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7 Après-Ski Sweaters Your Chic Winter Closet Needs

A crackling fire, a cup of cocoa and a picture-perfect snowy slope — the après-ski life is equal parts cozy and chic. Snuggle up after a few good runs on the bunny hill (or the black diamond trail, if you dare) in one of these super-soft, crazy-comfy and fabulously fashion-forward sweater styles. We’ve rounded up our top pick in each cuddle-worthy category from cardigan to cashmere to turtleneck. You’ll look fabulous and feel toasty at the lodge in these women’s winter sweaters.


The Turtleneck Sweater

Two styles in one gorgeous blush-pink sweater, this chunky-knit turtleneck features a button so you can unfasten the neck and instantly transform it into a crewneck. Après-ski wear doesn’t get more versatile!

Tory Burch Detachable Turtleneck

from Bloomingdale’s

The Classic Crew-Neck Sweater

Nothing says “snow day” like a classic fair isle sweater. This playful patterned pullover is a perfect addition to your ski-trip sweater collection.

J.Crew Fair Isle Pullover
from J.Crew



The Hoodie Sweater

More polished than a sweatshirt, this soft-wool hoodie sweater drapes beautifully and can easily be dressed up or down. From the airport to the ski lodge and back again, you’ll want to live in this casual-meets-luxe look.

Ann Taylor Hoodie Sweater

from Ann Taylor

The Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater is a closet staple — and this simple and classic V-neck style feels as delicious as it looks.

Neiman Marcus V-Neck Sweater
from Neiman Marcus


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The Cardigan Sweater

You can practically feel yourself snuggling up in this zip-up cardigan sweater. The merino wool and intricate cable knit give us all the warm and fuzzies — literally.

Marc Jacobs Cable-Knit Cardigan
from Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chenille Sweater

Chenille is having a major fashion moment, and this stylish ruffled sweater will keep you looking like a trendy ski bunny.

Melrose and Market Ruffled Sweater
from Nordstrom Rack



The Cape Sweater

You can walk the stylish, snow-filled streets of Aspen with confidence in this super-chic cape sweater — just add long leather gloves. Women’s ski fashion can be ultra-relaxed and über-sleek.

Forever 21 Cape Sweater

from Forever 21

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Bring on the Bling: 6 Gorgeous Dresses for New Year’s Eve

If there’s any night to really go over the top, it’s New Year’s Eve. We’re talking sequins and sparkles; glitter and glamour; shimmer and shine. Gold, silver and anything-but-basic black make up the majority of the holiday dresses we selected for dancing your way into a seriously glam night out, but we’ve thrown in a few unexpected picks too — just to shake things up. So pop the champagne, bring on the bling and let’s get this celebration started!


Jovani Short-Sleeve Cocktail Dress

The effortlessly sexy sheath silhouette of this dress and its large iridescent embellishments add up to one showstopping number.

Jovani Short-Sleeve Cocktail Dress​
from Neiman Marcus

Cinched-Waist Metallic Jumpsuit

If your evening plans are slightly more casual (perhaps a date-night dinner out), this metallic-printed jumpsuit is polished, pretty and perfectly apropos.

Cinched-Waist Metallic Jumpsuit
from Old Navy



J.Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Sequin Dress

Jaws will drop when you walk into the party wearing this slinky disco-ball-inspired number.

J.Crew Collection Tie-Shoulder Sequin Dress
from J.Crew

Forever 21 Sequined Mermaid Maxi Dress

Va va voom! This mermaid dress is a spectacular style to help you ring in the New Year right.

Forever 21 Sequined Mermaid Maxi Dress
from Forever 21



Vince Camuto Sequined Chevron Sheath Dress

The chevron pattern is having a major moment in fashion, and sequins are, of course, classic — so this combo is both timeless and trendy.

Vince Camuto Sequined Chevron Sheath Dress
from Macy’s

Lulus Sparks Fly Black Star-Print Maxi Dress

The stars will align on Dec. 31, and your dress will shine bright. This gorgeous maxi shows ample leg and décolletage, and it’s a great option for anyone celebrating under the stars.

Lulus Sparks Fly Black Star-Print Maxi Dress
from Lulus

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How to Keep Kids Busy During Their Long Winter Break

Although you cherish every second you have with your precious children, you may need to have some fun kids’ winter-break activities in your box of tricks to keep them out of your hair while you relax or get some work done. These ideas will add a little wonder to your kids’ wintery days.


