let's get real.