Winter Essentials

It's no secret that this has been the coldest January in a long time. January may be almost over, but winter is {unfortunately} sticking around for a few more months. I am sure I am not alone when I say that I have spent the majority of this month curled up on the couch in multiple layers with a cup of tea in hand. A warm and stylish throw blanket is a necessity in my book. As much as I adore my leopard print snuggie {but really}, here are a few winter essentials that will keep you cozy and chic.

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weekend reading

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+ Our dreams are such a mystery aren't they? I find them fascinating
+ Love this great list of healthy oils--add these to your pantry if you haven't already!
+ I've fallen hard for this little Tibi dress
+ Serena and Lily added great new stuff to their spring collection. I especially love this and this
+ Seriously tough, but needed: 20 ways to get sugar out of your life
+ Such an inspiring, beautiful woman (with a lovely home!)

My little mid-winter vacation to Florida can't come fast enough {7 days and counting...} I am dreaming of palm trees, sandals, and fresh grapefruits. I hope you have a wonderful weekend & stay warm, wherever you are!

Snow Day

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I woke up this morning, severely disappointed. I was so ready for some snow, and we only got a mere dusting {although I am sure the boys are more than ok with not having a driveway to shovel!} Luckily the sun is shining, and I can still drink my coffee in my fuzzy socks. I hope you are staying warm, whether you got snow or not. I can tell you I am not looking forward to venturing out into the 9 degree arctic tundra. Brr.

Recipe: J's Favorite Soup

Confession: I was nervous to attempt making this soup for a second time. See, one snowy night about a month ago, I was cold. I needed something to warm me up, and didn't feel like going to the store. So, I decided to make a soup out of what we had in our kitchen. I am not the type to create my own recipes often, so when J wouldn’t stop gushing over this soup, I figured I had gotten pretty lucky. He kept asking for it again, but I was stalling because I forgot to write down the recipe! I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to re-create the soup that he claimed was his "favorite soup ever". Talk about pressure. But, my friends, I am proud to report that it was a success {and I took notes this time!} This is my favorite kind of cooking in the winter. I almost hesitate to post the recipe since it seems like such a basic soup, but I hope you enjoy it as much as J does!

J's Favorite Soup

·       1 large onion, chopped

·       1 green bell pepper, chopped

·       2-3 carrots, chopped

·       2-3 stalks of celery, chopped

·       1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

·       10 oz mushrooms, sliced

·       1 cup brown rice (quick-cooking)

·       1 tsp dried oregano

·       ½ tsp dried thyme

·       2 bay leaves

·       6 cups turkey stock

Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.  Season with S&P, and sautee for 5-7 minutes, until veggies soften.

Season chicken with S&P. Increase heat to medium-high, and add chicken. Sautee until brown, 3-5 minutes. Add mushrooms, brown rice, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and additional S&P. 

Pour in stock, and bring to a simmer {be sure to keep the pot at a low simmer, not a boil, or chicken will get tough} Let simmer for 25-30 minutes. Voila!

Life Lately

Christmas brunch mimosas with pomegranates // tamales on Christmas? Why not! // my favorite snugglers // a sneak peak of my bar // some holiday favorites from Anthropologie // my little Christmas present // I loved this photo of Oliver in the snow. His fur looks stunning against the white! // a Christmas tree, fire, and sparkling cranberry cocktail // my favorite salmon salad with hardboiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted fingerling potatoes // honestly the best indulgence I have had in a while: grilled coconut banana bread. It was heaven // feeling festive // Me and J at a holiday party // a pretty late-fall rose on Martha's Vineyard // Architecture in Edgartown // new boots and herringbone brick // our Christmas tree, all done up {please don't make me take it down!} // cocktails & crudite // a snowy holiday evening

Just a few things that have been happening around here since the last time we saw each other, almost two months ago. You can follow me on Instagram to see more.

Baby it's {getting} cold outside

to prolong the season for my hunter boots // this scarf is fabulous // the prettiest camel coat // a perfect pop of red // a must for walking Oliver on cold winter evenings // these slippers won't leave my feet all winter // a liner for my Barbour jacket

Just a few winter essentials that are keeping me warm now that it's dropping into the twenties at night. Brr. What are your winter must-haves?