Winter is here and it seems to have arrived almost overnight. But life is about the seasons and so in an ode to embracing the colder months I’ve pulled together a little survival guide!
First of all is to get warm. This season I’ve bought a few new winter jackets to get me through and the best thing is that one layers under the other one or you can wear them separately.
The first up is this Piled Lined Relaxed Cardigan that I saw all over Tiktok and rightfully so. It’s super cozy, hangs at just the right length and as it’s collarless is right on trend for this season. And it’s on only $59!
I then went for this oversized padded water-repellant jacket in army green from Zara which also seems to be right on trend with its relaxed fit and tomboy shape. It’s a great piece to throw over the fleece.
Here’s the look from Instagrammer @immillieholmes
It’s been so wet in Sydney too so I’ve also invested in a pair of black Salomon’s to wear this winter. They are so comfy especially with thicker socks and when the roads are slippery, and you are carrying a box of ceramic samples you need the grip that only trainers can provide.
Once I am home in the evening it’s takes a very good reason to get me out of my heated bedroom. So, this Winter I’m trying to read a book a week. I hit my local library every Monday with my daughter after school and stock up.
Winners so far have been:
James by Percival Everett
A brilliant retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s point of view. Sharp, funny, and deeply moving — it flips the narrative on its head.
Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon
Set in ancient Sicily but told like a modern pub tale, this one’s surprisingly tender and laugh-out-loud funny. Two washed-up actors trying to stage Euripides for prisoners — it really shouldn’t work, but it totally does.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
Clever, unsettling and a little heartbreaking — this novella about a man and his AI “girlfriend” is a sharp critique of control and longing. Quick to read but makes you think!
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Two timelines, one central mystery, and a passionate debate over who really wrote Shakespeare. It's classic Picoult — high-stakes, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down once you’re in.
And of course who doesn’t like a night of binge watching a great series with snacks!
My favourites lately have been:
Mob Land
A gritty crime drama set in London where everything goes wrong and no one gets out clean — dark, tense, and a bit Coen brothers-ish. Just don’t listen too closely to the Irish accents.
Dying for Sex
A wild, funny, deeply honest podcast-turned-show about friendship, terminal illness, and reclaiming joy through unexpected (and often hilarious) sexual adventures.
The Last Season of The Handmaid’s Tale
Bleak, brutal and relentless — but somehow still gripping. You’re mostly watching to see Gilead burn (finally).
Hacks
Smart, sharp and addictive — a comedy about comedy that’s really about power, ageing, and the messy love between two complicated women.
Lioness
Spy thriller meets emotional gut punch — women undercover, moral grey zones, and enough tension to make you scroll your phone as a distraction while watching it. (or turn the sound off)
Department Q
Nordic noir at its best — cold cases, broken detectives, and a slow-burn intensity that creeps under your skin. The lead is the gorgeous Matthew Goode who I loved from A Discovery of Witches.
Looking forward to starting The City is Ours as I love Sean Bean and also Forever based on the novel of my teenage years by Judy Blume.
Now onto what we are eating. Well, I have reached the end of my love of cooking for the year it seems ,so we are on a rotation of some simple meals which we all love and can custom for our own tastes.
First up is this Chicken Taco Soup which I first saw on the blog Cup of Jo. It’s really easy to make, travels well and you can use the ends of whatever veggies you have in the fridge. It’s high in protein with the chicken and beans and the toppings turn it into something different each time.
This Tinned Cheesy Lentil Bake is also a winner and keeps us going for a few lunches plus everyone knows lentils are the cure to everything right? They are again high protein, rich in fibre and low fat!
I’m on a bit of a high protein mission now since I’ve started LHS at the gym (lifting heavy sh*t!) So, I eat A LOT of chicken.
These recipes from Nagi are so easy to jazz up a chicken breast.
This one uses chicken mince and my husband makes it weekly!
We are off to Vivid tonight to see the lights. I will have my trusty new winter clothes and shoes on and hopefully a warm cup of mulled wine in my hand!