Pack a Winter Picnic

Although picnics often are reserved for summertime, it may be even more fun to make a hot lunch and get bundled up for an adventure in the winter wonderland. An insulated thermos makes sure your food stays warm.

Thermos Food Container
from Bed Bath & Beyond

Choose a Baking Project

Find a good reason to make cookies: for a neighbor, a sidewalk sale or an upcoming dinner party. Let the kids research a recipe and bake with independence (but safety supervision), and chalk up any less-than-tasty mistakes to the scientific process. You could even ask them to present their findings and make a plan to fix their blunder with the next batch. The gift of a chef’s kit will give them the authority in the kitchen that they love.

Curious Chef 11-Piece Boys’ Chef Kit
from Bed Bath & Beyond


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Send Them on a Wintertime Scavenger Hunt

Some winter-break ideas for kids just sound like work on your part, but sending your kids on a scavenger hunt will keep them occupied and won’t require you to clean up any messes. Make a list of activities for them to complete: take a picture in a still-scene reenactment of a favorite movie, shoot some video of their best dance moves or retrieve the “three blind mice” that are hiding around the house.

Felted Wool Santa Mouse Ornaments
from Cost Plus World Market

Spray-Painting in the Snow

When sledding and snowmen have lost their thrill, give your kids another reason to go outside for some fun activities. Spray bottles with a little watercolor paint or food-safe dye mixed with water could inspire their next great art project on the world’s most naturally white canvas. As long as there are a few rules, you shouldn’t have to clean up after them.

12-ounce Spray Bottle
from The Container Store



Karaoke Party

Have your kids create a playlist and let them become rock stars in the best karaoke party of the season. You might need this to happen behind a closed door.

Tzumi Pop Solo Microphone
from Walmart

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Eating Right While Eating Well During the Holidays

Keeping a healthy diet is hard enough without all the extra temptation around the holidays, but you don’t need to give up on healthy eating just because you know you’ll be surrounded by cookies at every turn. Accept failures, but also make a plan to choose your food wisely. Give yourself some allowances while following a few simple suggestions to stay motivated. Eating right and eating well don’t have to be at odds.


Juice Up with Java

You may have heard about the recent studies on the health benefits of coffee. I’m not talking about sugary coffee-flavored drinks, but real brewed coffee. In addition to the obvious energy boost, there is a slew of studies showing links between coffee drinking and lowered risk of chronic diseases, such as liver cancer. For your holiday-themed balanced diet, coffee will dull your hunger pangs for long enough to get your thinking straight. A little stevia and full-fat cream can help satisfy your craving too.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
from Crate & Barrel

Try Something New

Holiday parties and get-togethers often require you to bring a dish to share. Even if there are some foods you’re staying away from, you can bring an item you’ll enjoy without worry. Pull out a special, new recipe you’ve been wanting to try. That extra effort will give you something to look forward to.

Neoflam Mystic Valley Ceramic Stovetop Casserole
from Bed Bath & Beyond

Allow for Indulgences

Eating and gatherings go hand in hand, and I find it awkward to continue my diet plans when it comes to social situations. Don’t plan for strict eating, and enjoy the time. Feeling guilty leads to a downward spiral of, “I’ll just start over in January.” You can be your own worst enemy! When I’m following my normal routines at work and home, I focus on staying on track and eating healthy, and I adjust my expectations when I’m having fun with friends.

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Dessert (Plate) First

A full plate has been scientifically proven to give you the feeling of satisfaction, so pick up a dessert plate from the stack and fill it with your main course. Dessert plates are usually smaller, so this will help keep your portions reasonable even if you go back for seconds.

Gold Sparkle Christmas Paper Dessert Plates
from Michael’s

Powerful Snacking

Willpower isn’t a finite commodity. You’re bound to deplete your conviction to eat right if you’re keeping yourself hungry at the wrong times. Expect to be hungry! I bring healthy food to the office to snack on at meetings to give me a little extra willpower. I try to go for high-protein and satisfying snacks: jerky, boiled eggs and salt, slices of gouda with a few cashews or almond butter and celery. That helps me keep my eyes off the plate of donuts on the table.

Multicolored 1-Cup Portion Control Containers with Ice Packs
from Fit & Fresh

Be a Choosy Eater

When there’s a food table with all the trimmings, do yourself a favor and take a spin around the block. Take a look at all the offerings, eyeing the good stuff, and choose your favorites. You don’t have to eat everything, and you can skip it for now if it’s something you know you’ll have the chance to eat again. If you’re going to veer off the path for a bit, you’ll want it to be for something special.

