How to get through these colder and darker days? I usually try and clean things out, brighten up the house and try cooking healthier things to get me motivated. A few items have gotten me over the hump from the holidays until now and I thought I’d share. We are going to need some self-care to get through the next months. Looks like more rain…and so there will be MORE time in, as if we haven’t had enough.
We need comfort and we need it now!
First of all I bought this Zella Faux Shearling pullover at The Nordstrom Rack. It’s very warm so I bring it to Tahoe and wear it non-stop. It’s a comfort item for sure and comes in a pretty plum too. It’s great on those damp cold days.
How fun are these rag & bone joggers that look like jeans? Apparently these are very popular. They aren’t cheap, but sell out every year and may be a good addition to the wardrobe basics. You can wear sweats, but look like you’re sporting jeans. I’d love these with a cute blazer and t shirt or at home with an oversized sweater. Ease personified -plus warmth.
If you’re looking for a good show, I am kind of obsessed with Virgin River on Netflix. Based on a book series set in a Humboldt town in Northern California, where my husband is from is near and dear to my heart. Though shot in British Columbia, it looks and feels an awful lot like this isolated area behind the redwood curtain. The characters are great – especially the two leads- a Los Angeles nurse practitioner who escapes to the small town and the broken, but dashing bar owner Jack who has a heart of gold. The series is directed by veteran Tim Matheson who you’ll recognize from so much and he also stars as the town doctor. All around absorbing and I love the old fashioned love story at the center and there are characters for all ages. I would watch it for the outdoor scenery almost. It’s that beautiful.
How’s your cooking repertoire lately? Well we sure have eaten our share of comfort food, but we have also tried adding in a few healthier regulars. One dish the whole family loves is this Vegan Curry from Deliciously Ella. It is on our regular rotation when Max cooks on the weekends and look at all these beautiful colors.. So delicious and good for you too.
This lounge set from Anthro is something I bought for a friend’s special birthday and also.. for myself. I love it for at home wear when you want to be comfy, but don’t want to do the legging or sweat thing one more day. You could easily wear this out also with some cute sneakers and a t shirt after the pandemic life..
For cozy California clothes, Jenni Kayne is my current favorite brand. So many beautiful pieces to love.
These Jenni Kayne Moc Boots look like something I’d wear all the time at home and out and are a change from the regular Uggs or slippers. They are handmade in Italy, come in three colors and have real suede and shearling.
These booties by Steve Maddens look amazingly similar, but faux fur, in two colors and are on sale for $39 now if you don’t want to spring for the Jenni Kayne’s.
For the extra computer time, these cute blue light blocking readers from The Book Club are just what we need. I love all their styles and the assortment of cool chains too. I ordered mine and got them in a day. Beautifully made.
I realize that no matter how much water I drink, most of the winter my lips sadly resemble someone who did the Iditarod! I just rediscovered this Clarins Natural Lip Perfector which is the only gloss/balm I have that has color and feels healing on, not sticky! It has a nice sponge applicator and all the colors are lovely.
The Rosewood and Plum Shimmer are beautiful. Apparently this is Kate Middleton’s go-to lip gloss. They also just just came out with a more intense version for those who want more pigment.
Speaking of winter skin, I also have been loving these two items I added about a month ago to my routine. My skin, which is sensitive and prone to breakouts and rosacea, and dry looks so much improved. I also like Beauty Counter’s standards for safe ingredients are higher than our own government’s.
The C Serum feels amazing in winter under my moisturizer and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel has made my skin look so much clearer and brighter.
After reading the Wintering book which so many of you also liked, I am going to recommend another couple to get the new year off right. For people like myself, for whom overthinking is a super power you’ll appreciate, Don’t Overthink It a great primer on how to live life.
It’s much more than self-help, but also a reminder of how to make decisions easier if you live your values and also limit yourself to streamline your life. My husband is amazing at this. His life is pure simplicity and he loves it. I need less ruminating and more living. At least that’s my goal for 2021!
Another book, Recipes For a Sacred Life. is a collection of uplifting stories, and how to appreciate the people we encounter and little gifts of life. Helpful in the times we are living to be reminded to look for those small joys. It’s a good one to read a chapter a night or so before turning in.
Okay one more thing.. I am down with this salted honey I found on Amazon. It’s wonderful mixed in salad dressings, oatmeal, and basically everything in my sweet/savory infatuated opinion.
It is fabulous drizzled on homemade arugula mozzarella pizza right out of the oven.
Is there anything that you’ve been loving or that is getting you through this winter? Please share below!
Stay cozy xx
Kim
UPDATE: For those who asked the shoes I am wearing on the top photo in Tahoe are these Steve Madden High Top Sneakers from Nordstrom Rack. They’ve been a great alternative to booties this winter!
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Whoa! So many goodies I don’t know where to start. I love all of your suggestions. Great post. do it more often.
Thanks Sandra. Hope you are doing well down there in So Cal. xoxo
So many interesting links to check out. I am really intrigued by the salted honey. And the book about not overthinking. I definitely need that.
Hi Loree! I love the Overthinking book so much. It has some good ways to live your life well.. which I need to be reminded instead of ruminating about everything… Oh and the honey is so good. I like that it comes in a 2 pack so you can share with a friend. xx
WE ADORED VIRGIN RIVER!I WONDERED WHERE IT WAS FILMED!NOW I KNOW!
I’m coming to YOUR HOUSE FOR PIZZA!
GOOD SHOPPING TIPS THOSE BOOTIES MADE ME CLICK OVER!!!!!
LOVE THE PHOTO OF YOU AT THE LAKE!
