15 Warm & Cozy Winter Recipes

After the festivities of December, the month of January is a time to get cozy at home. Winter weather is so conducive to cuddling up and cooking. Cure your cravings with savory soups, hearty mains, cozy side dishes, and delicious desserts.

Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast 

This soup is my number one cozy recipe for Winter. I have not made it yet, but I plan on enjoying some with a glass of champagne this weekend.  What could be more perfect?

Half Baked Harvest

Ina Garten's Roast Chicken

For many, nothing is more comforting or cozy than a whole chicken in the oven. Not to me, but I do concede that the aroma is appealing. This recipe is simple and satisfying.

The Cozy Cook

Smoked Cheddar, Honey Ham & Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese

High on my list for cozy cuisine is Mac 'N Cheese. This one is different from the rest.  It calls for both smoked cheddar and smokey Gruyere! Don't you love the brown topping? It makes it look so appealing.

Irene Maty

Pumpkin Bread Pudding With Whiskey Cream sauce

There's nothing better than a warm dessert on a cold winter's night. It's made with Cinnamon Raison Toast, which I haven't had in years. Sounds like a winner.

Foodie Crush

Italian Braised Short Ribs

This recipe rates #4 on the Williams Sonoma readers awards list for 2022. Just by looking at the image, I can see why. It is said to feature robust Italian flavors. Just yum!

Williams Sonoma

Chicken and Stars Soup

For this flu and cold season (and do I dare mention Covid?) You need to keep this recipe handy, The lemon in it is so good for you. And you know what they say about chicken soup, it's good for the soul! If your market doesn't sell stars pasta. Amazon does. Just tap here

How Sweet Eats

Caramelized Apple Cinnamon Dutch Baby Pancake

I tried to make one of these recently. It was a royal flop, but it wasn't this same recipe. This Dutch Baby is puffy, buttery, and gooey. I can't wait to try again.

Butternut & Sage

French Beef Stew with Red Wine

Low and slow are the words that describe the cooking method for this delicious dish. Serve it with wide egg noodles, mashed potatoes or just warm crusty bread and a salad. It is said to have an intense flavor profile. I am sure the red wine helps with that.

Family Style Food

Roasted Garlic and Prosciutto Cream Cheese Dip with Hot Honey

I wish that I had found this recipe last week when I entertained at cocktail hour. In my view, hot honey makes everything better. The perfect thing to serve when there's a hungry crowd.

Iowa Girl Eats

Warm Chocolate Fudge Cake

It's not often you get warm cake of any flavor. Make it warm, gooey and chocolate, and you are calling my name. Bourbon and vanilla are added to intensify the flavors. Oh boy!

Half Baked Harvest

Italian Meatballs

When in doubt, we do meatballs. This is an easy recipe they say can be made in 30 minutes.

Feasting At Home

Fish & Chips
Oh this recipe reminds me of the restaurant "Grill on The Alley," which was once a favorite in Chicago. They made a lot of great things, and this was one of them. Now I think I need to make this. Indulgent but once in a while.....

The Modern Proper

Truffle Mac & Cheese

Earthy, decadent, and a mushroom lovers (me) dream. They say, easy to make, too!

Feasting at Home

Apple Dumplings with Sauce

Warm and comforting. Just add ice cream. With 26 five star reviews, it may just be worth trying.

Taste Of Home

Amaretto Coffee

This amaretto coffee is "part drink, part winter dessert, and 100 percent irresistible." Just add booze!

A Couple Cooks

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 15 Winter Warming Soup Recipes

Style Solutions & Resoultions

 

As far as resolutions, I never really feel obliged to make any. Many of you will resolve to exercise more, or lose weight. I think I will just try to be a better human. The quote below gets right to that point. I do believe that words matter. Wouldn't a lot of difficult situations and conversations be avoided, if we made this true in the New Year? 

Now moving on to the Style Solutions. Right or wrong, we all have a body part that we wish was different. Mine is my tummy. There I said it. We should learn to love our imperfections, but also learn to make yourself feel better about them. Wearing the right style is the solution. Scroll down for six fashion fixes for common dressing issues.

Tummy Trouble

 If your tummy is larger than you want it to be, there are several style solutions. My favorite is adding a third piece like a jacket or a cardigan to camouflage. One of my favorite jackets that never goes out of style is Cinq a Sept's Khloe style. It's quite versatile in crepe. I have worn it with leggings AND with a silk maxi evening skirt. There are  small but effective shoulder pads, and ruching at the sleeves. It's so good for tummy troubles! Never on sale in black but you can find it in other chic colors.

Endless Rose Mini Sweater Dress
Mini or not, if your legs are good, this is one fabulous dress. The color, vertical lines, and long waistline will be slimming. It's less than $150, and comes in plus sizes, too.

Anthropologie

Lengthening  A Shorter Neck

Styling a Short Neck

Short Neck No-No's: There are several things to do and NOT do. You don't want to wear a hoop or button earring. One with a dangle or drop will elongate the neck. These are long enough to make a statement, and create the look of a longer neck. You can find them at Kenneth J Lane for $60. 

Necklines For Short Necks

As far as necklines, stay away from a crew or round neck top. That style is sure to make your neck look even shorter, and perhaps heavier. A great collared shirt with a few buttons undone, will elongate the neck, as will popping that collar. The Verona Shirt from Banana Republic is really great and on sale. The balloon sleeves begin low enough on the arm to not draw attention to the neck, but to your arm instead. The few buttons undone makes the neck look longer.

