Darker days and colder temperatures have us seeking solace in the warmth of good friends over a plate of warm cookies.
It's the time of year to stay in, light a candle and soak in bubbles and seasonal sonatas. Put an extra blanket on the bed and another layer of balm on your skin, winter is here!
USING
Julie: Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, F. Miller Hair Oil for deep treatments and scalp nourishment, Orris Soap, and Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum.
Jenna: Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil, Monastery Aloe Hyaluronic Moisture Boost, and Monastery Gold Botanical Oil Serum. Prioritizing hydration with Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask.
Jenny: Living Libations Scalp Tonic, F. Miller Toning Mist, Roen Lip Elixir in Stella, and Facile Reverse Serum.
Rachel: Facile Bare Necessity Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser, F. Miller Toning Mist, and Facile Barely There Moisturizer. Also burning Salt & Stone Grapefruit and Patchouli Candle like my life depends on it.
Tara: Province Apothecary Vital Nutrient Face + Eye Balm (the secret to dewy, glowy skin during these dry months!), Noto Agender Oil everywhere, Noto Mulit-Bene Pot in Oscillate on my lips and cheeks, and alternating between both Health Hut Bubble Baths always.
Nat: Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum + Monastery Attar Floral Repair Concentrate.
EATING
Tara: The Goods Sweet Heat Soup (curried, coconut sweet potato) and cheese croissants from The Tampered Press (which is closing at the end of the year after 13 years!)
Rachel: Enjoying cozy breakfasts, like apple cinnamon oatmeal or yogurt with homemade granola.
Nat: Homemade Eggplant Parm & red wine!
Julie: Lots of stews and soups, sourdough from Mattachioni and lots of Hot chocolate.
Jenny: Making homemade broth and mixing in miso for a warm mid-day bevy.
Jenna: Chocolate chip cookies :)
READING
Tara: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Rachel: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Nat: A Woman’s Story by Annie Ernaux
Julie: Ordinary Wonder Tales by Emily Urquhart
Jenna: Practicing French on Duolingo instead
Jenny: Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit
LISTENING
Jenny: The Hotel Cafe presents Winter Songs. This is my fave holiday album, it brings me back to snowy streets and wrapping presents in Alberta.
Tara: Vintage Cocktail Classics on Spotify
Jenna: John Legend's A Legendary Christmas album
Nat: I have been playing my Spotify Wrapped! So a mix of Sade, Jill Scott and Badu.
Rachel: Cozy Christmas Jazz on Spotify
Julie: Jon Hopkins and Sinoia Caves
DOING
Julie: Going to The Nutcracker ballet (a longstanding tradition) and watching tons of Hallmark movies and meeting friends for dinner.
Jenna: Spending time with family, watching movies & decorating the tree!
Jenny: Hosting small dinner parties in the light of Mmann Candles and twinkle lights.
Tara: Stuff around the house like painting and purging, reading, and planning holiday menus.
Rachel: Holiday parties, tree decorating, and cuddling up with my cat on the couch to watch Season 2 of The White Lotus.
Nat: I am in hibernation mode which means lots of painting, menu planning and long naps.