YOU GUYS ARE GETTING AWAY OFTEN…………..XX
Elizabeth, I hope I can have you for pizza someday.. Wouldn’t that be lovely? Fingers crossed things get better soon. Glad you like the lake photos. Hope you had a good week and are staying cozy after the rains.xx
Somebody feed Phil on Netflix. So funny and heartfelt. We did Venice last night and felt we were on holiday! Love your post! Kathryn k
Kathryn that’s a good one. I have watched once and need to go back. You are so right- armchair travel right now. I am loving all that and House Hunters International! Hope all is well. Thanks so much. xo
Wow! Great blog! I love your style, so thanks for those tips! I’m in love with the Jean jogger idea 😍 I loved Virgin River as well, reminded me of another show I binged on Hart of Dixie 😊 and glad to hear you’re a Deliciously Ella fan too!
Thank you Sarah, and yes I have heard Heart of Dixie is similar. Ella is so good. I guess I was late to her wonderful food!
Wonderful post thank you Kim and for the awesome book ideas. I adored Virgin River. My favorites are Call My Agent, Lupin, Last Tango in Halifax (gorgeous Yorkshire landscapes) and brilliant acting. Watch Nicola Walker in other series too like Unforgotten and River and, The Split.
Anthony Bourdain because he is such a master at what he does and I like to see him, even though I miss him each time. Nobody does travel better.
Enjoy Tahoe!
Hi Francesca, I so appreciate the recommendations! I have just begun Lupin- and I will put the others on my list! Sad about Anthony.. I used to watch his show a lot. Good idea revisiting all of them.. and a little travel while we are stuck at home. xx
Many good suggestions in this post! Kim I’m with you on loving Virgin River. Have you seen the new Masterpiece series “ All Creatures Great and Small”? So charming and I love all the beautiful English countryside views. Stay warm and cozy!
Karen great to hear you like Virgin River too. I am also loving ‘All Creatures Great and Small.’ What an uplifting and beautiful show for all ages! I am savoring it each Sunday. My husband has been watching and he said last week how glad he was I made him watch with me. It’s that good! The English countryside is amazing on it! Thanks so much.xx
So much to love here Kim! Great post and just what I need at the moment ! 💕
Your shearling top looks gorgeous, especially for Tahoe and so easy to wear on repeat. Cosy and stylish 😊
Food at your house looks so tempting… that pizza crust! Yum! Also, the veg curry … there’s something lovely about cooking with lots of colourful vegetables, knowing it’ll be tasty and healthy. I love making minestrone soup for the same reason.
I’ve used the Clarins Lip Perfector for years now in various shades … so easy just to keep in my bag … great shades and no stickiness. Plus it definitely keeps my lifts soft … win win!
The lip balm that works best for me though is by the French brand Nuxe … it’s wonderful! I also mix a small amount in the palm of my hand with a little Demerara sugar to make an excellent, moisturising lip scrub/exfoliant.
I’ll definitely be watching Virgin River now after so many positive comments … I just hadn’t got around to it. Plus it’s a chance to see some beautiful BC scenery!
Hope you’re having a good week!
Rosemary xxx
Thank you Rosemary..I agree I guess we really need all these veggies in the winter. Minestrone also is a good one. I may have to give that a whirl this week. I always love that with some crusty bread and a salad. Glad you agree about the Clarins lip perfector too. All lip color should feel that good. Thank you for the Nuxe recommendation. It is sometimes hard to find here. I have bought it in Europe and it’s wonderful. Love the idea of the lip scrub too. Hope you like Virgin River…Let me know. The show has made me want to see British Columbia when we allowed back up there! Have a good week. xo Kim
I meant to say the Anthro Lounge Set is gorgeous too … I love that it comes with a cardigan for a change, rather than a sweatshirt style top , makes it really versatile. xx
Isn’t that nice? I thought so too. xx
The arugula pizza (a fav of mine) would be fantastic with salted honey! Yumm. And I’m going to try the Deliciously Ella curry. She’s great. I recently made chicken biryani and the flavors were amazing. I’m going to make it again but with vegetables instead of chicken. Love seeing your photos from Tahoe. I don’t have a great deal of experience with snow, but that is a landscape I could feel comfortable in. See you on IG , @Marianne_Noepoli
Hi Marianne! That pizza went from good to amazing with the salted honey! I am glad you like Ella too. Okay I am going to look for chicken biryani. I do think you can change out so many recipes now with veggies. I hope you can get to Lake Tahoe someday. It’s got an unbelievable beauty- with snow even more. Glad you like the photos.xo
We’re looking for a new show and Virgin River sounds just the thing. I love all your cozy wintering choices … those jean/joggers are very tempting. Isn’t Beauty Counter amazing … I adore their products and feel good about them. I wish I had a wintering secret to share … I’m loving all of yours and I think today I’m going to curl up with a book and watch it rain. My to do list will be waiting tomorrow! xo
Juliet, The show is so good! I know I am still thinking about the joggers.. Enjoy the rain and the downtime. xo
Hi Kim,
Well this was an unexpected shopping trip for me. I found so many things here that I want/need! Thanks for all the great tips and links. Nice to not have to do the searching myself, I’m never sure what exactly I’m looking for!
I had forgotten about Virgin River, I watched a few episodes and then got sidetracked, I’ll have to go back and watch the rest. Always looking for a good book, I’ll recommend these to Chloe for her insta account. She’s writing those reviews and getting good feedback, want to keep her going in that direction (where her heart is).
You look so warm and snug in your fleece top outside in the cold mountain air. It’s so lovely up there and so are you!
Xoxo Heidi
Heidi I apologize..LOL! You will like Virgin River I think if you keep going! The characters are so good. Chloe has an amazing ability to read so much. I really enjoy her account so much. I need more time to read all her recommendations! The fleece top is super warm.. I need it now. Stay cozy. xo
Virgin River was great! Also thinking about the tan booties from Nordstrom–stylish and affordable, thanks.