Written by Anya Caro | Image by Trevor Meyer
Oregon winters require a different kind of lifestyle. Some may not be accustomed to the cold realities of the Northwest. Let’s face it: it’s rain season. After a nice break with sunshine and warm weather, you might have forgotten the essentials of surviving the wet and windy weather here in the Pacific Northwest. For those just trying to acclimate to Oregon weather, figuring out what’s in store and what’s needed to survive is key.
Rain Coats
Who knew raincoats were so essential? A good North Face or Columbia jacket can help anyone when it starts pouring buckets on their way to class. If possible, have multiple rain jackets. Oregon is known for having multiple kinds of rain: pouring rain, misting rain, hit-the-ground-and-bounce-up-on-your-face rain, sideways rain – you know the drill. In my experience, having multiple rain jackets is always handy when you forget one in the wash or need to match with your outfit. Luckily, rain jackets are plentiful right here in Eugene, Oregon. A quick stop to REI, Hirons or Costco can solve this problem easily.
Accessories
Generally, layering clothes is a great idea in this season’s wet weather. A good jacket paired with socks, scarves and a hat can’t hurt anyone. Wearing layers is perfect for fighting away the cold and keeping yourself warm and dry this season. Pro tip: switch from cotton to wool. Wool is better at insulating your body’s heat and pulling moisture away. Not only that, but it dries faster as well. Wool is every Oregonian’s best friend. On top of that, everyone needs a good pair of waterproof shoes. We have all had that moment when we walk without looking and step into a deep puddle, soaking us to our core. A good pair of rain boots will prevent puddle-stepping incidents. Sidewalks can be slippery, so investing in a good pair of boots is highly efficient for warmth and sturdiness.
Stain Remover
When the day comes when something spills on your favorite sweater, or you slip in the mud because you forgot to wear rain boots, you’ll want some stain remover on your side. Stains are inevitable, but you don’t have to let them ruin perfectly good clothing when there are simple remedies to take the stain out.
- Mud: To remove excess mud or dirt, use a gentle remover with water, and rub until suds form. Rinse it off. If any discoloration remains use a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar to lighten it.
- Grass: Spray Shout stain remover on the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. With a clean toothbrush, rub in the stain remover.
- Coffee: Stretch fabric over a bowl and pour hot water on the fabric through the stain. If milk was in it, use an oil solvent as well.
- Juice: Apply a solution made with a tablespoon of dish soap and ten ounces of water. Blot the area with a towel to remove the stain.
- Berries: Scrape off excess, apply a formula of ½ tablespoon of dish soap and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly.
Waterproofing Shoes With Beeswax:
The day will come where you have no boots and are wearing your everyday shoes out and about. No one wants to step in that dreaded unseen puddle. Prevent being soaked to your socks with this simple guideline of how to waterproof your shoes.
Needed: Beeswax, pot, metal mixing bowl, beeswax, knife
Step 1: fill pot with water, place metal mixing bowl in the pot to create a double boiler.
Step 2: Cut a chunk of the beeswax into the bowl, letting it melt
Step 3: Apply beeswax to boot with a towel
Step 4: For the boot to absorb the wax, the wax needs to be liquid. So apply heat or use a lighter, or a hair dryer to melt the wax into the boot.
