Winter is here, and whether you're gearing up for a festive holiday party or simply curling up with a cozy blanket, this guide is all about helping you feel your best. Grab your favorite cup of tea (or mulled wine), get comfy, and let’s dive into all the ways you can embrace the season with warmth, style, and a little extra comfort.

Global Eats: Comfort Food Around the World

Dishes I’m excited to try:

Vegan & Vegetarian Chinese Hot and Sour Soup (the perfect balance of spicy and sour!)
Indian Kheema Ki Khichdi (a hearty, flavorful rice dish)
West African Peanut Butter Soup (rich, creamy, and absolutely comforting)
Greek Eggplant Moussaka (layers of comfort)
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (so easy and cozy)
Tortilla Española (a Spanish classic for brunch or dinner)
Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae (hello, warmth!)
Vegetarian Thai Green Coconut Curry (rich, fragrant, and comforting)
Tswana African Magwinya (South African doughnuts that are irresistible!)

For more comfort food ideas from around the world, check out The Spruce Eats' guide to comfort foods.

Books to Curl Up With

The perfect winter read is a must, whether you're curled up by the fire or escaping the chill with a good story.

My Winter Reading List:

Agatha Christie: Hercule Poirot's Silent Night (perfect for those quiet, chilly evenings)
Ocean Vuong: Time is a Mother (a beautiful collection of poems)
Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (a classic)
Zora Neale Hurston: The Life of Herod the Great (a dive into history)
Toni Morrison: The Bluest Eye (a novel novel on childhood)

And if you’re looking for even more book ideas, check out these winter reading lists:

Getting Ready: Winter Fashion For Everyone

Winter fashion is all about what you add on top of your base layers. Here’s how you can’t go wrong:

Pick your base:

A long black dress & stockings
A black sweater with plaid pants
A white sweater and blue jeans
A long coat or puffer in white, beige, black, teal, or mahogany

Toppings?

Wrap up with a scarf for extra warmth and a touch of elegance
Add some gold jewelry
Slip on boots or sleek black shoes (go bold!)

Bonus Tip: A deep mahogany shade on your lips, blush, or eyes will really make your look pop. It’s a rich, wintery vibe that pairs perfectly with all kinds of outfits.

Need more fashion inspiration? Check out these fashion guides:

A Favorite Makeup Look

I tend to do this the 5 minutes I have before going out. Feel free to mix and match some of my tips to just enhance your glow on camera!

Start with a red lip
Take a small, flat-edged brush and apply black or brown eyeshadow along your eyelids as liner. Smudge it out a bit for a softer look.
If you're like me and not into the waterline, lightly extend the shadow below your lower lash line for a smoky effect.
Use the same eyeshadow to line your lips and make them look fuller. Dab gently for a soft, blurred look.
Optional: Add a touch of lipstick to the high points of your cheekbones for a matching, blurred blush and dab in with your fingers. You can also curve your bronzer/brown eyeshadow under the cheekbones and below your chin (but not like the 2010s!)
Finish by tapping a little bronze or neutral glitter on the center of your eyelids for some festive sparkle.

The trick is to focus on either a bold lip or dramatic eyes—not both—so your look feels balanced.

Looking for products? Here are makeup brands assorted to your liking:

Closing Out

No matter how you choose to spend your winter—whether it’s with family, friends, or some much-needed solo time—the most important thing is to embrace the season in a way that feels good to you. Stay warm, stay cozy, and remember to surround yourself with the things and people that bring you peace (yes, even if that means treating yourself!).

What’s your go-to winter comfort tip? Drop a comment below—

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