Muffin Tops

If the muffins you eat tend to end up around your hips or waist, it can be a problem with the wrong bottoms. Enter Lysse where fabric, fit, and fashion is their mantra. The 4 way stretch makes for the most comfortable bottoms that you will ever where. The special wide waistband smooths you from front to back. I wear them all of the time. In the summer the white denim is my favorite. For now I adore the ponte knit. It never bags and it is all machine washable. Head on over to Lysse and get rid of your Muffin Top for once and for all.

Your Arms Are Not Michelle Obama Arms

Once I turned 50, my arms started to bother me. You too? Nothing I love better than a cool and chic sundress or a halter top. I just won't do it now. But I do like to keep cool and look a little sexy still. Enter the off the shoulder look.

Pomander Place Miranda Top

One of my very favorite pieces that I own. It never falls down thanks to the wide elastic at the neckline. Your arms are covered yet it is a sexy but classy look. I never like anything that isn't cotton but this fabric blend is special and substantial. It falls away from the body beautifully. I wear it with white denim from Lysse. Find it at Tuckernuck, 

Under $100.

Off The Shoulder With a Cut Out

Another great way to hide the arms while showing a little skin. Girls, we must remember that the shoulders are the last place on the body to age. The Moon River Midi is tastefully designed at Anthropologie

Heavier Hips & Thighs

This problem is actually beautiful and very feminine.The first idea is to switch the focus to the upper torso, like shown above with a bold color, pattern or interesting neckline. For pants, a wide leg style will be flattering, as they will drape away from the hips and thighs.

Carly Coat

Now this is a lovely look for someone with wide hips and thighs. With an all black base under the coat, the pop of pattern livens up the look up while hiding the trouble spots. Now on sale for under $90.

Sanctuary Clothing

 Crepe Wide Leg Pant

These silk double crepe pants drape beautifully, and are machine washable. They are fluid and refined.  Very flattering and on sale.

Eileen Fisher

Zebra Cotton Tunic Shirt

This crisp and structured shirt will cover the hips and the thighs with style. The pattern immediately takes the focus and moves it to the upper torso. It's wildly chic.

Natori

How To Add A Pop Of Color To Your

 Outfit

I love color....on others. For me personally, I do prefer black over any other color.  It's slimming and almost always chic.  You don't have to stop wearing black or your favorite neutral color. Just add a colorful accessory. The scarf in the photo above makes a stylish statement. Here's other ways to brighten up a winter's day.

Swedish Stockings Doris Dot Tights
Now this is fun. Add a red shiny shoe or even a pair of red tights to add a pretty pop of color to your LBD. An extra 40% will be taken off in your cart.

Anthropologie

Check Yarn-dyed Scarf

Add a little style to last season's black down parka. This cozy over-sized scarf gets it done. 

Kate Spade

Sadie Saddle Bag

Made from the softest patent leather. It's so shiny and bright. This bag is without a season but you'll find a reason to reach for it all year long. Now on sale at...

Frances Valentine

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The Shopbop End Of Season Sale

A Very Merry Christmas!

( Via: Tiffany LaBelle )

Dearest Friends,

I will keep this short and sweet. Wishing you the merriest Christmas and happiest holiday ever. "Shop This" is shopped out, You, too? I have had great fun shopping with you this season.

I will be back at some point before the year is over.  My wish is that your hearts are filled with love.....

XOXOX

Deb

Oh! And please join me in wishing my one and only child, Ms. Shop This, a Happy Christmas Eve Birthday! I sure am missing her this year.

A Twinkle In Your Eye!

Twiggy is my inspiration for this post. This photo of her happy smile and sparkling eyes is just  wonderful of the 73 year old fashion icon. It's the holidays. Why not have a twinkle in your eye? No matter what your age, you can find a look that makes you sparkle through the new year!

Chanel's Demander La Lune

If you want color payoff, it is hard to beat Chanel's eyeshadow. The price reflects the quality. This is a multi-use eye gloss that will illuminate your eyelids, lashes (put it on the tips) and brows.

Chanel

Eyes To Memorize Shadow

My jaw dropped the first time I saw this eyeshadow. Gorgeous is an understatement. It's long lasting. Other shimmery shades available.      

Charlotte Tilbury

Couleurs Couture Holiday Edition

Dior unveils an elegant and sophisticated limited edition of the iconic 5 Couleurs Couture eye palette. Inspired by a winter starry sky, the eye palettes reveals an exclusive constellation pattern in two limited edition harmonies: a luminous warm gold and a dazzling silver. Always Free Shipping!

Dior

Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift & Eye Base Essentials

I use both of these products every day. The Instant Eye Lift really does give the illusion of lifting the eye when applied in a triangle as you see above. The Eye Base keeps your eyeshadow creaseless all day. And for some, it evens out the color of the eyelid, and it is all you need. 

Neiman Marcus  or  Saks Fifth Avenue

Chrome Lighting

New Years Eve is the perfect time to have your metallic moment. These products will add a sterling edge to your holiday look with a monochromatic mix that allow eyes to shine.

Dazzleshadow Liquid in Stars in My Eyes

Pigment in Silver Fog

Dazzleshadow Extreme in Discotheque

MAC Cosmetics

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Jewel Liner

Oh do I love this! Maybe too sparkly for some, for a special occasion, I would most certainly give it a go with a lighter hand. Shown here is Sequins Green. But it is also available in Gold Lame, Night Flash, and Smoky Quartz.

Bergdorf Goodman

Diorshow Mascara & Primer Gift Set

My number one mascara! I just don't know how anyone does not wear mascara. These two products do exactly what the photo shows. I wouldn't be without them.

Neiman Marcus

Lid Glow Cream Shadow

No glitter or toxins, just a light wash of glow. This liquid shadow is an Allure Beauty award winner, and it is easy to see why. Available in 10 terrific shades. 

Beautycounter

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All The Pretty Palettes