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Get Fit in 2018 With These Five Fabulous Finds

Who doesn’t love a fresh start? You have renewed focus on your goals in 2018, and you need that little something to boost your enthusiasm. Whether you’re a lifter or a yogi, here’s some fitness gear to get you excited for your workout.


Weightlifting

Getting enough protein when you’re trying to build muscle can sometimes be a problem, especially right after your workout. If you’ve had enough whey to last you a year, try Flavored Liquid Egg Whites as your post-workout supplement. It’s a quick grab-and-go, too, as you rush to work from the gym.

Flavored Liquid Egg Whites
from MuscleEgg

Barre

A fashionable and functional gym bag is nearly impossible to find, so this bag is worth the splurge. The extra inside pockets are perfect for your water bottle, freshen-up kit and other exercise stuff. Its professional look makes it a great transitional piece from the studio to your dinner date.

Birdie Gym Bag
from Paragon Sports


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CrossFit

We admit we’re coffee addicts — but we’re special coffee addicts. Bullet Coffee is the CrossFitter’s answer to the Mocha Frappuccino. It’s black coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, which are fats that are easily turned into energy. The combo is an excellent mental and physical boost, and you’re going to need it after a week of workouts.  

Bullet Coffee
from Onnit

Yoga

Although yoga provides a natural glow, you’ll need to freshen up before moving on to your busy day. Add this refreshing kit to your bag of gym gear to clean up and tone your skin.  It also has some muscle-recovery gel to keep you relaxed even after the most intense hot-yoga session.

Sweat, Refresh, Go Healthy, Portable Workout Essentials
from Sephora



Basketball

Stance isn’t just the best socks manufacturer;  it also has a whole line of fashionable, supportive, comfortable, well-made briefs just for you. You can sport your favorite team or player, or even proudly display your obsession with “Star Wars.” Stance takes its special fabric technology seriously, and the briefs are made to stretch and breathe for all your moves on the court.

Stance Boxer Briefs
from PacSun

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10 Festive Finds to Spruce Up Your Holiday Table

’Tis the season to be cooking and cleaning and serving and entertaining. The holidays are here, and that means lots of guests soon will be sitting around your table, chatting and laughing and eating and enjoying good food, great wine and even better company. Deck the halls and deck out your dining room with lots of fabulous holiday decorations, Christmas centerpieces and other merry tabletop must-haves. We rounded up a few festive pieces for your perusing pleasure. Happy hosting!

Snowman Mugs

Serve coffee and cocoa in these charming snowman mugs — and don’t forget to leave some cookies and milk for Santa too!

Snowman Mugs

from Sur la Table



Holiday Bulb Tree

Not everyone is Martha Stewart. DIY holiday centerpieces may sound like a good idea, but they’re usually not easy to recreate. Luckily for you, this cheery decoration will liven up your table and brighten spirits.

Holiday Bulb Tree

from Sur la Table

Maker’s Table Runner

This beautiful felt table liner can be dressed up or down, and it makes the perfect base for fancy (or casual!) flatware.

Maker’s Table Runner

from JoAnn Fabrics



Holiday Village Place Mats

This cotton Kate Spade holiday village place mat is cute and totally endearing. Kids and grown-ups alike will love them.

Holiday Village Place Mats
from Bloomingdale’s
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Christmas Appetizer Plates

Featuring jolly and iconic seasonal scenes, these appetizer plates are perfectly playful for all your casual Christmas get-togethers.

Christmas Appetizer Plates

from Pier 1 Imports



Santa Platter

Santa deserves a prominent place at — or, rather, on — the holiday table. This sculpted platter is a wonderful way to serve light bites and sides.

Santa Platter

from Staples

Buffalo-Check Stocking Utensil Holder

Put out your personalized seating cards and place utensils in these adorable buffalo-check mini stockings. How cute is that?

Buffalo-Check Stocking Utensil Holder
from Bed Bath & Beyond



Holiday Wine Labels

These wine-bottle labels are kitschy and silly and totally fun for family gatherings and casual holiday affairs. Cheers!

Holiday Wine Labels

from Michael’s

Berries and Pine Napkin Rings

These beautiful napkin rings bring winter nature to your table and add a festive flair to your everyday linens.

Berries and Pine Napkin Rings

from Sur la Table