Cest La Vie #25

4 year old beagle mix dog in the snow

I called a tow truck to pull me out of the snow over the weekend, so safe to say winter has officially arrived. ^^This guy was in the back seat to witness.

And before you feel sorry for me and my furry companion: I got stuck while backing down a friends driveway. Said driveway turned out to be the next door neighbors front yard. I realized Id gone off the track when I backed into a tree going 5 mph. The only damage was to my prideand the grass once the snow melts.

We have many compelling reasons to stay inside and get cozy this month, including but not limited to eliminating the risk of getting stuck in the snow.

To help us on our way, todays list of favorites is filled with warm and fuzzies. Youll find a miracle for chapped lips, a device thats helping me fight the winter blues, cozy sweaters that still look cute, a stick-to-your ribs recipe that Im moving to the top of my 2020 cooking bucket list, and more.


  • Happy Light. Ive been dealing with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) for the past several winters, and after extensive research, I finally bought this happy light (a.k.a. daylight therapy lamp) to help. My only regret is that I waited so long to purchase it! Ive experienced a noticeable boost in my energy, mood, and I feel generally more positive about this upcoming winter/life. If you live in an area that has little sunlight in the winter (or if you work in an office without many windows), I recommend checking it out.
  • Chapped Winter Lips. This lip sleeping mask is everything. I put the tiniest bit on before bed, and in the morning my lips feel baby soft. Its pricey up front, but I have a feeling its going to last me until next winter. Ive been using it every night and have hardly made a dent.
  • Dry Winter Skin. Give yourself a spritz of this wonderful facial spray. It smells and feels lovely, and it revives my skin. You can put it on anytime of day.
  • Blue Light Blocking Glasses. I just ordered a pair of these glasses that are designed to relieve the eye fatigue that comes from the hours we spend staring at computer screens, phones, TVs, and more. Theyre all the rage, and Im excited to try them myself.
  • A Beautiful, Versatile Top for Winter. Im always looking for long-sleeved going out tops for winter (its too cold to sit in a restaurant in something strappy). This one is gorgeous!
  • A Dressy Top That Looks Good on Everyone (ON SALE!). Love the metallic.
  • New Favorite Cami. I got this in the green, and it is stunning. Ive been layering it under blazers and cardigans. Its easy to dress up or down.
  • An Essential Turtleneck. Survive winter in style.
  • Add Color to Your Winter Wardrobe. Im not always a yellow person, but this golden sweater catches my eye (if youre feeling more neutral, the bisque is lovely too).
  • 2020 Cooking Bucket List. I wrote down the Top 5 dishes I want to cook in 2020. First up is cassoulet, a classic dish originating in Southern France. Its a slow-cooked casserole containing duck, sausage, bacon, and white beans, along with lots of garlic and a crispy breadcrumb topping if you like (and I do like). Cassoulet takes an entire day to make, so Im slating it for a snowed-in weekend, with plenty of good red wine to pass the time. Ill be making the recipe from My Paris Kitchen, a cookbook I adore and want to cook from more often. (P.S. If you know where I can find confit duck in Milwaukee, LEMME KNOW.)
  • Cookbook Club. A few girlfriends and I started a cookbook club. Each month, we pick a book, then have a potluck-style dinner where we each make and bring a different recipe from it. Small Victories was our first; we had our meeting last night, and every dish was DELISH. Highly recommend! (Thinking of starting a cookbook club of your own? Check out this article about their transformative power.)
  • Fight Colds. Is it just me, or is EVERYONE sick? Whenever I feel myself getting a cold, I take this religiously. It helps shorten its duration (Ben and I kept a mutual cold down to 3 days, phew!). Im also a big fan of this cold care tea and this cold fighting smoothie.
  • Best Book Ive Read Lately. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Its thought-provoking, touching, and it made me both laugh and cry in different moments.
  • Most Popular Recipe on my Site Right Now. Baked Salmon in Foil. Healthy, delish, and FOOLPROOF, even if youve never cooked fish.
  • Upcoming Recipe Im Most Excited to Share. Tomorrows healthy, protein-packed snack! Get ready (hint: there will be peanut butter).

Whats keeping you snug as a bug this winter? Id love to hear your favorite ways to stay cozy in the comments section below!

The post Cest La Vie #25 is found on Well Plated by Erin.


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