Let’s get cozy and stay home

You know that acronym, FOMO, fear of missing out? Yeah…I’m the opposite, I have a fear of not being home in my comfy clothes by 8pm. And according to social media, there are a lot of people in the “stay home” camp lately. I think we all love our homes so much that we just want to be home. I’ve created a gift guide with a few of my favorite things that make every space a little more cozy. There’s also a recipe for an easy soup you can throw together that you may not even have to leave the house to make. My husband made the soup and it’s similar to a Tuscan Bean Soup, but he puts his own spin on it and it’s even more flavorful. He buys pancetta in a prepackaged container available at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for exactly those times when you want to make something yummy, but you don’t want to leave the house.

A gift guide for staying home . . . because isn’t that what we really want?

1. A Salt Lamp – The light that a salt lamp gives off is reason enough to buy, but the health reasons are even more intriguing. You can read more on the benefits of having a salt lamp here.

2. A Winter candle. I light at least eight candles as soon as it starts getting dark. During the day I love to have a scented candle burning and this one is my current favorite.

3. Hush + Dotti is a brand of skin care and make up and since learning about this company I’ve been slowly changing my skin care routine and switching over to Hush + Dotti for all of my skin care and makeup. The Dream Drops are a wonderful place to start if you’re thinking of switching up your routine or if you are looking for a stocking stuffer for the person that has everything. Using Dream Drops has made me look forward to my nighttime routine of cleansing my face. The smell is wonderful and it feels so good. The color and glass bottle are absolutely lovely too!

4. A new robe – A new flannel robe from Serena & Lily would make a great gift for anyone and it will look nice hanging on a hook in your bathroom.

5. & 7. A Cozy Pillow & Throw – I only want pillows and throws that are cozy to the touch. The Amalie pillow and Milo throw is hand loomed in Peru in the softest Alpaca wool.

8. A Le Creuset Dutch Oven – There’s nothing better to make a pot a soup in than a Le Cresuet Dutch oven.

9. A pair of Ugg slippers lined with wool, but has a sole so you can go indoors and out and your feet will stay cozy.

6. & 10. Cashmere sweaters and sweatpants from Everlane – I wear these cashmere crewneck sweaters like a sweatshirt. I go up two sizes so they are roomy and comfortable.  I wash mine in the machine on gentle (inside out) using The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. These are the best sweaters I’ve found for thickness and price.

And now let’s get cozy and make soup!

Tuscan Vegetable Soup

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This is one of those recipes that we make all the time. We have most items on hand at all times and the only thing we may need to buy is the Swiss Chard or Escarole. It’s healthy and delicious.

• Author: annie diamond
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 30
• Total Time: 50
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Category: soup

Ingredients

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• 3 generous tablespoons olive oil
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 shallots, finely chopped
• one teaspoon dried basil
• one teaspoon dried oregano
• one teaspoon herbs de Provence
• one teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• parmesan rind
• 4–5 ounces pancetta (pre-packages or from the deli counter)
• 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 28 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• one carton vegetable broth
• Swiss Chard or escarole, washed and chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy dutch oven and sauté the pancetta, shallots, garlic, herbs and red pepper flakes until the shallots soften.
2. Add the carrots and celery and cook until they begin to soften.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, vegetable stock and parmesan rind and cover and cook on medium-low for 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the vegetables have softened, remove the parmesan rind and add the Swiss Chard or Escarole.
5. Serve in shallow bowls

Notes

We like to serve with a slice of whole grain bread. Drizzle bread slices with olive oil and shredded parmesan cheese and broil until melted and lightly browned.